"You're perfect." Barry's whispered to the newborn he'd swaddled (he practiced countless times when Caitlin wasn't home).
His daughter's grayish blue eyes were searching his face, taking him in as much as he was of her.
A true scientist.
When she started to squirm and fuss, he got up from the chair and started walking, gently bouncing her. "Shhh…you don't want to wake up your mommy."
He confirmed his exhausted wife was still asleep. Almost fifteen hours of labor and forty weeks of nausea and discomfort had completely wiped Caitlin out.
Barry wanted his wife to get some rest (and to be honest, he was eager to finally have a bigger, more hands on role as a father).
Once he was in the hallway he pulled his baby's tiny pink hat down further in an attempt to shield her from the harsh hospital lights.
Walking past the nurse's station he smiled and nodded to let them know he was fine and didn't need any help.
Since their room was at the end of the maternity wing in the middle of the night the hallway was clear, giving him a chance to chat with his daughter in relative privacy.
"I have a confession to make." He whispered into her ears, "We haven't picked out a name for you yet."
As if insulted by his admission, his daughter began to cry.
"No, no, no!" He rocked her, hoping to calm her. "Baby girl, just give us a day, we'll come up with something."
The infant continued protesting, her cry becoming louder. The swaddle he so carefully made was coming apart as she was fighting her arms through.
"Nora, don't cry!" He blurted, the name pulled from his subconscious.
And just like that, the newborn calmed down, her limbs relaxing once again.
"You like Nora?" Barry gave a small smile, delighted that he was able to soothe his daughter. "That's your grandma's name. She'd-" He swallowed the lump that was forming in his throat. "She would've been so happy to meet you."
His daughter reached out her hand towards him and Barry couldn't help but let her grab his finger.
He was amazed at how this six pound, two ounce baby could have a huge impact on his life already. He played with her for a few minutes, savoring their private time as daddy and daughter.
"You know I have to run this name by your mom first." He teased, delighted at how naturally the two of them were bonding. His more rational side knew that he was simply thrilled because they had been eager to meet their daughter.
After so many attempts and grieving nights together, they finally were able to have this opportunity and they were going to relish and celebrate every moment.
"Nora Allen. I like the sound of it."
