Chapter 20
At last, the day came when Julia's water broke and she called Barnabas at work. Her contractions were about 5 minutes apart. Barnabas was at the house in what
seemed like a minute. Julia also called Liz and told her as well. Liz said she would round up Carolyn and Willie and meet her there. Julia was one week into her 8th
month. Barnabas was a mess of course. She had her bag packed and he drove her to the hospital. The doctor was called in. She decided that Julia should have a
cesarean because it would be too hard for her to push. Julia had also requested she has her tubes tied because she and Barnabas decided they did not want any
more kids. Liz, Carolyn, and Willie came to the hospital to keep Barnabas from having a heart attack.
The doctor asked him if he wanted to stand there when they took the babies out. Barnabas said "yes I would like to see. Can her sister, niece, and nephew watch
as well?" The doctor said sure. I will authorize them if they want too. You will be behind a window. You will see us do everything except for making the incision on
Julia." Barnabas asked Liz, Carolyn, and Willie would they like to watch?" They said okay." The doctor showed them where they will be. They will have to put on
scrubs though. Once Liz, Carolyn, Willie, and Barnabas were positioned, they wheeled Julia into the delivery room. She was sedated some, but she saw them and
she smiled and waved at them and blew a kiss to them. The doctor told her that they will watch the babies come and Julia started to cry tears of joy still waving.
Barnabas was in tears. Liz and Carolyn put their arm around him, and Willie while Willie was trying to keep from crying. The doctor explained that he will be doing a
c section on Julia to get the babies out because it is too hard for her to push. She is getting ready to go under so they could begin the procedure.
Once the procedure started, Liz, Barnabas, Willie, and Carolyn could almost see the entire process, just not the cutting. The doctor worked for about 30 minutes,
then he turned around and showed Barnabas, Liz and Carolyn, the little boy first, crying, then the little girl also crying. Barnabas was beside himself with tears as
were Liz, Willie, and Carolyn. Then they did their thing, tied her tubes, and closed Julia back up. They went and disrobed their scrubs and went into the waiting
room. About 30 minutes later the nurse came out and showed them the two babies all cleaned up and resting. They each weighed 4 lbs so would have to stay in
the hospital longer until they gained weight. Barnabas just cried; he was so happy. His kids were here and he watched as the doctor took the 2 babies out of Julia!
Then the nurse took the babies back in and put them in incubators. Then they went into seeing Julia. She was sitting up tired, shaking, but happy and seriously
sore. Barnabas went over to Julia, crying and kissing her. He watched his kids be born! "Julia I saw our babies born." Liz, Carolyn, and Willie were tearful as well
and beamed at Barnabas and Julia. Julia looked over to Liz, Carolyn, and Willie and motioned them to come over and said, "Thank you for being with Barnabas as
he saw his babies born." They hugged her and said good night and will be back tomorrow.
Barnabas hugged and kissed Julia a few more times. Then he left so Julia could get a painkiller and go to sleep. Since Julia was cut so it was a little painful and she
would be sore for at least a week, and she had her tubes tied so there was a little healing pain there as well. But she was healthy so she was going to be fine.
The next day Barnabas came by to see her and the babies. She was able to get up and walk with him over the nursery and see the babies sleeping in their
incubators. They both were tearful as they looked at the two creations they made with love and from God. The boy had jet black hair fuzz like Barnabas and the
girl had auburn hair fuzz like Julia.
They stood out there for a while then Julia was still sore so they went back to her room and she got back into bed. The doctor said she could go home in a few
days. The babies may have to stay an additional 2 weeks or so until they gain a little more weight. Other than that, they were fine. The boy was circumcised then,
and the girl was just fine and Julia had her ears pierced. They did have little jaundice on them but the doctor said that would go away. All the babies go through
that at the time of birth. Barnabas and Julia decided they would name the girl Naomi Elizabeth Julia Collins. The boy would be Joshua William Barnabas Collins. The
nursery was ready for them.
