Chapter 26
One month later. Lizzie's eight months along and the twins are 5 ½ months old.
Lizzie and her mom are in her suite going through baby things. Jo is sharing stories about when she was expecting Joshua.
Jo: Folding freshly laundered clothes. She picks up a onezee. This is what we brought Joshua home from the hospital in.
Lizzie: Aww, it's so cute!
Jo: We were so young, so excited, but nervous. We were living with my folks.
Lizzie: Nana let you and dad live together?
Jo: Just for a couple months. He moved in the month before Josh was born, and moved back to his house a month after the baby was born.
Lizzie: Where'd he stay?
Jo: He was supposed to stay in the guest room, but... She smiles dreamily.
Lizzie: She inhales, as if in shock. Mom! You did not!
Jo: We did. Turns serious. Your father and I have talked it over and have decided that Gordo can move in for awhile so that he can be nearby when the baby's born, but he'll stay in the guest room.
Lizzie: Thanks. So, you told me that you went into labor during church, but tell me about how he was born.
Jo: Okay. She inhales. I had been having false labor on and off for a couple weeks. We'd been to the hospital three or four times because I thought I was in labor. I'd been to my doctor the Friday before, and she thought I had about a week left. We were really active in our church youth group, and the youth minister was speaking that day. Even though I was feeling rather tired, I wanted to hear him speak, so we went to church. I was feeling some back pain, so Sam got one of the cushions at the end of the aisle and put it behind my back. The minister got up to speak. He got to a really good part of the sermon...
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE
Jo begins grimacing. Sam looks at her concerned.
Sam: Are you okay?
Jo: Nods. I'm fine. Inhales, as a sharp pain crosses her midsection.
Sam: Jo?
Jo: AAAAHHH!
Sam: Panics. Jo, are you okay?
Jo: I think this baby's coming! AAAAHHH!
Sam helps Jo up, and she doubles over.
Jo: AAAAHHH! My water broke!
The minister stops his sermon and helps Sam take Jo to the car. He returns and addresses the congregation. It looks like there's gonna be a new baby in our congregation soon!
SEQUENCE ENDS
Jo: My parents met us at the hospital. I guess Josh felt right at home, because I wasn't dilating as quickly as the doctor wanted. Labor is usually longest for the first baby, but since my water had already broken, the doctor thought he would be delivered soon. I got an epidural almost right away and slept on and off during the day. Your father was great. He stayed right by my side during all of it. He got a little woozy when I was getting the epidural. Lizzie laughs. We did get to be alone for awhile together when my folks went to dinner. The doctor assured them that the baby would not be born anytime soon, since I was still at 4 centimeters.
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE
Sam strokes Jo's hand and kisses her on the head.
Jo: Can you believe it? We're gonna have a baby!
Sam: Puts his other hand on her abdomen. I know, sweetheart.
Jo: Contraction hits. She pants through it and it passes. Oh, that was a big one! Ouch! Sam, I'm scared.
Sam: Of what?
Jo: It's gonna hurt. I'm scared of giving birth.
Sam: The doctor said you could have a C-section.
Jo: No. Sam, we're so young. I'm sixteen! I can't have a baby! AAAAHHH!
Sam: I think it's a little late for that. Just think, we'll have a little girl who looks just as beautiful as her mother, or we'll have a little boy with my good looks and your sense of style.
Jo: Laughs. I love you, Sam. They kiss.
SEQUENCE ENDS
Lizzie: Aww, that's so sweet!
Jo: We got some sleep during the night. Our moms stayed in the room with us, and our dads spent the night at a nearby hotel. At three o'clock in the morning, Joshua decides to start making his appearance.
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE
Jo stirs awake and shouts. Sam startles awake.
Sam: Honey?
Jo: I gotta push! AAAAHHH!
Sam's mother phones the granddads and Jo's mom pages the doctor.
Dr. Smythe: It sounds like it's time for a baby. Examines Jo. You're fully dilated. Whenever you're ready, go ahead and push. Jo pushes. Come on, give me a better push than that.
Jo: I'm pushingaaaah!
Dr. Smythe: Don't tense up your neck muscles. Push from below. Jo pushes again. That's better.
Sam: You're doing great!
Jo: Shut up! YOU do this! I can't! AAAAHHH!
Sam: Yes, you can.
Jo: Just shut up! You knocked me up! You did this! She throws a rice bag at him, but misses.
Dr. Smythe: The head's out.
Sam: Oh my God!
