Lisa made faces at Nora, who was just starting to wake up in her stroller. It was not optimal, as Lisa sat there in the exam room, waiting for her appointment. She'd hoped the baby would sleep through most of it, even feeding her right before they'd come inside. However, Nora was growing, getting bigger, and sleeping less, at least not all the time. At now four months old tomorrow, she was such a delight, and yes, it did seem impossible to remember life before her. Lisa had brought her along today so that Jack could do some work at the ranch. Now that it was mid-April, and it was mild outside with the snow melted, he had plenty to do to get things back in shape after the long winter. Lisa would knock out this appointment, get some lunch, and she and Nora would do some shopping. Lisa wasn't complaining at all. It was a great day to her, time to spend with her baby, and after a week in Florida, she was happy for this gift of time.
Nora started to fuss, and Lisa hopped off the exam table where she'd been waiting now 20 minutes as she glanced at her watch, hoping that she could be seen soon. They'd done her blood pressure, so really, this shouldn't take too long. Marion had already texted her asking if she was seeing the 'hot doctor' today. Lisa had ignored it. Nora seemed to settle once Lisa was in her eyesight and then Lisa jiggled some of the toys she'd hung on the stroller. She looked to the door when she heard it open and nodded at yes, Marion's favorite doctor.
"Ahh, Mrs. Stillman, nice to see you, and oh, you brought the baby. She's looking good," he smiled at her after stepping over to look at Nora. "Of course, she's older than most babies I see here with their moms for their postpartum exam."
Lisa grimaced and nodded, "So sorry about that. I'm usually much better with appointments. She definitely had us out of sorts for a little while, but I've also had to travel quite a bit for work already. I did have an appointment back when that storm hit in February that had to be moved."
"Understandable," he told her. "So, how are things going?" He gave Lisa a soft smile, almost an encouraging smile as he gave her a chance to tell him about motherhood.
"Ahh, okay, actually good," Lisa smiled at him. "I have to say, she's a really good baby. She's not fussy, is sleeping pretty well-"
"How long a stretch is she sleeping?"
"Oh, gosh, she's now up to four hours, sometimes a little longer, which is really welcome," she chuckled. The doctor did too as he nodded.
"How are you sleeping?"
"Good, honestly. You know," Lisa rolled her eyes, "not that I would ever have predicted any of this, but having her in the dead of winter when my husband is a cattle rancher, and I work with horses, well, the timing was really great. We were both home a lot this winter, shared all of the newborn things, and we traded off sleep. Sure, we had some long days and nights, but I can't complain at all. My stepdaughter lives on the ranch too, as does our granddaughter, so we have a lot of people around to help. Now that Nora is sleeping longer and finally," Lisa sighed with a roll of her eyes, "in her own room, things are starting to settle. We are getting into a good routine, and everyone is getting decent sleep."
"Good to hear," he nodded, making a notation on his chart. "Just wait until she's teething," he made a face and then chuckled. "If she starts waking up screaming in the middle of the night, and you are no longer getting sleep, that's the culprit."
"Oh," she made a face, "hadn't thought about that, but thanks for the warning."
"And, you mentioned travel?"
"Yes," she told him with a tight smile and nod. "I, ahh, have to travel a lot for work as an international horse breeder. I had to go to France in January and just got back from Florida. The hardest part was leaving Nora, but," she eyed him, "I'm adjusting and know that I can't sit and stare at her every minute of every hour. My husband and I are looking forward to the summer and getting this new routine down. He's back outside on the ranch much more now with the weather finally starting to turn, and I'll be juggling my stable and some travel. She," Lisa looked over at Nora and smiled, "is just a doll, and whatever we have to do, we'll all adjust. I even spoke to our granddaughter, Amy, about maybe traveling with me next time to Florida, with Nora to watch her, but also so my husband can tend to his beef cattle. Anyway," Lisa waved, "sorry. You didn't ask for our life story," she chuckled.
"No, that's fine," he told her. "Part of all of this is your mental health too, and it does sound like you are doing okay. Now," he narrowed his gaze, "physically how are you feeling?"
"My weight," she sighed instantly, frowning. "I'm really trying not to focus on that, but it seems to be a never-ending battle. I know you said it could take time, and I'm already planning daily exercise with some walking. It's a bit of a walk even out to our mailbox, but I'm going to do that with the stroller. I just am a bit frustrated, and I hate saying that with how well things did go, but," she smiled softly, "you did ask."
