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thedragonsden · 4 years ago

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Broken Glass - Chapter 5

As the weeks towards the wedding started to fly, Emilia and Maria realized how much planning went into everything and the stress that came with it. Their days started off rather slow because Maria was starting to experience morning sickness, Emilia was spending more and more time at her grandmother’s just to be there to help with everything going on. “Ugh, oh god!” Maria moaned, “When will it stop?”, her face down in the toilet. “I’m assuming in about another month or so, though I have little experience with birth.” Even though her tone was serious, Maria stifled a laugh. “What?” “You just make me laugh Eve, that’s all.” Emilia brought her a warm cloth and helped her sit down, “Thanks, I’m really glad you decided to stay.” “At least until the big day, you shouldn’t have to worry about all of this and Nan on your own.” Emilia smiled, slowly rubbing her back. “Well, it’s appreciated either way. Frank has been surprisingly helpful as well, it’s just a lot of work to do before he leaves again.” Emilia nodded. “Which reminds me,” Maria sat up and turned to her, “I know it’s one thing after another, but after the wedding I could really use your help to plan a going away party for Frank and Billy.” Emilia groaned, “Planning your wedding is one thing, I’m happy to do that, but why a going away party?” Maria gave a shy smile, “Well, when Frank and Billy leave, they’re usually gone for months at a time. Frank told me this morning that they had received orders on their next mission, so they’ll be gone for about 8 months. It’s just to wish them well, give them a taste of home before they leave again.” Emilia crinkled her nose, regret became her as she went to fetch Maria a warm cloth, she’d almost forgotten what it was like when Frank left. Maria would come over more than usual whenever he was away, the two of them trying to come up with ways to pass the time. Just being with someone other than Nan was helpful, but some days were still harder than others, and this time, she’d be pregnant. “I’m sorry Maria, that was inconsiderate of me. I don’t know why I said that. I’m happy to help you plan a going away party.” Maria embraced her from the side, before laying her head in Emilia’s lap. As she started to stroke her hair, Maria looked up at her, “That’s okay Eve. I know spending time with Bill is your favourite pastime, but he is part of our family.” Emilia shuddered at the mention of Billy Russo. They were right about him being handsome, but as she started to see him more often with all the planning left to be done, he was still just a prick with a nice face. Every so often she would overhear Frank and Billy talking about the latest bar escapade or debating who his date would be to the wedding. She didn’t know why it had bothered her so much, perhaps it just seemed disrespectful? She wasn’t a fan of ‘locker room chatter’. When he wasn’t rambling about how the last one didn’t please him, he was trying to convince Emilia to buy him a drink. That was her least favourite of it all. “I know, we’re all he’s got…well, you and Frankie, I’m not part of that.” She said slyly. “Once I become Mrs. Frank Castle, you will be.” Emilia pretended to gag, “Ugh, don’t remind me.” They both laughed, then there was a knock at the door. “Come in.” Frank was standing at the door with seltzer water, saltine crackers, and a bouquet of flowers. “How are you feeling this morning?” He smiled nervously. “Better knowing you’re nearby.” Emilia helped Maria to stand, nodded to Frank and then slipped out of the room. She went downstairs to make coffee, only to find that some was already being brewed. Just when she was about to run up and thank Frank, she heard a shuffling in the living room. “Frankie said you’d need it. You’re welcome,” that familiar taunting lingered in her mind. “Thank you,” She called through gritted teeth, though she wanted to be grateful, his tone set her on edge. “You definitely sound like you need some.” Billy called back. Emilia didn’t answer, she could hear Frank and Maria coming downstairs. Billy seemed to have notice as well because by the time they’d reached the bottom, they were all in the kitchen. “So, after some coffee, how about we go down to the baker’s and sample those cakes?” Frank smiled. “I forgot it was cake day!” Billy said excitedly. “I just told you that in the car.” Frank grumbled. Maria and Emilia shared glances and rolled their eyes, “I could definitely go for some cake! This one keeps restricting my diet.” “You can have all you want at your wedding, but until then, my little niece or nephew needs to eat good food.” Emilia gushed, before playfully rubbing Maria’s belly, “Too much unhealthy food leads to being like that one.” She pointed behind her at Billy, whose mouth dropped open in offense, the bagel he was eating dropping to the floor. “Well I never,” he began in rebuttal, but Frank cut him off. “You know she’s right Bill, you’re starting to put on some weight.” Billy folded his arms in protest as they laughed at him. Frank slapped his back causing him to release his arms. “Could still best you in a fight Frankie,” he hissed. “Oh, I bet you could. Ready to go?” He dismissed Bill and turned to Maria, already grabbing her purse. “I’ve been looking forward to cake day for weeks. Let’s go!” Maria insisted, starting to nudge Frank and Emilia out of the door. Once they arrived at the bakers Maria’s mouth started to water, her eyes enlarging at the sight of the various cakes. She and Billy seemed to have the same thought because Emilia had run into him. “Don’t tell me that you’ve forgotten how to walk.” She teased, nudging past him. “Does the aroma not bother you? How will we decide? There’s so many.” He licked his lips. Emilia scoffed, “Put it away junior. Besides, we’re only here to offer support, ultimately, Maria and Frank have final say.” Billy shot Emilia a glance, “Remind me not to invite you to my cake tasting.” “Don’t worry Bill. I’ll be long gone before you settle down.” She passed him and confirmed their reservation with the woman at the front desk. Then went to check in with Frank and Maria, who’d gotten her a chair to sit at. “Can I get you anything?” Frank consoled her with a hand resting gently on her thigh. “Maybe a glass of water, I feel a bit – queasy.” Maria covered her mouth. “Frank will you see if they’ve got any seltzer? I’ll take her to the lady’s room.” Emilia helped her to stand again. Leading her away from the main room. Billy came around the corner and frowned as they passed, “Are we leaving already?” “Watch our bags, Frank will be back in a moment.” Emilia called. “Yes mum.” He said, sticking out his tongue. Emilia didn’t have time to respond as Maria had knelt beside the toilet and began to cough. Emilia locked the door and went to hold Maria’s hair, gently massaging her back. When nothing happened, Maria sat up, tears in her eyes. “Maria? Are you alright?” “Did you see the frill on the tiered cake in the window? It was p-periwinkle.” She began to sob. “Come again?” Emilia knelt beside her. “The c-cake in the window, it was p-periwinkle.” Maria said louder, her cries filling the room. “Is that what this is about? The colour of the cake in the window?” Maria nodded, burying her head in her hands. Emilia laughed, “Do you want your cake to have a hint of periwinkle, Maria?” Maria nodded furiously, not looking up at her. Emilia laughed even harder, “Periwinkle it is.” Maria looked up and hugged her leg. Emilia gave a few soft rubs to her back before lifting her chin. “Best wash up now, Frank is probably worried. Bill seemed quite upset that he wasn’t going to get any cake. That is, if you still want some.” Maria smiled, “Can we try-” “The periwinkle? I’m not sure what blue tastes like, but yes. I’ll tell her to add it to the list.” Playfully rolling her eyes, Emilia helped her to stand. After they cleaned up and went back to the table, they saw Billy ogling the cakes in front of them. Frank stood as soon as he caught sight of Maria, “Everything okay?” They both nodded. “Could we get a sample of the periwinkle, tiered, in the window?” Emilia asked when she waved down their guide. After several cake filled hours, Billy was face down in the last bite he’d taken and Frank and Maria we’re explaining the final design that they wanted. “And you said a hint of the periwinkle?” The planner asked, taking notes. Maria clapped her hands together with glee, “Oh please!” “Alright then, I think that’s everything. Will one of you be coming to pick it up the day of?” “Yes, Bill here will. Hey! Bill,” Frank had slapped him on the back, causing him to bolt upright.

