It was official and there was no way around it. Like it or not the newest Gibbs' were going to be born that day. Jethro and Amy were beyond terrified. Amy was only twenty-eight weeks along. The babies were viable but it was not going to be an easy road. When Amy called Jethro she was at five centimeters and she was now at eight. Two more centimeters to go and the babies would be here. The kids had arrived to the hospital about ten minutes earlier and were gathered together in the waiting room. Liam was freaking out like his parents, but Emma and the twins were too young to understand just how serious the situation was. The twins were playing together and Emma was excitedly chatting about her impending siblings.


Jethro paced nervously around Amy's hospital room. He was not ready for this, they were not supposed to come so soon. He was sure that Amy would prove them wrong and last to at least the next month. No such luck. They were about to welcome three babies born two months early. More than likely they would be rushed to the NICU, before Jethro and Amy could even see them. The NICU was non negotiable. The babies lungs were not yet fully developed and they were going to need machines to help them breathe. They would be fed by tubes and more than likely chained to IV tubes. It was terrifying and the former Marine was struggling to hold back his tears.

"Jethro could you go get me some more ice chips?" Amy asked.

"Yeah... Yeah I could use some water myself." Jethro replied.


The doctor had just returned to the room to check Amy's progress. Her labor had progressed quickly and she was fully expecting to be told that it was time. In a way she was actually a little excited. She wanted to see her babies faces and tell them how much she loved them. She just wished they were not coming into the world so early.

"Is it time to push?" Amy asked.

"No you are actually still only eight centimeters." Dr. Jones replied.

"If only her labor had started this slow." Jethro sighed.


Fifteen minutes later Dr. Jones returned to check Amy again. This time she was at ten centimeters. It was time for the babies to be born. Jethro stepped out of the room and shared the development with Liam. By the time he returned Amy was already in the middle of pushing. She pushed for ten minutes before the first baby came into the world. The room was almost instantly filled with a strong cry.

"It's a boy! Three pounds even!" Dr. Jones cried.

"That's baby Anthony Jackson!" Jethro cried.


Anthony Jackson was dried off and rushed to the NICU. Amy went straight back to pushing and this time she only had to push for five minutes. Before the second baby came into the world. This baby's cry was not as strong but there was still a definite cry.

"It's another boy! Two pounds, seven ounces." Dr. Jones cried.

"That one's middle name is Donald but we have not agreed on a first name." Jethro replied.


Baby Donald was rushed to the NICU to join his brother and Amy went back to pushing. She had to push for ten minutes again but the last baby came into the world with relative ease. She had to be stimulated but she made a small cry.

"It's a girl! Two pounds seven ounces!" Dr. Jones announced.

"That would be Elizabeth Madeline!" Gibbs cried.


Just like her brothers Elizabeth was rushed to the NICU. Amy was cleaned up and set into recovery mode. Once he was sure that Amy was doing well. Jethro headed down to the NICU to check on the health of his newest additions. He was not surprised to see that Liam had followed him down the hall to where the babies were being kept.

"May I help you?" The receptionist asked.

"I need an update on Anthony, Donald, and Elizabeth Gibbs." Jethro replied.

"All three babies are on vents and umbilical IV's, they are being fed by NG tubes. They are stable at the moment but very fragile." The receptionist explained.

"Can I see them?" Jethro asked.

"Yes but be mindful that they are hooked up to many machines and extremely small. It can be intimidating." The receptionist explained.

"I am ready for it." Jethro lied.


The receptionist was not kidding when she said that the twins appearances would be unnerving. They were so small and Jethro swore they were more tubes and wires than baby. He wanted to hold them but the best that he could do was reach through the gloves and gently stroke their cheeks. Liam hung back and watched his father hold the babies but soon could not handle the stress any longer. Jethro stayed with his babies for half an hour but then they needed their vitals checked again. Jethro headed back to his wife's hospital room. Amy looked exhausted but was wide awake.

"How are they?" Amy questioned, nervously.

"Sick" Jethro replied.

"Do they know if they are going to make it?" Amy asked.

"They said right now it's about fifty-fifty." Jethro replied.

"I just want my babies safe and this turbulent time to be over. I am not sure how much more I can take." Amy sobbed.

"We'll get through. We have each others sixes and no matter what happens. We will get through this ordeal." Jethro assured.


Jethro once again found himself at Tony's grave. He ran his hand over his son's name and the dates. He was again feeling isolated and just wanted Tony by his side. He surveyed the grave yard and said a prayer that his babies would not end up dead and buried before they got a chance to live. They were holding their own but critical. It was terrifying and Jethro just wanted it to be over and his children to be well.

"Don't you know these children's lineage?" Tony questioned.

"They are Gibbs and Franks." Jethro replied.

"Exactly there is no need to be afraid." Tony assured.


A/N: Well Tony's a pretty wise guy. Gibbs should listen to him. New chapter will be up soon. Please review and thanks for reading.