'Mmm...' The blonde moans as she leans against the foot of the bed and gently rocks from side to side in an attempt to ease the pain in her lower back.
'What can I do? Should I phone Nonnatus?' He asks, moving his hands to gently rub circles in her lower back and causing her to sigh.
'It's too early for that. It'll be a while before anything really happens. We'll need to get someone to mind Jonty when things get serious.' She says and he nods his head.
'Don't you worry about Jonathan, Trix. Just you focus on bringing this little one into the world, okay?' He replies kissing the top of her head as she leans back against him.
'I'll go make him breakfast.' Trixie says turning around to face him.
'You will do no such thing. You will get back in that bed and rest.' Matthew replies.
'Being in bed won't help me, Matthew. I'd rather be up and moving my body at this stage.' She says softly, her hand resting on her stomach causing him to smile.
'Well even then I shall get Jonathan breakfast and ready for the nanny. Why don't you take a nice bath?' He suggests.
'Mmm... Bring him up to see me before he goes with the nanny?' She says and he nods his head.
'Of course I will. Now you let me know if you need anything or if you require me to notify Nonnatus.' He replies as he once again kissing the top of her head before making his way out of the bedroom. Taking a deep breath, she makes her way over to the window and glances out at the scene in the street; a small dusting of snow covers the ground as children play and squeal with glee at the continuing snowfall.
'Are you going to have a snowy birthday, little one? Are you going to hold off to make your grand arrival on the holidays?' Trixie asks softly, her hands gently brushing over her stomach which has grown to accommodate their sweet little one over the past nine magical months. Throughout her career she has cared for and watched many mothers go through this journey of pregnancy, birth and then onto the postpartum period; she is aware that each journey is different and despite having such a straightforward pregnancy, she is only too aware of just how wrong things can go wrong from here.
'Oh hello, precious. I was just passing after my rounds and thought I would pop in to see how you are getting on? We're all anxiously awaiting the arrival of this little one after Matthew's call this morning.' Lucille says softly as she makes her way into the bedroom where Trixie is sitting up in bed.
'I had advised him to wait until things had progressed more before he called.' Trixie replies smiling slightly as she runs her hand over her stomach.
'He wanted us to be aware of what was happening. How are you doing? How far apart are the contractions?' Lucille asks and Trixie gestures for her to sit down.
'They're irregular. My waters haven't broken yet and I'm managing to cope with the pain at the moment.' Trixie replies.
'Where is young Jonathan?' Lucille asks.
'He's out with Nanny. I was hoping this one would be here by the time he got home but as time goes on I'm starting to realise that it might not be the case.' Trixie replies.
'Oh...' Trixie groans closing her eyes as another contraction moves its way through her body as Lucille glances down at her watch. She watches Trixie breathe her way through the contraction, one hand resting on her stomach and the other gripping the blankets covering her lower body.
'They're definitely getting stronger.' Trixie mumbles as she takes a few deep breaths.
'That lasted thirty-five seconds. Would you like me to check you over? Listen to baby's heartbeat and see how dilated you are?' Lucille asks.
'Mmm... If you have time.' Trixie replies causing Lucille to smile.
'Always have time for you, Trixie. Let me go collect my stuff from downstairs and we'll see how you're getting on.' Lucille says softly. It takes around fifteen minutes for Lucille to collect her equipment and get prepared to check over Trixie.
'You're doing really well, Trixie. I'd put you at around 3cms dilated. Your contractions are still irregular but I can arrange for Sister Julienne to come now, if you'd like?' Lucille suggests and Trixie shakes her head.
'I'm doing just fine right here as I am. Once they are regular or my waters break then I'll make sure to get Matthew to phone.' Trixie replies smiling.
'I hear a certain little one is about ready to make his or her arrival.' Sister Julienne says smiling as Trixie rocks back and forth while gripping the bedframe.
'Mmm... Thank you for coming. The contractions are coming more regularly now, I believe we timed it to be around every four to five minutes and lasting around a minute. My waters broke a little over fifteen minutes ago and ever since the contractions have definitely intensified.' Trixie explains as Matthew instantly makes his way over to her and rests his hands on her hips.
'That all sounds absolutely perfect, dear. Now where is young master Jonathan? Is he okay? Being seen to?' Sister Julienne asks as she begins to prepare her equipment and put her gown on.
'He's in bed. Our nanny has agreed to stay until the baby is born so that she can tend to him if needed however he doesn't tend to wake during the night.' Matthew explains and Sister Julienne nods her head.
'And when did you first get signs of labour, Trixie?' Sister Julienne asks as she continues preparing for the birth.
