Chapter Fourteen
Welcoming Our Brother
A/N – It's a Boy! As their new baby brother comes home the Borden girls provide him more attention than you can imagine.
At school all they do I brag about him. Let's follow the family as they experience the new addition. Enjoy! Thanks
In order to coordinate with the baby's feeding time, Ty texted Lou and told them to get there at 6:30. The girls were too excited to eat so Lisa and Lou decided to pick up something from Maggie's on their way home from seeing their parents and new brother. Since everyone was coming, including Tim and Casey, Lou made sure that when they came into the room there was some organization. The girls were ready to go at 4:00 so Lisa and Georgie decided to take Ty and Amy's big SUV, leave early, and pick up some presents for the newborn so they wouldn't driver everyone nuts. That allowed the rest to take care of the horses at the Miracle Ranch and Caleb and Cass offered to handle Heartland. When they got to the gift shop the girls each wanted to pick out their own card and gift. Maddie spoke out first, "I want to make sure I have something for my new brother that he will have to remember me. And I want to get something for mom and dad separate." Lyndy was good on her own, so Lisa and Georgie shopped with the others. They were overwhelmed with the thought each of the girls put into finding the right thing.
Georgie glance over to see that Lyndy seemed to be upset about something. She glanced over to get Lisa's attention and headed her way. "Hey Kiddo, what's up. Is everything Ok." "I am just being silly. I really want to get something meaningful for dad, I know having a boy is a big deal for him, even though he doesn't act like it." She whispered to her cousin. "Ok I have ana idea. Give me what you have, and I will meet you in the car." Lyndy had a puzzled look on her face as she watched her walk over to Lisa, handed the stuff she had found for her mom and little brother and whisper something in her ear. Lisa nodded and smiled, and Georgie walked out with her. "Maddie immediately noticed what was happening and said, "Here where are they going?" Lisa responded, "A secret mission, keep shopping."
When they got in the car Lyndy looked over to her cousin and she just smiled and gave a thumbs up. After about a 5-minute ride they pulled up to a shop Lyndy was familiar with. She had been there with her dad several times – The Hudson Motorcycle Shop. A light bulb went off and when they got out of the car she ran to her cousin and hugged her with all her might. "Georgie, this is a great idea. I wish I would have thought of it." Georgie looked her in the eye and said, "Well In know firsthand what the Norton means to your dad. Did you know he sold it once." Lyndy looked at her confused. "Yea when they were having your home built, they were running short on money. So, your dad decided to sell the Norton so they could dig a well and get water for the house. Your mom couldn't believe it, but your dad told her that he got this bike because it meant freedom to him. I was standing with them, and he told us, I have everything I need here and now so no need to have something to get away on. Then he ran over to you and held you tightly kissing your belly." Lyndy didn't know what to say as tears formed and she realized that he did it for them so their house could get built.
They walked into the store and headed to the kid's section. After taking their time Lyndy found a little leather jacket and boots, like for a toddler. She looked at Georgie and she smiled, "This is perfect but look at the price." Georgie smiled and said, "Don't worry kid I got you covered. Lyndy also found a t-shirt that said, 'I am a Motorcycle Dad' She added to it her pile and Georgie paid for it and got them gift wrapped. She was excited about what she found and couldn't wait to give it to him. Georgie looked over at her as they drove back to the store to get the others. She was overwhelmed with her love for her dad. With misty eyes she said, "Lyndy you are one special kid and your mom and dad are really lucky to have you as a daughter."
Well, the kids and gifts were packed, and texts went out with expected arrival times. It was agreed that everyone would meet in the maternity waiting room, text Ty and he would come and get them. Of course, when they arrived, they saw Tim and Casey heading out. Jack squawked at him, "What part of waiting did you not understand?" "Come on Jack, I am a busy man, you know the diner, dude ranch, my Rodeo School, I have a lot going on. And I am her father, Jack. Anyway, she was feeding the baby, so it was a little embarrassing for me." Casey rolled her eyes, grabbed Tims arm and pulled him out the door to avoid and more conflict with him and his former father-in-law. Lou texted Ty and he came out to the group. With a big smile he came out to hugs, kisses, and handshakes, "Hey guys, wow the gangs all here, but where is Steven and Katie?" Georgie answered quietly, "One of the Heartland horse seemed colicky, so he called Scott and they were checking him out. She then mouthed to him, its Spartan." He looked at her with worry but kept up the happy face for the girls as they were not aware of the concern for Spartan.
