Chapter 26: Healer Appointment Part II
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.
The day after Harry and Ginny's fun day out was Mothers Day. Ginny wasn't expecting anything, she wasn't a mother yet, but Harry had other plans.
Harry woke early, and went down stairs to get a breakfast ready, to bring to her up in bed. He was excited, because he knew she'd be very surprised. He also had a gift for her.
It was a simple, yet pretty. The necklace was a silver chain, with a silver, circle 'charm'. The charm read 'James Sirius' and had a place that when he was born, they could engrave his birth date, and his height and weight. Harry knew she'd love it.
Harry cooked a wonderful, full, breakfast, consisting of French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and pumpkin juice.
Harry, not trusting his balance, used his wand to levitate the tray up to their third floor bedroom. When he entered their bedroom, he was pleased to find Ginny still sleeping. He came into the room, set the tray on the nightstand, and went to her side of the bed.
Ginny slept on her side, her front facing Harry. He loved to watch her sleep, and gently see her tummy move. Her face, and Harry felt slightly guilty for waking her up, since it was hard for her get sleep anymore. So, instead of waking her, he merely sat there, until she awake.
Ginny didn't wake for another half an hour. But when she did, Harry was still sitting on the ground, waiting for her.
"Morning, love." Ginny mumbled groggily, as she rolled to her back and stretched her arms above her head.
"Happy Mother's Day, love." Harry told her, as he got to his knees, and kneeled up to her.
"Mothers Day?" Ginny's voice held confusion, and Harry decided to tease her.
"Yeah," Harry nodded his head. "You know, the day you celebrate your mother, and honor her."
"I know what mothers day is," Ginny said as Harry smirked at her. "I was meaning why me? I'm not a mother yet."
"But almost." Harry told her. "And I decided that I'd honor and celebrate you anyway. For the past eight months you've been carrying James and I thought I'd thank you." Harry explained, and he reached up to place a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Come sit in the bed with me," Ginny told him, and Harry obeyed. He sat next to her, their backs resting against the headboard, and he turned to her.
"I brought you breakfast in bed," Harry told her, and he grabbed the tray from the nightstand. Ginny's face lit up.
"Yummy!" She exclaimed happily, and she quickly ate up. Within no time at all, she had eaten the whole tray full of food. "I was famished!"
"I can tell," Harry said with a chuckle, and Ginny playfully slapped his shoulder.
"Well thank you, love." Ginny told him after a moment, with a kiss on the cheek.
"There's more," Harry told her.
"More?" Ginny asked curiously.
"Oh yes," Harry leaned over to his nightstand, opened the little drawer, and pulled out a wrapped present, and a card.
"Oh, Harry!" Ginny exclaimed when he handed them to her.
"Card first," Harry told her, and Ginny nodded her head. She opened the envelope and pulled out a simple card.
It was white, with a bouquet of flowers on the front, and since it was a magical card, smelled just like a real bouquet. Also on the front, were the words 'Happy Mothers Day!' Ginny then opened it, and found a little note from Harry.
'Ginny,' It read in Harry's messy handwriting.
'As I sit here and watch you sleep, I can't help but be in awe. You have been carrying little James for about eight months, and you've done little complaining. You are one of the strongest people I know, and I am proud of you for it. It still makes me very happy to know that you are mine, and will be forever. I love everything about you, and I just love you. You are the perfect wife, and are going to be the perfect mother. Happy Mother's Day, honey, you deserve to have an easy day. I would gladly take over being pregnant for you if I could. I hate to see you in pain, and I hate to see you so tired all the time. You really are so strong.
I love you so much,
Harry'When Ginny finished reading the card, she was in tears.
"I love you, too, Harry." Ginny whispered as she still stared down at the card. She couldn't help but think how perfect Harry was, and what a great husband he was, and what a great father he would be. "You're just as perfect," Ginny added.
