Chapter 4
BABY MAC AND A ROAD TRIP
When they got to the doctor's office the next day, Ellie handed over the completed new patient paperwork they'd faxed to her and copies of her medical records, also sent by Dr. Mallard. They drew blood for tests and then she had an exam followed immediately by the ultrasound.
The doctor slowly moved the wand over Ellie's baby bump. They could see little Mac's profile in clear detail, he was curled up. Dr. Hunter smiled, "I'd like to get his measurements. Is there any way you can get him to move around, stretch out?"
Ellie thought, "He's usually active for a few minutes after I lay down."
"All right, let's do that." He adjusted the exam table so she was nearly prone. The baby started moving around and soon he stretched out. Tim laughed as he could see Ellie's tummy bulge with what looked like the heel of one of Little Mac's feet. The doctor took stills of the baby, measuring his length and current weight.
"He's already 19½ inches and you have six weeks to go, he's probably going to be close to 21 inches at birth. His weight is about 7 pounds now; he'll get up to 8 before he joins us."
"Your due date was December 1st; however I wouldn't be surprised if this little guy shows up a week or so early. I want to see you once a week starting mid-November. When are you starting your maternity leave?"
"We are federal agents, evacuees from DC. The head of our agency sheltered with us, including my direct supervisor. We're currently working from our home out on Quail Hill Rd until the new office is ready, after Veteran's Day. I'm already on desk duty - I'm normally a field agent. With permission from you, I can work from home as long as I want."
"I see. And if you do that, will you have regular hours?"
"Yes."
"I'll approve that as long as you adhere to some restrictions. Eight hours of sleep every night and no more than four hours of work a day. No lifting anything over 5 pounds. Lots of walking, you'll need to continue your exercise routine but no more than a quarter mile without a rest. Do you have stairs you have to climb?"
"Yes, our bedroom is on the second floor of our house. And our kids' rooms too."
"No more than three trips up and down a day." He looked at her information. "Is your younger daughter walking yet?"
"Yes, although she's still wobbly on stairs and uneven surfaces."
"Then she goes up and down with Dad or someone else. At 13 months, she's too heavy for you right now."
Ellie was crestfallen and the doctor shook his head. "Do you cuddle with her, read her stories?"
"Yes, we sit in the rocking chair to cuddle and read stories."
"That's fine, just no picking her up."
Tim threw in, "We have plenty of help, Doctor and one of our friends is opening a day-care center next to the new office. Our plan was for Lia to go there once our office opens."
"That's fine." Then he frowned, "You both work for the same agency?"
"Yes, although I'm in the office, not a field agent."
"Good. Now, you'll need to have your hospital tour and see about a Lamaze class. Our front desk has information on both."
"Doctor, we planned to drive to Taos this weekend. A friend from home is opening a restaurant and we were going to get away for a couple of days."
"Taking the children?"
Tim answered because he wanted to add something. "Yes, and my brother and sister, both pediatricians, will be going too."
"That certainly changes things. Two nights?"
Ellie nodded, "Yes, I thought it would be better as I can get more rest. We're going after work on Friday."
"Are your doctor siblings also going for two nights?"
Tim shook his head, "We hadn't planned on it but I'll ask if one of them can do that."
"All right, you're in good health although I know you're uncomfortable. And having been cooped up for so long, the getaway seems important mentally and emotionally. IF you have a doctor with you all weekend and I mean in the room next door, then I'll approve. However, I don't want you working all day and then sitting in a car for nearly three hours. Work in the morning, rest in the afternoon and take a walk before you go. And as far as sightseeing in Taos, I'm going to restrict you to four hours per day with breaks every hour."
"Doctor, the cabins we're staying in have a pool with climate control so it's still available now. Is that all right?"
"Absolutely yes, swim as much as you like, that's very good for you, takes the weight off your back. What's the name of the place?"
Tim told him and the doctor jotted it down. "Have to check it out. Hotels and motels are so noisy."
Tim laughed, "The cabins are separate but when I stayed there before there were other kids too."
"But they wouldn't be noisy all night! What's the name of the new restaurant?"
"Diner the Great. Formerly of Silver Spring, Maryland."
"My wife's been itching to go on a road trip, maybe we'll go up too."
"The owner's name is Nancy Fendlay; she's a friend of ours."
"Wonderful! I won't mention you, though."
"Oops, privacy laws, sorry!"
"Yes, I do have to adhere to them!"
While Ellie was getting dressed, Tim made the appointments for future checkups. The staff gave him two brochures, one for the medical center birthing center tour and the other one for Lamaze classes. He was happy to see there were interactive online Lamaze classes, the most practical way for them to attend at this point.
