Set after End Game (Season 8), thirty-sixth in the 'By My Side' Series
It is time for the arrival of Sam and Jack's first child... what is in store for them? Will the baby be a boy or a girl? Read and find out!
Author's Note: Drumroll... well, here we are at this very momentous occasion, which you've all been patiently (or not-so-patiently!) been waiting for. I hope it is all you dreamed of, and I hope you enjoy this little story, posted at Christmas.:) I guess that that makes this story my Christmas gift to you all.:) Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have (or had) a great day!
Dedicated to froggy0319, roseofthegate, sparkles make me smile, and J. Hicks for their wonderful Thanksgiving help. I couldn't have written that aspect without your help.
Sci Fi Fan Gillian: Thanks, I'm glad that you liked it!
J. Hicks: Thanks! I'm glad that you enjoyed the last part - I thought it was a fun idea! Well, the question over whether or not they have a boy or a girl is answered here... there name will definitely not be Bubba! LOL:) Happy holidays to you too!
roseofthegate: Yes, I can't say that I'm overly impressed about Vala (well, Claudia Black) being signed on for all 20 episodes of season 10. I'm not a happy camper about that. That's just wrong, on so many levels. Call me a purist, what what ever happened to just exploring planets? Yeah, the news about Vala was on GateWorld (dot) net, which is where I keep up to date. Besides which, they need RDA to some extent. It sounds like they are losing the plot without him.
I have to admit, I'm a little nervous in writing Sam and Jack as parents, though I was just as excited about writing this story as everyone is about the birth of Bubba.:) I think Jack will be a big softie, and it will be an adjustment for Sam having been so wrapped up in her career. But she'll be very loving.
Ok, I have never really checked out the C2s much, but I checked-out yours.:) I liked seeing this very fic listed:) I don't have much time online to search, and even when I do I don't know where to begin looking with the current search format on ff. net. 'The Best of Sam and Jack' - hmm, it does have a certain ring to it.:)
Natters: LOL! Glad you enjoyed, and found humour in that.:) Here is more.
FloBee52: Oh hello Flo, a new reviewer:) Cute username! Yes, we'll find out if Bubba is a boy or a girl.:) I hope you'll be pleased with the result.:) Thanks so much for your praise, I hope you continue to enjoy the series!
feb04: Thanks, I'm glad that you liked it.:) Yeah, Sam had to have a nice mother-in-law seeing as she doesn't have her own mother. Oh yes, I have read janissima's stories. They're great aren't they:)
Vickysg: Thanks! Yes, you and everyone else is chomping at the bit, waiting to find out if Bubba is a boy or a girl.:) Ok, you have John, I'll have Daniel to do with as I please (grins wickedly!) LOL!
MajorMaru: Glad that you liked it:) Hope you like this weeks part too.:) As for the sex and name of the baby, I hope you won't be disappointed. Enjoy:) I'm sure you will, considering how excited you are, LOL.
Trickster's Queen of War: Thanks! Glad that you loved the last part.:) Yeah, poor Jack, I know!
Jack's Girl: Good, glad to hear it:) I hope this story was worth the wait! Yeah, I think we needed some more resolution of things in the show. Sam and Jack forever!
StarrGazer: Thanks! So happy you enjoyed the last part:) I'm glad that it came across as humorous as intended!
Yeah, it would be frustrating waiting to find out the sex of your baby! But it wouldn't have been a surprise for my readers.:) But yes, 'stubborn' is the middle name of both Sam and Jack)
Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter:) Bubba's birth:)
froggy0319: Glad you liked:) I'm always happy to make people smile.:) As for this next part, I hope you're happy with the result, and the fact of discovering at last! Keep smiling!
scjon: Hey! No, I don't know if you have reviewed before, but hey, all reviews are welcome.:) I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying this series so much.:) Hope you continue to do so!
CharmedAli: Thanks! Glad that you liked it! Hope you're happy with this weeks result:)
deathstreet90: Thanks! Glad you liked! As to your guess over the sex of Bubba, well read and find out! No, they'll never have a Janet, but Cassie may one day... Anyway, hope you enjoy!
