The birth of our precious Liliana

I know it's taken me a long time to blog about the birth of our daughter. It's just such a spectacular experience that I knew It would take a while to blog about it. I also use this blog as journal. That is why it is so detailed. Here goes my attempt...

Liliana Milsa Merrill was born July 15, 2009 at approx. 8:50 a.m. via C-section. She weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces and received a 9.9 on the apgar test.

I'll jump back to a week before she was born. Dr. Dozier ordered an emergency M.R.I.to see just where exactly my fibroid was. When I got to the lab 1. The tech asked me if the doctor ordered the ink injection or not. 2. They had me read and sign all these papers about M.R.I's and pregnancy 3. I asked for an explanation of the M.R.I. and no one came to answer my questions. 4. I found out that I had to be laying still on back for at least 20 minutes. 5. The tech was rushing me to make a decision because they "squeezed my appointment in". 6. When I asked the tech what other pregnant women do he said and I quote "In all my 7 years of doing this a pregnant women has never agreed to go through with it". Needless to say after number 5 I asked to call my doctor.

Dr. Dozier said that if I don't get the M.R.I then I have no other option than to have a c-section, and that is what I choose to do. So we scheduled it for the following week. I'm so glad I made this decision because the Fibroid was completely blocking my Uterus and ended up being the size of a soccer ball weighing 3-4 pounds (I know gross huh?) Not only that but Liliana was breeched. Every time the doctor said he could feel her head it was really the fibroid (which we have named Freddy)

Now rewind to the following Tuesday and you will find David and I along with Julie and Lisa walking up and down Universal city for a taping of Connan O'brien. The next day Wednesday July 15th at 6a.m. I was the first scheduled c-section. After the catheter and I.V. I went in for surgery. The scariest feeling is that of knowing that they are going to cut into you while you are awake. The nurse held on to me while the anesthesiologist injected the spinal tab. To my surprise it did not hurt in the least. What came after was worse.

Slowly my bottom half became numb and then to my surprise my chest as well. Suddenly I felt like I wasn't breathing. The feeling you get when you feel so lighted headed and about to faint. Then the nausea kicked in. It's such a horrible feeling to not have control over the way you are feeling. With the little strength I had I told the anesthesiologist what I felt and he put a miracle medicine in my I.V and I instantly felt better. The spinal tab is one of the things I am not looking forward to the next time around.

After everything was ok with the spinal injection, David was allowed into the surgery room. He came and sat right next to me. Before I knew it the doctors had already opened me up and the only thing I felt was a little pressure as they were pulling Liliana out. I heard the doctor say that she was breeched and came out holding on to the umbilical cord. David went over to were the nurse was cleaning her up. As David was there the doctor called over David and the two other doctors to see the huge fibroid. Dr. Dozier had it out on my side and wanted everyone else to marvel over it's size. Then it was time for me to meet Liliana, I really can't explain what I felt at that time and won't even try. I remember feeling so sad because I could not hold her right away.





David got to leave with the baby while the doctors had to shove my fibroid and uterus back into my body. The doctors were laughing because they actually had to use their strentght to push it back in. Dozier explained that he could not remove Freddy because I would lose to much blood. The operation should have taken 30 minutes. Thanks to Freddy it took almost one hour.

As they were wheeling me into recovery I looked down the hall and noticed my whole family staring anxiously into the nursery window. This is one of the moments were you remember how special family is. It brought joy seeing my family so excited over the birth of my baby girl. I mustered up the energy to wave at them, but no one even looked my way (lol). I was in recovery for about 45 minutes and when I came out there was still family members in the hall looking at her. Finally my cousin Stefani noticed that it was me being wheeled right beside them. Then everyone one left and I was able to enjoy my Liliana for the first time. The lactation nurse came in to help me breastfeed her for the first time. I was deceived because the first time it was so natural and easy (no pain). BOY WAS I WRONG!

David was not allowed to stay the night, but we managed to sneek him in one of the nights. It was hard not having him there with me. That was probably the only part about Riverside Community Hospital that I did not like. The first night David was not able to stay with me. It was horrible! I was exhausted but could not sleep. Liliana was with me, but because I was recovering from surgery I could not get up to pick her up. Torture!

