By Mid-April, Kim was so ready to give birth. It was getting closer to her due date, and she couldn't believe that her stomach had gotten so huge. Despite how tired her body was, she couldn't wait to meet JJ and Katrina.
Tommy knew Kim was worn out from the pregnancy… he prayed that everything would go well when it came time for Kim to deliver. Jason had done his best to reassure Tommy that Kim was going to be fine… it eased Tommy to hear that from his best friend (Jason just laughed, as he remembered having the same anxiety when Trini was pregnant with Natalie).
Two weeks before her due date, Kim had an appointment with Dr. Richards. Of course, Tommy was at her side.
Dr. Richards had just completed another sonogram, "Well, Kimberly, I'm very pleased how everything is looking with the babies. I have a feeling you will give birth any day now… there's no danger with them being born at this time."
Kim sighed in relief, "That's good. At least I'm now considered full term… I was a little nervous when you told me twins can born early."
Dr. Richards just smiled, "Most babies are either born two weeks early or two weeks late… every pregnancy is different."
Tommy said, "Kim's been doing so great so far… you don't think she'll have any complications?" Dr. Richards had a reassuring tone to her voice as she answered, "Don't worry Tommy… Kim's young and healthy. She's been doing beautifully… I feel she will be able to deliver without any major complications. If any problems occur during labor… we will quickly work to make sure that both mother and babies come out safely."
Tommy nodded, while Kim just squeezed Tommy's hand… she knew he was just as nervous as she was. It warmed her heart to see her husband so concerned… while she hated seeing Tommy worried, she knew he was beginning to get in touch with his fatherly side. Tommy had always been protective of her… that was never going to change. It was only going to increase once their babies finally arrived… she had no doubts that Tommy was going to be a wonderful father.
After the appointment, Tommy and Kim went ahead to the hospital to pre-register. Once they got home, Kim quickly collapsed on the couch in exhaustion, "Man, this was a long day… I don't know how much longer I'll be able to keep this up."
Tommy chuckled, "Well, the doctor did say JJ and Katrina will be here any day now. I'm glad we got you pre-registered at the hospital… I know I'll be a nervous wreck when you actually go into labor."
Kim laughed at that, "I can't believe you… you can fight evil monsters and their minions, but the mention of childbirth freaks you out! Handsome, I should be the one more freaked out… after all I'm the one who has to deal with the pain."
Tommy just rolled his eyes, "I swear you're truly remarkable… you're tougher than me to be able to go through this."
Kim softly smiled, "Tommy, I'm just as nervous… but I know everything will be worth it once our babies are here."
Tommy gave his wife a gentle hug, "You're amazing… the babies are lucky to have you as their mother. At least we have everything ready for them… I just hope you don't go into labor while I'm at work."
Kim chuckled, "You know Hayley's been great about checking up on me while you're working. I can always get her to take me to the hospital if that happens. I know you wouldn't miss our babies' birth for anything. Part of me still can't believe that I'm due any day now… but I can't wait to finally hold our babies."
Tommy smiled at that, "Thanks for calming me down." Kim just gave a warm smile, "Anytime, handsome. Tommy, we're going to be fine. We're going to get through this as we always do… together." The couple held hands at that comment… it was true, they were stronger together. They had proven that when they were rangers, and marriage had only made them stronger. They were truly a team, and Kim knew she couldn't imagine her life without her husband. Having two babies was going to a challenge, but she had faith that her and Tommy could handle this.
The next few days were spent making sure the house was ready for the twins' arrival. Kim had their overnight bags packed and set by the door… she made it easy on Tommy so he could just grab it and go and hoped he wouldn't forget anything when the time came.
The morning of April 25th started out like any other day… Kim had woken up early to start the coffee before Tommy had to head off to work. Kim was slightly uncomfortable as she made her way downstairs… she hadn't slept well, and her back was killing her.
She gently rubbed her lower back as she commented to herself, "Ugh, I feel so uncomfortable right now… I can't wait for you two to finally get here." No sooner than she said that, she suddenly felt a trickle of water run down her leg. Her eyes went wide, "Tommy! Get your butt downstairs… my water just broke!"
