Months had passed since Joey returned home and the Gibbs' had settled into a routine. Jethro was amazed by everything he had learned over the past few months. He had learned how to administer feeds and medications through the G-Tube. Though he was hoping Joey would eventually have the tube removed. He had learned how to assist with Joey's physical therapies and how he had learned how to safely transport his son.
Of course his accomplishments were nothing compared to everything Joey had done. He was breathing exclusively on his own, he was able to sit up on his own, and was able to stand for short periods. While he still struggled with speech and could only communicate in short sentences. His speech had become more clear. His favorite word was still Colin.
Colin was even more amazing. Colin had only just turned three and he was already playing a major roll in helping with Joey's care. He helped with everything he could and would proudly show off his skills to the new nurses and doctors. It was a truly amazing thing to witness.
It was a rare day away for Jethro. Normally every day was devoted to his boys. Even on days when he could get away. He would still end up having to do something for one or both of the boys. Today however he would be spending the entire day at the hospital and for a happy reason. Today was the day that Tony and Emma's baby would be born.
"Are you excited about having a new baby brother?" Tony asked Tali as they sat in the waiting room.
"I wanted a sister. There are too many boys." Tali replied.
"Well maybe next time you will get a sister." Jethro offered.
Tony sat in the edge of Emma's hospital bed. There baby was going to come into the world any minute now. Emma had been induced that morning and now hours later the doctor had said that it could happen at any time. Emma was fully effaced and eight centimeters dilated. Even though Emma was two weeks late and they were desperate to meet their baby. They were still in shock that this was really happening. All the tests pointed to a healthy baby but both parties were still nervous.
"What if something goes wrong? What if there is a deformity?" Emma asked.
"All the ultrasounds were perfect." Tony reminded.
"They can be wrong." Emma sighed.
"We had a four d ultrasound. We may as well have seen the baby in person and everything is perfect. He is big and strong just like you." Tony explained.
"You're right. Except you are the big and strong one." Emma replied.
Jethro had stepped out to check on the boys. He was thrilled to hear that both boys were doing great. Joey had just returned from therapy and according to the nurse. He'd had a very productive session. Colin was still at the park with Jason and Rose. Ten weeks prior Jane and Jason had welcomed a baby boy who they had called Anderson. Jethro loved how all the cousins were so close in age. He loved they could grow up together. Jack's surviving sibling was fourteen years older and his children were all grown by the time Jethro came along. So he was always envious of cousins growing up together.
"Emma's ready to push. We have to send Tali out." Tony announced ushering Tali back into the waiting room.
"I'll watch her. You just get back in there." Jethro insisted.
Tony returned to the room and stood protectively by Emma's side. It was really happening. He was actually moments away from welcoming his baby boy. They had a name picked out for months but had agreed to keep it secret until delivery. They were planning on keeping the gender a secret but Tony accidentally spilled the beans. So they decided to try and keep the name secret.
"Alright Mrs. DiNozzo. One more push and the baby will be out." Dr. Erickson instructed.
"OK… OK… I can do this… OK..." Emma breathed as she pushed.
"Waaahhhhh!" The baby cried.
"Congratulations you have a healthy baby boy." Dr. Erickson announced.
"He's perfect." Tony said.
"He is" Emma agreed as the baby was placed on her chest.
Jethro was over the moon. He had seen his new grandson and held him in his arms. He was absolutely in love with the boy. The child looked just like Tony. He knew the boys name but was sworn to secrecy until everybody else could make it to the hospital. Jethro however had been able to take a couple of photographs. Now he was sitting on the couch with the boys on either side of him.
"This is Tony and Emma's new baby, Tali's baby brother." Jethro explained showing the pictures to his two sons.
"He's cute!" Colin cooed.
"Cute baby" Joey agreed.
"Name?" Colin asked.
Tony and Emma were happily together in Emma's hospital room. Their baby had perfect scores and was doing great. He cooed and snuggled in the arms of his father, while Emma slept. Jethro had been their just after birth but had to return to his boys. The rest of the family had flowed in and out throughout the afternoon but it was after visiting hours now and it was just the three of them. The baby cried and Emma sat up.
"Is he hungry?" Emma asked.
"I think so." Tony replied handing off his the baby.
Jethro was lying on the floor between the boys rooms. He had started this habit when Joey first came home and still required supplemental oxygen. The habit continued when Colin figured out the lock on the door and would escape during the night. Tonight he was sleeping their because he wanted to be close to his children. He was happy about Tony's son but it reminded him how quickly things changed. Colin was just a little one when Emma announced she was expecting. Now he was such a big boy. From his spot Jethro heard Colin listing all his favorite people. That was how he relaxed himself when he could not sleep.
"Joey, Daddy Gibbs, Timmy, Delilah, Johnny, Jimmy, Breena, Tori, Leon, Kayla, Jared, Jason, Jane, Rosie, Anderson, Tony, Emma, Tali, and Bradley Micheal." Colin listed before finally dozing off.
A/N: This story will be ending soon. New chapter will be up soon. Thanks for reading and please review.