Nix: *listening to the doctor's instructions, I start getting really nervous. But when I look up at you, your smile makes me feel so much better. After the first count of ten, I take a deep breath, resting for a moment. When the doctor tells me it's time to push again, I grip your hand tight. I lift my head, putting my chin to my chest and push, gritting my teeth as you count down the time for me. 'You're doing well, Mrs. Brandt. Now push again for me.' I do as the Doctor says, pushing against while you count for me*
~~~~~~
*after about an hour of pushing, I am starting to get really tired. 'Take a brief rest, Mrs. Brandt, and then I want you to give me a very big push, alright?' I nod and lay back as best I can 'Getting tired?' he asks and I nod again* "Very." *'shouldn't be too much longer, now.' he reassures me. I look up at you, giving you a tired smile and you lean down, kissing my forehead gently. 'Alright. Let's go again. And give me a big push.' he says* Okay... *I take a deep breath and squeeze your hand hard, pressing my chin to my chest as I push as hard as I can while you count. The pressure makes me feel like I was burning between my legs. 'Good! The baby's starting to crown!' I smile despite the pain and push again, focusing on your counting*
Donovan: [my eyes are wide as I look in the mirror. The top of our baby's head slowly being pushed out of you. My heart swells with pride as I squeeze your hand and help pull back one of your legs] You've got this baby... she's right there. RIGHT THERE Phoenix. We're gonna meet her, but you gotta dig deep and give it everything you have. [you look at me with that look. It's the look of determination and stubbornness. The same look you first gave me. The one I feel in love with.] Push mama!
N: *I look up at you and nod, gripping tight on your hand. 'Keep going, Mrs. Brandt!' I nod again and, push as hard as possible. I hear you cheering me on, holding on to my hand even while I'm squeezing it tighter. It takes a few more big pushes, Doctor Phillips tells us that she's almost through and it should take one more big push. I let out a scream as I push harder then I have been. I feel the pressure release and then hear the cries of a baby. I smile and look up at you* Our baby girl...
D: [without even thinking about it, I drop your hand and bury my face in your hair, tears flowing freely.] You did so good baby. [sniffles] she's here.. our baby is here. [I stand back up as she is placed on your belly. The doctor gives me a pair of surgical scissors so I can cut the umbilical cord. I do so and I am overwhelmed with what just happened - what is happening. I place my hand on yours, which is gently holding our daughter to you. I lean down and kiss you firmly.] I'm so proud of you mom. So proud. She's perfect.
N: *I lift my hand, laying it on your head, gently stroking your hair. I'm exhausted, but so damn happy* Yes, she is. *once she is laid on my belly, I feel my heart swell with joy. Our baby, our little girl was finally here with us. I gently laid my hands on her little back. I watch as you cut her umbilical cord, smiling happily up at you* She's absolutely perfect... And so tiny... *I can't stop the tears that start rolling down my cheeks* God... I am so damn happy... *Doctor Phillips smiles at the two of us. 'You have a name picked out for her?' I look up at you and nod* We have the perfect name for her. *I squeeze your hand, gently nudging you* You wanna tell him, Donovan?
D: [I watch as a nurse picks up the baby to take her over and get her vitals, your nudging breaks my stare for only a moment] huh? oh yeah. Her name, sorry. It's Adrianna Piper Brandt. Excuse me [I leave your side to go over and watch everything they are doing to her - measuring, weighing, footprints. They let me know that after they take her to the nursery, they will fully bathe her and that we should take that time to really get some sleep. I nod and she hands me our little bundle of joy. She is so tiny in my arms, so light. I feel like one false move and I could break her, but the nurse assures me I'm doing well. I speak to her in a soft voice as I walk over to you again] Hey baby girl. It's papa. We've been waiting a long time to meet you. [I kiss her softly several times and she makes a little grunting noise] I know, your mama doesn't like my stubble much either.
N: *I can't help but chuckle at you. The way your eyes follow our little girl is just too adorable* Papa's already smitten with you, Adrianna. *the nurse's come over and help me get my legs out of the stirrups and clean me up. Once I'm clean, they help my get more comfortable and settled in bed. I feel the exhausted seeping in, but I stay awake, my eyes on our baby as she is measured and weighed and everything. My smile grows wider as she is placed in your arms. I can see the look of love in your eyes as you look down at her* Yes, we have. *I laugh softly* Hey now... I like it sometimes.
D: [pretends to cover Adrianna's little ears, I whisper] That's how she got here [I wink at you, placing her back in your arms. I take out my phone and snap pics of her and of you holding her. I send a secure text to each of my team with photo of her, announcing her birth]
N: *chuckles softly* She doesn't need to know that. *I scrunch my nose after you snap your pictures* Oh baby, no. I'm sure I look awful... *Adrianna coos softly, making me look down at her* Don't worry, baby girl. You look absolutely perfect. *kisses her forehead gently, smiling down at her* Who all did you send those to anyway?
D: [shakes my head] First of all, you look amazing. Secondly, it was just of the baby [smiles at you slyly]. It was just to the team, no worries. [I reach down and pick the baby back up again and recline our bed] How about you get some sleep babe? This is one of the last moments that is going to be possible [kisses you softly] And I think you've earned a little sleep [winks, standing back up with the baby as I softly sway with her, humming]
N: *chuckles* You're lying, but thank you sweetheart. *smiles* Getting responses yet? *I reach up, holding her little hand* Mm... I could definitely use a nap after that. But I should feed her first. Doctor Phillips and I talked about it when you went to eat. I should go ahead and try and feed her right away. *I hold out my arms as you place her back in them. I get us both settled and pull my breast out of the gown, very carefully positioning her where she's able to latch on* There we go... *it only takes her a few tries before she's suckling gently*
D: [I watch as you feed her, admiring your strength.] Women are just amazing. I am just in awe of you right now, baby. [I scoot the chair up to the bed to sit with you as she feeds]
N: *I smile at you and shake my head* I'm just doing what any other woman does. *I use my free hand to gently brush her little bit of hair around* She's so soft...
D: [as you are doing that, I have already unwrapped her feet and started to play with her toes gently] look at how tiny these little piggies are [I lean up and kiss the bottom of each foot, she kicks slightly, landing one of her feet on my nose.] Kid's gotta good kick. [I cover her feet back up] Guess that's what mommy's been feeling for a while, huh? [I look up at you as you try to smile and yawn at the same time] Now, that was sexy
N: *I shake my head and laugh at you* She really does. And yes, that is what I've been feeling, but from on the inside. *I stick out my tongue at you* Oh shush. I know I don't look sexy at all right now. *looks down at her, smiling warmly, watching her feed. Nothing could even begin to describe how it feels. The bonding was simply amazing*
