Chapter Eleven
Holidays with all the Trimmings Part One
A/N – As Christmas approaches the Borden family is a buzz with excitement and anticipation. Amy who is nearing the due date of the little Nugget, is doing well and is being watched diligently by Ty and the girls. Christmas is one of the traditions that Amy and Ty talked about when they first were married. Let the fun begin with presents and family time. Who knows what surprises are in store for them. This chapter is going to be a "biggin'.
The Miracle and Heartland ranches were in Christmas mode. Decorations were being put up and a chill is in the air. So far it had been a pretty cold end of the year, even for Canada, so the preparation was a little more of a challenge. And for Amy her expanding belly was causing her to be not to engaged in everything and the FAP was at a whole new level. She joked with everyone was that the only thing good about her size was that it helped her to be warmer. Give or take she was about 4ish weeks away from the birth of the little Nugget. With Lyndy, Amy had a home (Barn Loft) birth. Unfortunately, although she fought it the twins were delivered at the hospital. The doctor and midwife didn't want to risk it if there were complications. She got her wish with Maddie and had a home birth at the Miracle ranch. The decision was still up in the air for the new baby's birth plan. Of course, Amy wanted to be at home with Margo, her midwife, but Dr. Adler had some reservations. With the umbilical cord issues and Amy's age he encouraged her to be at the hospital.
"Amy, I have to agree with Dr. Adler. I know you want to have a home birth, but I am a little concerned as well." Ty reasoned. She responded, "But Ty you know what I would prefer. I hear you but everything will be fine." As the discussion continued the girls came in from taking some of the horses out for a ride. Lyndy asked, "What are you guys talking about. You seemed a little stressed." Amy looked at the serious expressions of their daughters. "Well dad and I are talking about the birth plan for the little Nugget. I want to have the baby at home like I did with Lyndy and Maddie. Dr. Adler has some minor concerns and recommended we go to the hospital. And your dad kind of agrees." She said with a little tension. Annie spoke up immediately, "Well mom you had us at the hospital, Why?" Ty interjected, "Well having twins is a bit more complicated so Dr. Adler said the hospital would be better suited if Mom needed some help. She didn't' and everything went well, but childbirth is difficult even with one baby." Maddie had a concerned look and said with watery eyes, "Mommy did it hurt when I was born? I am sorry if it did, I never want to hurt you. I hope you are not mad at me." As tears started to flow, the other girls smiled with understanding because they realized they experienced the birth of their younger siblings and Maddie had no idea. Outside of the birth of a foal she was never a part of a human birth.
Ty and Amy took a breath and attempted to ease Maddie's concerns. Looking directly in her eyes with Ty by her side Amy said, "Maddie I will not lie to you, labor and childbirth is hard and yes it hurts. But honey when you all were born the pain was forgotten because you were here, and dad and I were very, very, very, happy. As a mom you understand that there will be some pain and discomfort, but I will tell all of you, it is more than worth it because you are all here." Amy took a breath and added, "And your dad will be there with me as well. He is an amazing coach and partner and really helped me through the birth of each of you." "So," Ty added, " does that make sense honey? Do you have any more questions." She smiled and said, "No I get it, I am just worried that you will be ok. With the cord thing issue and other things, I guess I just worry a lot." And then out of the blue she said, "Man us women have to do all the hard work, have babies and care for them, clean the house, cook dinner, do laundry, Dad you guys have it easy." The room erupted with laughter. Only Maddie could say such a funny thing. Ty was about to defend the male gender when Amy grabbed his arm. "Well little girl, we are lucky because your daddy is very involved with all of those things. And he is a great dad to you all," They all agreed smiling as their mom and dad hugged and kissed each other. The twins both rolled their eyes as Maddie and Lyndy punched them each in the arm.
It was tree cutting day, another one of the traditions Amy and Ty dreamed of. Amy and Lou always went out to look for the perfect tree for their respective homes. Since Amy was unable to do it, Lou took Lyndy, Georgie and Katie with her figuring they could also find one for the loft. The skis were on the cart needed to bring the trees back and Jack, Ty and Steven headed out to fell the trees. Somehow, they found them, cut them down and headed back to put them up. Tree decorations were brought down from storage and each home had a tree decorating job to do. Lou oversaw the Heartland tree decorating with her girls, Steven, Jack, and Lisa assisting. A frustrated Jack said, "Lou, good lord why can we just put the ornaments anywhere, this is frustrating." Lou stomped her feet and said, "because every ornament has its place and that is the way it is." Everyone rolled their eyes. When they were almost finished Georgie and Steven snuck out to decorate their little tree. When they were done, they sat on the couch holding each other and having some hot chocolate. Georgie whispered in his ear, "I love you and can't wait to marry you." Steven hugged her tighter and said, "I love you more each day and am excited to see you walk down the aisle in your beautiful wedding dress." Georgie cuddled even closer, grabbed his hand, dragging him to their bedroom with no intention of sleeping.
