JC the Wabbit: Many pardons for the delay!
Nine Months
Now everyone knows that the newlyweds are expecting a bundle of joy. Everyone was shocked by this sudden joyous news. Everyone was happy for them, except for Honey it further ticked her off! So what! She ain't da subject of dis here story! I laugh in her misery! Mwa ha ha ha! Er-hem! Sorry…
Anyways…
Parenthood is a wonderful time. You get to look at life at a different point of view, but it isn't a stroll in the park neither! It's tough! Let's see how Bugs and Lola do during a select few months of pregnancy…
First Month
Bugs and Lola were in bed one night, asleep. Then Lola shifted in bed and faced Bugs.
"Bugs?" she whispered. He didn't answer. "Bugs?" she said a little louder. He still didn't respond.
"BUGS!"
"What!" he said waking up
"…I'm hungry…" she said timidly
"Lola, it's one o'clock in da mornin'," he looked at her and she gave him the most innocent looking face.
"No! Not the soulful eyes treatment!" he said looking away.
She gave him a hug and said sweetly, "Pretty please!"
"Ugh! How can I say no?" he got up out of bed, "what do you want?"
"I want a cantaloupe, dumplings, french fries, and a McFlurry," she said
"Dat's all?"
"Yes,"
"(Yawns) fine…"
Bugs got out of bed, and put on a bathrobe. He was too sleepy to go put clothes on. He went out just with a robe to the car and drove out. He dropped by the 24hr drive through and ordered french fries and a McFlurry. Then he had to search all over town to find an open grocery store to buy the cantaloupe. After finding one, he bought the fruit and looked for a Chinese place. He was lucky to find one and went inside.
"Eh, (yawns) an order of dumplings to go, please," he said to the old man behind the counter
"Sure, (says something in Chinese to the cook in the kitchen, then turns to Bugs) ten minutes,"
"Tanks," said Bugs sitting down on a chair.
"Da wife is expecting?"
"How did you know?" asked Bugs
"Everyone knows about you and Mrs. Bunny,"
"Oh, right," said Bugs, giving himself a mental slap in the head after remembering about the paparazzi.
"It's tough for her," he said, "but, its also tough for the men."
"Tell me about it," said Bugs sarcastically
"Alright I will. They may have to carry the baby around, but we have to deal with them. That is not easy at all. They can be so temperamental and touchy, like a walking time bomb," said the old man wisely
"Don't scare me,"
"You will go through it trust me. It is part of life,"
"So tell me Obi Won, what should I do?"
"Be kind and loving. Show her you care and stay calm no matter what. Find a way to cut the red wire. And if all else fails, run for cover!"
"Ok…" said Bugs cocking an eyebrow
"Ah dumplings are done," said the old man changing the subject. He put the container in a paper bag then in a plastic bag. "4.50 please," he said
Bugs paid him and was about to leave when the old man whistled. Bugs looked up and caught a fortune cookie that was tossed to him.
"Very good grasshopper," said the old man with a smile, "Be sure to give the lady my best wishes."
"Thank you sensei," said Bugs bowing down
"May the force be with you,"
Bugs got into his car and drove home. Once he got inside, he noticed the kitchen lights were on. When he went there he found Lola munching down on some carrots. He looked around and saw that all the food from the fridge was gone. Lola looked at him and cracked a small smile.
"Baby was desperate…" she said
"I can see dat," he said in amazement. He sat down by her and put the food on the table. Lola eyed the bag and opened it. She pulled out the Chinese food and started eating it.
"How much can you eat?" said Bugs in amazement
"I'm not just eating for myself, remember?" said Lola after taking a drink of water
"For whom, an army?" he said exaggeratedly
"I don't think that's even possible for a rabbit,"
"Yeah, you're right,"
Lola finished the dumplings and moved on to the cantaloupe.
"If you want some just help yourself," said Lola
"Nah, I tink I lost my appetite,"
"Suit yourself,"
He looked at her gobble down on the food. "Yikes," he muttered to himself. He then remembered the fortune cookie and took it out. He broke it and found the fortune inside. It said:
Always remember that you can count on your loved ones,
Just as much as they can count on you
He turned it over and it said:
Want to learn Chinese? Take the classes; don't expect to learn a language from a slip of paper!
