Two Worlds

I hope to bloom as beautifully as this flower. © Photo by Francesca Di Meglio

Many of my friends and family already know that I recently had a miscarriage after months and months of trying to get pregnant. I’ve been heart broken, and many of you have been a source of compassion, hope, and love. Thank you! My husband and I appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and time. Now, I’ve finally come to grips with the reality of our situation enough to write about it. Today, I shared my personal story and a separate guide to help others deal with the effects a miscarriage has on your marriage in the Newlyweds blog I maintain for About.com. Maybe I’ll help other people who are facing miscarriage or similar challenges. Even if my words don’t resonate with others, I feel much better now that I’ve put everything into these stories. Writing, after all, is therapy for me.

Maria takes a nap on her papa's chest. © Photo by Francesca Di Meglio

Maria Regina, the daughter of my brother John and his wife Jaci (and more importantly my parents’ first granddaughter), finally met her father’s side of the family last week. The family was overjoyed at her presence — and no one was more excited to meet six-week-old Maria than her little cousins, who held her and loved her as much as they could in the short time she visited. (To check out the images from Maria’s visit, you can click on the “Maria Meets the Family” photo album.) We still can’t get the sweet new baby smell out of my parent’s house. Who doesn’t love that?

Maria Regina is sticking her tongue out at you. © Photo by Nonna Regina

Yesterday was a long and wonderful day. Finally, after months and months of waiting, Maria Regina joined our family. The daughter of my brother John and his wife Jaci, Maria was born at 7 lbs. 10 oz. and 21 in. long. I haven’t met her in person yet. (Antonio, papa’, and I just arrived in Florida last night and spent two hours driving around trying to find the hospital only to keep ending up back at the airport. We cursed like sailors at each other until we just went to our home in Kissimmee and gave up. We’ll meet Maria in just a little while.) I did, however, speak with my new niece on the phone last night, and she yelled at me, too. Apparently, she was hoping we would get to the hospital, but she proved that she already fits right into the family. Seriously, she’s a bundle of joy — and she’ll be a great addition to our crew. To see more pictures, visit, “Maria Regina” photo album.