"I did," he told her. "Weight is a constant battle for all of my patients, and as I mentioned at the hospital, it's particularly a problem with women in their 40's. Not only have you shocked your body with a pregnancy, you're dealing with the normal things for your 40's, and sadly, weight gain is one of those too. We can run a lab panel to check your blood work, thyroid, all of that just to make sure we aren't missing anything. Now, any pain, discomfort, or problems we need to address?"
"No," Lisa shook her head. "All of that seems to be fine. No problems."
"Okay, good," he nodded, making some notations. "Ahh, let's talk family planning, at least," he eyed her, "I assume you do want to discuss that?"
"Oh, absolutely," Lisa rolled her eyes. "The joke was definitely on me, on us, finding out about Nora after years and years of infertility or miscarriage issues. I, umm," Lisa nodded, making a face, "came to an agreement with my husband, and yes, he's going to take care of that."
"Okay then," he told her. "If something changes, we have a lot of different birth control options." The doctor made a note in his chart, and Lisa's mind wandered to that conversation or couple conversations.
"So," Lisa eyed Jack late at the cabin when they were sitting out on the porch with Nora sleeping inside. There was a faint light from the small light they had on inside, and the two were enjoying a hot cup of tea before going to bed themselves.
"Why do I have a feeling that 'so' is bringing about some big discussion?" Jack eyed her, and Lisa laughed slightly, nodding.
"Hmm, you do know me well. Yes, we need to talk about something, something that really came to me as we were discussing appointments."
"Okay-" Jack said, drawing out the word. "What's that?"
"Family planning," Lisa stated, grimacing at Jack.
"Family planning?" Jack grumbled, looking over at her, and as it dawned on him from his repeating of it, he sighed and shook his head.
"We have to talk about this, Jack," Lisa eyed him again.
He mocked the topic slightly by nodding and saying, "I planned to marry you. I did. Family planning."
She laughed and nodded too, "Yes, you did. We didn't plan to have that sleeping baby in there, but we did-at our ages with nothing wrong. Now, unless you want that surprise again with us being even older, I'd suggest you participate in the conversation. I will make that appointment and go when I get back from Florida. It hasn't been an issue yet since Nora has been born, but we do need to take care of things soon."
"Okay," he said with a shake of his head after he sipped his tea. "What did you have in mind?"
"Ahh," she shifted to look at him, "for you to take care of things on your end. I think you should get a vasectomy."
Jack's expression changed to a horrified one, as he shook his head, "Lise, I don't want to do that. I'm about to be 67 years old. I'm old."
"But," she pursed her lips and pointed at him, "you always point out, not dead. I don't see what your age has to do with it, other than I'm not asking you to do this say at the age of 25 or something. Were you planning on finding an even younger wife and starting a third family?"
"No!" Jack said, horrified, and when he caught Lisa grinning, he realized she was teasing. The topic was not fun, but Lisa was trying to keep things light even with much to discuss. Jack put down his tea, sighed, and he sat forward to talk to Lisa.
"I just don't want to do that. I guess I don't see a need when there are other options-"
"Other options? You mean for me?" Lisa gestured to herself. "I had the baby. My body has been through it, and I'm not complaining about that, but Cowboy, I think it's your turn to share some of it. While I was pregnant, you said you'd do anything to help share that burden, knowing that wasn't something you could do. I'm just asking you do this."
He held up his hands in defense, "Just as a question, and know I'm asking because I don't know, what is so wrong with some sort of birth control? That's a lot less invasive on your end."
"I don't want too pump my body full of drugs," she told him. "I am in my 40's. My body is a mess already from Nora and from my age. I don't want to start that with things ahead like menopause and all. I mean," she waved her hand ,"Marion is already having hot flashes, and I don't want to see what kind of craziness lies ahead for me if I start on different pills."
"Can we not talk about Marion?" Jack grimaced. Lisa sighed but nodded.
"Like you just said, Lise, in what, another 10 years, this won't be a discussion."
"Okay," she crossed her arms, "fine, wait 10 years. I really don't want to deal with birth control, and if you aren't wanting to take care of it, fine."
