I was starting to feel pressure down between my legs while Emmett dried my hair but six or seven minutes apart. We had our sandwiches and fruit. We headed to the hospital and I texted everyone I was on my way to hospital. I was timing the pressure in my head and now they were down to five minutes and starting to hurt a little more. I hung up with my mom and took Emmett's hand. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm finally starting to feel it and they're about five minutes apart now."

Chapter 37

Emmett started to speed up. I said, "Emmett, it's okay. Relax and slow down."

Irina came out into the Emergency bay and greeted us. She helped me into a wheelchair and said, "Emmett, see you in a few."

Irina was with me in the bathroom helping me slip on a hospital gown when Emmett came barreling into the room and yelling for me. Irina slipped out of the bathroom and said, "Calm down, Emmett, everything's fine. Bella is putting on the hospital gown."

I then stepped out of the bathroom and said, "This incredibly sexy gown."

"Okay you two, Bella up in the bed and put on your non slip socks. I don't need my klutzy patient falling if she gets out of bed. Now both of you, this is the time for Emmett to put on a brave face and take care of you. Bella, you need to let him. I'll be here for the scary stuff that will not happen; plus Bella you can yell at me about pushing out the watermelon instead of Emmett if that helps. Otherwise, Bella let us know if you're in too much pain and Emmett help her through it by doing whatever she asks for." Then she looked between the both of us and said, "All on the same page." Emmett and I both shook our heads,

"Good, scoot down the bed and legs in the stirrups, I need to see how far along you are."

After Irina finished examining me, she said, "5 ½ centimeters and let's get the monitor on you for now."

My contractions were at 4 ½ minutes apart. Rose and Alice called Emmett and the two of us talked to them. Edward popped in on Rose's call and said, "Do good."

Two hours later, I was at 7 and they were down to 2 minutes apart. Irina ran a quick ultrasound and said, "Emma is in the perfect position."

Two hours later, I was yelling at Emmett and ready to push. He was being a trooper. An hour later and through a lot of encouragement, I delivered Emma Lily McCarty. Very quickly, she was cleaned up and laying on my chest. I was cuddling her and Emmett was talking to the both of us.

Irina said, "Bella, one more push so that we can deliver the afterbirth," and I did.

"Alright, Bella turn Emma over to Emmett. I need to get you cleaned up."

He scooped her up and I just stared at the two of them together, that was another perfect moment in my life. Thirty minutes later, I was cleaned up in a new bed, sitting up holding Emma and Emmett was right beside me.

He leaned over the both of us, kissed my forehead and said, "You did good; I love you."

"We did good together."

"How do you feel?"

"A little tired, but I'm afraid to close my eyes."

"It's okay; I'll be right here with the both of you." Emmett leaned in and pulled her into his arms gently. He leaned over me again and said, "Go ahead and rest now."

An hour later, there was a knock at our door. Emmett got up quietly and opened the door and I heard Leah ask, "Are you up for visitors?"

Emmett looked at me and I nodded. Emmett opened the door and said, "Quiet guys. Emma is asleep." Everyone piled in with just as many stuffed animals. Emmett was holding Ashley. All the other kids were over near Emmett. Leah and Jake were on the other side of the bed. I propped myself up a little more with Emma in my arms.

Leah leaned in and kissed my cheek saying, "You did good."

Ashley and the other kids introduced Emmett and I to Emma's Noah ark collection of stuffed animals they got her. It was adorable. The kids all sat down and Emmett took Emma over for everyone to hold. Jake helped Ashley and then he got Emma for a minute. Then Leah stole her. Leah and I were talking while she held Emma. The kids had come back over to the bed and were sitting and standing around me taking pictures. Kristin and Robert were setting up a computer so that we could start sending out pictures.

EmPOV

I walked up to Jake. He said, "Congrats man, did you survive?".

"The last ninety minutes before she came were hard; but yes. Irina tried to absorb most of Bella's venom."

"Good, I'm glad your balls are still attached."

"How did you do it four times over?"

"Very carefully and a lot of yes ma'am's."

"Well, it looks like your wife is ready to have a go for number five."

"Not happening. After Ashley, we agreed that was enough and I got snipped when she was a year old."

"Ouch, no way man."

"You'll do it; you're wife will look at you and say I'm tired of the pills, we have enough kids and I'll take care of you while you heal. Then you'll have an amazing night of sex with the outcome being you say yes."

I laughed and said, "You're right; they're amazing women. Both of them know just how to negotiate."

"Yep, they do. Look I think Emma is waking up," Jake said.

"I think so to, can you take the kids down for a treat, my treat? We need some time; the lactation.."

And Jake stopped me, "Enough said. Kids let's go get some treats and maybe we can bring Bella some chocolate and rice krispie treats when we come back."

BPOV

Jake picked up Ashley and everyone was gone. Leah stayed and helped me too. Emma was a little stubborn at first about breast feeding, but then Leah made the suggestion to get a drop on your finger and see how she responds. Emma liked that and then Leah said, "Do it again, but this time just get a drop on your breast and another on your finger. Use that finger to guide her back to your breast." I slowly followed the instructions and that worked.

