Happy "Birth" Day

6:50PM, September 2, 2013, Sabrina Natale Pizarro entered our world and changed our lives forever (of course for the best). We arrived at Baptist Hospital on September 1 for Natalie's 40th week check up. The plan was for Natalie to go in for an ultrasound and non-stress test and then we would return to the hospital on September 2 so Natalie would be induced. You see, Natalie's primary OBGYN, who delivered her 31 years ago, was out of town for Labor Day weekend and Natalie was really hoping he would deliver the baby. However, the ultrasound revealed that Natalie's amniotic fluid had dropped significantly and it was time for the baby to be delivered.

When the nurse came to talk with us and advise that it was time for baby, we were stunned. We both stood there in shock as we were expecting to return the next day. Shock turned into happiness as we were finally going to meet our little miracle. Natalie was immediately admitted to a delivery room and the waiting began.

At approximately 6PM Natalie was induced with Cervadril. The on call doctor, who was awesome, advised us that the medication takes approximately 12 hours to take effect. Finally at around 2AM, Natalie's water broke and began to feel contractions. The epidural was administered and the labor process was officially on the way. Quick note on that epidural, the needle is HUGE. The nurse advised Erik that if he wanted to see the epidural administered, it would be best to sit. Thank goodness for the advice, because as soon as that needle went in to Natalie's back, Erik got weak in the knees.

And we waited, and we waited, and we waited... At approximately 4PM, to our surprise, Natalie's OBGYN showed up to help deliver this baby. We were so happy that he was able to be there and he was just as thrilled to be there with us.

Natalie began pushing at around 430PM and continued for several minutes to no avail. She took a break for approximately 45 minutes or so and then continued another round of "pushes." Natalie was completely exhausted and almost broken. But she was so amazing throughout the entire birthing and finally she prevailed after about another hour or so of pushing. As soon as Sabrina was out, there was such a rush of joy. Natalie, Erik and Natalie's parents, who were in the delivery room, were overcome with so much emotion and joy. Natalie's father immediately went out to the waiting area, where approximately 30 people waited, and advised them that Sabrina was here! Sabrina was placed into Natalie's arms and we were all in love.

Sabrina was born on September 2, 2013 at 6:50PM and weighed 6lbs and measured 19 inches. She was perfect. After so much heartbreak and disappointment, our miracle baby, who we have been waiting for for so long, was finally here. It was such an incredible journey. Far from perfect, but we wouldn't trade our journey for anything in the world. Sabrina brings us so much joy and happiness and we are so blessed to finally have her in our arms.

Thank you all who have been there for us and have encouraged us and brought so much positive energy. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives that have been so gracious and so loving towards us. Sabrina is here!

birth photo of Sabrina Natale