A/N 1 - I AM STILL NOT INTERESTED IN ANY DAMN ARTWORK, SO STOP ASKING ME! I'M GETTING SO SICK OF IT! I'VE GOTTEN AT LEAST 40 REQUESTS FOR PEOPLE TO DO ARTWORK FOR MY STORIES. WHAT PART OF 'I AM NOT INTERESTED' DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?
A/N 2 - hey guys! Just to let you know there is only one more chapter until this story is complete.
A/N 3 - someone asked what musicals each of the chapter titles are from and here they are:
Chap 1 - Getting to Know You - The King and I
Chap 2 - Touch Me - Spring Awakening
Chap 3 - Mama Who Bore Me - Spring Awakening
Chap 4 - She Used to Be Mine - Waitress
Chap 5 - As If We Never Said Goodbye - Sunset Boulevard
Chap 6 - Not While I'm Around - Sweeney Todd
Chap 7 - Good For You - Dear Evan Hansen
Chap 8 - This Is the Moment - Jekyll & Hyde
Chap 9 - Seasons of Love - RENT
A/N 4 - speaking of songs, I don't own the rights to the following songs used in this story - Lavender Blue, You'll Be In My Heart & This Is the Moment
CHAPTER EIGHT
(chapter title - This Is the Moment)
Sara was in the nursery with Alex, who was crying loudly. She tried everything - singing to him, changing his diaper, rocking him, nursing him, but all he did was cry.
"Shh, shhh, shhh. It's okay little guy" Sara soothed. She put Alex in his crib for a quick minute so she could take off her top. She then took Alex to the changing table and took off his onesie. She then sat in the squishy armchair and held Alex to her skin, smiling as he started calming down. She moved Alex so he was over her heart and quietly sighed with relief as Alex's cries stopped.
Once Alex was asleep, Sara put Alex's onesie back on, along with her top and turned on the mobile above Alex's crib. The song 'Dear Theodosia' played softly.
Sara went to join Barney in the master bedroom, plopping face first onto the bed. Within minutes she was asleep, feeling Barney's arms around her.
A year later
Sara slept next to Barney, both their hands on her baby bump. Sara had given birth to a stillborn baby boy and had a miscarriage before she and Barney conceived this baby.
Barney opened his eyes and watched Sara sleep. He couldn't believe he was going to be a dad again - he loved all his children equally, as any parent should. He gently lifted Sara's sleep shirt and pressed his head to Sara's belly, listening to the baby moving around, trying to get comfortable.
Barney kissed Sara's swollen belly, moving her shirt up even further so he could kiss her breasts, being careful not to make her lactate. He then kissed her clavicle before lowering Sara's nightshirt, letting her sleep.
Two weeks later
Sara was now at the hospital for the fifth and final time, since she and Barney agreed that after this little girl was born, Sara would have her tubes tied.
Barney sat at Sara's bedside as Dr. Su checked how far dilated Sara was.
Dr. Su smiled, "you're seven centimeters dilated. This little girl wants to come out sooner rather than later."
"So, it should be an easy delivery?" Sara asked, watching as Dr. Su and Barney put her feet in the stirrups.
"Hopefully" Dr. Su said, "this will also be my last delivery - I'm retiring at the end of the year."
Sara squeezed Dr. Su's hand, "you've been in my family for a long time. You've delivered me, along with all of our children."
Dr. Su smiled, "I also delivered Barney."
Barney looked shocked, "I didn't know that."
Dr. Su smiled, "yup."
Sara gasped as a contraction seared through her body, "owww."
"Easy" Dr. Su soothed, spreading Sara's legs a little wider.
Ten minutes later, Sara was nursing her little girl for the first time.
The little girl had blonde hair poking out from under her cap and was wrapped in a pink blanket with a pattern of white bunnies on it, since she was born on Easter.
"What's her name?" A nurse asked.
"Emma Joy Stenson" Barney and Sara said in unison.
"Beautiful name" the nurse said before exiting the room.