He thought on that for a moment and concluded that it was true. He would have to take classes…no wait! That wasn't it! He counts on Lola just as much as she depends on him. He can always count on his friends and he knows that they will always be there for him. He knows that he's never alone.
Before he knew it, Lola finished all the food. She then felt hyper and started to fidget a little. She then got up and started to wash the dishes. Bugs got up and went to her.
"Lola, its late you should get some rest," he whispered to her in her ear as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I can't, I feel wide awake," she said swaying a little with him.
"Ah c'mon babe," he said turning off the faucet. He turned her to face him and looked at her. She smiled and hugged him.
"Ok," she said. She let go of the embrace and they both walked to their bedroom. They both got into bed and turned out the lights.
"I feel stuffed," said Lola
"Lo, you ransacked the kitchen," said Bugs
"I can't help it,"
"I read in a book dat da cravings are because da baby needs certain nutrients. Da baby is developing its important organs right now and it lacks certain nutrients, so it tells ya to eat more of what it needs,"
"(Giggles) They're so demanding, even before they enter the world!"
"Yeah," chuckled Bugs, "but dat's da way it is."
"Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?" asked Lola randomly
"I don't know. I'll be satisfied wit whatever you give me,"
"Actually, its up to the male to determine the sex of the child,"
"Yeah sure get technical…(Yawns) but, lets just skip da biology lesson for now," said Bugs
"Agreed,"
"Let's sleep I'm tired,"
"I'm not that tired,"
"Just don't go to sleep too late. G'night Lo," he said closing his eyes
"G'night," she said giving him a small kiss on the lips.
Lola couldn't sleep. So she decided to read her book. It was about the stages of pregnancy. When she was reading, she was thinking that she had to go through all of that. She meditated on all the possibilities. It dawned on her how serious things could get. She shuddered at the thought that something could go wrong. But when she looked at Bugs, a warm feeling filled her heart. She knew that she could count on him to help her through this. She knew that her Bugsy would never let anything happen to her nor to their child. With that in mind she put her book on the night table and turned off the side lamp. She turned over and placed her arm over Bugs' side. She sighed and thought, "Goodnight, my knight in shining armor."
Third Month…
It was a Saturday morning; Bugs and Lola just woke up from a good night's rest. Bugs was in the kitchen making coffee while Lola was taking a bath. After awhile, he heard her say, "Oh wow!"
"What is it?" he asked
"I'm huge,"
"What do you mean?"
"Come look,"
Bugs went to the bathroom and found her in her bathrobe. She was standing on the scale.
"I nearly doubled in my weight!"
"Shame, shame, shame! You're losing ya figure," said Bugs jokingly, "You're not disciplined enough to keep your weight controlled."
"Bugs!"
"I'm just kidding,"
"You better be," she glared
"You look good Lo, honestly," he said, "I'm just surprised at how you gained weight so fast."
"I know. Amazing isn't it?"
"Yeah its like magic. One minute you're Halle Berry, next minute you're Aretha Franklin,"
"What…" she glared
"Eh…" he chuckled nervously
"You're lucky I like Aretha," she mumbled
She turned away and stared at the scale. Bugs realized that he hurt her feelings, so he came to her and gave her a hug. He caressed her and kissed her. This put a smile on her face. She wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Why do you love me?" asked Bugs gazing into her eyes
"Why?" she gazed back. She gently pushed him off of her and did a spin change. She changed into a long sequenced blue dress and had her ears up in a bun. The bathroom got dark and a spotlight shown on her. Then 'Natural Woman' by Aretha Franklin played in the background and she then sang:
"Cause you make me feel,
Cause you make me feel,
Cause you make me feel like a natural woman!"
"Woman!" echoed a few distant voices.
"(Whistled and cheered) Alright Aretha, we gotta go now. Its time for your first sonogram," said Bugs
The lights turned on again and the music came to a stop. Lola then did a spin change into a pair of pants and a v-neck shirt.
"I'm ready. Lets go," she said cheerfully
They got into the car and drove to the hospital. They had an appointment early that afternoon. They arrived on time to Petunia's office. Once they entered the office, Petunia greeted them. She motioned Lola to lay down on the bed. Petunia prepared the machine and began the procedure.
"OK so lets see…" said Petunia passing the scanner over Lola's belly
"It tickles," said Lola
"Do you see that…"said Petunia pointing to an object on the screen, "that's the head."