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Sam awoke early, as was usual. As her stomach had grown larger, her ability to get comfortable had shrunk exponentially. 'Ah well,' she thought, as she struggled to get up, 'Mary will be over early to start the preparations for the turkey.' It was Thanksgiving, and Mary and Ken would be joining them and Cassie for the day. Cassandra had flown in for two days to celebrate with them, as she drew strength from her relationship with both Sam and Jack, especially during such 'firsts' without Janet. It was fortunate that with the upcoming birth of 'Bubba', Cassie's mind was distracted.
Not surprisingly, the first thing Sam had to do was go to the bathroom. It was all she had been doing lately. She was amazed her bladder was still intact - it sure as hell didn't feel that way. Bubba seemed to be fond of using it as a trampoline.
Patting her large bump affectionately, Sam slowly waddled across the room, bright pink socks on her feet. She had been feeling especially uncomfortable for the last couple of days, and was counting down the days until her due date arrived. Though Dr. Spencer had warned her that first pregnancies tended to go past their due dates, Sam was hoping hers wouldn't last too much longer. She was tired, she was cranky, she felt fat, and she really wanted to meet her baby.
Barely acknowledging the faint twinge in her lower back, she finally made it to the bathroom with a sigh of relief.
-----
Two hours later, Mary and Ken knocked at the door. Mary had insisted that Sam could have the feast at home, with her cooking that year, when they had begun planning a few weeks earlier. Sam had accepted gratefully, Mary had a real flair in the kitchen, which always had Jack coming back for more. Sadly, the same couldn't be said for Sam's cooking. Jack went to greet both his mother and her new husband.
Meanwhile, Sam was 'taking it easy' on the sofa, having been watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. She was feeling a little down about the fact that Daniel, Teal'c, and Sarah weren't joining them that year. They had decided to spend the day with Catherine Langford, as she had put on a feast herself. The trio had promised to join the O'Neills for Christmas instead. Likewise, Mark, Steph and the kids never travelled for Thanksgiving due to their expensive Christmases, which usually required travelling. Still, Mary, Ken, and Cassie always made for good company.
"Hey Mom," he welcomed Mary with a kiss. "Hey Ken. How's it going?"
The pair stepped into the house, and answered him, "Fine," they grinned in unison. "How's Sam?"
Jack grinned, amused by the pair. "I think she's been really feeling it lately. She's in the living room, with her feet up watching the parade."
Mary clucked sympathetically. "Poor girl. By the sound of it, the babe will soon be here, regardless of what any doctor says!"
"Well, you'd know, Mom," Jack replied, good-humouredly.
Mary made her way over to Sam, who had been chatting with Cass. "Hi girls."
Sam and Cassie turned to face her. "Hey," they both replied.
"How are you bearing up, Sam?" Mary asked her.
Sam made a face. "It's a bit rough. I don't think I can take much more of this."
Mary looked sympathetic. "Mark my words, if you feel that bad already, it won't be long," she reassured.
-----
As the day progressed, Sam felt worse and worse. She'd been having cramping, and had been feeling anxious over the whole thing. Jack had been sympathetic, but he was more interested in the first football game of the day - the Dallas Cowboys playing the Chicago Bears. Unmissable. Jack rooted for the Bears, as memories of watching their games in Chicago with his Grandpa O'Neill stuck in his brain. At the same time, the Cowboys were part of the tradition of Thanksgiving, second only to the Detroit Lions game later in the day.
Sam, uncharacteristically grumpy was giving Jack the silent treatment. 'How dare he show more interest in that stupid game, when I am in this condition? How dare he be so insensitive!' she silently raged.
Cassie had been amused to observe that Sam's silent treatment barely registered to Jack, so interested in the game as he was. The only thing that only briefly distracted his attention were the wide array of finger foods that Mary kept coming. And beer.
That left Cassie as Sam's faithful companion, as Ken was assisting Mary in the kitchen, since his skills were an improvement on Sam's. Cassie was quite sensitive to the feelings of others and was generally a compassionate young woman, thus she brought Sam drinks, and helped her about when necessary. This caused Sam to shoot nasty looks in Jack's direction. Jack was similarly oblivious to these. Cassie had to bite back laughter, or else face the hot ire of one very pregnant woman.