"I'm gonna take the kids to get something at the vending machine. Are you okay by yourself for 15-20 minutes?" Barney asked.
Sara nodded, "I won't be alone though - I have Emma."
Barney smiled and kissed the top of Sara's head before exiting the room. He found his mom and his kids - five year old Annabel, four year old twins Max and Kat, and year-old Alex - sitting in the waiting room.
Loretta looked up from coloring with Alex and Max, "how is she?"
"Where's mommy and sister?" Kat inquired.
"Your little sister's name is Emma Joy. Mommy is really tired, so we'll let mommy and Emma sleep - you can see them tomorrow. Let's go to the vending machine and get a snack" Barney said, leading the kids to the vending machine before looking at his mom, "can you make sure Sara's okay?"
Loretta nodded and went to Sara's room while Barney and the kids went to the vending machine.
Barney was getting some Cheeto's for Annabel when he saw a familiar face a few feet away, "Ted? Ted Mosby? Is that you?"
Ted looked over as Barney said his name. He had a boy about Alex's age with him, "Barney Stinson! As I live and breathe!" He walked over and hugged Barney, "how are you?"
"I'm good - Sara just gave birth to our fifth child" Barney said, "what about you?"
"Sophia's not doing well, so Luke and I are here to get some flowers for her" Ted said, "so, who are your kids?"
"Annabel, Maxwell, Kathleen and Alexander. I also have newborn, Emma" Barney said, "you?"
"This is my youngest, Luke. My eldest, Penny, is at home with her mom, since Penny doesn't like hospitals" Ted said. He stepped closer to Barney, "Sophia is my grandmother who is about to pass away soon."
Barney nodded, pulling Ted into a hug, "I'm so sorry" he whispered in Ted's ear before turning to his kids, "Ted and I know each other from high school."
"So you guys went to high school with the dinosaurs?" Luke asked, which made everyone laugh.
"We're old, but not that old" Barney said, laughing, "we should get back to Sara and Emma. It was nice to see you, Ted and nice to meet you, Luke."
"Bye guys" Ted and Luke said in unison.
Barney took the kids back to the waiting room, "okay. I'm gonna spend some time with mommy and Emma. G-ma will be here in a minute to take you guys home."
"Why can't we see mommy and baby?" Alex asked.
Barney sighed, "let me see if mommy is up for seeing you guys" he texted his mom.
'The kids are really wanting to see Sara and Emma. What's going on in there?' Barney texted.
'Sara and Emma are sleeping, but if they're really quiet, they can see Emma. Since they just had snacks, no holding Emma until tomorrow' Loretta replied a few minutes later.
"You guys can see mommy and Emma, but both of them are sleeping, so you have to be really quiet. Also, no holding Emma, since your fingers are sticky and you just had a snack" Barney told his kids, giving each of them a hand wipe, using one on himself.
The six of them entered the hospital room and quietly walked over to Sara's side.
Barney sat in the chair next to Sara's bed and smiled at seeing Emma asleep in her bassinet at the foot of the bed.
"What's her name?" Annabel asked softly.
"Emma Joy Stinson" Barney answered, "she's 7 pounds, 12 ounces and 19.5 inches long."
Emma yawned and kept sleeping.
"What color her eyes?" Max asked.
"Indigo, but they'll change color" Barney said.
"I wanna hold her first" Kat said a little too loudly.
"Shhh" Barney whispered, "we're gonna go alphabetically by first name - Alexander, Annabel, Kat, then Max."
Kat pouted, "okay."
Alex perked up, "I get to hold baby first?"
"Shhh - yes, you do" Barney said, looking at Sara, who was still sleeping. He then looked at the kids, "tomorrow afternoon, your mom is having surgery - we decided that we don't want any more kids, so your mom is having her tubes tied."
"Why?" The kids asked in unison, keeping their voices soft.
"Because we have enough love for all five of you - Alex, Annabel, Emma, Max and Kat" Barney said.
"Will it hurt mommy?" Alex asked.