Jo pushes a few more times and the baby makes his appearance.
Dr. Smythe: We've got a baby! He flicks the baby's foot and the baby cries.
Sam: It's a boy! Tears fall from his eyes. Jo, we've got a son!
Dr. Smythe helped Sam cut the cord and put the baby on Jo's abdomen.
Jo: He's beautiful! Oh Sam, I love you!
Sam: I love you, too! What do we want to name him?
Jo: Joshua Daniel.
Sam: Our son!
Jo: He's perfect.
SEQUENCE ENDS
Jo: Her eyes misted over. He seemed so perfect.
Lizzie: I wish I could've known him. Someone knocks on the door. Jo wipes the tears from her eyes. Come in!
Sam, Gordo, Miranda, and Matt come in with furniture and gifts.
Miranda: We come bearing gifts.
Lizzie: Laughs. Aww, guys, you're the greatest.
The guys set up the furniture, while Miranda joins the pair, looking through boxes of clothes and baby supplies.
Sam: Where do you want the changing table?
Lizzie: Over there.
Matt: Where's the rocker go?
Lizzie: By the window. I wanna rock my baby by the window.
Gordo: Kisses her on the cheek. Our baby.
Lizzie: Our baby. That sounds nice.
Matt: I've got something for you. He hands her a gift basket.
Lizzie: Opens it. She takes out a T-shirt that says, "If you think I'm cute, you should see my uncle!" Oh, thanks, she states facetiously. Seriously, I love it! She takes out some booties and a yellow duck that has a water thermometer attached to the bottom. Thanks, Matt! She gives him a hug.
Matt: Hey, I gotta make sure my niece or nephew is dressed in style!
Miranda: This is from me.
Lizzie: Thanks. She takes out a baby quilt, that is obviously home made. Miranda, did you make this? Miranda nods. It's gorgeous!
Miranda: After we find out what this little one is, I'll monogram it on the corner.
Lizzie: Takes out a couple picture frames and baby bath towels and washcloths. We needed these. Thanks.
Miranda: That's what your mom said.
Gordo: Takes her hands. Come out to the living room.
Lizzie: Puzzled. Why?
Gordo: Just come on. Oh, close your eyes. He lets go of her hands, and Jo leads her to the living room. Now, open your eyes. Gordo is on one knee, with a bouquet of roses in one hand and a box in another. Lizzie gasps. Lizzie, I've known you since I was a day old. So, I've known you all my life. I have loved you for as long as I can remember. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you. I wanna marry you. Even if there wasn't a baby on the way, I'd still wanna marry you. I can't imagine a day without you. I know I've asked you before, but... He opens up the box to reveal an engagement ring and a baby ring. What I'm saying is, Lizzie, would you marry me?
Lizzie's eyes widen and Jo begins tearing up. Matt is laughing, and Miranda is grinning from ear to ear. Sam looks like he could faint.
Lizzie: I've said it before, but yes, I'll marry you! I love you. She wraps her arms around her fiance. They pull apart and Gordo places the ring on her finger. Matt snaps pictures.
The twins wake up from their naps, so Sam and Jo go upstairs to get their youngest children. Matt and Miranda offer their congratulations and leave, thus leaving the couple alone.
Lizzie: I love you. She runs her fingers through his hair.
Gordo: I love you too. I can't wait until this baby's born. He's gonna be as beautiful as his mother.
Lizzie: How do you know it's a boy?
Gordo: I dunno. Do you want a boy?
Lizzie: Smiles. Yeah, I want a boy who looks just like his daddy.
Gordo: Or a girl who looks just like her mommy. Whatever we have, I know the baby is a lucky little girl or boy to have you as its mother.
They look into the bassinet.
Lizzie: One more month, and our son our daughter will be sleeping here.
Gordo: Our son. Our daughter. This is a dream come true for me.
Lizzie: Whaddya mean?
Gordo: I've always dreamed that we'd get married and have a family. Well, we might've taken things in the "wrong" order, but it's still a dream come true.
Lizzie: Mom told me about Joshua's birth.
Gordo: Are you worried about our baby?
Lizzie: Kinda. Mom and dad got pregnant as teenagers and then lost their baby. I don't want that to happen to us.
Gordo: Maybe we won't. Maybe our baby will be healthy and happy. Besides, if we worry about that too much, we won't be able to enjoy him or her.
Lizzie: You're right.
Gordo: I always am. He grins.