“W-what?” He murmured, the plate still stuck to his face. Frank sighed, “You’re in charge of getting the cake Saturday.” “Oh, yeah! Whatever you need man.” He said groggily. Maria and Emilia burst into laughter. “Something on my face?” “Well, er, yeah actually.” Emilia said between laughs. Waking up enough to feel the coldness of the icing and plate on his face, Billy gasped. Removing the plate, he rushed off to the bathroom. “Poor chap. He’s never been ugly before has he?” Emilia teased. “Nope. They call him Billy the beaut for a reason.” Frank snickered. “Only you call him that Frankie.” Maria said, kissing his cheek. He shrugged, “Either way, the cake definitely isn’t his look. “I dunno,” Emilia chimed in, “I think the cake makes him prettier.” Trying to control their laughs before he came back, Frank and the planner settled the details and the samples were taken. Some time had passed before Billy had rejoined them, when he did, his face was clean, and his hair slicked back. Certainly, now he looked more awake. “Enjoy your nap bill?” Frank smirked. Displeased, but trying to regain his ego Bill retorted, “Yes, it was quite sweet. You were in my dreams again Eve.” Emilia made a gagging noise, “The only sweet thing I enjoyed about your dreams Russo, was the sheer displeasure at your face covered in icing.” Billy stuck his tongue out at her, “Alright you two, lets go.” Maria said stepping between them. “Gladly, I could go for a salad.” Emilia said, slipping out of the door.

