Day One of The 12 Days of Tori's Birth Story - in honor of her soon to be 18th bday - on May 13: One afternoon - on 5/12/93 - I became a little uncomfortable, right in the belly area, just a little, enough to make me think '?
‎12 phone calls leaping...

Day Two of Tori's Birth Story: So, I called the phone number I was given - to my doc's office - to see if I was ready to go on in and have this baby. She was a week or so over-due, I wanted to go in like NOW. They said "nope, you don't sound uncomfortable enough - sorry, call back when you can't speak through your contractions". hmph
Eleven hours waiting...

Day Three of Tori's Birth Story: Without going into gory details, let's just say around 9 in the evening I became aware of certain signs of readiness for action, Tori was making her way down and I called the doc again
(in) 10 Tori's leaving...

Day Four of Tori's Birth Story: So Tori's dad and I got into Uncle Glen's little white car (I think he gave it to your dad while he was in Guam?). I remember that every time I had a contraction on the way to the hospital it would lift me off the seat, I would grab the door and the middle console and push down and oooh that hurts just breathe!!!!! ow.
Nine contractions have me dancing!

Day Five of Tori's Birth Story: Then, finally we get to Mary Birch and park - I gotta go thru this big huge entry-way and for a second I forgot about them pains cuz it is SO nice in there! LOL but then they rush us up the elevator cuz at this point I need to be rushed
Eight nurses waiting...

Day SIX of Tori's Birth Story: Those of you who have had a baby at Mary Birch in San Diego will second this I think, I had two there - Tori was the first. They put me in the most high-tech (for the times) up to date, LARGE, fancy, wonderful room with the most awesome, caring, wonderful nurses and staff who catered to my every whim... this was my first wonderful surprise of the evening.
Seven pounds a'comin...

Day Seven of Tori's Birth Story: Epidural. Need I say more? Ok, since you asked. The anesthesiologist was the best of five, no pain, all gain. I was never so comfortable and pain free (finally!) during labor as I was with Tori. Her dad fell asleep and all was well with the world as we waited for the moment to arrive.
Six cm - almost layin' (haha Tori ur an egg)

Day Eight of Tori's Birth Story: Forgot to mention - Grama Vita was there with us too, all night! She was at every one of my five kids' births, even the one I had in Colorado (Nick). Wouldn't have had a baby without her... It was very important to have my mother there to help me bring Tori into the world, I guess it's a mom-thing.
Five weeks earrings!!! LOL

Day Nine of Tori's Birth Story: Tick Tock, waiting, waiting... Got checked, nope, not ready yet... wait for it... wait for it... go back to sleep. Romero never even opened his eyes. Until...
Four hours to go...

Day Ten of Tori's Birth Story: I waited a day to write this one to give you a feel of the waiting involved... JK. oops. Anyway, at some point, very early in the morning, on the 13th of May a nurse decides to come on in and check. She says - "looks like you're ready to start pushing..." and then come the troops! Ok, not troops - but like two assistants and the nurse.
Three attendants...

Day Eleven of Tori's Birth Story: So we practice a little, by this time her dad was awake and my mom is by my bedside - dad taking pics and looking a little green around the gills. They put this BIG mirror in front of me so I could see (Such a caring staff at that hospital). Let's not get gory, but let's just say it was easy and fun at this point (not like any other birth experience I've ever had).
Two-oo tired parents...

Day 12 of Tori's Birth Story: On this day, 18 years ago, at 6:11 am in the morning, after one last easy and pain free push, out came the most beautiful creature I could ever set my eyes on. She was perfect in every way. And I don't say that because I am biased, she really was. Her soft soft skin, her wise old eyes, her beautiful locks of dark shiny hair, her perfectly formed limbs - all were a fortelling of a perfectly beautiful woman in every way, the one she is today. I will always be your very proud mama, my Victoria Catherine San Agustin.
A-and one Polynesian Princess!!!