Barney shook his head, "she'll be asleep. It's a 45 minute surgery. Once mommy is recovered, she and Emma can come home."
The kids asked more questions before Loretta took them out into the waiting room as Emma started fussing.
Barney picked Emma up before she could cry and held her in his arms for a moment before handing her to Sara.
Sara carefully sat up and opened her gown so Emma could nurse. She started humming a little bit.
"I recognize that song - This is the Moment from Jekyll & Hyde" Barney said.
Sara nodded, watching Emma nurse, "my last role in college before I had Emma."
Barney kissed Sara's temple, "you were incredible in that role."
"Thanks" Sara said, going back to humming This is the Moment.
That night, Emma went to the nursery so Barney and Sara could have some time together before Sara went in for her 8:55 AM surgery the following day.
Sara was sleeping when she felt Barney's hand on her knee. She opened an eye, "hm?" She croaked.
"Shh - go back to sleep" Barney whispered, kissing Sara's forehead.
Sara went back to sleep, trying to get comfortable in the hospital bed. She finally fell asleep around midnight, just as Emma was waking up for her midnight feeding.
Barney yawned and gave Emma a bottle of formula, since Sara hadn't pumped yet. He looked down at Emma and watched her drink her bottle, "don't drink it too fast, little one" he whispered.
Emma wrapped her hands around the bottle. She fell asleep 10 minutes later.
Barney propped Emma on his shoulder, making sure he had a burp cloth and gently patted Emma's back. He smiled as she let out a little belch. He kissed her cheek as he laid her in her bassinet to the left of Sara's bed.
Sara didn't even stir as Barney kissed her forehead.
The following morning at 7 AM, a small team of nurses and the surgeon prepared Sara for her surgery.
Barney watched from the squishy yellow armchair in the corner of the room, holding Emma in his arms.
By 9 AM, Sara was back in the room, fast asleep. According to the surgeon, Sara did really well during the surgery and there weren't any signs of damage.
"This isn't reversible is it?" Barney asked the surgeon.
The surgeon shook his head, "no - if so, it's very dangerous and risky."
"Thanks" Barney said, "can she have any food? My mom is bringing McDonald's for breakfast."
"Just water for now - she might throw up. The anesthesia will wear off within an hour" the surgeon said before exiting the room.
Barney nodded and thanked the surgeon before sitting in the chair next to Sara's bed.
At 4:45 PM, Sara got out of the passenger's seat and slowly walked up the three stairs to the front porch, taking her time.
Barney had Emma in her carrier and the overnight bag, zooming over to help Sara, "easy, sweetie. Let's get you to the bedroom and comfortable."
Sara nodded, taking off her Crocs as the kids came running at her, "gentle hands and gentle voices. I had surgery and am really sore. I also had Emma yesterday, so I'm also recovering from that."
"We just came to help you" Annabel said.
"Thanks lovelies" Sara said, leaning on Barney as the two of them went to the master bedroom.
Loretta got Emma out of her carrier, "I'll put her in the nursery, then I'll make dinner for the kids."
"Thanks mom" Barney said, helping Sara lay down.
Loretta nodded and left the room.
Sara laid still as Barney undressed her and put her pajamas on, wincing as he took her jeans off.
"I'm sorry, sweetie" Barney said.
"It's okay" Sara said, her voice hoarse. She closed her eyes as Barney put her pajama pants on and took her top off, "no bra, please."
"Of course" Barney said, kissing Sara's bare shoulders as he put her pajama shirt on, "are you hungry at all?"
Sara shook her head, "just tired."
Barney nodded and kissed her forehead, "do you want to make some bottles?"
"I did before we left the hospital" Sara said, getting into a comfortable position, "I made 6 bottles…" she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Barney smiled and turned off the overhead light and closed the door before going to the kitchen, "kids, mom is really tired and is fast asleep, as is Emma. I need all of you to help out, so G-ma and I will be making a chore chart for all of you."