#thepunisher #frankcastle #billyrusso #brokenglass #punisheroc

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kurtwarren54 · 4 years ago

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Pregnancy 2 // First Trimester

Figured I would do an update on how the first trimester was for Baby 2! Things have been different and more intense the second time around! Excited to share the details with you below.

WEIGHT GAINED

I haven’t tracked my exact weight for JUST the first trimester but at my 16 week appt I had gained 9 pounds which my dr said was normal and on track! I will say the pounds started packing on WAY faster this second time around. Almost to the point I was freaked out. But you have to think that everything is growing and taking shape faster and as long as I am on track with my doctor I am feeling great. It is always also strange coming off fertility treatment into pregnancy because I am not fully myself. I had been doing fertility medication for almost a year and that always adds some start weight. But, like I said, it’s all part of my story. All part of my process. And honestly, the fact that I am here, it all doesn’t matter. I am so grateful to be pregnant and have a healthy baby!!

HOW I’M FEELING: PHYSICALLY

Nausea

GOOD GOD. My nausea was 10x worse this time around. At 6 weeks, I went on diclegis prescription for nausea and took 2 pills at night. Despite being on meds, I still struggled through most of my first trimester with extreme nausea. Luckily I did not have vomiting but man… the nausea was REALLY bad. To be honest with you, none of the “tricks” worked for me either. Sure snacks, small meals, ginger, etc etc but nope. Massive unrelenting nausea. The hardest part about it is that being the mom to a toddler means you don’t have the luxury of resting like you do as a first time pregnant woman. Having to take care of an active child while struggling with feeling ill is miserable. I have to thank Blake for pretty much taking over the minute he would be done with work to help me as I was doubled over on the couch. It was rough. And rough knowing just how long the first trimester is. What I did make sure to do was ALWAYS have a snack in the mid afternoon. If I didn’t have some kind of snack between 2-4pm, I would be even more miserable. Saltine crackers were always on my nightstand along with bold chex mix, and goldfish.

Growing pains

I experienced some more intense round ligament pain in my groin area this time around. I noticed it mostly at night. Especially when I needed to lawn, or sneeze or make a bigger movement I would get a twitch of pain from it.

Pregnancy Brain

Like my first pregnancy, pregnancy brain is a REAL THING. I swear the moment I got pregnant my brain turned to mush. It’s hard to explain but I can’t remember anything to save my life. Lol!

Exhaustion

I was a new level of tired being pregnant and chasing a toddler. Truth be told being in a pandemic didn’t help either. Not being able to take him places etc. I was very tired but the sickness bothered me more than being tired.

Constipation

Sorry if that’s TMI but wow the constipation was bad this time around. The first month or two was tough and I know it also has alot to do with how much progesterone is in my body. Since I wasn’t drinking coffee after my transfer right away, it was extra tough. I always feel like coffee gets me moving. HA! I know. So much TMI. You’re welcome.

Baby bump

This time around I feel my belly popped out a lot sooner! At 14 weeks I feel I had a tiny little bump. I am sure I will look back and be like, WOW that wasn’t much of a bump but it’s when I felt there was a defined transformation.

HOW I’M FEELING: MENTALLY

I think similarly to my first pregnancy, after so much loss (with each of our failed embryo transfers) you keep waiting and holding your breath as each week passes you by. Each week it’s own milestone. And you find yourself thinking, “Oh I will feel good once I hear the heart beat!” “Oh I will feel good when I hit the second trimester.” But really, I think there is always a sense of unease as you move through the process. I think it’s healthy to be a little bit nervous. It’s honest. I think things have just been more stressful with the fact that we are still in a global pandemic because of Covid-19. That has put alot of stress on us keeping our family safe during these times and staying as isolated as we can while also being aware of taking care of our mental health. We are very fortunate living where we do to be able to spend time together outdoors and that has been great for the mind and body. Really, I go to bed, and wake up every day just so damn grateful knowing that I am growing life and repeating to myself that I AM PREGNANT. And THIS IS OUR CHANCE. This is our miracle. It’s been such an emotional roller coaster to get to this point and really, despite any outside stressors buzzing around, I am just so grateful and smile so big everyday knowing that next Summer I get to make Otis a big brother.

WHAT I’M EATING

First trimester for me was CARBS. CARBS and MORE CARBS. Honestly most days I barely had an appetite because of how sick I felt but I know how important it was to nourish my body. So I would basically have to force myself to have my meals. ESPECIALLY when it came to dinner. I had no appetite at all at night. It was bad.

