Six pounds, nine ounces. November 4th, 1984 at 10:03 I had just given birth to a beautiful, healthy… Cheyenne. After the umbilical cord was cut and they washed her off and wrapped her up they handed her to me. I stared down at the screaming, red-faced, very angry little blonde and smiled, then bawled my eyes out. Left-over hormones, apparently. I kissed her forehead and looked up at Brock just in time to see him wipe his face and smile. I slowly raised her a little higher in the air and Brock cautiously took her from my arms. He lightly started bouncing and swaying back and forth, smiling the whole time.
"Hi baby…" he whispered, the kissed her head as well. I watched them for a few minutes, still crying. I looked at Momma, then Liz to see they had both stopped and I was the only one. Momma hugged me and kissed me on my forehead, much like I just did to my daughter… Daughter. I have a daughter. A few minutes later Brock handed her to my mom, then hugged his. My mom cried a little more and I smiled, watching her sway as well. Brock walked over to me and leaned over to hug me tightly.
"You did so good…" He whispered. I smiled into his shoulder and held onto him with all I had. A minute later I loosened my grip on him so he could kiss me. "We're parents!" he said, excitedly. I laughed and nodded. I saw Momma hand Cheyenne to Liz, but Liz only got to hold her for about 2 minutes before the nurses took her away from us. My mom and Liz hadn't eaten the whole time they had been here, so they went to the cafeteria together. Before they left Liz smiled at me… She smiled… At me. Hmm…
"Mrs. Hart, we have your pain medication ready for you whenever you want to take it." I nodded and she went on about the healing process and what I can and can't do. I only half-listening, but Brock looked very into whatever she was saying, so I just hoped he knew what to do. Once she felt the room I scooted over on the bed and patted the spot next to me. He sat down and kissed me again.
"She's perfect, Brock." I whispered.
"She gets that from you." I smiled and squeezed his hand.
"Are you disappointed?"
"No…" he breathed a laugh. "She's… perfect." he smiled and shook his head. "And you did incredible… I'm so proud of you." I smiled.
"Thanks… Sorry for sayin I hated you." I laughed. "I don't hate you." He smirked.
"I know. But I don't blame you for sayin it… That did not look like fun…" I shook my head and smiled, sleepily.
"It wasn't." He leaned down and kissed my forehead. I felt my eyes getting heavier and heavier until they were completely closed. It grew quiet, every once in a while I'd hear Brock talk to nurses. Our mothers came and went, I was only half awake when they both left at around midnight, both promising to be back first thing tomorrow, and that was the last thing I remember before waking up to some soft whispers.
"How's she doin?"
"She's been sleepin all morning. Very tired, but she did great." Brock answered back in a whisper. I heard the door open and somebody pushing something. My eyes popped open to see what it was. I smiled when I saw a nurse pushing a little plastic crib on wheels.
"Well, good morning, sleepyhead." Steve said. I sat up and hugged him and Nancy tightly before looking over in the crib to find a sleeping baby. They both looked at her and then smiled at each other.
"She's beautiful!" Nancy said. I saw Steve put his hands in the crib, but look up to see mine and Brocks approval. I smirked and nodded. He gently lifted her and stuck in finger in one of her hands. She got a little antsy, but didn't wake up.
"How much does she weigh?" Steve asked.
"Six pounds, nine ounces." Brock answered. I looked up at the clock on the wall. It was almost seven, I'm surprised our moms weren't here yet, but they didn't leave till late.
"When do you guys get to go home?" Nancy asked. I shrugged and looked at Brock. He smirked and shook his head at me.
"Tonight." he answered.
"Do you guys need help with anything? I can go to the house and do stuff around there for you if you want."
"You don't have to do that." I told her, then looked towards the door as Momma came in.
"I couldn't find Dixie's food, so I just gave her a few hot gods." Momma said. She looked towards Steve and Nancy and gasped. I chuckled when she about broke Nancy's backbone. Steve carefully handed Cheyenne to Nancy, then hugged Momma tightly. "How are you?" Steve shrugged once Momma let go.
"I'm alright."
"Where's Trevor?!"
"My sisters." Nancy answered, not looking up from Cheyenne. Momma sighed.
"Well, bring him over later!" I felt my eyes widen. Sure, mom… Just invite everybody over one night after me giving birth and finally getting to bring her home. I rolled my eyes, but bit my tongue. Brock looked at me and saw my expression.
"Uh, Helen… It's our first night at home with the baby." Brock said, nicely.
"Yeah?" Nancy smirked.
"Why don't you come stay with us tonight?" Nancy offered. I saw mommas face fall.
"They're gonna need me… I have to help. They've never done this before." Momma said, sadly.
