Late on the evening of the thirty first, the Wolowitz family was finally allowed to leave the hospital. Their friends had already graciously brought back the gifts brought to baby Becca, which relieved a good amount of stress on the first time parents. However, by the time the Wolowitz's arrived, dinner was in the fridge and the apartment was nearly spotless. This only caused them to relax more, before their first night alone with the new baby. Despite the constant offers from both friends and family to help Howard and Bernie with Becca, the couple decided to brave the odds and tackle the task as their own united front. After settling in and feeding Becca, the parents showed the baby girl her room. Her big blue eyes were mesmerized by the turquoise walls with the playful elephant patterns. Howard laughed at how quiet and laid back his daughter was. Becca couldn't be a more perfect fit for them, especially Bernie.
"Do you think she likes it?" he asked taking the baby from Bernie's arms.
"I'm sure she does!" Bernadette replied, as she kissed her husband's cheek, "Hey daddy, do care if I take a shower? I won't be long. Do you think you can handle her without an extra set of hands?"
"Such little faith mommy has in us" Howard spoke softly giving Becca an Eskimo kiss, "My dear, we will be just fine."
Bernadette giggled as she walked away to the bathroom, leaving the daddy/daughter duo alone again. The new father kicked off his shoes and climbed into his own bed. It felt nice, he hadn't slept a wink since his little princess entered the world. Of course he had tried to nap here and there but between all of the drama, wanting Bernie to rest, and then the guests, it wasn't appropriate time for sleeping. Howard laid back against the pillows and looked down at his itty bitty lady as she curled herself against his chest. Becca was so warm, like his own personal, portable, space heater. In the other room he could hear the soft pitter patter of water hitting the bathroom tiles, and slowly but surely that lulled Howard and his baby girl to sleep.
After putting on her most comfortable pajamas, Bernadette stepped back out into the bedroom. A smile of pure happiness played on her lips, as she watched both father and daughter sleep so soundly together. They were already so in sync. Bernie tried to climb into the bed next to them as quietly and carefully as possible, but the slight shift caused Becca to stir. She let out a tiny whimper, scrunching up her sweet little face.
"Oh, shh, shh, shh," Bernadette whispered, taking Becca into her arms, bouncing her gently, "let's let daddy get a little sleep. I know I'm not as prepared as he is, but I'm your mommy, and according to my mommy, it's ok to not always be prepared. You know, to just sort of learn as you go. So will you help teach mommy?" Becca's eyes slowly opened, to see her mother's face, "Gosh, mommy, how weird is that to say. I'm your mommy. You don't always have to call me that, mom, momma, and mother, all work to but, I guess we can figure that out when you can talk. I never thought I'd have a little baby like you. To be honest, I never thought I wanted one. Oh, but your daddy," Bernadette looked over at her sleeping husband, "he wanted a baby before I was even in the picture. It's because of him that you're here now. Daddy spent so much time trying to convince me that this was what we wanted and finally I gave in. You know what, I didn't believe him. Nope. Not until I saw you! My perfect little baby Becca. I know you've only been in my life a little over a day, but I can't imagine a world without you. Your daddy was right, never repeat that, but he knew best. I thought giving into his plan would just make him happy, but in reality I think it may have made me happier then it made him. Baby girl, it's going to be hard not having him here, but don't worry he'll come back. He always comes back. He promised." Bernadette began to sob, holding Becca close to her chest.
The idea of Howard leaving for space was now scarier than ever before. Bernadette felt her stomach drop, thinking of how Howard felt only hours before. It was a sick feeling, thinking that there may still be a chance for Becca to live her life with only one parent. Bernie continued to cry as her little girl groggily clung to her chest. A pair of strong arms wrapped themselves around the new mother. Bernadette turned to see Howard's head nuzzled between her shoulder and neck.
"Don't cry," He whispered sleepily, "Becca, tell mommy she doesn't need to cry," he smiled at the infant as if for reassurance.
"I'm sorry," she sighed, leaning back into his chest, "I wanted you to sleep."
"I can't sleep if you're sad, you know that," Howard kissed Bernie's cheek, as he took their daughter into his arms, "Why don't we tell mommy our news!"
"What news?" Bernadette looked at her two favorite people with confusion.
"Well, while you were in the shower, NASA called. And after exhausting all possible options, they've decided to postpone my mission and take on another one. I don't leave for a year and a half." Howard smiled, pulling his little wife into his grasp.
"Are you serious?" Bernie grinned with disbelief, as her husband only nodded in affirmation, "You here that baby girl, daddy gets to stay here with us!"
"I couldn't just leave my girls, I'm nothing without my girls!" Howard laughed.
"But Howie," Bernadette mumbled, "Aren't you upset about your mission. You know one last big adventure, getting to see the whole world out your window?"
"Bernadette," he smiled, "You two are my world. Not even space can compare to when I can hold the two most beautiful people in my arms. Also, if I am not mistaken, my love, we have just embarked on the biggest, greatest, most unpredictable, journey of a lifetime, and I would never leave my co-captain to adventure alone."
"I love you, Howard Joel Wolowitz," Bernie sighed breathlessly.
"I love you too, Bernadette Maryann Rostenkowski-Wolowitz," he leaned in giving her a simply sweet kiss, to seal the moment. Just then a tiny cry caused the parents to turn their attention to the tiny infant between them.
"Oh what, are you jealous that you didn't get any attention for thirty seconds." Howard mocked his daughter lovingly, "Oh goodness, being Becca is so hard."
"She gets her constant need for attention for you, you know" Bernie winked as Howard rolled his eyes. Then the little family settled in for their first night at home.