"What does that mean?" Jack asked, now confused.
Lisa chuckled, eyeing him, "It means we just chance things, which I don't want to do or we do nothing, and I mean nothing. I'll let you know when I hit menopause so things can resume," she said with a smirk at him.
"Come on, Lise, let's talk about this-"
"We are. You don't want to do anything. Okay," she gestured at him, "let me just ask. What did you do with Lyndy? You only had Marion, so?"
"She told me right away she wanted no other kids because she wanted to be on the road. I would have had a houseful," he said with a soft smile, reaching for her hand, "which is one of the reasons why when I finally got over having Nora at my age, I'm completely at her beckon call. You know I love kids."
"I do, but that doesn't answer my question."
"We talked about a vasectomy," Jack nodded with pursed lips. "I told her the same, I didn't want to do that, and you should be glad I did," he hooked his hand over his shoulder, "because that little spitting image of you in there is a pretty great thing since I was adamant about that."
"I don't see why this is an issue now. As I said, you aren't 25. You also just said you aren't planning on a third family, so what is it? Do you hate the idea of just having the procedure done?"
"Yeah, I don't want to do that," he huffed.
"Well, what came of your chat," she rolled her eyes, "with Lyndy?"
"Oh, well, she finally came around," he told Lisa. "She took care of it."
Lisa huffed, "Well, that's not me. I'm not Lyndy, so I guess we are at a stalemate, ehh?" At that, nothing was said, and they could only hear the silence of the slight wind and the water nearby at the river. She finally sighed and stood, throwing the blanket she had over her legs onto the chair. "I'm going to check on Nora."
"Lise, come on," Jack sighed, tugging at her hand. "Let's talk through it. We always do-"
"We did. We disagree, and right now, it is clear we aren't going to come to an agreement." She nodded and stepped inside. After checking on Nora, Lisa changed and got ready for bed. With the lights out and buried under blankets, she didn't acknowledge Jack when he got into bed. She swatted at him when he looped his arm around her, Lisa on her side, and Jack nuzzled up next to her head.
"Lise, I'm sorry. You're right, and yes, you're usually right. I don't want you pumping your body full of drugs when for me, it's just some stupid pride thing. I just don't want to do it, but I will. I'll take care of it, promise. Yeah, we should have talked about this, but when we did get married, and a baby wasn't an option, I guess it just didn't seem necessary. I know it is, and yeah, when we get back, I'll start looking into what it entails."
"You will?" Lisa turned her head to eye him.
"I will," he leaned over and kissed her. "I don't want to go to bed angry, and I certainly know the toll Nora took on you. I'll probably be the oldest one in the office-"
"Join the club," Lisa waved her arm that was free. "That was me in the OB office each visit."
"I know," he said, kissing her check this time. "I'm not good at compromise, never have been, and I know I've met my match in stubbornness with you, so yes, I will do that because you're right. You had Nora. I can deal with this."
"Thank you," Lisa said, shifting and putting her hand on his face. She offered him a small smile and kissed him. Jack snaked his arm under her top, kissing her back, and when they broke apart, he sighed.
"Maybe you can compromise on your stance for tonight?" He nodded toward Nora across the room. "She's out cold, I mean, that is if we are okay proceeding before these appointments."
"We're okay still," Lisa grinned at him, "and yes, I'll compromise too, but I promise, it isn't much of a hardship to give in to you suggestion tonight."
"So, Mrs. Stillman," Lisa's head snapped, and she put her hand to her face, feeling it redden as her memory had her going back to a very lovely evening there at the cabin. "You said your husband was going to have a vasectomy or already had one?"
"Will be having one," she nodded. "Yes."
"Make sure to read through all the precautions with that and either drive him or have someone else. Don't let him skip the follow up. That procedure is no good if you don't confirm at the follow up. I'm going to grab my nurse now to finish up in here-get those labs drawn, do your exam, and we'll have you and your daughter out of here." Lisa nodded with a small smile, and he stepped out. She looked over at Nora, who had gone back to sleep, letting Lisa sigh a bit of a relief. Nora was always so good. Lisa knew not all babies were this good and again, was just so amazed at how things had turned out.