Ginny then turned to Harry and kissed him. It was sweet, gentle, and loving, which was all Ginny could give at the moment. She wasn't feeling horny, or sexy or anything else like that. She didn't feel like getting into anything, she just wanted to let him know how much she loved him. And as if Harry knew what she was thinking, he quickly spoke up.
"Ginny, I hope you know that I'm not mad at you because you don't want to make love or anything like that," Harry quickly assured her, and his voice was completely genuine. "I love you for you, and that's all you ever have to be."
"I know," Ginny bit her lip and nodded her head, as a few more tears fell. She really did love this man. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Gin." Harry told her. "Now, open up your gift." Ginny had momentarily forgotten about the perfectly wrapped box, but know she was anxious to see what was inside.
Ginny quickly tore off the wrapping paper, and she then opened the white box that was under the paper.
Inside the box was the necklace. Ginny took a gasp at the beautiful necklace.
"Harry!" She squealed. "I love it!" As she studied it more tears fell from her eyes.
"When he's born, we can go engrave it to have his birth date, height and weight put on it under his name." Harry explained. Ginny smiled.
"I love it!" She exclaimed. "It's perfect!"
"I'm glad you like it," Harry smiled appreciatively.
"It's absolutely perfect!" Ginny exclaimed again, and she gave him another kiss. "Put it on me." Ginny told him, and he did.
Harry gently clasped it around her neck, and she looked down at it, and placed a finger to it.
"Oh Harry!" She squealed again, and Harry laughed. "I just got an idea!" Ginny exclaimed as she turned to him.
"Alright, what is it?" Harry asked her.
"Okay, I think that I should get one that says Teddy Remus on it and then we can put his birth date and size and stuff!" Ginny told him excitedly.
"Okay, we can go do that today if you'd like." Harry offered, as Ginny still stared at her new necklace.
"We're going to the Burrow, remember," Ginny said. "Tomorrow?"
"Yeah, okay." Harry nodded at her, and smiled at his perfect gift. "Sounds good to me. You can go without me, or we can go after I get back from the Ministry."
"After." Ginny said simply. "I don't even know where to go."
"True, and it's in Muggle London. I don't want you walking around by yourself." Harry said firmly.
"And why's that?" Ginny asked, and Harry could tell she was slightly frustrated.
"Because I love you and you're eight months pregnant." Harry explained.
"Oh yes," Ginny slightly blushed. "I agree with you there." Harry chuckled.
"I knew you would." He assured her.
The rest of the morning was spent in bed, just talking and admiring Ginny's new necklace. As the evening fast approached, Harry and Ginny showered, got dressed, and flooed over to the Burrow.
When they got to the Burrow, they found Bill, Fleur, Victoire, Dominique, Ron and Hermione already there.
"Hey Harry, Hey Ginny!" Everyone chorused when they came into the kitchen. Harry and Ginny greeted them back, and set their cards for Molly on a counter.
"Happy Mother's Day, Mum." Ginny greeted her mother, with a kiss.
"Thank you, dear." Molly smiled at her youngest child, and only daughter. "How have you been, honey?"
"Hanging in there," Ginny said with a chuckle. "I just can't wait for the little sucker to be born."
"I know the feeling." Molly said with a chuckle. "Bill was hard because I'm not the patient type, and he was my oldest. Charlie was hard because he was almost a week and a half late. Percy was a hard pregnancy all together because I had little Bill and Charlie running around going crazy. And Fred and George was even worse, since I had three little kids, and when have anything the twins done been easy?" Everyone there chuckled at that. "And then with Ron, I had three little kids, and the twins. And with you dear, I had my hands as full as they could get, and you were late too. But when I held you for the first time, my little girl, I knew that it had all been worth it." Molly smiled at her daughter, all grown up. "You'll understand the feeling when you hold your little one for the first time." At this comment, Fleur spoke up.
