Chapter 25: Healer Appointment Part I
Your Pregnancy: Week 32
Was that a contraction? Yup, but it's just for practice. Those strengthening Braxton Hicks contractions are just your body's way of prepping for the real deal. (If you feel more than four in an hour or have discharge, call the doc.) Farther north, your nipples are getting darker and (yes, it's possible) bigger - all the better for baby to see (and latch onto) in a few short months.
Baby's now the size of a squash!
Ready or not, baby's getting ready to emerge. She's probably in the head-down position by now, with her bottom facing up. This is the comfiest way for her body to fit in your increasingly cramped womb and will make her eventual exit (only a few months away now!) much easier. (If she's still head-up, don't panic - there's still time for a flip before birth.)
[ tip ] Spend a spare Saturday cooking and freezing your favorite meals. After baby arrives, the precooked dinners will save time and money (and your palate).
The day after the Battle for Hogwarts memorial service, May 3rd, was Victoire's birthday party. It was a much smaller scale party than Teddy's was. Just family attended, and they just hung out and had cake and ice cream. Victoire was only turning 2.
Then, the next day, May 4th, Ginny got an owl, telling her she needed to come to St. Mungos for a healer appointment. In the Wizarding world, they didn't have many appointments, until the end of the pregnancy, and they talked about the birth and such. Ginny, of course, wrote back and said that she'd be coming.
That night at dinner, Ginny told Harry about the appointment, to take place on the following Monday, and Harry told her he'd of course be there.
Your Pregnancy: Week 33
You are one hot mama - literally. A 20 percent metabolic rate increase throughout pregnancy can leave you begging for a cool breeze no matter what the weather is like. Distract yourself with an exercise in blind identification. Try to distinguish between baby's feet, fists, knees, and elbows - all doing some major pushing and nudging inside of you.
Baby's now the size of a honeydew!
Things are heating up inside as well: Baby may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and his brain is developing like crazy. Pretty soon, he'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Also, his bones are hardening, and he's started to keep his eyes open when he's awake.
[ tip ] Wash just a few of those adorable infant outfits before baby comes and keep the tags on the rest. Baby will probably outgrow most before she gets to wear them, and you'll be able to return or exchange for a bigger size.
When Monday rolled around, Ginny was very irritable, since she hadn't been getting much sleep, as James was always moving, or so it seemed. She could feel his kicks, hits, jabs, and everything else he did. She could even feel when he hiccupped or anything of that sort. As cute as she thought it was, she also liked sleep, and when she was lacking it, she wasn't very pleasant to be around.
All weekend, she'd been snapping at Harry for the silliest, stupidest things. Harry had tried to just ignore it, and try to not snap at her since it wasn't her fault, but by Sunday evening, Harry had had enough. He finally just had to not be around her, and let her be.
So, as Harry and Ginny waited in the waiting room for Padma to call them back, Ginny glared at the wall, and Harry riffled through some of his papers. Neither said a word to the other.
Finally, a nurse called them back, and they both went back with her.
"Hello, Harry, Ginny!" Padma said happily.
"Hey," Harry greeted her, and Ginny just offered a tired smile.
"Tired, Ginny?" Padma asked in amusement.
"You have no idea," Ginny said bitterly.
"Oh I think I have some." Padma nodded her head. "Working with pregnant women all day gives me a pretty good understanding of what you lot go through."
"Nothing like living it." Ginny pointed out.
"No, there you're correct," Padma agreed. "But I think it's too soon for me and Anthony to be thinking of children."
"Oh yes, how have you and Anthony been?" Ginny asked.
"Good," Padma smiled. "Married life is really quite amazing."
"Yeah, it is." Harry and Ginny agreed at the same moment, and Padma smiled, knowing that she was helping this couple out.
"So, how have you been, Gin?" Padma asked, deciding to move on with things.
"Tired," Ginny said with a yawn.
"Yeah, I bet." Padma nodded her head, as she wrote down a few things. "Felt any beginning contractions?"
"Yeah," Ginny said. "They usual come at night, and there's only like one or two, and they're pretty far apart." Ginny explained.