"So, girls here is the deal. Mom just finished feeding your brother and he is in a good mood, in spite of our surprise early visitor. The private room is big, but we need to be quiet not only for the baby but for the others in the ward." He mentioned getting nods from the four girls. So, he picked up Maddie and held the others girls' hands and headed in. Jack, Lisa, Lou, and Georgie followed with the gifts and flowers. When the girls walked in, they all went to their mother to hug and kiss her. The politely took turns until Amy said, "Come on girls time for group hug." They all jumped onto her bed and snuggled. They were so happy to see their mom and it gave time for Ty to take the others over to see the new baby. After a lot of kisses on his head, Ty picked him up and gave him to Amy in the bed with her 4 daughters. Camera phones were clicking wildly, and Amy introduced them to their new brother. He made some baby noises like he was saying hello, and everyone laughed. Georgie, spoke up, "Good lord Amy you look amazing, you just had a baby." Amy flushed and said, "Well I won't lie, one of the nurses help me tidy up my makeup a little." Maddie responded immediately, "Mommy you are beautiful, you don't need makeup, right daddy." Ty nodded in agreement.
After everyone got their baby time it was time to look at all the cards and gifts. Lisa and Georgie detailed how each of them picked out their own stuff and really thought through what they purchased. First the handed them a card form each of them. Amy and Ty read each one with tears flowing. "Girls, these are wonderful, dad and I really like them," Amy said through the overflow of tears. Like on cue, the new baby let out a noise as well in Amy's arms and everyone laughed. As they opened each gift, one for the baby and one for each of them, they marveled at the thoughtfulness in each one. Laughing and joking about how great they were. When Ty go to Lyndy's gift for him and her new brother, he looked down almost out of breath. Amy looked at them and put her hand to her face, holding back the tears. The group had not seen the gift and Addie asked, "What's wrong dad, what did you and our little brother get from Lyndy." First, he held up the T-shirt and everyone had a group 'Awe' and hugs for Lyndy. The he held up the gift to Lyndy's little brother. Even though Amy had seen it she couldn't contain her tears. The group was silent holding on to each other. Ty, waved Lyndy over to the bed and pulled her up. Amy and Ty held her tightly and whispered into her ear for only her to hear, "You are amazing honey, and this is the most thoughtful gift. We will cherish it forever." Ty added, when he is old enough, he can where this when the three of us go for a very short, safe ride around the farm," He smiled at Amy for her apprehensive agreement.
It was time for everyone to leave because the baby was ready to eat, and Amy was getting tired. Everyone said their goodbyes, and all promised to come back tomorrow in smaller groups. Annie asked, "So when are you coming home mom." Well, if all goes, not tomorrow but probably the day after. But I am going to need all of you to help out," she smiled and winked at them. The girls gave them all one last hug and the adults come over for a final goodbye. Lou and Georgie talked with them about tomorrow as well. As they left the room, Ty took the baby from Amy as she had been holding him for over an hour. Amy sat back and had the biggest smile on her face. Several of the nurses came in to see how she was and then they all come in together. Ty and looked at them and Nurse Janet spoke for the group, "We have to tell you we see all sorts of things here and a lot of time they aren't great. What we just saw was the most amazing thing we have ever seen. We just felt driven to come in and tell you that you guys must be great parents because those four girls are the most unselfish, loving young ladies, we have ever met," Another nurse spoke up, "You should have seen them in the waiting room. They were all ready to jump out of their skin, but you could see that they were there for each other. Especially your oldest daughter, she is a special girl." Amy smiled and had no words, so Ty responded, "Well thank you and we are proud of them. But to be honest, they get those traits from this one right here, because she is he Miracle Girl." Amy jabbed him in the ribs, as everyone laughed and said their goodbyes. The new baby cried for his dinner and Mom was all over it.
The next day's visits were spread out and included Scott Cardinal, Steven, Katie, Caleb, Cass, some other friends of Amy and Ty and the kids. Ty got Scott and Steven's attention and walked out into the hall to ask about Spartan. Scott filled him in, "Well Ty I am not going to lie, with Spartan's age I am concerned. He seems to be responding well and Steven here has been with him nonstop. We'll take a look tomorrow and see how he is progressing, but I have to say I think you should tell Amy. Don't think she wants to come home to the issue." Ty nodded, "I was planning to tell her tonight after everyone left. I expect the moment we get the baby settled at home she will go to see him." Scott promised, " I will make sure I am there then. Keep me posted."
Everyone was excited to see the newest Borden. Wyatt came with a bouquet of flowers and a nice gift for the baby, a baby sized cowboy hat. The Nugget for the most part was well behaved as Lou and Ty arranged visits around potential feeding times. Throughout the day, they were asked 100X what the baby's name was going to be. They had to explain the naming ceremony tradition for those who didn't know about it and remind family again. The worst was Lou who used her sister status to justify why she should know before everyone else. Amy and Ty were exhausted from a busy day and a lot of talking. As they laid waiting for dinner the best news of the day came when Dr. Adler let them know they could head home in the morning.
