by D. Kelly
The woman behind us taps April on the shoulder. “Excuse me,” she says politely.
“Just one second,” April tells her as Mia and Hannah skip up to Santa’s lap. “Remember to tell him what you want for Christmas!” she calls after them.
“I’m sorry,” she says, turning to the woman, “it’s their first time seeing Santa with us.”
The woman laughs and waves her arm over her three kids. “No problem, I’ve been there myself a few times. I’m sorry to butt my nose in, but I overheard you saying your side hurt and you look about to deliver.”
“I should have delivered days ago but babies come in their own time, I suppose.”
“Yes, they do, and I think yours is coming today. You look to me like you’re in back and side labor. I know the pain and the faces I made with my first one and you’re making them now. Nobody ever warns you of what it’s like, but it’s not normal labor. By the time I got to the hospital, I was crowing in the car.”
April and I exchange freaked out glances. It would explain her burst of energy today, for starters. They did briefly talk about side labor in Lamaze but I didn’t even think of it.
“You know what?” April tells her with a grimace, “I think you just might be right. Thank you so much.”
“Oh, happy to help. Maybe you ought to go straight to the hospital, just to be on the safe side.”
I’m already collecting the girls and their photos as April thanks her again. We walk as quickly as we can to the door.
“You guys stay here. I’ll pull up the car and call Connor.”
“Okay, Daddy” the girls say as April nods, clutching her side.
On the way to the car, I call Connor and thankfully, Jess is at the hospital now so she’s going to meet us in registration and take the girls. Then I call April’s doctor, who says she’ll meet us there. I put April’s bag in the car on December first just in case he came early and we’re pre-registered, so we’re good to go.
When I pull up, I hop out to help April in and hurry the girls along but they’re already rushing. “Daddy! Jaxson is coming today!”
“Well, it could still be a while,” April tells them under her breath, but even though I know she’s being cautious, I also know he’s coming sooner rather than later.
“Auntie Jess is going to meet us as the hospital and you’re going to go home with her and spend the night. Tomorrow, if Jaxson is here, you’ll come see him and Mommy at the hospital just like we talked about, okay?”
“Okay,” they answer together. I give April my hand and she clutches it immediately. We’re only about ten minutes away from the hospital, which is a good thing. When we’re about three minutes away, she’s practically crushing my hand and breathing through her teeth.
As soon as I pull up, Jess is standing on the curb with another nurse and a wheelchair. God bless my sister in law. She hands me her keys and gives me a quick hug.
“Take my car and I’ll take yours. It’s easier to swap since you have booster seats and I have car seats.”
“Good thinking.”
The girls give us both big hugs and take off with Jess, telling her all about Santa. We didn’t even get to hear what they wished for. I can’t forget to ask them tomorrow.
The nurse pushes April to registration and they already have all her paperwork ready. I don’t know if it was the doctor or Jess and I really don’t care. Once she has her bracelet on, they take us up to labor and delivery for our big moment.
I send one final text to the group I created for when this moment arrived, letting everyone know Jaxson is coming, and then I turn off my phone. My attention is on April from here on out.
“Here we are, Mrs. Houston. I’m going to step out for a minute and go get some supplies. In the meantime, put on the gown on the bed and get comfortable. Dr. Harrison will be here shortly.”
April sits on the side of the bed and I take off her shoes and socks for her. When she stands, I remove her pants and underwear as she removes her bra and sweater. I help her get into the gown and comfortable on the bed. Just in time, too, because someone knocks softly at the door.
“Come in,” I call out calmly, even though I’m anything but.
“April, Jake, is today going to be the big day?” Dr. Harrison asks as she enters with the nurse right behind her.
“I think so,” April tells her.
“Do you know how far apart your contractions are?”
Shit, we were supposed to time those, weren’t we?
“No, I didn’t even realize it might be labor until some sweet woman at the mall saw me grimacing and holding my side. She kindly told me she thought I was in labor.”