"Okay, that sounds normal. Now, if they start to happen a lot more, and more often, not as spread apart, be sure to come to St. Mungo's and ask for me. I'm going to be your Midwife through it all, including the birth." Padma told her.
"Good," Ginny smiled. "I wouldn't want it to be someone I hardly know."
"Yeah, I understand." Padma agreed. "Okay, well let's take a listen to that heartbeat of his. Come sit up here, Ginny." Padma had her sit down, before pulling out her wand, and muttering a few spells.
Within a moment, a loud, strong, steady beat filled the room. Both Harry and Ginny were astonished, like they had always been at the sound of James' heart beating. It made everything so much more real when they saw and heard James.
"Whoa," Harry breathed in astonishment. Padma smiled at the young couple.
"Wonderful, isn't it?" Padma asked and both Harry and Ginny nodded. "He sounds quite healthy and strong, too." Padma told them. "I'll just do a few more things, and then we'll make an appointment for you to come and check out the birthing center, and the different rooms and such, just so you'll be ready."
"Okay," Ginny smiled. "Sounds good to me." Harry nodded.
Padma went through a few things, that Ginny and Harry didn't understand, before she did the blue bubble spell again. They both watched as little James moved around, and kicked his mummy right in the middle of her stomach.
"Oh there he is," Ginny smiled, as they watched him kick again, and Ginny felt it. "He's quite active."
"I can see that," Padma laughed. "That's not abnormal in anyway though. Most babies are active. It's when they don't move as much when it's time to worry."
"Oh," Ginny nodded. "That's good to hear then. I'm not the only mother-to-be who has to go through their baby's kicks and punches." Padma laughed.
"Not at all. Ask your sister-in-laws." Padma advised her.
"Okay," Ginny smiled.
"Well, everything looks right to me." Padma told the couple. "James looks really healthy, and Ginny you're looking healthy yourself. Keep up whatever it is you're doing. I don't think there's much I can tell you to improve on."
"That's good to hear," Harry spoke for one of the first times.
"Yeah," Ginny agreed, as she smiled. "So, you said we need to come back soon?"
"Well, you need to come back in about two to three weeks. We just need to do birthing registration, give you both a tour of the maternity ward, I'll tell you what to expect in birth and such, and prepare a birth plan. Nothing too major, but it is important." Padma explained. "Just go up to the front desk, and schedule another appointment."
"Okay, thank you, Padma." Ginny got up, and shook Padma's hand.
"No problem." Padma smiled. "I'm happy to be of assistance."
Harry and Ginny both said goodbye, before leaving the room. As the walked down the halls, Harry turned to Ginny.
"I'm sorry for being hard on you." Harry told her sincerely. "I love you." Ginny stopped walking, and turned to look at Harry.
"I'm sorry for snapping at you, hon," Ginny said with a tip of sadness in her voice. "Thank you for being so patient with me. I love you, too." Harry gently kissed her, before taking her hand, and leading her off.
They scheduled the appointment for the 29th of May, almost a month before James' due date.
The rest of the week was relatively normal. Harry worked each day, and Ginny hung out at the house, baby proofing. She had made sure that all things he shouldn't touch were out of the way, although most things were, since they had Teddy. She also made sure that the attic was unreachable, and she had bought five baby-gates, for all of the beginning and endings of the staircases. As the days wore on, Ginny got more and more paranoid.
Your Pregnancy: Week 34
No, it's not (just) the lack of sleep that's making your vision fuzzy. Pregnancy hormones and fluid buildup can affect your eyes' curvature and tear production, making them extra-itchy and sensitive. No matter what your vision's like, take a look toward the light - less than two months to go!
Baby's now the size of a honeydew!
Baby can recognize and react to simple songs...time to start practicing your lullabies! In fact, baby will recognize frequently sung tunes after birth and probably find them soothing. Less cute news: She now urinates about one pint per day. Get the diapers ready!
[ tip ] If you don't already have one, get a low-maintenance haircut. There'll be little time for blow-drying, straightening, or styling once baby arrives.
On Saturday, Ginny and Harry decided to go out into the Muggle world, and get some last minute baby stuff. They needed nappies, some more baby furniture, and a few other things for the nursery.
