Three Years Later: CHAPTER 8

David sits in a van on surveillance at midnight with a fellow detective from Sloan named Mick…they've been at it for hours…David pounds on the steering wheel humming the tune to a song, he and Mick are bored out of their minds...

Mick: "Tired of waiting for you" by…

David: Come on…you're halfway there…you got the song title, but you don't win the grand prize unless you can give me the name of the band…

Mick: (Snaps his fingers and points at David) The Kinks!

David: BINGO! You win my friend…

Mick: Told ya…you can't stump me.

David yawns and looks at his watch…

David: Well, that killed another 20 minutes…

He looks out the window up at the house they're watching…

David: These people ever coming home?

David pulls his pager off his waistband and checks it…nothing.

Mick: You should have stayed home tonight…I coulda handled this...

David: I've been home every night waiting for that baby…she's two weeks late, I'm pretty sure we got a stubborn one on the way…just like her mother.

Mick: Ahhh…she'll be here before you know it…Maddie doesn't mind you being out?

David: Mind? She ordered me out…she's very cranky and very uncomfortable right now…I'm just buggin' her…me breathing next to her in my sleep is intolerable…naw, it's best for me to give her a little space.

Mick: I remember when my wife was pregnant…the last month or so was unbearable…too hot, too cold, too hungry, too fat…and guess who's fault it all was?

The two men bump fists…

David: You're describing my world right now, Micky.

A few hours later Mick and David have gathered all the intel they need for the case and head home. David prays that Maddie is asleep when he gets there. He tiptoes into the bedroom; she rolls over…

Maddie: David?

David freezes.

David: (whispers) Maddie.

Maddie starts to cry so David crawls across the bed to comfort her…this is nothing that hasn't happened every other night that week.

David: Shhhh, shhhhh…this will all be over soon.

Maddie: I'm so uncomfortable, David…this baby is never going come out…I don't think it's even possible! How am I going to do this?

David pulls Maddie's arm so she rolls towards him and lays on her back with her giant belly poking into the air.

David: Hey don't worry, if we just wait a while longer, the kid will be big enough to walk out on her own…

Maddie smiles against her will…David wipes her tears away, pushes up her nighty to reveal her huge belly and rubs it as he talks to the baby…

David: Baby girl…you are upsetting your mother…I order you to come out here this instant.

Maddie smiles and almost laughs.

David: (To the belly) You wait much longer, I'm coming in after you.

Maddie scoffs and smiles and pushes him playfully…David kisses her belly and rolls Maddie onto her side and massages her aching back.

David: You're doing great…everything's going to be ok.

Maddie: Thank you for not saying the baby will be here before we know it.

David: Trust me, I'm tired of hearing that from everyone too.

Maddie: How was work?

David tells Maddie what happened with the case, which takes her mind off things. They manage to sleep a little and then at 5am Maddie wakes up with pressure and cramping…they call the hospital and they say it's time to come in because it sounds like she's in labor.

Fourteen hours later, Maddie and David are in the midst of a long labor…Maddie doesn't want to take any pain medication or get an epidural so she is enduring the pain of natural labor and she's miserable, writhing around as David tries to coach her through Lamaze and comfort her.

Maddie: Just kill me, David…I can't do this, I'm exhausted.

David: Nope…no…you are strong…the strongest woman I know, you can do this. Breath…focus…dig deep, Maddie.

Maddie: How much longer until I can push?

David looks up at the nurse.

David: Can you check her again?

The nurse checks to see if Maddie is dilated enough to start pushing.

Nurse: She's at 9…I'll get the doctor, won't be long now…

David turns back to Maddie...

David: See? You've gotten this far…just a little longer and you can start pushing this baby out…she's almost here.

Maddie: (through gritted teeth) I want this to be over!

David: Almost over, promise.

There's a lull in the pain…

Maddie: Thank you, David…you've been great…I hate you…but you've been great.

David pets her sweaty hair back and nods…

David: I'll take that.

