45 WELCOME HOME

The twins had been home for two days. They were all adjusting to the twins schedule. Tom thought it would be a good idea to keep the twins in their room for a while so they wouldn't have to go back and forth to their room at night. She was glad he decided to do this. In the beginning she wanted them in their room. To keep her from being so tired from company, he asked them to call ahead of time to make sure Christina was awake. Bobbi and Camille helped with the cooking and housework. Tom helped with bathing, dressing, and feeding the twins. Christina pumped breast milk so they would take a bottle sometimes. He enjoyed this time with them. He knew Christina would be alone with them soon and he worried about this. He wanted her to hire someone part time to help out. She wanted to do it alone. He talked with her one afternoon while the twins her asleep. Christina? Yes? She was waking from a nap and the twins were still asleep. I really would feel comfortable if you would hire someone to come in at least three days a week. Why Tom? Well, while you are taking care of the babies, they could vacuum, dust, and clean the bathrooms, or whatever you need help doing. The twins are going to be a handful soon. She looked at him before she answered. So, do you think I won't be able to take care of things alone. That's not what I'm saying Christina. I don't want you to become overwhelmed with everything.. You see when I get home, I'm going to need my attention and I'm going to need to see about you and the boys. Christina rolled her eyes and laughed. That's really your concern right there. He smiled as he leaned over to kiss her. Baby, I just want to make sure you have enough help. Well, can I think about it or at least see how things work out before we decide to hire someone? Sure Sunshine, He pulled a blanket up and kissed her as he pulled her close to him and covered her with the blanket. Is it ok if I snuggle with you? She nodded and closed her eyes as they both fell asleep. She woke to the tune of babies crying. She looked at Tom. It was so amazing how he just knew what she needed. Snuggling with him made her feel so good. She quietly got up to feed Nicolas. Camille came in and got Austin. Do you want me to give him a bottle or wait for a minute? Go ahead and I'll just switch up on the next feeding. Ok mom. But I have one question? What Camille? What happens when I'm in school and dad is at work and they both need to be fed at the same time? Ok Tom Jr., I get your point. Camille laughed and went to get the bottle.

Before Christina knew it, Tom was back at work. The next two weeks he would come home early instead of taking a long leave. Most evenings he was home by 4:00PM. She had Camille to help her for a week and a half before she would move into her dorm. Camille was worried about Christina and thought she should live at home and go to school her first year. Camille, I want you to experience life as a freshman on campus. If things get too hard, I'll hire someone to help. When I go back to work, maybe I'll hire someone to come in twice a week to help with the housework. Ok mom, but you have to promise. Ok, I promise.

Christina would soon take the babies to have a two week checkup. The pediatrician's office was around the corner from the hospital. Camille went to the pediatrician office with Christina. When they pulled into the parking lot, Christina laughed as she saw Tom walking toward them. "Hello Sunshine." he said, as he kissed her before she could get out of the car. Camille said, "Do you guys have to kiss that long every time?" "We don't have to.", Tom replied, I just like the longer ones better. Christina smiled and opened the door to help get the babies. Tom got Nicolas and Camille got Austin. So, I guess I just need to get the bag. "Yes." they replied and headed toward the office. The pediatrician's office was not far from the hospital. After the incident at the hospital, Tom and Christina thought they should get a childcare facility and pediatrician outside of the hospital. John was trying to convince them to utilize the childcare facility and the discount they would receive. Christina thought they should consider it after John said they would have access to the facility through computers all day. He would talk to the staff that worked there, but Tom would not budge. Christina thought it would help their budget. Since they were not using the childcare at the facility Tom told John there would be times when he and Christina would have to take time from work when the childcare was closed or the boys were ill. John was very angry that Erin and Stacy had caused such turmoil. He decided to let it go for a while. After spending a couple of hours in the doctor's office, Tom and Christina were finished at the office. The boys had a clean bill of health and Tom laughed as their doctor commented on how fast they both came after Christina began pushing. Christina blushed and rolled her eyes at Tom. The boys didn't have to come back until they were 6 weeks old. Camille sat in the car waiting for Christina while she talked to Tom since she had not been cleared to drive yet. The babies were in their car seats and they were all riding in the Jetta. Tom was telling Christina to make sure she got some rest while the twins were asleep. He or Camille could do the laundry when he got home. He was very persistent about what he was telling her to do.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and talked to her for a few minutes. "What are you doing for lunch?", he asked her while kissing on her face like a teen in love for the first time. I'm not really sure. Maybe I'll stop by a drive thru and get a salad and something. I don't know. Christina, make sure you eat something and rest. Maybe you should come home and watch me. Tom smiled. I don't think that would be a great idea. I'll have to keep my hands to myself and that's going to be next to impossible. Her eyes twinkled as she looked into his gorgeous eyes. Why are you looking at me like that? Ooh, because your green eyes are just so damn sexy and hypnotizing. He laughed as he pulled her into a kiss. I love you girl. Still, smiling and not taking her eyes from him, she said, "You do?" Um mmm he nodded. Let me show you how much. He bent forward and kissed her so tenderly, she slightly lifted one foot backward. Wow! What was that for? For being my wife, for giving birth to my twins, for marrying me, for loving me. Do you want me to continue? She laughed. Maybe later. As much as I hate to leave you, we need to get the twins home before they wake up and strengthen their lungs. He gave her one more passionate kiss and she said, "I think you might want to stop before I get into trouble." He smiled, "I wouldn't mind." I know you wouldn't Tom. She kissed him and took his hand as she walked toward the car. Camille shook her head as they walked to the car holding hands. You two are so sad. They laughed and kissed again. See you later Sunshine. Ok baby. He stood and watched them back away. His phone rang while he was standing in the parking lot. He answered the phone without looking at the number, Dr. Wakefield, Hi doctor. Are you busy? He smiled as he looked at the phone. For you, I'm never busy. I love you Christina. Don't make me come home. She beamed and said, "What's going to happen if I do?" You'll go get your check up and Dr. Hanley will say, "Congratulations, you're going to be parents again." Tom you wouldn't? Yea, I would. And you know the bad thing about it. Yea, I do. You wouldn't mind. He laughed again. You know me so well Sunshine. Well on that note, I think I should let you stay at the hospital. You haven't made it home yet. How do you know? Look behind you. She turned around and looked behind her. Tomm! Where are you going? He laughed, Did I scare you? He blew his horn and exited the interstate. Look sweetheart, I have another call coming in, it's probably the hospital. Love you. Call me when you finish Tom. Will do.