As they reached the truck, Ellie said, "Do you feel like going straight home?"
He shook his head, "No way! You hungry?"
They laughed, as Ellie was usually hungry, pregnant or not. She wanted Chinese food and the doctor said she didn't need to restrict anything but to eat in moderation so Tim drove to the Chinese restaurant he and Dad frequented back in the day. After they ordered, Tim took his wife's hand. "Our baby's almost here! I love the shots of him."
"Me too! Let's go shopping on the way home."
"Ok but no more than an hour."
"That'll work. Wonder if there are any baby stores in town?"
Tim grinned at her and while they ate, he found a store that sounded perfect. He wouldn't tell her where they were going, why ruin her fun?
She smiled as they walked into the store. "Oh boy, I'm gonna love this!"
"Yep. Forty-five minutes to shop."
"I can do that."
"I'm gonna do some shopping of my own; see you in a bit."
She was already on her way to the first rack of baby wear. He watched her and then looked around, finally asking a sales clerk for the item he wanted. She took him to the rack and he found just what he wanted and then threw in something for himself. He quickly paid for everything; the items were wrapped in tissue paper and put in a big shopping bag. Then he browsed a little, taking photos of a few things. When he spotted Ellie moving to the cashier, he followed her. His mouth dropped open as she piled a mound of clothes, toys, and other baby items on the counter.
"Sweetie, that's more than 5 pounds!"
"Oops, I forgot!"
The sales clerk chuckled. "May I make a suggestion?"
"Please!"
"Do you know if you're having a baby shower?"
"Yes, I am. Don't know when."
"Why don't you pick out a few things to buy now and then we'll put the rest on a register. You can let people know you have items you like here and we'll give them a copy of the register. It works just like a wedding register."
"Thanks, that's a great idea."
Behind her, Tim smiled in relief. Not that they couldn't afford everything but they knew their family and friends were planning something.
Ellie picked out a few items for now and paid for them, the two leaving the store with Tim carrying two shopping bags.
When they got to the ranch, he took the bags upstairs to their room where they were stashed in the closet, after Tim wrote Ellie's name on her bag.
Ty and Brynie were still in school and Lia was napping in the shelter so they went looking for their parents.
Jethro was in his temporary workshop, part of the outbuilding that still had most of the furniture stored in it. He and Tobias worked all morning on baby furniture and then Tobias took off, having lunch out with Mel.
Jerry returned to the workshop with Gibbs after lunch and was helping his co-grandfather with the lathe.
Tim thought of calling his father but decided a walk in the fresh air would be good for him. He grinned when he spotted his father-in-law with his dad and waited until they were through their task before interrupting them.
Jethro looked up first, "Hey son, everything all right?"
"Yes. We just got back from our doctor's appointment. Have new shots of the baby for you."
"Great, we'll take a break, clean up and come see them."
They were just leaving the shed when they spotted Ellie walking over with Shannon, Barbara, and Mac.
Tim swallowed a sigh; Ellie had done more than enough walking for one day. She should be resting by now.
Ellie wanted to make a face at her husband; she could see the worry in his eyes. She guessed that was what husbands did. They couldn't carry the baby or give birth so they made sure their mates were safe and well cared for. No matter how annoying it was sometimes.
The couple showed their parents the stills of Little Mac, pointing to his current weight and length. Barbara smiled, "Oh, he's almost ready."
Tim nodded, "Yes, Ellie has some new restrictions and the doctor thinks he might come a week or so before his due date. We have weekly checkups starting after Veteran's Day."
"New restrictions, are you still going to Taos this weekend?"
"Maybe. If one of our doctors can go with us on Friday then we can go but if Rob or Kelly can't go until Saturday, then the doctor doesn't want us to go. And he wants me to have time to rest and get some exercise before the car rides to and from."
"Have you asked the docs yet?"
Tim replied to that, "No, we had lunch out and did a little shopping, haven't had a chance yet. And sweetie, haven't you had your walk for this afternoon?"
She nodded, "I do want to lay down. But I'll walk back."
Tim grinned, "Nah, I'll get the ATV. We'll stick to the path so it won't be bumpy."
The Gibbs' kids had chipped in, buying Jethro and Shannon a two-seater All-Terrain Vehicle as a combined Father-Mother's Day gift last spring. When Steve Ortiz and his crew rehabbed the guesthouses and barn, they'd also added a paved path between the ranch house, guesthouses, and barn. Steve thought the family might take in paying guests at some point and ATVs and golf carts were a great way to get guests and their luggage to their rooms.
