Well, since I missed giving my readers responses last time I updated, I'm going to go ahead and reply to those, along with the new ones, now. I can't believe how many readers I have, looking through all the reviews! Thank you everyone for reading! The 1 and 2 next to some readers' names refers to two different reviews they gave.
Mousewolf - Okay, I get it. You really wanted him to be named Anakin. But his name is Alden! Tee-hee, tee-hee! Thank you for being such a faithful reader, and enjoying it despite the name (or what it is not)!
CowgirlBlondie - 1)Your BOYFRIEND read it! "Ok" sounds like a typical response! I'm glad you loved it!
2) Wow, I can't believe that this story might have inspired your boyfriend to ask you to marry him! Good luck with the proposal! I hope it happens! If so, invite me to the wedding! That would be funny. Someone would say, "so how do you know the bride?" And I'd say, "oh, I just wrote a Star Wars fan fic about Han and Leia and the birth of their son and that's why they're getting married." Hilarious!
There should be some more humor coming up in the next chapters (one of them is my favorite), so I hope you enjoy!
Dovasary - I'm so flattered that you enjoyed the chapter so much! I wrote it right after my sister gave birth to my nephew, so I tried to make it as realistic as possible. The only problem was that I wasn't in the room when she gave birth, I was only there for emotional support (and to meet my nephew!) before and after the birth. So basically everything having to do with the actual birth is guesswork.
Yes, I had a great time at Disneyland, especially finally getting to go on Space Mountain after it had been closed down for such a long time (well, it seemed like it to me, anyway, since we go all the time), and going on Astro Blasters (which is new in Anaheim).
GreatOne - "Aw" is right! Thank you for reading again! And yes, Disneyland was great - it was the 50th anniversary so they kept on trying to shove cupcakes down our throats all day. They ordered something like 100,000 cupcakes and there were only 30,000 people or something, so they were giving them out everywhere.
SoloShodan - Thank you for reading! I was never planning on having them have twins - that was just a teaser chapter. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for the well-wishing!
Vampirehelsing - 1) Thank you for reading and enjoying the fic! It's great to see another H/L shipper.
2) Actually, I know someone named Alden, so I didn't just make it up. It seemed Star Warsy enough, and I wanted to use a name that wasn't already taken by either another character or by pro fic novelists. At least it's kinda cute, though! ;)
Jade Skywalker - You're welcome! Yes, Han had good reason to be a nervous wreck. It was quite a change for him! More coming!
SailorLeia - 1)Thank you for enjoying this, as always! It's fun to imagine Han carrying Leia around - it seems like something he'd do, with their size difference and all. Much love to you, too!
2) Why, thank you so much! It's quite nice to hear my writing described as "incredible" and "beautiful!" It definitely helps me to keep going with my writing!
TheRealLeia - I either knew that (more than one push for a birth) and forgot it, or I didn't know. I've never been witness to an actual birth (not including hospital waiting rooms), if that's any excuse. I'm glad that it was fairly accurate, though! Like I said before, I saw my sister's labor, so I knew about that part of it, at least.
Dove - Lazy yet bored, boy, do I know that feeling! I'm glad that you like the name. I think it really does mean that (other than the Alderaan part); I searched baby names online for one that sounded good and was meaningful. Thank - Thank you for reading! There's some more coming up.
Padme'sHandmaidens (a.k.a. Jade Skywalker) - Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Here's some more!
EsmeAmelia - Thank you for finally reviewing! It is definitely appreciated. That was quite a compliment that you gave me about my characterizations of them and descriptions of their emotions! And I'm glad that you think it's fun - that's what I was going for. Thank you again!
Chapter 61
The next few hours whirled past as everyone dear to the couple came to see their new baby. Even Threepio and Artoo stopped by for a visit. Threepio was puzzled with the new parents' jubilant behavior, denoting their enthusiasm to a temporary psychosis, while Artoo joyfully rocked back and forth as his ocular sensor perceived the happy scene.
Everyone who visited throughout the day imparted on the new parents little tidbits of advice and wishes of goodwill, and the couple tried to pay attention, but baby Alden proved to be such a wonderful distraction that most of the departing guest's words went unnoticed. Their first thoughts and impressions upon seeing their son for the first time were still ringing through their minds, and they were not yet used to the sight of the boy, nor did they think that they ever would be. Their thoughts sometimes wobbled on the fine line between awe and fear, for they knew that soon this child would be solely their responsibility, and that they would have to take him home and care for him without the constant guidance of doctors and family. This fear never lasted long in the face of their joy, however, as they once again took comfort from the presence of each other. When the time came for them to leave medical and head back home they did so without trepidation.
Upon entering their home they glanced at Alden, who was asleep as he had been most of the time since his birth. He seemed more at peace and comfortable in sleep than he had any right to be. Han and Leia selfishly wanted him to be awake so that they could look upon his features as they were in a state of wondrous awareness, and see his eyes so full of life and consciousness. They did not wish to wake him, however, and brought him into their bedroom, gently placing him in the bassinette that he would sleep in until the time came for him to move into his own room. The parents stood back and watched him sleep; entranced by the way his tiny chest rose and fell with every breath. Han wrapped both of his strong arms around Leia's waist, which was now much thinner than the day before, and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"He looks like you," he murmured into her hair.
She turned around and looked up at him quizzically. "And why exactly do you think that?"
"I dunno. Maybe it's his scrunched-up face."
She elbowed him playfully. "Thanks, darling. I appreciate the jibe considering the fact that I was just in labor for hours giving birth to your son."
"You're welcome," he grinned. "No, really, he does look like you. I don't really know how, but he does."
"I think he looks more like you," she replied. "He has your eyes."
"Not that you can ever see them the way he sleeps all the time."
"True," she whispered, leaning against him. "But he is beautiful."
"I'm not arguing against that," he said, leaning down and meeting her lips in a kiss.
A moment later they looked to the bassinette and saw Alden's hazel eyes staring up at them.
"Aww, hey little guy," Han said, lifting him out of the bassinette and into his arms. "Say hello to your mommy."
Leia smiled and took her son's tiny hand in her own. "Hello, Alden. I'm glad you decided to wake up."
