Hope for All- chapter 50
Despite wanting labor to start, when the first contraction hit, Angela was taken aback. She immediately recognized the pain from a few weeks ago after she fell. She knew she had to stay calm, that this was only the early stages and needed to focus on her breathing. The contraction lasted about thirty seconds.
"Of course you two would pick the time when everyone is out of the house to start to make your appearance!" she laughed as she rubbed her stomach.
"Okay well I think I need to start timing these contractions because if they are close, your Daddy needs to be called!" she said as she grabbed a pen and pad of paper, writing down the time and length of the contraction.
She decided to wait ten minutes and see if anymore started. When she didn't get anymore contractions, she decided to take a shower. She was able to get changed and finished eating her breakfast before another contraction hit. She saw they were about twenty five minutes apart, still not close enough to head to the hospital. She decided to head downstairs to try and distract herself from labor.
"Good morning Angela…" said Mona as Angela came down the stairs. She was flipping through a magazine on the sofa as Angela came into the room.
"Mother! What are you doing home? Shouldn't you be at work?" asked Angela as she waddled to the sofa and sat down.
"I'll get there… maybe… what's the rush? It's Friday!" laughed Mona.
"Well normally I'd give you a lecture on not going to work but today I'll let it slide. I'm actually very glad you are home. The contractions have started and I think I'm in the early stages of labor" she said.
"What? Where's Tony? Is he at class? Should I call him? Should I take you to the hospital?" asked Mona in a nervous manner that actually made Angela laugh.
"No Mother! It's still too soon. Contractions are still about twenty five minutes apart- I've only had two so far. Tony should be home in a few hours. If it speeds up before he gets home, we can call him" said Angela.
"Okay Angela…" she said very skeptically.
"I think I'm going to do a little bit of work since most likely this will be it for a while!" laughed Angela as she stood up and started to walk to her study.
"You're going to work? Now? Angela! You're on maternity leave and in labor!" shouted Mona.
"I need something to distract me! Sitting here doing nothing is going to drive me crazy! Once Tony gets home, anything other than just sitting here will be outlawed so I better do it while I can! Please Mother do stay around just in case" said Angela.
"Trust me… if I ever want to set foot in this house again, have a home cooked meal again, I'm not going anywhere! How about you stay in here and I'll bring your work in here so I can keep an eye on you?" she said.
"Alright…" said Angela as she sat back down on the sofa. Mona got up and went to get her work. By the time she brought the work back in, Angela was having another contraction. She was able to still breathe and even talk through the contractions but they started coming a bit closer after about an hour.
"Angela, I think you need to at least call your doctor. They are about twenty minutes apart now" said Mona.
"Okay I will. I have an appointment this afternoon but maybe he can see me earlier. If Tony's not back, could you drive me Mother?" asked Angela.
"It will cost you Angela but yes I can…" said Mona sarcastically. Angela stood up and headed to the phone.
"Hi yes this is Angela Micelli and I have an appointment this afternoon for my check up but I've started having contractions. Is it possible to be seen earlier?" she asked as she waited for a reply. Just then, Tony walked in through the front door.
"Oh thank god your back. She's having contractions Tony! She's in labor and on the phone with the doctor" said Mona.
"What? I just came back for my textbook I forgot for my next class! How far apart are they? When did they start? Why didn't someone call me?" he shouted as he ran over to Angela, who had her hand over her ear to try and drown out Tony's shouting.
"Yes thank you. We will be right there… and I'm going to apologize for my husband in advance…" she said as she hung up the phone.
"Angela it's really happening? We have to go to the hospital right?" he said with panic in his voice.
"Yes labor has started Tony but the contractions are still too far apart for the hospital. They went from every twenty five minutes to every twenty. I moved up my appointment so I can be seen now. I need you to remain calm Tony" she said as calmly as possible.
"When did they start?" asked Tony.
"Right after I woke up" she said as she went to get her purse.