-----
As Mary served 'the feast', that afternoon (with the help of Ken's expert turkey carving), Sam was hit with the first of stronger contractions.
"Mm, this is great Mom!" Jack smacked his lips. As far as he was concerned nothing in the world beat his mom's turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, and mashed potato. He would've been happy with those items alone. Not to mention beer. Though he did have to admit the sweet potatoes and baked squash tasted pretty good as well. It would cheer him up after the crippling defeat of the Bears.
Cassie and Ken likewise nodded their approval, sipping at their respective wine and beer. In all the years Cassie had been living on Earth, she had rapidly learnt about American customs and occasions; and had wholeheartedly embraced the fun of them.
"Are you feeling ok Sam? Are you enjoying the meal?" Cassie asked the older woman, noticing how quiet and uncomfortable looking Sam was. Ever since flying in, she had been clucking around Sam like a mother hen, giving Mary a run for her money.
Sam weakly nodded, she had very little appetite, and ate little. She mostly picked at the sweet potato and mashed potato, sipped at her sparkling apple juice, and prayed for a swift end to the meal.
Sam had been pondering, but wasn't sure how to put it. In fact, she wasn't even sure if they were genuine pains or not. But acknowledging to herself that she had actually felt pain, she finally took the plunge, "Jack, I think Bubba is on it's way."
Jack stood up, nearly knocking his plate and cutlery off the table. "Really?" he exclaimed excitedly.
Mary's face burst into an expression of delight, and Cassie's bore a look of amazement. Only Ken seemed to keep his cool, as he bore a faint smile on his kind face.
"How far along do you think it all is?" Mary asked, ever so calmly, despite the grin that threatened to crack her face in half.
Sam shrugged looking uncertain, and a trifle scared. "I don't know, but I think I must have been having them all day. I just had a big one though."
Mary nodded. "Well, it could be awhile yet then, honey. Sit tight, and relax. Jack, that goes for you too - she isn't going to have the baby right here at the table. Cassie, sweetie, please grab a stopwatch and time Sam's contractions," Mary organised them.
Cassie nodded, and raced to grab it from the kitchen, and brought it back. With that done, the rest of the meal went smoother, though excitement was tingling in the air. Despite Jack's earlier disinterest, he now kept an eye on Sam like a hawk.
-----
After a delicious dessert of pumpkin pie, apple pie, and brownies, all baked by Mary, and a pecan pie Sam had gone to the trouble of... buying, Mary and Cassie went to wash up. This left Ken, Jack, and Sam seated around the TV. As they watched the second football match of the day, Sam lay on the couch, her feet sitting on Jack's lap.
Now Jack was truly in his element. It was the Lions playing Indianapolis Colts. To Jack, the Detroit Lions game was what Thanksgiving was all about. "The Lions have a 70 year history," Jack enthused, wanting to share the experience with his wife, "starting with the first Thanksgiving game in 1934!"
Sam rolled her eyes at this declaration. Did she really care? It was just her luck she couldn't go help Mary clear-up the kitchen. Even that sounded more fun than this.
Her negative thoughts were interrupted, when Jack tenderly stroked her her. "You doin' ok?"
Sam had to smile. Jack did have his sweet moments, even if he would be horrified at the suggestion.
-----
By the time it reached late evening, Mary observed that Sam's contractions were most definitely regular, and were slowly getting closer. "The baby isn't here yet, but I don't like to leave you here alone," she fretted.
Sam smiled wanly. "I think I'll head to bed for now. You can stay if you like."
Recognising her daughter-in-law's nervousness, Mary agreed, "You'll need all the rest you can get for now. Ken and I can sleep on the sofa bed."
"I'll drag in a mattress and keep an eye on you," Cassie offered.
Jack nodded. "Yeah, I'll go get one now. Sam, do you need anything?"
Sam shook her head. "I'm ok, Jack. Just help me up the stairs."
