Hi all! Happy Holidays!
This chapter was ready 2 months ago but then life got busy. Also, I should know better than to make guesses on how many chapters are left when I only have a vague outline & a few paragraphs. My New Year's resolution will be to finish this story! It should only be another 2 or 3 chapters, lol
FFN note: I hear rumors all the time about this site dying and I've already backed-up all my fics. But ffn is telling me that I haven't had any views on any of my fics since mid-Sept, even though I've gotten story followed/favorited notifications. So a reminder that I am also on AO3 (same username), although I haven't added all my finished fanfics yet. I will finish this story on here (if I can), although I probably won't post anything new afterwards.
Anyways, this chapter starts a little over a week after the last chapter, so Izzy is 2.5 weeks old. Apologies if I get any mental health information wrong.
Enjoy!
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Chapter 29
*Tues Nov 9th*
"Thank you for joining us, Carlton." Dr Jen greeted as she closed the door behind him.
"Of course," Carlton replied as he took the chair next to Sharon.
Sharon kept her head down, refusing to look at Carlton. She had a pillow on her lap that she was squeezing tight.
Dr Jen sat behind her desk and folded her hands. "You expressed your concerns that Sharon seemed to be showing symptoms of extreme depression. I want to reassure you that these are perfectly normal responses in new parents who are suffering from postpartum depression."
"Okay."
"About 15% of new parents are diagnosed with postpartum depression, or PPD. While Sharon's circumstances are a little more complicated than normal PPD, we still have several treatment plans we can try. What's important is that you support Sharon and not push her too hard if she decides that something is outside of her capabilities."
"Okay." Carlton nodded and placed a hand on Sharon's knee.
"If you are willing, I would like for you to make a list of tasks she can do on various days depending on her energy levels. From a bare minimum day of just eating while staying in bed, to a moderate day with about five activities, like taking a shower, and an even more active day like taking a walk around the block. For the time being, she will need supervised sessions with the baby, just in case she suddenly feels fatigued. I would prefer Sharon to breastfeed as much as possible, even to pump and save on good days. Being active in caring for the baby will help. Does all this sound good?"
"Yeah, I can do that."
"Good. I also suggest working with your couple's therapist. Like I said, postpartum depression is common, there's nothing to be ashamed of, and you need to be sure to reach out to your support system for help. You need to be able to take breaks as well, Carlton. Do you know when Sharon's mom will be back in town?"
Carlton frowned and looked at Sharon, "I believe she will be here in a few days, maybe Friday? I'll have to check."
"Saturday morning," Sharon mumbled.
Dr Jen smiled. "Good to know. Do you have any questions for me?"
Carlton squeezed Sharon's knee before asking, "Is there anything I should know about her treatment plan? Change in meds or diet?"
"We're going to try a couple new medications that are also safe for the baby. While I would prefer Sharon to eat healthy, balanced meals, the old adage 'fed is best' applies, both for her and the baby. As long as Sharon gets in a minimum amount of calories per day, she could have whatever she wants, even if just smoothies or ice cream is all she can muster on some days. And make sure that she is drinking plenty of water, it will help with breastfeeding."
"Okay, I'll keep that in mind."
"Sharon, do you have questions?"
Sharon shrugged and squeezed the pillow tighter. "Not really. I'm sorry for being difficult."
"Sharon, it is not your fault. We already knew this was a possibility due to your previous bouts of depression. PPD tends to lessen and go away within a few months with treatment. We all just want you to focus on getting better so you can start enjoying time with your new baby."
"Okay." Sharon whispered.
Doc Jen smiled slightly as she handed a packet to Carlton. "Here's some more information and helpful tips. Feel free to call me anytime if you have questions. I'll have the receptionist schedule a follow-up appointment in about two weeks to check the medication."
"Thank you, doctor."
"Of course."
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"I'm sorry, Lassie." Sharon whispered once they were in the car.
"It's not your fault." Carlton replied as he concentrated on the road.
"You didn't ask for this."
"Neither did you. We'll just take things one day at a time."
"Okay." She mumbled and looked away.
