Infinity Chapter 119 - Home Front

[itztigress3]

Chapter 119  –  Home front

POV: Emily

Word count: 3911


May 30, 2014; Saturday

My hope of going home had been cut very short, Max had came in at the start of his shift Saturday morning to find me very sick. My temperature was above a hundred and I just wanted to throw up. He thought it was the morphine as well, so we took that off and things seem to improve throughout the day but Sunday it was back full force and much worse.

Turns out it was an infection that was in one of the cuts. Max refused to let me go home until I was better which he said yesterday I could leave the hospital today. Zac refused to leave the hospital and he kept the kids here as well, not that they would stay anywhere else. Casey couldn’t even get them to the car without her crying for me and Alexander wouldn’t even get to the door. I was fine with that. All family members came down during the week, spacing themselves out so that the room wasn’t crowded. Ace stayed the most alone with Zac, Nathaniel was working but he came down twice.

I was released early but we were still at the hospital, this time in the labor and delivery waiting room. Maddi started having really bad pain the night before and Cody brought her in early. She’d sent me a text telling me she was here but at the time I couldn’t go back, I was a patient. Cody came to the waiting room about noon and he looked tired, stressed and very concerned.

“Cody? What is it?”

“She wants to see you. I told her Max said it probably was a bad idea since you just got over a severe infection but she insists. So, if you can get away from your two I was sent to bring you back.”

Isabella was asleep in Zac’s lap and Alexander was preoccupied with his phone playing videos so I was able to creep out without either of them crying.

“Where is Riley or who has her?”

“Her grandmother has her, she just came to the house. I think she’s staying with us for a little while anyway.”

He walked into the room and Maddi looked as tired and worried as he did and it made me wonder if this was a delivery of bad news or something.

“Is everything ok?” I asked.

“We’re not sure, she seems to be progressing slowly.”  Cody said.

Maddi did seem stressed and upset, not her normal moods.

“Riley was easy peasy! I figured this one would be too.”

“Not always. I found Isabella easier. But, remember labor with them both was long for me.”

“It’s why I wanted you back actually, how did you deal with that long of a labor? I’ve been here since 5 am and I’m at like a 4. Labor with Riley was way easy and things were wham bam, but they seem to want to procrastinate.”

I smiled and sat down beside her on the bed, her delivery of Riley had been very easy compared to either of mine.

“Well, you need to stay kind of calm, being upset doesn’t do anything.  It’s possible the pain medication is slowing things down too, you were at the studio with her so there was no pain medication. I would honestly say sleep as much as you can, I know it’s not easy but try. Zac liked to rub my side which helped and my hips. But Nadine said she didn’t want to be touched.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure if I can sleep.”

I smiled. “You’ll be fine and so will they. I am sure that the doctors and nurses here are top notch.”

She giggled some and then grimaced as the contraction came, Cody opted to try the side rubbing and she seemed to calm some.

“You’re not going home are you?” She asked.

“Not until I meet little Dakota and Declan, no. Although I think we will go to Max’s house for a bit. He told me to rest and feel better. Eliza went back to Tulsa Wednesday. I will have to go back soon, my brothers and Zac’s family are getting antsy.”

“Understandable. Hopefully they arrive soon!”

I gave her a hug before I returned to the waiting room where Alexander seemed to be just realizing I had been missing.

“How is she?” Zac asked.

“It’s slow, she’s at 4. I think we should call Casey though, I need to lay down and they need to run a bit.”

He called Casey to come get us, he was at Max’s still and would stay with us. He came in at 1 and by 2 we were at Max and Ryan’s house, same
one he and Maddi shared to begin with. Our room was her old bedroom and Casey was in Riley’s old room. I first showered and let Zac rebandage the cuts that needed it and then sat down in the quiet living room where Isabella was more than ready for her 3pm feeding. I didn’t need to really cover up, only Zac and Casey were here but it felt strange to be in their home and not be covered, they could easily walk in. Zac was giving Alexander his snack and fixing us something too. I got to eat while she finished up and then I laid down on the sofa, she got down to play.

“Are you ok?” Casey asked.

“Tired but I shouldn’t be.”

“Nap, we’re not going anywhere.”

I did take a long nap, not waking up until about 7 and by then Ryan and Max were both home and I could hear them in the kitchen with Casey. Zac was sitting in the floor with Isabella, changing a diaper and Alexander was playing.

“I was about to wake you up, Ryan made dinner.”

I sat up and just sat there a moment. “Wait, she didn’t want food at 6?”