That being said, I didn’t have any coffee for weeks. First off because I avoid caffeine after my embryo transfer and didn’t feel comfortable drinking it until after I heard the heartbeat. At a certain point, when my nausea would allow in the am and I was in the mood for coffee, I started to drink it again. I started with decaf but then had some headaches and my doctor always encourages me to have 1 cup of caffeine to help with my headaches. What I was drinking and couldn’t stop was bubble water (or carbonated water) whatever you like to call it. I usually prefer lukewarm drinks but this pregnancy I was craving ICED COLD bubble water. We actually ended up getting this carbonated water maker and we literally use it EVERY SINGLE DAY. For some reason the cold bubble water just helped with my nausea believe it of not.

Thankfully eggs were a lifesaver for me and I could tolerate them. My favorite go to breakfast that didn’t make me want to throw up: a piece of toast, a tiny bit of mayo, and a sliced hard boiled egg with salt and pepper. I basically ate that every day. I also had a lot of bagels with cream cheese when I wasn’t feeling great. Food was just tough so we didn’t meal plan as much so I could eat more what I could stomach that day.

As the first trimester went on, I was able to eat more regularly. I always try to eat protein for breakfast (like egg) to help really nourish me. I also try to make smarter choices and slip some protein in my afternoon snack. My favorites: string cheese, chocolate covered almonds, toast or apples with almond butter. Don’t get me wrong, some days I have a bowl of chips, a cupcake, or something else that is naughty. I think it’s all about balance and sometimes, you just have to indulge.

HOW I’M SLEEPING

First trimester sleep was rough. With the waking up to pee almost every night that was one element. It’s likely the hormone changes that always get to me. Last pregnancy I had to take unisom to get some form of normal sleep. Since I started the diclegis at 6 weeks with 2 pills at night, I found that helped me sleep MUCH better. So for now, I am sleeping ok. Some nights are better than others. I do toss and turn alot.

EXERCISE

I didn’t really work out at all till at least around 10-11 weeks. Of course I was doing my daily walks with Otis etc and getting my steps in and my blood pumping. But I wanted to take it easy and honestly I didn’t have the energy to do anything before then. Starting at 11 weeks I started short 10 minute workouts on my elliptical that we have in our garage and Blake got me for Christmas. I try to do that, or just walk briskly on our treadmill for 10-15 minutes. There are weeks I barely get 1 “workout” if you even want to call it that. Basically I just try to get my blood pumping whether I am walking for Otis’ morning walk or doing something else. I also started prenatal yoga class (virtually online) every week and its been music ot my soul. Great stretching and a great time for me to sit and connect with my body and the baby. It’s something I really enjoyed while pregnant with Otis so it’s a sense of comfort being able to participate even from my computer at home.

MEDS IM TAKING

For most of the first trimester, I stayed on alot of my IVF medications. I stayed on my prednisone steroids till 9 weeks and then weaned down my estrogen patches as well as weaned down to 1 progesterone injection a day. During this time, I did get some hormonal headaches with all the fluctuations but luckily they weren’t horrible and only lasted 2 days. I finally was able to stop all my meds (with the exception of baby aspirin and my diclegis) at my graduation appointment from the fertility clinic at 12 weeks!!! This was a HUGE milestone after literally doing injections and taking medications for almost a year in prep for each of my FET (frozen embryo transfer) cycles.

CHALLENGES

The biggest hurdles this pregnancy have been knowing and believing that feeling like crap would likely get better at the end of the first trimester. After a year of hormone meds, and then feeling awful my first trimester, a UTI, a yeast infection from the meds of the UTI (sorry TMI!!) I got to the point where being in my own skin was just frustrating. Being pregnant is a WILD things because your body is completely taken over. It’s beautiful in many ways and also still really emotionally challenging in others. I am so thankful to see the light at the end of the tunnel of the first tri. But anyone else that is “IN IT” my heart hugs yours mamas. It’s tough!!

WHAT I’M WEARING

I feel everything comes on sooner with the second pregnancy and the need for stretchy things came sooner. When it comes to leggings, I still wear my pre-pregnancy lululemon align leggings which are high rise and so stretchy as well as my alo leggings that are really soft and a little lower rise. Both still fit comfortably and fit over my growing body. Toward the end of my first trimester, I ended up buying these maternity leggings from beyond yoga and I LOVE them. They feel like second skin and are so buttery soft. They come all the way up over your bump or you can also fold it down to go under. Highly suggest them as they are SO comfy.

