Right before Jose arrived at the hospital I heard some nurses talking outside saying they were ready for me and my nurse said, "But her husband isn't here!" I must admit I almost lost it! I would not be having a baby without Jose there. Luckily, he walked in right then.
We ended up waiting for a couple of hours though because they wanted my lab work to come back first. As we got closer I had to drink some bictra and it actually didn't taste that bad. Once we got the go ahead I left with my nurse to the OR and Jose stayed back with my mom and sister to wait until they finished getting me ready.
As they wheeled me into the OR I thought...Oh here we go. I should be meeting my little guy soon! Then I thought, Oh dear....what will this be like?! As soon as I was wheeled into the OR they put me on the surgical table. It was super cold in there too!! I gave consent for the spinal and was put into position. They told me what would happen and I must say, the spinal was pretty uncomfortable and painful. I kept feeling pain in one hip. Finally the anesthesiologist had to come place the spinal (the CRNA was doing it at first). He got it on the first try. Then they laid me down and started getting to work (ie placing the foley, positioning me, etc). After a few minutes they started testing how numb I was and up to what point. They also had to place me in trendelenburg (head down) and put oxygen on me. Once I was nice and numb up to my chest Dr. Tabor came in. I made sure then they didn't forget about Jose and next thing you know he was in there. It was very odd to be staring up at a ceiling and a big blue drape in front of me. I was comforted in knowing Jose was there. I kept praying to myself as well. The NICU team came in then and introduced themselves to me and asked if he had to go to the NICU would I want him there or at Cooks. Of course I chose Cooks because of insurance reasons. I had also contacted on of the Neos I worked with to let her know I was in labor, ahead of time, and she passed on to the on-call doc at Harris and Cooks to be on the look out for me. Dr. Tabor asked me before he started if I was ready to meet my little boy. I sure was. Of course I started getting nervous, anxious, etc and started shaking really bad in my shoulders and arms. It was weird because I could hear the clamps but I never heard them get started. All of a sudden I heard, "Wow, he has lots of hair" Then all of a sudden I felt lots of pressure and heard the second sweetest cry ever. Then Misael was whisked away to the warmer to be tidied up, weighed, assessed, etc. He got a clean bill of health with APGARS of 8 and 9. Jose was able to take pictures and tell me all about him. They brought him to me and I was instantly in love all over again with a little boy.
We thought he looked just like Ipolito but was super duper hairy, short, and chunkier. Misael Leonardo was 6 lbs 4 oz (10 oz lighter than his brother) and 18.5 inches long (3 inches shorter than Ipolito). Once I was closed up they took me back to my room with my baby in tow. My mom and sister were waiting and he was passed around. I was still shaking pretty badly so they gave me some demerol and that helped tremendously. We soon noticed Misael had at least one dimple. After everyone held him I started trying to breast feed but he was not interested. About an hour later (after trying and trying to get him to eat) I noticed he was nasal flaring. I mentioned it to the nurse and she said, "You're right." She took him just to assess him and then decided to try to feed him a bottle. After a few minutes she said, " I just want to get a sat on him real fast." Ok...I thought....she told me it was 86%. That isn't normal. All I could think of was it's his heart! I tried not getting all worked up and soon she told me she was going to call the NICU to assess him. A nurse came into assess Misael and told me his sats were low 85-87% and they were going to watch him in the NICU for an hour. After that hour they would decide what to do. Again I was asked if I wanted him there or at Cook's. An hour later I was informed he was going to Cook's because he was in respiratory distress and on bubble CPAP. I remained calm and Jose went with Misael over to Cooks.
My baby was transported across the street in an isolette with his father by his side. Of course being a pediatric nurse and NP all I could think was the worst possible scenarios. It was his heart...it was his lungs...etc. I was a nervous wreck. I sent a text message out to my closest family and friends asking them to pray. I must say it was agonizing. My nurse was amazing though. She stayed with me and made sure I was informed of the latest happenings from Cooks. I updated by Jose as well and was told the Neo from Cooks was going to come over and talk with me as soon as Misael was stable. I was originally told he might be there a couple of days but when the doctor came and spoke to me she told me he would probably be there a week! A WEEK?!