They soon had Sam settled in bed, with Jack beside her, and Cassie on the mattress on the floor with the stopwatch.
Sam slept fitfully, woken up constantly woken up by contractions. Some time during the early hours, Mary had crept up the stairs as well, to take over from Cassie, who looked exhausted, as she stumbled onto a mattress in the makeshift (and cluttered) spare room, that served as her temporary bedroom.
At 0430 hours, Mary let out a deep sigh. "Sweetie, I think it's time we got you to the hospital. You're contractions are now six minutes apart."
"About damn time," Sam complained.
Sam started shaking Jack. "Jack, wake the hell up!" Jack, the typical male, had slept through the whole night, which had not impressed Sam in the slightest. He was curetly lying on his side, snoring his head off, muttering something about 'Homer', and '25 puppies'. "Jack come on," Sam shook him, "this is- OOWWW- ALL YOUR FAULT!"
At Sam's yelling, Jack woke up, and Cassie came racing in the room, hurriedly tying the sash on her frog robe.
"Is it time?" Cassie asked breathlessly.
Jack groaned at sat up. "Apparently." Then seeing the pain his wife he was in, he immediately put his arm around her, comforting her. "Hey, are you ok?"
Sam grimaced. "Uh, not really. Childbirth in process here."
Mary piped in, "It's time to get Sam to the hospital, honey."
Jack jumped out of bed. "Ok, let's go then," he grinned, as excited as a little kid.
Mary bit back a smirk. "Jack. Get dressed, please."
At those words, Cassie fled the room, making Mary and Sam giggle, which was interrupted by another contraction.
Soon, they all dressed warmly, grabbed the already packed bag for Sam, and headed out to the cars. Deciding that his truck would most definitely no be the easiest option, Jack made Sam comfortable lying down in the backseat of her Volvo. Cassie jumped in the front with Jack, while Ken and Mary went to their own car, and followed them to the Academy Hospital.
"It hurts, Jack," Sam whimpered, after a contraction had ended.
"I know, honey. We're almost there," Jack soothed his wife.
Cassie looked wide-eyed, and kept a close eye on Sam.
-----
At the hospital, Sam was quickly admitted, and taken away in a wheelchair. Jack, Cassie, Mary and Ken followed suit.
A nurse helped Sam onto a hospital bed, and proceeded to check her vitals. Jack and Cassie chose to stay in the room with her, while Mary and Ken went to sit in the waiting moment, to give them some privacy. From experience, they both knew it could take hours.
"Everything seems to be going fine, Colonel," Captain Jones, the nurse, reassured her.
Sam smiled wanly. "Great. Now when will the baby come?"
Captain Jones chuckled. "You still aren't fully dilated yet, ma'am. It could still take several hours. But the baby is on their way!"
The group smiled at this news.
"Good going, Bubba!" Jack patted Sam's stomach.
Just then, Dr. Spencer entered the room, she was available because it was presently her shift at the hospital. "Hi, Sam," she greeted her. "Looks like the baby wanted to get out early. How are you feeling?"
Sam groaned, sick of that question already. "I'm in pain, but I'm hanging in there."
"She's still in the first stage, Doctor," Captain Jones supplied.
Sam nodded. "We left as soon as they hit the six minute mark."
Dr. Spencer nodded, and checked for herself. "Ok then, I'd advise you to get comfortable. Though it's clearly progressing, it isn't ready yet. I'll come in again, later, but if anything happens, please let me know."
Captain Jones nodded. "Of course, Doctor."
-----
So all they could do was wait. Cassie held her hand, while Jack went to tell Mary and Ken how things were going, and to go outside, and phone Daniel, Teal'c, Sarah, and Mark and Stephanie.
Sam's impression was that things were barely moving. Dr. Spencer had already come past twice that morning, and there didn't seem to be anything new to report.
Bored, she had taken turns walking around with everyone, to pass the time. With Cassie, she toured around the corridors of the hospital. Sam winced as she heard other patients in labour. Cassie just squeezed her hand, and helped her along.
