Oz Diva: Baby showers go way back to Ancient Rome when the female friends would gather and bring things for the baby (pretty much the same thing as today, except we don't wear togas :) ). In the Victorian Era it was mainly a tea party with the added event of gift opening.

It happened when Marilla was getting dressed. Finally (after much struggle) she squeezed into her normal blouse and skirts.

"My dear, I think it's time to try on the new clothes you made to accommodate little Bertie," as Matthew affectionately called the baby. He kissed his wife on the cheek when he saw her face fall.

"Im deliriously happy that the baby has grown, but I can't help but miss my slimness sometimes. Rachel always had the curves and ideal figure but I always prided myself on being the slimmer of the two of us," Marilla shook her head ruefully.

She put on her new dress and looked in the mirror. The blouse molded to her belly in a nice soft way. Placing a hand on her stomach—the way pregnant women instinctively do—she smiled.

"Do you like having more room, Bertie?" Matthew smiled as he left to work for the day.

"Bertie" had come from Matthew always calling the baby, "Cuthbert" and then it was just "Bert" but Marilla didn't approve of that one because she told him,

"That sounds like an old man name."

So Matthew went to Bertie and it stuck.

After lunch Marilla did laundry and right as she was about to drag the heavy basin full of wet clothes and dirty water Rachel came in.

"Marilla Cuthbert! What in heavens name do you think you're doing?! Sit down right this minute!"

Chastened Marilla did as she bid and sat down, she glared at Rachel when her friend began to move the basin. Rachel knew she was on dangerous territory, Marilla prided herself on her housework and laundry was no exception.

"If the child comes out with twelve fingers and toes, you'll wish you hadn't gone around straining yourself!"

"A little laundry won't kill me."

"Just you wait and see! Now go lie down and pray that your child doesn't have an extra head! I'll do the dishes."

"Rachel I'm really perfectly f-"

"Now!"

Marilla felt like a little child being reprimanded by her mother again, but she went to her room and promptly fell asleep.

After that she would have Matthew do the heavy lifting for which she was grateful.

Since they found out they were pregnant the two Cuthberts decided to not have any intimacy for fear of somehow hurting the

baby. So when Rachel asked how that aspect of marriage was going Marilla looked at her startled.

"Y-you can't do those things while expecting! You could hurt the child!"

Rachel cocked her head, "how so?"

"Well, the baby might get crushed, a-and disfigured. Or maybe it would die! So many things could happen! Matthew and I didn't want to risk it."

Rachel bent over laughing hysterically, she scraped her chair back on the floor and tried to calm herself.

"Have I said something funny?"

"My dear friend, It's just that you most certainly can have intimacy while pregnant! You just have to find the right….posi-"

"That's enough," Marilla said, wanting to end this conversation as quick as possible. She felt that she'd never be able to look at Thomas or Rachel again.

"But here's some advice, don't try anything until you're completely healed after the baby is born. You'll regret not waiting."

That night Matthew was surprised when Marilla initiated intercourse.

"But dear, don't you think…"

"The baby will be fine….or so Rachel tells me. I miss you…"

Enough was said.

"So I'll come over after the party is over?"

"Yes. It is supposed to end at five so come over after that."

Matthew forced Marilla to drive to Rachel's not walk…

"Matthew, I am pregnant! I'm not an invalid!"

"Come to think of it, the bumpy ride might not be good for the baby….tell you what, I'm going to send Thomas over to drive you, that way if anything happens he'll come and tell his mother or me."

Marilla's sighed, she noticed that Matthew worried much more as the pregnancy progressed. I suppose that's normal for a first time father. I wish he wouldn't hover so much though.

Thomas Jr drove her over to her shower with no incident.

"Marilla! Come in, come in, you're the second person to show right now."

Rachel herded her into the parlor where Mrs Barry sat.

"Hello, Mrs, Cuthbert, I don't believe we've met yet," Eliza curtsied.

"Hello, Mrs. Barry."

The two pregnant women made small talk, both comparing pregnant symptoms and such, with Rachel piping in every now and then. Slowly, everyone else arrived, first Mrs. Bell followed by Mrs. Andrews, and so forth,

Marilla finished her piece of cake and Rachel announced it was time to open gifts. The women laughed gaily as one by one Marilla opened baby supplies.

Her gifts mainly consisted of cloth nappies, and some extra burping cloths. She opened Elizas gift and was slightly confused as to what it was. It was a glass cylinder with a suggestive looking rubber lid.

"Umm…." Marilla glanced over at Rachel and saw her equally confused expression.

Eliza laughed heartily, "it's a new invention! For feeding a baby in public. I bought a few of them for my little one, when he or she arrives. You just put milk in the bottle and the lid is molded perfectly for an infant...or so my doctor told me."

"Thank you very much. I'm sure this will come in handy."

This was another sign of the Barry's wealth. Marilla thought it must've cost a fortune, and if not that, then it was still more than she could afford.

Matthew came after everyone had left and he put all of the baby things in the back of the rig.

