And love
Chap 65 Family Planning
A/N: We are into year #1 of the boys; we will use this as our starting point, counting up. See the note at the end for details of where we are. (I tend to get confused! )
8888888888888
BEDTIME, MBR
The boys should be asleep for 2-3 hours.
"Jamie, we need to make a decision."
"About what, love?"
"Well, we decided that 5 kids are enough, right?"
"Yes . . . ah, what to do about shutting the factory down. Correct?"
"Correct. So, what option to pursue, lambchop?"
"Ah . . . for me it would be vasectomy." He frowns in the dark.
"I really don't want you to do that, babe. I don't want to think about it, but if I-
"NO! I do not want to make this decision based on that kind of WHAT IF! Sorry for the outburst, sweetheart. I don't want to do that either, but should you bear the brunt of this on top of everything else?" He feels a little guilty at times.
"Yes, I'm willing to do that, for us. I would like to make an appointment to see Casey and talk things over. Will you come with me?"
"Of course. Please check my schedule beforehand."
"I will. One more thing – I am going to drop out of the riding lessons. I know that we've backed off a lot, but I have a lot to do what with Pat and AJ. Okay?"
"Surely. I think we'll stop them, unless the girls want to ride once a month or so. Mary Rose has Joseph right here. That reminds me, what about her and the vet?"
"Donna? What about her?" Eddie wonders.
"Well, Mary Rose asks about her frequently. Donna mentioned a willingness to take her along on simple calls once in a while. What about that?"
"Do we want to stoke hose fires further?"
"I think that train left the station a long time ago." Jamie surmises. He chuckles and holds her tighter.
"I think you're correct, sweetie. We would do well to encourage her in a carefully structured way."
"Absolutely. So, we can tell Donna, ok? As long as it doesn't interfere with any family duties?" He summarizes.
"Yup, will be the one to give permission. Is that all right?"
"It's all yours," he tickles his lover.
"Stop that!"
"Make me!"
She rolls over him, his mind (and body) become otherwise occupied!
88888888888888
DR. CASEY NELSON
"Hi guys! How are your precious boys doing?" Nurse Debbie is her usual effervescent self.
"They are great; and so are my helpers," Eddie gushes right back.
Jamie just stands by her side and grins.
"So, you are here to see how soon it's safe to have another baby? Correct?" Debbie grins.
They gape at Debbie, like she's grown another head.
"Ah, no. We need to retire the factory. Or some part of it," Eddie affirms their intent. They all laugh.
"Aw, you two make such beautiful babies!" Debbie feigns disappointment. "Well, let me check your vitals, then Casey will be right in." She hands Eddie the well-known lap sheet and exits. Eddie does the usual, then hops up on the exam table and waits – her husband by her side.
"Ah, the Reagan's! I hope we can avoid the chaos from here on out!" Casey greets them.
"Let's hope so," Eddie breathes.
"So, you've decided that 5 kids is enough?"
"We have," Jamie retorts. Eddie nods vigorously.
"Have you discussed options? That's silly, of course you have; I expect nothing less from you two. Have you formed a decision?"
"Well, we've decided that I should do something. Do you have a recommendation?" Eddie asks anxiously."
"Do you want something permanent? Like hysterectomy or tubal ligation?"
"Could we justify hysterectomy?" Eddie looks to Jamie. He shakes his head slightly.
"No, not unless there is another medical indication," Casey declares. "Have you considered tubal ligation?"
"Yes, but I'm concerned about the failure rate," Eddie states.
"The method I use fails 1% of the time. Of course there is the condom; the pill; an IUD; hormone injections & cutting hubby off!" She looks at them, they all begin to laugh.
"Very funny!" Jamie mutters. Eddie squeezes his hand.
"Could you remove my ovaries when you tie my tubes?" Eddie wonders.
"Do you have a history of ovarian cancer in the family?
"Yes, an aunt in Serbia."
"On your mother's side?"
"Yes."
"Hm . . . that would count. Would you want that done?"
"Yes. Then I would take estrogen, right"
"Correct, that will ameliorate the symptoms of hormonal deficiency. Would you like to talk this over with Dr. Young the next time he is here?"
Eddie looks to Jamie. "You're call, babe," he says.
"Yes. Would you be with me in that conversation?"
"Absolutely. Shall I have Debbie make that appointment?
"Yes, please."
They do the consultation; Eddie chooses a tubal ligation and oophorectomy. It will be done laparoscopically at Stony Brook in 2 weeks. Casey will assist Dr. Young.
BREAKFAST
"Girls, we have news. Dad and I have decided that our 5 absolutely wonderful children are enough.," Eddie starts the news.
"So, mom is going to have a little surgical procedure to prevent future pregnancies," dad adds.
"I won't even need to stay overnight. I will be giving your brothers some formula feedings, so I can pump some mother's milk to store in the fridge; for that day."
Jamie wraps up. "Aunt Erin and cousin Nicky have agreed to come and stay with you that day."
"Can't we come along," Mary Rose whines.
"Sweetie, all you'd get to do is sit in a waiting room," Eddie explains.
"Besides, we don't want to take Pat and AJ," dad adds.
"That makes sense," Cassie admits.
It is settled.
88888888888
RECOVERY
Aunt Erin and Nicky arrive late afternoon the day before Eddie's surgery. They are given a tour, and choose a bed to sleep in. Nicky chooses to sleep in the bunk below Mary Rose; Erin chooses to sleep in Cassie's low trundle bed. Cassie promises not to roll out of bed and land on aunt Erin. She smirks when making that promise. Erin doesn't notice.
The girls talk their 'company' through the needs and routines of Pat & AJ. Mom and dad are pleased at the thoroughness and exactness of the girl's narrative.
"Excellent job, girls." They are proud!
Mom and dad arrive home about 6:00 PM. Erin and Nicky have supper ready; Mal did much of the work. They stayed overnight again, then dropped the girls off at school on their way back to Manhattan.
IN THE CAR
After dropping the girls off, Erin and Nicky talk.
"Mom, could you believe how . . . good that family works?" Nicky huffs.
"What do you mean?"
"The girls knew exactly what & when their brothers needed something, or did something! It's like Eddie can sit back, relax, and Pat & AJ would be perfectly taken care of!"
"It's not that good, Nicky."
"Yes, it was! I paid close attention. I'm amazed, and jealous. I can see the value of a large family."
"Unlike just you and me, huh?" Erin snorts.
"Mom, I'm not . . . I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry," she hangs her head.
"Apology accepted. And I'm sorry for being sharp with you. And yes, I could see how good those girls are with their brothers. I'm really proud of my little brother; he and Eddie have a beautiful family!" Erin has a wistful look in her eyes
"True that." Nicky mumbles.
8888888888888
TBC
Currently, year 1: Cassie 11 y/o & 5th grade; Malina 8 y/o & 3rd grade; Mary Rose 5 y/o & Kindergarten; Pat & AJ 0 y/o.
I am writing Mal & MR with more maturity than one might expect. I hope I'm not over-doing it. They do have 2 exceptionally intelligent, skilled and loving parents. And Cassie is being helped by that milieu. Enjoy!