Hope for All chapter 26
Tony and Angela arrived home later that Sunday afternoon. They spent the next few weeks in relative peaceful newlywed bliss. Their surprise engagement/wedding was the talk of Fairfield for the next few weeks. Even Joanne Parker couldn't find a harsh word for the couple, at least one that anyone who could see how in love they truly were with one another could believe. They enjoyed having all of their lives out in the open- no longer having to hide their feelings, their love, their relationship and finally her pregnancy.
Angela started to feel the babies' flutters about two weeks after the wedding. She knew what to expect, but she was still taken back by the weird feeling. It made her feel at ease to feel the babies move. They had decided to do the amniocentesis, Angela's practical and planning side winning out- it really didn't take much convincing on Tony's part as he knew it made sense to know if anything was wrong as early as possible. They were both over the moon when the doctor's office called a few days after the procedure stating both babies appeared to be very healthy. They spent the rest of the evening in bed celebrating the good news.
Tony and Angela arrived at her eighteen week doctor's appointment. While only in her fifth month, she was starting to have difficulty getting up and down. Tony's overprotective nature continued to kick in and he made sure he was there whenever she needed him, and most times when she didn't as well.
"You ready to see more of these kids? You think they will let us know who they are today? They've been modest in all the other sonograms. You still want us to find out but keep it a secret right?" asked Tony as he rubbed her growing belly.
"Yes I really want to know but I like the idea of it just being us that knows, like our little secret. Everyone will know soon enough! You still think it's one and one?" she asked.
"I think so or two girls. The way you were so sick in the beginning convinced me that at least one of them is a girl. Okay you two, Mommy and Daddy have been very patient but we want to know more about you! Let us see who you are okay? If not this time, definitely the next one in a month! We want to know!" he chuckled as he continued to rub her belly.
"Mrs. Micelli?" the nurse called as Tony helped her up. They walked to the room, where Angela's vitals were taken. She knew it was normal and healthy to be gaining weight, but she had gotten to a point where she could no longer look at the numbers on the scale. She knew it was temporary, but her insecurities coupled with her ever present hormones fueled her negative self-talk. She reasoned looking at the scale would only make her feel worse and if there was an issue, her doctor would say something.
She was able to easily give a urine sample and more bloodwork was taken before she was helped onto the table for the sonogram. The gel felt cold on her stomach as the doctor placed the wand over her belly. The first baby came into view. They were at the stage where only their profiles could be seen at one time on the screen.
"Okay well Baby A is right here, measuring right on schedule at around 6 1/2 inches and I'd say about 7 ounces. Everything looks good, heartbeat is nice and strong. Did you say you wanted to know the sex because I think I can get a pretty good view. I can always check the amniocentesis results to confirm. So you ready?" asked the doctor.
"Yes we are!" said Angela as she grabbed a tighter hold of Tony's hand.
"Okay then, well Baby A is almost definitely a boy! Congratulations!" he said as he moved over to Baby B.
"Alright! A boy! Angela a boy! Little Tony Jr!" said Tony excitedly as Angela couldn't help but laugh at Tony.
"Tony Jr? Is that up for debate?" she laughed.
"Eh oh, oh eh! Just a working name!" he chucked.
"So here's Baby B right here. Looks a little smaller than Baby A but not by much. That's pretty common for twins. We will continue to monitor this little one just to make sure they don't fall behind but it looks like around 6 inches and about 5 1/2 ounces. Heartbeat is nice and strong and within the normal range. You ready to learn Baby B's gender?" asked the doctor.
Angela's mind was racing with thoughts of something being wrong with the baby and didn't hear the doctor's words. Tony could sense Angela's apprehension and answered for them both.
"Yes we are" said Tony.
"Okay, well it looks like your son has a sister because from what I'm seeing Baby B is a girl! I'm going to double check the results from the test to confirm the genders. Let me print out some sonogram photos and then I'll double check the results and then we can meet again in my office" he said as he finished up and walked out of the room. The technician cleaned off Angela's stomach and Tony helped her off the table. She got dressed and headed with Tony into the next room to meet with the doctor. They hadn't spoken since the sonogram.
"So everything looks very good. Your bloodwork is coming back good, your vitals remain in normal ranges and the babies are developing very well. You mentioned at the last appointment you've started to feel flutters. Have you felt any kicks yet?" asked the doctor.
"Lots of flutters, especially this week but nothing felt on the outside yet" said Angela softly as she rubbed her stomach on the side where Baby B was lying. Tony was watching Angela and knew what she was doing.
"It's still early though right? We still have a few more weeks I thought" said Tony with slight apprehension in his voice.
"Yes it's still a bit early for feeling kicks and outside movements. It will be at least another month or so, usually not before 22 weeks. So I checked the results and it is definitely a boy and a girl! Everything looks good, I don't have any concerns right now. Do you have any questions?" he asked.
Tony looked over at Angela, who still seemed distracted. He knew he needed to voice the concerns they were both feeling.