"Yeah, but they're gonna have to learn. They can handle it." Nancy said with a smirk. Momma sighed and looked at me sadly.
"You need me, don't you?" I bit my lip. She looked heartbroken. I glanced at Brock, then back to my sad mother.
"I wanna try bein alone tonight. If we need anything we'll call, I promise. I think it would be good if we were alone with her tonight though." She nodded slowly and sadly. "You okay, momma?"
"I just…" her lip quivered a little and she took a sharp breath in before speaking again. "You're so…" Steve put a supportive hand on her back and she started crying. "I cant believe… my baby… has a baby."
"Ohh… C'mere, momma." Steve said, wrapping her in another tight hug. He rubbed her back as she let out sobs into his shirt. I sighed and swallowed the lump in my throat. I looked up at Brock as tears filled my eyes. He smirked and kissed my head, then sat down next to me.
"Okay…" Nancy handed Cheyenne to me. "Before everybody starts cryin, lets go get some breakfast." Brock jumped up.
"Yes! I'm starved." He rubbed his belly with a big smile. I glared at him and Steve chuckled, still hugging my mom.
"You gotta stay with your wife and baby, darlin." Nancy said, smirking.
"Oh… Duh…" he laughed nervously and sat back down. Steve grabbed the keys out of his pocket and threw them around Momma towards Nancy.
"We'll be back later." Nancy said, then walked out with Steve and Momma, still crying with Steves arm around her shoulder.
"You can go, if you want…" I said. He shook his head.
"No way. I just…"
"Forgot?" He chuckled and scratched the back of his neck.
"Well… Yeah." I smirked and shook my head.
"Look at our daughter." I whispered, watching her as she stirred around in her sleep. She made a face and I could help but laugh at how much she looked like Brock. "She's definitely your kid…" I said, chuckling.
"Oh yeah… no denying it." I leaned down and sniffed. I coughed a little and looked at Brock with a scrunched face.
"Ready to change your first diaper?" I asked with a smile. His eyes got big.
"I've never done it before, you always changed Trevor when he stayed over."
"I know. But I'm not gonna be able to change all of hers." he sighed.
"I don't really know how. What if I put it on backwards or somethin?"
"I'll help you… go grab a diaper and the wipes." I said, laying her down in between my legs. I gently unwrapped her from her blanket and smiled when she opened her eyes. Brock stood by the bed and watched with the diaper and wipes in his hands. I moved my legs to sit cris-crossed, then turned her to face Brock.
"Okay. Now what?" I laughed and pointed to her buttons on her onesie.
"Unbutton her onesie."
"Her what?" I rolled my eyes.
"The only thing that has buttons, Brock."
"It's called a onesie?" he chucked at the name as he unbuttoned the 3 little buttons. He pulled it up in the front and the back, being careful for her umbilical cord still attached to her bellybutton.
"Okay, now undo the diaper." he nodded and did that, made a gross face at what's in the diaper, and quickly rolled it with one hand, holding her, by the ankles with his other hand, off the bed.
"It it supposed to be yellow?!" I laughed and nodded.
"Newborns usually do… it's alright." he shook his head and grabbed a wipe. Once she was all clean he set her down on the bed and grabbed the diaper. He lifted her back up and set the diaper down, backwards of course. I didn't say anything, I just tried not to laugh. He grabbed behind her back to grab the flaps on the diaper, then realized they were there. He gave me a confused look and I just shrugged. He pulled the diaper down in the front and saw the flaps. I laughed and grabbed my big Polaroid camera. "Smile." I said, then took the picture before he had a chance to even think.
"Not funny." he said as I laughed and blew on the picture. He flipped the diaper around and wrapped it securely around her tummy. He picked her up, putting his fingers behind her head so she didn't break her neck, and examined his work. He nodded and smiled, proud of himself. "I am good!" I grinned and shook my head.
"Well, since I did it all night last night maybe you could…"
"No. That was hard." I scuffed.
"You're helpin me. You'll get better, I promise." He sighed.
"Of course I'll help… But I'm doin it all."
"We'll take turns… But, when she needs fed in the middle of the night you bring her to me." He nodded.
"Yeah… That supposed to, like, bond us or somethin, right?" I smirked.
