welcome to the world, baby girl!

Sophia Marie Frances was born on October 4, 2006.
She was induced because my doctor was worried that she was no longer thriving in the womb. Gino and I said a prayer to St. Francis of Assisi, as it was his feast day, and asked for his prayers for a healthy baby, speedy and healthy labor and delivery. She was born less than 5 hours after being induced!! Amazing!! She is beautiful and kissable and sweet smelling. Most days you will find me nursing her, kissing on any one of the kids... (I'm very affectionate/emotional these days)... or sleeping. Not much gets done around here, but that's okay!

39 weeks

Here I am! It is almost time... I have had contractions or, rather, good ol' false labor consistently for the last 2 days. Hopefully, it won't be long before we get to lay eyes on this sweet girl.

Thank you for all your prayers for a smooth labor and delivery and, most importantly, HEALTHY baby!!

God bless!

Hi there! I just wanted to update you on my pregnancy and our baby...

I was able to get a Level 2 sonogram last week, and the perinatologist assured us that our baby is growing healthy, and that my placenta and amniotic fluid level are healthy as well. He couldn't stress enough that this was one healthy- and petite - baby!! Praise God!!!

Today, I saw my OB doctor and he noticed I had a huge growth spurt! From 30" two weeks ago to 36" (measuring the uterus)!!! AMAZING!!! Anyhow, between the baby changing position (head down) and all that good rest and relaxation (hah!) we are progressing along. I want to thank you for all your prayers and calls of support and love. You have fed us, prayed for us, played with our kiddos and even cleaned for us! I am very humbled by all this attention and show of love. Thank you is not enough- we hold you in our prayers.

My official due date is Oct. 7, so we have a little more than 3 weeks to go! (or maybe a little less??- only time will tell!)

Again, thank you for all your prayers and love.

blessings!

Please pray for this little baby girl. I had my OB appt. today and doctor is concerned with her lack of weight gain. Basically, my placenta is not doing it's job. To say that I'm freaked out is an understatement. I'm on bedrest- doc's orders, and so hopefully my body can focus it's energy and blood on the baby.

My church's mother's group and the former retreat group are organizing some meals, and a schedule for the children for the next two weeks. That will be a huge help.

Mainly, what I need from you all are your prayers. Please storm heaven for our little daughter's healthy growth.

love,
rita/aka.veronica

my husband fulfilled my dreams tonight...

You see, I've had this fantasy of owning a Honda Odyssey for about 3 years. It was red for awhile- than it was colorless- and all about the space. Room enough to transport a friend and her kid if I needed to. Our family car has been the VW Passat. With two big car seats in the back, you can't fit anything (or anyone) else back there. Now with baby on the way, my husband has come to terms with our needing a larger vehicle.

I have to brag on him. I'm so proud of how he patiently pounded the pavement all day Saturday, than drove home with a van for me to "check out" that night. I loved it. But it had too many miles on it and we wanted to get the most out of our "new to us" used minivan. So, back to the dealership it went. And so went Gino, back to the dealerships. Today, he found it. An '04 with 32k miles. He whittled that price down to exactly what we could afford!!!! Leather interior. DVD player. super condition!

I am a very happy minivan mom!

Now, about that. I have been a VWpassat driver for over 5 years. I always figured that when I wasn't toting kids along, I had a secret image. People could mistake me for some hot-to-trot woman who went to a sophisticated job everyday. They might even wonder if I was available- because of that yuppy look...

But. No. MORE. I am now the driver of a minivan. I must have at least 3 kids and be married. Now I will have to settle for the "just another mom" with a mission (feed the kids and get to wherever on time) image.

That's okay. I'm really REALLY okay with that. Remember, I fantasized about this moment.

hometown

We live in Gino's hometown. Meaning, he's lived here since he was 5 years old. I am a military brat. Meaning, I never lived anywhere longer than 4 years. I've lived in Arizona, Panama, Texas (3 times, 3 different cities), California, Oklahoma, Ohio, Massachussetts... I think that's all of 'em. Going to college for my four year degree was the longest I stayed in one place- because it took 4.5 years.