So mom. What do you want for lunch? Why don't you choose, Camille. She looked at Camille and smiled at her. Mom? You are so totally in love. I can't believe you. Camille smiled as she looked at her mom. I'm glad you're happy mom. Totally. Thanks Camille. They pulled into the restaurant, Camille went inside the restaurant and placed an order for 2 salads, tilapia, and broccoli with cauliflower. She waited for about 20 minutes before she came back with the order. The twins were starting to move around. Do you think you'll have time to eat before they have to be fed? I hope so. If you let me give them a bottle, then I can feed them. If they wake up, it won't take long to feed them. Will you listen for them when I take a nap? Sure mom. If they wake up then, you can give them a bottle. No problem mom. Camille? Yes mom. Love you, I know mom. They smiled and drove in silence. Christina ate while the twins slept. Just as she finished, and headed toward the kitchen to take out food for dinner, Austin woke and began to cry. Christina let him cry for a minute while she looked in the freezer and thought about what she would cook. She and Camille made it to the bedroom at the same time. Christina decided to let Camille go ahead and bottle feed him while she took a nap. If they become a bother, wake me. I will mom, but don't worry. We'll do just fine. Just as Christina laid across the bed her phone began to ring. She took a deep breath and looked at the number. Hello, Hi Sunshine. Did I wake you? No, Tom. I know you are checking on me, but I was getting ready to take a nap. Will you call me when you wake up? " No.", she said rather slowly. I'd rather talk to you now. You did a lot of teasing at the doctor's office. He laughed, That's because I miss you baby. She smiled as she said, "You know I miss you, too. But we have a long road ahead of us." I know baby. Well, I'm being paged Sunshine.

I'll see you when I get home. Get some rest baby. I'll try Tom. Love you girl. She laughed and said, "love you right back." Christina did not realize she was so worn. When she turned and looked at the clock she had slept for almost two hours. She went down the hallway to see if Camille had the twins or if they were asleep. Camille was asleep in her bed with Nicolas lying on her chest. She snapped a picture of them and checked on Austin. He was in the bassinet asleep. While, they were asleep, Christina prepared dinner. She put a pot roast in the oven and prepared potatoes, green peas and carrots to add to the roast later. She made ice tea and prepared a bowl of fruit. She put a timer on the roast and went to Tom's room to rest. When the timer went off later, she put the vegetables and potatoes around the roast and set the timer again. When she opened her eyes again, Tom had Austin and Camille was giving Nicolas a bottle. When Tom came in from work and saw Christina asleep, he told Camille he would get the boys so Christina wouldn't have to wake up to feed them. He checked the timer on the stove and took a quick shower. Dinner would be ready by the time he finished showering. He was able to shower, dress and get Austin before Christina finished her nap. Christina could not believe her eyes. She smiled as she looked at Tom and Camille. "Thank you both.", she said to them. I can't believe you two did this. Mom, we are all family to Nicolas and Austin. Why do you think you have to do everything? Yea, why Christina? She walked to the kitchen and prepared plates for all of them. She smiled as her family sat down together to eat dinner. Tom talked about his day at the hospital, Camille talked about the twins and Christina smiled and listened to their conversation. When they finished dinner, Camille told them she would clean the kitchen. Tom put the twins in the bassinette and Christina laid her head on his lap. He watched tv and rubbed her back as she went to sleep again.