After a bit of silence, Carlton asked, "What would you like for lunch?"
Sharon shrugged. "It doesn't matter to me."
"Okay. Would you rather have a burger or tacos?"
Sharon was quiet for a few seconds before whispering, "Burgers and fries sound good. Can I get a pineapple smoothie?"
"Sure. Do you think your dad will want anything?"
"I don't know, but definitely not a smoothie."
"Fair enough."
"Do you mind if I take a nap in the car?"
"Sure. Just don't take your seatbelt off."
"Okay, Lassie."
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When they got back to the house a half hour later, Sharon was still sleeping. Carlton brought the food inside first and then came back to carry Sharon.
As he was getting Sharon settled on the bed, Henry came into the bedroom with Isabella.
"How was the appointment?" Henry asked as he rocked Isabella.
"As expected." Carlton whispered as he straightened the covers.
"Did the doctor give Sharon new meds?"
"Yeah." Carlton cleared his throat as he led the way out of the bedroom. "The doctor gave me some tips on how to help her. I'll probably need your help here more often."
"Whatever you need. Madeleine will be here in a few days; do you think she should stay in your guest room?"
"Yeah, if she wants, that would be great." Carlton put Sharon's food in the fridge. He sighed, "I don't like having a problem I can't solve."
"I know what you mean. Sharon was first diagnosed with depression when she was 15. I felt like I failed her or even made things worse by not recognizing the signs and pushing her too much when I thought she was just being lazy." Henry sighed, "That's when we started drifting apart."
"I guess I don't need to ask how that turned out." Carlton commented as he sat at the kitchen table with his food.
"Just don't make the same mistakes I did. She definitely has more to live for and a better support system now." Henry looked down at Isabella and noticed that she was asleep. "I'll go put Isabella in her crib. Hopefully she'll sleep for the next couple of hours."
"Thanks, Henry."
"No problem."
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*Thursday evening*
Carlton opened the front door for Gus. "Thanks for coming, Guster."
"Of course," Gus replied as he handed off the pizza boxes and smoothies before picking up the grocery bags. "She's my best friend and we've been through many bouts of depression together."
"I'm sure Sharon appreciates it every time."
Gus laughed as they entered the kitchen, "Not every time. She does not always appreciate my mother henning; although she will usually apologize afterwards. Henry isn't so lucky and often has to bear the brunt of her anger."
"He seems to understand." Carlton shrugged as he grabbed plates for the pizza.
"Yeah. So, how has she been?"
"Not like her usual energetic self. I can get her to do simple things, but she's very sluggish and doesn't talk much. She's been sleeping a lot, staying in bed, and doesn't hold the baby long. She's struggling a bit with breastfeeding, but that might be because she's a little dehydrated."
"It's a good thing I bought a bunch of her favorite pineapple orange juice." Gus smiled as he placed said juice in the fridge. "I also have a lot of her other favorite foods, mostly junk food with a few semi-healthy choices like kettle corn."
"Thanks for that."
"Of course. Where is Sharon, by the way?"
"She was taking a shower, although I heard the water turn off a few minutes ago."
"Okay, do you mind if I set up in the living room?"
"Go ahead."
"Thanks." Gus grabbed one of the pizzas, the smoothies, and his backpack, and went into the living room.
Carlton checked that the baby was still sleeping before knocking on his bedroom door. "Sharon? Guster is here."
"Thanks. I'll be out in a minute." Sharon answered through the door.
"Okay. I'll be with Isabella if you need me."
"Aww, you don't wanna join us for movie night?!"
"No, thank you. I have a book I want to read in peace."
Sharon opened the door and crossed her arms. "A book? Since when do you read books?"
"It's on the history of civil war reenactments."
"Ah, that makes a whole lot more sense. I thought you had like a Nicolas Sparks or Twilight book." She wrinkled her nose.
"I would rather sell all of my guns than to read any of those books."
"Yeah, I agree with you there; although the movies aren't terrible if you need something to fall asleep to, or need a good drinking game."
"I'll keep that in mind." He turned towards the kitchen.
"Hey Lassie, can I borrow your comforter?" Sharon asked as she picked up said comforter and followed him.
