V
Hey you, you're a child in my head
You haven't walked yet
Your first words have yet to be said
But I swear you'll be blessed
I know you're still just a dream
your eyes might be green
Or the bluest that I've ever seen
Anyway you'll be blessed
And you, you'll be blessed
You'll have the best
I promise you that
I'll pick a star from the sky
Pull your name from a hat
I promise you that, promise you that, promise you that
You'll be blessed
I need you before I'm too old
To have and to hold
To walk with you and watch you grow
And know that you're blessed
You'll be blessed
You'll be blessed...
Blessed, Elton John
June, 2006
Blair Warner hated to be in Albany or anywhere else so close to Jo's due date with their second child. She wanted to be home, not talking to a bunch of politicians, even though it was what would be needed to succeed in her endeavor to help gain rights for LGBT's.
She had tried to balk at going, but Jo set her straight.
"Look, blondie", Jo had said patiently the night before Blair would leave for the Capitol of New York State, "you have made a commitment to what we believe in-what we are living, and I'm not gonna have you back out of it, even for me."
Blair knew Jo was right, but it frustrated her. "If you have this baby while I'm in Albany, Joanna Marie..."
Jo grinned at that. "Turn blue, Blair Patricia", surprising her lover by throwing her own phrase back at her. "My actual due date ain't til the 17th, and it's only the 10th, so I think you won't miss a thing."
Blair shot daggers at Jo, knowing her lover was probably right. Yet Jo knew how upset Blair would be if the baby were born while she was gone. "Look, Princess", Jo said softly, putting her arms as much around the blonde as she could-she hadn't carried a basketball like Blair, but she was plenty round, "you go to Albany, you talk to those idiot politicians, and you come home, no sweat." She kissed Blair's forehead.
"Maybe they're idiots, but I certainly can't call them that if we want marriage equality to pass eventually, Joey, but I get what you're saying. I'll make this trip as quick as I can." She gave Jo an almost desperate kiss on the lips, trying to convey to Jo just how much this was bothering her.
"I know you will, babe", Jo said softly, finishing the kiss with two tiny ones of her own.
By 9 am the next morning, Blair was seated before the New York State Assembly's Children and Families Committee, who would hear comments and testimony from herself, and several others that were representing groups pushing for marriage equality for gays and lesbians, as well as hospital visitation and information rights. There was a vote scheduled on approving same-sex marriage in the State Assembly on June 17th, right about the time Jo was due to deliver. This would be the last public commentary before that vote.
Today, it was those for changing the law to speak. Blair was fourth in line to speak. When it was her turn, she was ready.
"Good morning", Blair said warmly, smiling up at the committee members in their seats, "my name is Blair Warner, and I am President of the Warner-Polniaczek Foundation, a group dedicated to issues regarding Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, and Transgender citizens of New York State."
She went on to explain the goals of the Foundation, including the outreach to teenagers of any sexual orientation who were homeless, but further explaining that the main goal was marriage equality, and the right of same-sex and unmarried couples to be given next-of-kin rights when a loved one was in the hospital.
"I know what I speak of when I talk about the pain and suffering that can be caused when a person isn't able to gain medical information on a loved one, simply because they're unmarried, or in a same-sex relationship. A few years ago, I was involved in a horrific auto accident in Peekskill, in which a man died of a heart attack while driving his vehicle. His vehicle broadsided mine, and I was in a coma for three months. My son David, at the time almost one, was injured as well, as was a dear friend of mine."
Blair went on to explain that her next-of-kin was living in France at the time. "Yet the most important person in my life-my partner-could not even be told if I or our son were dead or alive. That's because my partner's name is Joanna Polniaczek, and we've been in a same-sex relationship for years now. In fact, Jo, as she is called by everyone, is expecting our second child very shortly, and I want to make sure I'm home when she goes into labor."
The questions were polite from both sides, even those adamantly opposed to same-sex marriage treating their visitors with dignity and respect. Blair took several questions. A few of the questions, while presented in a polite manner, showed the undertones of what the movement faced.
"Ms. Warner", a female Senator from the Syracuse area said with a smile, "I thank you and the others for taking the time to come here today and make your voices heard, and I hope we get you home in time for your partner's labor. One thing I must ask, as a woman of faith, a wife, mother, and now a grandmother, is when your partner Joanna has this baby, will you feel any differently about this child than your son David? There's a special bond between a mother and child, and I wonder if this will matter to you, or if it matters to Jo vis-a-vis your son David?"
"Assemblywoman Roberts", Blair said, her face revealing nothing, "as far as Jo and I are concerned, no, it doesn't make a difference which one of us gave birth to which baby. We are a family, just like any other family. We both love David with all our hearts. He's as much Jo's son as he is mine."
"But Jo couldn't have had that bonding with..."
