In case anyone remembers that Andys OB is Jo Wilson, please forget that right now. It's just some random doctor we don't know.
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Monday
„Week 23, your baby is now the size of a big grapefruit." Robert read out loud. „You're not seriously reading this now, are you?" Andy chuckled. She was still recovering from their previous activities while he seemed to be moving on already.
„I didn't get to this morning, so..." he shrugged his shoulders. „How big can grapefruits be?" he looked up from the book, down on Andy who laid in his arm. „I don't know but it's not like she is that big." Andy sighed, remembering her doctors words. She's a little off the normal measurements but not by much.
„She's probably more of a small grapefruit." She put her hand on her stomach. At first she didn't want to get a huge belly and gain a ton of weight but now she couldn't wait for her belly to become round and big. That is, if they would make it that far.
„Did you know, that if you lose your baby before 24 weeks it's still considered a miscarriage?" she asked quietly, not sure why she did but ever since she read it, it weighed on her mind. Robert sighed inaudible, he tried his best to focus on the positive at all times but Andy always had a harder time with that. „We are not going to lose her." he said and went with his fingers through her hair. Andy nodded against his chest.
„At 23 weeks pregnant, the baby is getting ready for their big debut by listening in on what's going on in the outside world." he continued to read, in an attempt to distract her. „She can hear things? Already?" Andy asked interested. „Yea it says here that they can hear loud sounds now. Wait-„ he slowly let the book sink down, „Does that mean she just heard us moan?" he asked shocked.
Andy chuckled. „Well, yours for sure. I'm not that loud though." her head tilted up she grinned at Robert. „You? Not loud?" he laughed. „Good joke baby." His comment earned him a hard pinch from Andy. „Ouch! Truth hurts sometimes. But it's okay, i don't blame you. I mean my skills are to scream for." he grinned. „Oh is that so hm?" Andy asked. „I'm not so sure about that. Maybe... you have to show me those skills of yours." she smirked.
Tuesday
„So is Fire Zaddy making us all breakfast or just his wife?" Vic teased Robert who was preparing Andy some breakfast while most of the team was already sitting at the big dining table eating. „Just for his pregnant wife." he smiled at Andy who was also sitting at the table just waiting to get her breakfast. „Are you blushing right now?" Travis asked, trying to hold in his laughter. „Blame the hormones." Andy shrugged. „Or blame my husband who is taking forever to pour me a bowl of cereal." She said louder making sure he would hear her.
„I told you you should have breakfast at home before we leave, you always get..." he stopped talking knowing it would only get him in trouble. „I get what?" Andy asked annoyed. „Oh no here we go, i think I'm gonna start my chores." Ben said to get away. „No! You sit down. I didn't eat at home because i wanted to eat with you all before everyone's shift is over and I'm all alone with B-shift." she grimaced her face. Working desk-duty now she only worked days and wasn't always with her team, much to her dislike. Ben sat back down defeated, you never want to get into a fight with Andy but pregnant Andy was on another level.
„You do know I am still here too right?" Robert asked pretending to be hurt. „Well yea, but you're up there in your office and I'll be down at the reception. So technically I am all alone." Andy argued. „I promise i will come by many times." Robert said while walking to her. He leaned down kissing her.
„Soo that's what i stayed here for, pda great." Ben pouted. Andy punched Ben playful. „Alright, let me get you your breakfast." Robert said. He went to the kitchen and got everything ready to serve.
„Soo, here's your smoothie and Toast with Omelett." he put the glass and the plate down in front of her. „Where's my cereal?" she frowned. „Too much sugar babe, we don't need gestational diabetes as well." Andy sighed. „Well i guess at least i still have my smoothie." She took the glass and smelled. „What's in it?" she questioned. „Strawberries." Robert answered while he cleaned up the mess he made in the kitchen. „And?" She asked scrunching her nose. „Ooop someone's not happy with her breakfast." Travis laughed but was quickly shut up by Andys stare.
„Just strawberries and low fat milk. Fruit has a lot of sugar so we don't need to load you up on that." Robert said casual as he cleaned the mess he made in the kitchen. „So no sugar and low fat?" she pouted. „Do you want to tell me something?" she asked a little annoyed raising her brows.
„Oh man you got yourself into a situation here." Vic chuckled patting his back. Robert sat down next to her and turned her chair towards him. „Babe, you look beautiful okay. You are not fat. I just want to make sure both of you are the healthiest you can be." he assured her while holding her hand. „Say that first part again." she said with a sly grin. „You are beautiful." he repeated with a smile and leaned forwards for a kiss.