I was told that Misael, while classified as late term premature, was a great weight (probably due to my gestational diabetes) but his lungs weren't mature enough. He was requiring bubble CPAP and a little oxygen. His xray looked like this was all due to premature lungs not his heart. We were not ruling this out yet because of my history so he would be getting an echocardiogram in the morning. If this was his lungs I was told he would not have any lasting effects. By the time I took him home he would be a normal baby. Looking back on this I think I was in a haze. I couldn't believe this. This isn't how this was supposed to be happening. This was supposed to be a joyous time for us all. Right now, I was scared out of my mind and all alone (I had Jose go to Cooks and my family had left). I wanted Jose with Misael though. I didn't want him alone.
As people started to wake up I started getting calls and texts. My mom was beside herself with worry, as was I. Again, this isn't how this was supposed to be happening. I should have been dreaming of Ipolito and Misael meeting for the first time, not what I was living through.
All during my remaining time at Harris I had great nurses who were understanding. I was also able to be taken over to Cooks as many times as I wanted and for as long as I wanted. The only time I came back was to take meds, eat, and sleep. I was discharged from Harris on Sunday, December 23. I went right over to Cooks where I vowed to stay until my baby was discharged. I always said, if my child was in the hospital I would be right by their side and I was. Jose and I were always with Misael with the exception of about 20-30 minutes here and there.
Next up...daily updates I had posted to facebook.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Birth Story Part I
I gave birth to Misael Leonardo Flores on 12/20/12 at 2305 via cesearean section. He weighed 6 lbs 4 oz and was 18.5 inches long.
For two days before I had been having regular contractions that felt "different" I refused to go to Maternal Observation though because I was tired of going and I didn't want to be told I wasn't in labor. I had a doctor appointment on Thursday so I figured I would just find out then. I also could feel my cervix in a different place and it felt like he was knocking on the door to get out.
So on Thursday I went to the OB. My appointment was for 4 and of course I had to wait a super long time. I wasn't taken back until 5 pm and had my activity testing as always then he came in and did the sono to measure fluid, etc and started talking to me. He decided to check me and told me it sounded like I was in labor. He checked and I was 100% effaced and 2-3 cm dilated. He told me to go to Maternal Obs (ughh) and he would check me again in a couple of hours. If I was more dilated we would go forward with having a baby if not, then I come back when I am in true labor. Meanwhile I had eaten a cookie waiting for him because I figured it would hold me for a long time in case something happened.
I immediately called Jose who had just started his work day (it was about 10 till six). He said he would tie up loose ends and swing by our house to finish packing the bags. This is what we had dreaded because he works about 1 hour away and coming back this way during traffic was going to be HELL. He actually made it in record time and was able to pack the bags. Ipolito was luckily with my brother-in-law and his family since I had the doctor appointment.
I called my mother and she came up to the hospital and my oldest sister did as well. They actually beat Jose. When the doctor came back a couple of hours later I had changed and was more dilated. This was really happening! Immediately they started preparing me for a c-section. I had to give myself a bath with some special soap, got an IV, and had to put on this weird jiffy pop popcorn hat. Once that was done we just had to wait on Jose to get there and for our turn in the OR. Jose arrived shortly after 8 pm and he looked excited/nervous!!!
Part II to come!
For two days before I had been having regular contractions that felt "different" I refused to go to Maternal Observation though because I was tired of going and I didn't want to be told I wasn't in labor. I had a doctor appointment on Thursday so I figured I would just find out then. I also could feel my cervix in a different place and it felt like he was knocking on the door to get out.
So on Thursday I went to the OB. My appointment was for 4 and of course I had to wait a super long time. I wasn't taken back until 5 pm and had my activity testing as always then he came in and did the sono to measure fluid, etc and started talking to me. He decided to check me and told me it sounded like I was in labor. He checked and I was 100% effaced and 2-3 cm dilated. He told me to go to Maternal Obs (ughh) and he would check me again in a couple of hours. If I was more dilated we would go forward with having a baby if not, then I come back when I am in true labor. Meanwhile I had eaten a cookie waiting for him because I figured it would hold me for a long time in case something happened.