With Jack, she toured past the baby nursery. Looking through the window, they had to smile at the tiny bundles, faces carrying expressions from deep sleep to grumpy, "I'm-about-to-cry-for-my-mommy-because-I'm-hungry" faces.
"Hmm," Jack commented, "that's how Daniel looks when the coffee runs out in his lab!"
Smirking, despite her pain, Sam mock-punched him. "You're no better about beer!"
-----
Finally, at 1100 hours, Dr. Spencer entered the room, where Jack was currently giving Sam a massage. She examined her and declared, "Things have been moving, but your water hasn't broken yet. That isn't uncommon, I think we'll do something about that, and then things might get moving further.
Sam nodded. "Please do."
Jack's eyes widened. "How the hell are you gonna do that?"
Dr. Spencer nearly laughed. "Don't worry, just a little prick, and it'll be over. Nothing to worry about. Sam'll be fine."
-----
Sam, from the little she knew, expected a huge gush as her water broke, but there had been very little water present.
Dr. Spencer smiled encouragingly. "Though it could mean it isn't fully broken, it's likely you simply had little fluid. It isn't unheard of. Don't let Hollywood fool you. By the look of your stomach, I'd say that had been the case. On the bright side, your stomach not growing too large means it should recover quite nicely."
Sam smiled. "Sounds good to me," and then grimaced in pain.
Jack, as he had been for every contraction, held her hand. As it ended, she breathed out deeply.
"Come on Sam, think of the sweet little tank-top numbers you'll be able to wear!" Jack encouraged.
Sam merely threw an empty cup at him in frustration.
Jack rubbed his nose. "Ow!"
Breaking off any of Jack's further teasing, Dr. Spencer the checked Sam's progress again, and pronounced, "You're almost fully dilated, Sam, so you're about to enter labour. It's not over yet, but Baby is getting into position."
"Cool!" Jack and Cassie exclaimed at the same time.
Sam managed a thin smile. "I'm glad you both think so."
"Sorry, honey. You're doing great! I'm amazed you're not screaming your head off," Jack encouraged her.
Cassie nodded. "Keep it up Sam! Throwing objects at Jack is great stress-relief!"
Jack shot her a look, half-amused.
-----
A couple of hours later, Sam had the contraction of all contractions. She winced, and breathed in and out. Jack held her hand the whole time.
As it ended, Sam spoke, "Oooh! That feels weird. Do you wanna go get Dr. Spencer? It feels like something is happening."
Cassie jumped up, and left the room in search of a nurse.
Mary entered the room, asking, "So, I take it things are progressing?"
Sam nodded, her forehead damp. "Cassie just went to get the Doctor. I think it's about to happen."
The two women embraced, interrupted by another contraction. Gritting her teeth together, Sam gripped Jack and Mary's hands.
Just then, Dr. Spencer and Cassie entered the room.
Dr. Spencer immediately went to check Sam's progress. She nodded her head, and smiled. "Yes, I think that Baby just might be about to make their entrance."
A couple of tears made their way down Sam's face as her face wore an expression of delight. "Wow. That's wonderful," she gasped.
Dr. Spencer was impressed with the way Sam was coping, especially since she was going through with a natural childbirth. Many women made far more fuss than necessary, but Sam was taking it like a true soldier.
Just then Cassie burst in. "Um, Daniel, Sarah, and Teal'c have arrived. I took them to sit with Ken. They wanna be there as soon as the baby arrives," she informed them.
Sam and Jack grinned. "Great!" they spoke in unison.
Then another contraction hit Sam, Dr. Spencer checked, and announced, "Ok, when the next contraction hits, I want you to push."
Sam nodded, a little breathless.
Sure enough, another soon hit, and as Jack coached her on her breathing, Sam bared down, and Dr. Spencer instructed, "Push!"
Sam pushed, and groaned slightly. Jack wiped Sam's forehead with a cool cloth.
"Great Sam, the baby is coming. The head will be out soon," the good doctor encouraged.
With the next contraction, Dr. Spencer again instructed Sam to push, which she did, gripping Mary and Jack's hands.
"It's coming along Sam, another push and the head'll be out, ok," Dr. Spencer grinned at her.