The doctor comes in and starts directing people around, he checks Maddie and says it's time for her to start pushing…David takes one knee and a nurse takes the other and together they all talk Maddie through pushing as hard as she can…taking a break and pushing again. After another 45 minutes, the Doctor has David come stand by him so their daughter can be delivered into his arms:

Sylvie Virginia Addison, born Marth 19th, 1993 at 7:03pm, weighing 7lbs 4 oz…a healthy baby girl.

David is in awe and very emotional holding his baby in his arms for the first time…something he wasn't sure he'd ever get to experience…as soon as the cord is cut Sylvie is placed on Maddie's chest and she hugs the little girl close to her and kisses her as nurses wipe her down. Soon a nurse takes the baby to clean her up and bundle her and David whispers in Maddie's ear.

David: You were so great through all of that…I am amazed by you…

Maddie nudges her head into his.

Maddie: I couldn't have done it without you.

David: So…when are we having another one?

Maddie looks at him like he's nuts.

Maddie: Oh…that's never happening again.

David: Joke…bad joke.

Two days later Maddie and David bring Sylvie home to a house full of balloons and presents courtesy of Richie, Agnes and Bert and Amelia…and other friends and family. Of course, they all visited in the hospital, but they wanted to make sure Sylvie had a warm welcome home. Richie, Amelia, Bert and Agnes are all at the house waiting for them, cooking meals and willing to help with anything. They sit in the living room and pass the baby around. She looks so tiny in Richie's big hands, Agnes can't stop snuggling her, Bert is afraid to hold her for fear he'll drop her and Amelia just holds her tiny hand and doesn't get much of a chance to hold her because Agnes doesn't want to put her down. Maddie and David are so proud, but Maddie is exhausted and still in some pain so David helps her up to the bedroom and into the shower. She comes out feeling like a new person as she slips into comfortable clothes and is tucked into bed. David brings up Sylvie so Maddie can breastfeed and then he lets Maddie gets some sleep while he tends to the baby and then puts her to sleep in a bassinet by the bed...before falling into a deep sleep after a long few days.

For the first two weeks, David is off work and he and Maddie are a great team taking care of Sylvie and giving each other time to rest, they are over the moon about their baby daughter and really enjoy time as a family…but soon David has to go back to work. For the first couple weeks when he comes home from work in the evening he finds Maddie and the baby are still in bed, sleeping at 5 or 6pm most days…nothing else has been done…dishes are in the sink, laundry piling up…but David knows everything is still new and Maddie hasn't been feeling very well so he lets it be and does what he can to keep everything up himself…but after a month…

David: Maddie, it's been six weeks since you had the baby…you should try to get out during the day, take her somewhere…take her over to Moonbeams, hell, bring her into Sloan, everybody'd love to see you and take a look at this beautiful baby we made…

Maddie: (shrugs) I don't know…sounds like a lot of work. I just don't have the energy for it, David, you don't know how hard this is. As soon as I feed her, bathe her, dress her, get her settled, and get myself fed and some sleep I have to do everything all over again. I have no energy for anything else. Can't you be around more? Things were much easier when you were home to help.

David: I have to work, Maddie...

Maddie: Well, eventually, I'm going to have to work too...my business won't run itself...who will pay the bills?

David: (annoyed) I pay the bills...

Maddie: Who'll pay the mortgage, David!? We can't pay that on your salary...I can't be in this house forever...

David feels defensive even though it's true…but he's trying to avoid a fight with her…

David: That's what I'm saying, get up, get dressed, get out every day, as least for a little bit...it'll make you feel better. Meet me for lunch tomorrow…

Maddie: Instead of going out for lunch, why don't you come home?

David: I can't back home for lunch every day, Maddie, you know that…don't you want to take her out?

Maddie: (starts to cry.) you didn't just give birth, David, you don't know how it feels. I'm not the same as I was before Sylvie was born...I don't have any clothes that fit, she's too small to take out...where would we go, what would we do? How would I take everything I'd need for her while we're out? It's all so overwhelming.

David feels like a weight is on his chest looking at Maddie in a heap holding their daughter, who then starts to cry. This is not how he thought things were going to be...he thought once the baby was here everything would be happy. He picks up Sylvie.