"That was over three hours ago! You should have called me!" he said.
"If you hadn't come home now, I would have but you're home now. C'mon let's go" said Angela as she grabbed Tony's hand and led him out the door. Tony managed to get them to the doctor's office. He nearly drove off the road when Angela had a contraction but managed to control the car. He pulled into a spot and if it was at all possible, practically carried her into the office, much to Angela's annoyance.
"Angela Micelli for the doctor. She's in labor and needs to be seen now!" shouted Tony.
"Please excuse my husband…" she said as she grabbed him to sit down in the waiting room.
"Angela! This is urgent! You need to be seen!" he said.
"And I will Tony! They're not coming right this second I promise. I can wait a few more minutes" she said. Sensing that Tony was on the verge of losing it, the staff were able to get her back to the waiting room. Her vitals were taken and she was able to lay down on the exam table. They attached fetal monitors to her stomach to monitor their heartbeats.
"Hi Angela and Tony! So labor has begun! How close are the contractions?" he said as he got ready for the examination.
"About eighteen to twenty minutes apart give or take. It's much easier to breath today so they have definitely dropped. I also lost my mucous plug right before we came" she said, trying not to look at Tony because she had omitted that part from him. He just looked back at her with an even more panicked look.
"Alright let's see what we have going on" said the doctor as he examined Angela.
"Well you are about three and a half centimeters dilated and about seventy five percent effaced. This is definitely the start of labor. I'd like you to stay here until another contraction hits so we can monitor their heartbeats. If everything looks good, we will send you home until they get closer together" he said.
"Wait! This is labor! She needs to be at the hospital!" shouted Tony.
"If everything looks okay during this next contraction, she doesn't need to be at the hospital quite yet. Normally we say once the contractions are five minutes apart for an hour or more, go to the hospital. However, I will say if they get to within ten minutes, head to the hospital" said the doctor.
Just then, Angela started having a contraction. Tony was able to focus enough to help her breathe through it. The twins' heartbeats were in the normal range during the contraction, so he cleared her to go home. By this time, they were fifteen minutes apart as they pulled into their driveway.
"Angela… I mean it… if these contractions get worse in the next hour or less, we aren't waiting, we are going straight to the hospital!" he said. Angela was about to say something when another contraction started. This was the most painful one yet- she couldn't talk through it and needed to focus on shorter, quicker breathing techniques.
"Yes Tony. We will go if they start getting worse than that last one. Okay help me into the house alright?" she said as she was already out of breath. He helped her slowly get into the house, opting to head through the back door to the kitchen because it was closer. Samantha, Jonathan and Mona were all sitting at the kitchen table having a snack.
"Mom! Grandma said you're in labor! The babies are coming today!" said Jonathan excitedly.
"Are you okay Angela? Can we do something?" asked Samantha.
"What did the doctor say and why aren't you at the hospital?" asked Mona.
"Good question Mona! I think we should be! She's already dilated three and a half centimeters! These kids could be here any minute!" Tony said with the panicked voice he had perfected for the past hour.
"He said it's happening but that it's not time to go to the hospital yet. The contractions are about fifteen minutes apart- we have to wait until they are ten minutes apart before we head out. Which could be soon or even a few hours away. Everyone, and I mean everyone, needs to relax" she said as she looked around at everyone but settled her stare at Tony.
"I'll relax once they are born safely in the hospital and not in our living room or the car. Jonathan I need you to time the contractions. The last one was at 3:19pm so if they keep at the fifteen minute mark, the next one should be in seven minutes" said Tony.
"I got it Tony!" he said as he checked his watch.
"Alright… once it's time, Samantha I want you to get towels from the side closet and put them in the car. Mona you grab Angela's purse and I'll help Angela out to the car. Okay everyone?" he asked.
"Whatever you have to do Tony to calm down, feel free to do. I'm going to get myself a drink because sitting in these chairs is proving too difficult" she said as she stood up and went to the fridge to get a drink. She grabbed a pitcher of iced tea and headed back to the counter, putting the pitcher down just as another contraction started.
