(Mid February 2005) "Hi mom." Donna said into the phone.
"Hi honey. Are you both well?"
"Yeah. We're great." Donna said smiling.
"So, I've got some news for you."
"What is it? Is something wrong?"
"I'm fine, we're fine. It's just that I'm pregnant, you and dad are going to be grandparents."
There was silence at the other end of the line.
"Mom are you OK?"
"Yes, yes, dear. I can't believe it. You're having a baby!"
"Well, kind of. Twins to be more exact."
"Oh, Donnatella. I don't know what to say. Are you looking after yourself, taking folic acid tablets? Has Josh cut down your workload?"
"Yes mom. I'm not working as hard, I'm taking the tablets and I've got at least six or eight people looking out for me, whether I like it or not."
"Good. If you need anything just tell me."
"Thanks. I'm going to go now, Josh is going to call his mother now and you can go and tell dad."
"Take care Donna."
"I will. Bye."
Donna hung up the phone and lightly stroked her bump.
"Joshua!" She called through the apartment. He stuck is head around the door.
"I'm calling your mom now unless you want to do it."
"I'll do it," Josh said, coming to sit down next to his wife. He placed her feet in his lap and took the phone, dialing the number as he moved.
"Ruth Lyman."
"Hi, it's Josh."
"Joshua, what's wrong? You hardly ever call me. I talk to Donna more than I talk to you."
"Nothing is wrong. Everything is amazing."
"Good. Did you just call for a chat?"
"You know that for years you've been wanting a daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Well you've got the daughter-in-law as you know, but now you've got the grandchildren too."
"Grandchildren, plural? Donna's pregnant? You're having twins?"
"All of the above. Donna and I are having twins, Donna is 13 weeks pregnant. The babies are due in August."
"Congratulations. Can I talk to Donna now?" Josh sighed dramatically, but he was grinning as he passed the phone over to Donna.
"Hi Ruth."
"How are you feeling?"
"Much better thanks. I'm not nearly as tired as I was few weeks ago."
"Good. Do you want anything: clothes, cots etc.?"
"Thanks but not at the moment we're going to wait a while before we start buying things."
"Anytime you want anything just pick up the phone. I'll see you soon I hope. Are our plans for Easter still OK?"
"Of course they're fine but we'll be turning the guest room into a nursery later on so if you come after June you'll be relegated to the couch."
"Don't worry dear. I know it isn't my place but now you've got a family on the way you and Josh should really look about moving into a house."
"I know, know. I'm working on it. I will call you soon, updates on everything etc."
"It was lovely to hear from you. Bye."
"Bye Ruth."
---
"C.J.!"
Josh called as he strode through the Operations bullpen, towards the Press Secretary's offices.
"Joshua, you shouldn't yell." C.J. said as Josh walked into her office.
"What? Are you channeling Donna now?"
"Josh." C.J. said in a warning tone.
"OK, OK. I just came to give you our statement about the pregnancy for your briefing in a few minutes." Josh said handing over a piece of paper.
"We'll be watching from my office." He said, leaving the room. Josh tapped Donna on the shoulder as he passed her desk.
"C.J. is starting her briefing in a minute."
"Coming. Also, you've got a meeting with Leo after the briefing."
"Thanks." Josh said, turning up the volume of the T.V. tuned to the C.J.'s briefing.
---
"Good morning." C.J. said as she entered the briefing room.
"I have the usual statements to make, a special statement and then I'll take questions."
"The President today is meeting with Ambassador from the United Kingdom: Lord John Marbury. As you know the dinner we are holding for the President of Egypt is next week, it will be the usual run for the press. Both Presidents' will take questions in the blue room earlier in the day and you will be issued with schedule sheets tomorrow. I also have a comment for you from Josh and Donna Lyman. They would like to announce that Donna is pregnant, with twins and the children are due in August."
C.J. paused for a moment, catching Toby's eye at the back of the room.
"Questions?" She asked, calmly and there were many cries of 'C.J.!' trying to gain her attention.
"Arthur," she said, pointing to the reporter and continuing with the briefing.