Gift of My Life
She arrived 2 weeks earlier than expected. I was unprepared, thinking that we have got 2 more weeks to go for movies and coffee. In fact, we were watching the documentary "War Dance" a few hours before the first signs of labour. At least, Isabelle gave us a last night out together before she came into our lives.
She was borne on 18 Sep 2009 at 12:53pm. Thao went through labour without painkillers, and Im very proud of her for that. She does not want any side effects caused by painkillers on our girl. I was with her throughout and the most I can do is to stay by her side and encourage her with every push. The contractions throughout the night has worn her down, but I know she would not give in easily. The doctor has to break the water bag as the contraction and dilation is taking too long. The last stage of labour was excruciating from her facial expression. She did not scream nor shout, but the wriggling of her body shows it all. I was standing beside the contraction monitor, and every time the number rises to more than 30, I gave her the gas, which seems to do little to reduce the pain, but that is all that she allows herself to take in. She is a heroine.
There were 3 nurses present, and I could see that they are getting ready for the last stage, with the surgery equipment. THe most senior midwife asked me to take a look at our baby's head, which is almost out. I was shocked at the sight of it, and almost could not believe that our little one was right there in front of me. I was afraid Thao will be too exhuasted to make the last push, hence, I keep saying "breath in and pushhhh". I did not see Isabelle came out, and only realised that she was borned when Thao shouted at me to take photographs. I thought about the photos earlier, but decided that it was more important to encourage her than go snapping away. I sprung into action, and could not take my eyes of Isabelle as she was weighed, wrapped and laid down on the plastic bed for newborns. Her eyes were big and bright, looking left and right. I guess she was already hearing the sounds despite being unable to see yet like all newborns. The pain was not over yet for Thao and the placenta was delivered and stiches had to be done. So I prance back and forth, making sure Thao was ok and alert, and admiring my daughter.
It was all very real and clear to me. I am glad we had a healthy baby and Thao had a smooth delivery. Isabelle is quite a charmer, and has already charmed some friends with her photos on facebook with her big eyes. I think she is starting to look alot llike me from a certain angle. I cant stop staring at her every day when i get home from work, and misses her at work. There is a saying that a daughter is your mistress in the previous life, maybe that is true. I have fallen in love with her, for she is the greatest gift that Thao can give me.
Isabelle minutes afer she was borned.
She was borne on 18 Sep 2009 at 12:53pm. Thao went through labour without painkillers, and Im very proud of her for that. She does not want any side effects caused by painkillers on our girl. I was with her throughout and the most I can do is to stay by her side and encourage her with every push. The contractions throughout the night has worn her down, but I know she would not give in easily. The doctor has to break the water bag as the contraction and dilation is taking too long. The last stage of labour was excruciating from her facial expression. She did not scream nor shout, but the wriggling of her body shows it all. I was standing beside the contraction monitor, and every time the number rises to more than 30, I gave her the gas, which seems to do little to reduce the pain, but that is all that she allows herself to take in. She is a heroine.
There were 3 nurses present, and I could see that they are getting ready for the last stage, with the surgery equipment. THe most senior midwife asked me to take a look at our baby's head, which is almost out. I was shocked at the sight of it, and almost could not believe that our little one was right there in front of me. I was afraid Thao will be too exhuasted to make the last push, hence, I keep saying "breath in and pushhhh". I did not see Isabelle came out, and only realised that she was borned when Thao shouted at me to take photographs. I thought about the photos earlier, but decided that it was more important to encourage her than go snapping away. I sprung into action, and could not take my eyes of Isabelle as she was weighed, wrapped and laid down on the plastic bed for newborns. Her eyes were big and bright, looking left and right. I guess she was already hearing the sounds despite being unable to see yet like all newborns. The pain was not over yet for Thao and the placenta was delivered and stiches had to be done. So I prance back and forth, making sure Thao was ok and alert, and admiring my daughter.
It was all very real and clear to me. I am glad we had a healthy baby and Thao had a smooth delivery. Isabelle is quite a charmer, and has already charmed some friends with her photos on facebook with her big eyes. I think she is starting to look alot llike me from a certain angle. I cant stop staring at her every day when i get home from work, and misses her at work. There is a saying that a daughter is your mistress in the previous life, maybe that is true. I have fallen in love with her, for she is the greatest gift that Thao can give me.
Isabelle minutes afer she was borned.
posted by Kwang Peng at 8:46 AM
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