"I know you said both babies looked healthy but Baby B is a bit smaller than Baby A. If I don't ask this now, I know both of us are going to be worried until the next appointment. Should we be concerned she's smaller?" he asked as he grabbed hold of Angela's hand and gave it a slight squeeze.
"Look, I can't tell you not to worry, you are having twins and it's going to come with the territory. Nothing I see is causing me concern okay? These are just estimates of height and weight. Babies are born all different sizes and twins are no different. If Baby B continues to grow just like she's been doing, there's no issues. This is why we see mothers of multiples more often, to make sure things are going okay. If it was just Baby B, we wouldn't be having this conversation because she is healthy and in range. You can take a deep breath you two!" he said with a laugh.
Angela let out a slight laugh and the breath she didn't know she was holding in. Tony was able to smile as well.
"Ok I'll try not to worry. Do you think it would be safe to still fly? Or take a longer car or train ride? We've been thinking about getting away for a honeymoon and I wanted to know what would be safe and for how long" asked Angela.
"I think you would be most comfortable flying given the babies' sizes and placement on your bladder. I would say up until 25 weeks with multiples should be perfectly safe. Keep in mind you don't want to overdo it wherever you go, take breaks whenever you need them and stay hydrated. Other than that, have a great time wherever you go!" said the doctor.
"Okay thank you doctor" she said as she and Tony exited the room. Once outside, Tony pulled her into an embrace and placed a deep, passionate kiss on her lips. She welcomed the kiss by parting her lips and allowing his tongue the entrance it so demanded. Finally pulling back for air, he leaned his forehead up against her own, gently rubbing her back with his hands.
"So can I take my beautiful wife and my strong, healthy son and daughter out for lunch?" he asked as he rubbed her stomach.
"I think the three of us are free!" she laughed as he helped her to the car and into the passenger side of the car. He drove to a diner not too far from the house. Before getting out, he leaned over and placed both hands on her stomach.
"Hello babies it's Daddy! Thank you for being cooperative in there today! You made Mommy and I very happy to know you are a he and a she! More importantly, you both are happy and healthy in there. Keep growing big and strong because we both can't wait to meet you in a few months. Daddy and Mommy love you!" he said as he leaned down and kissed her belly.
"I was so worried there for a few minutes. Sometimes I just can't shake the dread, the worried feeling. Thank you for asking the doctor Tony. You know me and I would have been nonstop worrying about the baby. Our baby, our daughter Tony! And our son! I think I'm now just realizing it, as weird as that sounds!" she said as she rubbed the two spots where the babies were lying.
"I know Angela! How are we supposed to keep this a secret for the next five months? I want to shout it from every roof top!" he laughed.
Both laughing now, they got out of the car and headed into the diner. They were able to get a booth near the window and sat down. The waitress brought over menus and took their orders shortly afterwards. Tony reached across the booth and grabbed her hands, slowly rubbing circles over her knuckles.
"So what are you thinking about for the honeymoon? We still do have sometime for us to get away while we still can manage" said Tony.
"Now that we have the clearance to fly, I can really start planning. I have a lull coming up at work around the first week in May. It would be before your finals and I will be 21 weeks, still under the cutoff period to fly. I've got some ideas but I'm up for suggestions. Remember it's my turn to surprise you!" she said.
"It doesn't matter to me… I don't plan on us leaving our hotel room very often if you catch my drift…" he said with a smirk on his face.
"You know at some point, I'm going to be too big and uncomfortable and… unattractive for sex you know…" she said with some sadness in her voice.
"Eh oh, oh eh! If the doctor says no more sex, that's one thing. If you don't feel up to it, that's another thing… but being unattractive to me, that ain't happening Angela. We've been through this before but I'll say it again. I am 100% very much attracted to you- always have been and always will be regardless of what your brain tells you. As these babies continue to grow and get bigger, you become more and more attractive to me- that glow you have grows more and more each day. If it were up to me, I'd never let you out of bed!" he said with a smirk and a wink, causing her to laugh again.
"Ok well if that's all your input, then I'll start making some decisions. Anything you are completely opposed to?" she asked as she sipped her water.
"Only thing I'm opposed to is being without you Angela. I figure if we go somewhere cold, I can spend the time together with you wrapped in my arms by a warm, cozy fireplace. If we go somewhere hot, I get to see you in a bathing suit. It's a win-win scenario here!" he laughed as the waitress put down their food.
"You think I'm getting into a bathing suit at five, almost six months pregnant?" Ha!" she laughed as she started eating her food.
"Hey… a guy can hope can't he?" he said, taking a bite of his food as well. They finished their lunches, continuing to make conversations about work, school and other family matters. Once they were finished, they paid the bill and headed home.
The next three weeks went by rather quickly. The morning of their departure for their honeymoon, Tony finished getting the house prepared for them to be away for a week. It was the longest period of time he and Angela had been away from the kids and house together as a couple. They both knew the kids would most likely be fine with Mona checking in on them from time to time, but once Mrs. Rossini learned of their plans, she practically invited herself to stay the week to cook, clean and take care of the family. Tony and Angela were very grateful- Samantha, Jonathan and most of all Mona, not so much.