„OKAY, you guys we get it! You are happy and in love and perfect." Travis whined. „You are perfect too Travis." Andy grinned. She took the fork and inspected her food while she kept talking. „You know we love you and if you would just stop avoiding Emmet and just talk to him like a full grown adult you two would be fine too, so stop whining." She said, pointing the fork at Travis. „Okay, I surrender." he threw his hands up in the air waiting for Andy to take down her fork. „Was that just mommy Herrera talking?" Vic asked grinning. Andy squinted her eyes but couldn't help a little smile appearing on her face.
Wednesday
„Robert?" Andy asked surprised as she came down the stairs and saw Robert sitting on the couch. She had heard him downstairs and when it got silent she figured he had left for work. „Why are you still here?" she questioned.
„I told you I'm coming to the appointment with you." he chuckled, her pregnancy brain let her forget so much. „I know you said that and i said that you don't have to, one of us can be at work in time." she sighed.
„I'm battalion chief, i can come in late." he said a little cocky. Andy rolled her eyes behind his back. „Great so we will do whatever you say." she mumbled loud enough for him to hear.
„Do you not want me to come?" he asked turning around. He definitely didn't want this to turn into a fight, all he wanted was to be there for Andy and be with her all the way for every step. Knowing things could go wrong was scary for the both of them and he never wanted her to feel like she was going through this alone.
As she didnt answer he got up and walked to her, taking her hands. „If you really don't want me to come, i- i guess i dont have to..." Robert offered even when it was not what he wanted at all. A sly grin appeared on Andys face. „No, i- I always want you to come, i just feel bad you're late for work because of this." she tilted her head looking up at him. „Trust me i don't mind going in later." he chuckled. „I'll always chose you over the job, it's really a no brainer."
They drove to the appointment and after a short wait, they got all the tests done.
„Okay so all results look good, numbers are all the same as last week, your bp seems to have improved a bit so that's good news. It seems like you have a really mild case of preeclampsia." the doctor said. „Anything that's been bothering you?" she asked looking at Andy. „My back... but i guess that's normal, right?" she shrugged. „Yes it totally is. For at night i recommend a pregnancy pillow, it should help get you comfortable and reduce the back pain."
„We'll try that. Thank you." Robert said smiling, having no idea what a pregnancy pillow is.
„I'll see you twice a week for now, to keep a close eye on everything." the doctor said at the end. Andy scheduled the next appointments and then they were on their way to work.
„Twice a week." Andy repeated the doctors words annoyed. „It's just a precaution babe, she said you're both doing great." Robert said cheerful. „I know, I know but it's still annoying." Andy sighed. „I will come with you however many times you will let me." Robert said and took her hand. His eyes on the road, he couldn't help but be glad, Andy was getting checked that frequently, though he would never tell her that.
„Oh you'll go to every single one mister. If i suffer, you suffer." Andy playfully warned him. She turned her head and looked out of the window. She would never tell him but for somehow she knew their little girl would be causing them more trouble before she's even born. Maybe it was that mother instinct people talked about or maybe it was just her overthinking. She would have to wait and see.
Thursday
They were watching TV in the lounge and Andy had joined, her shift on desk duty was over but Robert still had some work to finish so she hang with the team waiting for him. „What are you smiling at?" Travis whispered as he noticed Andy wasn't paying much attention to the show that was on. „She's kicking." she whispered back.
„OH MY GOSH." Travis yelled and now they got everyone's attention. „What's going on?" Vic asked. „Travis you good?" Jack asked. „Can i feel it? Pleeease." Travis begged Andy, completely ignoring everyone else. „I don't think you can feel it. Robert hasn't been able to so far." Andy told him.
„Please let me try." he insisted. Andy chuckled at his excitement and took his hand and placed it where she felt the movement. Watching him closely for a reaction. „I- I can feel it." Travis said getting teary-eyed. Andy grinned at first seeing her friend getting all emotional over it but then her eyes went big when she had a Realisation.
„ROBERT." she yelled at the top of her lungs. „Someone go get him!" she said looking at Vic and Jack. Jack ran off to get him while Vic moved places to sit next to Andy. „Let me now Travis, I want to feel it too." she pleaded with her best friend. „No it's still my turn." Travis said determined.
But they were quickly interrupted by Robert and Jack coming back. „You can feel it?" he asked Travis with big eyes. Travis nodded and moved to make room for Robert. „Oh so for him you move but not for your best friend?" Vic asked, putting her hand on her chest pretending to be deeply hurt. „Well he's the father!" Travis exclaimed. „And anyways I'm pretty sure if i hadn't moved he would have moved me."
While the two of them were bantering, Robert sat down next to Andy, who gently placed his hand where she felt the movement last. She watched him closely hoping he would get to feel it too. Robert focused very hard on feeling any small movement whatsoever but nothing. Disappointment washed over his face.
Vic and Travis noticed and decided it was better to make a quiet exit.
