Savor the Rewrite: Chapter 23 Savor the Veal Pt 2
Tony and Angela headed out the door to head to the Lamaze class. This was the earliest class they could get that fit into their busy schedules. It really should have been done a month or two earlier, but they figured better late than never. She still had a little over a month to go. Starting the following week when she hit thirty six weeks, she would be going for weekly doctor's appointments.
"Alright Angela! Let's get ready for this one's arrival!" he said as he helped her out of the car. They walked into the building and found the room, signing in with the nurse. Angela looked around at women much less pregnant than she was and some much younger. She instantly regretted waiting this long and was fighting the urge to turn around and leave.
"Tony, everyone in here looks barely in their second trimester, while I'm the size of a house!" she cried to him.
"Angela it's okay! We were both so busy with everything that it just got away from us but we are here now, that's what matters…" he said as he kissed her cheek.
"I know, I know. And I've been through this before… sixteen years ago but still. It will be nice to have a partner with me this time" she said as they found two chairs near the back.
"You mean Michael wasn't Mr. Support while you had Jonathan? I'm shocked!" laughed Tony.
"Once the contractions were close enough for us to go to the hospital, he basically left me at the hospital entrance with my bag while he parked the car. It was over an hour before I saw him again. I finally threw him out of the room until right before Jonathan was born. I'm pretty sure he was flirting with one of the nurses the entire time…" she said sadly as she remembered how abandoned she felt back then.
"What an idiot… you are bringing his child into the world! He should have been worshipping you, not acting like, like… like Michael Bower! Don't worry Angela, that's not happening again, I promise!" he said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, the other one finding it's home on her stomach.
"I'm assuming you were there for Marie or were you not allowed in?" she asked as her hand joined his on her stomach.
"I was actually on the road traveling in the minors when she was born. My dad called my manager who pulled me off the field to tell me Samantha was born. I was able to get on a bus that night from Chicago and got to Brooklyn around five in the morning. I had to wait to see Marie until seven when visiting hours started but I could stand outside the glass window at the nursery. I still remember the first time I laid eyes on Samantha. She was the most beautiful baby in the whole wide world" said Tony, the smile on his face bringing Angela to tears.
"That's beautiful Tony! So it looks like this will be our first in many ways…" she said as she leaned into his side. The nurse who was running the class announced it was starting as she handed out a stack of pamphlets about childbirth and infant care. Tony had brought a pen and notebook to take notes.
The nurse opened up the class with introductions of the staff, a rundown of all the topics to be covered and finally a chance for all the couples to introduce themselves. Tony and Angela were one of the last couples to speak.
"Hi! My name is Tony and this is my wife Angela. We are due to meet our bundle of joy in a little over a month. He or she will join our two older children, Samantha and Jonathan, both of whom are teenagers and almost out of the house" he laughed.
"Oh wonderful! Seasoned parents! We will be calling on your expertise I'm sure!" said the nurse as she moved on to the other couples.
"Seasoned is code word for old Tony…" whispered Angela as she had to reposition herself in the chair to get comfortable. Her back had started to hurt weeks ago and was starting to hurt sitting in the chair. Tony sensed her discomfort and began rubbing her back.
"Relax Angela! She didn't mean anything by it! We may be seasoned parents but that just means we have the experience and wisdom!" he whispered back. Angela just rolled her eyes as the nurse finished up the instructions and began the class.
They reviewed all the basic information on pregnancy throughout the second and third trimesters as well as the baby's development. She went over Braxton Hicks versus regular contractions. Tony couldn't write down what she was saying fast enough as Angela watched on with amusement.
"Tony slow down! I'll know the difference alright? It will be fine!" she said as she placed her hand over his, momentarily stopping him from writing.
"Are you sure Angela? It's been a while! Maybe you won't know!" he said as he moved her hand and scribbled some more information as the nurse put a pause in the presentation for a fifteen minute break.
"Thank goodness! My bladder is about to burst! I'll be right back…" said Angela as she got up and waddled her way to the bathroom. Tony made a list of questions he wanted to ask the nurse when it was the question and answer time. Angela came back over a few minutes later, opting to stand instead of sit.
"I've made a bunch of questions to ask the nurse. Is there anything else you can think of?" he asked her as he showed her the long list of questions.
"Do they hand out anti-anxiety medications to expectant fathers during labor?" she asked with a chuckle. She quickly stopped when Tony turned to her, looking very seriously.
"I'm just joking Tony! Look, ask any and all questions that you have if it's going to make you less worried and anxious. When the time comes, I'll know and we will get to the hospital in time to have a healthy new baby girl or boy" she said as leaned down and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Okay Angela… but I'm still asking my questions!" he said as he gave her a quick kiss. He got up and stood behind her, giving her a full back massage. Soon, the class started up again. The nurse discussed what to pack for the hospital for both parents as well as the baby. She reminded the fathers to eat something and to be well hydrated so that they could be there for the mothers.