David: What can I do?

Maddie: I need you here, I can't be here with her all day...it's depressing.

Something hits David with that word...ah, Maddie's been feeling blue since she had the baby...she's depressed.

David: I think you need to make an appointment with Dr. Kelty or to Sylvie's doctor at her next appointment about how blue you've been feeling lately...

Maddie: (defensive) I'm fine, David, there's nothing wrong with me. (continues to cry and wipe tears.)

David sits next to her on the chair and puts his arm around her.

David: I'm not saying there's anything wrong with you...but you've been through a lot lately, it's a big adjustment.

Maddie: I love the baby, David, but the rest of this isn't very much fun.

David kisses her head.

David: let's go out to dinner tonight.

Maddie: I don't want to...

David: you need to get out.

Maddie: I'm not in the mood.

David: Let me call Richie and see if he and Amelia can watch Sylvie.

Maddie: (upset) no, I don't want to leave her.

David: She'll be fine, you need a break. (He stands and takes Maddie's arm to get her to a standing position) you go take a shower and find something to wear.

David takes Sylvie downstairs and calls Richie...He and Amelia are happy to watch the baby for a couple hours. David takes Maddie to a little bistro with no kiddie menus…

David: have a drink, Maddie...

Maddie: I don't want a drink. I'm breastfeeding, remember?

David: you can dump some...get a drink.

Maddie: I don't want a drink.

David: it'll make you feel better...like an adult again...

Maddie: no, it's not good for Sylvie.

David: (to the waiter) she'll have a lemon drop...I'll have a tequila and a beer. Thanks.

Maddie: (to waiter) make that a soda water...

David puts up his hand.

David: bring her a lemon drop.

Maddie: David...

David: you don't have to drink the whole thing.

Maddie looks at the menu without enthusiasm...

David: let's share an appetizer platter...

Maddie: (cringes) everything's fried

David: who cares...we're living it up...we're out on the town without the kid for the first time. (Laughs) without the kid...first time I get to say that!

Maddie forces a smile.

Maddie: yeah, well...we shouldn't be away from her too long. And now I'm going to have nothing to feed her if I have to dump everything...

David: there's a bottle in the fridge...

Maddie: yeah, for Richie and Amelia to feed her...

David: then, she'll be fine...she should be asleep...

Maddie: what'll I feed her at midnight...

David: I don't know, if worse comes to worst we'll mix up some formula...

Maddie: I don't want to feed her formula…I'm just not going to drink, see? Everything is so difficult.

David takes her hand.

David: it doesn't have to be that difficult...let's not let her take over our lives. I want you to be happy.

Maddie: (snaps) I am happy, David.

David: I'm not saying you're unhappy, Madolyn, but you're in...flux.

The waiter comes and puts down the drinks, David orders the appetizer platter and a hamburger and Maddie orders the Chicken Caesar salad. David raises his drink.

David: to six weeks of successful parenting...

Maddie raises her glass, looks him in the eyes half annoyed, clinks and then takes a sip. David smiles.

David: how longs it been since you had a drink, Mad?

Maddie can already feel the effects and it's relaxing her just like David hoped it would. Maddie thinks...

Maddie: oh...wow...ummmm...probably Bert and Agnes's BBQ last Summer right before I found out I was pregnant.

She takes another sip and relaxes a little more. She sighs with relief realizing how stressed out she's been.

Maddie: I love her so much, David, but this is really hard.

David: I know, it's not at all what I thought it would be like.

Maddie laughs with relief.

Maddie: you too?

She smiles and feels a little better...

Maddie: thank god, I thought I was the only one not fully enjoying this like I thought I would.

David: I mean, it's great! She's a good baby...it's just we don't exactly know how to be parents yet.

He looks at Maddie with a concerned face...

David: and I think you might have a little post-baby depression...it's a thing...I read about it in one of the books.

Maddie: depression? I don't think I'm depressed.

David: you've been laying in that bed an awful lot...no energy, no real drive to get out...tears...