"Ohh, look Bugs," sighed Lola
"Yeah I see it," he said holding her hand
"I see something…"said Petunia, "Yup!"
"What do you see?" asked Lola
"Another baby!" said Petunia
"Twins!" said Bugs
"That's right!" said Petunia
"Wow, I'm a mommy twice!" said Lola
"They look beautiful," said Petunia, "I don't see any problems whatsoever."
"Dat's good," said Bugs
"Oh Bugs I love you," said Lola
"I love you too," said Bugs kissing her lips
"Aww! Tender moment!" said Petunia clasping her hands together
Petunia printed out the pictures and gave them to the Bunnies. They thanked her and went home. They posted the photos on the fridge and put a label under it saying, "Twin's first picture."
Sixth Month…
One day Bugs and Lola were visiting her parents at their house. The whole family was there again. They were all talking about the expecting parents. Bugs, Lola, Larry, and Gladys were sitting on the couch talking. The other members of the family were talking in other parts of the house.
"Oh Lola I'm so happy for you," said Gladys, "You're in for a treat."
"Run away why you still can," whispered Larry in Lola's ear
"Why?" she asked
"Trust me…"
"I have something I want to show you," said Gladys getting up from her seat
"You're going to regret it…" whispered Larry to Bugs
"Regret what?" he asked
Gladys went to the TV and popped a tape into the VCR. "Lights!" she called. Then the lights grew dim. She went back to the couch and sat between Bugs and Lola.
"This is the tape of me giving birth to you Lola," she said
Everyone in the room jetted out of there. Bugs and Lola were about to get up but they were held down by Gladys. Larry knew he couldn't leave although he desperately wanted to. He just put his hand on his head thinking, "Darn it!"
"You two need to see this,"
"I told you so," whispered Larry
"What was that?" asked Gladys
"Nothing…"
Gladys played the tape. It was in a hospital room. Gladys was on a bed and in labor. She didn't have any streaks in her hair and she looked chubby. She was yelling and screaming. Larry was there too. He looked muscular and had blonde gray-less hair. He was holding on to her hand. He looked kind of scared, which was strange behavior for the usually stern Larry.
"Look what you've done to me!" yelled Gladys, "I hate you! Ahh!"
"Please Gladys, don't be so harsh," he said calmly
"If you were me, you would be harsh!" she shot back, "Get that camera out of here!"
The doctor and nurses were all over the place and it looked like chaos.
"Push!" they told her. They wiped her forehead with a towel and did what they could to calm her down.
She kept yelling and pushing. Larry was sweating and trying to help but he looked so helpless.
All the while, Bugs and Lola were wide eyed. Larry had his hands on his forehead. Gladys was glued to the screen eating popcorn.
On the TV, after a final push by Gladys, a baby's cry was heard.
"It's a girl," said the doctor
The doctor gave Lola to the nurse, who wrapped her in a towel. She then gave her to Gladys. Gladys was tired but she looked at Lola with a tearful smile. Larry looked at Lola and a glow filled his face. They looked so happy. Larry leaned over the bed and kissed his wife.
"I love you," he said
"I love you too," she replied
Then the tape was cut.
"Lights!" said Gladys and the lights came on
"You gave me so much trouble!" said Gladys playfully to her daughter
"Yikes," muttered Bugs
"That was embarrassing…" muttered Larry
"I know what you mean…" whispered Lola
"Huh!" glared Gladys
"Nothing!" they all said together
"OK mom thanks for the footage but we really must be going…" said Lola getting up
"Yeah we got work tomorrow and we gotta get up early…" continued Bugs following her lead
"BYE!" they said together as the dashed towards their car. Then Gladys came after them….
"WAIT! I want to show you Brendan and Kate's tapes, too! I got Mindy's on DVD!"
But Bugs and Lola were already on the road and waved goodbye.
Ninth Month…
The big moment was approaching soon and Lola was more touchy than usual. She was off of work for obvious reasons. Bugs would go to the Looniversity then come back to his lovely wife everyday anxiously. He was becoming nervous cause he knew that it could happen at any moment and he wanted to be there to help.
Today he came home from work and found Lola sitting on the couch.
"Hi Lo," he greeted with a kiss
"Hi Bugs," she replied
"How are you feeling?"
"Tired," she said, "I want to take a nap but they wont let me! They wont stop kicking!"
He sits next to her on the couch. He then leans over to her.