"Write that down Tony- you need to remember to eat and drink something" she whispered to him.
"I'll be fine Angela! I'm going to be there for you the whole time" he said.
"I'll make sure I pack you snacks Tony" she said as they focused back on the conversation.
"Another reminder for the mothers to be. Once early labor begins, unless it progresses fast, try not to wake your partners if labor starts in the middle of the night, if at all possible. They will need their rest and from experience, they will probably be more of a hindrance than a help" she said with a laugh.
"Wait! If labor begins, I want Angela to wake me up! How can I sleep through it if she's in pain?" he practically shouted.
"Trust me, your partners will be okay for those few hours without you" said the nurse.
"Angela, you need to wake me the moment you feel anything off! I don't care what time of day it is! I'm going to be by your side the whole time!" he whispered to her.
"Yes Tony, I will wake you with the first contraction" she said with a patronizing voice.
The nurse started to discuss the complications of labor and delivery. Both Angela and Tony started to feel anxious as she described the different complications such as perinatal asphyxia, umbilical cord problems, placenta previa and placental abruption. All sets of eyes were glued to the handouts and the nurse, somehow hoping that if they paid attention hard enough, one of those horrible scenarios wouldn't happen to them.
"Alright everyone! Take a deep breath! The likelihood of something happening is minor compared to you delivering your baby safely. Okay, let's move to the final part of tonight's class, the breathing exercises" she said as she brought everyone to the other side of the room. There were mats on the floor and each couple had pillows with them. Tony helped Angela down to the floor, supporting her as she leaned back into his chest.
The nurse reviewed the different breathing techniques for each stage of labor and had them practice it for thirty second intervals. She taught the fathers different ways of supporting the mothers with massages and helping them focus on an object during the contractions. Soon, the class was over. Before they headed to the car, Tony had a chance to ask all his questions. The nurse was very patient with him and soon they were heading back to their car.
"So do you feel more confident now Tony?" she asked as she tried to get comfortable in the seat.
"Better than before Angela! Those complications scared me though! The thought of something happening to either one of you scares me more than you can imagine" he said as he took a hold of her hand.
"I know Tony. It scares me too but like she said… it's a greater chance that this baby gets here safe and sound without any complications. We just have to hold on to that" she said, hoping the words would calm her own nerves just as much as Tony's.
The next week, Angela hit thirty six weeks. She was cutting back on her work from home hours, only working for a few hours in the morning and then a few hours later in the afternoon, with a nap sandwiched in between. She had her weekly appointments now on Friday afternoons that Tony enjoyed taking her to now that school was done. He was still job hunting but had not found anything in the area.
Each week that passed brought them closer and closer to her due date. Angela was getting more and more uncomfortable, despite Tony's attempts to keep her comfortable and relaxed. He had brought her up breakfast in bed each morning and a cup of tea at night. Angela's nesting kicked back in as she made Tony double and triple check everything for the baby. By her thirty eight week appointment, the hospital bags were packed and ready with the installed car seat in Tony's jeep.
"I can't believe we have two weeks left! I can't wait!" said Tony as they waited in the room for her doctor.
"I can't either… I am so ready to be done being pregnant! I know we talked briefly months ago about having another one after this one, but I think I'm done!" she said as she tried to maneuver to a comfortable position on the examination table.
"Eh oh, oh eh! Remember, I am totally fine with this little one being our one and only! I've been trying to savor this experience as much as possible because I had a feeling we would be one and done! If we are blessed with another baby at some point, that would be great, but you two are all that I need…" he said as he rubbed her belly.
"How are you doing today Angela?" asked her doctor as he came into the room.
"Huge, exhausted and tired of being pregnant!" she laughed as the doctor began his examination. After a few uncomfortable minutes for Angela, he moved to do his measurements and hear the heartbeat.
"So the baby's heartbeat is in the normal range. He or she looks to be about six and a half, almost seven pounds. If you go the full forty weeks, I'd say they will be over eight pounds. Which brings me to my next point. You have started to dilate and are about two centimeters dilated. Have you been having any contractions?" he asked.
"Just some Braxton Hicks ones, nothing steady or consistent or getting worse" she said. She was a mixture of nervousness about possibly being in labor and excitement at possibly being done with being pregnant and having their baby here with them. Tony, on the other hand, looked like a deer caught in the headlights.
"Is she in labor? Do we have to go to the hospital? Would the baby be okay to be born this early?" asked Tony as he snapped out of it, panic taking over him.
"Thirty eight weeks is full term so barring any complications, the baby would be healthy. If there are no contractions, this isn't labor. It could happen today, tomorrow or still be weeks away. When the baby is ready to come out, you will know!" laughed the doctor.