Tommy was woken up by his wife's shouts and quickly ran downstairs. Kim was doubled over in pain as a contraction hit her... Tommy quickly rushed to his wife's side. Tommy's eyes went wide as he saw his wife in pain, "Beautiful, it looks like this is it… I'll call Elsa from the car to tell her I'm not coming in."
Kim managed to say, "Just get dressed and help me get to the car… at least my pajamas are presentable." Tommy let out a small chuckle, as he quickly went upstairs to change into clothes.
Kim practiced the deep breathing exercises that she learned from the birthing classes, while she waited on her husband. Tommy came back in less than five minutes, grabbed the bags, and quickly rushed his wife to the car.
Tommy managed to call into work (Elsa was thrilled and promised to watch over his early morning class until the substitute arrived) and made it to the hospital in record time.
Kim was quickly admitted and taken to a room. Tommy made a quick phone call to Hayley telling her that Kim was now in labor… Hayley was all excited and promised to call Trini so the rest of the originals could know the news.
After Kim was hooked up to a fetal monitor and a machine that monitored her contractions, Dr. Richards finally arrived.
Dr. Richards kindly smiled at the couple, "Well, Kimberly, how about we check you to see how your labor is progressing?"
As the doctor examined Kim, she looked up and noticed Tommy softly staring at her. Tommy asked, "How are you feeling, beautiful?"
Kim chuckled, "Ready to have these babies. I'm in pain, but I'm honestly excited to meet our babies."
The doctor answered, "Kim, you are 4 cm dilated… you're now in active labor. We'll keep an eye on you, but I have a feeling things are going to progress rather quickly. We can administer an epidural, so you won't be in as much pain during the rest of your labor."
Kim quickly agreed, and Dr. Richards told her to try to rest in between contractions. While Kim was getting her epidural, Tommy went ahead and called their parents to let them know that Kim was now in labor and that the babies would be born very soon. Both sets of grandparents were excited and couldn't wait to finally meet the babies.
When Tommy returned from his phone calls, Kim was trying to relax. Kim just smiled as she saw her husband return, "Hey, did you finish your phone calls?"
Tommy quickly went to his wife's side, "Yup, everyone says hello and that they hope you have a safe delivery. How are you feeling?"
Kim replied, "I hate needles, but I'm glad I went ahead and got the epidural… my contractions are beginning to intensify. I think it won't be much longer before we move to the delivery room."
Tommy just held his wife's hand, "I hate seeing you in pain… you are handling this so well." Kim had a soft smile, "Thanks, handsome. Yes, this hurts, but it'll be worth it to have our babies here with us."
Tommy gave Kim a gentle kiss, when a contraction hit… Kim grabbed onto Tommy's hand as she breathed through the pain, "Ugh, that one hurt like hell."
Tommy massaged his hand, "Dang, beautiful, you have a strong grip." Kim managed to laugh, "I told you… I'm stronger than I look. I really hope I don't break your hand."
Tommy rolled his eyes, "Hey, I can put up with you crushing my hand… you are doing all the hard work. I wonder who the babies will look like."
Kim managed to chuckle, "I have a feeling JJ is going to take after his daddy." Tommy had a soft smile at that, "You think? I know Katrina will be as beautiful as her mommy."
Kim gently grabbed her husband's hand, "Tommy, you are going to be a wonderful father." She grimaced as another contraction hit her, "Ugh, I swear why does this have to be so painful?!"
Tommy went into supportive husband mode at that, "Just breathe, beautiful. You will get through this… it won't be much longer." Kim nodded in agreement… she could get through the pain. Her babies were going to be worth all this suffering.
A few hours later, Kim's labor had progressed far enough to move her into the delivery room. As the doctor and nurses got everything ready, Tommy and Kim were more than ready to meet their babies.
The couple remained focused on each other… both were nervous and excited. Tommy gave Kim a gentle kiss after she had breathed through another contraction, "You're doing so great, beautiful. You are handling this like a champ."