The lactation specialist said, "How did you learn that?"

"My boys were pigs; but the girls had to be convinced that it was okay to eat from mommy. We really needed the kids to breast feed in the beginning to help save money so I learned the trick the first frustrating night with Kristin and had to use it on Ashley."

"You don't mind if I borrow that trick."

"No, be my guest."

"Bella, Emma isn't going to take much, but feed her on both sides to encourage her," the Lactation specialist said.

"Okay and thanks."

When Emma was done, Emmett took her and tried to burp her. Leah helped me get to the bathroom. I felt gross and Leah helped me feel a little bit better with a hair brush, rebraiding it and brushing my teeth. I cleaned up as best I could and then went to the bathroom. I got back in bed and laid down very tired.

Emmett leaned over and kissed my cheek, "Sleep, Angel, you did a good thing here. I love you."

"I love you two, Emmett and Emma." I was out like a light. When I woke up, it was just the three of us. "Em, where is everyone?"

"At our house, I'll call them and tell them; they can come back now."

"Thanks, did you insist they spend the night there?"

"Yes, the kids are having a sleepover in the living room like we did. Jake and Leah finished cleaning up our bed."

"Can I see Emma?"

"Of course."

Emmett was getting ready to hand me Emma, when we were interrupted, "Nope, let me check out my newest momma and then you have to call Kate."

"Yes, ma'am."

Ten minutes later, she said, "Everything looks good; I'll check on you in the morning. In the evening, if everything is good, you can go home."

Then Irina looked at Emmett and said, "I think the three of you'll have a very quiet Valentine's Day at your house."

"I agree," said Emmett. "But I couldn't have asked for a better present."

"Whose awake?" said Ashley as she came in.

I smiled at her and said, "Everyone, now come here."

Jake put her in bed with me and then Emmett set Emma in both our arms. More pictures were taken and emailed to people. Then the phone started ringing off the hook. Emma just stayed nuzzled up against my chest while I talked to everyone.

Finally, we shoed everyone out for the night and Emma was fed and changed. A nurse came to check her out and then we settled her into her bassinet for the night. Emmett pulled the recliner next to me and we slept for about 3 hours at a time. Emma would nurse some and get changed. I'd go to the bathroom and then we settled back down for another 2 ½ hours and do it all over again. At seven, Emmett took a shower while I tried nursing her again. Emmett took her while Irina checked me out. "You both look tired," she said.

"We are; but we're happy," I said.

"Good. When you to get home, phones need to go on silent. When Emma sleeps, you do, simply put. When you have a little energy and want to try to stay awake, go ahead; but on Emma's next nap you sleep. Doctor's orders. When will someone be here to help you?"

"Next week."

"Good."

"Same rules still apply."

"Bella, do you want to go home tonight?"

"I'd love to, if Emma can?"

"I'll check with the pediatrician; but I see no reasons why not. Tomorrow, you're milk should start coming in and then Emma will be happier in her nursing and want more. By next week you should be able to start pumping so that you can get a six hour stretch of sleep which you'll be happy for."

"Yes, I will."

"And lastly, do I need to remind you both, no intercourse for six weeks and Kate or I clear you."

"No, I got it."

"When are you planning to go to Wasilla?"

"When Bella's parents get here, so we have help."

"Good, when do you plan to head to LA?"

"After Emma is six weeks old."

"Remember to stop and see me before you leave so that I can see you and Emma."

"Thanks, Irina."

"You're welcome. I'll see you tonight. Eat dinner here and I should be by around 7."

"Thanks."

EmPOV

Again we were busy with visitors and facetiming down to LA, New York and Phoenix all during the day. I tried to get Bella to sleep after we finished one of our phone calls. I gave her a stern face and refused to show her my dimples until she took a nap.

"Fine," she said.

At six, we ate. At 7, Irina came in with the pediatrician. Bella and I had to give up Emma; but it was worth it because they were both cleared to go home. Irina held Emma for us while I helped Bella get dressed. Soon, Bella was holding Emma as I was pushing them to the car. We carefully buckled her into our heated up car. Bella slipped into the back seat next to her and we headed home. Jake, Leah and the kids left us a welcome home sign.

The house was perfect. Leah left the bassinet in our room with our changing supplies, nursing supplies and pillows on Bella's side of the bed. I helped Bella get situated and feed Emma. She was asleep, very quickly. Bella slipped back into bed and settled down on her back and closed her eyes. All too soon, we were both asleep, but this time, it was fitful until I heard Emma whimpering. I changed her and Bella started nursing her. Bella told me she could feel her milk was finally coming in and Emma loved it more, the greedy little monster. We were back to sleep in less than an hour. Our little angel let us sleep for almost four hours this time and that started a new routine. Sleep, showers and baby care. Thank god for all the meals Bella cooked ahead of time. Leah brought us some on the weekend as well. Bella and I really tried the napping thing. We both got where we would stay up every other time, except over the night.