I guess I was having urinary problems because the nurse was in my room the whole night flushing my body with bag after bag of saline. After that did not work the nurse pushed the catheter all the way up to my bladder. Meanwhile I was losing so much blood that the nurse had to give me a shot to stop bleeding. Since that didn't work the following day the doctor ordered a 6 hour blood transfusion. It was scary and I tried not thinking about it. My blood count went from a 13 before surgery to a 7 the day after. I guess the fibroid was making me bleed too much. Thankfully, I had a lot of visits and support from my family and friends. Have I mentioned how much I love my family. After the blood transfusion I got the color back in my face and felt so much better!

Once the blood transfusion was done I was able to get up and walk around. This was very painful, but became easier the more I did it. The next day was Friday and the doctor came in and took the staples out and gave me the clearance to go home. Knowing now what awaited me at home I wish I would have stayed. With all the blood transfusions and saline injections I weighed the same leaving the hospital as I did going in. What was worse is the fact that my feet were so swollen that they looked as if you could pop them with a pin. The fist two weeks were the hardest. Having the milk come in along with the pain of breast feeding was not a good combination between recovering from surgery and no sleep. I'm surprise David is still in love with me after that week.

It is now almost three months later and luckily I do not remember to much about the pain. I can say that IT WAS SO WORTH IT! I'm ready for another one. I love my Liliana so much I can't imagine ours lives anymore without her.

Unwanted Company

So since the beginning of my pregnancy there has been an unwanted guest stealing precious space from Liliana. It's a fibroid! Sounds a lot worse then what it really is. From what I read it's like a tumor but not a harmful one and they are pretty common. The only way they cause a problem in pregnancy is if it blocks the baby's passage out. During my pregnancy it has grown to be the size of the circle that is made when you put our index and thumbs together and extend them. When I went for an extra ultrasound at my friend Deneb's cousin's ultrasound school the Doctor there said that it looked pretty big and seemed to be blocking my cervix.

I informed my OBGYN and he didn't seem to concerned, but ordered an ultrasound just to be sure and because he wanted to know the size of the baby. Then at my appt yesterday he said that the fibroid seemed to be placed off to the right, but that he was going to talk personally with the radiologist and get back to me. Later that afternoon he left a message saying that he believed the fibroid was smack in the middle and that the radiologist thought it was further to the right. Who to trust??? So to make an even longer story shorter I am scheduled for a MRI early next week and if this dumb fibroid is blocking Liliana's passage out then I have to have a c-section to remove both of them! I'm not happy with the idea but if it's going to be a problem with every pregnancy then it is better to just get it out now.

On a lighter note... The ultrasound (27 weeks) found Liliana to be 7 pounds 12 ounces (plus or minus 1 pound 2 oz). Our little whale already has little fat rolls under her chin. Not only that but the tech said that we better have some bows because she has a full head of hair. Maybe I'm saying this because I am her mother, but she looked so beautiful and seeing her made me that much more anxious for her arrival. We love you Liliana NOT the fibroid.

Graduating with a BELLY!

Ok so those who remember I graduated high school in 1999. Yes that is TEN years ago! I could have gone to BYU, but decided to go to good old RCC. I had no idea what I was doing. I just picked classes and went. During this time I worked in several different law offices full time and took night school part time. Then in 2004 I went on a mission. When I came back in 2006 I got a full time job at a law office. Once again I ended up working full time and going to school at night.

One day my oh so wise mother said "Ye-lean why don't you quit working full time and just finish school." This made so much sense and I don't know why I just didn't think of it myself. So I went to see my RCC counselor and after some calculations she said I was only three classes away from two associate degrees and one class away from completing the required courses for transfer to a UC as a Junior.

So I started back at Elementary algebra and in three semesters made my up to passing College algebra. During this time I applied and was accepted to UCR and was on my way! I was so happy because I thought I would never be able to get into UCR. I also was hired by the UCR Alpha center for a part time job in a math class helping math teachers for 25 an hour plus mileage. Everything went so smooth!

I now know it was because I was about to meet and start dating David our first quarter as transfer students. Three months later we were engaged and now two years later we both graduated and are expecting our princess Liliana Milsa Merrill next month! She graduated right along with me.


This is the flower arrangement that my wonderful mother-in-law made for both David and I. She put a belly on me and matched our tassels with the colors we actually had.

The Shower

My dearest cousin Kendrea (above) and my dearest friend Joce (below) along with my mother threw me an amazing baby shower. I was happy to see so many people show up. I know that I am blessed with two great families and many good friends. THANK YOU!

