"GOOD MORNING Little Rays of Sunshine"! Teddy greeted her sleepy kids as they made their way down the stairs.
"UGHHH Dad, how is she so perky this early in the morning"?! they both complained.
"It's the Military in her, couldn't quite shake it…. I on the other hand, I can now sleep through a bomb or a crying baby". He laughed as he saw her glaring at him.
"Convenient" she commented
"Very . Come on chop chop kiddos, the bus is leaving in 10 mins" He announced.
"Seriously"?!
"Yes seriously, we can't be late… we both have busy schedules to keep…. God where did we go wrong with promptness and manners"? he griped to Teddy.
"It's early Dad" she said packing up her stuff for the day she walked past what was supposed to be a finished nursery…. But nothing was painted or put together…. It was a giant mess.
"HELP ME OUT HERE, Owen! PLEASE, you and Leo need to go baby clothes shopping and need to get that nursery ready sooner than later. *she caught him reading something on his phone * HUNT ! Did you hear me"?
"Really"? He looked at her.
"Yes, please"! she replied her eyes starting to tear up.
"like this week"? He asked.
"Yup… as soon as possible, put this in your car* she handed him her hospital bag * and Please stop by the hospital and have DaNelle put in the car seat".
"Okay,will do. Guys ….good job on getting all your schoolwork done and staying on top of everything without us asking! You have NO IDEA how much your mother and I appreciate it".
"Okay I am headed to my appt…. if you're coming in my car let's go"!
"Mommm"!
"Mom what? You guys are hanging around … I have to get my day going….. I've an appt in 20 mins… Anyone coming with ? *no one budged * FINE See you there"! she said annoyed
"What is her deal"!? Allison said
"Guys…. Be nice, she's under a lot of stress right now, and I'm pretty sure your brother is coming sooner than we think… come on let us go before we miss the appt".
"Why do you think he's coming sooner than later"? Leo asked in the car.
"We've done this before; I know your mom. She starts getting things ready like she asked us to get the nursery ready, she's done a ton of laundry , the car seat, that bag right there is packed with stuff for her and your brother while in the hospital".
"Oh" they both said
"Yeah, So being on your best behavior for your mom these next few weeks will be much appreciated. Doing extra things; dishes , laundry… maybe cooking dinner will make mom's life 100% times easier , Got it?"
"YES"
"Alright , Everyone in the car"!
She arrived JUST as the nurse was calling her name for her appt "Ah sorry I'm late, 2 kids and a husband and it takes me a million years to get anywhere these days."
Karina's nurse laughed "that's alright Dr. Altman, are they with you"?
"They should be coming, maybe a few mins late."
"Okay we'll keep an eye out for them, go ahead and have a seat and Karina will be in shortly."
"Morning Teddy ! How are you doing with everything going on, I've been following the news …. You've quite a full plate"!?
"Doing Alright , more so ready to have this baby" she laughed
"Alrighty you are 9 months, CONGRATS! You are in the home stretch! Any signs of Labor"?
"I had a few contractions this morning before coming here, but nothing serious".
"Okay Good Good , Lets have you lie back and we'll check…."
"Owen and the kids should be here shortly, they wanted to be here for the ultrasound". She drew a sharp breath and winced as Karina measured the baby and checked its position.
"How's everything going, day to day"?
"I feel fine, just weight a million pounds so it makes everything harder, I don't possibly have any more room for this baby to grow".
"My dear, I would say this baby is cooked, and head down….. not engaged yet…. BUT close, I'd say you've maybe 3-4 more weeks… You poor thing * she responded when she saw Teddy's face let down* okay, being optimistic …. 2 weeks, how about that"!
The Door swung open and the trio rushed in "DID WE MISS IT "!? Leo whined.
"NO JUST IN TIME! Allison, Goodness you are so tall! * Karina gave her a hug* When did this happen?! You were just a peanut inside your mom LAST WEEK"!
Teddy and Owen smiled "Time flies when you're having fun" Owen said.
"I was just telling Teddy here, the baby is full term – and we might be looking at a baby happening 2-4 weeks"
"REALLY! WOW! Okay! Time to get that nursery ready, huh"?! he kissed her forehead
"I wasn't joking" Teddy hit him.
"You guys ready to see your brother" Karina asked the kids.
A heartbeat echoed through the room "is that mom's heart "Allison asked.
