The Arrival of Jonathan!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Jonathan arrived at 5:15am on July 12, 2008. He weighed 7 lbs 10 ounces and was 21 inches long. Here is his birth story as told by his Mommy:

I started feeling some Braxton Hicks contractions at around 11pm on Friday night (July 11, 2008). At the time, I didn't think too much of it b/c they were only Braxton Hicks and not uncomfortable at all. However, around midnight, I started getting more painful contractions every 5-7 minutes. These contractions got progressively worse. Around 1:30am, I told Chad that I thought that I might be in labor and that I would call the doctor if the contractions continued. By 2pm, I couldn't take it anymore and I decided to call the doctor, who advised that I go to the hospital right away. The funny thing is that this doctor (Dr. Manaavi) told me earlier that morning (during a routine check-up) that I hadn't progressed much in terms of dilation and effacement. So I didn't expect to be in labor later that night.

After I got off the phone with my doctor, I called my brother to come watch Jackie so that Chad could take me to the hospital. Thank goodness he was available. Thanks again Charles for your help! As soon as Charles came over, we left for the hospital (INOVA Fairfax). We checked in around 3am. When I was checked at triage, I was dilated at 6 cm and almost entirely effaced! Btw- at this point, I was in a lot pain. I immediately asked for an epidural - no I begged for an epidural! The pain was a lot more intense than what I experienced with Jackie because I was much further along when I was admitted to the hospital. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally got my epidural (around 4am). At this point, my parents arrived in the delivery room. Soon afer, my doctor broke my water and I was fully dilated. My parents stepped out of the room and around 4:55am, I started to push. I pushed for 20 minutes and Jonathan arrived! Chad was extremely helpful and supportive during the labor process. As it turned out, Jonathan had his first bowel movement in utero. Luckily, he did not ingest anything so his lungs were fine. However, he was a little bruised and purple because the umbilical cord was tied around his neck. Overall, Jonathan was fine and completely healthy.

Unfortunately, in the haste and pain of my labor, I completely forgot to bring my camera to take any pictures of the delivery! However, I did take plenty of pictures later that day.






Chad's parents also came down from NJ to see Jonathan.




Jackie also got to visit Jonathan for the first time, although she wasn't too excited:(

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The next day, Jonathan was circumcised. In the next video, the nurse is showing us how to take care of Jonathan after the surgery. As a warning, some of the images in this video may be too graphic. Btw - the particular nurse in this video was my favorite nurse.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I only stayed at the hospital for one night. When we left the hospital on Sunday, it was raining. My dad said that it is good luck to bring home a baby on a rainy day - so hopefully, it really is! Here is a video clip of Jonathan coming home for the first time:

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Jackie is still going through her jealousy stage, but I think that she's going to fall in love with Jonathan as much as Chad & I have. Today, she even gave Jonathan her blue bunny (her first peace offering).

Jonathan has been such a delight! He's a sweet, cuddly and fairly mellow boy. We are very excited to have him as part of our family!