Dr. Harrison laughs as she puts on her gloves.
“Well, that was very kind of her indeed. Let me just feel and see what’s going on.”
I’m sitting in the chair at the top of the bed next to April. Dr. Harrison nods at the nurse as she feels around and the nurse begins to set up an I.V.
This is really it.
“Okay, April, how long have you been having the pain?”
“I don’t know… maybe since I woke up? Or even maybe in the middle of the night. I’ve been uncomfortable, but it wasn’t really hurting until the mall.”
Dr. Harrison nods in understanding. “Side and back labor can sneak up on you like that. You’re definitely in labor. As a matter of fact, you’re eight centimeters dilated and seventy percent effaced.”
Holy shit.
I don’t know what that effaced shit means, but I know you only dilate to ten.
“You’re right at the cut-off. If you want medication you need to ask now. Right now.”
She looks to me for guidance.
“Babe, I’ll be here every step of the way, but it’s your body, your pain, and your choice.”
She nods with tears in her eyes and grips my hand as another contraction comes.
“No medicine. I want to do this naturally.”
Dr. Harrison smiles. “I thought that would be your answer. I’m going to go ahead and break your water. After this, your labor should move even faster. He’s coming fast for a first baby, he must be anxious to get out.”
After she breaks April’s bag of water, April squeals. “That feels so weird! It’s hot, like I peed myself.”
Oh my god, this is really happening.
“How long do you think?”
“Babies can take their sweet time, Jake, but I’ve been doing this a long time. I’d say you’ll probably see your son within the next three hours.”
“Well, guess I don’t have to worry about a day-long labor, I guess,” April tries to joke but it falls flat.
“Technically, you’ve been in labor since the pain started, April. You just didn’t realize it. I’ll leave you in Nurse Sadie’s capable hands now. She’ll check in on you every thirty minutes or so and keep me updated on your progress. Relax, everything will be fine.”
“Don’t worry, Dr. Harrison is the absolute best. Now I’ve just hooked you up to the monitor so you’ll be able to see when you are having a contraction on the screen.”
April clutches my hand hard and Sadie smiles. “That right there,” she says pointing to the monitor, “is what it looks like. The closer you get, the closer they will be together. If you need anything before I come back, just press this button.”
“Thank you,” I tell her as she leaves the room.
“It’s really happening, Jake. After all this time we’re finally having our baby.”
“We are, babe, and I couldn’t be any happier. I’m so in love with you. I fall deeper in love with you every single day and I’m so proud of you right now for being so brave.”
Tears fall from her eyes, and she doesn’t even try and wipe them away. It’s an emotional day for sure.
“One more push, April. You can do this, just give me one more big push,” Dr. Harrison encourages her. It’s only been an hour since she broke April’s water, but April spent most of that hour in excruciating pain.
She’s crying right now; she’s so exhausted. The past few pushes have been done with ear-piercing screams.
“I can’t, I’m sorry. I just can’t do this.”
“You can, April, I see his head. Jake, lean her forward so she can see his head.” Nurse Sadie is holding a mirror between April’s legs so she can see Jaxson.
“Oh my god!” she cries. “I can see him!” Then she screams and pushes through the contraction.
“Stop, April, don’t push again. You have to wait until the next contraction so we can get his shoulder out.”
“I need to push!” she cries out, and I’ve never felt more helpless.
“You can do it, babe, I’m right here. Just breathe. He’s so close, just a few more seconds.”
Another scream practically shatters my eardrum but I don’t even care. I’d never be able to handle this kind of pain. Women are fucking heroes.
“Okay, April, this is it. Push as hard as you can.”
With a loud scream and a hard push, Jaxson is here. Dr. Harrison expertly suctions his mouth and then holds him up to us. He’s beautiful.
“Jake, do you want to cut the cord?” Dr. Harrison asks expectantly.