Liliana and I received a bunch of ADORABLE little dresses and outfits.

And my wonderful Soul mother, sister and brother-in-law purchased the travel system.

Here is the cute poem they read before giving me the stroller and car seat:
For out soul niece and granddaughter only the best will do.
So we looked at your gift registry to find something to make her coo.
We liked the butt wipe warmer for comfort...post pee and poop.
The bumper pads blanket and mobile were pretty fluffy and new.
But in the end our decision was for comfort and safety too.
We hope all three Merrills will enjoy a stroll or two.

Lastly we couldn't resist taking a prego pic. In David's side of the family there are four of us due in July. Lacy and Shannon are with me in this picture. We are only missing Traci who I'm sure would have made it if she lived in California.

First year down - Eternity to go...

May 17th was our first year anniversary. The year has gone by so fast! Since the 17th was a Sunday we decided to celebrate the Friday and Saturday before.


After class of Friday we made a quick stop to pick up a anniversary cake from Laura Adcock. She told us not to freeze her cake and that she would give us a complimentary cake after one year. This was an invitation that David and I did not want to pass up on.

After we picked up the cake we went to Claim Jumper and had them put the cake in the refridgerator. My pasta had a puddle of butter at the bottom so the manager exchanged it for the meatloaf. The manager even took my meal of the bill and only had to pay for David's meal. Afterward they let us eat our own cake as dessert.



Next we headed to our "4 diamond" hotel in Newport Beach. It was a travel zoo special. We paid 120.00 but got a 50.00 meal credit and 25.00 spa credit. Parking was mandatory valet ($28.00). Needless to say David and I parked across the street at the Extended Stay America and carried our stuff to the hotel.



Our fancy bathroom with a telephone next to the toilet.


This was the view from our window.

David and I used our dinning credit for yummy but over priced omelets and fruit. The cheapest spa treatment was a nail polish change which cost 28.00. We just let that credit go.

After breakfast we went to Laguna Beach and sat by the gazebo overlooking the ocean and ate some more cake. Next we bought a smoothie and walked around town. This wasn't the best idea since David's ankle is still sore and I'm so pregnant. By the time we got to the car we were worn out and ready for a nap. Which is exactly what we did when we got home.

30 Weeks - Well mas o menos

A few of my friends have been asking for prego pics of me. Here you go....

Mr. Gimpy

David has been playing in intramural basketball league through UCR. His games start at 10:30p.m. I try to make them, but sometimes I'm just too tired. Last Monday night I get a call from David around 11:30 saying that he got hurt. The story is that he jumped up and landed on a guy's foot. He sprained the heck out of his ankle! Regardless of his injury (which happened in the beginning of the game) he stayed for the rest of the game and then WALKED all the way from the rec center to the car parked at the institute.

In the morning when he woke up he was groaning in agony. Poor thing could not even walk. First I had a Doctors appointment and then we went to UCR health center for him. They took x-rays and said it was just a bad sprain. The Doctor gave him pills, a gel cast, and crutches. Between me being preggers and him being gimppers we make a wonderful match. I push him around the house in a computer chair with wheels.




Keep in mind that this picture was taken 3 days after the fact. And no this in not really my pregnant swollen kankle.

Daddy's R and R

For those of you who know my dad, know what a hard worker he is. He used to average 66 hours a week. His company always has offered overtime hours and he always accepted. My daddy would wake up at 2 a.m daily. Now with the economy the way it is his company cut overtime and made everyone take a week off. One morning around 9:00 I was looking for him to say goodbye and this is how I found him.



Watching some morning show. Way to go daddy you deserve it!!!!

On his way!!!

David is applying to medical school this month!!! I'm so proud of him. He has decided to apply to D.O. school. D.O schools require you to shadow a D.O. before applying. David's friend Jared (who is done with medical school this year) gave him the names of a few doctors. Once a week he goes to Western school of medicine to shadow D.O's at their clinic. He even has to wear a white lab coat. The first picture is of his first day. The second picture was taken a few seconds later after I told him I was going to blog about it.

For the record he did not want this to make it on our blog.

Adios Canyon Creek

So recently David and I moved out of our first apartment. It was difficult because we loved being at Canyon Creek. It was quiet and had many trees so much that you felt like you were up in the mountains. The apartments were so close to school that we could just hop on the RTA and be there in 5 minutes it was great! Oh and we had the best neighbors around.