"So what should she do? Go on bed rest? I don't want the baby coming yet!" said Tony as his breathing got faster.
"Relax Tony! No changes in movement or routine are needed. If anything and you wanted to move things along, I'd try long walks, spicy food, foot rubs and of course sex" said the doctor matter of factly as he finished with her paperwork.
"Thank you doctor. So if nothing else happens, we come back next week right?" she said as Tony helped her up and off the table.
"Exactly! Hopefully we see you at the hospital first!" he said as he headed out of the room.
"Look Tony, I'm not saying we have to try any of those things right now but by next week, I wouldn't mind giving some of them a go! The sooner this baby comes out, the better!" she said as she grabbed her purse.
"We'll see Angela…" he said as they headed out of the room.
Tony spent the rest of the day watching Angela like a hawk. He followed her like a lost puppy dog, practically being her shadow. Every wince she made trying to get comfortable caused Tony to overreact and panic. Finally, when he almost followed her into the bathroom, she put her foot down.
"Tony enough! You've been following me around everywhere, driving me nuts! Go find something to do Tony!" she shouted as she slammed the bathroom door in his face.
Dejected, but still anxious that labor was going to start any minute, Tony headed into the kitchen to start dinner. He ended up stress cooking, making about four dinners and three different kind of desserts. He froze some of the dinners to use once the baby was here. By dinnertime, both Tony and Angela were in better moods.
"I'm sorry I snapped at you before… I'm just so uncomfortable!" she said as she managed to sit in one of the kitchen chairs.
"I know sweetheart! I'm sorry I'm being overprotective but it's in my blood! I'll try and give you some space. Just make sure when you feel anything, you tell me okay?" he pleaded as he leaned down next to her.
"I will Tony… so what are we having for dinner? It smells like an Italian restaurant and bakery in here!" she said as she smelled the many different aromas.
"Tonight we will have chicken alfredo but I made a bunch of other meals that I froze for us for when the baby comes. I also made a bunch of desserts too…" he said as he showed her all her favorites.
"Oh Tony! Those look delicious! I can't wait for dessert!" she said as she eyed all the baked goods. Soon, the rest of the family joined them for dinner. Tony was finally able to relax a bit when it seemed like labor wasn't impending.
By the following week, Angela was still only dilated two centimeters and no signs of the baby making his or her appearance. Tony relented and agreed to start trying some of the ideas to get things moving. Fairfield was having an early 4th of July fireworks celebration down by the beach. Angela spent the day resting before the whole family headed down for the celebration. Tony and Angela took a long walk down the boardwalk before the show started. To her dismay, the only effect the walk had on her was to leave her exhausted even before the show began; despite the noise of the fireworks, she fell asleep on Tony's shoulder halfway through the show.
The next few days, they tried more of the doctor's suggestions plus things they had read and advice given to them by friends and family. Mona couldn't believe they hadn't just skipped right to sex, making her opinion known multiple times. Tony and Angela just rolled their eyes as Jonathan and Samantha made gagging noises.
4th of July came and went, the only excitement being the neighbor's fireworks display that went on until way past midnight. Just when Angela would get comfortable in bed and doze off, the fireworks would start up again, waking her up. Tony did his best to comfort her but pure exhaustion and irritability at being almost forty weeks pregnant did her in. Despite Tony's best attempts, by midnight, she had called the police on her neighbors for all the noise.
"You do realize we have to keep living in this neighborhood Angela…" he said when she slammed down the phone.
"Do they realize just how pregnant and irritated I am Tony? What if the baby was already here? He or she wouldn't be able to sleep through all that noise! Enough is enough!" she screamed as she headed into the bathroom for the fifth time that night, slamming the door shut.
"Oh this is going to be a fun next few days until this baby gets here! Please come soon!" whispered Tony in an almost prayer-like way.
Two days later, Angela woke up refreshed and energized, as much as she could possibly be in her condition. Today was her due date and she was ready for something to start happening, despite her doctor's appointment yesterday confirming nothing had changed.
"Today's d-day! July 6th, 1992! A great day to be born little one!" said Tony as he rolled over in bed and started talking to the baby.
"This baby needs to come today! We are going back and doing everything on that list to jump start labor again! A long walk, lunges, spicy food, a foot massage and your favorite… sex!" she said as she looked over at Tony.
"You don't have to ask me twice Angela! The past few nights have been amazing, even if it's not getting the job done, so to speak! How about we start with breakfast in bed?" he asked as he continued to rub her stomach.
"No Tony… I'm getting out of this bed and walking everywhere today! You think you can make me that pepper jack cheese omelet again?" she asked as she managed to get herself out of the bed and waddled to the bathroom.