With a newfound energy they texted everyone letting them know they were coming home. It was decided to limit the chaos, Lou and Georgie would come in the big SUV, it has the baby's car seat, to bring them home. They would go to Heartland for a quick brunch and then let the family go home for the rest of the day to settle in. With everything planned they enjoyed a nice dinner with a candle and everything – a tradition the hospital did for new parents. They went back to the room, Amy fed the baby and the went to bed to sleep. The nurses handle the overnight feeding, so their sleep was uninterrupted. Definitely a bonus.
The next morning Amy and Ty got ready to leave. All the gifts and flowers were taken to their house the day before so all they had were their bags, some baby supplies and oh yeah, the baby. Lou and Georgie were right on time, and they packed up and headed home. "Ty, stop driving like an 80-year-old, the baby can handle a bump are to. I want to get home,' she demanded. As they approached Heartland, Amy was getting excited to see everyone and be home. She misted a bit when she also remembered that she needed to see Spartan when she got back to the Miracle Ranch. But as she entered the house with the baby in her arms those thoughts went away as she was overwhelmed at the decorations, food, and all of the guest. Since it was Friday the girls got to take off school and they were the first to go to their mom. Lyndy was the first to hold the baby and Amy was free to talk and mingle.
A little after 1:00, Amy gave the signal to Ty, and he told the kids to get ready to leave. Amy and Ty thanked everyone for coming and especially Lisa and Lou for the food. She pried her son away from Lou, wrapped him up and went out to the car to go home. Scott seeing that they were leaving grabbed Steven and Georgie and they headed over before them to get Spartan ready for Amy's visit. When they pulled up Lyndy and Maddie helped their mom and their new brother into the house and the twins helped their dad. When Amy walked in, she saw a perfectly cleaned house, a full pantry and all of the new baby accessories in the right place. The Nugget had fallen asleep, so Lyndy took him the baby bet set up in the study next to the living room. Everyone was settled and Amy and Ty prepared to head out to the barn to check up on Spartan.
Georgie volunteered to hang out with the kids in the house so Amy and Ty could stay as long as needed. As soon as Amy walked in a gloomy Spartan raised his head and pushed toward her. Amy grabbed his muzzle, kissed him, and whispered into his ear. "He boy, not feeling well I hear. Well, I am here now, and we are going to make it through this together." The others watched completely understanding the relationship between Amy and her long-time friend. "Ty," she continued, "Can you have Georgie bring the baby out, I have an idea." Ty texted Georgie and soon the barn door opened and she along with the girls walked in huddled around the baby. Maddie sternly said, "Mom do you think it is good to bring our little brother out here, he is only a few days old." Immediately the girls saw Spartan hooked up to IVs looking sullen. Maddie spoke up first shakily, "Mom what is wrong with Spartan, is he ok?"
Amy calmly answered the question, "It looks like Spartan collicked, and I think if he meets your little brother his spirits will pick up. When each of you were born, he always wanted to meet you and protect you. He is special horse for all of us." Understanding what colic was in tears Annie asked, "Is this my fault. With everything going on maybe we made a mistake, Mom I am so sorry." as the tears continued. Scott stepped up, "Girls this is no one's fault. Spartan is an older horse and even if we do everything right for them, they can still get sick. Steven and I have been looking over him and he is improving. But" looking over at Amy he continued, "when your mom came out his head raised a I think when he meets your little brother, I think he will perk up even more." The Steven added, "And anyway he may just be happy to see another male in the family." Everyone laughed nervously as Amy walked over to Spartan with the new baby. Spartan immediately became more active reaching over to smell and nuzzle the baby. He definitely showed more life. Everyone calmed as Ty said, "Well girls the Miracle Girl has done it again, I am sure that Spartan will be fine now." Amy bumped into his side smirking, and he held her tightly.
Over the next few weeks routines began to develop. After an overwhelming amount of attention by the girls Spartan was all good. The newest member was also getting into his routine, although the girls weren't happy with the overnight activities. But to Amy's amazement, every time she had a nighttime feeding, one or two of the girls would sit with her. At dinner one night, Ty spoke up, "Girls we are so proud of you guys and how you all have helped your brother feel welcomed and loved. But mom and I were talking, and you all really don't need you to sit with her at night, you probably need the sleep." The girls all sat back in their chairs with looks of concern. Addie spoke up first, "But mom and dad we want to. We all want to be involved and want to support you both, especially mom." Smiling Amy said, "Ok we understand. You guys are amazing, and we love you so much. And I think your little brother does as well." Continuing on with dinner Amy reminded everyone the Naming Ceremony was going to be held on Sunday at Heartland and we already agreed on them bringing a friend or two. Amy and Ty were ok with it because they continuously bragged to their friends about their new baby brother, showing pictures to anyone who would look at them.