"Noooo that's the baby's …. This is your mom's … the slower one" Karina showed her as Allison and Leo cuddled up to their mom.
"Pretty cool huh, babies … see I told you I'd keep him safe "kissing them she reached her hand around Allison to hold Owen's as the image of their baby showed up on the screen.
He mouthed the Words "I love you" she mouthed them back.
"Ohhhh Teddy…. I take back my 4 week and stick with 2-3 …" Karina finished up
"REALLY"?! Owen was still in disbelief.
"You alright there, dad? Reality setting in yet"? Karina chuckled.
Owen helped her up "Okay back home to do school for you two, off to work for you"!
"Owen…." She quietly said.
"Shopping and Nursery, yes sorry, got it… we'll get on it today"!
"Thank you."
He helped her off the exam table "Kids run along; I need to talk to your mom… I'll catch up in a second" he turned to Teddy "You alright"?
"Yeah…. He feels really low, like he's going to come any day now".
"you're thinking sooner than 2 weeks"?!
"yeah….and Leo's Birthday is in 4 days… " she sighed her eyes tearing up as she felt a bit overwhelmed with her reality.
"Hey Hey Hey … WE'LL have everything under control, we're on BabyHuntWatch2021"! He said enthusiastically.
"Yeah "she said resting her head on his shoulder as he held her.
"Are you going to be okay"?
She nodded "I have to go to work" she gave him a quick kiss
Owen and Leo dropped of Allison at home and kept going "Dad, I've a friend who keeps bugging me about Mom and her handling this covid stuff… he says women shouldn't be in the military nor shouldn't have a say in how to handle all this."
"well …. That's dumb….. you know that right? You know your mother is WAY more qualified than most of these guys handling it, this was her job for years to keep track of illnesses and provide aid to other countries in need".
"How come she's here then"? Leo asked.
"She wanted to start a family….and she couldn't do that while I was here, and she was in Germany".
"Oh… would she ever do it again"?
" I don't know bud, it's something we haven't talked about, we settled here to raise you and Allison, our friends and family are here in Seattle. You know, before you were born mom and I were in the military and that was a lot of traveling … I do not know if mom would want to do that with you kids".
"Would you"?
"I don't think so, I want you 3 to grow up with stability and a place to call home… not be moved around so much".
"Baseball tryouts are coming up"!
"REALLY ?! Even with Covid happening"?
"Yeah, I guess…. I'm going to try out for shortstop n pitcher"!
"GOOD FOR YOU BUD! Let me know when and where and I'll try and come watch. What are we doing for your birthday"?
"What"? Leo looked at him surprised.
"Dude it's in 4 days, Did you think mom and I forgot"?! He followed Leo into the store.
"NO, I just thought with the baby coming and Covid and mom taking this new position, that I don't know …." He stopped as he reached the help desk.
Owen looked at him perplexed "Hi we're here to pick up for Hunt."
"Okay we'll be right out with your items" the young man smiled.
"Don't know what dude, I'm not letting this go" they sat down.
"I just didn't want to bother you and Mom with extra stuff."
"Hey First off , you are never a bother …. Do you hear me! So, Stop thinking that right now. Second, we are your parents… we think about you all the time even when It does not seem like it… HALF the time we're in surgery together do you know what we're talking about? You and your sister. You two are what we talk about practically the entire day . You are the best thing that has ever happened to us, we would give up our jobs in a heartbeat if we could support the family and give you all the best life possible…. By just staying at home with you".
"Can I just have a quiet day at home just the 4 of us"?
"If that is what you want, that's what you'll get…. We can make you a special dinner, and cake".
"I'd like that" Leo smiled.
"Mr Hunt they'll meet you out front to load everything in the car". The cashier got his attention.
"Great thanks"
"Hello, are you Dr. Altman"? A young intern knocked on her door.
"I am, can I help you"?
"I was asked to give you these reports"
"Thank you" Teddy flipped through them "You alright, dear"? she asked noticing the intern had not left her office yet.
"I was just curious if I could get your autograph" she chuckled.
"Sure darlin, not sure why you want it but here."
Her computer notified her that she had someone trying to zoom with her.
"Dr. Altman FINALLY Great to see you! There is an actual person behind that Photo and those credentials. I am Dr. Whiteman, and I am honored to have you on the team, your work in such a short amount of time during this year has been extraordinary …. Not to mention your work in Germany".