"We'll color code it and make it easy to read" Loretta said, standing at the stove - she was making Macaroni and cheese while Barney cut up some vegetables and fruits.
"Can we help take care of Emma?" Kat asked.
"That will be mommy, G-ma and myself. Emma's a newborn and very fragile" Barney said, "I'm also going to make up a list of rules I want all of you to follow."
The kids grumbled and moaned, but stopped when Barney threatened that he would take a stuffed animal or toy from the kids if they complained.
After dinner, the kids, Barney and Loretta came up with a chore chart and rules.
CHORE CHART:
MONDAY - ANNABEL - EMPTY THE DISHWASHER & SET THE TABLE FOR DINNER
TUESDAY - MAX - WIPE DOWN THE FRIDGE & WIPE DOWN THE COUNTERS
WEDNESDAY - KAT - SWEEP UNDER THE KITCHEN TABLE AFTER MEALS & WIPE DOWN THE OUTSIDE OF THE DISHWASHER
THURSDAY - ALEX - ORGANIZE ALL THE MAGNETS ON THE FRIDGE & WIPE DOWN THE TABLE AFTER MEALS
FRIDAY - EVERYONE (except mommy & Emma) HELP CLEAN THE ENTIRE HOUSE
CHORES EVERYONE DOES:
Laundry, clean rooms, clean bathrooms, vacuum, make meals together, empty all the trash cans in the house & get the mail
Barney smiled as he looked over the chore chart, "that's this week. Next week, we'll change it up. It's gonna be nice next week, so we'll do some outside chores as well as inside chores."
Loretta smiled, "now, let's make up some rules for you guys when you're around Emma."
Barney smiled and grabbed another sheet of construction paper and a black marker. Within 10 minutes, the kids came up with 5 rules.
RULES FOR US BEING AROUND EMMA:
1 - Always use hand sanitizer.
2 - Either mommy, daddy or G-ma will bathe Emma.
3 - Ask an adult before picking Emma up.
4 - If Emma starts crying while we're holding her, have an adult pick her up.
5 - Speak to Emma in a soft voice.
"Let's hang these somewhere where we can see them" Barney said, standing up and looked around, "how about the doors to the patio?"
The kids nodded and helped Barney and Loretta hang the pieces of construction paper with the chores and rules for Emma on the patio doors with six pieces of masking tape.
The doors were used for displaying the kids' artwork, Halloween, Valentine's Day & Christmas decorations and birthday & Christmas cards. They were hardly used and with everything on them, you could still look out into the backyard, which was littered with the kids' toys.
Barney looked at his watch, "let's go for a walk before it starts raining."
The kids were about to get their shoes on when there was a big BOOM of thunder, followed by a flash of lightning.
Loretta went to the nursery when Emma started crying loudly at hearing the thunder, "shhh."
The kids got their shoes off and went to play in their rooms until either Barney or Loretta could give them their baths.
Barney went to Loretta, holding a bottle, "want to give her a bottle, mom?"
"I would love to" Loretta said, taking the bottle from Barney.
"I'm gonna give the kids their baths, then read them their stories. You okay down here?" Barney asked.
Loretta nodded, "I'm fine, sweetie. I'll also keep an ear out for Sara."
"Thanks" Barney said, running up the stairs with the kids.
Loretta put Emma in her crib once she had her bottle and was burped, "sleep well, little one" she then went to check on Sara, "sweetie, can I come in?"
"Yeah" Sara's hoarse voice came from the other side of the door, "can't sleep because of the storm."
"I understand" Loretta said, entering the room and went to sit next to Sara, "can I do or get you anything?"
"I'm fine for now, but would you mind staying with me until Barney comes back?" Sara asked.
"Of course" Loretta said.
Sara and Loretta started to watch the movie version of Wicked when Sara fell asleep during 'No One Mourns the Wicked.'
Barney gave the kids baths and read them their books. He kissed each of them goodnight before exiting their rooms and walked down the stairs, hearing the rain pouring on the roof.
He entered the master bedroom and saw the movie Wicked playing. He looked over at the bed and saw that Sara was asleep, as was Loretta.