"Tony that was eleven minutes!" said Jonathan.
"Angela I really think we have to go now! They are getting closer…" he started to say as Angela put her hand over his mouth to shut him up. She was trying to focus on her breathing and was finding Tony's voice annoying. The contraction was the strongest yet, causing Angela to let out a few loud moans in pain. Tony was able to maneuver behind Angela and start rubbing her back, learning his lesson and keeping his mouth shut. After almost a full minute, the contraction stopped.
"Angela… I think Tony is right. You need to go to the hospital now before these kids walk out themselves…" said Mona.
"Okay… let's go…" said Angela, surprising everyone as she grabbed onto Tony for support.
"Alright everyone go get what we said ready!" shouted Tony as they all headed into the living room. Tony and Angela were the last to head through the swinging doors. Once they were all in the living room, Tony went to grab his wallet and keys as Angela slowly made her way around the sofa. She got half way there and stopped, looking down at her feet.
"Tony! My water just broke!" she said, panic finally coming through her voice. Just then another contraction started, which was so intense she ended up doubled over. Tony got to her just in time to help ease her to the floor.
"Tony! That was only two minutes and five seconds!" shouted Jonathan. Samantha and Mona both came back in the room and stood there not knowing what to do.
"Okay Angela! Just breathe like we practiced! In and out, in and out, through the mouth" he said as a strange calmness and focus came over him. Angela was trying hard to focus on his voice and her breathing but the pain was so intense it was taking her breath away.
"Tony… it's happening… so… fast…" she managed to say as the pains started to ease.
"I know sweetheart but we're going to get you to the hospital now. Listen little ones, I know you're finally ready to make an appearance but you need to wait just a little longer! I really don't want either of you born in the car!" he said as he managed to lift Angela up off the floor.
"Mona, go start the car and pull it as close to the door as possible. Sam, go put a towel down on the front seat and throw the rest in the backseat. Jonathan, lock up behind us and get in Mona's car!" said Tony as he held onto Angela as they walked slowly out of the house. Angela was barely able to get into the car when another contraction hit.
"Two minutes exactly Tony!" yelled Jonathan.
"Follow behind us. If I pull over, we are in a lot of trouble!" he said as he shut Angela's door and ran around to the driver's side door. Mona, Samantha and Jonathan jumped into Mona's car and followed them to the hospital.
"Do you think they are going to make it to the hospital? Is mom going to have the babies in the car?" asked Jonathan.
"I think there's still time to get her to the hospital. It's only ten minutes away but these kids are going to be here before dinner, that I'm certain!" said Mona as she tried to keep up with Tony's driving.
"I can't believe this is really happening! We are about to have two more members of the family! I can't wait! When we get there, we should really call Mrs. Rossini. She's going to want to know" said Samantha.
After a drive through the streets of Fairfield that would rival a NASCAR race, the two cars pulled into the hospital entrance. Everyone but Angela jumped out of the car.
"Five! Five contractions on the way over here! They are right on top of each other! I really thought they were coming! Samantha get the bags out of the trunk! Jonathan go get your mom a wheelchair!" he said as he ran to Angela's car door. She was just finishing up another contraction as Tony helped her out of the car and into the wheelchair. Mona grabbed Tony's keys as she went to park the cars. Tony wheeled her into the check in area, Samantha and Jonathan right behind them.
"Angela Micelli! She's my wife and she's in labor! The contractions are right on top of one another and her water broke already!" he practically shouted at the receptionist.
"Here fill this paperwork out and she will be seen shortly…" said the receptionist very matter of factly.
"Stupid paperwork!" he said as he quickly filled it out and practically threw it back at the receptionist. After a few minutes, a nurse came to get them to bring them up to a room just as Mona came back from the parking lot.
"Good luck Angela!" said Samantha as she hugged them goodbye.
"Can't wait to meet the babies!" said Jonathan.
