Wohoo for the longest chapter so far (that's what I think at least)! Your reviews have been absolutely motivating & I feel a lot better today!
I have so much to say & I'm sure I'll forget at least half of it! But don't worry I will put it underneath this chapter, just one more thing before I let you read this chapter:
The 50th chapter is coming up & with that this story will also hit the 50,000 words mark, which is absolutely crazy since this was supposed to be around 15 chapters long!
But now: Enjoy reading!
Tony and Ziva were currently cleaning their plates from lunch when a knock at the door announced the arrival of Erin.
"I'll get it." Tony told her as he made quick work of drying his hands and walking over to the door.
Once he opened the door he greeted the woman in front of him and lead her to the living room where Ziva was waiting for them.
"I'm Ziva, it is nice to meet you."She now shook the hand of the midwife.
"It's nice to meet you too and I'm glad you were able to welcome me on a Sunday." Erin now smiled at her.
"It is no problem, really. Would you like some tea? I just made some." Ziva offered and Erin nodded in reply.
The three of them were soon seated around the coffee table and started chatting a little.
"How about you tell me about your pregnancy so far first? It's always important for me to know about the circumstances and it gives me a clearer picture of you." She shot Ziva a warm smile and slightly reclined in the armchair to listen to Ziva's story.
"The first months of the pregnancy have been a little…bumpy as some would probably call it." She started off, deciding it was best to tell her the whole story about the circumstances.
"We both work as federal agents and it can be quite stressful. A few months ago I was held captive for a few days and due to the torture I was exposed to I was afraid of losing the baby." By now her hands were shaking slightly and she tried to keep the emotions from her voice. Tony noticed how difficult all of this for Ziva was and offered her silent support by intertwining their fingers.
"A few weeks ago I had a small bleeding because of the stress but the doctor said that the baby was fine except for a higher blood pressure and pulse. At the moment she is growing wonderfully though." At this a small smile appeared on Ziva's lips and she absentmindedly rubbed her abdomen.
"Well, that sounds like an eventful pregnancy so far. I'm sorry you had to experience all of this but I'm glad to hear that the baby is doing fine right now. Have you already thought about your wishes for the birth?" She tried to lighten the mood a little after this rather heavy subject.
"Actually yes, we have talked about it a few days ago. I would like to have a home birth if this is possible." A shy smile played on Ziva's lips.
"I think home births are a wonderful and natural thing but I guess we have to consider your history and health as well before finally deciding on it." The slightly concerned look on her face made both Tony and Ziva feel a little nervous and Tony reassuringly squeezed her hand.
"Does that mean it is going to be a problem? Is there a possibility that there will be complications?" Fear was evident in her voice by now and she had problems to remain calm.
"I don't think we need to be worried, but we should check out some things before we can be sure. There is a possibility of complications in every pregnancy but we do everything possible to make this work, alright?" Erin shot her a reassuring smile before continuing to talk.
"How about I check on the baby now and see what is going on inside of your belly?" She now smirked at both of them and Ziva nodded in reply as she lay down on the couch, lifted her shirt and pushed down her pants a little.
Erin began to precisely palpate her abdomen and spot the baby and after a few moments spoke up again.
"You were right, from what I can tell she's growing just fine and hasn't turned around yet, which isn't concerning at this point of your pregnancy. You can, however, keep track of her movements and try to feel where exactly she is kicking you to see where she is lying. Within the next 4-6 weeks she should start to turn around which you will notice when she's kicking near your ribcage." She informed her as she finished her examination.
Getting properly dressed she sat up again and thought about Erin's word for a moment.
"What if she is not turning around properly?" Ziva tried to hold back the fear that was rising in her throat anew.
Sensing how afraid Ziva was, Erin reassured her anew.
"Some babies simply take their time but there are several methods to make them turn around but we should not worry about this until it really happens." Her words seemed to soothe both Tony and Ziva as they relaxed again.
"Do you have any other questions so far?" She asked as she looked from Ziva over to Tony.
"How is a birth at home working?" It was Tony who asked this question as he was genuinely curious as to what to expect.
At this Erin let out a small laugh, knowing that all of this was often confusing for the partners of the pregnant women.
"As soon as Ziva is starting to have regular contractions you can call me and I will come over as soon as possible and bring everything we will need throughout the birth. It is totally up to you how you want to arrange everything. You can pick out some music and things that will make Ziva feel comfortable.
Some women like to take a bath to ease the pain of the contractions. I will be there to help you find the right position and guide you and I will examine the baby as soon as it is born.
I will also help you throughout the first hours with the baby and you will be able to relax in your own bed. After that I will come regularly to check on you and the baby." She calmly explained and smiled as she saw Ziva relax even further.
"That sounds great." Ziva now smiled as she rested against Tony's side.
"As to the next weeks, I recommend you to attend a birth-class and I will visit you a few more times to talk about some other things. I think for now you've had enough input." Erin laughed, seeing that both of them had a lot to process after their conversation.
"Yeah, I never thought there would be this much to talk about." Tony agreed and laughed as well.
"How about I come over next Friday and we discuss the rest?" She now suggested and Ziva nodded in agreement while Tony noted down the date for them.
"Alright, I will leave you two to your thoughts now and will see you again next week." With that Erin stood up and said her goodbyes before leaving the apartment.
"Wow, that was really a lot intake." Tony spoke up again as he, once again, plopped down onto the couch next to her.
"Yeah." Ziva simply replied, her voice giving away that she wasn't quite there.
"Hey" Wrapping an arm around her waist he pulled her closer and let one of his hands rest on her abdomen. "You're still thinking about the complications Erin mentioned, hm?" Over the years he had learned to read her expressions and knew that the words of the midwife were still racing through her mind.
"You are right, it is just…there is so much that could go wrong and I just want everything to be fine." Ziva sighed as she found comfort in Tony's embrace.
"Look at me Ziva. Our daughter is going to be perfectly fine and healthy and I already told you that I won't leave your side throughout the birth. Erin is right; we should worry about those things when they happen, not when they could happen." All the while he held her chin in place, making sure she was really looking at him and softly kissed her to make sure she understood him.
Sighing into their kiss she quietly replied "I will do my best to not worry too much."
Knowing there was no way Ziva would completely stop worrying he took it as a satisfying answer.
"I think I can live with that." He now smiled at her again, thinking about the adventures the next weeks and months would bring and how excited he already was.
"Now what do you think about a warm and cuddly movie afternoon?"
Ok, let me sort my thoughts:
1. I had to keep this chapter kind of "short" since I could've went on like this for hours (that's why there will be a second visit). You should know that I studied this subject and the midwife that taught us all this stuff as amazing and pretty much fun!
2. I receive a lot of guest reviews, which is awesome, but I would like to get to know you guys, maybe you could tell me a little bit about yourself? This also goes to those who have accounts on here!
3. I plan on making a Tiva drabble advent calendar on my blog & thought about posting it on here as well, what do you think? It would be without the pictures but I thought it might be nice!
4. I told you I would forget about the rest, so I will just say: Reviews are lovely & motivate me and you may also send me your wishes for this celebratory, amazing 50th chapter!
PS: I don't know why I started comparing myself to other authors on here again, because I always end up worrying about my language skills and how the others are so amazing, but I guess I'm not that bad myself, so thank you guys for still enduring my English skills ;)