Kim just smiled, "Thanks, handsome. I can't believe our babies are almost here. Are you ready for this?" Tommy had a warm smile as he replied, "I'm nervous as hell, but I know I can do this since I have you."
Kim gently squeezed her husband's hand, as Dr. Richards happily replied, "Okay, Kim, you're completely effaced and dilated! These babies are ready."
Tommy and Kim just smiled and prepared to get down to business. Tommy positioned himself behind Kim, and she grabbed his hand.
As Kim pushed, Tommy was coaching her through it and counting to ten, both doing the breathing they learned through their birthing classes.
After a couple of pushes, Dr. Richards announced, "You're doing great Kim! First baby is crowning… just a couple more pushes."
Kim was exhausted but had a look of determination on her face. Tommy grabbed her hand again, as Kim repeated the process. Moments later, a loud wail echoed as Tommy and Kim's first child entered the world.
Dr. Richards happily announced, "It's a boy! That means his sister is next!" Jason James Oliver was quickly wrapped up and put on his mother's chest. Tommy and Kim were in tears, and so happy to finally meet their son.
Kim managed to say through the tears, "Hey, J.J… it's so nice to finally meet you." She gently stroked his hair and was amazed how much she could love this tiny little human.
Tommy gently stroked his son and gave his wife a gentle kiss, "You did wonderful… I can't believe our son is finally here." Kim let out a watery laugh, "He looks so much like you… hopefully his sister looks like me."
Tommy quickly cut the umbilical cord and JJ was quickly taken to be cleaned, weighed and measured, and examined.
Five minutes after JJ's arrival, Katrina Lynne Oliver made her debut. Her cries weren't as loud as her twin, but she was just as healthy. Kim cried as she saw her daughter placed on her chest, "Hello, Katrina. You're just as adorable as your brother!"
Tommy had tears as well, "She's just as beautiful as her mother… she definitely took after you Kim." The two had proud smiles on their faces… they were so happy and relieved that their babies were finally here.
Kim was exhausted but elated that she had given birth to two healthy babies. Once both babies were cleaned and dressed, they were quickly returned to their mother's arms. Tommy couldn't keep his eyes off his wife and children… he was overcome with love for his little family.
Dr. Richards kindly smiled at the parents as she said, "Well, both babies are perfectly healthy. JJ is 5 lbs. 8 oz., and 16 inches long. Katrina is 5 lbs. 6 oz, and 16 inches long. Both did great on their Apgar tests, and all of you should be able to go home in a couple of days."
Kimberly just smiled at the doctor, "Thank you for everything, Dr. Richards. I'm just so glad that my babies are finally here."
Dr. Richards kindly replied, "It was my pleasure… congratulations you two. Your twins must be the most adorable babies I delivered. I'll give you two some time to bond before we go ahead and move you to your room."
Kim nodded and returned her attention to her babies… both babies were peacefully sleeping in her arms. She took the time to study their little faces… sure enough, JJ looked a lot like his father (although she had to admit he did inherit her shade of brown hair). She had no doubts that JJ was going to be just as handsome as Tommy.
Kim was proud that Katrina did take after her (in reverse, the little girl had her father's dark brown hair). She honestly felt that the babies had inherited the best parts of both her and Tommy, and she was so proud to be their mother.
Tommy gave his wife a gentle kiss, "I'm so proud of you beautiful. You did wonderful bringing our babies into the world. So, how do you feel being a mother?"
Kim had a soft smile, "Nervous, but happy. Tommy, I honestly don't think I ever been this happy." Tommy let out a soft chuckle, "You know, I thought our wedding day was the happiest day of my life. I'm so happy that I now have two beautiful children with you. Did you ever think our lives would turn out this way?"
Kim softly shook her head, "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could be this happy. Tommy, I love you… I'm so glad we found our way back to each other. Now I just want us to be the best parents we can to our babies." Tommy just nodded in agreement… he wanted nothing but the best for his babies, and he hoped that he could give them a normal and happy life.
During their stay at the hospital, Kim and the babies got quite a few visitors. Their Reefside family were the first ones to meet the babies… Hayley immediately fell in love with the twins, and quickly volunteered to babysit. Elsa declared the babies were the most adorable children she had ever met and told Tommy to take as long as he needed before coming back to work. Anton congratulated his old friend; he was glad that Tommy finally had a family and had no doubts that his friend was going to be a wonderful father.