"Alright kids, leave your mommy alone," he said
She smiled. Bugs rubbed his hand on her belly and felt a little kick.
"Whoever did dat is gonna get in trouble!" he said
"You're so funny," she said, "You're already punishing them."
"I'm practicing my parenting skills,"
"I see,"
"What is there to eat?" said Bugs changing the subject
"There's a salad on the table,"
"Cool," he said getting up and heading towards the kitchen. He found the bowl and went back to the living room. He sat on the couch next to her.
"Let's watch tv," he said taking the control. He turned on the TV and flipped the channels. He stopped at this MLS soccer game. It was a pretty good game until…
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT REF!" yelled Lola, which made Bugs jump out of his seat, "HE WAS TOTALLY OFF SIDES!"
"That's not what I had in mind when I wanted tossed salad," said Bugs as he looked at his salad on the floor.
"THE REF IS A BLIND DEAF AND DUMB JERK!" growled Lola as she snatched the control and changed the channel.
"WHAT'S THIS WORLD COMING TO! 200 CHANNELS AND NOTHING TO WATCH!" she complained, "YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE!"
"What?" asked Bugs nervously
"I need a hug," she said leaning on to him. He held her close to himself and thought, "mood swings." She calmed down and looked at the floor.
"Oh! I made you drop your salad! Sorry babe," said Lola more calmly
"Ah its OK," he said, "don't worry about it I'll clean it up."
"No its my fault, I'll clean it up," she said getting up. She was about to bend down but Bugs stopped her. He picked up the salad and motioned Lola to sit down.
"Ok," she said sitting down, "I just can't stand not being able to do anything."
"You won't be for long," he said taking his bowl to the kitchen. When he came back he noticed that Lola was looking very serious.
"What is it?" he asked
"I think its time,"
"TIME FOR WHAT?"
"To get a new TV," she said.
Bugs did a double take and said, "You had me scared for a minute."
"Our TV is getting too much static, I think we should get a new one," she said getting up and going to the kitchen. Bugs heard her pick up the telephone and though that she was gonna order one. Then he heard the receiver fall to the floor. He went to the kitchen thinking that she wasn't going to be able to bend down and pick it up. He saw her holding on to her belly and looking down. He immediately bent down to pick it up not bothering to look at her.
"Bugs, I think its time…" she said
"…to get a new phone?" he interrupted
"No," she said in a worried tone
"Time for what?" he said looking at her. She was leaning on the counter and had her teeth clenched in pain.
"They're coming!"
"Huh! What now?"
"Yeah NOW!"
"OK…we…need to…get the bag and go to the car!" he said nervously, "Just keep breathing…I'll get the…stuff!"
He ran out of there and went to the car. He turned on the ignition. Then he remembered he had to get the bag so he dashed inside and got the bag from the closet. He got back into the car and then realized, "Lola!" He went back inside and helped Lola out of the house and into the car. He then stepped on the gas and high tailed it out of there.
Bugs was very nervous as he drove to the hospital. Lola was in the passenger's seat moaning in pain.
"Ok Lo…keep breathing we're almost there!" he turned swiftly on a corner
"BUGS LOOK OUT!" yelled Lola
Bugs turned on a one-way street, the wrong way I might add.
"AHH!" they both yelled
Bugs did a 360 on the wheel and drove up the street in reverse.
"Watch out! Comin' trough!" he yelled
He turned on one corner and continued his way, the right way by the way.
Bugs drove into the emergency at the hospital.
"Hey I need a wheelchair! Woman in labor!" yelled Bugs to an attendant at the door. He went to the passenger's side and opened the door to help Lola out. The attendant came and helped Lola into a wheelchair. Bugs took her into the emergency room and the attendant followed them.
"Get me Dr. Pig," said Lola
The attendant went behind the desk and made a phonecall. A few minutes later Petunia came down.
"Wow! So the fateful ay has arrived," she said cheerfully, "hurry come with me!"
"Hey," said Bugs to the attendant. He tossed him a key and said, "park my car."
"What do I look like a valet!" he said
Bugs hurried with Lola down the corridor to the room that Petunia led them to. Then he and a few nurses helped Lola onto the bed. Lola was huffing and puffing.
"Ok you're doing good," said Petunia. She checked her contractions. "It's time alright!" she confirmed, "OK people move!"
The nurses and attendants started walking around doing things like checking machines and bringing in towels.