“Um, no, I’m good, but thanks for asking.” No way in hell am I touching that.
She laughs and proceeds to do it herself. “Sadie, don’t forget they’re banking the cord blood.”
Dr. Harrison gives Jaxson to Nurse Sadie to get his Apgar and measurements. She wipes him off quickly, wraps him up, and brings him back to April. She shakes her head, though, as if she doesn’t want him.
“I’m exhausted, I’m afraid I’ll drop him. You hold him, Jake, and let me see.”
When she hands him to me, my entire world stops; this is a moment I will never forget.
“April, he’s perfect. He’s got so much hair and…” I pull back the blanket and count, “…all his fingers and toes.”
She laughs through her tears and kisses him softly.
“We love you, Jaxson, so very much,” I tell him through my own tears as the nurse takes him back.
“Alright, April, we need to deliver the placenta and Sadie is going to take Jaxson for a quick bath, some hand and footprints, and then we’ll bring him back and see if we can get him to latch on for a feeding. You’re still planning on breastfeeding, correct?”
“Absolutely.”
Two hours later, Jaxson has eaten and so has April. We’ve been marveling over every little detail for at least an hour and we both agree this is the most amazing thing we’ve ever experienced.
“I feel bad for keeping everyone away. Should we call them and invite them to come?”
I shake my head as I rock Jaxson in the rocker. “Absolutely not. This is our time and I’m going to be selfish with it. This is the only time we’re ever going to have this moment and I want to enjoy it. Besides, visiting hours end in an hour, anyway. They can all just come in the morning like they planned.”
“Okay, Jake. As long as you’re okay, I’m fine with that.”
After gently placing Jaxson in his bassinette, I squeeze into the bed with April.
“As long as I’m with you, I’m perfect. Thank you for bringing our son into this world and making me a dad again.”
“You’re so sweet, but these tears are so stupid. They seriously need to stop, soon.”
“Well, if they don’t we’ll just nickname you Kate from now on.”
“No kidding,” she says, laughing through her tears. “I don’t know how she does it. I would have cut out my tear ducts if I were her by now.”
“She must have the market on waterproof mascara.”
“Oh, ouch. Stop making me laugh. It hurts.”
“Not as bad as labor.”
“Nothing is as bad as labor, but it was worth it for him.”
There’s a small knock on the door and I get up to open it to welcome Mia and Hannah; Jess is right behind them. They’re loaded down with gifts and smiling from ear to ear.
Jess gives us both hugs and congratulations and I pick up Jaxson and pass him to her. The girls are so excited but right now they’re focused on April, asking her how she’s feeling.
“He’s perfect, Jake. My God, he looks so much like Zayden did when he was born. Those Houston genes are strong for a reason.”
“Can we see our brother now?” Hannah asks as she makes her way over to Jess and me.
“Let’s wash your hands first,” Jess tells them firmly and passes Jaxson back to me. Once she’s done helping them, she excuses herself. “I’ll be outside. You guys need this time as a family. Text me when you’re ready and I’ll come back and get them. Congratulations again.”
April pats her bed for the girls to hop up, and I pull the bedside chair close so they can get a good look at their baby brother.
“He’s really tiny,” Mia says softly as she touches his fingers.
“He’s kind of red, but a cute red,” Hannah adds adorably.
“He is really tiny but he already cries really loud.” They laugh because they think it’s cute—a crying baby is not cute at all. Hailey gets so mad when Grant cries; this is going to be fun to see how these two react.
“Sorry we had to cut our Santa trip short today. Want to tell us know what you asked Santa for, for Christmas?”
Leave it to April; even after giving birth, she’s still concerned she missed something important.
“I wished more kids waiting to be adopted would get parents like you,” Hannah says proudly.
“And I wished more kids in foster care would get Christmas presents from Santa. My nana used to buy presents each year and donate them to help Santa,” Mia replies sadly.