"Mom, you can go to bed" Barney whispered, gently shaking Loretta's shoulder.
"Hm? Oh okay" Loretta said. She carefully stood up and went to her bedroom on the second floor.
Barney was about to get into bed when he heard Emma crying loudly as a bolt of lightning split the sky and a BOOM of thunder sounded.
The kids all ran to Barney and Sara's room as Barney went to the nursery.
Sara woke up and turned on her lamp that sat on her bedside table, "what is happening?" She croaked, looking at the time - it was almost two in the morning.
"We can't sleep because of the storm" Kat said, cuddling into Barney as the storm continued raging outside.
"Want mommy and I to sing to you?" Barney asked, handing Emma to Sara so she could nurse.
"What shall we sing?" Sara asked, nursing Emma.
"What about an old favorite?" Barney suggested.
Sara cocked an eyebrow, "there's so many old favorites. Which one?"
"How about Lavender Blue?" Barney suggested.
Sara smiled, "ah, that old favorite" she warmed up her voice as the kids made themselves comfortable on Barney & Sara's King-Sized bed.
"You sing it - you have the better voice" Barney said.
"Lavender's blue, dilly, dilly, lavender's green
When I am king, dilly, dilly, you shall be queen
Who told you so, dilly, dilly, who told you so?
'Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly, that told me so
Call up your men, dilly, dilly, set them to work
Some to plough, dilly, dilly, some to the fork
Some to make hay, dilly, dilly, some to cut corn
While you and I, dilly, dilly, keep ourselves warm
Lavender's green, dilly, dilly, lavender's blue
If you love me, dilly, dilly, I will love you
Let the birds sing, dilly, dilly, and the lambs play
We shall be safe, dilly, dilly, out of harm's way
I love to dance, dilly, dilly, I love to sing
When I am queen, dilly, dilly, you'll be my king
Who told me so, dilly, dilly, who told me so?
I told myself, dilly, dilly, I told me so" Sara sang, watching her kids yawn and stretch, sleepy looks on their faces.
Barney burped Emma when she was done nursing and put her in the nursery, returning back to Sara and their children.
Sara was fast asleep, as were Annabel, Alex and Max.
Kat was wide awake, "daddy, can you sing me something?"
"I only know one song and it's a lullaby" Barney said, his voice low.
Kat followed Barney to the living room and sat on his lap, "what's this song called, daddy?"
"It's called You'll Be In My Heart from the movie Tarzan" Barney said, holding Kat in his arms, "get comfortable."
Kat made herself comfortable in Barney's arms, looking into his eyes.
"Come stop your crying, it'll be all right
Just take my hand, hold it tight
I will protect you from all around you
I will be here, don't you cry
For one so small, you seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us can't be broken
I will be here, don't you cry
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on, now and forevermore
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart
Always
Always" Barney sang softly. He smiled as Kat fell asleep in his arms.
Barney slowly stood and carefully carried Kat upstairs to her room, tucking her into bed. He kissed her forehead, "night sweetie. Love you."
Kat slept, cuddling her toy sloth.
Slowly, Barney got the other kids in bed and fell asleep next to Sara as soon as Alex was asleep.
The storm subsided and by 6:45 AM, stopped altogether.
Barney slept cuddling Sara, both of them totally out of it.
Loretta woke up at 7:30 to make breakfast for her growing family.
The kids all slept in their beds, fast asleep.
Emma started fussing, a small mess forming in her diaper. She then let out an ear-piercing shriek, moving her arms and legs up and down as she started crying.
Barney entered the nursery and picked Emma up, "shh, sweetie. Daddy's here" he brought her to the changing table and changed her diaper before putting her onesie back on. He picked her up and blew a raspberry on her belly.
Emma shrieked, not liking the sensation.
"It's okay, daddy's sorry" Barney soothed, sitting in the rocking chair and held Emma on his chest as he sang softly.