So, what's my point? Well, it seems that most social things Gino and I do have to do with friends or colleagues of his. Now, granted, I'm a SAHM, so I don't have any colleagues that I see every day. Yes, there are plenty of SAHM that I am good friends with, and I would love to hang out with them more- but I'm afraid they're doing the same thing. Socializing with their spouse's peers.

I get the added bonus of socializing with one of Gino's friends that I see at a wedding shower... fast forward three years, and we get an invite to their two-year old's birthday party. I just have to ask- why oh why would you invite me and my family to your son's birthday party when I haven't seen you in three years- and before that, never??!! Or invited to a wedding of a friend that he knew in highschool, and hasn't seen since?? (15 years ago!)

I just don't get it.

So, I guess this comes down to this: this is my husband's hometown. He has childhood/elementary/highschool/college buddies that live around here. And they like to keep in touch. Which is sweet and all that....

Maybe I'm jealous. Maybe I yearn for that relationship with a deep or, at least long, past. Who knows. In the meanwhile, I'll try to get over myself and grin and bear it. Maybe someday we'll have lived here long enough (seven years so far) that I'll feel like it's my hometown. What makes your town feel like home to you?

Saturday

Lately, I've been in a pregnancy funk. Can you get ppd before the baby arrives? It's because my due dates are nearing and I'm confronted with the fact that I won't deliver between Sept 12-25, like originally planned with the twins. Now my due date is Oct. 7. Brutal.

And I just miss having baby Henry inside me.

And I wish we had a name for this little girl still alive and kicking.

I took the kids to the sprinkler park this morning. Gino had to work, and we were all going stir-crazy. I decided to forgo the support hose for this little outing, and we all got on our swimsuits. Sprinkler parks are a marvelous thing. Lots of different spraying gizmos on a soft pavement spewing lots of water. Very fun. Anyhow, there was a mom with a double stroller...and as she got closer, I could see two very very new babies reclined in the stroller-one in pink, the other in blue. I'm glad I was wearing my sunglasses. I felt so sad and incomplete and truly lost. It surprises me sometimes, the grief that I feel towards the loss of my baby. And yet... I still have a healthy, vibrant baby, growing inside.

happy friday

this morning I set a record in our family... out the door with both kiddos, dressed, eaten, and grocery list in hand!!! (trumpet sounds galore)
We were home by 10! Which is about the time I start thinking I need to get to the grocery store. It was a glorious feeling. And even better- the temp. was not yet 90!
So, I had a weird/sweet encounter with my bagger at the store. The Kroger's I like to shop at employs all kinds. There are a few, like my bagger today, who have downs syndrome. Ricky was very smiley as he carefully placed the food in the bags and loaded our cart back up. As we headed out to the parking lot, he just kept smiling and looking at my baby bump. He patted his stomach and said, "baby?" "yep," I said. Now, he is pushing a cart with all my groceries, and I am pushing the cart with my kiddos (the big SUV cart). We are walking side by side and he keeps walking towards me, while pushing the cart, and looking at my tummy, smiling. Than he reaches out- (oh no) he hesitates- comes closer- and pats my tummy. What can I do? I just smile, and say, "this baby's getting big!" I'm embarassed and caught off guard and touched by his genuine curiousity. Okay, so we get to my car, he is loading the food and I am loading the kids. I am in the middle of buckling my 3yo when he finishes, comes around the side of the car and says, "see you later". Than he pats my tummy again! This time he says, "beautiful"- in a kind of sigh. Very sweet. And this time, the annoyance I felt earlier, left me. Immediately I knew that he truly appreciated the preciousness of this life. I drove out of the parking lot reflecting on the beauty of him. And the beauty of this pregnancy.

relaxin

Yesterday was my birthday and it was such a great day. The kids came in and woke me up singing the birthday song- very cute to hear a 2 & 3 yr old sing this as they grin broadly! Gino picked up some pan dulce from a bakery, and my fave coffee drink. Than we just hung out outside, the kids played in the sandbox in their pj's while we read the newspaper and caught up with my neice, Angela, who had just returned from Israel and had spent the night. In the afternoon we all went to see Cars. Everyone enjoyed the movie, than we caught the 5 o'clock mass. The kids were tired, and we held them throughout the mass, which was kind of nice, because I could actually listen and pay attention. For dinner, Gino made Lamb kabobs! yummo! He also had couscous and grilled tomatos! gourmet man! I was very impressed! It was all very delicious. All in all, a sweet and relaxing birthday.

