What's happening with Sara, I had in my head all along. I did some research so I hope it sounds like I know what I'm talking about lol. Props to Google where all the medical jargon is from.

The Reality of It All
Chapter 10: Not to Worry

The first thing Grissom did when they got home was call the doctor. He settled Sara down on the couch and made the phone call.

He described Sara's pain and how it's happened three times in the past two weeks. Sara could hear him "Yes", "Ok", "Uh huh", and "Gotcha" from where he was pacing in the kitchen. She couldn't stomach how on edge he'd been lately. It was causing more stress than she realized. She was dozing off when she heard the phone click. He made his way next to her and sat down.

"So?" Sara asked.

"Dr. Stuart said not to worry that she's had cases like this before. She said it sounds like Braxton Hicks contractions. It's where your body is preparing for the real thing. She said to keep a close eye on them. If they intensify, occur more often, or last longer, we need to get you checked out immediately." He seemed very calm all of a sudden. "It could mean you're going into labor."

"Oh-ok that's good to know. I'm familiar with the term; I wasn't sure if I was having them. I hope she's right." Sara did not seem convinced with Grissom's explanation. She knew her body, and something seemed off. No, listen to Gil. The doctor knows best. I have nothing to worry about. My appointments next week and that will settle everything. Even though she was deep in thought she could feel Grissom's eyes on her.

"Honey you were the one who said you were ok. But things have changed. You don't seem so convinced anymore." His eyes were glued to hers. "You have nothing to worry about. All we have to do is keep close watch on everything. If you're still hesitant, we can go to her right now."

She thought about it. I trust him. I trust my doctor. I'll wait it out. Everything's calm at the moment. Let's just hope it stays that way. Grissom kissed her on her forehead and gave her a reassuring smile. Now that her mind was focused on this, she couldn't let it go. She would try her hardest to relax and enjoy this time in her life. Work was already stressful enough; she didn't need her home life to be either.

It was time for Sara's check-up. In the past week she had experienced the feeling two more times. The second felt the same as the first, so there wasn't major concern. Sara finally adjusted to this effect of the pregnancy. It still scared her but she knew everything was under control. It was just her body's way of telling her it wouldn't be long until she'd get to meet her baby. Maybe this is a sign the baby will come early?

"How are we doing today Sara? Still having those contractions?" Dr. Stuart assessed Sara.

"I'm pretty good. I've had two in the past week. Same intensity and length both times so I didn't freak out." She smiled at the doctor.

"That's good. You have what I suspected; Braxton Hicks contractions. Women get them starting as early as the second trimester, but generally in the third. It's when you feel a tightening in your abdomen. The muscles are stretching and contracting as practice for real labor. From what you said, you felt the baby give some hard kicks. That's another normal symptom. By your abdomen contracting and your baby kicking, it's softening the cervix and exercising the muscles to lessen the pain of labor," she reassured the couple. "I'm really glad you and Gil were so concerned. It shows what great parents you're going to be. Pregnancy is major and deserves to be treated with utter care. When you don't know what you're dealing with it's better to ask questions and familiarize yourself."

"I feel better," stated Sara. Grissom nodded his head in agreement.

"Me too. Now that we know what's been going on is normal, I feel loads better." He wrapped his arms around Sara and squeezed her. She let out a squeal and squeezed Grissom back.

"This is what I love about my job. It makes my day to see a couple so happy in their lives. I know what would make you even happier." She motioned for Sara to lean back and lifted up her shirt. Ultra-sound!

"Now, as I told you prior visits, I can tell what the sex of the baby is. You still want it to be a surprise?"

"Yes!" Sara and Grissom said in unison. They didn't even look at each other for the answer. Of course they were eager to find out what they were having, but that would ruin the fun of guessing.

"If you're sure…ok then. Well, your baby is as healthy as ever. See, all body parts accounted for. He or she still has some good amount of growing to do. That doesn't mean they won't be making an early appearance though. You should be prepared for anything."

"Could the amount of Braxton Hicks I've been having determine that?" This question had been on Sara's mind for quite a bit.

"Every pregnancy is completely different so I couldn't tell you. They may, may not. Just make sure you keep track of them because if they intensify or occur more frequently that could mean you're really in labor. Other than that, you're all set." The doctor wiped the gel clean and helped Sara off the table.

"Thanks doc. We really appreciate it." Grissom followed Sara out of the office and into the car. A million things were soaring through his head. Sara was perfect. The baby was healthy and growing. It'd only be a matter of time before his pillar's birthday. He was in a perfect place in his life. He was awake not dreaming. He could smack himself in the head for almost losing her. It was impossible to see his life without Sara. He was finally snapped out of his thoughts when a horn honked at him. He couldn't remember stopping at the red light, or when it turned green.

See. I think Sara (and Grissom) has been through enough. Can you guess what gender the baby is? I have three sets of names for both girl and boy. Review if you want to hear them! -Kait