To name of few there was Ruben and Phillip. Ruben was Phillips Godfather and his legal guardian as well and Phillip was his sidekick. Phillip has down syndrome and only says a fews words including wa wa for water (he loved the jacuzzi and went several times a day) and Nai nai for night night when he wanted to go to sleep. Then their was my boss and professor Dr. C. She and her politician husband only rented a condo for the school week and left every weekend to their real house. We always planned on inviting them to dinner, but I didn't want her to think I was trying to get a good grade. Then there was the bird lady, she lived in an apartment surrounded by free flying birds everywhere!

Oh and then there were the Merrills! They were the best neighbors of all. We will miss them the most. Especially Josie and Parker ringing our bell and then hiding to scare us. I also enjoyed the biweekly dinners we shared with the elders (while it lasted). Later the Renners and Sharla moved in and then of course our lease was up and we had to move to casa de Fernandez. Good times were had at Canyon Creek!

Conclusion -SPRING BREAK TRIP

The on third and last day of our mini getaway we drove the Pacific Coast Highway. The scenery was was gorgeous. Our last stop was Hearst Castle. It costs $20.00 per tour and there were three different tours you could take. We choose tour number three because it showed his room. His collections are amazing and I would love yo go again in the near future to take another tour.

Spring Break - Part 2 Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row

BROUGHT TO YOU BY A GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE MEZA FOUNDATION

Spring Break part one - The Sequoias

We left Monday morning and our first stop was the sequoias!

Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam

Last Sunday was my last Sunday in the Canyon Crest ward. David and I have both grown to love the ward and will truly miss the members. I will especially miss my sweet crazy Sunbeams. The calling was a little overwhelming at first, but after a few Sundays and help from Asia Renner (co-teacher and good friend) I have really learned to love that calling. This is a picture of my last Sunday with them.

My Sisters Wedding

Rachel and I have been soul sisters since 7th grade. Our memories range from prank calls to having eggs thrown at us by the Samoan girls at Hunington Beach dances. Two weeks ago she surprised us all by announcing on a Tuesday that she would be getting married at the Riverside Islamic Mosque that same Saturday! It was a shocker, but everything went beautifully and it was nice to see them so happy. I wish both her and Ash the best.

Liliana makes her debut

On May 9th at 7:30 a.m., was the MUCH anticipated ultrasound appointment. Keep in mind I could have found out weeks earlier, but decided to listen to David and wait. So Monday morning along with David, my mom, my grandma, Patty, Dan and Julie we went to the basement of Riverside Medical Clinic and awaited the news of our baby being a beautiful little girl. The only bad part about the appointment is the torture they put pregnant women through by making them drink sooooo much water and then holding it for hours. It's a terrible terrible thing, but worth it.




After we found out, my mother and I went to Carters and bought cute little girl dresses. We weren't the only two because aunt Julie bought the lady bug dress and Deneb bought the Hawaiian print one. At least Jocie won't be the only girl grandchild in the Merrill clan. We love you Liliana :)

My Big West Champ

Although UCR women's basketball team lost the Big West Conference championship game, David came out a winner by making three free throws in a row (within 30 Seconds) to win not only a UCR mug, hat, sweater, BUT ............... a 8GB IPOD!!! Whoo hoo!!!

Living Room Camp Out

On Tuesday we had Natalie, Josie, Nathan and Parker spend the night. We took Nathan and Natalie to Winco and bought ingredients for pizza and smores. A while later Josie and Parker came over. They all enjoyed uncle D's kitchen stove smores. While Natalie and Josie discussed their love for the Jonas Brothers, Parker and Nathan ran around the apartment playing Ghost Busters. Their ghost busting didn't end till the following day. They really get along well and have a blast. It's fun watching them play together.

Later we set up two tents, one for the girls and another for the boys. However by morning both Nathan and Parker made their way to the girls tent. It wasn't a surprise to us because Parker was worried about everything from intruders to twisters. He even had me check the door and all the windows. Parker told uncle D to beat up anyone that would come in or better yet to call the police instead. :) He wouldn't let us leave the living room till he fell asleep. In the morning we were awakened by the sound of giggles and ghost busters.
After a Lucky Charms and blueberry muffin breakfast, Lacie joined us for a "nature walk". The highlight was a trail that runs into the golf course, but has a little river with bamboo trees.

I like it because for one short part of trail it reminds me of Paraguay. By the end of the walk I think everyone was ready for a nap.