Ziva was in her 9th month now, and she was miserable. May is her last month, when she is due to have her twins. It was a beautiful spring day, nice and sunny, but to the heavily pregnant woman with a huge pregnant belly and her increased metabolic rate, she was feeling literally hot. Ziva was having headaches, shortness of breath, and becoming stressed because of her baby brain forgetfulness and clumsiness. She was also needing to drink a lot of water to keep herself hydrated. She was in her 33rd week. Just the beginning of her last month. Tony would head out to work, lately only to come home by the time it was dark outside from the long day, tired from the workload. Joshua, Danny and Jordan were away at school, Alessandra and Cameron at the daycare center at NCIS, leaving Ziva alone at home to do whatever she wished without the stress of her rambunctious and rambling toddlers. Her cell rang and Ziva picked it up. "DiNozzo." She answers as she brings it to her ear, a smile forming on her lips as she heard her husband on the other end. 'Hey Zi. Just calling to see how you're doing.' Ziva nodded. "I'm doing fine, other than my heat spell. I believe a cool shower is in order." She could see it in her minds eye, her husband at his desk. 'Yeah that sounds like a good idea. And make sure you're staying-' "staying off my feet. I know Tony. Doctor Claire didn't say I had to go on bedrest you know. I can move about if I want. Maybe I'll go for a walk after the shower." Ziva finished his sentence. 'A walk? Are you sure thats a good idea?' He asked with uncertainty and Ziva let out a breath as the babies moved. "Yes I am sure honey. Some exercise will do me some good. I may be fat but I am not lazy Tony." 'Ziva you're not fat. You're very pregnant and you need to be very careful with yourself.' Ziva nodded. "Tony, again, for the third time, I will be alright. Don't worry yourself because if you end up going out into the field you will be distracted and, and I won't be there to protect you." She heard her husband sigh. 'Alright Zi. And don't worry, I'll keep my head on straight...hey wipe that smirk off your face McGee.' Ziva chuckled as she heard Tony hang up. She looked down at her big belly and breathed a little more easily. Doctor Claire had said the babies had both turned so their heads were down. She recalled the memory as she slowly waddled up the stairs to head for a nice soothing shower. 'This week you can expect what I mentioned earlier. Headaches, dehydration, stress and feeling warm. The babies are about 17 inches long and weigh about 5 pounds each and by the end of your pregnancy they could be around 6.5 pounds. Yes that seems small but it is twins we are dealing with here.'
Ziva swallowed as she got ready for her shower, undressing after she got the water started. She paused, looking at herself in the mirror. She looked as though she had eaten a hippopotamus. Her belly was big. She wondered if by the end of the month if it would be bigger. Ziva shook her head as her hands wrapped around her large and rounded form. She noticed her belly move as a foot presented itself, seeing it on her skin. "Mmmnn..you'll be with me soon tatelehs." She murmured to her belly. "Just a little longer." Without further adieu the mother stepped into the shower and enjoyed a soothing bath. Afterwards Ziva put her hair up into a ponytail, her long hair shinny and straightened. She carefully made her way back downstairs and then made herself some peanut butter and banana sandwiches and ate them, then she ate 2 apples, an orange, then some ice-cream with nuts and mini m&ms. After she ate that Ziva decided she should go for her walk. Strapping her purse over her shoulder and a bottle of water, Ziva headed out the door. The birds were chirping, butterflies flapping about, bees buzzing after flower pollen and nectar to make delicious honey. Which can actually last for years as it slowly caramelizes into natural sugar. Ziva took a breath through her nose, taking in the scents nature had to offer her. The smell of freshly cut grass, a bit of rain in the air, the flowers and other scents on the breeze, to which the mother was grateful for. It was good to be outside. The pregnant woman set her own pace, or waddle in this case. It was at a nice speed even though there was no speed at all included in this little outing. She breathed normally, was careful of where she stepped and smiled at whomever she passed by.