"Take good care of my baby would ya Tony?" said Mona, uncharacteristically sentimental as Tony gave her a quick hug and headed down the hallway, all the bags thrown over his shoulders or in his hands.
"Alright you two! Let's go find a payphone to call Carmela and then maybe gets some snacks for the waiting room! I have a feeling we won't be waiting too much longer!" laughed Mona as they headed to the maternity floor to wait for the news.
Meanwhile, Angela was brought up to a room. Tony helped her out of her clothing and into yet another ugly gown. He helped her onto the bed, trying to make her as comfortable as possible.
"Hi Mrs. Micelli! My name is Dr. Davis and I'm the attending on call. Your doctor should be here shortly but I'd like to examine you now since it seems like these babies are going to be ready to make an appearance soon!" he said as he began his exam.
"Baby A is in a good position. You are fully effaced and about eight centimeters dilated. I would say these babies should be here in the next hour or two, maybe less" he said.
"Is it too late for an epidural?" asked Angela as she finished up another contraction.
"I thought you wanted natural childbirth Angela!" said Tony. He quickly shut his mouth when Angela gave him the worst stare he had ever seen her give anyone.
"I'll page anesthesia to come and do a consult" he said as he headed out of the room.
"What can I do Angela? Rub your back? Your feet? Get you ice chips?" he asked.
"My back is killing me. Rub it in between contractions" she said. The nurse came in and attached the heart monitors to her stomach and had her lie on her left side with pillows in between her legs. The contractions kept coming every two minutes leaving Angela with only about thirty seconds recovery time in between. Tony alternated between rubbing her back and giving her ice chips. After about twenty minutes, an anesthesiologist came in.
"Thank god!" Angela said as a contraction subsided. Just then, Angela felt another gush of water followed by a surge in pain and pressure, with an overwhelming need to push.
"Tony! My water just broke! I… I have to push!" she cried out as she reached out and grabbed a hold of his hand.
"Wait your water broke already! Okay Angela don't push! Just breathe!" he said as he mimicked the breathing techniques.
"I have a feeling it's too late for the epidural. Let me go get the doctor and nurse" said the anesthesiologist as he left the room. A few moments later, the doctor and nurse came back in the room.
"So you are fully dilated and starting to crown. These babies are ready to be born! Let's get you down to the delivery room. I know you want to push but keep doing your breathing" said the doctor. Another two nurses came in and began getting Angela ready. They handed Tony a pair of scrubs to put on, which he quickly put on over his clothes.
"Alright! Let's go have some babies!" said the doctor as they began wheeling Angela down the hallway. Tony managed to have some foresight and grabbed the camera before leaving the room.
"Just keep breathing Angela! It's almost over and they will be here in our arms! I love you so much!" he said as he leaned down and kissed her on her forehead.
"I… love you… too…" she managed to say as the contractions continued to overtake her. Finally they were in the delivery room. Staff helped move Angela onto the table and into position to start pushing. Tony found his spot again right next to her and grabbed a hold of her hand.
"Okay Angela… with the next contraction I want you to bear down for a count of ten then rest for a few seconds and do it again. The first baby is in a great position so I don't expect them to take too long" he said. She could only nod as another contraction started up.
"Sweetheart you've got this!" said Tony as he counted to ten. Angela collapsed back on the table but soon was back to pushing again.
"Okay the head is right here! Only a few more pushes!" he said. Angela had never been in so much pain in her life.
"You hear that Angela! He's almost here! Just a few more pushes!" said Tony.
"Tony… shut up!" she screamed at him as she started pushing. After another push, the baby's head was out.
"The head is out! Okay one final push and the first baby will be here!" said the doctor as Angela gave one final push. A loud cry could be heard as the doctor put the baby on Angela's chest.
"Oh my god he's here Angela! Look at him! Look at all that hair!" he said as he was handed the scissors to cut the umbilical cord.