At the Borden house the tree decorating was a little less stressful After Ty put on the lights and there was a bunch of them, everyone had their favorite ornaments that they put on the family tree. If it was too high to reach, their dad would help. The girls helped their mom due to her limited mobility. Every year there were new ornaments to put on. Ty joked, "We are going to have to get a bigger tree next year." Everyone laughed and then Maddie timidly began to speak, "Mom and dad I made something at school that I want to put on the tree," holding up a small box. Ty said. "well sure honey, let's see how big it is and see where we should put it." Amy opened the box and her eyes glistened and her smile was sweet. "Maddie, this ornament says, the Little Nugget and it is a baby in a crib. This is beautiful and so thoughtful when did you make this." "Well at school Ms. Atwood told us all we should make a special ornament for the Christmas tree this year. So, I thought I would make one for the little Nugget." She proudly said. Amy, Ty, and the girls all broke out the smiles and the tears. They had never seen a more wonderful thing. The girls hugged their sister tightly, then Amy wrapped her up in a motherly hug. Ty picked her up and gave her a big kiss, helping her hang the ornament right in front for everyone to see. Everything was ready for a great Christmas.
It was Christmas Eve, and the girls woke up full of excitement and energy. They let their mom and dad sleep in. because Amy was just weeks away from the birth if their newest family member, so she needed her rest. The girls took care of everything, chores, breakfast and cleaning up. The entire family had a low-key Christmas Eve at Heartland planned with one present for each little ones from Jack and Lisa, then Christmas morning was families only with loads of presents. Finally, Christmas afternoon and evening they all came back to Heartland where they opened the remaining presents and had a family feast. It gave each family some time for themselves but also allowed the children to experience the tradition and love of a family Christmas. When Amy and Ty came down the girls took them to their seat at the table and served them breakfast. Conversation was light and happy. Amy kept staring at Maddie's ornament and glanced over to Ty as he was doing the same thing. They smiled at each other overwhelmed with how happy they were. The reached over for a kiss and immediately Addie spoke up. "Ok I know you are going to kiss a lot over the next couple of days and I am good with it. Just try to be chill about it." Ty and Amy smiled, and they embraced and kissed passionately. "Is that Ok," they laughed. The girls laughed and then cleaned up. Everyone rested until it was time to leave for Heartland.
As everyone arrived at Heartland for Christmas Eve, coats were hung up, gifts were placed under the tree and Amy was brought to her special seat. Addie was on the first mom shift, so she sat in the seat next to her. Amy began to complain but Addie held up her hand and said, "Mom just be a good girl and let us take care of you for once. You deserve to be pampered so take advantage of it." Amy smiled and decided not to argue. The Borden's also decided to bring one gift for all of the adults too. Maddie thought it was unfair that GG, Lisa, Lou, and the other older folks didn't get anything. Everyone was dressed comfortably and were enjoying their evening. On the way to Heartland, at Lyndy's request they picked up Wyatt. His grandma didn't do a lot so Lyndy asked GG if she could come with them. Of course, Jack agreed, and she was very happy hugging him when he said yes. Normally the family went to the late afternoon church service but the Borden's decided not to go since Amy was very pregnant. After some light apps it was present time. Each girl opened one present at a time. This allowed everyone to see what they got, and then they thanked GG and Lisa for the gifts. The adults were surprised when the girls brough out one gift for each of them. Lyndy, Annie and Addie said it was all Maddie's idea.