I immediately called Jose who had just started his work day (it was about 10 till six). He said he would tie up loose ends and swing by our house to finish packing the bags. This is what we had dreaded because he works about 1 hour away and coming back this way during traffic was going to be HELL. He actually made it in record time and was able to pack the bags. Ipolito was luckily with my brother-in-law and his family since I had the doctor appointment.
I called my mother and she came up to the hospital and my oldest sister did as well. They actually beat Jose. When the doctor came back a couple of hours later I had changed and was more dilated. This was really happening! Immediately they started preparing me for a c-section. I had to give myself a bath with some special soap, got an IV, and had to put on this weird jiffy pop popcorn hat. Once that was done we just had to wait on Jose to get there and for our turn in the OR. Jose arrived shortly after 8 pm and he looked excited/nervous!!!
Part II to come!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Week 36
How Far Along: 36 Weeks
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have gained 3 more pounds this week. I am up to 5 pounds gained over all.
Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity clothes but am able to fit into my regular scrub pants and scrub tops. I definitely am able to wear less scrubs now and find myself wearing t-shirts with my scrub pants. I am wearing some normal/maternity clothes to work at least 1-2 times per week because I am just running out of scrub tops that actually fit. At least I have a great job where I can do either scrubs or regular clothes. Plus I guess if I get really huge I can always wear OR scrubs.
Gender: A little boy!
Movement: The little guy is still very active. I can feel him lower and lower.
Sleep: I am sleeping the same. I wake up at specific times to potty...about every 2-3 hours.
What I miss: At times I miss sweet things or french fries and mashed potatoes. Good thing is I can eat 1-2 fries or a small spoonful of them and that satisfies my cravings.
Cravings: I still am loving my Fruit Loops and Frosted Flakes. I having given up most spicy foods for fear they may come up later.
Symptoms: My feet and legs are super swollen. They are pitting pretty much all of the time. I have frequent contractions and most of them hurt like hell. I am still scared out of my mind I won't know when I am actually in labor. I can tell I have dropped and other people have commented on it as well. My hips and sciatic nerve are giving me problems. I had a massage on Friday and it felt AMAZING! I also feel like my cervix is lower and opening up. Weird I know but it is how I feel, especially since little man is tapping and punching me down there.
Size of baby: My little guy is the size of a pineapple (4.9 lbs & 19 in). My doctor says the little guy is measuring a couple of weeks ahead at 5.5 lbs!! Eeek...he will be much larger than Ipolito....I.AM.SCARED!!!
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have gained 3 more pounds this week. I am up to 5 pounds gained over all.
Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity clothes but am able to fit into my regular scrub pants and scrub tops. I definitely am able to wear less scrubs now and find myself wearing t-shirts with my scrub pants. I am wearing some normal/maternity clothes to work at least 1-2 times per week because I am just running out of scrub tops that actually fit. At least I have a great job where I can do either scrubs or regular clothes. Plus I guess if I get really huge I can always wear OR scrubs.
Gender: A little boy!
Movement: The little guy is still very active. I can feel him lower and lower.
Sleep: I am sleeping the same. I wake up at specific times to potty...about every 2-3 hours.
What I miss: At times I miss sweet things or french fries and mashed potatoes. Good thing is I can eat 1-2 fries or a small spoonful of them and that satisfies my cravings.
Cravings: I still am loving my Fruit Loops and Frosted Flakes. I having given up most spicy foods for fear they may come up later.
Symptoms: My feet and legs are super swollen. They are pitting pretty much all of the time. I have frequent contractions and most of them hurt like hell. I am still scared out of my mind I won't know when I am actually in labor. I can tell I have dropped and other people have commented on it as well. My hips and sciatic nerve are giving me problems. I had a massage on Friday and it felt AMAZING! I also feel like my cervix is lower and opening up. Weird I know but it is how I feel, especially since little man is tapping and punching me down there.