"Ahh!" wailed Lola. Bugs was by her side holding on to her hand.
"You're doing great babe," said Bugs
"Ok Lola, push!" said Petunia
Lola clenched her teeth and pushed. She pushed then exhaled.
"Ahh!" she groaned
"One more," repeated Petunia
Lola breathed deeply and pushed again. A nurse wiped the sweat from Lola's forehead. Then a cry filled the room.
"It's a girl," said Petunia holding the baby
Lola was all teary as she breathed.
"You're not done yet girlfriend," said Petunia, "push!"
"Ahh!" yelped Lola in pain as she pushed. Bugs gritted his teeth as his hand was crushed by her hand.
"Excellent!" said Petunia, "Just one more good push!"
Lola closed her eyes and gave one final push with all her strength. Another cry filled the room. Lola opened her eyes and saw Petunia cradling another baby.
"Congratulations, it's a boy," said Petunia
Lola's eyes filled with tears of joy. Bugs was also teary eyed. Petunia handed the baby boy to Bugs and the nurse handed the baby girl to Lola. The babies stopped crying and looked curiously at their parents. Bugs and Lola both looked at their children and a smile came to their faces. Bugs leaned over the bed with the baby and looked at Lola and his daughter.
"Oh Bugs!" sighed Lola
"I love you, Lo," said Bugs as he kissed her tenderly.
"I love you too," she replied
Later on…
Lola was moved to another room and Bugs was with her. The babies were taken to the nursery to be examined.
"Lola you were wonderful," said Bugs
"Oh Bugs I'm so happy," she said, "They are so beautiful."
"Just like their mother,"
"And father,"
He kissed her lips.
"You should get some rest, babe," said Bugs
"Ok," said Lola, "did you call my parents?"
"Yeah they're on their way,"
"Good,"
"I'm going to go look at the kids. Be sure to get some sleep, Ok,"
"I will,"
He gave her one more kiss before leaving the room.
He walked down a corridor until he found the nursery. Through the window he could see all the babies. Then he heard a few familiar voices from down the hall. He turned around and saw Larry, Gladys, Daffy, Melissa, and Petunia walking towards him.
"Congratulations!" said Gladys as she gave Bugs a bear hug.
"Hi mom, hi you guys," he said
"Aww look at the babies!" said Melissa. She scanned the rows of crying babies until she found two rabbits.
"They are so cute!" she exclaimed
Everyone looked and sighed at the two sleeping baby bunnies. The girl had light tan fur, white fur on her cheeks, and a little bit blonde hair on her head. The boy had light gray fur and white fur on his cheeks.
"A mini-Bugs and a mini-Lola," said Daffy with a smile
"What are their names?" asked Larry
"Tanya and Sean," said Bugs
"Those are nice names," said Petunia
"Hmm…Bugs, Lola, Tanya, and Sean Bunny," said Daffy aloud, "hey that's a BLT sandwich!"
Melissa slapped the back of his head. Bugs chuckled.
"Where's Lola?" asked Gladys
"She's resting in her room," Bugs answered
"The poor dear must be tired!"
"Definetly," added Petunia
"I want to see her," said Gladys about to skip away when Larry stopped her
"Let's let her rest," said Larry
"OK," said Gladys disapointedly
Everyone turned to see the babies again. Tanya ands Sean both awoke. Tanya stared at Bugs with her big blue eyes. "Just like your mother," he whispered. She then looked at the others and saw Daffy then started to cry. Melissa slapped the back of his head again.
"What did I do?" he wailed
"You're scaring Tanya," she replied
Then Sean looked at the ducks and made a little baby smile. He looked at the others and stopped at Bugs. He looked at him wide eyed. He blinked.
"Hey there son," whispered Bugs, "how are ya?"
Sean blinked again and smiled a toothless grin.
"Me too,"
Larry and Gladys looked at them. Tanya and Sean looked curiously at them.
"Hi there!" said Gladys, "I'm grandma!"
They blinked and tilted their heads.
"Aw! You're so adorable!"
Larry put his hand on Bugs' shoulder and gave him a smile. Bugs smiled back. He understood that Larry was proud and happy for him. They both looked upon the children, they were looking back.
Bugs felt a joy in his heart. A different kind of love filled his heart. Bugs understood what it meant to be a man, now he understands what it means to be a father.