Annie was on mom duty when she noticed that she seemed a little unsettled. Amy had been having some pains that were making it hard for her to sit still. She didn't say anything because she knew that pain at this stage of her pregnancy was expected. "Mom is everything ok, you seem to not be comfortable" Annie asked quietly. She said she was Ok but when she moved a sharp pain hit her stomach and moved to her back. Annie could see that something was wrong and Annie feeling what her sister was feeling went to her mother as well. "Dad," Addie said with worry in her voice. Immediately Ty went to his wife and eyes moved to the scene at hand. "Amy, talk to me, what is going on?" Ty asked calmly. "Ughhh, I don't know I was having trouble getting comfortable and when I turned a certain way a sharp pain – Ahhhh – came.", Amy said trying to control her concern for the benefit of the girls. Lyndy joined by Georgie and Katie grabbed her sisters and hugged them as Lou and Lisa came over to assist. In a small huddle the talked quietly comforting Amy and trying to determine what was up. After a few minutes Lou got Amy and Ty's coat and Jack went to get Lou's SUV to warm it up. Lisa and Lou got Amy ready, and Amy waved her girls over. Maddie was hysterically crying as Lyndy held her tight. Addie and Annie were trying to be strong, but the stress was getting to them as Georgie held them on each side of her. Lyndy was concerned but was more worried about her sisters than her. When they came over to Amy their dad tried to comfort them with his words, "Girls I know you are scared but mom will be Ok. We are just going to go to the hospital to check her out. We called Dr. Adler, she will meet us there and we will make sure your mom is Ok. I know you are scared, so are we, but we just have happy thoughts. Georgie, Steven and Katie will take you guys' home and a soon as we know anything we will let you know." Taking a deep breath, Amy smiled at her girls and said that she loved them. With that Jack and Ty helped Amy to Lou's car they all headed to the hospital.
The ride to the Miracle Ranch was short and very quiet. Georgie drove the girls in Amy and Ty's big SUV while Steven and Katie followed in Georgie's car and also took Wyatt home. The went into the house and went to their rooms. Georgie, Steven, and Katie had packed an overnight bag so they took them to the rooms they would be using. Katie decided to stay with Lyndy because Maddie would be there to. Georgie would stay with the twins and Steven stayed on the couch so he could be near his phone. Before they left it was decided that any updates would go directly to him so the girls wouldn't be bothered. After everyone was dressed for bed, they all sat by the fire that Steven had started. Georgie started to speak when Maddie blurted out, "Do you think Santa will come still?" The Twins had the same question although their belief was dwindling. "Girls I spoke to your dad and if by chance they don't come home tonight we will still open Santa's present tomorrow morning. Your mom and dad don't want you to miss out." Georgie reasoned. All at once the girls sat back in their chairs with stern looks. Annie spoke for them confidently, "We will wait for mom and dad to open presents. The day doesn't matter its that we do it as a family." Georgie laughed, "You dad said you would say that so let's all get to bed and see what tomorrow brings." The twins went to their room and Maddie went with Lyndy to her room. Georgie, Steven, and Katie quickly brought out Santa's presents. Once done they retreated to the bedrooms. It was a restless night but eventually everyone fell asleep.
The trip to the hospital seemed to take much longer that everyone was hoping for. Amy was still experiencing a lot of pain but there was no bleeding and Ty was holding her helping her breath through the pain. Amy didn't think she was in labor, but the pain was definitely intense. Lou went to get a wheelchair and Lisa went to alert the check in desk. Ty and Jack got Amy into the wheelchair, and she was taken into an exam room immediately. After Amy was settled, Jack and Lisa decided to take a cab home so they could work on getting the house ready for tomorrow with orders for updates a soon as they came. Lou stayed to support Ty while he waited outside in the waiting room. Dr. Adler wasn't there yet so the ER staff got Amy settled and connected to all the monitors including one for the fetal heartbeat. When Amy and Ty heard the strong heartbeat, they were relieved as the nurse smiled, "That is one strong heartbeat from your baby." Amy was a little more comfortable but still did not feel right. Finally, Dr. Adler came into the room. After a brief Q&A with Amy and Ty he recommended that Ty leave the room while they looked his wife over. Dr. Adler reasoned, "I know you are comfortable with what we are going to do but it might be a good chance for you to step out, take a breather and make some calls. I saw Lou out there and I expect there are family members at home waiting to hear from you. Amy smiled at him in agreement.
When Ty came out, he fell into his sister-in-law's arms. Misty eyed he said, "She is a little more comfortable and they want to do some test. Dr. Adler recommended that I come out and let the folks at home know how she is doing." Ty sat down as he sunk down in the chair. "Ty, I will text Steven, so he can relay the message to Georgie. I don't want to let the girls know anything until we have more information. I will call Grandpa and my dad to update them." She offered. All of a sudden Ty bolted up in his chair, "Oh my god I forgot about Wyatt." Lou chuckled, "Don't worry Steven and Katie took him home, he is fine. I bet this is a family Christmas Eve he won't soon forget." With a small sigh of relief Ty smiled and shook his head.
