A/N----Thanks for the kind and constructive reviews; they're very helpful. I appreciate all of them. I know a lot of this is over the top and perhaps a bit out of character (I hope not too much!), but for me, it's an exercise in fluff. Enjoy the next chapter and check out my other stories if you haven't. Thanks!

CHAPTER 18

FOUR WEEKS LATER-----MID JULY----------------LIZZIE'S 4 MONTHS ALONG. THE TWINS ARE 6 WEEKS OLD.

Lizzie and her mother wait in the doctor's office to see Dr. James. The twins are in for their six weeks check up, Jo's in for her follow up visit, and Lizzie for her monthly prenatal visit. Lizzie is sitting on the exam table holding Mark and Jo is sitting in a nearby chair holding Lindsay.

"Is Gordo coming?" Jo asks.

"No, he has a stomach virus. He didn't think he needed to come, since he thinks he's contagious."

"Are you sure that's all?" Jo asks, concerned.

"Mom, the guy's sick, that's all. He'd babysat his younger cousin Allen, the other day. He got sick that night and Gordo caught it from him."

"I'm just wondering, that's all."

Lizzie shifts Mark on to her shoulder and looks at her mother, "Mom, listen. Gordo's not that kind of guy to skip out. Have faith in him."

"Okay. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"Just trust me, mom."

Dr. James enters the room. "So, who am I seeing first?"

"Let's start with the twins while they're awake and happy," Jo answers.

The doctor begins with Lindsay. "She looks healthy. Her eyes look good." She weighs and measures the baby. "It looks like she's gaining weight. How's her appetite?"

"It's good. Both of them eat constantly." Jo laughs, "they eat like little pigs." The doctor passes the baby to Jo, who puts her in her stroller seat.

Next, Dr. James examines Mark. "He looks a little small. You say he eats constantly."

"Yes," Jo replies, becoming concerned, "He eats more than his sister. Is there something wrong?"

"I don't think we need to worry yet. Do you bottle feed them or breastfeed?"

"Breastfeed. I've done that with all my kids. Is there something wrong?"

"I've seen this before. He may just have an incredible appetite. Does he seem hungry all the time?" She hands the baby to Jo.

"Yes, he does. It seems like I feed him all the time, but he never seems satisfied." She cradles her son close and kisses him on the top of his head.

"Let's try him on some cereal and recheck him in a couple weeks."

"Isn't he a bit young for that?"

"No, I can get you some special cereal that will work. I had to use it with Cody. You can make it thin enough to feed it to him through a bottle. I'll have the receptionist fix you up with some when you leave. Now, who's next?"

"I guess I am," Lizzie replies.

"Do you want me to leave?" Jo asks.

"You can stay." She lies on the examination table.

"So, is Gordo coming?" The doctor asks, as she begins her examination.

"He's got a stomach virus, so he decided to stay home."

"Ugh. That's no fun." Changes the subject. "So, how are you feeling?"

"Good."

"Any morning sickness or nausea?"

"No, none."

"That's great! Would you like to see your baby?" Sets up the ultrasound machine. Lizzie grins and nods. The doctor squeezes gel on Lizzie's abdomen. Lizzie shrieks. "I'm sorry it's cold." She puts the wand on Lizzie's abdomen. "Your baby looks healthy. Here's the head, the spine, the arms and legs. You've got a good looking baby."

"Mommy, look at my baby! I can't believe I'm gonna have a baby!" Lizzie squeals. "That's your grandchild."

Jo grins and holds Lizzie's hand. "It's a great looking baby."

Lizzie looks at the doctor. "Can you tell what I'm having?"

"Perhaps at your next appointment we'll be able to tell. It's still a bit early. Besides, don't you wanna find out with Gordo?"

"He wants to be surprised, but I wanna know."

"What do you think it is?" The doctor asks.

"I want a boy. I hope he looks like his daddy." She sighs and looks at the screen, dreamily.

Jo looks at the screen and smiles. "I think it is," she says to herself.

"Let's see if I can get a clearer view." She moves the wand around. "I don't think the baby's gonna cooperate. I can't get a clear view."

"That's okay. Maybe next time." Dr. James cleaned the gel off Lizzie and turned off the machine. She sits up, "I know mom told you about me performing on stage in Rome with Isabella Pariggi."

"She sure did. Your mom bragged on you a lot after you came home."

Lizzie chuckles. "I bet. Anyway, Isabella is performing on the 17th at the All-Star Center and wants me to open for her."

"That's awesome!"

"Do you think I would be able to perform?"

"I don't see why not. You're healthy and doing well. Just don't overdo things."

"Thanks! Also, Isabella wants me to perform at a couple concerts in the area."

"Let me guess. You want to do those too. I think it would be okay. Just make sure you get enough rest and don't get too stressed."

Lizzie gives the doctor a hug, "Oh thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She giggles and bounces up and down. "Mommy, I'm gonna perform on stage again!"

"That's great, honey," Jo laughs.

The doctor interrupts their moment. "Lizzie, it's your mom's turn now."

"Lizzie, could you take the twins?" Jo requests, "I'll meet you after I'm done."

"Sure." Lizzie gets off the table and wheels the twins into the waiting room.

Jo takes Lizzie's place on the examination table, and the doctor begins her examination.

"So," Doctor James begins, "how are you feeling?"

"I'm adjusting," Jo replies.

"No depression or anything? Any pain or discomfort?"

"No, I'm fine. I'm tired, but nothing out of the ordinary."

"Good!" She helps Jo sit up. "Everything looks good. If you feel up to it, you can resume all your normal activities."

Jo laughs, "Sam will be relieved. I think he's tired of cold showers." She gets off the table and shakes Dr. James' hand.

Jo walks out of the room, pays the bill, and meets Lizzie in the waiting room. "Are you ready for some shopping?"

"Sure. Mom, can we go to Baby World?"

"Of course! I love that store!"

Jo takes the stroller and the pair leaves the office.