"It's a pleasure, and I am flattered you speak so highly of me…. I wish I could toot my own horn as loudly as you do for me. My covid treatment plan backed by the Katherine fox foundation is minimal at best, there is still considerable work to be done".
"We hope that you are interested in leading it".
"Dr. Whiteman I have to tell you, I am a bit put off by the publicity I have received without my approval, and without my agreeing to join… I also do not see how my research will benefit as the there is so much already done by much larger foundations".
Just then Katherine and Webber walked in Teddy waved them in
"I understand" Dr. Whiteman nodded
"I also have to tell you; I am due to have a baby from now to 4 weeks… I will be out of the office".
"That does not change anything Dr. Altman, we understand the importance of family, If you agree to this we would like you to do an interview with CNN explaining your ideas and comment on some of the treatments being put forward now".
"Ummmm Sure". She looked towards Webber and Katherine who were nodding yes
"Great, we'll set something up, have a great evening Dr. Altman."
She stood up "SO you're on board ugh Altman"?! Webber shook her hand.
"I guess so, I was just about to head to the Covid Unit to do rounds, care to walk and talk"?
"Absolutely, do you have all the staff and supplies you need" Katherine asked.
"I believe so, more vents and beds would be helpful. But I want to limit the people involved of course, to limit exposure." Her phone buzzed.
Owen: "Leo is trying out for school baseball team, as pitcher or shortstop"
Teddy: "somehow someway he totally gets his pitching talents from me, LOL"
Owen: "HAHAHA Right …. Skills, mad skills. Leo Birthday, he wants a quiet day at home just the
Family, nothing crazy …. Dinner and cake"
Teddy: "sounds like my kind of party :D! Good work dad"
Teddy laughed and Looked at Richard "seems as though Leo is trying out for Pitcher for his school baseball team."
Richard looked surprised "ughhhh"
"I know, I know …. It's a shame he's not biologically mine…. had he been he totally would've been a shoe it for pitcher" she smirked?
Richard eyed her…. "that's great" he hesitated.
"Oh, RELAX Richard, I'm just kidding" She laughed.
Katherine looked Confused "years ago we had a baseball team and Teddy swore UP AND DOWN that she could pitch… * he looked at her* not so much, almost cost us the game". Richard filled her in
"No one will ever let me forget it" she said flipping through her patient's chart shaking her head.
"Do you blame them" ?!
"HA! I guess not, Don't make me tell her about Henry …. *She laughed* Good night Sir"
Katherine looked confused
"Later honey" Richard commented
She arrived home late, EXHAUSTED. She quietly crept into their room and changed hoping to not wake Owen
"you're just getting home"?!
"HOLY CRAP! *She gasped startled* God I thought you were asleep… didn't anyone ever tell you to not scare a pregnant woman" she threw her shoe at him.
"OUCH Watch it"!
"Yeah, well that's what you get, ya jerk"!
They both laughed "Hey so …. Leo ….."
"Yeah… what about him"?
"I asked him about his birthday, and he gave me this, he didn't want to be a bother … nonsense talk since we're both busy".
"You told him he wasn't right!? He did this right before the baby appointment too, Ugh poor kid… I knew my taking this position would be too much for them…. what do you propose we do"?
"I say we make it a birthday weekend, with them…. We get dinners catered and we just do whatever they want to do"
"That sounds nice"
"Rent his favorite movies"
They chatted about Leo's birthday plans until they both fell asleep
Owen woke up realizing Teddy was still asleep … *HOLY SHIT * he thought to himself, she had a big day and had to be ready for her interview in 3 hours.
"Teddy sweetheart! You need to get ready baby"!
"Mmmmm let me sleep few more" he felt awful for waking her since she had not been sleeping well at all.
"NO Theodora you have your interview today! Come on honey, Up up let us go" He pulled the covers off and helped her to a sitting position.
"Owen you don't understand, it's not coming". She groaned getting up
"What is not coming, honey? Come on, take a nice warm shower will help wake you up…. I'll make you some coffee"!
"The baby, the baby is never going to come"! she started getting teary eyed.
"Honey…. You have just made the most comfortable home for the last 9 months; I cannot blame him. But just remember we'll have the healthiest baby".
