The Delivery of Amanda

12 July 2012

0900 We scramble to get ready and leave the house.

We were supposed to reach Dr Lee's clinic at 9am, obviously late.

Good thing that we stay a stone's throw away.

0915 We arrive at Dr Lee's clinic. HK rushes up to collect the paperwork and pay the surgeon's fees.

Feeling of light-headedness and contractions (HK not me) set in but HK still manages to make

his way to the car in one piece after settling the surgeon's bill.

0945 We arrive at Mt E and HK does the admission.

1015 Brought up to our room by one of the staff. I thought that was quite a nice personal touch.

We settle down in our room.

Soon after the nurses came to introduce themselves and prepare me for the operation.

Had the dreaded procedure of clearing my bowels done.

I clearly remember the uncomfortableness from the first time. It was equally uncomfortable this

time round.

1100 The staff from operating theatre came to 'collect' me.

HK went to get changed into his surgical gown, while I spent the next 20 minutes or so at the

waiting area, answering nurses' repetitive questions.

Dr Dicky Tay arrived. My favorite doctor since 2009.

1130 Dr Dicky wheeled me into Operating Theatre 11. He was amazed I remembered I was in OT 7

the last round.

He started doing his stuff, as with the last time, I experienced zero pain. I'm in awe of him.

He kept me entertained while we waited for the anesthesia to kick in.

Dr Lee arrived, gave me his usual calm and kind "Rachel, everything ok? Ok ah.. we are going

to start now."

HK came in soon after, and held my hand tightly.

Dr Irene arrived too. Gave me a comforting smile (which I saw thru her eyes), and waited at

the sides.

I like this combination of Dr Lee, Dr Tay and Dr Irene. I felt safe.

While Dr Lee started cutting me open, Dr Tay, Dr Irene together with HK and I chatted and

joked over the nickname that Wayne gave Amanda. Dr Irene loved to tease Wayne about 'Bu

pi'.

1200 Dr Tay started pushing, Dr Irene came forward. I knew A was going to arrive anytime soon.

Dr Tay pushed some more. Someone commented she's a big baby, and Dr Irene told HK to

step forward to have a look at baby's head coming out.

HK mentioned my tummy was just a mess and he saw Amanda. I have some pretty awesome

photos of A being taken out, with her umbilical cord dangling out thru the slit on my tummy.

1205 Amanda was out! I heard her loud cries.

Dr Irene did some checks and procedures on her, then wrapped her tightly and presented

her to mommy and daddy.

Mommy's first cuddle. Mommy loves you, sweet.

Amanda and daddy then went to another room for the nurses to clean Amanda up.

Dr Lee continued to work on me, stitching me up and concentrating on giving me a 'perfect'

scar or better still, leaving me with none. That's one expensive belly I have.

As I was recovering from my running nose, halfway through I felt I wasn't getting enough

oxygen (my nose was blocked!). A bit panicky, I looked for Dr Tay and told him I can't

breathe. Dr Tay told me I was probably just anxious as my oxygen levels were perfect. Minutes

later I recall feeling drowsy and again, a bit panicky, I told him I was 'blacking out'. Dr Tay

smiled and with an assuring face, told me "I gave you some relaxant". Ohh no wonder, I felt

better.

1300 Dr Lee completed what he had to do, and I was wheeled to the waiting area to be monitored.

1330 All done! Was sent back to my room, together with Amanda and daddy.

I remember tearing as I was wheeled back. Overwhelmed with feelings. Overwhelmed by the

significance of what just took place the last two hours and probably a sense of relief that

everything went smoothly and we are now proud parents of two little lives.

We are most thankful.

Cold and sterile operating theatre. Dr Dicky Tay at the background. Best anesthetist.

Still feeling cheery despite being cut up

Baby A is out! Getting the fluids out from her nostrils and checks done on her

general well-being.

Baby A in her most natural state, umbilical cord snipped, courtesy of daddy.
Daddy mentioned Wayne's cries back then were much louder and stronger than A's.

Dr Irene Chan (also Wayne's pediatrician) with Baby A.

First group shot, daddy looks like a surgeon.
The first time I laid my eyes on her, I remember turning to daddy and telling him "She doesn't look like Wayne". Reality sinking in at this point. It's my baby daughter.. this is Amanda. My heart felt warm and I smiled.