“She took a bottle for me but I got an evil look, I just reminded her that Mommy needed rest.”

Dinner was very nice and Isabella got some apples, something Zac had fixed while I was away apparently.

“No babies yet?” I asked.

“No. She was at 6 when I came home, it’s progressing very slowly. Maddi is so not happy about that but she’s dealing.”

“Hopefully soon then.”

“Yeah, we’re hoping. How are you feeling?”

“Tired.”

“That’s expected.”

“I figured it would take some time to really recover. The pain medication isn’t helping.”

We finished dinner and Zac elected to clean up, but Ryan shooed him out of the kitchen and the we’re family excuse didn’t work here. So, he elected to sit with the two kids and play. She ate at 9 and by 10 both of the kids and I were out. I wasn’t sure when Zac came to bed, but I think it might have been midnight.

May 31, 2014: Sunday

I got up at 5, feeling like something was wrong and I found Max on the phone in the kitchen with a worried expression on his face.

“Max? What is it?” I asked.

He turned, slightly startled, and held a finger up until he hung the phone up.

“They took Maddi for a caesarian. She reached 10 around 1 am, tried pushing but nothing. So, the OB did a sonogram and found the placenta moved right over the cervical opening so they took her back for a cesarean. Declan and Dakota should be there soon!”

“Is she ok?”

“Yeah, they just don’t want the placenta to rupture so they decided this was the best course of action. Maddi is fine with it and just wants them here safely.”

“Understandable.”

“Why are you up?”

“I woke up and felt something was wrong, scared me to see you on the phone all serious like.”

“Sorry, her mom called to update me. Cody called her about 4:30.”

“The next one should be good news then. I think I’m going to try to stay awake a bit.”

He smiled and finished his coffee, he was off to work and Ryan wasn’t far behind them. Cody called Zac’s phone at 7:30 to let me know that Dakota and Declan were here. Declan had been born at 5:25, weighing 5 pounds and 11 oz and was 19 inches long and Dakota was four minutes later at 5:29 am weighting 5 pounds 5 ounces and 18 inches. Maddi was out of the recovery room but they wanted to wait on visitors, which was fine as only Isabella was awake and she was eating currently. I told him we’d come up and see them about 1, that way he and Maddi had some one on one time and it would give Riley a chance to meet her new siblings.

Isabella finished her apples and then we sat down to nurse, Alexander and Zac came in at 8:15, clearly Zac was still mostly asleep. But he changed him and then fixed breakfast for him and for us.

“Declan and Dakota are here. She ended up doing a cesarean. I told Cody once her mom and Riley had a chance to go up we would.”

He smiled. “Yet, we’re not running to join her?”

“I told him I would come up about 1 that way she and Cody could have some time to visit their new babies and for her mom to take Riley up and meet them. It also gives me time to get her fed and everything at lunch and they can nap on the way home.”

“Home? You don’t want to stay a day or two with Maddi?”

“I do, but Zac I want my own bed and my own house. I know Maddi’s mom will be there with her and really, she just got cut open she’s not going to want a bunch of visitors. I can come back down for a few days later on.”

“Understandable.”

We sat at the table and ate breakfast and then we bathed both of the kids and got them changed and clean. They played in the living room with us even when Casey got up about 11.

“Dude, were you tired?” I asked.

“Yes. Very much. I feel you, I want my own bed.”

“Well, pack up because as soon as we leave the hospital we’re going home.” Zac said.

“Thank god!”

We had lunch with him and then loaded our things into the truck and cleaned up. We then headed to the hospital. I chose to sit in the back with them because it was what they wanted and it was a bit more comfortable. Alexander interacted with Isabella well now. We went up-stairs to the labor and delivery wing and after being buzzed through the doors and lead to her room. We knocked first and Cody came and let us in. Maddi’s mom was just leaving so we got to say bye to Riley before she went home with her grandmother. Apparently it was feeding time and I was so happy to see her using the gift I had gotten for her baby shower. It was for mothers of twins and would allow both babies to nurse at the same time while mom is comfortable.

“Love that it works.”

“Oh my god, it’s a life saver, I couldn’t hold them both at the same time and the incision doesn’t feel like there is a lot of pressure on it. Best gift ever! Guys it’s ok, I’m covered.”

They had hung back at the door but then came on inside. Isabella was asleep on Zac’s shoulder and Alexander was holding Casey’s hand.

“Baby?” he asked.

“Maddi had babies.” Casey said.

He went to the bed but I got his hand. “Hold on, Maddi is feeding babies right now. We have to wait.”