Lizzie: Mom said that if you want, you can move into the guest room for awhile.
Gordo: I'd like that.
Lizzie: Dad moved in with mom before Josh was born and stayed until he was a month old. Mom said you could do the same, but in the guest room.
Gordo: Lemme guess, her parents had the same rule, but they didn't follow it.
Lizzie: You're right again.
Gordo: What did I just say?
Lizzie: Oh, stop it! She laughs.
Later on that night, Gordo goes home. Lizzie is sitting in her rocker, looking at her bedroom, which has been converted into a nursery. Jo knocks on the door.
Lizzie: Come in.
Jo: Carrying Lindsay and looks around the room. Hey, the room looks great!
Lizzie: Yeah, it does.
Jo: Lindsay squirms, so she puts the baby on the floor. So, what are you thinking?
Lizzie: Mom, in 4 weeks, I'm gonna be a mom.
Jo: Hard to believe, huh?
Lizzie: Yeah, it is. I hope I'm as good a mom as you are.
Jo: You'll be a good mom. I know you will be.
Lizzie: Why?
Jo: You're a good person, Lizzie. You've got a good heart. You're loyal, faithful, caring, responsible, and you've got a good head on your shoulders.
Lizzie: I bet you didn't think that when I told you I was pregnant.
Jo: Well, I was shocked and yes, it broke my heart. I hoped none of my kids would repeat what your father and I went through as kids.
Lizzie: I'm sorry I disappointed you.
Jo: Never! She strokes Lizzie's hair. You'll never be a disappointment to me.
Lizzie: Thanks. Lindsay scoots to Lizzie's rocker. She picks the baby up. I can't believe my baby sister and brother will have a niece or nephew to play with.
Jo: I can't believe I'm gonna be a grandmother. I just became a mother again. You're growing up so fast! It seems like yesterday when you were Lindsay and Mark's age. Now, you're sixteen, engaged, and about to have a baby. My little girl's all grown up; you're not a little girl anymore. She begins tearing up.
Lizzie: Mom, I'll always be your little girl.
Sam comes down with Mark.
Jo: What's wrong, Sam?
Sam: I think he's hungry. I tried feeding him a bottle, but he wouldn't take it.
Jo: Hand him to me. I'll feed him.
Sam passes her the baby and she begins feeding him.
Sam: Lizzie, do you want me to take Lindsay?
Lizzie: No, in a few weeks, I'll have my own baby to care for. I won't have as much time to bond with my baby sister and brother.
Sam: I'll leave the four of you alone to finish your girl talk. He starts to leave.
Lizzie: I love you, daddy!
Sam: I love you too, precious. He kisses her on the head and leaves.
Lizzie: Observes her mother breastfeeding Mark. Does it hurt?
Jo: What?
Lizzie: Breastfeeding. Does it hurt?
Jo: Oh, not too much. It usually hurts at first, but it gets better when you're used to it. Well, it does hurt when the baby's teething.
Lizzie: Puts her hand to her chest. Ouch! I didn't think about that.
Jo: Have you thought about what you wanna do?
Lizzie: I thought about bottles, but that seems too annoying. I did think about breastfeeding, but if it hurts, I dunno.
Jo: It's not that bad. Besides, it's a great way to bond with the baby. I breastfed all five of you, and that was the best thing I did for you guys as babies. We did both. Sometimes I pumped, so your father could feed you guys. I've got some great pictures of your dad feeding each of you. He usually took the late night feedings, so I could sleep.
Lizzie: I told Gordo about the living arrangements. He's gonna talk to his folks. I think he'll move in.
Jo: Good. Just remember what I said. The guest room, not the bedroom. I know there may be some times when he'll be down here and he may fall asleep here, but don't make it a habit.
Lizzie: We won't.
Jo: Just make sure of it. She finishes feeding Mark and yawns. Could you pass Lindsay to me? I need to go feed her. I'll have your dad get Mark and put him to bed.
Lizzie: No, I'll do it. I wanna sit here and hold him for awhile.
Jo: Okay, you sure?
Lizzie: Yeah, I'm fine. I'll yell if I need help. I'll be up in awhile.
Jo: All right. She kisses Lizzie and then kisses Mark. Good night guys. I love you.
Lizzie: I love you too. Jo leaves the room So, Mark. Soon, you'll have a little niece or nephew to play with. I know I won't have much time after the baby's born to bond with the two of you. I just want you to know that I love you so much, kiddo. No matter what happens, I'll always be your big sister.