Week 35
How Far Along: 35 Weeks
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have gained 3 more pounds this week. I am up to two pounds gained over all!!!
Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity clothes but am able to fit into my regular scrub pants and scrub tops. I definitely am able to wear less scrubs now and find myself wearing t-shirts with my scrub pants. I am wearing some normal/maternity clothes to work at least 1-2 times per week because I am just running out of scrub tops that actually fit. At least I have a great job where I can do either scrubs or regular clothes. Plus I guess if I get really huge I can always wear OR scrubs.
Gender: A little boy!
Movement: My little guy is very active. He rolls and kicks quite often. He actually had a moment on Monday (day 1 of 35 weeks) when he was moving so much for a couple of hours.
Sleep: I am sleeping the same. I wake up at specific times to potty...about every 2-3 hours.
What I miss: At times I miss sweet things or french fries and mashed potatoes. Good thing is I can eat 1-2 fries or a small spoonful of them and that satisfies my cravings.
Cravings: I still am loving my Fruit Loops and apples. I have added Frosted Flakes. I have also started taking antacids twice daily and this has helped tremendously.
Size of baby: My little guy is the size of a coconut.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have gained 3 more pounds this week. I am up to two pounds gained over all!!!
Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity clothes but am able to fit into my regular scrub pants and scrub tops. I definitely am able to wear less scrubs now and find myself wearing t-shirts with my scrub pants. I am wearing some normal/maternity clothes to work at least 1-2 times per week because I am just running out of scrub tops that actually fit. At least I have a great job where I can do either scrubs or regular clothes. Plus I guess if I get really huge I can always wear OR scrubs.
Gender: A little boy!
Movement: My little guy is very active. He rolls and kicks quite often. He actually had a moment on Monday (day 1 of 35 weeks) when he was moving so much for a couple of hours.
Sleep: I am sleeping the same. I wake up at specific times to potty...about every 2-3 hours.
What I miss: At times I miss sweet things or french fries and mashed potatoes. Good thing is I can eat 1-2 fries or a small spoonful of them and that satisfies my cravings.
Cravings: I still am loving my Fruit Loops and apples. I have added Frosted Flakes. I have also started taking antacids twice daily and this has helped tremendously.
Symptoms: I had a moment on Monday (day 1 of 35 weeks) where I was having contractions every 2-3 minutes for about 1-1:30. Of course my OB told me to go to the maternal observation unit. I continued to have contractions for hours but was not dilated. Because of that they sent me home contracting. GRRRR....it was so frustrating and I left terrified because I am scared I won't know when I am actually in labor. My legs and ankles are so swollen now at the end of the day despite wearing my compression socks. I have contractions often and am almost done packing all of the bags.
I also had two baby shower's this past week and we got lots of things for the baby.
Week 34
How Far Along: 34 Weeks
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have lost 1 more pound this week. I am up to 7 pounds of the 9 pounds I lost at the beginning.
Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity clothes but am able to fit into my regular scrub pants and scrub tops. I definitely am able to wear less scrubs now and find myself wearing t-shirts with my scrub pants. I am wearing some normal/maternity clothes to work at least 1-2 times per week because I am just running out of scrub tops that actually fit. At least I have a great job where I can do either scrubs or regular clothes. Plus I guess if I get really huge I can always wear OR scrubs.
Gender: A little boy!
Movement: My little guy is very active. He rolls and kicks quite often. He is most active when I drive, when I am in Jose's car (that is not pleasant), and at night when I am just relaxing.
Sleep: I am sleeping the same. I wake up at specific times to potty...about every 2-3 hours.
What I miss: At times I miss sweet things or french fries and mashed potatoes. Good thing is I can eat 1-2 fries or a small spoonful of them and that satisfies my cravings.
Cravings: I still am loving my Fruit Loops and apples. I have added Frosted Flakes and Flaming Hot Fritos to the list as well. I will have to stop the Flaming Hot Fritos in a couple of weeks because EVERYTHING gives me heartburn and reflux!