"Ya …." She smiled kissing him.
He knew exactly what to say to get her to smile she loved him, she let him pull her PJs off and she got into the shower "coffee with caffeine "? She asked.
"Just this one time, for your big day". He agreed.
"How do I look? *she came out of her closet in olive-green blouse and tan slacks and threw on her lab coat * I feel huge * she complained * this is the only thing that fit."
"You look gorgeous, don't forget this" he helped her put on the necklace he gave her with all their initials.
Leaning into him looking at herself in the mirror she closed her eyes as she felt the baby move against Owen poking her stomach when she opened her eyes she noticed something – there were 5 initials on the necklace she looked closer and realized "Owen….. she choked up* why do this to me now"?
"I thought it'd be nice to include our entire family in the interview".
Allison walked by their room back tracking as she caught a glimpse of her mom "MOM, you look beautiful" !
"Thanks baby girl" she felt self-conscious.
The next hour seemed to fly by and before Teddy knew it she was sitting in front of her computer screen being interviewed… Owen, Leo and Allison were in the other room watching the interview on the News
"Wow, she looks beautiful" Leo said.
"That's your mom" Owen beamed with pride.
"She looks like a confident badass woman I'd trust" Allison added.
"Doctor….errr…. Major Theodora Altman-Hunt it is FINALLY GREAT to have the chance to meet and interview you! What do I call you"?
"It's a pleasure, thank you for having me. Major Altman is fine" she smiled.
"Let's get to it shall we. My understanding is you have been named to the President's Panel because of your continued efforts to use a certain drug that was initially regarded as a potential treatment. But now researchers are saying it will not work. Why continue down that road when researchers and data has come out and said I will not work".
"The research you're speaking of pertained to a certain itself. No, I am not using a particular drug… because I agree with the data that has come out about it, we just do not have the physiological capacity to metabolize and utilize that particular drug. However, the concept of targeting the immune response to covid is what I am looking at. The drug initially stated did just that, there are multiple different types of drugs that we do metabolize that have similar effects on the immune system as well. Those are the drugs the Katherine Fox foundation and me after looking into
Can you talk about the Immune system …? Explain to the folks at home how it works why this is such a huge topic. How it pertains to vaccines …
"Sure, So First off we have 2 types: The Innate (which we are born with) and the Adaptive (the one we develop over time and helps us recognize pathogens in the future). The BEST way I can describe our immune system is our own personal Military. We have different types of cells in our body that play different roles in fighting bacteria.
"Why are people claiming it's the immune system that is killing people."
"I wouldn't necessarily said that what happens is when a virus becomes wildly out of control our immune system as a hard time keeping up and it compensates, kind of like throwing the entire kitchen sink at the virus or bacteria and when that happens, we get these insane responses. Allergies are our immune system basically going into a blind panic, Autoimmune diseases same. When our immune system does not know when to shut down its response, we get a negative effect. Like difficulty breathing,
'What is your advice? "
Stay home! Wear a mask. My husband, Major Hunt, and I see the effects of this pandemic every day…. It is draining. I know these times are tough, especially for our younger generations … I have two pre-teens at home, who I am beyond proud of for their resilience and ability to adapt during these uncertain times. My husband and I get the juggling work and their school and making sure they are happy and healthy. We have managed.
The best people to get information from pertaining to your own health, is your own physician.
"You mentioned you have pre-teens yourself, how are they handling all of this especially with parents who are so very much involved? Are they having a difficult time being unable to hang with their friends or go to school"?
I do *teddy smiled* two incredible kids who know both mom and dad have always cared for very sick people, so as far as that goes they understand. But at the same time, they are naturally very empathetic people, just the other day my daughter told me she felt the world is severely lacking empathy. Of course, it is difficult for them, but I think their ability to see beyond themselves, beyond their own little bubble… helps. My husband and I try our best to not bring work home, but Every day they see mom and dad come home exhausted, they see the day to day toll it takes on the front-line workers.
"You must be very proud of them."
"Proud does not even being to express how I feel. Their dad and I are honored they chose us to be their parents."
Teddy rubbed her thumb quietly where she felt the baby. She did not want to talk about her family, but she could not help herself.
"Mom is right, you guys…. "Owen pulled them in closer.
"We're glad our parents" Leo commented.
"When do you think this will be over"?