He frowned. “Baby.”

Maddi smiled some. “Guess he wants more babies in the house.”

“No. Not for a while.” I said.

“I concur, two is enough for now.”

Zac moved and sat down, let her stay there.

“Are they doing better with you both around?” Cody asked.

“Much better, but they don’t get very far unless they can hear me or see me.”

“Give them some time.”

We waited until she was done and while she readjusted Casey and Zac just closed their eyes, which gave me first dibs to see them and good lord they were adorable. I could see the red hair but their eyes were definitely Cody, Dakota had a little more hair than Declan did but that wasn’t abnormal. They were so tiny compared to Alexander and Isabella.

“My god it’s like holding a feather.” Casey said.

Alexander tugged gently at the blanket for Dakota and I had Cody pick him up and sit stand him beside me.

“Baby?” he asked.

“Dakota, this is Dakota and that is Declan.”

He gently patted Dakota’s blanket and just admired. I was glad he wasn’t jealous given how clingy he was to me.

“That is so sweet. Riley smacked them both.”  Maddi said.

“It may take her a little bit of time.”

“Not really sure how Isabella will handle mommy holding another baby.”  Zac said.

I had changed to Declan before she woke up and she didn’t look very happy to see me holding another baby, but Zac sat her beside me and she
did ok, until she wanted in my lap and then Zac had to take him. Then she tried to get in his lap, which he could do right now because he wasn’t hurting badly.

“Little jealous there.” Maddi said.

“Just a bit. How was the c-section?”

“It was different that’s for sure. It wasn’t bad but I am limited for the moment, however your twin nursing pillow is a blessing.”

“I loved the single one, figured you could use one made for twins. Does that seem different?”

“Not really, I mean it is a bit different to have them both feeding at the same time. Once I can move a bit more I can lay on my side or adjust positions better.”

“It looks uncomfortable for sure. But bonding time with them is important too.”

“I agree.”

“They are so adorable.” Casey said.

“When you gonna have some?” Cody asked.

Casey looked at him confused. “I’m in a relationship with a man Cody, kind of impossible for us to have a baby.”

“I beg to differ, her brother is dating a man too and they have a little girl.” Cody said.

“They both wanted that little girl, not sure Robert and I really want children of our own.”

“There working to make Gay marriage legal, there is a big hearing in June about it.” Cody said.

“Oh, I know. Robert and I haven’t reached that stage yet. Maybe in a few years. But, right now I’m content to have Isabella and Alexander.”

“Craig said the other day they were considering another baby, but wanted to have the house settled first.”

“How are they doing?” Maddi asked.

“Much better. Christopher has a better understanding of why Craig and I are close and I think he just got stressed out with her crying. The new formula worked well.”

“Good. Are you staying tonight too?”

“We are headed home when we leave. I want my bed and some normalcy.”

“Understandable! I have to stay for a bit because of the c-section.”

I smiled. “Least Max won’t make them keep you nearly a week! But we have Isabella’s birthday in July and if your able we can have you up for a few days, if not then we’ll come down for a few.”

I got a giggle from her at least and she agreed. Isabella ate at 3:15 and we left shortly after that. I sat in the back again with the two of them, who mostly slept. Zac drove and Casey was just there for the ride. Zac did drop him off at his house and we then headed home.
I was expecting to be able to do whatever I wanted but when we arrived I seen Craig and Christopher’s car in the driveway and groaned. I’d forgotten about them moving in basically, but that was supposed to be this week, like on Wednesday. Zac parked in the garage and looked back.

“Are you ok?”

“I hurt but that’s kind of expected, I thought they were arriving Wednesday.”

“Baby their lease is up tomorrow, they had to be out of the house by then. You are ok with them being here right? No one really asked.”

“I am, I just wanted a few days without everyone.”

He leaned back and kissed me. “The entire top floor is ours, if you don’t want to deal with anyone then go there.”

“Can you get them both or you want me to get her?”

“I can get them both out, if you want I’ll get him down and he can walk in with you.”

“That’s fine.”

I got out and went around, he got Alexander out and I got his hand, lead him inside where Craig was slaving over our stove with what appeared to be a huge meal. Alexander went right to the living room where Christopher was with Jasmine on the floor.

“Hey little man, where did you come from?”

“He came inside with me, what the hell am I chopped liver?”

Craig dropped everything and was intended for a hug and I knew it, was braced for it but Zac’s hand stopped him.

“I know you want too but let’s wait a while on hugs Craig.”