"Sounds good to me." He smiled down at Cheyenne as he lifted her and rocked her back and forth. After a while she fell back asleep. Brock sat down next to me and I watched as his eyes slowly started closing as well. I smiled and rested my head on his shoulder. Apparently it was nap time… We've had a very exhausting couple of days. I drifted in and out of sleep for the rest of the day as people came and went. I felt bad for not really being alert, but I really was tired and I was told to try to get as much sleep while I can because it wont last. Brock stayed up and visited with everybody, which I was very thankful for. Steve and Nancy stuck around until they had to get Trevor. They brought him up to see Cheyenne too, but he only seemed interested for about 5 minutes, then he got antsy. My dad finally made it in to town. Momma flew in and Daddy drove but didn't leave to come see us until this morning. They were both staying with Steve and Nancy tonight. Lori Ann came and actually stayed for a while. She held Cheyenne for about an hour and I must say I was shocked. Liz stayed all day too and I noticed her and my mother got along pretty well, of course, Liz wasn't being her normal, mean self to me since I just birthed her granddaughter, but I know she'll go back to normal sooner or later.
Six o'clock rolled around and before we knew it we were packing up our stuff and getting ready to go home. A nurse came in and made sure we had everything and were ready to go. When she was sure we were ready she gave us the okay to go whenever we wanted. I sighed and got up to help get everything sorted. Brock set the car seat on the bed as I changed Cheyenne into her 'going home dress' that Liz made us put her in. I wasn't a big fan of it, but oh well. It was big and purple and fluffy and looked the like most uncomfortable thing in the world. I carefully set her in her car seat and buckled her up, then waited for Brock to do everything else.
"Okay, we're all set." he said, grinning. I smiled up at him and heard momma sigh. I turned around to give her a hug.
"I'll call if anything goes wrong." I said quietly. She nodded, then walked over to Brock.
"Make sure she calls… you know how stubborn she is." he smiled and nodded before hugging her as well. She gently kissed Cheyennes forehead before walking to the door. Liz was right behind her after hugging her son and smiling at her granddaughter. Liz walked out without another word, but momma turned around to look at us again. "I love you guys…" Brock came up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders.
"We love you too." Brock and I said at the same time. She sighed again, then turned around to leave. Brock and I let out a breath of relief. He grabbed the car seat and the bag he packed before we left the house and I grabbed the diaper bag. We looked around the room once more before we left, then walked to the elevator, down a hallway and through the lobby, out the door. I smiled and peeked in the car seat.
"Her first time outside." I said.
"Is she awake." I shook my head.
"Shes never awake…" I said, sadly. Brock unlocked my car doors and put her in, facing the back window. I buckled her as he got in the drivers seat. I sat back there with her, she had her hand wrapped around my finger the whole 15 minutes we were in the car. We pulled into the driveway and I let out a sigh of relief. It felt so good to be home with her. I quickly unbuckled her and grabbed her car seat. Brock got the rest of the bags and I waited for him at the door. I smiled when I opened the door and we both stepped in. I set the car seat on the counter and carefully and quietly took her out. Dixie came running from around the counter. She almost jumped on me because she was so excited to see us until she saw the pink blanket. She sat in front of me and I slowly squatted down so Dixie could check her out. She sniffed her whole blanket, then cautiously licked her hand, eyeing me the whole time to make sure it was okay. I smirked and stood back up. "That's Dixie, and this," I walked into the living room and spun around slowly. "is your home." Brock flipped on the living room light and I felt Cheyenne jump, then open her eyes to squint. I laughed and Brock rushed over to try to see the face.
"Now what do we do?" He asked. I shrugged and sat down.
"Wait for her to do somethin, I guess…" he sighed.
"Shes booorrriinngg…" he complained. I scuffed and shook my head.
"Think her eyes will change?" he sat next to me and looked at her.
"I don't know… They're blue… We both have blue eyes."
"Yeah, but they're not either of our blues. Hers are more grayish, ours are brighter."
"They probably will… Think her hair will change?" He asked, hopeful, I could tell. I smirked and shook my head.
"I doubt it. What's wrong with blonde hair?"
"I have blonde hair… I was hopin she'd have your hair." I shook my head.
"I love her blonde hair." I said quietly. He smirked and grabbed her foot.
"She's so tiny." I raised my eyebrow and looked at him. "Well… okay… I didn't have to push her out of me…" I chuckled.
"Well, I'm gonna shower… or bathe since I had to go 9 months without taking a hot bath."
"What? You're leaving me out here with her?" I smirked as I set her in his arms.
"I wont take a bath, and you can come get me if you need anything."
"What if she gets hungry? I cant give her that!"
"Then I'll hurry! Calm down."
"Can I sit in the bathroom with you?"
"No, Brock!"
"Why? Please."
"No, I'll be fast… Then you can shower, we'll make dinner and probably go to bed." he sighed.
