Good Start
Chapter 9
Christine took to living in the basement apartment like a duck to water. She loved it. It took Mike some getting used to, even though it was the house he grew up in. She was making their little apartment very homey and they had bought a crib for the baby. And he was able to go with her to her doctor's appointments and was there when they found out they were having a baby girl.
They were both elated. Of course, they would have been if it had been a boy. Mike felt like he was in a sea of pink hand me downs from Mackenzie. The pregnancy progressed normally and Christine felt huge as her due date neared. One day at work; he and Pete were doing reports at the office when the desk sergeant approached them.
"Slattery; just got a call from your mom. You'd better head home. Your wife is in labor and they are heading her to the hospital." Sergeant Grady explained.
"Labor?" Mike asked.
"Yes. She is having contractions—six minutes apart and her water has broken. I didn't need all those details but your mom isn't shy about sharing." Sergeant Grady said.
"So, this isn't a false alarm?" Mike asked.
"No, kid. She's having the baby. Get your butt moving so you're there. Pete; since your related you might drive him." Sergeant Grady answered. Mike stood up and looked around. "Go!" Sergeant Grady ordered. Mike nodded and he and Pete headed to the locker room to change clothes and then to the hospital.
By the time he got there; Christine was admitted and an epidural had been administered. She was in agony and he hated it. He couldn't seem to do anything to help her. Finally, the family all excused themselves and it was him, her, the doctor and the nurse.
"Okay; Christine, you're crowning; so just a couple more pushes." The doctor said. Mike tried to take her hand but she jerked away.
"Don't touch me! You did this to me and you're never touching me again!" Christine exclaimed. The nurse snickered in response.
"Its normal. She'll change her mind in a moment." She told Mike.
"No, I won't! You son of a…ah…!" Christine said. The doctor instructed her to push and the next few moments; she pushed and moaned and pushed some more. Finally, an unfamiliar cry filled the room. The nurse lowered Christine's hospital gown and put the most beautiful baby on Christine's chest.
"Does Dad want to cut the umbilical cord?" The doctor asked and Mike nodded. He was shown what to do and a moment later; was sitting next to Christine on the bed, admiring his new daughter.
"She's so perfect. Thank you." Mike said, shocked at the emotion cracking through. Christine leaned back and gave him a long kiss.
"I need to check her out while Mom gets cleaned up." The pediatrician said. Christine handed the baby off, but watched every move while the OBGYN finished with her. Mike wanted to hold his daughter but she was handed back to Christine, wrapped in a swaddle with a little cap on.
"Would you like to try nursing before the family all comes in?" The nurse asked and Christine nodded. The nurse helped her adjust the baby and she quickly latched onto Christine's nipple.
"She needs to eat but once she's done, I would like to hold her before the family starts hogging her." Mike remarked and Christine laughed.
"I think that can be arranged. She has your coloring." Christine remarked.
"She's pretty amazing." Mike said as he touched the baby's hand. She curled her into hand around Mike's finger and he smiled in response.
"Yes, she is." Christine answered in agreement. She leaned into Mike and put her head on his shoulder as they watched the baby nurse greedily. Little Kaitlyn Hope already had both her parents wrapped around her little finger.