'Last night as I was putting Jonty to bed I began to feel the odd cramp.' Trixie replies.
'Have you managed to get much rest throughout?' Sister Julienne asks as Matthew helps Trixie onto the bed and into position for Sister Julienne to check how dilated she is.
'Mmm... I slept most of the night, only occasionally waking with the cramps and I've managed to get some sleep today while the contractions were still irregular.' Trixie replies taking hold of Matthew's hand. He leans down and kisses the top of her head as she takes deep breaths and closes her eyes.
'Okay. Well you're around 8cms dilated which is absolutely perfect, Trixie. You are doing absolutely incredible and you are so close to meeting this precious little one.' Sister Julienne says as Trixie smiles.
Her head falls to rest against Matthew's knees as he sits on a stool in front of her. It's been a little over twenty-four hours since she went into labour and she is now fully dilated. She can't help but groan as the pain radiates her entire body and Matthew gently moves some hair out of her face.
'I-I don't think I can do this anymore.' She moans.
'Look at me... Trixie, look at me.' Matthew says causing her to lift her head slightly, her eyes filled with tears causing him to sigh.
'You are doing absolutely amazing. I know you are tired and I know that this has gone on for a really long time but you are so nearly at the end of it. A few more pushes and you will have our baby in your arms.' Matthew says softly as he gently wipes a tear from her cheek.
'Okay, I just need you to give me on last big push. The biggest push you can manage for me and then your baby will be here, Trixie. You're doing so well.' Sister Julienne says as Trixie reaches for Matthew's hand and links their fingers together.
'That's it. That's it. That's it... Well done.' Sister Julienne says softly and Trixie's head instantly falls back down to rest on Matthew's knees.
'You've got a beautiful, beautiful little girl.' Sister Julienne reveals as she quickly wraps the baby in a warm towel.
'W-Why isn't she crying? Why can't I hear her crying? Is something wrong with her? Sister Julienne, speak to me please.' Trixie says as she glances over her shoulder at Sister Julienne who is gently but urgently rubbing the newborn's back.
'She's just in a little bit of shock, Trixie.' Sister Julienne replies when suddenly a small cry fills the room.
'Oh my goodness...' Trixie almost whispers.
Glancing over her shoulder, Sister Julienne can't help but smile as she glances over at the bed where Trixie has her head resting on Matthew's shoulder whilst she cradles the newborn, who is a little under two hours old, in her arms. Throughout the past three years she has watched from afar as this little family grew and blossomed despite the utterly tragic circumstances which brought them together. She has watched the growth which Trixie has experienced as she learnt to be both a wife to Matthew and a mother to Jonathan whilst also honouring Fiona and ensure she remains a huge part of their life.
'I can't believe she's actually here... I can't believe we have a daughter.' Trixie says shaking her head as she glances up at Matthew and smiles.
'Mmm... She's perfect. She looks just like you.' Matthew replies running his finger down the baby's cheek.
'We need to name her.' Trixie says.
'What about the name we spoke about? Do you still like that one or is there something else you'd rather?' Matthew asks.
'Bonnie? I love Bonnie.' She replies and he nods his head.
'Our little Bonnie.' He says watching as Trixie takes a deep breath and glances down at the baby.
'I have a suggestion and I don't know if you'll like it but please here my reasoning behind it.' She says quietly and he nods his head.
'Fiona. We call her Bonnie Fiona Aylward; Fiona brought us together in the most tragic way and I wish more than anything that for your sake and Jonathan's sake things would have turned out differently but I feel so incredibly blessed to have you all in my life... Fiona is always going to be part of our life and I think it would be lovely if we honoured her by giving Bonnie her name as a middle name.' Trixie explains.
'I think that is lovely, Trix.' Matthew replies smiling as he kisses the top of her head.
'I've got a certain little man here who would quite like to meet his baby sister.' Matthew says smiling as he makes his way into the bedroom holding Jonathan's hand causing Trixie to smile as she sits up in bed with Bonnie in her arms.
'Good morning, Jonathan... Did you have a nice sleep?' Trixie asks as she pats the space beside her in bed. She watches as Matthew helps the three year old, who is the image of his late mother, onto the bed.
'Jonathan, meet your baby sister Bonnie.' Trixie says softly as she adjusts the baby's blankets so that Jonathan can get a look.
'Wow.' Jonathan almost whispers as he peers at the baby in Trixie's arms. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Matthew places his arm around Jonathan's waist in an attempt to keep him from leaning too far over the baby.
'Merry Christmas, darling.' Matthew says smiling as Trixie glances up at him.
'Merry Christmas, Matthew.' She replies.