Sam nodded, readying herself for the next contraction.
As the next one hit, the baby's head emerged. As Dr. Spencer announced this, there was a buzz of excitement, and anticipation.
"Ok, I'm turning the baby's head. With the next contraction, the baby's shoulders should emerge," Dr. Spencer informed them.
The next contraction hit almost immediately after she had finished speaking. Sam grunted, and Dr. Spencer encouraged her to push.
Sam was panting, and her face was completely soaked. Jack again wiped her forehead, and placed a kiss there while counting.
Dr. Spencer grinned. "Ok, that's the worst of it. The baby is nearly out. I need you to push again. General, do you want to get over here?"
Jack's eyes lit up. "Oh yeah!" and went to the Doctor's side.
Cassie went over to Sam's side, and clutched her hand, glad to be of some assistance at last. She took over Jack's counting.
Sam steeled herself. Then another contraction hit, and with all her might, she pushed. A slippery form completely emerged, and Jack caught Bubba swiftly. As he did that a wail resounded the room. Sam burst into tears of joy.
Jack looked amazed at the new life that lay in his arms. "It's a girl!" he breathed in awe.
Sam cried louder. "Oh... pass her here! I wanna see her!"
"Just a second," Dr. Spencer told her. "I'll just fix the umbilical cord, wipe her up, and she's all yours!"
True to her word, that was done in moments, by which time, Sam had delivered the afterbirth. Jack carried their daughter over to her mother. Even Jack had tears in his eyes at the sight.
Sam opened out her arms, and took her new daughter from her husband. She just stared at her, drinking in her fine features. She was so tiny and light. She had a delicate scrunched up face, rosebud lips, a faint covering of blonde hair, and bright blue eyes, which looked up at them unfocusedly.
"She looks just like her mommy," Jack observed, choking up.
After briefly checking the baby out, Mary and Cassie quietly exited the room to leave the new parents and their daughter. They made their way to the waiting room, both amazed and excited. Both felt their eyes tearing up at the new little miracle that had entered the world.
In the waiting room, they found Ken, Teal'c, Sarah, and Daniel, tiredly waiting expectantly.
"Well?" Daniel asked, looking excited.
"Give them a minute," was all they would say. Neither felt it was their place to break the news of the sex of the baby.
With some encouragement, Cassie admitted, "The baby is here and is 100 percent ok. Now quit bugging us!"
-----
Back in the birthing room, Jack and Sam sat watching their daughter with complete amazement. Both had tears in their eyes, which flowed freely down their cheeks. They just looked at the cherub in front of them, the life they had created. New love, new meaning, new hope.
"Can you believe it?" Jack breathed.
"I know!" Sam cried out.
"We have a baby, Sam!" Jack continued, awestruck.
"I know. Oh, I can't believe we have a daughter!" Sam squealed, emotion bursting forth.
Jack leaned over, pulling Sam's tired body close, and their lips met. It was a kiss of intensity, of affirmation, and of joy. It was deep, and through it they expressed their commitment to each other. Not since their wedding day, had either felt so happy and complete.
As they breathlessly broke apart, Sam spoke, "I just wish... Dad could be here. He never even knew I was pregnant, and I haven't seen him for what feels like an eternity."
Jack stroked her face, brushing away her tears. "I know, sweetheart. He'll just have a little... er surprise whenever he next visits," he joked.
Through her tears, Sam snorted with laughter.
They both looked at their new daughter proudly. A little girl seemed somehow fitting. It was a first for both Jack and Sam. She would surely be as amazing and brilliant as her mother. And her existence intensified Jack's reason for living. Though he would never forget Charlie, she helped wipe some of that pain. It was a stark contrast to the suicidal man he had one been. For Sam, it was bittersweet as she remembered her own mom and the close relationship they had shared. She wore to herself to be there for her little girl, always. And that was why she had wanted this little girl to carry as middle names, the name of her grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Watching them, Dr. Spencer smiled happily. One very happy and satisfied patient. After a few moments, Dr. Spencer took the infant to be checked over and weighed, but quickly took her back to her ecstatic parents, who received her happily.