"Preferably not."
"Aww, why not?! It's like the best blanket you have in the house!"
"Which is exactly why I don't want you getting pizza sauce or smoothie on it." He went to the sink to wash his hands. "Why don't you use the one on the guest bed?"
"Why don't you?" Sharon pouted.
"Because this is my house and I want my own comforter."
"Please, Lassie! I promise to wash it if it gets dirty."
"You mean you'll get Guster to wash it?" He put a couple of slices of pizza on a plate.
"Isn't that what I said?"
He sighed, "Fine. I guess I can use the other comforter for one night."
"Thanks Lassie!" She kissed him on the cheek before going to the living room. "Hey Gus! Long time no see!"
"I just saw you three days ago."
"And that is way too long for BFFs not to see each other!"
Carlton just shook his head as he headed to the nursery.
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A few hours later, Carlton brought Isabella into the kitchen so he could heat up some formula.
"Hey Lassie, I can do it." Sharon said as she joined them.
"I don't want to interrupt your movie."
"I can do both, even if Gus protests."
"Okay." Carlton handed Izzy over and watched as Sharon carefully cuddled her. "Do you want the nursing pillow?"
"Sure. Thanks, Lassie." Sharon smiled slightly as she headed back to the living room.
Carlton grabbed the nursing pillow from the bedroom before joining them in the living room.
"Are you sure you don't want some privacy?" Gus asked as Sharon tried to rearrange the comforter with one hand while holding Isabella with the other.
"Gus, it's fine. This can take like a half hour sometimes, we don't need to stop the movie that long."
Carlton sat on the coffee table in front of Sharon. "Here, let me help."
"Thanks, Lassie." Sharon sighed as she passed over Isabella, who was starting to get fussy. She quickly rearranged the items to her liking and then started to unbutton her shirt. "Gus, you might want to look away now."
"I wasn't looking in the first place!" Gus huffed as he continued to text on his phone.
"Sure you weren't." She replied sarcastically.
"Sharon," Carlton scolded. "Be nice."
"You both know I was just teasing." Sharon took back Isabella and placed her in position.
"It's a very fine line sometimes." Carlton stood up and looked at Gus. "I'm going to take a shower. Isabella usually needs to be changed shortly after eating, but I can do that when I'm done; unless you want to give it a go, Guster."
Gus wrinkled his nose and shook his head. "I'd rather not, if that's alright."
Sharon chuckled, "Gus, how are you ever gonna raise children of your own if you can't handle the occasional diaper."
"I'll cross that bridge if and when I get to it. But I prefer to avoid it as long as possible."
"So I guess Uncle Gus will not be babysitting anytime in the next couple of years."
"You know that's right."
Carlton shook his head as he left the room. "I'll keep that in mind."
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Around midnight, after checking on Isabella, Carlton found both Sharon and Gus fast asleep with the end credits of a movie playing. Shaking his head, Carlton turned off the TV and cleaned up a little.
"Wha's wrong?" Sharon mumbled when Carlton adjusted the comforter over her.
"Nothing, go back to sleep."
"'Kay, Lass. Luv ya." She mumbled as she settled back down.
Carlton stared at her for a few seconds before whispering, "Same."
He shook his head and brought the trash into the kitchen. Checking that the formula he had heated up was a good temperature, Carlton made his way back to the nursery for the night shift.
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*The next morning*
Carlton startled awake when he heard the baby crying. Sharon was standing by the crib, rocking the baby and shushing her.
"It's okay, Izzy. Mommy's here. We'll get you fed soon enough."
"Here," Carlton croaked as he stood up. "You can take the chair."
"Thanks, Lassie." Sharon sat down and quickly got the baby settled. "I was debating where to be since both you and Gus were still sleeping. We should really get another rocker for the bedroom."
"I'll ask Althea, I think she was trying to give me one."
"Hmm, you think that's a good idea?"
"My mother doesn't have to be involved at all, and they don't have to step foot in the house to donate it. I can get Henry to help me pick it up."
"Okay."