Maddie: (annoyed) that's because it's hard, David! You don't understand...

David: I understand...or, I'm trying to understand...I'm not making accusations, Maddie...I'm trying to help.

Maddie: I don't want to talk about this...I'm actually feeling ok for the first time in months. Let get off this topic.

David raises his hands.

David: ok...ok.

They sit there in silence wondering what they used to talk about before the baby.

Maddie: I should call and check on her.

David: there's a payphone by the bathrooms.

David hands her a quarter and she heads off to make the call. When she returns the waitress is standing at the table chatting with David. As Maddie approaches she finds herself standing next to the petite brunette suddenly realizing she's four times as big as this young hot girl. Her stomach stinks, as she stands in one of her shapeless, early maternity dresses, feeling very old and matronly. The waitress quickly disappears as Maddie slides into the booth across from David. David smiles handsomely at Maddie, and Maddie puts her face in her hands and starts to cry. David's face quickly turns concerned thinking something might be wrong with the baby.

David: what!? ...Mad...what is it, what's wrong!? Is Sylvie ok?

Maddie: I'm so fat and old and ugly.

David stares across the table at her as if she is an alien from outer space. Her mood has shifted out of the blue and he has no idea where any of this is coming from. He thought she was starting to feel better and loosen up, and now she's just a blubbering mess again.

In David's eyes, Maddie has such a beautiful glow about her, her hair is long and shiny, her body is curvaceous and beautiful, to him she looks close to her shapely pre-pregnancy figure. All he sees is a glowing beautiful woman, with red, teary eyes.

David: so, Sylvie's ok?

Maddie: (sniff) yeah, she's great.

Maddie sniffs and dabs her eyes.

David: so, why're you crying?

Maddie: I look awful.

David: you're fucking gorgeous...whadda ya...

Maddie: not compared to that skinny waitress...

David turns to look at the waitress and spins back...

David: her!? Maddie...she's 20 years old for God's sake.

Maddie: yeah and you probably want her ...I mean, look at me, I'm a crying mess in a shapeless dress...I've got stretch marks now...my body will never be the same.

David: first of all, I do not want anyone but you...the mother of my child, my partner in life...are you kidding me? After everything we've been through? Look at you...you're more beautiful than the day I met you.

Maddie blushes and looks down and bats her watery lashes back up at him.

David: this is a phase, Maddie, something we have to get through. I just wish we knew how to make you feel like your old self again.

Maddie: are you really not attracted to that girl?

David: absolutely not, I'm only hot for one blonde... and trust me, if we were able to have sex right now, I'd throw you on this table and make love to you in front of all these people.

Maddie: (looks down and wrings her hands) It's been six week, David…we probably can have sex now…

David: (Jokes) Great…get your purse, we're going home…

Maddie: (Dabs her teary eyes, but let's out a small laugh.) I'm not ready for that.

David: (takes her hand and smiles at her) don't worry about it. When you're ready...when we're ready...I don't think we're there yet...

Maddie: See, you don't want me.

David: I want you to feel better...I hate that you're feeling so...blue.

Maddie: (She pats the bench next to her) I do miss being with you though...come sit by me, David.

David moves to the other side of the booth and pulls Maddie into an embrace, she lays her head on his shoulder and sniffles. The waitress comes and sets down their appetizer and looks concerned.

Waitress: Everything ok?

Maddie buries her head and David's shoulder. David puts his fingers into her hair and massage as her scalp.

David: (sarcastic) …we're...great.

He smirks at the waitress...

Maddie: (murmurs into his shoulder) take me home, David…

David: Sure, (he rubs Maddie's back and looks at the waitress) can we get the rest of the food to go, and the bill, please?

When they get home Maddie goes upstairs and gets sick from the little alcohol she drank. Things are really a mess for the Addison's...David helps Maddie into bed, checks on the sleeping baby and heads downstairs and talks to Richie and Amelia.

Richie: Maddie ok?

David ruffles his hair and flops down on the couch exhausted.