Ginny had talked with her mother, and Molly had told Ginny then thick drapes were good for the nursery, so that the sun wouldn't wake up James at odd hours.
As they approached the big Babies R Us, Ginny and Harry both became giddy.
"This is going to be a good day." Harry commented, as he held Ginny's hand tightly in his own. "After shopping, we can go out to lunch or something."
"Okay," Ginny smiled largely. "It's nice to just get out of the house for a change!"
"As long as you're okay," Harry told her. "The second you start to feel even a little bad, tell me." Ginny smiled at her husband.
"Okay, love." She said with a chuckle. "I promise."
And with that they were enveloped in the big store. Shortly, a happy, smiley worker came up to the couple.
"Hello!" The worker greeted them. "Can I help you two find anything?"
"Um… sure. Can you tell us where the changing tables are?" Harry asked with a glimpse at the small list Ginny had written out, to insure they didn't miss anything.
"Of course!" The lady exclaimed, and she quickly led them away. There was an odd skip to her walk, and Ginny couldn't help but snort.
"Too cheery?" Harry whispered into Ginny's ear.
"It's okay to be happy…" Ginny's voice trailed off, and Harry understood what she meant.
"Here you are!" The lady made a grand gesture with her hand, to show the changing tables off, and Harry and Ginny barely held in a giggle.
"Yeah, thanks." Harry told her.
"Can I help you with anything else?" She asked.
"Umm… maybe just a cart or something," Ginny said.
"Oh of course!" The lady rushed off, and this time they did chuckle.
"Okay, let's pick one out so that we can be on our way." Ginny said. "We need one that will match the crib and rocking chair we already have. There's a closet in the room, so we won't need a dresser. After this, we'll have all the furniture we need."
"Then we can leave here?" Harry asked almost hopefully.
"No, then we find nappies. I'm thinking that we should do cloth like we did for Teddy, and like my mum did for all of us. That way, we won't always have to buy new ones." Ginny explained.
"Okay, sounds good to me." Harry said. "I'll have to change diapers either way, I don't really have a preference either way."
"Okay, it's settled then." Ginny nodded, before looking over the changing tables.
As they looked them over, the annoyingly cheerful worker came back, pushing a cart in front of her.
"Pick one out yet?" She asked.
"No, not yet." Harry told her. "We're still looking."
"Okay! Just let me know if you need anything!" She told them.
"Okay, bye." Ginny said, and the lady skipped off. "Finally," Ginny sighed in relief. Harry chuckled.
"See one you like?" Harry asked her as she looked over the different ones.
"Ummm…" Ginny worried her bottom lip in her teeth. "I like that one." She pointed to one that was at the top of the shelves.
"That one," Harry raised his eyebrows.
"Yeah, it's the perfect wood, it'll match perfectly!" Ginny clapped her hands together. "I really didn't think we'd find such a great match!"
"Well how am I supposed to reach it?" Harry asked her.
"Well… I don't…" Ginny's voice trailed off. "How about magic?" Her voice was sarcastic.
"Oh," Harry smiled sheepishly. "How silly of me." Harry looked around, making sure that no one was around. When he was sure the coast was clear, he flicked his wand, and the big box of parts came floating down, and landed easily in the cart.
"Bravo!" Ginny said with a chuckle.
"Thank you," Harry smiled at her. "What else do we need?"
"Nappies and drapes." Ginny told him.
"Can we get both things here?" Harry asked hopefully, and Ginny chuckled.
"We can get the nappies here, but we'll have to see about the drapes. If not, it'll be alright." Ginny explained.
"What color drapes are you thinking about?" Harry asked.
"Dark, navy blue. It'll keep the most light out, and it'll match the blue sky walls." Ginny explained to him, and Harry nodded.
"Sounds good." Harry smiled at his wife, and she smiled back.
"So, where do you wanna go to lunch?" Ginny asked, as they followed the signs that led to the nappies.
"Umm… just a local place. We can look around for something that looks good." Harry offered.
"Okay, sounds good to me." Ginny nodded. "But, I'm really craving Indian food. Let's look for something like that."
"Okay, we could ask someone." Harry told her.
"Yes, lets!" Ginny exclaimed happily. "I love when we get out." Ginny said happily, and Harry nodded his head in agreement. Pretty much, he loved doing anything with Ginny.