Tim brought the ATV out from the storage shed and Ellie climbed on. He took off, driving slowly so she and the baby would have the smoothest ride possible.
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Ellie was later glad for her two-hour rest as the kids bounced around, excited about the baby's pictures and their trip this weekend. Kelly, now working at the UNM Medical Center, was off Friday through Sunday and would go with them. The others would drive up on Saturday.
Tim was afraid the rest of the week would drag but then the LLC information arrived. The packet was first carefully reviewed by Ali, then by an attorney she recommended in Albuquerque and finally by the membership. On Thursday, a cash offer to purchase the Adams' parcel of 200 acres was made and accepted. Within a few days, the deed to the land would legally be in the hands of the LLC.
Tim and Ellie were amused at how excited they were about their trip to Taos. When they stopped to think, they realized they'd been preoccupied for more than 6 months with the threat, then preparing and getting everyone out of danger, followed by the attack and weeks of sheltering.
Even with Ellie's restrictions, it felt wonderful to leave the ranch and get out of town for a couple of days. When they said something to Kelly, she laughed as she was feeling the same way. She just wished Mateo would come with them but he was adamant about working to save money. Ellie told Tim she thought that relationship had encountered a rough spot.
The kids were excited about the trip although they hadn't felt quite as much of the strain as their parents and grandparents had. As their parents told them would happen, they left home to move to the ranch, then to the shelter where they'd been busy with school, playing with Neo in the pet shelter tunnel, playing and hanging out with their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Although having the Bishop relatives there was new and there were a lot more people living around them, their routine was quickly established.
Ty and Brynie were old enough now to know when something was wrong. They'd sensed it while their family and friends were moving all their belongings to the warehouse and the morning they drove to the airfield with more of their things. Ty knew when they kissed Poppy and Nonny goodbye that morning that it wasn't 'normal'. But then they were reunited at the ranch and everything happened the way their parents said it would. They were sad about all the houses on E. Laurel being blown up and they knew that other things were gone but they were still too young to imagine the devastation. With all that and with a few major exceptions, the day the missiles struck, the mourning, celebration days, and the night Mrs. Ware hurt Mr. Ware, they felt safe.
With everyone so excited about the weekend, the drive to Taos went quickly and they drove onto the Taos Creek Cabins property shortly after sunset. Kelly and Ellie got the kids inside while Tim unloaded their luggage. He'd made a double recipe of macaroni and cheese with grilled chicken and veggies last night and when he brought in Lia's booster seat, he turned the oven on to heat their dinner. By the time everyone was settled, dinner was in the oven and the kids were exploring the cabin. Tyler put his flashlight on the nightstand and then grinned at his Aunty Kelly who had her own flashlight. She smiled at him, "This is a new place; I might get lost on my way to the bathroom tonight."
"I couldn't remember where we were our first time but I found Daddy and kissed him. Then he tucked me back in and kissed me. After that, I got my flashlight, oh, that was at our lake!"
In the other room, Tim nodded to himself, amazed that his 7-year-old remembered anything that happened when he was 4. But then he had vague memories of being in a new place, which he believed was Okinawa, and how different it was and he'd been about 3 when they moved there. He also remembered taking care of baby Sarah with Patrick and climbing up on kitchen counters to reach the cabinets, food and the microwave, although he was 6 then.
He was relieved when his wife and sister liked the cabin, declaring it charming and perfect for families. While he got dinner ready, Dr. Kelly checked Ellie's vitals, reporting she and the baby were fine.
Lia ate about half her dinner before she fell asleep. Tim cleaned her up with NoAgua lotion, got her changed and into her portable crib in the kids' room. Then he went back to his own dinner. Brynie and Ty made it through dinner and about 15 minutes of a movie before they conked out and Kelly helped him get them cleaned up, changed and into bed. Ty woke up enough to make sure his flashlight was where it was supposed to be, yes, he was his father's son, before pulling the covers up over him. Brynie never stirred.
Ellie was next as she kissed her husband and sister-in-law goodnight. Kelly and Tim looked at each other, laughing softly as it was early for both of them. They'd each brought a deck of cards and found a third one on the cabin's game shelf so the two of them settled in for a cutthroat game of Spite and Malice. Mac taught both of them although he claimed he'd learned it from Jack. There was strategy involved and it took the siblings nearly forty minutes to finish one game, which Kelly won.
Tim demanded a rematch and they spent another 30 minutes locked in mortal combat, er, the strategies of the game. This time Tim won and both yawning decided to turn in.