David: no..., no she's not ok, Rich. I'm really worried about her. She couldn't get through 5 minutes of conversation tonight without bursting into tears. She hasn't been out at all since the baby was born…I thought once the baby was here we'd just be one big happy family…but nothing seems to be going smoothly…and I feel so bad for Sylvie, because I want her to live in a happy home, with a mom and dad who know what the hell they're doing…what must she be feeling with two miserable, worried, stressed-out parents…(puts his hands over his face) God, we really suck at this…I thought we were prepared…

Amelia: I don't think anyone is ever prepared for this kind of life change…I bet all new parents feel the same as you…it's only been, what? Six weeks?

Richie: Yeah…things will smooth out, Dave…you two just need to give it a little time…and the little babe is great…she's happy, don't worry…she was a doll for us tonight.

David: Yeah, thank God, she is a pretty easy baby so far…I just wish Maddie wasn't so miserable.

Amelia: You think she has post-partum depression?

David: That's what I was talking about with her tonight…but she denies it.

Amelia: yeah, but I don't know if people really know when they're depressed …she's never had a baby before, she probably just thinks it's normal to feel awful after squeezing something the size of a watermelon out of your hoo-haa…

David and Richie laugh…

David and Richie: Your what!?

Amelia: …Your hoo-haa…(she laughs) isn't that the medical term for it?

They all laugh…

Amelia: …anyway, she probably feels fat and tired and unattractive…

David sits up.

David: That's what she was saying tonight…!

Amelia: Yeah…I'm sure it's just that everything just feels different and it must be kinda depressing to be home alone with a baby after all that… while everyone goes back to living their normal lives.

David: Right…yeah…well, I'm going to get her to at least go talk to our shrink…I'll call tomorrow and make her an appointment…and I'm going to try to be around a bit more until she's feeling better…

They all agree that's a good idea. When David goes up to bed that night Maddie is sound asleep so he moves the baby near him and then gently lays down on the bed so he doesn't wake her. When Sylvie wakes up in the middle of the night David takes her downstairs and feeds her a formula bottle and gets her back to sleep so Maddie can sleep through the night. In the morning he calls in sick and then leaves a message for their therapist to make an appointment for Maddie – she calls back pretty quickly saying that someone canceled and she's got an opening at 10:30am.

David takes care of the baby in the morning and when he wakes Maddie around 9am she is still lethargic after a long nights sleep. She's also in a lot of pain because her breasts are full since she hasn't fed the baby...she is annoyed to hear David fed Sylvie formula instead of waking Maddie to feed.

Maddie: Why did you feed her formula?

David: because I wanted you to sleep.

Maddie: (tears up) the one thing I can do for her is feed her...it's the only thing I feel like I'm doing right for her...

David: well, I made an executive decision since you were worried about feeding her after drinking and were also sick last night.

He hands Maddie the breast pump.

David: here...pump...and then get in the shower...we're going out today.

Maddie: aren't you going to work?

David: nope, we're going out so get dressed.

David and the baby go downstairs and Maddie sniffles her way through pumping her breast milk and then gets in the shower. She doesn't want to go out again after the disaster of last night, but David doesn't seem like he was going to take no for an answer. After dressing in another outfit she feels dowdy in she makes her way downstairs where David has a bowl of oatmeal with raspberries waiting for her. Maddie gets a wave of happiness as she enters the kitchen and sees David holding Sylvie… them even having a baby together still doesn't seem real. She approaches David as he bounces Sylvie in his arms...he has her dressed in the cutest little polka-dotted jumper with a matching headband. The three of them huddle together and Maddie kisses Sylvie and smiles down at her child...

Maddie: Good morning baby girl. I missed you.

She takes her tiny hand in hers and kisses it…then she stretches up and kisses David and they both smother the baby with kisses…David is happy to see that Maddie isn't sad or teary at the moment.

Maddie: All of this is so much better when you're here…it's lonely being here with her all day.

She turns towards her breakfast.

Maddie: this looks good...thanks David...I'm starving...

She sits and starts taking small bites. David studies her and moves towards her...

David: you feeling ok today?

Maddie leans her head on her hand...

