A/N: I know it's been a while since I updated. Things have been chaotic, hectic, and there have been days when I'm having trouble finding the drive to do anything. The story WILL be finished, though. I've never left one incomplete and I'm not about to start now.

The notebook was in no way organized. Apparently Penny had just jotted down things as they occurred to her. He carefully pulled away the spiral binding and reshuffle the papers into three distinct groups. He paused momentarily before delving into the papers to hope she would not get upset that he had rearranged them.

He started with the Baby section. Many of the pages had diagrams for the baby's room, or appointment reminder post-its taped to them. Some even had copies of ultra sound pictures attached.

Dr. Sargent can't get a good look at her to see if she really is a girl (or boy) yet. I think she's a girl. She's stubborn, like Sheldon, but she's really active, too. Always throwing punches, or kicks. She keeps her back to the ultrasound like she's hiding something she doesn't want us to see. I remember my dad saying I used to do that when I was trying to sneak a kitten up to my room or hide something I broke.

I've been trying to think of names that Sheldon won't pitch a fit over. I suspect that unless it's Marie Curry or his Meemaw's name, he's going to overrule anything he doesn't pick out himself. Please be a girl so he can't pick Asimov or that Tesla guy! :P

Had a bit of a scare today. Doc thought he heard two heartbeats at first. Twins? Holy crap on a cracker! How can I raise two at once? Turns out the ultrasound machine was malfunctioning. Let me tell you, I was really relieved. I'm barely holding myself together so far. I'm doing my best, but I worry that I'm not going to be a good mom.

Okay, I have some names to suggest to Sheldon. I hope he likes at least one or two.

Sabrina Marie -Sabrina from an Audrey Hepburn movie, and Marie because it sounds good.

Hayley Michelle -I loved Hayley Mills growing up.

Jessica Lynn -I saw it in a script I read for and just really liked the way it sounded.

I also picked out a couple of boy names, just in case I'm (eye roll) wrong.

Brandon Allen -My best friend in grade school was Brandon and Allen for Sheldon's favorite superhero. Or we could go with Allen Brandon.

Colton Lee -I saw Colton on a baby name website, and Lee is pretty self-explanatory.

I'm sure Sheldon will have a few of his own for us to talk about. (Please not Asimov!)

I know it sounds stupid, but I've been reading Sheldon's messages out loud. I mean, it can't hurt, right? And maybe our daughter can hear them. Maybe this will show her what a smart, fascinating, beautiful mind her father is. I don't know how long he will be gone. He hasn't promised to be back before she is born, and I don't want her to ever think he doesn't want her. So, if a little bit of reading aloud helps her connect with Sheldon, that's a good thing.

I swear Amy is trying to kill me. She took away my fruity pebbles! She says my sugar is too high and I'm stuck with cheerios and rice crispies! She won't even let me add strawberries! Wait until she gets pregnant! I'll be a frickin' diet despot!

Okay, no more Step Up movies! Every single time the hip hop music starts, the baby goes nuts! Rolling, flipping, kicking. It's like World War 3 in my stomach! Raj, of course, thinks it's hilarious. He'll put his hands on my belly and laugh as she goes wild. She kicked so hard during the final group dance in Revolution that she actually bruised me! From now on, classical or Soft Kitty. All other forms of music are banned until I give birth!

Another 7 pounds. Uggh! I'm a freakin' whale! On the plus side, the baby is doing wonderfully. Her dimensions are right where they should be. The doc estimates that she will be around 8 pounds.

Everyone has been so helpful and supportive. I swear, if I had known before how wonderful my friends were, maybe I wouldn't have gotten so screwed up. Of course, I suspect they never realized they had it in them, either. This baby is going to have some of the greatest uncles and aunts ever!

I think I'm leaning more toward a natural birth. I'm not a fan of pain, but I'm also not a fan of drugs. I know the risks are really low, but why take the chance, you know? I've talked to a few women I know and they say natural is something you never forget or regret.

I'm not sure if he'll want them or not, but when I bought stuff for the baby's room, I also bought extras for Sheldon. A bassinet, a baby bath, towels, blankets, clothes. There's even a special red and yellow blanket in the hall closet in his apartment for the baby.

Sheldon jumped up and hurried over to the closet. Just as she had written there were baby items inside. He carefully pulled each one out and looked it over. She had picked neutral colors of mint, tan and cream for everything. He gently unfolded the blanket on the top shelf. It was red with gold stripes near the edges. He smiled softly as he carefully refolded it.

His watched beeped and he glanced at it. He needed to leave soon if he was to be on time for dinner with Penny. He placed everything back into the closet and walked over to put the papers away in his top drawer. He had just enough time for a shower before he had to catch the bus.

He started to head down the hall but a knock on the door stopped him. He really didn't have time for company. He huffed and opened the door. "Howard? Why are you here?"

"Leonard asked me to give you a ride to the restaurant," he said as he walked in. "So, your mom went home?"

Sheldon closed the door and nodded. "Yes. She has agreed to back off and leave this situation alone."

Howard snorted. "According to Leonard you laid down the law. It's about time."

Sheldon looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

Howard looked embarrassed, and he scuffed one shoe on the floor. "Look, I'm the last person to tell someone they need to stand up to a parent, but honestly, Penny couldn't take much more. She was torn between sticking up for herself and making nice with her child's blood family. The stress isn't good for Penny or the baby. Penny's blood pressure is worse than she likes to admit."

Worry crept into his expression. "How much worse?"

"Not too bad yet," Howard assured him, "but last visit it was elevated enough that the doctor suggested going on maternity leave early. He's trying to avoid putting her on any more medications, if at all possible."

Sheldon glanced at his watch. "I have to shower. We'll continue this discussion in the car."

Howard gave him a lopsided smile. "Oh, goodie."

"Sarcasm?" Sheldon asked with raised eyebrows.

Howard clicked his tongue and winked in affirmative. Sheldon just rolled his eyes and headed to the bathroom. Sometimes, his friends completely baffled him.