Loretta was just finishing up making breakfast as Annabel, Alex, Kat and Max came down to the kitchen, still in their pajamas, "your mommy, daddy and Emma are still sleeping, so quiet voices and quiet feet."
The kids nodded and sat at their usual spots at the table as Loretta served up breakfast.
Barney laid Emma in her crib and went to check on Sara. He quietly entered the master bedroom and watched Sara sleep, gently caressing her face.
Sara continued sleeping. She was on her side facing away from Barney, her hands tucked under her chin and her legs curled up. Her hair was in a tangled mess around her head.
Barney kissed Sara's forehead, "I'll save some breakfast for you, my love. Continue to sleep well" he exited the bedroom and walked to the kitchen, "hello family" he said softly as he sat at his spot at the table.
"Hi daddy / how's mommy? / can we hold Emma yet? / what are we doing today?" The kids chorused.
"I'll answer all questions after I've had my coffee and something to eat" Barney said.
After breakfast, Barney sat on the couch with his kids. Loretta had gone to take a shower.
"Mommy is really tired, so we're gonna let her rest. Emma's still very fragile, so if each of you are careful, you may hold her. G-ma said she would watch a movie with you guys while mommy and I do some school work and take care of Emma" Barney told his kids.
"When can we hold Emma?" Annabel asked.
"She's asleep right now, so after she wakes up" Barney said, "anyone have any other questions?"
There was silence from the kids.
Barney smiled, "let's work together to clean up the kitchen. I put a plate of food for mom in the fridge already."
The kids nodded and helped Barney clean up the kitchen, being quiet.
A week later
Sara found herself alone with Emma - Barney and Loretta took the kids to the park for some fun.
Emma cooed happily as Sara picked her up. She had blonde hair sprouting from her head and her eyes had changed from indigo to bluish-green - Barney's eyes.
"You're daddy's little clone" Sara said as she took off Emma's onesie and diaper before bringing the baby to the kitchen where her baby tub and bathing supplies were. She turned on some fun music as she put Emma in the tub, "your umbilical cord fell out. That's going in your baby book."
Emma whimpered as Sara started bathing her.
"Shh, it's okay, angel" Sara soothed, using a soft cloth to wash Emma's body. She covered Emma's eyes as she poured some water onto her head so she wouldn't get soap in Emma's eyes.
Emma relaxed as Sara continued bathing her.
Sara smiled and picked Emma up, wrapping her in a towel, "let's get you a snack, changed into some clean clothes and down for a nap" she went to the nursery and put Emma in her crib, still wrapped in the towel. Sara took off her shirt, then went to pick Emma back up.
Emma cuddled into Sara as she nursed, whimpering as she heard her siblings, dad and grandma enter the house.
"Shh - mommy might be putting Emma down for a nap, so quiet voices" Barney said from the kitchen, "first, let's help mommy out by putting Emma's bathing supplies away."
The kids agreed and started putting the bathing supplies away, the twins arguing as they entered the nursery, not seeing Sara nursing Emma.
"No!" Max said.
"Yes!" Kat said.
"No!" Max argued.
"Yes!" Kat whined.
"Maxwell David and Kathleen Marie, shhh" Sara said in a quiet but firm voice.
The twins didn't seem to hear her and kept arguing. They only stopped when they heard Emma crying.
"Both of you go to your rooms - I'll be in a minute to talk to you" Sara said, trying to get Emma calmed down.
Barney entered the nursery, "everything okay?"
"No - the twins were arguing and now, I can't get Emma calmed down" Sara said, going to the chair to nurse Emma again. She sighed as Emma latched on and began nursing.
Barney turned to the twins, "apologize to mommy, then go to your rooms. I'll be up in a minute to talk to you about your punishments."
"Sorry mommy" the twins said in unison before going to their rooms.
"What are Annabel and Alex up to?" Sara asked.
"They're making a grocery list with my mom" Barney said, "do you need anything?"
"Diapers, toilet paper and something for dinner" Sara said.