She had a text message come through, and seeing it was work, she started typing to address it. She would have to go back to Florida in the next few weeks. She was working out a pretty big deal, and it was something that needed to be done in person. She had been serious when she'd told her doctor that Amy coming along might be a possibility. Amy was old enough, 14, to watch Nora for a couple hours at a time, and Lisa thought she might enjoy the travel. Yes, Marion and Jack had plenty to do on the ranch through the spring and summer, so taking Nora was something she was considering. She replied to her trainer and looked up when the nurse and doctor returned.
"Okay, let's get you out of here," he told her as the nurse prepared to draw her blood. "We'll make sure you have no pain or cysts or anything like that." Lisa nodded, and the room was quiet for the next few minutes until Lisa grimaced. The doctor glanced at her.
"Painful?"
"A little," she made a face. "Hasn't been something I've noticed." He nodded. "Here?" Lisa grimaced again. He pursed his lips, and Lisa watched as he pulled over the ultrasound. He glanced back at her, "Just want to check a couple areas."
Lisa felt her heart start to race as she sat up to see what he was looking at, not that she really could read those things. She wouldn't know what a cyst or anything else would look like. Why did she have to have the good-looking doctor again to go over all of this and now have to deal with whatever she had going on? Marion wouldn't let Lisa hear the end of it.
Her head snapped when she heard her name and felt embarrassed because she was sure he'd called her name more than once.
"Mrs. Stillman," and Lisa looked at him.
"Sorry, ahh, I've been feeling fine. Everything okay?"
"I'm guessing you didn't know you were pregnant," he said, turning the ultrasound toward her, and Lisa's eyes widened at his words.
"Wait, what?" She sat up further, eyes in a full panic now, trying to make out the ultrasound. She never could figure these machines out, but the doctor was nodding and pointing.
"Yes, you're pregnant-"
"Are you sure? Seriously? Oh, you have to be kidding me!" Lisa exclaimed and then shook her head as she looked at the ceiling, "That stupid fishing cabin again!"
She looked at the doctor and felt her face flush as she realized she'd been verbalizing her internal thoughts. He gave her a small shake of his head, "I'm not sure what that means about a fishing cabin-"
"I mean, you can tell this early, then? We were just there ahh about two weeks ago, but I haven't even regulated since Nora was born. We conceived her at our fishing cabin, and seriously, again? It's like the place brings on pregnancy," she huffed and realized then she was giving out way too much information. Sorry, but you're sure-"
"Oh, I can definitely see you're pregnant, but ahh, whatever," he paused eyeing her, "romantic interlude you are talking about from a couple weeks ago, you're much further along that that." He pushed there on her stomach, "You didn't notice this is rock hard again?"
"Well, I mean," she waved, "it was when I had Nora, and since then, I haven't noticed a lot of change," and as she was saying that, he was trying to take some quick measurements on the ultrasound.
"Yeah, well, I'm not the ultrasound tech, but judging on what I'm seeing, and the rudimentary measurements I'm trying to get, yes, this is more than you being four or five weeks pregnant from a stay at a cabin a couple weeks ago." He eyed her again, "You can still conceive shortly after birth," and Lisa's eyes widened, her mind racing back to a stupid article she read at the cabin when she'd asked Marion about some of this.
"Up to44 women are susceptible to unintended pregnancy…which can occur as early as three weeks after giving birth."
No, she had been feeling fine. She would have recognized being pregnant. She'd felt horrible with Nora, and the sleep, and the food-"
"Yes, here we are," and the doctor helped Lisa prop herself on her elbows to look at the ultrasound. She looked down to see the wand on her stomach and then over at the screen, and her eyes widened. She COULD see a baby there, something that was so hard early on. "Oh wow, yes, this is dating the baby at 16 weeks, 5 days, give or take." He typed in something, and looked over at Lisa, "That would have been conception in mid-January, sometime there," he nodded at her.
"16 weeks! Four months!" Lisa exclaimed. "You're joking!" At that, he pointed to the screen, and Lisa's eyes just widened, as she tried to process all of this. "Mid-January?" Lisa closed her eyes and grimaced, nodding, "Our anniversary was in mid-January, but that was just a month after she was born. I thought I had to be seen at six weeks. It was just our anniversary-"
"Yes, well, I can't count the number of anniversary babies I've delivered," he smiled softly at her, patting her arm, adding, "or the number of post-delivery, thought we were in the clear for a couple months deliveries. It's more common than you think, but yes, you're definitely pregnant."