Julia decided she wanted to nurse but would have to ask that to the doctor. It would determine how much milk she would need. They had bought two of
everything. Barnabas said he would be back this evening and did he want to bring her anything and she said no, just him. After he left Julia went to sleep and slept
until Barnabas came back. When she opened her eyes, he was sitting there looking at her. He just could not believe how his life has changed since Julia came into
it. Here they now have two babies that they were eager to raise. He was so full of joy and satisfaction. She smiled and beckoned him to come to her where she
kissed him and hugged him. She was so glad to see him. They got her up and went to the incubators to see the babies. They were so precious and lovely. Soon
Carolyn, Liz, Maggie, and Vicki came in and they took them out to the window to see the babies. Two weeks later Vicki had her young man Burk Jr.
They got ready to leave and said they would be by tomorrow. Barnabas also kissed and hugged Julia and hated to leave her. She was still sore so she was going
to ask for a pain killer and a sleeping pill to go back to sleep.
3 days later Julia was allowed to come home but not the babies yet because they still needed to put on some weight. When Barnabas got Julia in the house, he
hugged and kissed her but gently so as not to aggravate her incision. She was glad to be home and in bed with her husband. The house was now rewired up to
standards and Barnabas and Willie got the modern appliances in. The kitchen looked like a different place after the widened the kitchen to get the appliances in,
and there was an area where the babies could watching tv while Julia cooked dinner. It was nice.
They were finished with the master bathroom and 3 other bathrooms in the rooms. They ordered some nice shelving for the nursery since they needed more
room for all the baby stuff. Barnabas took Julia out every day to go and get baby stuff but he was getting it all, she was supervising. The two bassinets they chose
were the ones that were on rollers and you could take the babies out on the deck when it was nice out so they could get some air. They would keep the babies
downstairs during the day in the bassinets then put them in their cribs at night.
Once they got home they took all the stuff, plus what the girls had brought, and they starting getting everything in place for when the babies came home. They
also went to the hospitals each day after shopping to see the babies, or before. The babies were progressing quite nicely. The Jaundice was gone, and they were
such dolls laying there. Barnabas and Julia then came back home with Barnabas cooking dinner this evening which was so nice then they settled in. The next day
Julia ran by Collinsport. To her surprise, everything was up and running. All the staff was there and things were going quite nicely. Mr. Riggins said everything was
done thanks to her. He asked her since she can move around now, could she slide in and see how things are going. Julia said she will as soon as she gets a nanny
she will be able to do this while on maternity leave. The babies weren't home yet. Mr. Riggins said no problem and whenever she can come by it would be
appreciated.
Finally, after a little over a month, little Naomi and little Joshua were home now after reaching a little over 5 lbs. Liz and Carolyn were at the house when they
brought the babies home, and they came over every day to check on the babies and Julia until the nanny came. Julia was able to nurse both but could also use the
bottle as well. Neither of them had any allergies so they could use Similac with no problem. They were good babies too. Barnabas was so helpful with the babies.
He learned and how to change, feed, and burp the babies. He was just in awe with the babies and loved holding them, loving them. Julia keeps all the bottle
feedings on schedules so that each had ample time to feed on Mommie. Barnabas did not do anything if it did not involve the babies. He came in on lunch break to
check on the babies while Julia was on maternity leave. Once the nanny came, they gave the nanny her room so she could stay if they wanted to go out to dinner
and dancing. She was very helpful cleaning up while the babies were sleeping. She would make all the bottles for the next day for Julia once Julia went back to
work fulltime. Barnabas would give the babies the last feeding with Julia before putting them down for the night around 800p. Julia would warm up their bottles
for night feeding and she would put a little cereal and baby fruit to give a little flavor. The babies would sleep through the night until around 530a. They both would
get up and feed and change the babies and put them back down to sleep. Then they had a couple of hours to get their morning delight on. They gave the nanny
the weekends off so they could spend time with the babies, taking turns with their changing and feeding so the babies know who they are. It was such fun for
Barnabas and Julia. The fact Barnabas could hold the babies in one hand was so precious. He just kissed his babies and played with them and always shed a tear
at his two little babies.
6 weeks later the babies were christened in the church where Barnabas and Julia joined a few months ago. By then Vicki had little Burke Jr, and they also brought
him to the christening, and after the christening, everybody showed up for dinner afterward. Ms. Johnson and Horace fixed a great meal for them. Now everyone
had a child or two except for Carolyn who was so anxious to be pregnant!
