On Monday, I saw Dr. Andrews on the way to work and she gave me time off on maternity leave. Mr. Steidley was informed and all was well.
At home, I sat on the couch during dinner, as Dad and Sharon were out. I enjoyed having Tigger for company. Then, I got a call from April, who was baby-sitting for the Franklin's that night as Mrs. Franklin had gone into labour and April had to baby-sit. She told me that there were some complications, as the baby had to be born by c-section, and it was a girl named Julia Marie. I thought the name sounded lovely.
After we chatted for a while, I began to feel a little tired. I called up Logan to see if he could arrange to visit over Christmas break, as the baby was due around that time. He said he might be a little busy, but he'd see what he could arrange. I called up Jessi to arrange for a time when she might be able to come in after Kwanza to see my baby, or otherwise just to visit, as I did not want her to miss out on the opportunity.
A few days later, at the doctor's office, I learned that Cameron was doing fine. I was both excited and nervous about my approaching due date. It felt like it would never end! I arrived home just in time to hear the weather forecast from the TV predicting a heavy snowstorm.
Sure enough, the forecast was right, and it was still snowing hard the next day. As the day wore on, I felt tired, and went to bed at nine. I woke up at midnight to wet sheets; being tired, I thought I had wet myself, but then I felt sharp cramps and realized my water had broke.
"Oh no," I hissed, "oh no oh no oh no…"
I took a few deep breaths to keep myself calm and I got out of bed to wake up Meredith. I told her that it was time, and she went to get Sharon and Dad. They were worried about how we'd manage to get there, but with slow, careful driving, we finally made it. The entire time, I was on edge, trying to remain calm, hoping that Cameron would be safe.
At the hospital, the doctor said I was only two centimeters at the moment since I'd have to be at least ten centimeters to push, assuming the head was in the right position. Luckily, my baby would be born healthy since I handled my diabetes just fine. It was a long, hard wait, and I kept hoping, praying, that everything would turn out all right, as I had heard that most babies born to teenage mothers didn't do so well at birth.
The next day, I was finally fit to give birth at five in the afternoon. I was in so much pain! I cried out as I pushed, the entire time wanting it to be over already. The doctors kept telling me to stay calm and breathe, but it was pretty scary.
I wasn't sure how long it lasted, but after what felt like an eternity, I heard a cry fill the room. I realized after a few seconds that it was Cameron crying, and my heart filled with relief and joy.
"It's a boy," said the doctor as he cut the umbilical cord and held my son up. "Congratulations."
"Thanks," I breathed, smiling. After Cameron was cleaned up, he was placed in my arms. With his small tuft of hair and sweet face, he looked so beautiful. I cried softly and held him close while he slept.
After a few minutes, Sharon and Dad were the first to come in. Cameron was still asleep.
"He's beautiful," said Sharon with a smile.
"Thanks, Sharon," I smiled.
"He looks a little like me from my own baby pictures," remarked Dad.
"Really?" I asked.
"Yes," said Dad with a nod and smile. "What's his name?"
"This," I said, holding him up slightly, "is Cameron Richard."
"Cameron Richard Spier," mused Sharon. "What a wonderful name."
"Thanks," I said, still smiling brightly. "I can't wait for my siblings to come in and meet him. Are they still here?"
"Yes, I'll go get them," said Sharon. She opened the door slightly and gestured. Meredith, Carlos, and Dawn came in, and they all gasped at the sight of Cameron. They all thought he was adorable. Carlos suggested calling him "Cam" for short.
Cameron and I were released two days later. He slept on the way home, so I put him in his crib, hoping he would be a good sleeper.
On the day Jessi was to arrive, I called and told her to lightly knock on the door when she arrived and not to ring the doorbell. Eventually, Jessi arrived, and I took her upstairs to see Cameron.
"This is Cameron Richard," I whispered.
"Aww, he's so adorable," whispered Jessi with a smile.
"Don't tell anyone it's a boy," I said. "I want it to be a surprise."
"Don't worry. My lips are sealed," promised Jessi.
I had a good feeling that this was going to be a lovely reunion.