"Sure sweetheart! Let me get started on it!" he said as he quickly got changed. He was downstairs working on breakfast when Mona and Jonathan came in.
"So today's the day! Is my grandchild ready to come meet us or are they being stubborn and pigheaded like their parents?" asked Mona as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
"The latter Mona and Angela is just miserable. We are going to try everything on the list again and hopefully something jump starts labor! I'm not sure how much more she can take! Or me for that matter!" said Tony as he finished an omelet.
"Is this one of those spicy ones you had the other day? I nearly lost all my taste buds with that! I think I'll pass!" said Jonathan as he made a disgusted face.
"The one and only! Here have some regular scrambled eggs. These are fireproof!" he joked as he handed him a plate. Samantha walked in the back door a few minutes later.
"Any baby news?" she asked as she sat down and grabbed some toast and juice from the table.
"Nothing yet but we are hoping today is the day! For all our sakes…" he said as he finished Angela's omelet as she walked in through the kitchen door.
"Hi Angela! How are you feeling?" asked Samantha as she got up to give her seat to Angela.
"Don't ask! I'm beginning to think this kid will stay in until college!" she laughed as Tony put her plate of food down in front of her. She put a ton of hot sauce and red chili pepper flakes on her omelet and started eating. Four sets of eyes watched her intently, not believing someone could eat something so spicy.
"Mom… how are you eating that?" asked a bewildered Jonathan.
"When you don't want to be pregnant anymore, you will eat anything, try anything…" she said as she went back to eating.
"So you start your new summer job today right Jonathan? You must be excited!" said Tony, trying to change the subject.
"Yes! I can't wait! Although if the baby comes, please come and get me! I don't want to miss out!" he said as he finished up his breakfast.
"We will come get you I promise!" said Angela.
"I think I better stay home too. Just in case you need me…" said Mona as she tried to weasel her way out of working.
"Nice try Mother! We have a new client starting today and you need to be there to help Jack and the team. Once this baby is ready to be born, everyone will be notified. Alright Tony, let's get started with the list again to get this baby coming!" she said as she waddled into the living room.
"Good luck Tony! You're going to need it! I can see if Jack is hiring at the office…" said Mona with a laugh as Tony just shook his head and took Angela's dishes to the sink.
"I wouldn't want to be you today Tony! Have fun!" said Jonathan as he grabbed his lunch and headed off to work.
"Don't worry Dad… it won't be so bad…" Samantha started to say as she was interrupted by Angela yelling for Tony to hurry up from the other room. "Or I could be wrong…" she said as she took the rest of her breakfast to go and headed out the back door with Mona in tow.
They spent the rest of the day trying everything they could think of to start labor, with no success. By late afternoon, they were hopeful when she had a stronger than usual Braxton Hicks contraction but the excitement was short lived when nothing more happened.
The next day was officially the first day she was considered overdue. Everyone in the family knew better than to point out the obvious but to outsiders who were unaware of the words overdue and still pregnant being trigger words for Angela, they were met with her fury. The mailman, delivery boy and poor Ernie were all victims of her wrath. She actually made the mailman cry.
"Sweetheart, how about I draw you a nice bath? I'll use your favorite scents and it will help you relax! Maybe even so much that this little one will want to come out!" he said as he rubbed her stomach.
"How am I getting in and out of the tub Tony? I doubt I'll even fit!" she cried as she burst into tears.
"I will help you in and out of the tub! I think it will do you good to de-stress! C'mon… what do you say?" he asked cautiously as he wiped her tears and started rubbing her back.
"Okay Tony… you will have to help me though!" she said as he helped her up the stairs. Soon, she was relaxing in the bathtub, listening to her classical music. Tony gave her some space as he headed into the bedroom, collapsing on the bed. He was able to rest for about fifteen minutes when Angela called for help getting out.
"How was that sweetheart? Nice and relaxed?" he asked as he helped her into her bathrobe.
"Oh yes… that was perfect Tony! How about we have a nice, quiet dinner in bed? I really don't want to get changed again…" she said with a yawn.
"Sounds good to me! Maybe we can put on a movie and cuddle…" he said as he helped her into bed.
"I'd love that! I think I'm going to rest for a bit if that's alright" she said as she laid down on the pillows, falling fast asleep within moments. Tony quietly left the room and headed downstairs to start dinner. Once dinner was served and then consumed, the movie chosen and put into the VCR, the two of them found themselves fast asleep before the opening credits finished.
Angela managed to get a six hour stretch of sleep in to her surprise and woke up around three thirty. She waddled to the bathroom to empty her very full bladder, returning shortly to bed. Just as she was about fall back asleep, a gripping pain shot through her abdomen causing her to sit straight up and grab onto her stomach.
To be continued…