Blair kindly cut the Assembly Member off. "Is there a special bond between a birth mother and a baby? Absolutely. But family is more than just blood. It's about love, devotion, a determination to raise our children the right way, making sure they grow up to be honest, valuable citizens of this state, nation, and planet. David himself calls us both 'Mama'. I'm Mama Blair, and Jo is, well, 'Mama Jo'. Mama Jo would give up her very life for David. That's what makes us a family, and what makes David every bit Jo's son, and it will make our soon-to-be born child every bit mine."
The fact was that those opposed to same-sex marriage in the State Assembly were being so kind was that while it was almost certain the bill to grant same-sex marriage would pass in the Assembly, the Republican-dominated State Senate would reject it or not even bring it up for a vote. As their cause gained more acceptance, Blair expected that, eventually, the gloves would come off.
Blair made it back to Rockville Centre, Jo not having gone into labor, much to the relief of both women.
And on July 17th, it did pass the State Assembly, but the bill languished and died in the Senate. It was disappointing, but not unexpected. To those like Blair, however, it was a giant step forward.
Eight Days Later
"Why can't kids ever be born on the date the doc says they'll be born", Jo said miserably. It was a scorching day in greater New York City-the thermometer expected to hit 104 by mid-afternoon, the heat spell not expected to break for another five days.
"Well, it's simply another way to make women suffer", Blair said with a sniff, only half in jest. "We get the periods; we get to carry the baby; we get the morning sickness; we get the swollen, tender breasts; we get emotional and grumpy; we get to breast-feed. Making us wait a little longer is simply part of the deal."
"Hardy har-har, Princess", Jo said, not amused. They had air conditioning, but even with A/C, you could still feel the humidity indoors. God forbid they had to go out for any reason-which of course they would soon when Jo went into labor. "You're such a comedian. I'm sweatin' even with the air on high." She sighed again. "Shoulda thought of that when I let that syringe knock me up nine months ago."
Despite the fact that Jo was terribly uncomfortable, the last sentence made Blair snort with a loud laugh. "I didn't think a syringe could knock a woman up, Joey?"
Jo still wasn't amused. "Well, this one did, although it's better than thinking about a guy's member anywhere near me."
That just made Blair laugh some more. "What, no list of names for the male, uh, member?"
"Not with Junior around", Jo replied, nodding at David who was watching cartoons. "Kid picks up on everything you say."
"I'll agree with you on that. I'm proud of your restraint, Jo." Again Blair snickered.
"You're just a million laughs today, aren't ya, sweetie?"
Blair had been sitting on the couch, Jo on the recliner. Blair got up and leaned over where Jo was. "I'm just trying to lighten the mood a little, babe. I'm sorry that I got under your skin."
Finally Jo gave a wry grin. "You got under my skin years ago, blondie, but it ain't you. I'm ready for this kid to get moving."
"He or she will be ready when they're damn well good and ready, Joey."
Jo put a finger to her lips. "Language, Blair."
"Oh, yes of course", Blair said clearing her throat. "You know how great a mom you're gonna be, babe?"
"If I'm anywhere near as good as you've been, this child will be in good hands." Blair bent down to kiss Jo, Jo accepting it.
"I should amend what I said, hon", Blair thought out loud. "You're already a great mom."
"Don't even try for brownie points now, Princess", Jo retorted, a full smile now on her face. "You're gonna owe me some serious...uh, personal time, once I'm over this pregnancy stuff in about a month."
"Why do you think I said all those things? Just to make you mad?"
Jo just rolled her eyes, taking another drink of the ice water next to her.
Two Nights Later, June 21st, 2006
Blair was comfortably asleep at 4:20 am, when a new chapter in the life of she and Jo began.
"Blair!"
Blair had prepared herself for that tone, from that voice, for a few weeks, but it startled her out of her sleep nonetheless. She put on her bathrobe and walked to the bathroom. She looked in, still bleary-eyed.
"Sorry to wake you, babe", Jo said apologetically, "but the water definitely broke, and I'm already about six minutes apart on the contractions. I think we should call Dr. Washington and my folks, and head into the hospital."
"Sounds like a plan, Joey", Blair said with no panic. "How are you feeling?"
"I feel fine, Princess. No sweat so far."
"Okay, love", Blair said, walking over to Jo who was on the toilet, and kissing the top of her head. "I'll call mom and dad first, then the doctor."
"Pa said they have both cell phones sittin' by the bed, so they should be good to come get DC before we leave."
Forty minutes later, Rose and Charlie were over, more exited than the two women, with a sleepy and confused David, wondering why he was being waken and going somewhere with Grandma and Grandpa Polniaczek when it was dark.
Jo had finally dressed in a loose t-shirt and a pair of sweat pants. Despite the continuing heat wave-it was 87 degrees at 5 am-she needed something loose and baggy to wear. Rose came up to her just before leaving with David.