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As he'd done with Ty and Brynie last time they were here, Tim set up Lia's baby monitor, linking it to his watch. When she woke Saturday morning, the little girl amused herself for nearly an hour before leaning into the monitor and calling for her daddy, just as Brynie did when she was younger.
Tim was up, showered and dressed, now he got Lia up and the two of them enjoyed their morning beverages in their sippy cups (or travel mug as Tim called his), the little girl sitting on Daddy's lap while he read the news on his tablet. Sometimes he'd stop and read something to her and she'd nod solemnly or giggle.
Eventually, the others got up. As Nancy's 'Grand Opening' was an all-day affair, once everyone was dressed, they piled into the van and drove into town for breakfast. They were early and glad of it when they got there as several cars followed them into the parking lot. They had no problems getting a table but didn't sit until after Nancy kissed and hugged each one of them, announcing to the other customers that these were friends from home, fellow evacuees. Kelly, Tim, and Ellie smiled at each other when they saw the familiar booths and tables, it was just like home! They had a hearty breakfast and when a photographer from the local paper entered the diner, Nancy asked if they'd appear in a photo with her. That was problematic for the two NCIS agents but they solved it by having the kids and Kelly in one photo with Nancy and the two of them in another one with Nancy, their faces obscured. Tim later sent a text to Bob, warning him to watch out for cameras.
After breakfast, they took the kids to the toy store that had been so much fun 3 years ago and let the two older ones loose while Ellie found a comfortable chair and footstool. Aunty Kelly took Lia around to the toys and play stations meant for her age group and the two of them had fun together. As he had before, Tim watched to see what all three of his children were most interested in and then with a word to Ellie, disappeared to the gift shop, having everything shipped to the ranch. The shipment also included several items for Little Mac to help him develop as he grew from newborn to infant to baby.
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Eventually, they pried the kids from the toys, crafts, and imagination stations and returned to their cabin for Lia's morning nap. Not surprisingly, her mother also had a nap, pleasing Tim and Dr. Kelly.
While Ellie and Lia were snoozing, Kelly went back to town to look around for a few hours and Tim took Ty and Brynie on a nature walk, ending up at the creek where they fed the ducks. Ellie found it endearing when she heard that the owners of the property made sure to shelter the ducks with them, creating an underground pond and grassy habitat for them. Now they had the ducks they'd taken with them and several ducklings who for once had been safe from predators.
Tim smiled to himself as he watched the kids, remembering the photo he'd taken of the kids feeding the deer the last time they were here. He and Ellie eventually had the photo painted and would hang it in the new house. Maybe they'd come back after little Mac was walking and take a new photo of all four of the children.
When mother and baby daughter woke, the family went for a swim in the climate-controlled pool, spending most of the afternoon swimming and playing. The rest of the gang arrived over a period of a couple of hours.
The Hubbards were first. They checked into their cabin, Hannah and Callum joined their cousins in the pool while Jim, Claire, and Ainsley said hello and goodbye as they left to explore Taos. Nearly an hour later the kids, Tim and Ellie were out of the pool taking a break when Tyler called out, "Poppy, Nonny and Grandpa are here!"
They were greeted as if the family had been apart for weeks but then they'd lived in each other's pockets, so to speak, for so long that it was odd to be away from them. As he hugged his mom, Tim thought about how long it had taken the two of them to be comfortable with each other. Just as he thought they were really connecting, he and Ellie had gone on their delayed honeymoon and he'd thought of nothing but his bride for two glorious weeks on Kaua'i. Home again, he felt like he and Shannon had to start over again, although not with the bad feelings. Now he couldn't imagine his life without her.
Shannon and Jethro checked in and took their bags to the cabin. They'd already done some sightseeing and wanted a swim before dinner. Tim, Ellie, and the kids stayed for a few minutes but the kids needed to dry off and change for dinner so Tim herded them back to the cabin along with Hannah and Cal. They discovered Kelly had returned and was waking from a nap. Between them, they got the kids dry and Lia dressed. Rob and Ali arrived last as Rob, also employed at UNM Medical Center, worked the night shift and needed to sleep for a few hours. Ali drove and said he slept most of the way so he should be mostly caught up. She'd been to Taos several times and she and Rob had already been to see her favorite spots.
They had a wonderful time surprising Nancy with their crowd. Dinner was delicious and most of the group had more photos taken with Nancy. Back at the cabins, they'd thought to have a campfire but it was too chilly and Ellie and the kids were tired. Poppy offered to cook breakfast in the morning, the group deciding to meet at Tim and Ellie's as they had the biggest cabin.