"Be really fast…" I nodded and went in to the bathroom. I grabbed two towels and turned on the water, then quickly stripped out of my clothes. I looked in the mirror when I took off my shirt and I sighed. I had no stretch marks, but some ab workouts will definitely be in my future. I had to admit, I was extremely thankful I didn't get that big… And even more thankful it was all in my stomach and that I didn't gain weight anywhere else. I quickly go in, washed my hair, washed my body, shaved since I hadn't done that in a while. For the last month I couldn't even see my legs anyway. I'd probably get razor burn from going so quickly… oh well. I got out, wrapped my hair in a towel, wrapped the other one around my body and went into our bedroom. When I stepped in I saw Brock laying on the bed with Cheyenne on his chest, both sleeping.
"Brock." I whispered.
"I'm awake." He said in a monotone voice, with his eyes still shut. I smirked and walked to the closet.
"Well, the shower's open."
"K…" he said, but didn't move.
"We still have to eat so don't fall asleep." He yawned.
"I'm not hungry."
"Go shower, Brock." I grabbed a t-shirt and comfortable, cotton shorts and laid them on the bed, then picked up Cheyenne. He opened his eyes and glared at me. "What?" I asked, chuckling.
"She was keeping me warm." he said, turning his back to me.
"Oh, yeah… I'm sure her 6 pound, 9 ounce body was keeping your 180 pound body very warm." She started to fuss a little and I absentmindedly rocked her.
"Now look what you did… you woke her up."
"So you could shower!" He groaned and got up, still glaring at me. "I shaved, finally." I said, smiling. He rolled his eyes and walked to the bathroom. I sighed and laid her back down on the bed. "Daddy's cranky because he didn't get any sleep and now, guess who he's gonna take it out on. Mommy!" I said, sarcastically sounding happy. I heard the water start up and I quickly got dressed as she went from a little fuss to a full cry. I yawned and sat down, taking her in my arms. I pulled the big t-shirt up and she instantly attached to eat. I flinched a little at the soreness and sucked in a deep breath through my teeth. "Ouch… you don't have to be so harsh." I whispered, then played with her feet with my free hand. 5 minutes later Brock came out with a towel around his waist.
"Thought you were makin dinner." He said, still being grumpy.
"Your child was hungry." I snapped back. He turned to me and looked at me confused.
"What's your problem?"
"You! You're bein a grump because you're tired. It ain't my fault, so quit takin it out on me."
"Should I take it out on her?" he asked, gesturing to the baby who was slowly closing her eyes again.
"No… Don't take it out on anyone!" I said, whispering.
"Just let me sleep!" He whispered back.
"You don't want dinner?" he shook his head and slipped on his shirt. He dropped his towel and put his boxers on, then crawled in bed next to us. "Guess I'll eat alone then." Cheyenne had falled completely asleep and stopped eating so I gently pulled her away and wiped her face off with my hand, then pulled my shirt down. I walked over to her basinet on Brocks side of the room and gently set her in there, then walked to the door, flipped off the light and craked the door. I took the towel out of my hair, hung it up in the bathroom and proceeded to the kitchen to find something to eat. I grabbed the bread, cheese and mayo to make a grilled cheese. I sat up on the counter and snaked on grapes while I waited for the pan to heat up. Our bedroom door squeaked quietly and I looked towards the hall to see Brock walking out, rubbing his eyes.
"Decide you were hungry?" he looked at the counter and saw the ingredients.
"I knew I smelled Rebas famous grilled cheese." I rolled my eyes at the fact that I hadn't even started cooking yet, not to mention, grilled cheese doesn't usually have a strong smell and he smirked. He walked over to me and set a hand on each side of my legs on the counter, then opened his mouth. I dropped a grape in his mouth and he smiled while he chewed.
"Are you done bein cranky?" He nodded and kissed my jaw. I pulled his face away and softly kissed his nose, then grabbed a few more grapes. He opened his mouth again and I moved a grape above his mouth. He stood a little taller to try to get it and just as I lowered my hand to where he could reach it I quickly popped it in my mouth and chuckled. He squeezed the sides of my thighs and tried hold back a laugh.
"Seriously?" he asked. I threw my head back and laughed quietly.
"Okay, sorry." I said, still smirking. I moved another grape above his mouth and repeated my actions. I laughed again and he moved his hands up to my hips. I jumped a little and gave him a warning glare. Now he smirked with a raised eyebrow. "Please don't…" I begged. His smile got even more mischievous and he slowly started moving his fingers. "Brock! No…" I said, with laughter in my voice. "My stitches! My stitches…" He sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Gimme a grape, then!" I grabbed another one and slowly inched it towards my face. He grabbed my wrist, but I grabbed it with my lips before he could take it. I was gonna laugh at him, leaving the grape between my lips to rub it in, but he grabbed my face with one hand and took it with his mouth. He smiled, smugly at me as he chewed. "Your pan's warm." he said, not looking away from me. I pushed him out of the way and hopped down.
"You can have dog food for dinner."