Once home, they would change and feed the babies, and get them ready for bed. Once the babies were down for the night, Barnabas and Julia took a shower
together and settled in for the night. Barnabas said, "Julia, we are doing so well with the babies. You are the best mom! Julia smiled and hugged and kissed
Barnabas and said, "not without you, never without you Barnabas. You are doing well with the burping business, and dressing the babies. I am so proud of you! "
Then they showed each other how much they will always be together.
Julia had about 6 more weeks maternity leave but she was going over to the hospital during the day to see how everything was going and everyone was anxious
for her to come and start being the new administrator. She asked Mr. Riggins if he wanted her to start administering part-time. He said if she wanted to, she
could. So Julia would start coming in at or between 12n and 1p and work until 4p. Julia was so happy at how the place looked. The bridge was nice that separated
the two units, and the new wing itself was very modern and very nice. The hospital had a row of vendors selling all kinds of things. There was a big area with
tables that people could sit outside and eat.
When the babies turned 5 months they were getting so big, due to Julia knowing how to feed them so they were not scrawny. They were the cutest babies. They
were now trying to talk and crawling now. When their teeth started to come in, they were not sick or anything. They just chewed on the teething rings; they were
so cute. When they were up, Julia or Barnabas would put them in the playpen with their toys so they could bond together, while Julia was cooking, and they were
big enough for their high chairs, so Barnabas and Julia started feeding them baby food in addition to bottle at night. They loved it.
Barnabas was so fascinated and loved doing what he could for the babies. When he would come home from work and Julia would have them in the kitchen in their
little chairs, watching the tv while she cooked, they would get excited and smile when they see their daddy! Barnabas would shed a tear as Julia would come over
and kiss and hug him. He was so in love with his babies. They still were not quite ready for the walkers, so the playpen was nice! They would bring the babies to
bed with them and play with them before laying them down for the night. Once the nanny left around 5p when Barnabas or Julia would get home, Julia did all the
cooking dinner, washing baby clothes. She would do an extra spin cycle on their clothes to make sure there were no means for them to get diaper rash or any kind
of skin condition because of the washing detergent. Barnabas would wash clothes and bottles as well. He loved helping Julia with the babies. He was honest to his
word that he would get up if the babies cried. When the babies said "Da-Da" Barnabas would shed a tear.
On the weekend, they would take turns going grocery and clothes shopping. If it was too cold to take the babies out, they didn't, but most of the time, they took
the babies wherever they went. They would get the back packs, and load the babies up, and go walking through the mountain trail. They would take the babies for
a walk so they could get some air. It always helped them sleep as well after dinner. On Sunday after church, they would go to Collinwood for a while and visit. The
cooking dinner did not end, as everybody took turns when they could. They made an area where the babies could play when they got older.
When the babies were 9 months they were crawling and in their walkers. Julia bought an accordion gate that opened wide across the floor so the babies could
crawl more and eventually walk. They were now really trying to talk. Barnabas would get inside the gate with the babies and play with them on the weekends
when they were home chilling with the babies, watching TV. He loved the babies trying to talk, it was so cute. They could now say mama too.
One time Julia went grocery shopping and clothes shopping while Barnabas stayed home with the babies. When Julia came home, both the babies and Barnabas
were sleep with the babies on top of Barnabas. Julia took a pic of them. It was so cute.
Julia dressed the babies so cute with matching outfits. They both took the babies to their doctors' appts and the babies were doing very well and gaining weight,
and coming into their personalities.
The babies did get the sniffles one time, but Julia handled it. She was such a good mother Barnabas thought. She knew just what to do for the babies and
Barnabas would help any way he could. Julia would consult with the doctors though if the babies had a fever but she knew what to do so they never had to go into
the hospital or anything. The nanny knew what to do as well, and since both Julia and Barnabas would check in on their lunch hour the babies were always sleeping
nicely. The nanny would have lunch for them as well.
