And Love
Chapter 14 Home and family
ST. VIC'S ROOM 410
Mary Rose has been cleaned, checked and released to her mother's care. Her vital statistics are 7 pounds 2 ounces & 20 inches long. There is a bassinet in Eddie's room but right now she is having her first feeding. Eddie breast fed Malina so she needed very little instruction. Jamie on the other hand is fascinated! Obviously, he has never seen this happen; he is well in tune with the bonding that occurs between mother and child during this close encounter. If he weren't such an in-tune father, he might be a touch jealous. But he understands that he will get his chance to bond in other ways and other circumstances, perhaps an occasional formula feeding (when he will have to contend with Mal).
As soon as Eddie's nipple brushed past Mary Rose's lips, she latched on and began to suckle. She was a hungry little half Serbian girl! The smile on Eddie's face was unmistakable – love at first SIGHT & touch! Mary Rose would occasionally look up at her mother and Eddie looked down with a look of pure love. Both parent's hearts soared.
Then there was Mal. She was over the moon! Jamie was afraid that he would never get to hold his little girl. Both Eddie and Mal assured him otherwise. He would believe it when it happened.
The rest of the family? They might as well be on the moon. This is going to be very interesting indeed. Jamie and Eddie would never need to think about hiring a nanny; just post a sign-up sheet for times Mary Rose care was needed. And get to the sheet before daddy and Mal did. Good luck!
After a two-day stay in the hospital, mother and daughter were discharged. The nursery had been thoroughly cleaned, prepped and stocked with every needed supply. Mal had made herself such a nuisance that Jamie finally put a small air mattress in the nursery so the big sister could sleep in there. The parents laid down the law – she was only going to sleep there for the 1st week. We shall see how that works out.
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HOME
Eddie has been granted the usual 30 days post-partum leave. But now that she/they have 2 children under 3 years of age, the age-old question arises – does she want to continue to work? At least full time? She and Jamie had not discussed that. Added to that was the danger of being a cop, on the front lines of law enforcement. Is the risk worth it?
Then there was the wedding; when to schedule that? She was thinking 2 months out, i.e. April 10. So, maybe extend her leave time to 90 days? Would she want to resume full time work after all that time? She and Jamie had some discussions to have!
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BAY RIDGE SUNDAY
Jamie carries Mary Rose into the kitchen in her car seat. Eddie and Mal trail him, lugging all the supplies needed for a dinner and short visit. The baby is 2 weeks old; the family would not wait any longer. They would have invaded the young couple's home if they had not come today.
Mary Rose came 1st, feeding time and she let all know it. Eddie chose the sunroom, so she took MR in there and got settled and started feeding the baby.
Nicky and Mal were glued to Eddie's side. They had never witnessed such a process, and could hardly believe that they themselves had been fed that way. They had a myriad of questions which Eddie patiently answered.
After MR finished, was burped and changed, she was brought out to the waiting throng. Multiple arms reached out for her; auntie Erin won the race. She is, after all tall, athletic and extremely competitive! A tortoise in a dress!
Jamie was the self-appointed referee; keeping the thundering hordes under control. He deserved, and received, a kiss for his good work. Everyone eventually got to hold the prize – not as long as they wanted, but there was only so much time and so many arms. There would be more Sunday dinners. As long as they behaved.
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Mary Rose was placed in a pack-and-play during dinner; she was in full view of mommy and daddy. After the traditional blessing, Eddie took advantage of the PC's presence and asked Frank some questions.
"Frank, Mary Rose was born February 10. My 30 days post-partum leave expires March 10. Jamie and I are looking at April 10, or thereabouts for our wedding. What is the policy for personal leave, especially for trainees?"
"You need to talk with HR, Eddie. Do you Danny or Jamie know off the top of your heads?"
Neither has an answer.
Jamie responds, "I'll ask sarge Monday morning. Then inquire of HR to confirm what he says. Has Fr. Mark gotten back re our email request, babe?"
"Not that I've seen. I know he is interested in a Sunday morning wedding during mass."
"Oh, that would be wonderful! I think," Erin adds.
Most at the table agree.
"Are you going to have Mary Rose baptized?" Pops asks.
Eddie and Jamie look at each other, she nods to him. "Yes, and Mal will be also," Jamie answers for them. Eddie nods in assent so all know they are in agreement.
Just as dessert is served a fussy voice is heard. Mal jumps up and lifts her sister up into her arms. "Let's take sissy into the sunroom," Eddie instructs. Eddie grabs the diaper bag and they disappear to tend to the baby. Jamie picks up their dessert plates and goes to join his family. Those left at the table smile knowingly; been there, done that!
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SUNDAY EVENING J/E APARTMENT
"Sweetheart, are you still comfortable with the decisions we made for the wedding?" Eddie asks Jamie as they wind down after a soft, gentle love making session.
She shows him the chart of what they had decided:
Bride = Edit Marie Janko,
Groom = Jameson Henry Reagan,
Best man = Danny Reagan,
Maid of honor = Kara Walsh,
Walk down the aisle = Tony Renzulli,
Venue = St. Angelus parish church,
Brides' maids,
Erin Reagan,
Nicky Reagan,
Grooms' men,
Joe Hill,
Frank Reagan,
Coordinator = Linda Reagan,
Guest book = Lena Janko,
Ushers,
Jack Regan,
Sean Reagan,
Henry Reagan,
Catering & cake = Marie Renzulli,
Officiant = Fr. Mark.
"I'm ok. Has anyone expressed regrets about participating, babe?" Jamie wonders.
"Not that I've heard. Everyone is solid."
"Good," He leans over to place a passionate kiss.
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"May I ask you something else?" Eddie is nervous.
"Sure, what's on your mind?"
"Work."
"Work? As in, what?" He is puzzled.
"Well, as I nurse Mary Rose and look down at our sweet, vulnerable baby; I shudder at the thought of me not coming home to her someday."
"Eddie, you can't think like that."
"I know, that's what they say! We had it drilled into us all through the academy. But then I look down at her and she smiles up at me . . . and I can't shake it. I really can't, Jamie."
"Sweetheart, has something happened that shakes your confidence?"
"Nothing specific. Except . . . the other day I remembered officer Collins. She died on our first tour; you remember?"
"Yes, I remember."
"When you ran to see if you could catch the perp, I stayed behind to assist officer Collins. Her cap was lying on the ground, with a picture of her husband and child in it. That haunts me to this day."
"That's natural, Eddie. That will fade over time. Everyone I know will tell you not to make a major career change because of one incident like that."
"I know . . . I agree. Then I look down at Mary Rose as she is feeding . . . and it scares me to death!" Eddie is trembling now. She grasps her arms around Jamie's waist; starting to weep. "I love you, Jamie. I love our kids. I don't know if I can do this . . . I really don't"
Jamie holds her tight, rubbing circles on her back. Whispering sweet nothings into her ear while he rocks hem both. He doesn't know what else to say.
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TBC