"You doing okay, hon?"
"I'm good, Ma", Jo said with a smile. "I just want to get this kid outta the hotel, ya know?"
Rose laughed, gently hugging her daughter. "You call us if you need anything, or just to pass the time." She turned to Blair. "And that means you too, young lady."
Blair smiled, hugging Rose and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "We will, mom, I promise. I don't think DC is going to have much trouble getting back to sleep."
"He ain't the only one", a still half-asleep Charlie grumbled, making the others laugh.
Seven Hours Later
Jo's contractions were close together now-under three minutes, and becoming more intense. Yet despite the continuing contractions, the baby didn't seem to be coming down her vagina.
"This kid want me to order pizza for it before it pops out, or what?" She was getting tired, having been up most the night, and was a little sore. She knew sometimes labor could last for hours on end, but...something just didn't feel right at the moment. The baby's heart beat was strong, but something...
Dr. Washington had stepped out to get a look at a recent set of X-Rays that she had developed on Jo's pelvic area. Up until now, the doctor hadn't been concerned about Jo's pelvis not being wide enough to deliver.
Jo was built more like a swimmer, with narrow hips, and more defined leg and arm muscles, while Blair was the classic hourglass beauty, with never-ending curves. Looking over the X-Rays now, Dr. Washington made a decision.
Blair and Jo were in quiet conversation when she re-entered the delivery room. "Ladies", Dr. Washington said with a smile, "It looks like we're gonna have to bring this baby into the world via C-Section", she informed them.
"Is something wrong with the baby, doc?" Jo didn't think there was, but she wasn't the expert.
"No, the baby is doing fine-strong heartbeat and vitals, but it looks like your pelvis isn't quite wide enough for the baby to come down the birth canal. I'm talking maybe a inch too small, but for the safety of the child, it would be better to do a C."
Jo was disappointed, as she had wanted a regular vaginal birth, but when it came to the health of anyone in her family, she didn't fool around. "Then let's do it, doc", she said with a nod. "Do I have to be knocked out, or..."
"If you want", Dr. Washington noted, "you can have local anesthesia, or if you're more comfortable, you can have a general anesthesia, which would knock you out for an hour or two."
"Oh, no", Jo said, looking at Blair. "It's nothing about you, doc", she said hastily turning back to the physician, "but if I can be awake when my kid is born, then I wanna be awake."
"Very well, Jo", Dr. Washington said with mild amusement at the insistence of Jo's voice. "Give us a few minutes to get ready. We'll get the anesthesiologist right on it. It will take only a minute or two for the local to take effect, then we can begin the C-Section."
"Not gonna be long now, Princess", Jo said with a smile, grasping Blair's hand. Despite her words, Blair could see some worry on Jo's face.
"You'll sail right through this love, and you'll be holding your baby in no time." Leaning down for a loving kiss, she looked into Jo's eyes. "I love you, Joey."
"I love you, too, Blair. Let's say we wrap this up?"
Around noon, the drugs took effect, while outside the delivery room, most of the gang had gathered. Monica was there, along with Charlie, Rose, and David. Edna and Bailey had made it down from Peekskill, while Dwight and Alison had made it. Tootie was rehearsing for an upcoming play, and Boots and Georgia were running their studio. But it was a good turnout.
The anesthesia, even though it was a local, had made both Jo and the baby drowsy, but Jo had stayed awake when Dr. Washington extracted the baby, a small cry heard, making Jo cry. "It's a girl!"
The staff gave soft applause, as the newborn was cleaned, the cord cut, and wrapped, then carried over to a sleepy Jo.
"You're daughter, Ms. Polniaczek!" The nurse's eyes were beaming with joy, Jo in awe when the little girl was handed to her.
"Oh, Blair", Jo cried softly, "she's beautiful, just perfect!"
"You'll get no argument from me, Joey", Blair echoed, her own happy sobs falling. "She's as beautiful as her mother."
"Do you wanna hold her, Princess?"
Blair wanted to, but she could wait. "Before I hold her, you are gonna tell me if you have a name picked out for her?"
"'Course I do, blondie", Jo beamed at her partner. "I think you'll understand the name, and why it means something to me. How does Gloria Rose Warner sound?"
Blair was thunderstruck. "You...you don't want to name her Polniaczek?"
Jo shook her head. "When I marry you someday, I'm takin' your name, sweetheart, and it'll be easier if the kids already have it." Jo chuckled, Blair still in awe.
"Named after your friend Gloria, and your mom." Blair wept out loud. "Her name is beautiful and elegant."
"Here ya go, Princess, meet your daughter?"
Blair smiled through her tears. "Hello, Gloria Rose, you don't know how much you're already loved, do you? Welcome to the World."