"Yes you will," Fleur nodded her head, from where she sat, covered in a blanket, as she breast fed Dom. "As hard and long as being pregnant is, you know it's all worth it when you hold your precious baby for the first time." Fleur then glanced at Bill. "And when you see your husband hold James for the first time, you'll be hit by even more emotions."
"I really can't wait," Ginny admitted. "I have a lot of time to think too, since little James is always keeping me up at night."
"And he will for the first three months," Molly added. "But then Harry will be able to help you."
"Yes I'm looking forward to him having to help," Ginny said with a glance Harry's way.
"I can't wait for James either." Harry agreed. "I'll be happy to help Ginny in any way I can."
"That's a good attitude!" Fleur exclaimed. "If only Bill had been as enthusiastic."
"Oi!" Bill exclaimed. "I help plenty!"
"Yes you do," Fleur agreed with a chuckle, as she adjusted Dom.
"I'm glad we're not having a baby any time soon," Ron spoke up then. "Don't think I'm ready to worry about being a father."
"Are you saying that if we were having a baby right now, you wouldn't be happy?" Hermione asked with a raised eyebrow. "Harry and Ginny didn't plan their baby."
"Of course I'd be happy!" Ron exclaimed. "I'm just saying that I'm happy that the time isn't now," Ron explained. "I'm not ready for kids at all."
"Yeah, well, you never know when we will just become pregnant." Hermione said stubbornly.
"I know, and I'll be happy when we do have kids!" Ron exclaimed. "I'm just saying that I'm glad it's not now!"
"Well, what if it was right now!" Hermione shot back.
"Is it?" Ron instantly paled, and everyone else in the kitchen couldn't help but laugh at his sudden fear.
"No," Hermione seethed. "But, what if it was?"
"Then I'd be happy!" Ron exclaimed.
"Let's all just calm down," Molly said gently from her place by the stove, and Ron and Hermione seemed to just realized that others were in the room with them. They both blushed, and everyone laughed.
The rest of the night was spent talking, laughing and enjoying time with their mother. Everyone that wasn't a biological child, felt that Molly had been like a mother to them at some point in time, and in some way, especially for Harry.
As it got late, everyone decided it was time to go. Ginny was actually almost falling asleep from the coach she sat on. Her head was rested on Harry's shoulder, and she dozed off several times, before Harry decided it was time to go home. He would've just let her fall asleep on him, and carry her home later, but it was getting harder to carry her around anymore, plus he had work in the morning. So, he reluctantly woke her up, and helped her floo home, and led her upstairs to bed.
The next day, after they ate a nice, hardy meal, they ventured out to Muggle London, to get the charm for Ginny's necklace. Ginny was excited to get another addition to her necklace, and was happily chatting with Harry about anything that came to mind.
As they arrived at the jewelry store where Harry had purchased the necklace, Ginny happily entered, as Harry held the door open for her. Harry took her over to where the silver, circle pieces were, and they picked the size they wanted, and took it up to the engraver.
"Hello," The man greeted him. "What can I get this to say for you?" The man handed Ginny a paper and pen, so that she could write down the message.
'Teddy Remus' she put on the first line, '18/4/1998' she put on the second line, and on the third she put his weight and height on the day he was born.
"Child charm?" The man asked.
"Yeah, he's our son." Ginny answered as the man took the plate and put in the machine that would engrave it.
"I see the other one on your necklace, is that another child?" The man went on to ask.
"He's this one," Ginny answered as she rubbed her swollen, pregnant belly.
"Well then congratulations." The man offered the couple, and they both smiled.
"Thanks," Harry answered.
Within no time at all, the charm was done, and they had paid, and were on their way. Ginny had instantly put the charm back on, and Harry smiled at Ginny as she continued to study the necklace.
"I really do love this," Ginny told him. "It's so perfect!"
"I'm glad you love it so much, honey." Harry said with a smile. "I'm so glad I chose this gift."
"I'm so glad you did too." Ginny smiled at him. "I know what I'm getting you for Father's Day." She teased.