Maddie: I'm just tired.

David: tired? You slept 10 hours last night.

Maddie: David, I'm trying...I know you want me to say I feel fine so we can all be normal and happy... but you don't want me to pretend, do you?

David continues to rock and bounce Sylvie who is fussing a little...

David: No...no...of course I don't want you to pretend. But I want us both to get back to being happy…for us…(Kisses Sylvie) for her…

Maddie nods and takes a few more bites of oatmeal.

Maddie: I want nothing more myself, trust me.

David: …and with that in mind, I made an appointment for you with Dr. Kelty today.

Maddie: (stops and looks at him) You what?

David: I want you to talk to her…about how you've been feeling since the baby.

Maddie: Why?

David: Why? Why? Because you've been miserable, that's why.

Maddie: That's normal…it's just things changing and being home all day.

David: That's not normal, Maddie…not everyone is miserable after having a baby and staying home with it…

Maddie: (Puts her hands in her face) You think I'm a terrible mother.

David: No, I don't, Maddie…but I do think you've been depressed since you had the baby and I just want to get you some help so you can feel better and enjoy this.

Maddie: I don't know what's wrong with me…I do enjoy her…but…

David: I know it's not her, Maddie…and you're a great mother…it's just all the changes…I think talking to Dr. Kelty will help.

Maddie: Fine.

David and Maddie arrive at Dr. Kelty's office just after 10am and sit in the waiting area with Sylvie. When her previous session ends, Dr. Kelty comes into the waiting area and is excited to have a look at Sylvie for the first time.

Dr. Kelty: Wow…she's amazing you two…as beautiful as I'd expect.

David and Maddie beam as the Doctor holds their child and gazes at her.

Dr. Kelty: She looks just like you, Maddie…

David: Thank goodness for that…

They all laugh and smile at Sylvie…

Dr. Kelty: So…as happy as a time as this is…I understand the change can produce lots of mixed emotions.

Maddie and David nod in agreeance.

Dr. Kelty: Shall I talk to Maddie first, and then maybe we can all talk?

David: I'll be right here.

He gestures to a chair in the waiting area. Maddie and Dr. Kelty go into her office…Maddie is already wiping tears. They talk for almost an hour about how Maddie's been feeling since the baby was born and how lonely she feels being at home alone with Sylvie and how she has no motivation to do the things expected of a stay at home mom. They agree that she needs to create routine and perhaps get a mild antidepressant if she doesn't start feeling more like her old self again in few weeks…she's also going to start coming once a week on her own to see Dr. Kelty for a while to make sure she is progressing.

Maddie: David has some very traditional ideas about the roles women and men should take on when it comes to raising children and I know it's important to him to be able to take care of us financially…but the reality is, I am the breadwinner…and I don't want to make David feel emasculated by bringing up our incomes, but I feel at some point I am going to have to go back to work and he's going to have to stay home.

Dr. Kelty: have you talked to him about this?

Maddie: No…I've been a mess lately, we can't get through a minute of conversation without me crying and David just keeps trying to prop me up…he's been great by the way…he hasn't made me feel bad about any of this…

Dr. Kelty: Well, maybe we can get through a conversation about this today…I think it's best to lay everything out there and have a clear plan about how to care for Sylvie in the coming months…

Maddie: Yes…I agree…what's best for her is important, no matter what that looks like.

They call David in the room and talk about how Maddie's been feeling lately and how she is going to create a routine by getting up at the same time every day, get showered and dressed, and get out with the baby and see friends…even have her parents come to help for a few weeks, and see if routine starts making her feel more like she did before Sylvie was born.

Dr. Kelty: So…let's talk about a long term plan for childcare…

David: Sure.

Dr. Kelty: David, how do you see the next few months or year plan as far as caring for Sylvie?

David sits thinking…his eyes shift towards Maddie feeling like this is a test he is going to fail…

David: Well, I guess I figured Maddie would stay home with her for the first year and then when she goes back to work Sylvie could go into daycare.