Robert sighed and let himself fall back on the couch. „I can't believe i missed it." Andy shifted a little and caressed his cheek. „There will be plenty of times." she assured him with a smile. „Or maybe she doesn't like me. What if she doesn't like me Andy? What if that's why she stopped moving, because she didn't want me to feel it." He said upset. „Babe," Andy chuckled a little, „You are her dad. She loves you. You can take my word for that, i mean i carry her i would know." she said with a grin, seeing one appearing on Roberts face as well.
„She gets that from her mommy." He chuckled but then sighed again. „I can't believe Travis got to feel it first, he will never let me forget. And he will probably tell her too." he rubbed his head. „Just give him one of your stares and then Travis will be scared of you again." Andy chuckled and cuddled into his side. „You think that'll still work? I think it has lost its magic." he said combing through Andy's hair with his fingers. „Guess you'll just have to try it out. Can we go home now? I'm tired." she said yawning. „Yea let me get my things and then I will take my two girls home." he said giving her a kiss on her head before he got up to get his things from his office.
Friday
„Reminders for the week." Robert started reading out loud. By now it had become a kind of ritual for Robert to read some pages out of their „What to expect" book either in the morning or the evening. „Oh crap, i should have read that on Monday." he sighed, annoyed at himself. „You're a little too obsessed with this book. I'm pretty sure the world is not ending, the week isn't over yet so i think we're good." Andy chuckled. She was laying besides Robert, hand on her little belly.
„Okay, so the reminders, One, Start picking out the baby's nursery decor." Robert read. „DECOR?" Andy asked loudly, shooting up. „Decor? We haven't even finished with the furniture yet Robert! Oh my gosh I-„ she grabbed her phone from the nightstand and sat up against the headboard. „Okay so we do have a changing table, well kind of. I ordered it days ago but it still didn't come. So what else do we need? A crib! Robert we don't even have a crib yet!!" she rambled.
„Okay Andy-„ He lowered her phone to get her attention, „I need you to calm down and take a breath, please. Your blood pressure watch is already blinking like crazy." He took a couple of deep breaths, waiting for her to join him but she didn't.„Robert we barely have anything for the baby. We really need to get a handle on this!" Andy sighed seeing him still taking deep breaths, so she finally joined him. One eye on the blood pressure watch he continued the breathing until her blood pressure lowered. „Okay so listen, how about we look for a crib now, so you can sleep and not stress over this and then we do some more shopping this weekend, okay?" he suggested. „Okay." Andy gave in. If it was up to her she would have stayed up all night ordering everything online but she knew Robert would not accept that.
While their taste in cribs didn't differ much it took some time to find one that was what they had in mind and Andy already yawned every few seconds.
„Should i finish reading or do you want to sleep." Robert asked as they had finally ordered one and Andy had put her phone away. „Finish, I'm listening." Andy said and snuggled up to him.
„Okay so, second, Maternity leave. Plan ahead." he read and looked at Andy. „I guess that's a little hard to do in this case or?" Andy said, not looking at him. „When would you want to go on maternity leave if everything went perfect?" Robert asked. „But it's not all perfect Robert." Andy argued. „Shh, just pretend for right now." he pleaded. Andy didnt really see the point in this but complied. „I guess... i dont know, im not sure how i would feel then. Maybe like 3 weeks before." she said more as a question than a statement. „3 weeks doesn't sound too bad." he agreed.
„What's that supposed to mean?" Andy tilted her head up to him. „I wouldn't have been surprised if you would have said you'll work till labor." Robert admitted. „Well i know my husband wouldn't be very happy with that." she grinned. Robert chuckled and continued to read.
„Third and last point. Write or update your will." He read in a sigh. Andys smile left her face quickly. As firefighters of course they both had a will and updated it when they got married. Robert closed the book and put it down on his nightstand. He laid down facing Andy, taking her hand in his.
„I guess we do have to update it." Andy whispered as all possible complications with preeclampsia went through her head. „You dont have a DNR do you?" Robert suddenly asked. „No, i dont" she said trying to smile but failing miserably. „But maybe I-„ she started but Robert interrupted her. „No! No you don't need a DNR Andy!" he said stern. „That's not what i meant, but maybe i should put something in writing... like turn off the machines after 30 days or something." she whispered watching his face closely. Robert furrowed his brows as tears welled up in his eyes. „You won't need anything like that." he said with a thin voice. „We dont know that babe, just to be safe. I dont want to leave you in a situation where you have to decide something like that, may it be now with the baby or some other time."
Robert pulled her as close to him as possible and held her tight. „Okay." he swallowed the lump in his throat. He didn't want to talk about it, he didn't want to think about it but if Andy wanted to put it into writing, they will do so.
Saturday
„What the hell is that?" Robert asked pointing to their bed as he walked into their bedroom, ready for some much needed sleep. Andy sorting through the closet turned around. „Pregnancy pillow." Andy said and got back to her task. „I didn't know it was that... big. Like how do you even use that?" he asked confused. „"I'll show you when I'm done." she chuckled. They both got ready for bed.