That whole night Matthew sat in a chair and watched his wife place the baby things around the nursery. He'd hear her mutter to herself: "oh this doesn't look good on the shelf. Let me put it over there by the crib, wait, no that won't do."

On and on it went with Marilla constantly changing her mind to put items around. She lovingly took a stuffed patch rabbit, that she had sewed from an old coat of Matthews and a skirt she accidentally tore, and placed it in the crib.

She would've worked all night except Matthew finally stopped her.

"Come to bed dear, this will be here in the morning. You need your rest."

When her head hit the pillow she felt the baby kicking. For most of the night her sleep would be interrupted by a kick to her ribs, or a foot on her bladder. Matthew let her sleep in that day.

—-

"Well Miss Cuthbert, you're just entering your third trimester. How do you feel?" The doctor asked as he felt Marilla's stomach.

"Lately my back and feet hurt, and I'm very tired. Some smells still make me nauseous."

"Are you sleeping well at night?"

"Mm, not really. That's when the baby likes to kick."

"At this stage it's normal," he moved to jot down his notes before listening to the baby's heart with his stethoscope.

"What cravings have you had?"

"At first I wanted roast beef. And I must say I ate that all the time, poor Matthew knows! And now I usually crave bread with butter. Is it alright to give in to my cravings? I know some people don't think so."

"Cravings happen to everyone. I think I would be slightly concerned if you didn't get any. I believe that it is perfectly fine to indulge, however, let that not be the only thing you eat."

"Of course. I try to eat well balanced meals, with plenty of vegetables."

"Very good. If that is all then I shall see myself out. I would like to recommend bed rest for you by next month but we can discuss that at your next well visit. Don't do anything too strenuous anymore. And be very careful that you don't fall.

"Thank you, Doctor"

Over their chicken and green beans Marilla told Matthew about her check up.

"I can't imagine sitting in bed and thinking of all the things I should be doing! Who will help you milk the cows and weed the garden?"

"Don't worry, my love. I think I can get Thomas to help me more and Caleb as well. Maybe even James can do small things around the place. I'd pay them so I don't see why they would say no.

"That's going to be a terrible expense," Marilla sighed.

"It's not if it means keeping you and Bertie safe." Matthew smiled reassuringly.

"It's not fair that you have to work the land and I get to stay and relax."

"Don't worry, my love. You're working hard too, forming our child. I don't want you to hurt yourself."

"You really are the most wonderful husband," Marilla sighed contently against his chest.

They stood on opposite sides of the dining room table, fuming at each other.

Marilla's belly was quite large at this point.

Though she wasn't due for another three weeks Dr McNeil thought that she could go into labor at any moment.

"It's not safe for you to walk around too much. As your husband I ask that you stay. Matthew implored.

"I only want to go to Rachel's! It's not that far!"

"Marilla, you are supposed to be on bed rest. You're lucky that I've allowed you to move about the house these past few weeks, let alone walk to Lynde Hollow"

"I'm lucky that you've allowed me? Matthew, I don't need your permission as I am not a small school girl!"

He threw up his hands, "if you go into labor on the way there don't blame me!"

Marilla glared after him as he shut the door behind him. She bundled up and walked over. Later on she would realize how stupid she was but at the moment she wanted to show Matthew that she could do it.

When she got to Rachel's doorstep she was quite out of breath and lightheaded.

"Marilla dear! Shame on your for walk-"

Marilla held her hand up stopping Rachel's reprimanding. She panted and put one hand on her back and one cradling her bulging belly.

When she recovered she spoke in a breathy tone, "Save your words, Rachel. Matthew gave me a talking to earlier."

"As he should've! Well now that your here let's get you some scones. I'm sure the baby is hungry as well.

Marilla was swarmed with all of Rachel's children, each one showing her things and talking to her.

Aunt Marilla was coveted among the Lynde children. She was peaceful and quiet, unlike their mother. While they loved their mother, Aunt Marilla brought a sense of calm to the chaotic house.

Rachel saw how tired her friend was and quickly shooed her flock outside.

Once Marilla seemed rested Rachel spoke,

"Now, I must speak my mind. You simply cannot have Matthew in the birthing room. Matters as feminine as this must be done in utmost privacy and modesty."

"Matthew is my husband and he's waited just as long as I have for this child, i will not refuse him. He is entirely smitten with this child and when he talks, Bertie kicks and kicks. He should get to see his baby's first moments in the world."

"Birth is messy and bloody. No man, should, or want to watch such private female matters!"

"I want him there. It will be good for me mentally. The baby is half of him after all!"

Rachel rolled her eyes and ate her scone.

Marilla was very tired after walking over and Rachel had Caleb drive her back to Green Gables to make sure that Marilla wouldn't "fall faint in a ditch."

She arrived home and knew she had hurt Matthews feelings. Determined to make things right, she cooked up his favorite dinner—roasted potatoes, pork shoulder and steamed green beans. By the end she was utterly spent. The baby pushed down on her bladder making things extra uncomfortable.

He came in to the dinner bell and his eyes bulged when he saw the food laid neatly on the table.