Symptoms: My feet are swelling pretty much every day now. My right ankle looks yucky too. It is weird that my feet actually look normal size. I get very uncomfortable more often and I walk as fast as a snail. My lower legs are also getting swollen. I have pitting edema most of the time. The compression socks I am now wearing all of the time actually have helped with the pain in my legs. They still swell but not as much. My back doesn't hurt as much and I am able to round without sitting down. I am getting closer and closer.
Size of baby: My little guy is the size of a butternut squash(4.9 lbs & 19 in).
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have lost 1 more pound this week. I am up to 7 pounds of the 9 pounds I lost at the beginning.
Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity clothes but am able to fit into my regular scrub pants and scrub tops. I definitely am able to wear less scrubs now and find myself wearing t-shirts with my scrub pants. I am wearing some normal/maternity clothes to work at least 1-2 times per week because I am just running out of scrub tops that actually fit. At least I have a great job where I can do either scrubs or regular clothes. Plus I guess if I get really huge I can always wear OR scrubs.
Gender: A little boy!
Movement: My little guy is very active. He rolls and kicks quite often. He is most active when I drive, when I am in Jose's car (that is not pleasant), and at night when I am just relaxing.
Sleep: I am sleeping the same. I wake up at specific times to potty...about every 2-3 hours.
What I miss: At times I miss sweet things or french fries and mashed potatoes. Good thing is I can eat 1-2 fries or a small spoonful of them and that satisfies my cravings.
Cravings: I still am loving my Fruit Loops and apples. I have added Frosted Flakes and Flaming Hot Fritos to the list as well. I will have to stop the Flaming Hot Fritos in a couple of weeks because EVERYTHING gives me heartburn and reflux!
Symptoms: My feet are swelling pretty much every day now. My right ankle looks yucky too. It is weird that my feet actually look normal size. I get very uncomfortable more often and I walk as fast as a snail. My lower legs are also getting swollen. I have pitting edema most of the time. The compression socks I am now wearing all of the time actually have helped with the pain in my legs. They still swell but not as much. My back doesn't hurt as much and I am able to round without sitting down. I am getting closer and closer.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Weeks 33
Week 33
How Far Along: 33 Weeks
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have gained 3 more pounds this week. I am up to 8 pounds of the 9 pounds I lost at the beginning.
Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity clothes but am able to fit into my regular scrub pants and scrub tops. I definitely am able to wear less scrubs now and find myself wearing t-shirts with my scrub pants. I am wearing some normal/maternity clothes to work at least 1-2 times per week because I am just running out of scrub tops that actually fit. At least I have a great job where I can do either scrubs or regular clothes. Plus I guess if I get really huge I can always wear OR scrubs.
Gender: A little boy!
Movement: My little guy is very active. He rolls and kicks quite often. He is most active when I drive, when I am in Jose's car (that is not pleasant), and at night when I am just relaxing.
Sleep: I am sleeping the same. I wake up at specific times to potty...about every 2-3 hours.
What I miss: At times I miss sweet things or french fries and mashed potatoes. Good thing is I can eat 1-2 fries or a small spoonful of them and that satisfies my cravings.
Cravings: I still am loving my Fruit Loops and apples. I have added Frosted Flakes and Flaming Hot Fritos to the list as well. I will have to stop the Flaming Hot Fritos in a couple of weeks because EVERYTHING gives me heartburn and reflux!
Symptoms: My feet are swelling pretty much every day now. My right ankle looks yucky too. It is weird that my feet actually look normal size. I normally have narrow feet. I can't wear Dansko's anymore to work only tennis shoes. I get very uncomfortable more often and I walk as fast as a snail. My lower legs are also getting swollen. I have pitting edema most of the time. The compression socks I am now wearing all of the time actually have helped with the pain in my legs. They still swell but not as much. My back doesn't hurt as much and I am able to round without sitting down as much this week.
How Far Along: 33 Weeks
Size of baby: My little guy is the size of a pineapple (4.9 lbs & 19 in). My doctor says the little guy is measuring a couple of weeks ahead at 5.5 lbs!! Eeek...he will be much larger than Ipolito....I.AM.SCARED!!!
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have gained 3 more pounds this week. I am up to 8 pounds of the 9 pounds I lost at the beginning.
Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity clothes but am able to fit into my regular scrub pants and scrub tops. I definitely am able to wear less scrubs now and find myself wearing t-shirts with my scrub pants. I am wearing some normal/maternity clothes to work at least 1-2 times per week because I am just running out of scrub tops that actually fit. At least I have a great job where I can do either scrubs or regular clothes. Plus I guess if I get really huge I can always wear OR scrubs.
Gender: A little boy!
Movement: My little guy is very active. He rolls and kicks quite often. He is most active when I drive, when I am in Jose's car (that is not pleasant), and at night when I am just relaxing.
Sleep: I am sleeping the same. I wake up at specific times to potty...about every 2-3 hours.
What I miss: At times I miss sweet things or french fries and mashed potatoes. Good thing is I can eat 1-2 fries or a small spoonful of them and that satisfies my cravings.
Cravings: I still am loving my Fruit Loops and apples. I have added Frosted Flakes and Flaming Hot Fritos to the list as well. I will have to stop the Flaming Hot Fritos in a couple of weeks because EVERYTHING gives me heartburn and reflux!
Symptoms: My feet are swelling pretty much every day now. My right ankle looks yucky too. It is weird that my feet actually look normal size. I normally have narrow feet. I can't wear Dansko's anymore to work only tennis shoes. I get very uncomfortable more often and I walk as fast as a snail. My lower legs are also getting swollen. I have pitting edema most of the time. The compression socks I am now wearing all of the time actually have helped with the pain in my legs. They still swell but not as much. My back doesn't hurt as much and I am able to round without sitting down as much this week.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Ipolito's Birthday
This year Ipolito decided on a Sonic theme for his party. Of course just like last year, I couldn't buy the decorations at Party City, I had to order it all online. We couldn't find a Sonic pinata so he decided he wanted a TMNT one-Leonardo (his favorite). We decided to keep the party simple and go with hot dogs since Sonic is always eating a chili dog. We provided all kinds of toppings to put on the hot dogs and let our guests go to town. We also at the last minute added hamburger and hot links to the menu. Ipolito absolutely love his birthday party. He was so amazed that people actually brought him presents. At one point he asked me, "Mama are all those presents for me?!" He loved opening his presents and has enjoyed looking at them and playing with them.
For his actual birthday, I took him to eat dinner at Razoo's with Grandma & Grandpa since Papi was working. He ate very well and even enjoyed the desert they provided. I also took him to Build -A-Bear. It was actually his request as we were walking through the mall. When we walked in he told the girl it was his birthday and from there they made his visit super special. He got a sticker and of course I let him get a bear. He even chose an AGGIE football outfit, all on his own!!! I guess we have done a great job of brainwashing him. At the end they sang to him. He loved it!
At the end of the night he asked me if Papi and I bought him presents. I felt so bad. I told him yes of course we did but we were saving it for his birthday party, but I had bought him a new bear (which he named Monkey). He was fine after that.
Ipolito striking a pose with Leo
Ipolito @ his party
The cupcakes
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| A close up of the cupcakes |
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| His cake |
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| Papi cooking the food and smoking his cigar |
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| Mama & Ipolito |
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| Birthday boy |
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| Mama & Ipolito |
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| The Flores Family |
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| Enjoying a cupcake-mainly the icing |
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| Opening presents |
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| He finished opening his present and did this thing saying I got EVERYTHING! |
For his actual birthday, I took him to eat dinner at Razoo's with Grandma & Grandpa since Papi was working. He ate very well and even enjoyed the desert they provided. I also took him to Build -A-Bear. It was actually his request as we were walking through the mall. When we walked in he told the girl it was his birthday and from there they made his visit super special. He got a sticker and of course I let him get a bear. He even chose an AGGIE football outfit, all on his own!!! I guess we have done a great job of brainwashing him. At the end they sang to him. He loved it!
At the end of the night he asked me if Papi and I bought him presents. I felt so bad. I told him yes of course we did but we were saving it for his birthday party, but I had bought him a new bear (which he named Monkey). He was fine after that.
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