Robert was in bed first and side-eyed the big pillow talking up over half of their bed. Andy bit her lip trying not to laugh when she saw him inspecting her pillow. „See i just lay like this." she said while she got comfortable. „Uhm so how do we cuddle now? It literally surrounds you from everywhere?" He scoffed. „I'm good i got my pillow." she said satisfied, hugging it tightly. „Great." Robert pouted and turned off the light. „You were the one who said we would get one at the appointment." Andy chuckled. „Hmh." Robert didn't want to argue because after all if it helped Andy he would have to make do for now.
He rolled around in bed missing having his wife in his arms. He lifted himself up a bit to take a look at Andy comfortably laying in her pillow. Robert was about to say something when a loud snore came from her. It was a mystery how such a loud snore could come from someone so small. Defeated he laid back down and starred at the ceiling. For a moment he considered spending the night on the couch but he knew that what he would get to hear if Andy found out would be worse than a sleepless night. So instead he tossed around but eventually fell asleep.
Sunday
„I'm back!" Robert chanted as he walked through their front door. Andy was laying on the couch watching some TV. „I got you something." he said while he unpacked the bags in the kitchen. „Uh ice cream?" she asked hopeful, lifting her head up. „Not exactly." he said hesitantly now.
He took the item and sat down on the couch next to Andy. Holding out the item, Andys excited face washed away quickly. „Wow Robert, what can i say this is so thoughtful." she snorted rhetorically as she saw nasal strips in his hand. „I never said i got you something amazing." he chuckled defending himself. „You got your giant fancy pillow now to get some good sleep but with you snoring like... i don't know like what but it's loud, and i don't get much sleep like that." he explained and made his puppy face. He had quickly figured out it got him out of a lot of trouble he ran himself in with his pregnant wife.
Andy sighed but took the strips out of his hands. „Fine, i'll try them. We don't want you to miss out on your beauty sleep." she teased him and a grin came back to her face. Her quickly changing emotions did annoy her and started to wore her out. It definitely would be the thing she would be missing the least when this pregnancy was over.
Andy bit her lip as once again her emotions rolled over her and the tears wanted to fall. Robert was quickly alarmed even though by now he should know more times than not, she was crying over nothing. But with their new found medical issues he was on edge.
„What's wrong baby?" Robert asked, laying his arm around her shoulders. „It's nothing... It's just... i just thought about how I'm not going to miss being so emotional all the time but now i feel bad because it makes it sound like i want the pregnancy to be over but i don't. I mean i do but not like that! I do want to Carry her to full term and i really want her to be healthy." she rambled while tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.
„You don't need to fell bad about that babe. She knows how much you love her." he kissed her on her forehead. „But you do know your hormones will still make you all emotional after birth right?" he asked hesitantly. Never knowing how Andy would react these days made him a little more careful with what he says. For a moment Andy's sniffling stops and she stares at him shocked and then the tears start streaming down her face as she sobs uncontrollably.
Robert mentally face palms himself, once again he had made the wrong decision. This might have been information he should have kept to herself or at least reveal at another time. He went through is mental lists of ways to calm her down, looking for the appropriate option for this situation.
„Andy, Andy." he took her hands to get her attention. But she couldn't even see him through her tears. He opted for ice cream, quickly getting a pint from the freezer. „Look babe, some ice cream." He held a spoon full to her face and Andy ate it while sobbing. But with the second spoon her tears were slowing Down. And with a third she stopped sobbing. „This is really good." she sniffled.
Finally she wiped away her tears and grabbed the ice cream pint from Robert. She got comfortable in his arms and kept eating. Robert got his phone out of his pocket and opened his new favorite app, that sent Andys blood pressure numbers from her watch directly to his phone. It obviously spiked when she had her breakdown and while it was better again he was determined to try to lower it some more.
„Okay, how about we do some yoga now." he suggested and very slowly reached for the ice cream pint. „Yoga? I don't want to." Andy said with her mouth full of ice cream. „It will be good for you, I promise you will like it." He took the pint but Andy didn't let go of it. „Noo, i just want to eat." She said whiny.
„If you do yoga with me now, I will cook you your favorite pasta for dinner." He tried to convince her. Andy contemplated for a minute but in the end gave in and let the pint go. Robert put it away, got their workout mats and opened a prenatal yoga class on YouTube.
„This is stupid." Andy complained as she followed along. „Just give into it, and you'll feel the calming effect." Robert said calmly. „Okay Mr. Zen." Andy teased him. „I'll do about anything for that pasta." Robert grinned. Bribing her with food was working better than ever.
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Hello, quick question, do you like this format? As in a little story for each day of the week or is it annoying? Let me know pls :)