"You didn't have to get me anything," Harry told her, though he knew it was a lost cause, so he decided to say something else. "Oh really," He said.
"Yeah," Ginny smiled happily at his second response. "You're gonna love it!"
"Well that's good," Harry said and both he and Ginny chuckled.
"I can't wait, I'm probably gonna spill it." Ginny laughed. "I stink at keeping secrets."
"Yes you do," Harry told her with a chuckle.
The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home, and just being together.
Your Pregnancy: Week 35
With baby's head pressing squarely on your bladder, you're probably clocking some quality time in the bathroom. On a similar note, if you're finding it tough to poop, load up on the fiber. Whole grains, veggies, and dried fruits (but not all at once!) should loosen things up.
Baby's now the size of a honeydew!
From now on, baby's growth is mostly in the plumping up department - though he won't get much longer, he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. (He's about 15 percent right now and will be about 30 percent by full-term.) His hearing is totally developed (tip: baby responds best to higher pitches), and if he really is a "he," his testes have probably completed their descent.
[ tip ] For a cheap and reusable heating pad, fill a sock with uncooked rice and pop it in the microwave for a minute. Use to soothe your aching back... neck... ankles... pubic bone...
Your Pregnancy: Week 36
Baby should soon descend into your pelvis, which will give your lungs a little room to breathe (literally). The bad news: This puts the brunt of baby's weight on your hips and pelvis, and will make them pretty sore. Add in your ever-loosening ligaments, and you may soon be taking on that oh-so-adorable pregnancy waddle.
Baby's now the size of a honeydew!
Baby's skin is getting smooth and soft, her gums are rigid, her liver and kidneys are in working order, and her circulation and immune system are basically good to go. Her lungs are the only organs that still need to fully mature, but every day she gets a little closer to breathing on her own.
[ tip ] For a quick zap of energy, splash essential oil of peppermint or eucalyptus on a tissue and inhale deeply. The scents are great natural stimulants.
Over the next two weeks, Ginny mostly stayed at home and got things ready for James. Last minute things, that she knew really didn't matter, but had fun doing anyways. The next healer appointment approached fast, and Ginny was slightly nervous. Today she'd have to remember a lot of information, and she wasn't particularly excited. She had a notebook just in case, but figured she wouldn't need it that much.
Soon, Harry and Ginny were stationed in the St. Mungo's lobby, waiting to be called back to meet with Padma and get things going.
Within no time at all, someone had called them back, and they were in Padma's office.
"Okay, we have a lot to do today, and it shouldn't take too much time." Padma assured them. "But here we go." Padma handed them a clipboard with a few papers stuck to it.
"What's this one for?" Harry asked.
"It's just registration forms. Saying that you'll be having a baby hear within the next month or so." Padma explained as Harry and Ginny went through and signed and filled out the forms.
"Okay, now we have this birth plan that you can fill out if you'd like to." Padma told them. "It's not required, and not expected, it's just easier. If you do it like this, Gin, we healers will be able to know exactly what you want and expect while giving birth."
"I'd like to take a look at it." Ginny said. "I mean it won't hurt to fill it out."
"Yeah, most women do." Padma told her. "It's actually something that we healers took from Muggles." Padma admitted as she handed the form on a clipboard to Ginny. Harry and Ginny peered over the form and looked over it, before Ginny started filling it out.
Full Name: The first line read, and Ginny wrote Ginevra Molly Weasley Potter. Partners Name: was the second line and Ginny happily wrote Harry James Potter. She then filled out today's date, her due date, the hospitals name, and her healer's name.
The next section asked who'd she like to have in the room while she delivered, and Ginny already knew the one person she'd allow in her room. It had a line for partner, parents, other children, and other. Ginny checked the Partner box and wrote Harry James Potter. She and Harry hadn't talked about him being present while she gave birth, but she knew without a doubt that she was not giving birth if he wasn't in the room holding her hand.
