Soon after they had arrived at the hospital, Donna was prepped for birth and then settled in private room. C.J. left them after a while on the condition that Josh promised to call later. The doctor examined Donna soon after her water broke and Josh was gently calming and reassuring Donna with gentle kisses or soft words of comfort. Hours later when they had been at the hospital for around 3 or 4 hours Donna's mother, Karen, arrived from Wisconsin. She proved to be a great help. Both Nicky and Karen provided ice chips when necessary and Karen contacted Ruth, Josh's mother, to update her. Karen also called the White House and spoke to C.J. At one point in the latter stages of Donna's labour Josh called Toby to ask for any words of wisdom.
"Babies come with hats."
Is what Toby said; soon after his call to Toby Josh was called back to Donna by Nicky as it was time. Their son was born first at 8:13 p.m. on 3rd August, and soon followed by their daughter at 8:20. After the babies had been checked the new parents were allowed to hold their children for the first time. It was love at first sight. Later, one of the nurses came to ask about names for the birth certificates.
"Noah Jed Lyman and Anna Natalie Lyman," Josh told her proudly.
Donna drifted of to sleep after being visited by her mother and father.
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(The next day - 4th August 2005) Josh slept in a chair by Donna's bedside refusing to leave her although there was no need for him to stay. The next day he picked up his mother from National accompanied by his parents-in-law, Karen and David. Leo arranged rooms for them at the Watergate. After Ruth had checked in they visited Donna at the hospital. There was the traditional handing round of babies and usual exclamations of beauty and so forth. After a while Ruth dragged Josh away to see the Senior Staff and to leave Donna with her parents for a bit.
"After all this time are you happy to finally have grandchildren?" Josh asked as they drove to the White House.
"Of course Joshua and thank you for giving Noah your father's name."
"It just felt right." Josh explained as they pulled into Josh's parking space.
"Anyway, he's got the President's name as his middle."
When they reached the Operations bullpen Josh discovered that both Donna's and his desks were covered in presents. He moved them all into his office, surprised that so many people had been nice enough to buy something. Then he called on Maggie, Carol and C.J.
"Come by the hospital this afternoon, I'm going round telling everyone else and my mom's gone to visit Leo."
Josh visited Toby and Will next, then told Donna's friends among the assistants before seeking out the President. He told Debbie and Charlie and was surprised when the President actually hugged him in congratulations. Josh passed along the message, exchanged a few words with the President before moving on to Leo and Margaret. He found Margaret already in Leo's office with Leo and Ruth. Josh again gave the message before returning to the hospital. He left Ruth in the capable hands of his bosses and friends; and couldn't wait to get back to his family.
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The late afternoon found Josh and Donna sitting around Donna's hospital room holding their offspring. Donna held Noah and Josh held Anna. It was clear that she already had her dad wrapped around her little finger although currently her little hand was gripping one of Josh's fingers tightly.
"Hi kids," Leo said by way of entrance. "Hey, who's this beautiful little girl?" He asked looking at the baby in Josh's arms.
"Hands off, she's mine." Josh said refusing to let Leo even hold his daughter. Leo ending up holding Noah instead. He was soon followed into the room by Will, Toby, C.J., the President, Bonnie, Carol, Maggie, Charlie, Ginger and Debbie. The room was crammed full of people and so the group was spilt up. The assistants were left in first with Donna and after parting with his daughter Josh was ushered out of the room by his colleges.