Heart

 Hello, August!

I welcome this month with a happy heart.  Peace.  Relief.  And always hope and faith.

On Monday, at exactly 6 weeks, we went in for our second ultrasound.
I was nervous. More than I anticipated.
I had some very minimal light brown spotting on Saturday and a bit on Sunday.
I cried but remained calm at the same time. The fact that I didn't get too worked up helped me realize that deep down, I knew everything would be alright.

And with the reassurance of sweet friends (and their similar stories), I gained more confidence.



I woke up on Monday.  Took an extra long shower.  And allowed myself a few extra minutes until I got out of my car to meet Steve.  It wasn't more than five minutes later that we were headed back for our ultrasound.

Steve was so collected over the weekend.  He held it together and assured me I would be fine.
It was pretty cute (and funny)...He followed me to the bathroom all Saturday and Sunday to see if I had any more spotting. And that's what's cute - he says he isn't nervous, but he shows it in little ways that make me smile 
And when the door closed to the exam room, and I dropped my pants and hopped on that table,
I looked over at him standing to the left of me and said "You're a little nervous now, aren't you?"
He gave me his face that lets me know the answer is yes as he took a deep breath.
We both took a deep breath.  This was a huge moment - knowing that we were supposed to see a heartbeat.  Knowing that out of my seven past pregnancies, I've only seen a heartbeat once before (almost 2 and a half years ago).



Steve grabbed my hand.  I wasn't sure if I would be able to see the screen right away.
 So, I invented a little code - One squeeze meant good.  Two squeezes meant bad.
 And then the nurse came in and started.
I could see the screen perfectly.  I saw immediately, that the gestational sac was so much bigger than it was a week ago.  And that's when the nurse turned the screen so close to me.


There it was.  A tiny little bean.  With a beautiful flickering heartbeat.


She kept the screen on that image for a while. 
Steve didn't give one squeeze.  Or two.  Instead, about 20 in a row, as he bent down and kissed my head.
I felt a giant tear fall down the right side of my face and onto the bed.
I felt so relieved.
I felt a new sense of hope.
I felt so thankful.


Our doctor said spotting was very common for this stage in pregnancy,
and I am happy it hasn't returned.


Everyone keeps saying "This is it."
And you know, I believe it more than ever.
<3<3<3

Baby Marino already has a few nicknames.

"Beano Marino" is my favorite so far. (Yeah, I know, Beano is a pill that helps reduce gas.  But, how perfect for a Taco Bell lovin' girl like me?!)

Our next appointment is next Thursday.

Afterwards, I treated myself to a cup of decaf at Starbucks.

And  took some 6 week bump shots.

Twinkie was a little photobomber.  I think he wanted some bump shots too.

As for symptoms, I haven't had morning sickness so far.

But after I eat - at night, especially, I sometimes feel my stomach turn.  I get very bloaty.  Like, I look like I'm 16 weeks pregnant kinda bloaty.

But that doesn't stop me. I've been eating like a champ. And sleeping like one.  Naps are popular.  And so is a healthy 8-10 hours of sleep at least five nights a week - A huge success for this vampire.

And the dreams...well, they have been crazy as ever.  Forget about the ones I mentioned in my last post.  Friday night, I dreamt that I was outside in the woods and a brown pig made of chocolate walked up to me and asked me to hold him.  Yes, a talking chocolate pig. Mr. Piggie was wearing a bright green beaded necklace.  And, yes, I did hold him.  And no, I didn't eat him.

My friend, Jen, said "Leave it to you...of course farm animals would wear jewelry in your dreams!!"

:)

I wonder what Muffin's dreams are made of?

***

I hope everyone has a great start to August!

I'll be back after the weekend.

It's gonna be a wonderful first week of the month. <3

Heartfelt Lovin',