Prayers and Thanks

Things are moving right along in the Balabanski house. We have reached 24 weeks this past Monday. With every Monday comes a small, but audible, sigh of relief. Although we have a long way yet to go, we have made it another week. These small milestones have become very important in our lives and in keeping my sanity.

Today my Mother-In-Law, Mary… “Mother-In-Law” sounds like such a formal title, really she’s just a friend who happens to be my husband’s mom… Anyways, she took me to Winnie Palmer to get another IV of Iron. Oh, and guess what! They actually got my IV in on the first stick! This is the first time ever! I was so excited. We also got to hear little Anna today and her heartbeat was in the 150’s. Yea!

This Friday we have a small milestone to look forward to… we have another doctor’s appointment to get a routine glucose test and to get the last dose of the iron therapy series! Hopefully, my Hemoglobin level will be high enough so that I can take a break from getting these IV’s twice a week. On the other hand, these Iron Therapy sessions have gotten me out of the house on a pretty regular basis and usually I get rewarded for being so brave by having my Mom or Mom-in-Law take me out to a yummy lunch… today was Olive Garden! Maybe these Iron Therapy sessions aren’t that bad after all!

Another important milestone that happens once, sometimes twice a week is when my Dad comes to visit and brings me Communion. This has been such a special gift to me, especially because I haven’t been able to go to Mass for the past few weeks. With this pregnancy there has been so much emphasis placed on getting nutrients to this baby because of the unusual placenta, what better way to receive nourishment, than through the Eucharist.

Lastly, I wanted to give a big “Shout-Out” to all of the new Babe Chicks who made their Cursillo this past weekend, and also a huge hug and hello to all my Cursillo sisters on Team # 90. I have heard through my Mom and May how special this past Cursillo weekend was. I have also been told that Anna and I were lifted up in prayer all weekend. You all are amazing! I wanted to thank you so much for thinking of us and let you know that I appreciate all the sacrifice and loving words written in the Palanca’s, all of the women who volunteered to pray for Anna and us for our prayer bouquet, and all of the thoughts and prayers that I know are being lifted up daily. I know that it would have been unthinkable for me to be on the actual Cursillo #90, but please know that all of you beautiful women were in my thoughts all weekend. I found myself at special times this weekend taking note of where you were in your Cursillo journey and saying a special prayer for you at that time. I feel so honored to be amongst such strong and spiritual women. Thank you for strengthening me with your stories of inspiration and you prayers.

De Colores!

Melanie & Nick