Craig looked mildly hurt but Zac reminded him that I just got out of the hospital and I was still very sore. He opted instead for a quick kiss to my forehead before he ran back to the kitchen to catch whatever was about to burn. Christopher didn’t take no for an answer but he air hugged me, his hands and arms never touching me.

“I’m glad your home, now where is my niece?”

“Playing with your daughter.” Zac said.

He then went to get our bags. Isabella was beside Jasmine playing with the blocks and I walked to the living room and sat down gently on the love seat. Jasmine was a healthy little 9 month old and already sitting up some. Christopher joined them in the floor again and Zac unloaded the car and probably unpacked the bags, he then came down and sat beside me.

“What is he cooking, smells delicious.” Zac said.

“I believe he was making chicken parmesan and spaghetti.”

“Bribery…what does he want?” I asked.

“No one said I wanted anything!” Craig called.

I giggled some, knowing he was probably hoping it would make me feel better. Alexander whined some when Isabella grabbed his shirt and used him to pull herself up.

“Mama!”

“Don’t push her Alexander, help her.”

Although, based on the time she was probably getting ready to nurse again. She seemed to be eyeing me like I should be concerned.

“Want me to fix her a bottle?” Christopher asked.

“No. I’ll get her in just a moment.”

Alexander didn’t move away until she let his shirt go, Christopher started to move and Zac stopped him.

“She’s been standing on her own for over a month now.”

“She has?” he asked.

“Yeah, she was pulling up in March, been standing more and the few steps at Hanson Day, those were 1 step between boxes by the way.”

I was watching her though, standing there and she was clearly waiting on me to come get her I held my hands out and waited. She seemed to be hesitating quite a bit but finally those little feet moved and while she wasn’t real steady she did take four steps before she nearly fell but Alexander actually helped rebalance her, she made the last three steps to me.

“That’s my girl, knew you could walk.”

Zac was just staring and Christopher was too, Craig began clamping.

“Dinner is ready and little miss has some apples and bananas ready with her high chair.”

“Kid’s plates ready?”

“Yep. Alexander’s is already cooled and Jasmine has sweet peas.”

“It’s about time to add a few veggies to hers, think I want to do two more fruits and then try a few veggies. Alexander seemed to like the veggies better.”

We got up and headed to the dining room, I sat her beside me and Zac took him, Craig took Jasmine. I knew she’d want to nurse shortly after the cup but she wasn’t eating the fruits, every bite she made a face and spit it back out. I finally tasted it myself and it definitely was jarred baby food.

“Uh Craig, what exactly is this?”

“Baby food? What does it look like?”

“You know she won’t eat the jarred stuff you buy at the store, right?”

“She won’t?”

“No. Alexander wouldn’t either. It’s why I have a baby ninja and a steamer.”

Zac got up and found a container of apples we’d brought back and he swapped them.

“I didn’t realize you did that all the time for everything.”

“Yeah, they won’t eat any of the jarred stuff, Alexander refused and she seems more interested but it has to be real fruits and veggies, even the meat has to be real.”

“You have super picky kids.” He said and smiled.

“Duh, there my kids.”

Now that she had real apples, she was content to eat them. Alexander made a mess with the spaghetti but Zac opted to clean up while I nursed her, which I chose to do covered up.

“So, how long do I have help?”

“The whole month, maybe a little more. I think by the end of June they should be done though, there really close it’s just driveways and finishing touches.” Christopher said.

“Is Zac still painting her room?” Craig asked.

“Far as I know he is, just waiting for the go.”

“Are you staying at home a while?”

“A week, give the places time to heal a little more before being at the studio. Why?”

“No reason, just wondered.”

Once she was done nursing she was let down to play with the other two. Zac took Alexander for a bath after he cleaned up the mess and they came down ready for bed. Alexander seemed confused with both of the girls here, but he seemed fine to play. I took her up about 9, I was getting tired. I changed her for bed and then nursed her here in the quiet room. I could sit here without a shirt on thankfully. She must have been tired because she was asleep shortly after finishing, so I laid her down in her bed and covered her up. I then laid slipped a gown on and laid down, I was asleep pretty quickly.

But it was 2 am when I woke up from the vivid nightmare. The upside to the hospital was they were waking me up every few hours to check vitals or change IV’s or whatever, here at home nothing was doing that.

“Baby?” Zac asked.

“Just a dream, I’m going to check on them and get some water.”

“Ok.”

I did just that, checking to make sure that both Isabella and Alexander were both asleep in their beds and then I got water and laid back down,
I was rather glad when his arm came over my waist, despite the faint pain I wanted him there.