Sam looked away from her husband and daughter, to face Dr. Spencer. "Would you please let in our family and friends?" she asked.
"Certainly," Dr. Spencer agreed.
-----
Daniel, Sarah, Teal'c, and Ken all held their breaths as Dr. Spencer entered the waiting room.
"'Mom' has requested your presence," the doctor smiled at them, used to impatient family and friends.
All six quickly stood up, chairs almost knocked side-ways in the process, and made their way quickly to the new family. And the new baby they'd all been anticipating, and had been dying to meet.
As they entered, Jack and Sam smiled widely, and for the benefit of those who didn't yet know, they announced, in unison, "It's a girl!"
Everyone broke into squeals of excitement, and went to see the new little bundle for themselves.
They all gathered around where Sam lay, leaned over to have their first look at Sam and Jack's new little addition.
"What's her name?" Daniel immediately asked, beaming with delight. His glasses looked suspiciously smudgy.
Sam's face broke into another huge grin, she looked up at Jack, and their eyes met, before she replied with, "Everyone, meet Rachel Elizabeth Clare O'Neill. Rachel, meet your Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Teal'c, Uncle Daniel, Aunt Sarah, and honorary big sister Cassie."
Everyone gasped in delight at Sam's words. They were entranced by the new child, and the new child's name.
"Oh, that is perfect!" Sarah exclaimed.
"How much does she weigh?" Mary asked eagerly.
"She weighs seven pounds, eight ounces. And she is 22 inches long. Pretty good for one who was a touch early," Sam told them proudly, stroking her daughter's tiny hand, and placing a kiss on her head.
"Made Sam's job easier," Jack quipped, the awe over the birth of his daughter, not curbing his sense of humour in the slightest.
Sam then handed Rachel to Cassie, who was thrilled to have the first hold. "She is so beautiful, Sam," she declared, her eyes again filling with tears. She placed a small kiss atop the babe's head.
Teal'c concurred, speaking for the first time, "Congratulations Colonel Carter. Rachel O'Neill is indeed beautiful. Your child has inherited much from you. She will grow to be a formidable warrior and make you proud."
"Thanks guys, so much," Sam warmly responded, touched by her friends care and concern.
Everyone had a hold, while Jack took pictures. Mary was next in line, then Daniel, Teal'c, Ken, and Sarah. Rachel patiently took it all. Danny noticed this and commented that she obviously didn't take after her father in that aspect. Jack shot his younger friend a look over that comment. But it was undeniable that Rachel was Sam all-over. Jack again thought back to Charlie, how even though he had always looked more like Sara than him, he'd had the definite O'Neill temperament from the word go. Already little Rachel seemed to have her mommy's cool head. Sam seemed to have a 'mini-me' on her hands!
Dr. Spencer came in again to check her patients, seeing how tired Sam looked, she ushered everyone out of the room, including one very irate new father, who muttered something about 'Napoleonic power-mongers'.
Sam smiled tiredly at Jack as he walked out, and told him, "Go ring Mark and Steph and tell them the news. Oh, and you'd better tell General Hammond as well."
Then Rachel started to cry again, her little facing screwing up, and turning red. Wails burst through the room. Dr. Spencer gave Sam her first lesson in breastfeeding, before letting the new mother sleep.
Sam sighed, as she gladly fell into an exhausted slumber, the first such soothing sleep in what felt like a very long time. 'What an amazing day,' she thought, 'I can hardly believe I'm a mother to such a gorgeous daughter! She's actually here at last! My little girl! My dear, precious little girl! Life will never be the same again.'
-----
Coming Soon on Story 37: Welcome to Parenthood
Feedback is always appreciated! Support this series, and tell me what you think, especially after such a momentous occasion. Please!
Also, don't forget to discuss this part in the forum topic I have opened for this story.:)
Oh, and a quick note to FloBee52: Yes, you're absolutely right about the Rachel having Jack wrapped around her little finger in a nanosecond:) And yeahsureyoubetcha, MajorMaru, Bubba had to be a girl:) No, not Hannah, but it was a name in consideration.:) I eventually decided to go with something that had no prior associations.