relaxin

Yesterday was my birthday and it was such a great day. The kids came in and woke me up singing the birthday song- very cute to hear a 2 & 3 yr old sing this as they grin broadly! Gino picked up some pan dulce from a bakery, and my fave coffee drink. Than we just hung out outside, the kids played in the sandbox in their pj's while we read the newspaper and caught up with my neice, Angela, who had just returned from Israel and had spent the night. In the afternoon we all went to see Cars. Everyone enjoyed the movie, than we caught the 5 o'clock mass. The kids were tired, and we held them throughout the mass, which was kind of nice, because I could actually listen and pay attention. For dinner, Gino made Lamb kabobs! yummo! He also had couscous and grilled tomatos! gourmet man! I was very impressed! It was all very delicious. All in all, a sweet and relaxing birthday.

Elephant birthday

I LOVE elephants. When I saw this ticker, while making the pregnancy one...well, I couldn't help myself!!!

ham & jelly

Hi! ... the kids just went down.

We played outside on the swings and got bit by 'squitos, so I sprayed them with OFF, than we went for a walk and they ran through some neighbors' sprinklers. Afterwards we came back inside and they requested ham and jelly sandwiches. (when asked, "peanut butter & jelly, or ham & cheese?) ~sigh~ so, we ate that while watching "Little House on the Prairie" (b/c the dining room table has all my sewing stuff out and I didn't feel like clearing it away).

Well naturally, the kiddos had to take a bath, to wash off all the OFF. The tub was filled and bubbles were poured. I was just getting comfortable, thinking, "I'll let them play a bit before I wash them", when Spikey observed Kiddo squirting a whale and squealing, "the whale is peeing!!!" Next thing I know, he is grabbing himself, and yes, peeing. (herein lies the dilema, do I just ignore - since it's all going to be diluted in that great big tub of water?) No!!! Of course not!!! So, I empty the tub and decide that they can shower. I turn the shower on, wash them up and get them out. Now Spikey is not happy about getting out. "NOOOOO!!!!!!" (adamently shaking his head) He runs into the hallway, pouting "hrmf!" than, yep, next thing I know, he is grabbing himself and peeing... AGAIN!!!!! ugh!!!!

Clean the hallway, wipe him down, get them dressed in pj's read many books, say our prayers and kisses goodnight!!! I would love to shower but I'm afraid to since they're not quite asleep yet. Guess I'll go back to measuring and pinning and sewing.

101

101 days left to go... that seems like forever right now.
Granted, I'm not ready- but still...
I'm going to whine for a minute, stand by:
I'm just huge! I'm only going to get bigger and bigger & bigger until I'm ENORMOUS!! And than I'm going to grow even more!!!!!!!

Okay, I think I've worked myself up to have a little pan dulce (that's sweet bread, y'all, like a pumpkin-stuffed empanada) from San Antonio.

back from the beach!

After a week of being a beach bum and poolside referee, I am back- with pictures!

Here I am (in the bikini- yep, my tummy's never been tighter~) with my sisters, Gina and Lora. Our favorite past time since we were learning to walk on the beach, is to sit in the sand and "glop" our legs and feet. It's all about the right consistency between sand and water that is glopped all over the legs and feet- resulting in very soft skin!!

And here is Lil' Lora putting her tummy out there with my baby brother, JP. Y'all will just have to believe me when I tell you, I'm bigger than she is.

Spikey is just not too sure about those loud waves. Even though the car is very hot, he is going to take his sweet time getting out.

Kiddo, on the other hand, just took to the water like a fish! or... mermaid.

Lots of family bonding, 14 of us in a little 1000 sq ft. condo. Cousins staying up late and waking up early 'cause they don't want to miss a thing. Lots of food and games- Mexican train, dominoes, of course. No sunburns! Just a few more freckles...