Walking along the sidewalk and enjoying the world around her was beautiful. But after about 40 minutes Ziva had to stop and catch her breath and get hydrated again so she at least pushed herself a little until she made it to one of the nearby parks, breathing a bit as she eased herself onto one of the first benches, leaning her head back and rubbing her big stomach, eyes closed for a moment. Truth be told it was only a little bigger than when she was with her first set of twins. Maybe 3 inches more. "Mam, are you alright?" An older couple was passing by and the lady had asked kindly, her expression showing concern. Ziva opened her eyes upon the voice and gave a smile as she breathed. "Oh I'm fine. I was just out for a walk and I had to stop to catch my breath and drink some water." The elderly woman nodded, giving a meek smile. "Would you like some company until you're rested up? We'd be happy to give you a ride home." As she said this she glanced at her husband and he nodded, smiling kindly. Ziva inclined her head. "Thank you but I'll be alright. I'm tougher than I look." She chided and the older woman smiled, chuckling. "Oh I do not doubt that my dear. Just take care of yourself and your little ones." She gently patted Zivas hand, the pregnant brunette looking into the older ladies very blue eyes. "How did you know I was carrying more than one?" The elderly woman winked. "At my age, having seen many carrying mothers in my time, it's easy to tell. The name is Grace by the way and this is my husband Jim." Ziva nodded and shook hands with the older man. "Well it is nice to meet you both. We've been in the neighborhood for a while, but I think after these two come along we might have to be looking for something bigger. Hopefully a place within the same neighborhood, just with, a bit more." The couple nodded in understanding. "There are plenty of nice places here provided you have the money." Ziva grinned, taking a gulp of her water. "Yes we have a nice income. Me and my husband are both in Law Enforcement. We are Special Agents who work at NCIS." The couple nodded. There was more conversation and then they took their leave. Ziva stayed where she was a while longer before getting herself up and waddling home. Though she enjoyed the outing, by the time she made it back and got into the house she was exhausted.
Ziva had just made it up the stairs when she paused at hearing the bus. So, she turned herself around and waddled back down, shuffling towards the door. The mother opened it and in came Jordan, Danny and Joshua. "Hey Ima." "Ima!" They greeted their mother, all trying to hug her at once. Ziva laughed and smiled warmly, hugging them back. "Mmmn! I love your hugs! How was school today? Did you have a good time?" Joshua shrugged, Danny and Jordan nodded. "Yeah we did." Jordan lifted up her arms, wanting Ziva to pick her up. Ziva smiled. "Oh, Jordan. I would love to pick you up and carry you, but Ima can't at the moment." "Cause you have babies in your belly?" Jordan asked Ziva nodded. "That's right." Jordan grinned then went to the couch. "Ima will you braid my hair?" Ziva smiled and nodded, "Of course sweetheart." She gently caressed Jordan's face, waddling over and taking a seat, easing herself down awkwardly. "I have homework Ima." Joshua said and Ziva nodded. "Alright. Make sure you're studying hard. But not too hard." The boy nodded and both Josh and Danny went to their room while Ziva had Jordan sit next to her on the couch. She angled her body best she could and began working on her daughters hair, humming a soothing tune that was calming. Ziva stroked and brushed through her daughters hair, then she began braiding it. After a moment of silence. "Ima?" Jordan asked and Ziva responded as she was doing her daughters braid. "Ken tateleh-Yes little one?" "What was my real Ima like?" The question caused Ziva to pause and think. She surely wasn't expecting it and it troubled her somewhat. Did Jordan not see Ziva as her mother? She was young when she was adopted. Jordan spoke and broke her from her thoughts. "I don't remember much but I remember a little."
Ziva leans her head to the side after finishing Jordan's braid and the little girl turned so she was sitting next to Ziva, cuddling in close. "Her eyes were dark, but bright. Like Danny's. And she had pretty voice like yours." Jordan smiled and Ziva retuned the grin. "I member she made me feel safe, like you." Jordan stared into Zivas eyes a moment, then she inched herself up into her knees, and huger Ziva, wrapping her arms around her neck. "You're my Ima...will you ever leave us?" Ziva could not help the tears that came to her eyes. "No tateleh. I will always be here." Ziva placed her hand over Jordan's heart. "Even when you grow up. I will always be right here." Jordan smiled and hugged Ziva even tighter. "I love you Ima. I'm glad you and Abba found us." Ziva hugged back. "I love you too sweetheart. Always."
Well I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a review or ask questions. Even if you want to pm and talk about Cote or Michael, feel free. I'm not a source person with information or anything, just a fan. But I am worried about Cote and her family since I'm sure some of you know she pulled out of her play she was going to be doing in Boston. Anyway the only thing we can do is have patience and hope that she's okay. Sorry if I'm showing my feelings a little. I have never meet Cote but I would love to. If I did I'd greet her with a Big Hug! Babies in the next chapter! Lol I'm sure Ziva is like-Finally. ;)