"I haven't had any issues," she shook her head. "I mean, how did I not know? I never threw up, had food issues-"
"Every single pregnancy is different," he told her. "Yes, this one is further along than I like to be just finding out. You need to be back on prenatal vitamins. It's hard on a woman having back to back pregnancies, so we need to watch that. Your body goes through a lot, needs a break, and in your case, it didn't get one. I know things came up, but had you been in for your checkup in early February, we would have seen this, what around six or seven weeks and would have started your prenatals then. It's a good sign, though, that the baby is 16 weeks, almost 17 weeks along and no pain or issues. You were worried about a miscarriage the last time, but you are moving right along this time. Your stomach is rock hard," he told her, moving her hand to it. "I noticed that right away, and the pressure and pain, I was checking before I got the ultrasound. I am a little surprised myself you're this far along based on just what I thought it might be, maybe around eight or nine weeks, but yes, conception was in January, and that puts you due," he typed in a few things, "September 26."
"I'm four months pregnant," Lisa huffed, "and having another baby in September? I can't believe this!" Lisa said, not horrified, but completely shocked and taken by surprise. "I tried to have a baby when I was in my 20's with my first husband, and that just kept ending up in miscarriage or nothing happening. I barely look at my husband now, my much older husband-we're both old-You're telling me, I barely look at him or touch him, and I'm pregnant again? My birthday is in September. I'll be 43. Last year, on my birthday, I didn't have one baby yet, and this year, if this one is early too, I could have two babies already? Oh my gosh!"
He gave her a reassuring smile and patted her hand, "Look, I can see this is a shock. If you lie back and try to catch your breath, I'm going to take a few more pictures and basic measurements. We're playing catch up now, and this has changed from a postpartum appointment to a regular OB appointment. We'll draw more labs, check for everything, and we'll then get you scheduled for a full ultrasound in a week or two. You'll be able to tell the gender with that one. Now," he eyed her, "do you want to do genetic testing? That's done earlier usually-"
"No," she shook her head. "I don't. It won't change things. I'm really pregnant?"
He nodded, smiling and turned on the doppler. Lisa put her hand to her mouth and listened to the rapid heartbeat.
"That's the baby's heartbeat, not yours, and considering I did go to medical school to learn how to take care of pregnant women, yes, I'm pretty certain you are pregnant. I'll print out the picture from the machine, but yes, four months along. Do you then know the exact conception date or is that too hard to pin down?"
"No, our anniversary," she sighed, nodding. "First time after she was born, and I'm going to kill my stepdaughter."
The doctor chuckled as he was working with the ultrasound, glancing to Lisa, "Why's that?"
"Oh," Lisa huffed, "I'm surprised that embarrassing moment isn't one you remember. She was going on and on all about how no woman waits until their postpartum exam-"
"Ahh, yes, I do," he started to laugh, making a face at Lisa. "Little late to say this now," he nodded to her stomach, "but maybe should have listened to the doctor's advice."
"I can't believe this. Is the baby okay?"
"From what I can see, yes, but I'd say the family planning chat was a little too late. However, that husband of yours needs to follow through with that vasectomy because I don't care what your ages are-he's still virile, and you apparently, despite your past, are having no problems conceiving now. Unless you are wanting a third, have him go to that appointment."
"Good grief, tell me about it," she sighed. "How did I not know?"
"As I said, all pregnancies are different, but yes, with the stomach firmness-"
She interrupted him, "I thought the other symptoms were just residual from Nora-"
"Some are," he nodded. "As I said, we would have figured that out in early February, and it's now mid-April so we are going get you back on pentanals and make sure baby is healthy."
"Oh gosh!" Lisa put her hand to her mouth. "Jack and I went for a trail ride yesterday."
"Definitely no horses," he told her, gesturing to the screen, "but looks like baby did okay. Same goes for no alcohol-"
"I had a glass of wine in Florida, but I have been tired and haven't had other alcohol because of that, just too tired. I just thought I was tired with Nora, which isn't out of the realm of normal."
"No, it's not. You will just start to be extra tired. You now have an infant and are 16 weeks pregnant. That would also explain your weight issues. You won't lose any now, but you'll gain more."
