Chapter 10
It wasn't until after supper that night when all the children were put to bed, that all the adults had time to talk. They all gathered in the parlor. Even Matthew was helped to hobble out of his room and sit on the couch next to Mabel, Colleen, and Andrew. Michaela was sitting in her rocking chair, wrapped up in a blanket. "Okay, Ma and Pa. Let's hear the interesting story of our coming sibling!" Colleen said. Everyone's attention turned to Michaela and their eyes focused on her.
"Yes, Let's hear it!" They all agreed.
"Well, there isn't really much to it!" She said, "but if you really want to hear it, here it is. About 3 months ago, we were having a picnic with Matthew and Mabel and Anna Rose. Sully helped me up off the blanket, and I just got really dizzy and nauseous and I passed out. I didn't really think much of it. Then, for the next week and a half, I was terribly sick."
"She was." Sully broke in." He walked up behind the rocking chair and placed his hands on Michaela's shoulders. She craned her neck around to gaze up at him. He brushed his lips across hers. "She was so sick, I was worried about her, but I just thought that it was something she caught from the clinic."
"So then," Michaela continued, "I had lunch with Dorothy, and when I explained my symptoms, she immediately recognized that I was pregnant. I was in complete denial for about a week and a half, during which I was so sick I could hardly do anything, and to top it off, I tried to hide it because I didn't want Sully to know."
"Ma! You should've told Sully! You shouldn't have put yourself through that!" Colleen exclaimed.
"I see that now! I was just not myself. It wasn't until I had a breakdown that and I finally told Sully, that I came to my senses and realized that chances were that I was going to have a baby." Sully pulled his matching rocking chair next to Michaela and sat down. He reached across for her hand and clasped it, his thumb rubbing circles on the back of her hand. "Sully convinced me to see Dr. Bernard when he came through, and he confirmed what I already knew deep inside." Michaela placed her right hand on her stomach. She paused and looked down at her bump then smiled before continuing, "My first trimester was horrible. I was so sick, I was nauseous all the time, I couldn't keep anything down, I could barely sleep. Thank goodness for Dorothy and Grace, they fed the family for a while, because I couldn't even stand the sight of food. Just in the past few weeks, I have been feeling back to normal, although some days, like today, are bad. This is new to me because I was never sick with my other pregnancies, but then again, this one is different in a lot of other ways too. Overall we are so excited to meet this little one. I have just about five months left!"
"Ma! That is so exciting! I wish it could be easier for you though!" said Colleen.
"It's okay, it will all be worth it in the end," said Michaela.
"Colleen, are you ready to graduate Medical School?" asked Sully.
"Yes! I can't wait! I actually just heard that I am going to be able to graduate early at the end of March instead of May! I can't believe it! In just three months, I am going to be a doctor. Just like you Ma! And this works out so perfect! Now I'll be able to come home for a little while and help out with the baby!"
"Well..." Sully and Michaela exchanged glances, "Actually, we were hoping for you and Andrew to stay for more than a little while," said Michaela.
"Meaning…?" asked Colleen.
"Well, Sully and I have been talking, especially since I got pregnant, and we want you and Andrew to be partners with me at the clinic! We have been thinking of expanding it anyways, and well, you know our family will be expanding soon, and so I am going to need some more help!"
"Really Ma?!" Squeaked Colleen.
"Andrew, would you like that?" asked Sully.
"Are you kidding me?! I would love it! I don't really care to work in the big cities, it just isn't as satisfying as working here in Colorado Springs!"
"Where would we live?! There is so much stuff to work out!" said Colleen.
"It's okay, Colleen! We'll figure it out!" Reassured Andrew. They spent the next two hours delving into the details of the where and how and when questions. Matthew said that the Smith's from down the road were moving out and that they could buy that place for a reasonable amount. That would put everyone within a mile from each other. Plans were also drawn out for the clinic expansion. Finally, Michaela suggested that they all go to bed and finish discussing things in the morning. They agreed and Colleen led Michaela up the stairs.
"Colleen, will you examine me tomorrow? I have been checking up on the baby, but there is only so much I can do by myself, and I would just feel better if you checked on it too."
"I would love to, Ma! I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too, Colleen. Sleep well!"
"It is so good to have all the kids together again." Michaela sighed as she and Sully were snuggling in bed later that night.
"I know," Sully replied. Both of his large hands cupped Michaela's belly, and he leaned over and kissed her neck. "How is Junior doing tonight?" he whispered in her ear.
"Good. I felt it actually kick and move for the first time tonight! They're not just flutters anymore. It is actually starting to sink in, Sully. We are going to have another baby."
"And I can't wait," Sully said.