After breakfast and a walk down to the creek on Sunday, Sarah and Bob offered to watch the kids if Tim and Ellie wanted to spend some time in town. They did, taking the Chalmers' car. They spent three glorious hours by themselves, with plenty of rest stops for Ellie, did some more Christmas shopping and then drove back to the cabins.
After Dr. Rob checked Ellie, she and Lia had naps while the others had one last swim. When the nappers woke, the Tim Gibbses and Kelly packed up and headed for home. The senior Gibbses liked the cabins and Taos so much they wanted to stay another night so Mac also went home in the van.
Everyone enjoyed the outing and it seemed to breathe purpose into them as if the trip to Taos spelled the end of the 'sheltering' days and the true beginnings of their new lives.
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Back at the ranch, the LLC membership quickly made a decision to split into teams, just as they had while preparing to evacuate. The various teams included Preparation, Container Sources, Purchase and Delivery, Design, Furnishings, Exterior, Landscape, Bidding for Contractors and Finding Residents. This last entry started out as "How to find Evacuees to live here."
During the first few weeks after the land was purchased, members of the Preparation team reviewed the soil analysis, consulted qualified engineers and learned about water, utilities and sewage needs. The Container Sources team searched for reputable sources of used shipping containers. There was a lot of preparatory work and research that needed to be done before the containers could be converted.
In the meantime, life on the surface continued to be busy and more of the former shelter residents went back to work and school.
Geo heard from his Commanding Officer that he'd been assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base near Albuquerque, doing liaison work. He was vague about his duties reassuring his wife and family he wouldn't be traveling anywhere near the strike zone or out of the country. The assignment should be interesting and he was relieved he wouldn't have to leave his pregnant wife or family.
Maggie had a call two days later. She'd completed her first trimester and had dutifully reported her pregnancy to the Corps earlier that morning. She was in the shelter library working while Arin had his afternoon nap. When her laptop chimed with a Skype call, she blinked at the contact id. Straightening her posture, she accepted the call saying, "This is Captain Barnes."
"Captain, this is Colonel Flagg, MCASY, I'm your new CO."
Colonel Flagg informed her she had been recalled to active duty at the Marine Air Station in Yuma, Arizona. For now, she would perform those duties from Albuquerque. "Once you are medically cleared to return to work, we'll revisit your duties. Captain, the work you'll be doing is vital to the Corps and the nation; you'll be leading the team to process returning Marine dependents from their evacuation locations. And that will require phone and computer work; you will have four staff here in Yuma. I've spoken with Director Vance who agrees this is a priority."
"Yes sir, of course. I look forward to the assignment, how soon may I start?"
The colonel chuckled, "I've sent you our mission goals and the procedures we've worked out. If you have any suggestions or changes, let me know. Director Vance tells me your family is actively working to house evacuees, more evacuees."
"Yes sir. We formed a group to work towards that, purchased a parcel of land and are in the process of adding 100 temporary homes for evacuees and Returnees."
"Wonderful!"
When Maggie disconnected, she smiled. She loved a challenge; she'd been afraid she'd be stuck with paperwork, which she knew was necessary and helpful to the Corps. This she was proud and excited to take on.
Of the camp alumni, Barry was hired by the Albuquerque Police Department and reported for orientation and his first duty shift within 24 hours of accepting the position. Having already passed the licensing exam, Jose and Freddie took on their first New Mexico plumbing jobs. Bill worked with the paving contractor and the landscape contractor on the Evacuees Project before beginning full-time work for Ortiz Construction. Changing his plans, he continued in residence at the ranch, sleeping in his room in the shelter. He was going to save money, buy in to the LLC. Long-term, he hoped to buy his own bit of land and build a home.
Ed and Ginny Slater moved into their rental home and had their equipment moved from storage into their new mortuary building. And just in time as the Palmer-Slater mortuary had their first client before their official opening. They were ready but went ahead with their 'Grand Opening' a week later.
Kayla, Jared, Jeff Crane and Emily Fornell had been taking online college courses for several weeks, now they prepared to return to campus. Kayla, Jeff, and Emily were enrolled at UNM while Jared would be leaving for the University of California, San Diego in time to start class November 12th. Because of the disruption of normal life in most of the country, most colleges and universities were running staggered class sessions so those students released from shelters could resume their formal education as soon as possible.
Enrolled in the private prep school and able to attend via Skype and online courses, Jeff had quickly fulfilled his high school credits and earned his diploma faster than even his shelter instructors predicted. He, Emily and Kayla would move into the campus dormitories the same week Jared's classes started.
Mateo also returned to school, finishing his undergrad work at the University of New Mexico. Although he had a 'free ride' that is a full scholarship, he'd quickly found part-time employment and found a share rental near campus.