"We're making tacos for dinner tonight" Barney said, sitting on the arm of the chair and kissed Sara's temple before smiling at Emma, "how'd bath time go?"
"Really well" Sara said, feeling Emma stop nursing, "which would you rather do - finish taking care of this little cutie or punish the twins?"
"I'll take care of the twins" Barney said, standing up.
"You sure?" Sara asked, putting Emma over her shoulder and burped her, smiling as Emma let out a little squeak.
"I'm sure" Barney assured his wife, kissing her forehead. He then looked at his youngest, "be good for mommy, okay precious?"
Sara smiled and took Emma to the changing table while Barney went to the twins' rooms.
Barney came down the stairs as Sara exited the nursery, "how'd it go?"
"She's changed, fed and asleep. How'd it go with the twins?" Sara asked.
"No stuffed animals for two days and they are to write you an apology letter - I told them I would help with spelling" Barney said.
Sara nodded, "you need any help with making dinner?"
"Sure" Barney said as the two of them entered the kitchen.
The two of them, plus Loretta, Annabel and Alex, helped get things around for dinner.
That night, everyone was asleep when there was a noise coming from the nursery.
Sara got out of bed and ran to the nursery, turning on the soft overhead light, "Emma? Are you all right?" She squinted and saw one of the twins was in the nursery, "Max? What are you doing?"
"Helping with the baby" Max said, looking at his mom.
Sara went to Emma, who was screaming her head off, "shhh. Shhh. It's okay" she looked at Max as Barney entered the room, "Max was trying to help with Emma - I think he hurt her."
Barney grabbed Max's arm and dragged him out of the room as Sara tried to get Emma calmed down.
Barney took Max to the living room and sat down on the couch, "you could've really hurt your sister."
"I wanted to help with the baby" Max said, tears forming in his eyes.
"What is one of our rules for helping with Emma?" Barney asked.
"To have an adult's help" Max said, tears streaming down his face, "did I hurt Emma?"
"I don't know" Barney said, looking at Max, "you're grounded for a week - that means that you will stay in your room, other than to eat and use the bathroom. You will not go on outings with the family. You will also do extra chores and you will write an apology letter to mommy."
Max cried, "I'm sorry!"
"I know you are, but what you did was extremely dangerous. Why didn't you wake mommy or me up?" Barney asked.
"I thought I could handle it!" Max said between tears.
"Well, you can't and you could've hurt or killed Emma. Go back to bed and think about what you've done" Barney said, hugging Max, "I love you, Max, but you have to know that your actions have consequences."
Max sniffled and went back upstairs as Barney went to the nursery.
Sara was gently rocking Emma in her arms, singing softly.
Barney stood in the doorway of the nursery, listening to Sara sing to their youngest, "is she okay?"
Sara nodded as she rocked Emma, "she's just scared and isn't hurt - thank goodness."
Barney stood next to Sara, watching her rock Emma gently in the rocking chair.
"This is the moment!
This is the day
When I send all my doubts and demons
On their way
Every endeavor
I have made - ever -
Is coming into play
Is here and now - today!
This is the moment
This is the time
When the momentum and the moment
Are in rhyme!
Give me this moment
This precious chance
I'll gather up my past
And make some sense at last
This is the moment
When all I've done
All the dreaming
Scheming and screaming
Become one
This is the day
See it sparkle and shine
When all I've lived for
Becomes mine!
For all these years
I've faced the world alone
And now the time has come
To prove to them
I've made it on my own
This is the moment
My final test
Destiny beckoned
I never reckoned
Second best
I won't look down
I must not fall
This is the moment
The sweetest of them all
This is the moment
Darn all the odds
This day or never
I'll sit forever
With the gods
When I look back
I will always recall
Moment for moment
This was the moment
The greatest moment
Of them all" Sara and Barney sang to their youngest.
Barney gently picked up Emma, "I'll put her to bed - you go get some sleep."
Sara nodded and carefully stood up, going to the master bedroom.
Barney joined her a moment later and hugged his sleeping wife, falling asleep next to her.