When the babies turned one, Barnabas and Julia had a birthday party for them, with Vicki's baby, and everybody. They put the cake in front of Joshua and Naomi
just to see what they would do. Joshua stuck his foot in it, and Naomi reached and grabbed some. They were so cute and it was a very nice day for all. Vicki's son
was not quite walking now too and he put his hand in it. Joshua and Naomi never cried when other people held them. They would try to kiss them and talk to
them.
Julia cooked a nice dinner for everyone who came to the party. It was a nice day. Barnabas was so happy. His babies were now 1 yr old. He was so proud and
after the babies were down for the night, Barnabas and Julia affirmed their love for each other as they reflected on their babies.
Julia said, "Barnabas look at our babies already 1 year!" Barnabas just kissed and hugged Julia and said, "Julia I am so happy. Our babies are so cute. Look at
how they are growing!" Julia reflected, "They were only 4 lbs when they were born, now they are both almost 15 lbs now. You are feeding them well. Now they
can start eating table food. Mash potatoes, etc. soft stuff." Barnabas said, "Julia now that the babies are walking do you think we could put them in the church
daycare while we attend church?" Julia said, "Sure. When we have to teach Sunday school that would be nice. Everybody likes babies anyway and they don't cry
when they don't see us. They just are quiet and don't cry, just wait for us to come and get them. After church, they would take the babies to brunch and
everybody would come and say hi to the babies. After they would come from church and brunch, if they did not go to Collinwood, the babies would take a nap, and
Barnabas and Julia would relax and cook dinner and do stuff for the babies. It was so relaxing and comfortable. They always had the music on while chilling with
the babies. One day Barnabas and Julia were chilling with the music on and they started slow dancing off a song, and the babies looked at them then started
trying to dance with each other. It was so cute.
That is a great idea!" Barnabas was so in love with Julia. Julia just hugged and kissed Barnabas whenever she could, mostly because Barnabas did nothing without
his kids. His whole life centered on being with his kids and Julia. Now and then the nanny would stay over
so Barnabas and Julia could go out to dinner and dancing with Liz and Elliott. In fact, on their first anniversary, they all went to NYC again. This time they visited
the Village, went to a play called CATS, went to dinner at some nice places. But they only stayed the weekend and was home on Sunday early noon because they
hated to be away from the babies. Since they got married the 4 some said they would go out together now and then to eat and dance for a while. They also said
they would set one weekend aside where they would all go back to New York for the weekend to do what they did not do when they were there for their
honeymoon.
Whenever Barnabas and Julia would take the babies out in their double stroller, people would stop and play with Josh and Naomi. They were such friendly babies.
They loved being outside and seeing other people. They took cute pictures as well. Barnabas and Julia were always taking pics of them growing up. They were
trying to say Mommie and daddie and everything else. They would call Barnabas and Julia when the woke up. They knew what the walkie talkies did so they would
call Barnabas and Julia. They were such smart babies. Josh would call Naomi "nom." Naomi called Joshua "JA." Once they started walking
Barnabas and Julia would take them for a short walk after they ate dinner. The babies would sleep for the rest of the night. If it was warm outside, Julia would put
them down in their bassinets for their nap and put them on the porch.
Julia was doing very well at work at the hospital. She was respected by all, and everyone took her in as the greatest administrator. Julia was kind to everyone
especially her patients. Once a month she had to go to Wyncliffe for staff meetings. There she was greeted and hugged by her former staff who loved seeing
pictures of little Josh and Naomi. Lots of people came to the hospital now between the main hospital and the new wing. People came to eat lunch, visit the gift
shops, etc. People loved the bridge between the two areas and people loved it. It was paying for itself in this area. There also was an outside area where patients
could also sit and visit. It was a beautiful wing and added such value to the hospital as well.
Once the babies turned 2, they were walking and talking and having fun running around the old house. Julia and Barnabas just loved being with their babies. The
gate they brought earlier was great when they wanted to run around and play with their toys in the drawing-room without running into furniture. If Julia didn't
have them in the kitchen, she put them in the gate. When Barnabas would come home from work, he would get in the gate with the babies until dinner was ready.
He just loved that his babies were two, talking, and loving their mom and dad.