The day of the Naming Ceremony had arrived. Everyone was excited and helped their parents get ready, especially the baby. As they were getting to head out, Maddie proclaimed, "We finally get to know our brothers name, calling him Nugget, little bro and the baby just don't cut it anymore." Everyone laughingly agreed as Amy smiled over to Lyndy. Amy and Ty had decided to let her know and get her opinion. Lyndy was overwhelmed with them asking her but as her dad said, "Lyndy you have earned this and I know that being the first born, your mom and you have a special bond." They hopped in the car and headed to Heartland. As they entered the smell of food filed their nostrils and stomachs. One thing the Borden family loved was coming to Heartland. The twins always said the food taste better because the entire family was there. After everyone settled the ceremony was ready to begin. All the regulars were there, the food was set out, champaign and fruit glasses were filled. The cake which was hidden was also ready – Amy and Ty ordered and kept it until that day.
Grandpa got everyone's attention and began to tell the story of the Naming Ceremony and she it became a tradition. Tim rolled his eyes but the friends who heard it for the first time found it to be amazing. Wyatt whispered in Lyndy's ear, "This is amazing, your family is amazing and so are you." She blushed and bumped up against his shoulder. Amy glanced over and smiled at her. Jack passed the baton over to Amy and Ty to introduce their baby to the family and pick a stone. Ty began, "Well we thank everyone for coming to welcome our son to the family. Most of you know that he was anxious to join us and is really happy to be here." The baby squeaked almost on cue, and everyone laughed. Amy then spoke up, "So we would like to introduce Jackson Tyler Borden, I think we will call him JT. Jackson lets pick a stone." Ty took his hand and place it on a stone between Maddie and Lyndy's. As everyone joked Lou said, "Your family is running out of room" Amy jokingly responded, "no worries, Lou we took care of that, and no more stones will be needed." As a more subdued laughs followed, Maddie tugged at Lisa' jacket and asked, "What does that mean?" Lisa leaned over and discretely said, "You can ask your mom and dad later.
The food was awesome, and the rest of the ceremony went well. Again, everyone got their JT snuggles until it was time for him to eat, then Amy got him back. Again, as she went back to her old room, Maddie and Addie went with her. Lou looked on and marveled at how Amy's daughters would sit with her. Georgie saw her mom's expression and whispered, "It's pretty amazing, Amy told me they didn't have to do that, but they told them they wanted to be there for their mother and little brother." Lou smiled and hugged her adopted daughter. During the party Jack motioned to Amy and Ty to follow him out to the porch. They sat on the bench and with a sullen voice Jack told them, "I am honored that you named your son after me. It makes we proud that the name of my father and grandfather will continue on. I can't express my happiness right now," as he hugged them both. Amy spoke, "Grandpa it was easy to decide. You have been a major influence it our life and we wouldn't have it any other way. You have always been there for me." And Ty added tearfully, "Jack you are my father and you and Amy saved me." After another tearful hug, Jack interrupted and said, "Ok enough of this, let's get back inside."
As they came back in several people noted their happy faces. Lisa went over to her husband and hugging knowing how much this meant to him. The girls went up to their mom and dad and hugged them as well. They didn't totally understand but all they knew was that they both were glowing. Before they could ask Amy whispered, "We will fill you in later. And where is my baby?" Maddie joked, "Guess who has her, Aunt Lou, duh." Everyone laughed and went back to the festivities. As the party died down Amy noticed her dad looking at her. Sensing a need for him to talk to her she walked over to him. In a quiet conversation he said, "Honey I understand why you picked the name. After I came back to you and Lou, I was focused on regaining your love and I think we have made it. I am just happy that to have a grandson finally. I can't wait to get him into the rodeo ring." Amy smiled and hugged him and said, "Or maybe he will be a champion show jumper." He cringed and held her for a few more moments. As she walked back, she glanced at Ty and smiled. He knew that conversation would happen and was happy it went well.
The party wound down and it was time for the Borden's to go home. They said their goodbyes and thank yous and loaded up in the SUV. The group was pretty quiet, and JT slept soundly. Ty looked in the rear-view mirror noticing Maddie's confused look. He whispered to Amy, "Look at Maddie." Amy glanced back to her and asked, "Maddie what's wrong honey are you not feeling well?" Maddie took a breath and answered, "Well I am confused. During the Naming Ceremony, you said something to Lou." Sensing what was coming Amy listened on. "You told her when said that they were running out of stones for our family not to worry, that you took care of that." Amy and Ty gulped and blushed, Lyndy chucked, and the twins remained quiet. Amy finally gathered her thoughts and said, "Well honey first everything is fine, but we need to wait a while to explain it to you." Maddie huffed, "Ok, I really hate being a little kid sometime." Everyone laughed and the Borden family headed home.