Tony finished putting the luggage into the taxi, which was waiting outside in the driveway. Angela would only let Tony know they were going to a warm climate. He headed back into house and glanced over his checklist one more time.
"Alright Angela let's hit it, let's move it, let's do it! Taxi is waiting!" he shouted up the stairs.
"I'm coming!" she yelled back down.
"Okay kids… and Mona. I've made a list of everything that needs to be done while we are away. The laundry, change the bed sheets, take out the garbage, water the flowers and another one or two things. Make sure everything is done before we get home, understood?" asked Tony as he gave them them each a copy of the list.
"Dad! This list is double sided!" yelled Samantha.
"Yeah Tony! What gives? This is ridiculous!" shouted Jonathan.
"Now, now kids. It's not so bad! We will make sure everything gets done on these lists. I know exactly where I'm going to put mine once they leave…" she said with just a hint of sarcasm.
Tony knew the lists would end up in the garbage if Mona had any say, so he made sure to leave an extra copy with Mrs. Rossini. Just then, the taxi cab honked the horn.
"Angela we have to go! C'mon!" he yelled as she came around the corner and down the stairs. The week before, she hit the twenty week mark and with it a marked decrease in her speed and ability to get around at a normal pace. She even developed a bit of a pregnancy waddle to her dismay as that hadn't happened with Jonathan until she was in her seven month.
"Okay I'm ready! Everything is in the taxi?" she asked as she turned to the kids and Mona to start saying her goodbyes. She was even more emotional these days so as soon as she started hugging them, the tears started to fall.
"It's alright dear we will be fine! Carmela will be here soon to annoy I mean help us out and with these helpful, insightful lists your husband so kindly made each of us, we will be busy the whole time you are gone. Now go and have a wonderful time!" she said as she tried to rush them out the door.
"Bye Dad, bye Angela! Have fun wherever it is you are going! I'll keep an eye on the dweeb for you" she said as she hugged them both.
"Hey! Why does everyone think I need to be watched? I'm thirteen now! Besides, which one of the three of us do you think will actually do any of the things on this list while you are gone?" he asked rhetorically.
"Good point!" Tony and Angela said at the same time. They said their final goodbyes and headed outside and into the waiting taxi. As soon as they were down the street and out of sight, Mona grabbed all three lists and tore them up.
"See you in a week kiddos. Say hi to Carmela for me!" said Mona as she walked out the back door. Samantha and Jonathan just looked at one another, rolled their eyes and went their separate ways, trying to get a little peace and quiet in until Mrs. Rossini would arrive.
The ride to the airport went smoothly. Tony was able get the luggage out and brought it to the curb. He tipped the driver and followed Angela into the airport. She headed to the ticket counter and handed the attendant their tickets. Tony tagged their luggage and put it up on the belt. Once they were done, they headed to security and then finally made their way to the gate.
"Miami? Alright Florida here we come!" Tony shouted.
"Yes Tony, Miami today but tomorrow we head out again. That part will still be a surprise!" said Angela as she sat down in one of the chairs.
"How about I get us some snacks and maybe some early lunch? We still have a half an hour until we board" said Tony.
"That sounds wonderful Tony. You know what I like! Make sure you get us some bottles of water for the flight… and some chips maybe and something chocolate please!" she said as her eyes lit up.
"I'll see what I can do Angela!" he said as he kissed her and went on his pilgrimage for all the things Angela requested. Soon, he was back with everything she asked and then some, knowing her cravings could change quickly. A little while later, they started boarding. They headed to the ticket counter and gave them their tickets. Angela had gotten a great deal on the tickets and was able to upgrade to first class. They made their way to their seats and put all their carry-on luggage in the overhead bins. Angela let Tony sit in the window seat so he could view the sights and allow her to get up for the increasingly frequent trips to the bathroom she knew she'd need to make throughout the trip.
As the plane taxied down the runway, Tony and Angela grabbed their hands together and placed them over her belly.
"Okay you two! Are you excited for your first flight? Your Mommy and Daddy love to travel but get a bit nervous at this part! I think you two will be experts at this, better than me I imagine! So just sit back and relax! Your beautiful Mommy has this whole trip planned out for us! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us!" he said as he gently rubbed his hand over her stomach.
Tony and Angela settled into the flight, cuddling into one another and snacking on the food Tony had purchased. They enjoyed the in flight entertainment, but shortly after the movie began, Angela fell asleep. Tony was able to get some rest as well and before they knew it, they were touching down in Miami.
"Alright sweetheart, I'll grab the carry-on luggage and we will head to the baggage claim. Where do we go from there?" he asked as he started pulling down the luggage.
"There should be a shuttle waiting for us to take us to the hotel. We have the rest of the day to ourselves. I made reservations for dinner. We have to be up a little early tomorrow to be where we need to be by 11am. You ready?" asked Angela.
"Lead the way!" he said as he followed her off the plane.