Carlton checked his watch for the time. "I'm gonna make some coffee; do you want something for breakfast?"
"No thanks. I'll eat some pizza later. Why don't you go sleep on the bed?"
"I should be awake, in case the baby or you need me."
"Lassie! I know what Doc Jen said, but I'm doing okay right now. I think today will be a good day and you need a break. Plus, I have Gus to do my bidding. Izzy seems to be going to town right now, so it should only be another 10 minutes. Then I can wake Gus up and make him change the diaper."
"Guster said last night that he doesn't want to change a diaper."
"Well then he can supervise me from the other side of the room. Lassie, don't make me call Jules to come kidnap you!"
Carlton couldn't help the slight chuckle at her glare. "Okay, you win." He stepped closer and kissed the top of her head. "I hope you enjoy your day."
"Lassie! You missed my mouth!" She whined.
"You could ask."
Sharon gave him puppy dog eyes. "Lassie, my baby daddy, can I get a kiss on the lips? Pretty please with pineapple and sprinkles on top?"
"Sure," He rolled his eyes as he leaned in. They shared a brief kiss before Carlton stepped back. "Wake me up if you need me."
"We should be fine. Thanks."
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*Saturday late morning*
Carlton held tight to Isabella as he opened the front door. "Welcome Dr Spencer. Did you have a good flight?"
Madeleine smiled. "Yes, it was very uneventful. And I've told you to call me Madeleine."
"Of course. Come in." Carlton stepped back and led the way down the hallway, Madeleine and Henry following. "It's been a few weeks since someone slept in the guest room, so I've had the windows open to try to air it out."
"It'll be fine, thank you Carlton." She smiled as they entered the guest room. "I'm very flexible when it comes to places to stay."
"Feel free to do whatever you need to feel comfortable. There are extra sheets and pillows in the hall closet; cleaning supplies are in the kitchen."
"Carlton, it's fine. Why don't you go sit down while I get settled? Am I correct in assuming that Sharon is sleeping?"
"Yeah. I think she pushed herself too much yesterday while trying to give me a day off."
"Then I'll check on her later. Henry and I picked up some groceries and I'll make lunch in a little bit."
"Thank you. I'll be in the nursery." Carlton nodded at both of them before walking away.
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"Thank you again for dinner, Madeleine." Carlton said as he dried dishes.
Madeleine smiled as she put the leftovers in the fridge. "My pleasure. I love having people to cook for. If you have any requests for meals, let me know."
"I'm just glad to not have to make the decisions myself; I'm pretty open to anything, assuming you don't use mint."
"Alright, but let me know if you change your mind." Having finished cleaning up dinner, Madeleine picked up her wine glass. "So, we haven't had much time to talk, but how do you feel about everything that has happened in the past few weeks? And I'm not asking as a psychologist, I'm asking as a concerned mother, now grandmother."
Carlton dried his hands as he thought. "Honestly? A bit overwhelmed. I mean, I know I had a few months to prepare, but it's still quite the change."
"Indeed it is."
"The stay in the NICU was definitely unexpected and stressful."
"But Isabella wasn't there for long and she got a clean bill of health." She looked towards the living room. "I know Sharon is so scared of, in her own words, 'failing as a parent' and is being overly cautious."
Carlton snorted as he grabbed a beer from the fridge. "That's putting it mildly. I almost kicked her out of the car on the way back from the hospital."
"All new parents, and even many veteran parents, are nervous when their kids are first born. It means that you care for your child's well-being. Sharon will settle down eventually, so you just have to support her in the meantime, and be willing to ask for and accept help when you need it. Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am."
As they entered the living room, they found Sharon fast asleep on the couch, with Isabella sleeping on her chest.
"Aww." Madeleine cooed quietly as she took out her camera and snapped a few pictures. "This is definitely going into the baby book."
"Send me a copy as soon as you can."
"Of course." Putting the camera away, she advised, "They should be fine like that for a while, But you should still keep an eye on them just in case Sharon shifts. Otherwise just let the baby sleep."
"Okay."
"I'm going to take a shower and then I can do the night shift so you can turn in early."
"That would be great, thanks."
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