"You sure?" Harry whispered her name as she wrote his name down on the line.
"Of course." Ginny answered. "Why? Do you not wanna be there?"
"I'd like more than anything to be there," Harry assured her, and Ginny knew he was telling the truth.
The next section asked what she'd like during birth and she clearly checked the boxes for as few interruptions as possible, only my healer and her nurses present, my partner to be present the entire time, to stay hydrated with water, and to eat and drink as approved by my doctor. Ginny thought how useful this would be, as she looked over some the questions it asked. She never knew so many things could go on while she delivered, but wanted it to be as fast, and simple as possible.
As she went on to answer many, many more questions, not many stood out as much as some did. When she got to one section, she asked Harry what he wanted.
For the section on 'Immediately After Birth…' she asked Harry if he'd like to cut the umbilical cord, and he agreed to.
Then she checked she wanted to hold James after he had been wiped, cleaned, and swaddled, so that he was clean, checked out and such. She really did want to hold him immediately after he was born, but Padma advised that he should be cleaned and taken care of before then, and Ginny agreed with the decision.
And then she said that she wanted to give James his first meal with breastfeeding. She was actually looking forward to breastfeeding. Her mother, Fleur and Angelina had told her that breastfeeding was a good way to get closer and connect with her baby, and it was the best for them, and Ginny loved all of those reasons.
Then, on the family members section, she wrote out Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley, Bill Weasley, Fleur Weasley, Victoire Weasley, Dominique Weasley, Charlie Weasley, Percy Weasley, Audrey Weasley, George Weasley, Angelina Weasley, Fred Weasley, Ron Weasley, Hermione Weasley, Andromeda Tonks, and Teddy Lupin to be allowed in when she and Harry decided that they were ready.
She then went on to say that she wanted James' medical exams to all happen in her and Harry's presence, and that she wanted James first bath to be in her and Harry's presence and if they could, to be able to be the ones to give it to him. She also said that she only wanted James fed with her breast milk, that she wanted him to always be in her room if possible, and that she wanted Harry to have unlimited visiting and be able to sleep in room with her, that she wanted to stay in the hospital as briefly as possible, and that if James should be born unhealthily, that she wanted him to only be taken away in the presence of either her or Harry, to be able to still breastfeed him and to hold him whenever possible.
Ginny also answered a few other questions, before she finished up the form.
"This will come in handy." Padma assured Ginny as she put the form in Ginny's folder. "Believe me."
"Oh I do," Ginny nodded her head. "I never thought that I had the choice of so many things, and I'm glad I do. It is me and my child after all."
"Yeah," Padma agreed.
"And I'm glad that me and Harry were able to go over together," Ginny added.
"I'm glad, too." Harry assured her.
"Well then I'm glad," Padma told them. "Anything that makes the whole birthing process better for you both of you, Gin especially, is helpful for me and my assistant healers."
Padma then gave them a tour of the maternity ward, where the birthing rooms were and where the other rooms were, and where the nursery was, and where there was a small café that sold tea, coffee and a few pastries and such.
"Now," Padma led them to the waiting room. "I shouldn't see you until the birth, so just come in if you need anything, if anything seems wrong, and of course, when you go into labor." Padma had also told Ginny the signs of labor.
"Okay," Ginny nodded her head. "Thank you, Padma."
"No problem," Padma assured her. "And I can't wait to see you again, since that means you'll be having your little one."
"We can't wait either," Harry told her. "See you soon, Padma."
"See you guys," Padma waved as they left the hospital, and apparated home.
A/N- Did I bore you all too much? I hope not! I hope you all liked it! Let me know in a review, please! :D You guys have been really great with reviews lately and I thank you!
I know that in England, mothers day and fathers day aren't celebrated in May and June, but I'm American, and it worked PERFECTLY for the story line if we just over look that teeny weeny detail! We'll just pretend that in the Wizarding World, the dates are different! :D hehe Just work with me people!