As they approached the nappie section, Harry instantly looked confused over all the different selections.
"Here," Ginny led him over to where the cloth nappies were. "We want the pack of 20, for these four sizes." Ginny showed him and she put them into the cart.
"Why four sizes?" Harry furrowed his brow.
"Because we don't wanna come back when James grows out of his old ones." Ginny explained. "If we get a variety of sizes, we can still charms to shrink or grow them in size, if needed."
"Oh makes sense." Harry nodded his head. "Now all we need are drapes, correct?"
"Correct," Ginny nodded her head. "I'd like to ask someone if they really sell drapes here, but I don't want that dreadfully cheerful girl to come back." Harry laughed out loud at that.
"Well, I doubt she's the only worker in this huge store." Harry pointed out.
"Yeah, I know, but it seems she's the one who wants to help us." Ginny said. "Just, keep your eyes out for a worker, and I'll look for a sign."
"Yes, ma'am." Harry said mock seriously, before kissing her temple, and striding off, Ginny following him.
As they walked, Ginny quickly found what they were looking for. She led Harry over there, and they stood around looking for what seemed to be forever to Harry, but in reality was only around 10 minutes.
When Ginny had finally picked the right shade, they went up to the counter and paid, and were soon on their ways. Harry shrunk the items, so that they would fit in pocket, and they went in search of an Indian restaurant.
After a long time of looking, Ginny saw a sign for a Chinese food restaurant, and turned to Harry.
"I've changed my mind!" Ginny exclaimed. "I want Chinese!"
"Gin!" Harry exclaimed, but in frustration. "We've been walking around for almost an hour, and we've passed like five Chinese restaurants!" Ginny just shrugged and Harry had to laugh. "I love you." Harry said with a laugh.
"Love you, too, babe." Ginny said as she took his hand, and led him into the Chinese restaurant.
They were quickly seated, and soon after ordered their meal. Within no time at all, the meal was served and they quickly dug in.
"Oh I just love Chinese food!" Ginny exclaimed as she quickly loaded her plate with more food. Harry laughed.
"Yes you do." He said, and Ginny shot him a look as she continued to eat.
"Let's not be rude." Ginny said mock sternly.
"Of course, love." Harry smiled.
They continued eating for quite a while, before they decided to be on their way. They paid the bill, and then decided to walk a while, before apparating home.
"Today was nice." Ginny commented with a smile as she swung their clasped hands around.
"Yes it was," Harry agreed. "We haven't just done something the two of us in quite some time."
"We've been busy," Ginny agreed.
"We'll be even busier in a month or so." Harry pointed out as he brought their hands up to his mouth and placed a gentle kiss.
"Yes we will," Ginny agreed. "A happy kind of busy though."
"Yeah, very happy." Harry agreed. "I can't wait for James."
"Me neither." Ginny nodded her head. "You have no idea how much. I'm done being pregnant."
"I know, love." Harry kissed the side of her head. "Soon."
"Yes, but not soon enough." Ginny said with a sigh, and Harry laughed. "And when James is here, you'll be able to help."
"And I will." Harry assured her. "I want more than anything to help take care of little James."
"Good," Ginny smiled. "You really are the best husband." Ginny told him. "And I love you."
"I love you, too." Harry said with a smile.
A/N- yes, two in just a few days! BOOM! That's why they're both kinda short! Please, please review! I'm sorry if this is too short for anyone's liking, I tried! And it's late!
I like this though. Just a sweet little fluffy chapter. Most of my chapters have been so long, but this was a nice change!
I'm gonna try my hardest to get this moving along, meaning updates more often, because everyone says they're very excited for Albus' story, and SO AM I! :D Also, I can't wait for James to be born!
Ummm… I can't think of anything to say. Although, two words that come to mind are 'THANK YOU!' I wanna share a little secret with you guys. Last month, First Try at Parenthood had 12,451 hits and 3,851 visitors! Oh my goodness, thank you to all 3,851 of you! And so far, this month there has been 2,573 hits and 864 visitors! :D Thank you all!
Oh, BTW I'm still accepting commission forms, so PLEASE give me some! :D hehe