After about a half hour Dr. Adler came out of Amy's room. "Well first off Amy and the baby are fine. Ty, you have a tough wife, and that baby is a superstar. Basically, the little Nugget decided it was going to move around more than it should and put a lot of pressure on Amy's abdomen and rib cage. That is definitely one active baby. Well, we did some external massage to help the baby to get back in the right position and the pain subsided. Amy is resting and wants to go home, so I want to observe her for a couple of hours and then she can go." "Can we see her" They both said at once. Prepared for the question the doctor responded. "Yes, you can but I have a couple of to-dos. First off, she is really going to have to remain calm and pampered until this baby is born. It seems the more activity the more this child wants to be born. And the second is that she will not make full term. I know we said second week of January, but the way things are progressing I can see it being a week, no more than 10 days before the arrival." Ty shook his head understanding what the doctor was saying. But to be honest he couldn't wait to see his wife. He grabbed Lou's hand and headed into see his wife.
Amy seemed a lot more comfortable sitting up with her eyes closed. She had an IV as well as her heart monitor and the heart monitor was still on the baby. Ty figured that was her request so she could hear it and be comforted. Ty remembered when Amy was pregnant with Lyndy and how she had doubts about her ability to be a mother. The minute she was born it was like a switch click on. She became the best mother for Lyndy and all the other girls. Ty believed having that monitor on was her way of making sure their new child was safe too. Every day he made sure she knew that and with everyday his love grew for her as a wife and mother of their children. And that love extended to all of the kids.
He remembered that during the time when Lou was preoccupied with the Maggie's expansion, and she lost contact with her daughters. Amy (and Ty) stepped in and filled the gap even discussing the option of taking them in as their own. He remembers the day when he walked in on the both of them in a heated discussion. "Do you even know what your girls are going through in their lives right now!" Amy said sternly to her older sister. "Poor Katie doesn't know where her home is, being shipped from Vancouver to New York and back here to Heartland. Lou, why do you think she has spent the last two summers here rather than go to be with you or Peter. And Georgie, are you aware of the personal issue with boys and training she is having." Well maybe I should have Phoenix shipped up here to New York so she can train and be with me?" Lou whined. "Good lord Lou," Amy interrupted, " do you hear what you are saying. You seriously want to ship her horse to New York. Where is he going to be boarded, where will she train, will you ship her trainer there to." Amy sat breathless and Ty again saw the passion that she had for family. Finally, Lou broke down sobbing uncontrollability. She realized what she had done and thank goodness she made a deal with her partner and reached an agreement to be a silent partner moving forward.
Ty walked over to his wife and grabbed her hand. Amy's was dreaming and her eyes shot open, "Ty is the baby Ok!" "Ames, don't worry you and the baby are all good. Seems our little Nugget is anxious to meet us and moved in a way that caused you a lot of pain." Clearing her head Amy smiled and remembered what had happened. "Oh yes Dr. Adler told me that and I have some massage techniques to teach you." Winking seductively at her man. Lou gagged and said, "You two are too much, you know that is why you have all these kids." Ty Joked, "Jealous much." As Dr. Adler committed Amy, Ty and Lou left for home a little after 11:00pm. Amy was feeling 100% better and was anxious to get home to resume the Christmas festivities. Lou group texted everyone that the plan was to move on as discussed, although extra special care and consideration was going to be needed for Amy. She decided not to share that part with her. When Stevn got the text, he decided to wake Georgie, Katie and Lyndy and give them the news. They decided not to wake the little ones and let them be surprised in the morning. The made sure Amy and Ty's bed was made up and waited for them to get home. When they walked in Lyndy burst into tears and went to her mom. Although she was a mature 11-and-a-half-year-old, she was still overwhelmed to see her feeling better. After a few minutes Ty said, "Ok honey let's get mom to bed. It's going to be a big day tomorrow and she needs her rest. She regrettably let her go and Amy looked at Ty telling Lyndy, "Can you sleep with me. I would really like you to be with me with me tonight." Ty spoke up and said he would stay with Maddie and Katie could join the twins. "And Georgie and Steven you guys can go home. You need to be together on Christmas morning" So with everything settled The Borden family was settled for the night. Let the remainder of the Christmas holiday continue.