Feels Like Today

"Feels Like Today" - Rascall Flatts

I'm feeling very much like these two right now.

I'm wrapped up in an over sized bath towel, comfy and warm and ready to get some sleep.

This vampire has turned into a professional snoozer.  And as unfamiliar as this new schedule is to me, I cherish every bit of it.  It not only gives my body strength, but it continues to restore the hope and faith within me.

My second bloodwork appointment was on Thursday morning - 6 days after my first one. 

There were a good 4-6 hours standing between the time I left the doctor's office and the time I'd receive the call.  It was in the back of my mind all day, but an impromptu walk downtown with my friend, Kim, on the damp and dreary day, quickly set me in a more positive mindset.

I think I asked her about 58 times if she thought the call back was going to be a good one.  Every time she replied, "Yes, this is it, Maria...it is."  And deep down I believed it too.

It was just mustering up enough courage to answer the phone when it rang hours later that was weighing heavy on me.

I came home and tried to nap on the couch.  I was in and out of sleep...the kind where you close your eyes and in 3 seconds, start having the most absurd dream and then wake up, only to fall back and start an even more demented one.

And somewhere mid-afternoon, my phone rang.  And I shot up, took a quick gulp of water to help take away the dryness in my mouth, and I answered - my heart beating through my chest, fist clenched around my water bottle, crushing it in the middle.  I felt dizzy.  I knew that in less than 5 seconds I would learn crucial news...

News that could take my heart to one of two extremes.

Either my hcg doubled appropriately in the past 6 days, or it did not. The nurse had told me earlier, she wanted to see my hcg somewhere close to 600.

Her cheerful first words came through the phone like music to my ears.

"Maria, it's Lisa, Guess What?!"

I could sense excitement and happiness and my heart raced faster.

"You know I wanted to see your hcg somewhere near 600?!"

"Welllll, it was 1,258!"

"And your progesterone went from 15 to 27."

"All of us are so happy for you!  Now, call Steve, relax and you enjoy your weekend, hun."

I sat frozen.  Amazed almost.  Like I was back in my nap, but only I was having the sweetest of dreams.  I wanted to cry but I couldn't.  All I could do was repeat thank you over and over again. 

(ps-about 734 people think it's twins.  my gut says one or maybe two.)

Something came over me as soon as I got off the phone.  I can't truly put it into words.  But I guess it's because it's something I've never truly experienced after such an important appointment.  

 I feel full. 

 Full of hope and strength.

And faith.

When all you know is one way,  and then you finally get that first taste of the other way...

It's so surreal and such a beautiful feeling.

These past few days carried me to a new place of peace.  It really hit me Friday night when I was alone with my thoughts getting ready for bed.  I had a good and grateful cry. I just feel it in my bones...

This is good.

Love continually poured into our weekend...

A day spent with Miss Chloe

tweeting...#munchkinofgoodcheerchillinwithmimi

 

I just wanted to hear her say "chooooes"

We made an apple/pizza/cucumber/hamburger/french fry stew. It was delicious. 

Chloe got out her doctor kit and immediately started my check up. 

she took my blood pressure.

She sometimes points to my belly and asks me if there's a baby in there, because her Mommy has one in hers.

It felt amazing to say yes this time.

Dr. Chlo Chlo gave baby Marino an A+

***

My mom, Steve, my brother, and I went into town for First Friday to see if we could win us some tickets for our country station's anniversary show.

#417, 418, 419 and 587 weren't so lucky.

Looks like we will be hoppin' around for some winning numbers.

Hi mom.

A double dose of this bunch <3

Chloe couldn't wait to share her sorbet with Steve.

<3

Next stop, Mexican food!

Senorita Debbie

I've missed you, enchiladas mole

My mom spoils her grandkitties.

These boys had a fun filled day at Cigar Fest. 

lazy mornings

***

We took a drive to Baltimore today to meet Jamie and Leslie's beautiful new addition...

Parker

She loved Steve.  He was the baby whisperer.

I don't know if you know this...

but I love babies.  I love holding them.  I love burping them.

I love kissing them. (so much, that if you notice, my lipstick stained is on poor Parker's head, to the side of her ear.)

Leslie snapped it right at mid-yawn :)

Tilly was a bit jealous.

We are so thrilled for these 3. <3

***

When I wake up, I will be 5 weeks and 4 days pregnant.

We have our first ultrasound today.  Just typing that gives me butterflies.

It's still early, but we will be able to at least see the gestational sac.

I don't feel scared.  I don't feel anxious.

I feel something incredible happening, and...

"It feels like today."

Lovin' Each and Every Day,