Baby boy Tiago is born!

May 21st, 2009. What a day!?!
We went in for our routine doctor's exam and, upon examination, discovered that Tiago was running out of space in mama Korah's belly. Dr. Shoup jokingly called him a "trouble maker" for not having descended enough into the pelvic area and only dilating to 1 centimeter. She also recommended that we drive to the hospital to monitor the baby's vitals to make sure that he was healthy, and that we consider inducing labor over the weekend.

We drove to the hospital, just across the street, and had ourselves a non-stress test. Baby Tiago's vitals were strong. Just as it was looking as though we might be able to go home and do some last minute chores, Korah's water broke--right there in the hospital! On second thought, we might be staying! Immediately, the contractions went from the pre-labor stage to full-blown "active" labor. Korah's contractions were so strong and close together that there were only a few seconds in between (if there were any breaks at all). Enough to make a woman want to pass out!

Korah and Nate were officially "admitted" to the labor room where they set up Enya and dim lights (for Korah's pleasure--ha!). But what really helped Korah the most was the IV fluids that kept her hydrated (she just couldn't drink water fast enough). Between 12:30 and 3:30 Korah's progress was impressive and she had already dilated to 6cm; however, her temperature was on the rise. An Epidural was suggested and gladly received.

By 10:30pm, Korah and Tiago were ready to bring this whole thing to an end--Korah was fully dilated! As the nurses broke down the bed, prepared the tools, and coached Nate on how to assist with the pushing, they received a phone call from Dr. Shoup (who was assessing the monitors from another room). She said, "it's going to have to be a cesarean." Nate and Korah looked at each other with bewilderment. She explained, "Mom's temperature and baby's heartrate have been too high for too long." She did not want to risk the added stress of pushing.

For a split moment Korah thought, "If I had known that I was going to have a C-section--I would have liked to have had it hours ago." Of course, these thoughts were quickly followed by, "Don't be scared!" and "Darn it--I'm going to be in pain for a long time coming!"

Korah was rushed to the operating room, slathered down with iodine and given a heavy dose of epidural. Nate was allowed to enter shortly after. He whispered, "You're doing great, baby!" to which Korah cut to the chase, "I want you to hold the baby as soon as you can and stay with him as long as you can." Then, the intense uncontrollable trembling began as the medicine kicked in and began it's job of shutting down the lower half of the body.

At 11:20pm, Korah felt the incredible pulling and tugging that was required to pull out the 9pound, 5 ounce baby, Tiago. What a miracle, to hear our baby's voice! His Apgar's were good, but the doctor's all whisked him away immediately, nonetheless. Nate was able to carry him to the nursery, where they would check out his vitals, while they stitched Korah back up. The morphine was a Godsend; however, Korah's body resisted it several times waking up and asking, "when can I see my baby?" The answer would be a resounding, "You've just had major surgery--you need your rest." This question and answer volley continued repeatedly for the next 10 hours before she would finally be allowed to be wheeled over to the nursery. It gave her relief to know that Nate was able to visit their son.

As of May 26th, 2009, both Korah and Tiago are on the mend and doing well; however, they have not yet had the "bonding" time that they wish for. They have benefited greatly from the loving vibes and good gestures being sent to them. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have all been so patient and understanding.

The Guilar family will graciously and respectfully ask that all phone calls and requests for photographs be kept to a minimum. They will be more than happy to take pictures and share them with loved ones, just as soon as they've had a chance to be home as a family and enjoy their first days together as a family. Until then, please know that it will not be a priority for the next several days.