"Marilla! Why, you-"

"I'm so sorry, Matthew. You were right, I need to be more careful. I don't have an excuse for being cross with you, or for snapping at you. Please, pray, forgive me."

"Darling, I know that you're frustrated and bored, but I just want you and this baby to be safe. I'm not sure what I would do if anything happened."

Marilla kissed him and told him to tuck in while she went upstairs to take off her corset. At this point—despite Rachel saying it was heathenish—she couldn't bear to wear it. Her breasts were too tender as they changed and prepared for Bertie.

She let out a sigh once the last stay was undone and put it away in her closet. She felt a very sharp cramp in her lower abdomen and wondered if that was normal. It happened again a few minutes after, except worse. She held back tears as she wondered if she was miscarrying or in labor"

"Matthew!" She screamed.

Within seconds he was right there with her.

"Let me go get the doctor, you better get into bed, dear."

Marilla shed a few tears but the cramps stopped soon after. She looked in her undergarments but there was no blood or anything indicating something was wrong.

Dr McNeil came in and examined her again. He looked at his notes and then breathed a sigh of relief.

"It appears that what you felt were most likely just something that we call False Labor Pains.* Pretty much a pre-labor pain; it means that youre body is preparing you for birth. However I don't think you'll give birth for a short while longer. Has the baby felt like it's turned yet?"

"I haven't really felt anything except wriggling and kicking. But I'm not in labour?"

"Not just yet."

"That's a relief," Marilla sank back among the pillows.

Matthew came in worried and the doctor explained to him what he told Marilla.

"But what about the baby? Is it alright?"

"The heart was strong, and it was kicking when I felt her stomach. Things are right where they should be at this stage."

Matthew thought he might cry out of relief. He wanted this child so much, but he also thought that if anything happened his wife might never recover, instead, becoming an empty shell of what she once was.

"Now Mrs. Cuthbert. With the birth so close, I am instructing you on bed rest. Only get up for a short walk around the garden outside and to relief yourself. Mr Cuthbert, see to it thst she follows these instructions."

"I will Doctor. Would you like some dinner before you go? My wife made pork shoulder with green beans and roasted potatoes."

"Sounds delightful, I'll have a small bite I suppose, if I'm not intruding of course."

Marilla smiled at him, "you're not intruding at all. I made plenty for everyone."

After the doctor left Matthew brought Marilla some dinner. She wasn't hungry before, too wrought up.

"Until the baby arrives I don't want you doing too much. I'm worried that making this dinner was too much for you."

"This is one of the easiest dinners to make. Don't fret so much. I'm going to take care of myself and this baby."

Matthew climbed into bed next to his dear wife and hugged her side, gently rubbing her stomach. He laughed when the child kicked underneath his hand.

Rachel came around and dropped off a chicken casserole.

"Thank you Rachel. Marilla is upstairs on strict bed rest she'd love to see you."

Rachel knocked and Marilla's eyes lit up.

"It's good to see you, honestly it gets so lonesome up here all by myself. I can only knit so many hats and socks."

"I remember this stage. You're uncomfortable in every position, aren't you?"

"Mm yes. My back hurts all the time and laying down is just downright uncomfortable."

Rachel nodded sympathetically. They chatted for a bit.

"I have to go. I'll see you soon."

"Bye, Rachel. Please come again soon."

March came and Marilla began to get nervous. She had assisted in Rachel's births but never experienced it before. She went to God most of the time to calm her nervous.

"Heavenly Father, I thank you for keeping this child safe. Please help the birth to go smoothly."

The doctor visited every week just to see where things were at.

"Well as of right now you're four days overdue. How do you feel walking around outside?"

"I feel good but naturally the extra weight is uncomfortable. Everything is swollen which adds to the uncomfortableness. I have had more False Pains,too, but that's all it's ever been."

"That's to be expected. What I'm concerned about is the baby's head position is still north. By now the lad or lass should have flopped downwards."

Marilla worried, "is that a big issue?"

"Well…probably not. Things happen and the baby might turn while you're in labor."

Marilla awoke one night, a piercing pain in her lower abdomen. She felt like she wet herself and nudged Matthew awake.

"Mm?" He muttered.

"Matthew? Wake up! It's the baby."

Marilla lit a lamp and threw back the covers. There was a small trail of clear liquid down her leg.

Matthew finally shook himself awake.

"Mar, is that?"

"Yes, Matthew. The baby is coming!"

Quick as a flash Matthew threw on his clothes and raced out the door to get Rachel and the doctor.

Marilla breathed deeply and the pain subsided. Contractions. She was having contractions. None of Rachel's coaching and talks could have prepared her for this moment. She prayed the Lord give her strength.

A/N: *Braxton Hicks we're previously called False Pains or Prelabor Pains before the 1870s.

In this story Marilla and Matthew are born alot later, for the sake of fluidity and to minimize plot holes. Anne was born around the 1860s in the book and mid 1880s in the TV show. Either timeline works for this story, the important thing to keep in mind is Marilla is 38 when Anne is born, and as Matthew is 2 years older (in this timeline) that makes him 40.