Chapter 71
Gia
Date: May 15th
Hello, my baby. I found out about you today. I must be early, but I knew something was different. I’ve started this journal to write to you and remind myself of my blessings, our blessings. All I can say is, to my unborn child, these entries are for you.
Date: May 20th
I told Salvatore, your papa, about you today. Even before we got engaged, we knew children were in our future, but we never discussed when. His reaction was a stoic one, the one he shows when he’s processing information. Something you need to know about Salvatore is he needs time to think of his words before speaking them. Salvatore went back to work, but later he came home with bags of baby items, of course, all of it for a boy. He’s certain you’ll be a son. If I’m correct, I believe you’ll be a Christmas baby and my ultimate Christmas gift.
Date: June 16th
Salvatore and I went to dinner at Geno, your nonno’s house today. Geno guessed the moment I walked through the door that I was pregnant, even though Salvatore and I wanted to wait. He said the glow on my face gave away that I’m pregnant since my body isn’t changing yet. I think the glow was more from sweating on this surprisingly hot summer day, but we digress. It’s exciting to have everyone know so we can celebrate as a family instead of keeping you a secret. After I went home, Salvatore stayed with Geno to ‘celebrate as men,’ which I know includes a celebratory drink . . . or several. Salvatore came home that night after I went to sleep. When I woke up, he was kissing my belly as he whispered sweet nothings. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have a man who’s already in love with you like I am.
Date: July 10th
I’m in this phase where I don’t look pregnant, but my body has slightly changed. I could easily excuse it by saying I’ve had extra dessert, which isn’t necessarily a lie. I crave any sort of dessert all day, every day. Of course, Salvatore and Geno insist on having a good diet to make you strong like all Leone men. They’ve become extremely protective of us, especially considering the world we are involved in. While I won’t go too far into it, you’ll know as you get older. While I want to argue with them, I know they’re right. When they’re not being overprotective, I often go for walks on our property, especially through our garden. This garden is my oasis, and I plan to bring you out here as often as possible.
Date: August 2nd
I’ve been feeling flutters recently. My doctor says it’s you moving, but you’re still too small for others to feel your feet. Yet. Salvatore can’t wait until he can feel you for himself. The man is so impatient sometimes. The doctor also says that you may be able to hear voices. The idea of talking to my belly is silly, but if it means you’ll recognize my voice, I would talk to you all day.
Date: September 19th
This pregnancy has become so real, you’ve become so real. You need to stay put until around Christmas, but if you were born right now, you could live. Every morning and night, I rub lotion on my belly while I speak, read, or sing to you. You especially enjoy it when I read to you. Salvatore tries to hold my belly when I read so he can feel you move, but you’re stubborn and stay still until Salvatore lets go. Stubbornness must be a trait that runs in Leone men.
Date: October 22nd
You are a crazy boy! You’re practically running a marathon in my belly and playing kickball with my bladder. And of course, it’s only at night when I’m trying to sleep. I’ll wake up in the middle of the night to Salvatore holding my belly as you move. I’m convinced the only thing you love more than when I read to you is when Salvatore speaks to you. On beautiful days I’ll spend hours sitting in the garden as I read to you, capturing as many pretty days before you’re here and we have to be inside while it’s cold. Before we know it, you’ll be here and then it’ll be warm enough that I can watch you fall in love with the garden like I am.
Date: November 28th
This is the last month I’ll have with you before you’re here in my arms. Salvatore and Geno have become even more protective, believe it or not. I always have a shadow when they’re not here, though I pretend not to notice. I’m larger than life, but Salvatore says I’ve never been more beautiful. The amount of momentum I need to get up from any laying or sitting position is unbelievable. Funny enough, when Salvatore isn’t here there’s ironically someone around to help me get up. I’d refer to a few sentences earlier to understand why. I’m counting the days until you’re here, my son. I cannot wait until you make Salvatore and me a family instead of a couple.
Date: December 25th
Merry Christmas, my son. Geno had been saying that you’ll be born today on the same day as our Lord, but you’re pretty comfortable now that you’ve dropped. One thing I know is you’ll be in my arms any day now by the cramping I’ve had. My doctor says this can last for days before you decide to show your wonderful face to this world. I’m sitting in your room right now, hypnotized by the visions I have of us in here as I rock you. I know you’re comfortable, but if you could appease your mamma by showing up, it would be amazing. Ti voglio bene figlio mio.
Date: December 28th
After a full day of waiting, and pushing, and Salvatore yelling, and Geno’s impatience, you are finally in my arms. You were born on our wedding anniversary in the home you’ll be raised in, in the bathtub I’ll bathe you in. You have my dark hair and the same handsome eyes as Salvatore with the seriousness Leone men hold in their faces. You are a true Leone man. I can’t believe we created something this perfect. Ti amo, Alessandro Salvatore Leone.
Date: January 1st
I’ve loved every moment I have with you, no matter how short it’s been and how short it may be. You’ve stolen my heart! At least that’s how I want to state it. The doctor says having you was hard on my heart and I may not be in this world with you as long as I wished. In the meantime, I will cherish every moment I’m here with you. Every mamma I’ve spoken with has mentioned the smell of new babies and I thought they were crazy until now. If holding you as I smell your new baby scent is the last moment I have in this world, I’d be complete. On a serious note, I want you to remember as you become a man in this world you’ve been born into, things will be tough. Salvatore and Geno will push you to be the man you need to be. Always remember that at the end of the day, you will always be my baby boy and I will always be your mamma. No matter if I’m with you in person or spirit.
Date: January 3rd
Ricorda che il mio amore è sempre con te, figlio mio.