"Oh gosh," she took a deep breath, tears forming. She waved at her face, eyeing the nurse now, who handed her a tissue. "It just a bit overwhelming. I mean, a baby, wow. I never thought I would be a mom, and then I was. I am. I came in here to just get a quick checkup, do some shopping for Nora, and I'm having another baby?"
"That you are," he told her. "Congratulations. I'm sure that husband of yours will be thrilled. He was pretty happy with your daughter." The doctor helped her sit up and handed her the ultrasound picture. She'd just had a string of these with Nora, and it was surreal-more ultrasounds but of a different baby? Her baby? She and Jack had created another life?
Jack.
Lisa's stomach started turning, and she knew it wasn't morning sickness or a baby kicking-she'd not felt that yet either. Jack. She was going to have to tell Jack. He was thrilled with Nora; they both were after she realized Jack wasn't leaving because of a baby, but they had both been clear that it was good to settled and figure out their new family routine with NORA, just Nora. There would be no new routine, at least not yet, at least not with their what, entire family, considering that now, she was going to be a mom of two.
Somehow, as terrifying as this was, she had done it before and wow, the thought of doing it again, now? It was a shock, for sure, but it didn't seem as terrifying. The nurse and doctor gave her some instructions, none of which she even heard as she just nodded at them. They stepped out of the room to let her get dressed before making her next appointments, and she put both hands over her stomach.
It was rock hard, and she'd noticed that but completely dismissed it. How was she to know what it should feel like after having a baby, and apparently they'd made this one so quickly, her body hadn't even started to adjust to normal. As she thought back, some of the signs were there, but again, all things you would see after having a baby too. Really tired-yes, but new babies did that. She'd traveled too, and that had been the problem with Nora. She'd missed those signs with all the travel. She ached all over, but again, she was tired, older, and had had a baby. Now that made sense. The weight made sense.
Jack would kill her, not that this was at all just her own doing. Here, she'd married him with the notion of no children, and she was about to give him a second baby. Two babies. Two babies in under a year. What would this do to their family? Nora was quite the adjustment, but now? Her work needed her to travel. Her babies, plural, good grief, she thought, would need her at home, and her husband, her much older husband, still had a massive ranch to run. She was stunned and as she started to dress, sighed and shook her head.
Her maternity pants hadn't fit well this morning, and she'd been irritated by that, not understanding it. Now, as she pulled them on and realized just how tight they felt, she wanted to kick herself for not at least considering she could be pregnant. Their anniversary. Goodness. That means she'd been pregnant all winter without knowing it. She'd discussed postpartum issues with Marion-
Marion.
Oh, Lisa groaned and dropped her head thinking about Marion. Telling Jack would be interesting, and she'd have to come up with the right way, but he loved her and loved kids. They would figure it out. Marion. She would be another story.
Marion.
Marion wouldn't let her live this down, and in a way, Lisa knew whatever comments Marion had for Lisa, it was going to be fun watching this evolve. Having another baby with Jack meant that yes, she and Jack had a very healthy private life, and Marion would obviously know that with this news again.
Marion would be relentless, and as Lisa gathered her things, the prenatal paperwork, which she already had a fresh copy at home, and then, Nora in her stroller, her mind started racing.
A new baby.
New things. A full house. More gear. Another car seat. Another crib.
Two children under one.
By the time this baby was born, his or her parents would be 68 and 43.
His or her.
Maybe with how differently she felt, this was a boy, a son. She could give Jack a son.
It had to be a son.
She felt differently.
No two pregnancies are alike, as her doctor said.
This one was a boy. She knew it.
"Okay, Nora, wow, didn't see that coming. This is absolutely insane, and I'm about as stupid as one can be with babies and pregnancy. I should go to Amy's dumb class. I certainly could use that information. Man, I'm so dumb, and I can't believe your dad and I have done this. Glad you can't understand because you'd be horrified. I'm embarrassed and shocked-the hot doctor your sister always talks about just learned that I can't keep my hands off your old dad and didn't follow doctor's orders to wait a few weeks. Gosh, how embarrassing. I guess we should still get some lunch. Mom is eating for two again, wow, but I'm betting you are getting a little brother this time. He certainly is quite the surprise to our family. I didn't think I could top last Christmas. Oh, check mate. I have. Two of you for this Christmas, and now we need to figure out a way to tell your dad."