"He's beautiful! He looks just like you Tony!" she said as the tears started to flow.
"Alright let's take him so he can be checked out and we can focus on Baby B coming into the world" said the doctor as the nurse came to take the baby.
"Tony… I don't know if I can do this again…" she said as another contraction overtook her.
"Yes you can sweetheart! You are so strong! She will be here soon!" he said as he grabbed a hold of her hand again.
"Okay Baby B is in position and will be here in a few more pushes" said the doctor. Just then, the monitors started to beep, alerting staff that the baby's heart rate was dropping.
"What's… wrong?" asked Angela as she continued to push.
"The baby's heart rate is dropping. The baby needs to come now so I need you to give everything you have Angela!" said the doctor. Flashes of Jonathan's birth came into her mind as she pushed with everything she had.
"You can do this Angela! Remember she's tiny but mighty and will be fine like she always is…" he said to her, trying to convince them both that things were going to be alright. After one long push, the baby's head was out. Angela let out a loud sigh of relief as she collapsed back into Tony's arms.
"Okay the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck but I was able to free it. One more push Angela!" said the doctor. Tony helped her back into position and said a silent prayer the baby was okay. Angela pushed with everything she had left and soon the baby was out. It took a few moments, which seemed like forever to Tony and Angela, but soon a loud cry could be heard coming from the baby.
"Here she is!" said the doctor as she placed the baby on Angela's chest. Tony and Angela were both now fully crying tears of joy as she held their daughter.
"Oh Tony she's beautiful! She's so tiny!" said Angela as Tony again cut the umbilical cord.
"She's the most beautiful little girl… she looks just like you Angela" he said as he leaned down and kissed Angela. The nurse came over and took the baby to be checked out. Angela motioned for him to go and see the babies and to take his camera as the doctor finished taking care of Angela.
"Hi little guy! It's your Daddy! Look how big and strong you are!" he said as he took one of the baby's hands in his own. The baby took hold of Tony's finger, making him start to tear up again. He took some photos and then moved on to their daughter.
"Hi my little angel! It's Daddy! You really are tiny but mighty!" he said as he leaned down to kiss the top of her head. Just then, the baby looked over and up at Tony.
"You recognize me don't you little one! Angela she recognizes my voice!" he said.
"I'd hope so after all those chats you had with them!" laughed Angela.
"Looks like he's checking out healthy! Six pounds, thirteen ounces and twenty inches! Born at 4:27pm!" said the nurse as she wrapped him up and brought him to Angela. Tony finished taking photos of their daughter and headed over to Angela.
"Oh Tony he's perfect! He really looks just like you Tony but at the same time I really do see Jonathan too!" she said as she cuddled him closer to her side.
"He's a Micelli alright but I have a feeling he's going to end up with your eyes Angela. Look at all that dark brown hair!" he said as he gently pulled back the baby's hat.
"I wonder where he got that from!" she chuckled. Just then, the nurse brought over their daughter and placed her in Angela's other arm.
"She's also checking out healthy but we are going to keep a close eye on her to make sure she's ok. Six pounds, two ounces and nineteen inches long! Born at 4:31pm!" said the nurse.
"If you made it to your due date Angela he would have definitely been way over seven pounds and she would have be close to it! She's so tiny! Our little girl Angela!" gushed Tony.
"I think she might end up being a red head like Mother! I think she's got Samantha's nose and mouth though!" she said.
"Let's hope that's all she inherited from Mona! Otherwise she's not gonna be allowed to date until she's thirty! I see a bit of Samantha in her too but Angela… she's all you" said Tony as he leaned down to kiss them both.
"They're just perfect! I can't believe they are here and they are okay!" she said as a new round of tears of joy started to fall. She handed their son to Tony to hold for the first time. He carefully took him into his arms and cuddled him close to his chest. Angela pulled their daughter closer to her as they each held their children close.
"I love them so much already! And I love you even more for bringing them into the world" he said as he leaned over to kiss her one more time.