"I'm not comfortable, putting a date on it."
"Do you think this is a fabricated conspiracy drawn up by the government and medical, pharmaceutical communities"?
Owen, Allison, and Leo could tell Teddy was becoming uncomfortable, they knew this is what SHE DID NOT want to talk about
"Dad…." Leo said uncomfortably.
"Shhhhhh she's fine" Owen comforted the kids.
"I don't. I do think there are organizations out there or individuals who are fear mongering society into believing certain things…. Hence the conspiracies. But those ideas have not been proven by researchers. I am a person of science, I follow the Scientific Method and I follow evidence based analysis. Others may feel differently and that's okay, as long as we all reach a common end goal – irridcating this virus
Then why all the conspiracies, why all the pushback?
"I think people are afraid of what they don't understand…. Because they never took a science course. People need to realize science takes time, there is a process to how things are discovered, I liken it to art. While I appreciate art, I know nothing about the "science "that goes into it. So, you will never hear me criticize an artist's work. I will leave that to the artists, meanwhile, I'll sit back and enjoy the art. There is something called the Scientific Method and a hypothesis goes through SO many different experiments where we are actively trying to disprove it…. Things are sent out to peers to review and constantly revised. If it does not work, it does not necessarily mean it's a failure… it may just need to be revised. This process takes time, and we need to just all be patient. *she smiled*
"That's a beautiful way of thinking about it , Thank you Major Altman for joining us today, we look forward to your contributions and hope to speak with you again soon"!
Thanks for having me.
Her phone immediately rang, it was Webber she answered it " I know you probably want to be with your family but I wanted to call and tell you WELL DONE ALTMAN… great job".
"Thank you, sir," she smiled.
"Have a good evening, Altman."
"Thank you, sir, you too" she hung up and headed downstairs to her family.
"Dad she did amazing "!
"Did I do okay you guys"?! She asked coming down the stairs.
"MOMMMM"! Leo and Allison embraced their mom almost knocking her over.
"Careful you guys"! Owen scolded.
"So you love us …." Allison asked holding onto Teddy.
"Kind… of…. It was all really an act so the public will think I am this motherly wholesome doctor …. Make me more trustworthy and believable". She said sarcastically.
"WOWWWWWWWW and when is your pregnancy act up"? Leo yelled from the kitchen making Teddy laugh.
"BURN"! Allison yelled
"Good one Leo" Owen high-fived him
"UGHHH No Stop you can't take make your poor ole mom laugh… not cool! Of course, I love you dear".
"Well done babe"! Kissing her the kids complained
"Will you two take It elsewhere and leave our brother out of it"!
"Hey Hey Hey, this is our house "She teased.
The Kids ran upstairs to their rooms "Well that was short lived "she casually said turning around to see Owen staring at her "Owen the last time you stared at me like that …. This happened" She said rubbing her belly.
They both laughed.
"10 mins and the bus leaves for Leo's 1st Baseball practice! Owen yelled Want to go"?
"MOM! Are you coming"!?
"I wouldn't miss it, my little pitcher"! Teddy smiled.
Sitting around the baseball field, the stares did not go unnoticed by Teddy "Ugh maybe this wasn't such a good idea, my coming out right now."
"What are you talking about, just relax enjoy watching your kid, ignore everyone else . But I will say you have no idea what I'm feeling right now – I am SO PROUD of you"!
She blushed "You're right".
"Hey what do you say we go on a short babymoon" He wrapped his arms around her.
"I don't know …. *she started to pull away* I want to stay near the hospital."
"We don't have to go far, come on… let me spoil you for 1-2 days …. the min you start feeling crappy we will go home…. deal"?
"Fine" She smiled
"Great we leave tonight"!
"Wait …. what is happening"? Allison asked
"Mom said yes to us going up to the mountains for the weekend"!
"YA! Everything is in the car, and Aunt Meghan said she'd pick us up after Leo's practice".
"That's my girl"! Owen smiled.
"YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS And didn't tell me?! What happened to girl code"!?
"Sorry, Dad told me to keep it a secret, you deserve this after your big week, mom".
She glared at Allison "Leo is actually really good…. Did you know that"?!
"No".
"Does that make us bad parents… not keeping up with our kid's talents…? *she looked at Allison * What hidden talent do you have"?
"Teddy, CHILL … No, it doesn't"