ALTERNATE ENDING 1 CHAPTER 23

Stef made sure that Lena was asleep. Stef had a quick bite to eat. Then she headed over to the NICU's Special Care nursery Her ID bracelet was checked and she was cleared to enter. She was given an update on his condition by the NICU staff. She was then allowed to enter the nursery. Her heart swelled just at the sight of her son. He looked so small and fragile. The isolate and all of the equipment surround him seemed overwhelming.

She snapped a photo and marveled at how tiny he was. Brandon had been twice the size of both of these babies put together. He was so thin. His skin was almost translucent and he was covered in downy hair. Stef stood back in awe for a few seconds. She wasn't allowed to swaddle him but she did put the blanket that Lena had been sleeping with close to him.

She was given a Kangacarrier and instructed on how to use it. She got the opportunity to change his diaper and take his temperature. She was shown how to touch him and encouraged to give him as much skin to skin contact as possible. Stef sat in the rocker with her baby and didn't take her eyes off of him.

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Lena was awakened by Dr. Hillcroft who came in to give her another check. She told her that she had done well throughout the delivery and congratulated her. After she checked her over, Lena was told that things looked good. She assured her that the Neonatologist would be coming in to speak to her about the babies' conditions shortly. This sounded ominous to Lena. She began to tear up as she waited.

A nurse came in to give her a uterus massage as she waited for the neonatologist. She was offered a pain reliever which she readily accepted. The nurse helped her out of bed and helped her to walk around. It was important she was up and walking frequently for her recovery. She changed her pad and ice pack. She then sat in the rocking chair by the window until the doctor arrived. Dana handed over the baby and Lena inhaled him with tears running down her eyes.

Dana had brought her some lunch from one of Lena's favorite eateries. Lena didn't realize how ravenous she was until the smell wafted over to her. She tackled the food as if it was her last meal.

Callie was in awe of her new baby brother. She had to keep being asked to move back and to stop from overcrowding him. Brandon however was fine flipping through the tv and enjoying the suites amenities. He went through the refrigerator and all of the cabinets. He played with the controllers for the bed. Finally Sharon had him lay on the bed after picking out a movie to watch.

Everyone's question now was what they were going to name the babies. Lena again said she needed to spend more time with them before she could name them.

Shortly after that the NICU doctor arrived again. Lena's Mom grabbed her hand as Lena sat up straight. Her Father stroked her hair and put his arm around her to help support her. She was so scared she was shaking.

The doctor told her about Baby A's condition first. He informed her that he was breathing on his own but he did need a small amount of help with oxygen. For now, an oxygen tube was fine for him. He wasn't able to suck yet so he would continue to be fed with a tube. His temperature wasn't yet regulated but they had no doubt he'd be fine with a little more time.

The doctor's face became graver and he was a lot less animated when he described Baby B's condition. His lungs were not fully developed so he needed medication and a machine to help him breathe. For now, he was being fed through an IV. His voice grew quieter and his tone became almost subdued. "His condition is critical. We're doing all we can and will continue to but, I can't promise you anything at this point."

Lena's body went cold and tears began to pour down her eyes. "Can I see my son now?" Lena asked.

"Of course," the doctor answered. The nurse will be in shortly to help you up." After checking to make sure there were no more questions, the doctor left.

Dana and Lisa rushed to Lena to lend their support. Sharon took over Baby A and sat with him in the rocking chair.

The nurse came into the room with a wheelchair. Lena got in and Dana and Lisa escorted her to the NICU nursery. Again they went through the same orientation that Stef had been given. Finally, Lena was allowed into the nursery to see her baby.

Stef moved to the side to give her room next to the incubator. Lena was handed another Kangacarrier and Stef transferred their son over to her.

Tears were welled in Lena eyes. Stef sat next to her and wrapped both of them in her arms. Stef asked the nurse of she would snap a picture for their album for them.

After snapping the picture, the nurse's phone went off. The ringtone was the Beatles.

Lena pointed and said, "Hey Jude. Love that song." When she spoke Baby B turned his head into her chest. Stef and Lena looked at one another. "Hey Jude," she said again. And again he turned his head in her direction. "Well, I think he just got a name. Jude Ruben Adams." She leaned her head over toward Stef. "We can call him JR. Like JR Ewing. What do you think babe?"

"I think it's as perfect as you are," Stef said in her husky voice filled with emotion. She gave Lena a big kiss. "Now that's one down, one to go." They sat together thinking it over.

"He looks like a newborn baby chick," Stef joked to lighten the mood. "Not as scary as JR Ewing was, but I think it'll do."

Lena rolled her eyes at her and giggled. "He looks perfect."

"He's my son. Of course he's perfect," she leaned closer to Lena. "Just like his Mama," she whispered. She kissed her and the two cuddled close just enjoying their son.