Maddie's head whiplashes over to David and her eyes shoot daggers…

Maddie: and…who…do you think is going to run my company for the next year?

Dr. Kelty: Maddie, let's not start a conversation with demanding, accusatory statements…

David: (Snide) Yeah, Maddie…

Dr. Kelty: David…provoking each other doesn't help either.

Maddie and David glare at each other.

Dr. Kelty: Maddie, what are your ideas for caring for Sylvie over the next year?

Maddie: I want David and I to share the responsibility of taking care of her at home…I…first, sorry, David…I don't want to stay home with her for the next year, it's just not for me. Second, I absolutely need to go back and run my company…you know it brings in the majority of our income.

David folds his arms across his chest.

David: I can work more…I can earn more money to help pay more of the bills…I know a baby needs her mother.

Maddie: I know that's how you see things…but a baby doesn't just need her mother…she needs her mother and father…Sylvie needs to be in the best environment that we can create for her…one that meets the needs of our family…and not what society expects from men and women as far as child rearing…and you working more, which means being gone more is not the way to go in my view…

Dr. Kelty: Good, Maddie…

David: So what are you saying?

Maddie: I'm saying that I'd like to go back to work full-time when Sylvie is six months old and then I think we should find a way for you to stay home with her for six months.

David: How is that going to happen?

Dr. Kelty: Could you talk to your boss about having some time off?

David: I have a very busy…(looks at Maddie) very important job at Sloan as lead detective…how could I just leave?

Maddie: No one is saying anyone has a more important job, David…it's just what makes sense financially and what is the best balance for our family.

Dr. Kelty: David, if it were possible, would you like to stay home with Sylvie full time?

David: Hell yes…I'd love to stay home with her…

Maddie: Well…see? Isn't this making more sense already? I am miserable being home all day…and you'd love it…so, why can't we just do that?

David: Isn't that a little weird? I mean, I don't know any other dads that just stay home…what grown, capable man doesn't work?

Dr. Kelty: But remember, it's not about what's best for other families, it's what works for yours…

David: Right…right. Well, I don't know…I'd have to think about this…giving up my job?

Maddie: It doesn't have to mean giving up your job…talk to Sloan, maybe he'll allow you to take a leave.

Dr. Kelty: Yes. Nothing has to be decided here, gather facts and then review everything and see what works best.

Their session ends and Maddie and David go to a Chinese restaurant for lunch with Sylvie in tow for the first time. Maddie's mood has noticeably improved…David's has gotten worse.

David: Seems like you're feeling better…

Maddie: Well…I think having Dr. Kelty to help sort out where feelings are actually coming from and then help us discuss it all helps a lot…you seem a little more down…

David: I don't like the idea of giving up my job or being expected to stay home…

Maddie: …well, now you know how I feel.

David: Yeah, but Maddie…you're the mother.

Maddie: …yeah, and you're her father…why does more of the responsibility fall on me?

David: She needs you.

Maddie: She needs both of us, David.

David: I know, but…I want to take care of you guys, I don't want you to fee like you have to work.

Maddie: But that's what you're not understanding…I want to work. I want to be there for Sylvie, but I don't want to stay home full time, David, I don't…

David: Ok, we'll figure something out.

Maddie takes his hand.

Maddie: …yeah, and maybe it's us each working part time or something…I don't know, but let's think about it and come up with a solution that works for both of us…

David nods.

Maddie: David, you have been so supportive these past few weeks…thank you for being there and getting me help…I don't know how things are going to be from here, but I know I do feel like a cloud has been lifted now that I know I'm not just looking at being a stay at home mom my whole life….

David: (squeezes her hand) You're welcome…all I ever want is for you to be happy…

Maddie: I want the same for you too….(she looks at Sylvie and pets her little round head.) for all of us.

Over the next week Maddie isn't always feeling great in the morning, but she does what she promised to do, gets up and creates a routine and gets out of the house. She visits Moonbeams one day and the employees go crazy over how cute and tiny Sylvie is…Maddie even gets some work done while everyone passes her around and she falls asleep in Agnes's arms. A few days later she brings her to Sloan and everyone is so excited to see her and the baby and David is one proud papa as everyone swoons over his kid.

