Mateo Ruiz Ancheta

Belated breaking news! Our second-born child, Mateo Lorenzo Ruiz Ancheta, arrived last Monday on August 27 at 11:15am. He's now one week old. Want to hear the details about the miracle of life? Here goes...!

I had a feeling Mateo would come early because it is was the second birth. The first birth was difficult with Paloma because I was unprepared, and during labor Paloma was in the posterior position (face up), which they tell me is the most painful position for the mother. Naturally, I was nervous about the second experience. A friend lent me some books about the popular natural childbirth Bradley Method, which focuses on breathing and relaxation to avoid pain medication. Although they recommend classes, I just practiced at home during the last trimester and tried to get my mind in the real situation. I was on the fence about getting the epidural and was open to having it if I couldn't manage the pain.

The day before I went into labor, Fernando's parents arrived. That evening, we had a hearty dinner at McDonald's with the Ruiz Salmeron family, then some playing at the park with the kids. I felt so full afterward that I thought I was going to explode! I also went on the seesaw, and the family theorizes that it stimulated labor. Add that to the list!

At around 3:00 am that night, I started to have some cramps, but I just tossed and turned to find a comfortable sleeping position. I realized the cramps were coming and going, and they were in fact...contractions! I tried to convince myself that it wasn't happening that day, but the cramping wouldn't stop. I tried to get some sleep and just rode through the contractions a la Bradley Method. I felt very calm and decided to wake Fernando up at 5:30am. I tried to get my rest in bed for a few more hours since everyone in the house was asleep. I was in labor, but I felt very peaceful. It was an ideal situation.

At 9:00 am, I prepared my suitcase and called my parents to tell them we were going to have the baby on that day. I was quite emotional, but my parents were thrilled. Our lives were going to change that day!

We got to the hospital by taxi, and I found out I was fully dilated! The nurses said I did a fabulous job dilating at home. They made me feel really good, and I was proud of myself. I then asked for an epidural, but they said it was too late. Nooooo! I had to mentally prepare myself for doing this au naturel. Straight to the birthing room!

I'll spare the details, but the nurses really helped me concentrate because I started to breathe through my chest uncontrollably. They helped me focus and spoke to me encouragingly. (I like it when they call me reina (queen). Hehe.) I had to remember how I planned to push. I squeezed Fernando's hand until it turned blue, took a few deep breaths, pushed like a madwoman, and he was out! They called me brave, and I definitely felt that way. Later I was so glad I didn't take that epidural because I could push more consciously, like the nurses told me. I would totally give birth again naturally. Cheers!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Experiencing childbirth was probably the most physically and emotionally intense minutes of my life. 

I was unlucky with the fact that I had to get an episiotomy, but in my heart, I was overjoyed.

Sporting that swollen "fresh from the oven" look after the first minutes of life. 6 pounds, 14 ounces / 19 inches of LOVE.

We made it to our hospital bed room after a few hours. I was so happy here.

Sleep is good.

Paloma and her abuelos came to visit in the afternoon. This was the moment she had been anticipating for months.

She was jumping with excitement knowing that her little brother was finally out. I won't ever forget that first moment of bonding.

We stayed in the hospital for two days, and I was in some pain still. Today a week later, I feel almost completely recovered.

Paloma came to visit the second day. Although she was in wonderful hands with her abuelos at home, she was overwhelmingly saddened to say goodbye to her mommy, daddy and baby brother for the night. It broke my heart, but I knew we would be home as a family in less than half a day.

We chose the name "Mateo" because it means "gift of God", and we like the way it sounds. Also, it's easy to pronounce in both English and Spanish. His middle name "Lorenzo" is the name given to the sun in Spanish. We love the sun, and that's it. Interestingly enough, my dad shared with me that Lorenzo Ruiz happens to be the name of the first Filipino saint venerated in the Catholic Church. It was meant to be!

Checkout day! After two days, we realized that Mateo is a good, heavy sleeper and has very gentle cries. I can't tell you what a relief this is for me, now that we're managing two little ones. Let's hope he stays that way for awhile ;-)

We're home! "Hi, Mateo...hi, Mateo..." She loves him so much!

Paloma does have some maternal instincts. She knows how to be very gentle and give him soft kisses on the cheek.

I feel very complete with these two children. To me, they truly are the most beautiful things in the world!

One more close-up. Guapo!

Thanks for sharing this important moment with us. See you real soon!