The rest of the Dino Thunder Team were so excited to meet the twins… they were thrilled for their mentor and his wife. Conner quickly declared himself an uncle and promised to teach JJ and Katrina how to play soccer. Kira just laughed as she felt the twins were going to take more after their parents. Trent agreed with his girlfriend; he could see Katrina being a gymnast like her mother, while he felt JJ was going to take after his father. Ethan made a comment that he could see the twins becoming rangers, which caused the new parents to roll their eyes. Tommy and Kim just smiled and slowly began to accept that possibility… if other rangers could see their children becoming rangers, they were going to make sure the twins would be ready for it when the time came.
James and Joanna Oliver came to Reefside the next day… they immediately fell in love with their grandbabies. Caroline and Pierre were so happy to hear that Kimberly finally had the babies and planned on visiting when things got settled for the new family. The rest of the originals were thrilled when they got the news… all of them couldn't wait to meet the babies and promised to visit soon. Jason and Trini couldn't wait to meet their new niece and nephew and had followed James and Joanna to Reefside. Aunt Trini and Uncle Jason quickly bonded with the babies… Tommy and Kim joked that the twins were going to be spoiled once their other adopted aunts and uncles met them.
Two days later, Kim and the babies were able to go home. Mother and babies were given a clean bill of health, and Kim was more than ready to go home. Grandpa James and Grandma Joanna stayed with Tommy and Kim for a few days to help the new parents, to which Kim was extremely grateful to her in-laws.
Tommy and Kim struggled at first… it was hard taking care of two newborns. Kim had to laugh when Tommy first tried to change a diaper… Tommy quickly learned and became more confident in helping Kim care for the twins. The two parents worked as a team, and Kim greatly appreciated that her husband was so helpful.
Tommy stayed home for two weeks before he finally had to return to work. He didn't really want to go back to work, but since Kim was still on maternity leave, he couldn't afford to stay away from the school for too long. He was getting used to being at home and helping Kim with the babies… Kim just laughed and said they would be okay. Kim planned on returning to work in the fall and knew they would have to come up with a new routine when that time came.
It was the middle of the night, when Kim woke up to find Tommy's side of the bed empty. She figured Tommy must be up, and there was only one place he could be. She got up and headed to the twins' nursery. Sure enough, she found her husband sitting in the rocking chair holding JJ in his arms, while Katrina was snoozing away in her crib.
Tommy just smiled when he saw Kim in the doorway, "Hey, beautiful, what are you doing up?" Kim replied, "Force of habit… these little ones will be getting hungry soon. Handsome, you really should be in bed. You got to go back to work in the morning."
Tommy sighed, "I know… I just wanted to spend some time with the babies. I'm going to miss them tomorrow."
Kim gave her husband a quick kiss on the cheek, "Tommy, it's going to be okay. Hayley said she's more than happy to come over if I need anything. I can handle the babies on my own for a few hours… not that I'm not going to miss your help."
Tommy replied, "Who knew it was going to be so hard going back to work?" Kim softly chuckled, "Hey, I'll know I'll be a nervous wreck when it comes time for me to go back to work."
Tommy softly said, "I know you can handle it… I just got so used to being here with them every day." Kim gave a soft smile, "Tommy, I know it's going to be tough. But you are a wonderful father… it's going to be an adjustment, but we'll get through it. We knew parenting wasn't going to be easy, but I think we're doing great so far."
Tommy smiled at that, and just gave his wife a gentle kiss. Now that they were parents, they were getting used to their new normal. They never imagined that they would have twins, but they absolutely adored their babies. They had the fears that every first-time parents had, but Tommy and Kim hoped they could raise their children well. Parenthood was a scary and exciting adventure, but Kim had no doubts that things would be okay. Seeing her husband with their babies made Kim so happy and grateful to have this wonderful life. The past few years had been a wonderful adventure, and Kim couldn't wait to see what the future had in store for her family.