Maddie's parents come for two weeks and they are great about watching Sylvie in the afternoons so Maddie can get out and exercise and shop for some new clothes, have her hair done and other things that make her feel like her old self again. David and Maddie even get a quick escape away to a hotel for a night while her parents stay with Sylvie. They relax in the bath together…Maddie is dying to be with David again, she's been ready for a while, but she is self-conscious because she still feels fat. She knows she will never have the tight young body of her youth and she accepts that, but she hates the stretch marks from the pregnancy and the way her boobs are no longer perky. Also she feels much wider around her hips. She inwardly sighs not wanting David to know how she's feeling.

David loves how Maddie's body has changed with her pregnancy. Her boobs are so much bigger and fuller and her body has become voluptuous. He's been wanting to get his hands on her for a while, but has left the ball in Maddie's court…and now she seems ready…his member grows hard as he pulls her toward him. Maddie sees the sign of David's arousal and is instantly turned on herself. It has been a long time since they've had sex and she misses it. She runs her hands over David's member and smiles a womanly smile.

Maddie: (she whispers seductively) I see you're happy to see me.

David begins to run his hands all over her curves.

David: God honey, (he moans) You are so sexy. I can't wait to make love to you!

He stands up and steps out of the tub as he grabs a huge towel.

David: …and I want our first time after the baby to be in a bed.

He pulls Maddie out of the bath and envelopes them in the towel. He can't keep his hands off of her as they walk toward the bed. Maddie feels her loins throb as David pushes her down on the bed, she starts to moan in passion as his lips and tongue run all over her body.

Maddie: David, David, David…

David chuckles as he moves up and covers her mouth with his…

David: I am going to make you come so good, baby.

His voice is like melted chocolate.

David: I love you so much Maddie…I've missed you…I've missed this.

Maddie pulls David on top of her and begins to move her throbbing womanhood against his hardness.

Maddie: I love you David. Please make love to me.

They begin to make love slowly, passionately…David is aware of the fact that Maddie may have different needs since giving birth…he enters her gradually…

David: You ok? (He looks at her in the eyes) …everything feel ok?

Maddie: Everything feels great…

She pulls David closer to her and they melt into each other.

The weeks roll on and Maddie begins to feel more like her old self again. In the meantime, David talks to his boss, Reggie Sloan, about taking some time off and he is extremely supportive of the idea…as much as he hates the idea of David being gone for six months, he is a family man with six kids of his own, and has taken time off to be with each one of them after they were born and he is sympathetic to Maddie and David's situation. By the time Sylvie is five months old the Addison household is like a well-oiled machine.

One afternoon, Maddie and Sylvie meet David for lunch downtown and as David sits outside at a table waiting for them he is taken aback as he watches Maddie walk towards him pushing the baby stroller…Hubba Hubba…her long legs stride almost in slow motion in a light pink belted dress with little flowers on it…her cheeks are rosy, her blue eyes shine, her golden locks bounce and her lips part in a small smile as she approaches him…David is instantly turned on…he stands up and walks towards her…

David: Madolyn, Madolyn, Madolyn…

He takes her in his arms…

Maddie: David, David, David…

David: God, you look so beautiful…

Maddie blushes and smiles shyly…

Maddie: What's gotten into you…?

He kisses up her neck and over her cheek…she pushes him back…

Maddie: Would you stop? People are looking…

David: (laughs) they're jealous…

He slaps her ass, leans back and checks her out.

David: You gave birth less than six months ago?

He makes a face like, "wow"…Maddie smiles and shrugs.

Maddie: Thanks, David.

Sylvie bounces and smiles and reaches for David….he swoops her up and the family walks back towards their lunch table…

Maddie: One more month and you're on full-time daddy duty…

David smiles and kisses Sylvie's cheek…

David: Yep, and then we'll be visiting you for lunch…

Maddie: Can't wait…

David: (gazes at his baby daughter and then back at his beautiful wife.) Me either…

TO BE CONTINUED…