Also because I don’t leave my house often (because of Covid-19) I wear a ton of sweats. These sets from Michael Stars have been a guilty pleasure because they are SO soft and made of terry material. I also love my sweat set from Tan Lines that Sivan sent over. The material is SO soft and I feel like a cool mom in them. Although Blake made fun of my crop top sweater. HE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT IS COOL!!! I do enjoy wearing more cropped tops when pregnant to let the belly have it’s little bit of room. I did end up getting one pair of maternity denim from jbrand that actually fit great toward the end of my first trimester also. Will report back when I wear them out. Equally stretchy too.

I did buy 3 bras from skims that I have been loving too. This scoop bra, this triangle bra and this nursing bra are all GREAT. I wanted to see what the hype was about with this brand and I have to say the materials are ON POINT. VERY comfy. If you plan to order, SIZE UP and size up big time. I got at least size L in everything because my boobs are enormous now and I feel their stuff runs small. I also have a ton of bras from Otis’ pregnancy. From last pregnancy, I have my hatch and bravado bras that I wear weekly also.

It’s different for the second pregnancy because you start showing and feeling bigger sooner (at least in my case) so you are in that in between period of not fully having a bump but feeling large and awkward if that makes sense. I have to say, a perk of pandemic life is the fact that I am mostly in lounge wear so I have been able to avoid real clothes for most of the first trimester aside from doctors appointments etc.

SELF LOVE

First trimester was just really challenging with not feeling well constantly. Hard to give yourself self love, in a pandemic, with no childcare help. If anything, I tried to listen to my body, and lay down when Otis was napping and try my best to give my body the much needed rest it was craving. Nearing the end of the first tri, showers and a blow dry were my self care routine and even an at home mani/pedi. Feeling better was already such a treat and allowed me the time to do some other things for myself. I think it’s just so important to listen to your body and slow down when you need it.

FIRST TRIMESTER PURCHASES

Purchases for me:

Skims scoop bra

Skim maternity nursing bra

Skims triangle bra

Beyond yoga maternity capri leggings

Aarke water carbonator

Lululemon align leggings

Summer fridays babymoon belly balm

Purchases for baby:

Kyte baby rainbow onesie

Kyte baby toddler blanket

Moby mickey wrap (blake bought this for me!)

Letterfolk sign

Masongrey baby bundle

BABY PREPARATIONS

So we didn’t do much to prep for baby in the first trimester except for me sharing our good news with my good friend (and interior design guru) Anne! She helped to plan out the interiors of our whole home including master bedroom, living and dining rooms, and most recently Otis’ nursery. I basically texted her and forced her to dream up Baby #2 nursery ideas so we are currently working on that! IT’S GOING TO BE EPIC.

WHAT’S NEXT

I am looking forward to more ultrasounds!!!! I can not WAIT for my anatomy scan at 20 weeks to get some more face time with baby. Other than that, it’s check off each week as an incredible milestone and try to remain as active as I can to help get my body strong for delivery again. It’s exciting to near the half mark and be buying things for baby, talking to Otis about the baby and just imagining our life together as a family. I honestly am still in shock everyday. I feel lucky everyday. Our rainbows have brighten out life immensely and I am so excited to continue to share our journey with you all. Big love from all of us.

The post Pregnancy 2 // First Trimester appeared first on eat.sleep.wear. - Fashion & Lifestyle Blog by Kimberly Lapides.

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elizabethcariasa · 4 years ago

Text

Pregnancy 2 // First Trimester

Figured I would do an update on how the first trimester was for Baby 2! Things have been different and more intense the second time around! Excited to share the details with you below.

WEIGHT GAINED

HOW I’M FEELING: PHYSICALLY

Nausea

Growing pains

Pregnancy Brain

Like my first pregnancy, pregnancy brain is a REAL THING. I swear the moment I got pregnant my brain turned to mush. It’s hard to explain but I can’t remember anything to save my life. Lol!

Exhaustion

Constipation

Baby bump

HOW I’M FEELING: MENTALLY

WHAT I’M EATING

HOW I’M SLEEPING

EXERCISE

MEDS IM TAKING

CHALLENGES

WHAT I’M WEARING

SELF LOVE

FIRST TRIMESTER PURCHASES

Purchases for me:

Skims scoop bra

Skim maternity nursing bra

Skims triangle bra

Beyond yoga maternity capri leggings

Aarke water carbonator

Lululemon align leggings

Summer fridays babymoon belly balm

Purchases for baby:

Kyte baby rainbow onesie

Kyte baby toddler blanket

Moby mickey wrap (blake bought this for me!)

Letterfolk sign

Masongrey baby bundle

BABY PREPARATIONS

WHAT’S NEXT

The post Pregnancy 2 // First Trimester appeared first on eat.sleep.wear. - Fashion & Lifestyle Blog by Kimberly Lapides.

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