On sisters and bellies

Yesterday I spoke with my sister, Gina who recently went on a Womens' ACTS retreat in SA,TX. She sounded amazing. It was like a fire was lit in her heart, and a cup of warmth and heaps of love were added to her persona. She told me that it truly changed her life. She feels loved- by God. Truly loved exactly where she is spiritually, emotionally, physically. What a gift!

I pray that the spiritual high she is experiencing will carry her over into her new parish. She and her family are in the process of moving to FL right now. While this can be a particularly stressful time for most all of us, she is looking to new opportunities for her and her family. I'm so glad for her. (not to be Pollyannaish, sorry!)

I cannot wait to see her and my other lil' sister, Lora, who is flying in from Portland tomorrow. Lora is about 20 wks pregnant with her first bambino and it is so cute and exciting to see her grow and anticipate this little guy.

Whereas, being pregnant with my third, it is hard to be cute and excited about the growing belly. I catch myself resenting the hugeness that is taking over my body. Than I remember, this is LIFE! How can I feel any negativity towards the growth and movement of the little soul that rests in my womb?!

My friend, Jacquie, sent these beautiful words to me shortly after our miscarriage and I have written them in my heart.

Jozsef Cardinal Mindszenty (1892—1975):
“The most important person on earth is a mother. She cannot claim the honor
of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built
something more magnificent than any cathedral—a dwelling for an immortal
soul….The angels have not been blessed with such a grace.”

Back in the Saddle again...

Holding my reins once more... la la la... you know the rest...

After a brief and much needed hiatus from posting, but never from lurking, I am rejoining the world of bloggers. I miss the strange and oddly intimate companionship that one finds when one bears one's thoughts and feelings online. So, I'm going to just, in a wierd way, please-bare-with-me, catch up my blogger friends.

So. Hi! How are you? I haven't called, but I have thought about it so many times. I'm doing okay. I have my good days and bad days. After we lost one of our twins, I deleted the previous blog... not really wanting to associate myself with myself. Strange, I know. Anyhow, it's been a month and each day gets better. Except when I run into a friend who has not heard the news. Than it's really awful. Like a slap in the face.

"You don't look like you're carrying twins!!"

"I'm not- we lost one of our babies last month."

ackward pause...


if they're really smart, they'll stop right there with an,
"I'm so sorry, I did not know or I certainly would not have brought it up."

if they're really idiots they'll want to know all kinds of things about the loss, like what happens to the baby, or worse, how did the doctor tell us...

Now- I have some very close friends who absolutely asked me these things in the first few days. That is okay... I was still very much in a dense fog of grief and reliving those moments with our doctor constantly. But from someone that I haven't seen in 6 months?? In the middle of a party?

Anyhow, his name was Henry. I think we would have called him Hank. So, Hank is our special family saint in heaven. I ask him to pray for his twin sister every day- and the rest of us, too.

In re-reading my post, please know that I am ever-grateful for your prayers and I hope it's not weird or anything. I just needed to get that out there- because when last we talked... we were on the verge of twins.

So, now, I am 23 weeks along. Baby Girl is kicking and wriggling around. She is absolutely adored in utero by her big sister. Kiddo will come up to me with a cheese stick and say, "mama, my sister needs a snack, so eat this." or a glass of water saying, "mama, my little baby is thirsty, drink this." Today, she scolded me for lifting up her 2yo brother, Spikey. "Mama, you cannot lift him! That will hurt the baby!"

ay-yi-yi! so maternal at age 3.5!

So, right now... my house is a mess. It is driving me CRAZY. Dinner dishes on the table, food on the stove, toys scattered like a Spikey storm ran through them, and my husband... he's in his favorite chair watching his team, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Heat in the NBA finals. And me.. well, I'm spending some quality time online, of course!

Fe and Rika- y'all better get back in the groove and start posting your random thoughts.

I'm sure I probably lost the rest of my bloggin' buddies- but if you happen by- just give me a shout. It does so much for the ego.

Now, I'm going to try and make sense out of the mess around here, and than treat myself to some pistachio gelato that I bought for me alone and my Gino knows nothin' about it!! hee hee!! :)

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