“You guys are going to make me cry. Those are the best Christmas wishes I’ve ever heard. I bet Daddy would be happy to take you shopping for toys to donate before Christmas.”
I’m a bit choked up at the massive amount of love these two girls have in their hearts. It also plants a seed to look into something when I have time. I might have found my new career path.
“I’d be happy to take you shopping for that.”
Each of the girls takes a turn holding their brother, and April has snapped a ton of photos of all of us. After forty-five minutes, the girls are getting tired and so is their mom. Jess comes to get them within minutes of my text with promises to be back in the morning after she drops the girls off at school.
April is barely keeping her eyes open and ends up falling asleep pretty quickly. I’m tired but I’m not sleepy. Instead, I take Jaxson from his bassinet and rock him in my arms until he wakes up to eat. As soon as April heard him fussing, she motioned for me to bring him to her.
He latched on to nurse immediately and April was thrilled. Watching him nurse from his mom fills me with joy, but I also can’t wait until she can pump so I can feed him myself.
“Soon, Jake,” she whispers, smiling.
She knows me so well.
Dr. Harrison stopped by this morning and checked on April and Jaxson. She told April she could go home today if she wanted to and although I wanted her to stay, she wanted to leave. I sent another group text and told everyone there was a change of plans and they could all come by the house later this afternoon.
The pediatrician came by and gave Jaxson an official clean bill of health. He had his blood work and hospital photos done and we filled out the birth certificate.
When we finally got home, the front of our house looked like a combination of winter wonderland meets baby shower. It is absolutely hilarious and I had to take a few photos. April was beaming; she loved seeing everyone went out of their way to welcome him home.
After getting them inside and taking a few moments to introduce Luvbug to Jaxson, April gives the all clear to tell everyone to come on over.
Connor, Jess, and the twins are the first to arrive.
“Congratulations! I hear my nephew has my good looks. Where is he so I can see for myself?”
“He has my good looks and so do you,
I’m older.”
“Actually, he has my good looks, son, both of you do, and both of my grandsons take after me.” My mom and dad walked right in behind Connor. I didn’t even see them because I was so distracted by Connor.
“Fine, I’ll give you that.” He gives me a big hug. “I’m so happy for the two of you. Congratulations, son.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
My mom pulls me into her hug next. “Both of my babies have babies of their own. Where did the time go? I’m so proud of you, Jake. You’re getting everything you ever wanted in life.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She releases me and follows Connor into the living room. Before I even get the chance to follow behind them, the doorbell rings again.
“Congratulations!” Kate and Daniel call out in unison.
Lucas is holding a blue teddy bear in his hands. “Congratulations, Uncle Jake,” he says, holding it out to me. Scooping him up in my arms, I give him a monster hug.
“Thanks, Luke.”
“Luvbug,” he says, pointing to the floor and sure enough, Luvbug is waiting patiently at my feet. He loves Lucas. When I sit Luke down, he immediately plops to the floor and lets Luvbug climb right into his lap and lick his face.
There’s a rap on the door and before I even turn to answer, Mike, Misty, and the kids come in.
“Uncle Jake! Where’s Jaxson? Can I see him?” Leave it to Hailey to cut to the chase.
“Of course you can, Hails. Go tell Uncle Connor you want to see the baby, he’s in the living room.”
“Luke, come on, let’s go see our new cousin!”
Mike shakes his head at her bossiness. “She’s been spending too much time with Jess, I think.”
“Hey, I heard that!” Jess calls from the other room. “You’re lucky I’m choosing to take it as a compliment.”
Mike sets Grant’s carrier down and pulls me in for a hug. “Congratulations, man, welcome to the world of three a.m. feedings.”
“Don’t get too excited,” Misty says with a yawn. “It’s not all it’s cracked up to be but it’s totally worth it.”
“Well, let’s see the little guy. I feel like we’ve been waiting forever for him. Maybe because he’s the last one in an endless cycle of pregnancies.”
