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Third Mother’s Day

Mike groaned as Maddie got back in bed.  She was very pregnant and could have their last baby any day.  She was miserable and taking it out on Mike and he would be glad when she had the baby and returned to being good-natured.  

“You okay?” Mike asked.

“Yeah.  Just tired of my bladder being used for a ping-pong ball.” Maddie remarked.  

“It will be over soon.” Mike said.  He reached over and squeezed Maddie’s hand; glad she was at least letting him touch her.

“You’d better get some rest while you can.” Maddie said.  

“I love you.’ Mike replied. 

“I love you too.” Maddie replied.  He reached over and kissed her temple as she tried to get comfortable.  “I will be glad when she’s born and I can sleep on my other side.  This always feels weird.” Maddie remarked.

“I’m just ready for her to be here.” Mike said.    

“I know, me too.” Maddie replied.   Mike felt like he had just drifted off to sleep when Maddie shook his shoulder.  “Mike, its time.  My water just broke.” Maddie said.  Mike jumped up and began getting dressed.  Maddie’s labors tended to go fast and he wanted her safely admitted before she had the baby.  He wasn’t up for delivering a baby.  

He got Katie woke up to explain where they were going and then got Maddie buckled into the SUV, with their bags and the new car seat in the backseat.  It was storming and he was too busy concentrating on driving to even time the contractions.  

“Three minutes apart.” Maddie said in a lull.  

“I’ll go a little faster.” Mike said.  

“Make that two minutes.” Maddie replied.  

“I’m worried about the bridge.  If it is out, I’ll have to turn around and go the long way.” Mike admitted.

“You have the bag, don’t you?” Maddie asked, speaking of a bag their doctor had insisted on in case she went into labor and they didn’t make it to the hospital.

“Yeah.  I have it.” Mike answered, filled with worry.  The sign for the bridge was in sight and there was no indication that it was out, but Mike would be driving carefully.  As soon as he got there, he stopped the SUV and stuck his head out.  The water was lapping over the bridge.

“Mike?” Maddie asked.

“I’m not taking a chance on it.  Water is over the bridge.  We’ll just have to pray that Harlow waits until we get to the hospital.” Mike said.  He got back in and turned the SUV around.  The long way to the hospital was forty-five minutes long and judging by Maddie’s contractions, the baby would be making her arrival before then.

“Mike; there’s a rest stop up ahead.  Stop there.  We are not going to make it.” Maddie said.  

“I really don’t want to do this.” Mike said.

“I know, but it will be okay.” Maddie replied.  Mike pulled into the rest-stop and was glad it was empty.  At least Maddie would have privacy.  He moved the bags and car seat into the far  back seat, helped her prepare and lay down in the back seat.   “Have you ever done this?” Maddie asked.

“I delivered Hannah. And one when I was a cop.  I’m sorry, no medication to help with the pain.” Mike replied.  

“I’ll be okay,” Maddie said.  Mike checked and immediately groaned.

“She’s crowning already.  Alright, when you feel like it, push.  I’ll try to help you when I can.” Mike said.  Maddie nodded and as soon as the next contraction hit, she began pushing.  

The birth took no time and thankfully, Harlow was perfect.  Mike wished he could spend a bit of time admiring the new baby but he wanted to get back on the road.  And Maddie was tired but alright.  He was never so glad to see the hospital.  

“Alright, the nurse will get you and Harlow settled.  I’ll park the vehicle and get the bags.” Mike said as he helped Maddie into the wheelchair.  The nurse handed her back the baby and pushed the chair back in.  Mike took a deep breath, glad that Maddie and Harlow would be taken care of and he could go back to being just a dad and husband.  He remembered feeling the same amount of relief when Hannah was born and in a doctor’s hands.

Maddie was cleaned up and Harlow had been checked out.  Mike was beyond thankful the baby was healthy.  And she was sure a pretty baby.  Mike changed into dry clothes and settled next to Maddie, while she nursed Harlow.  He kissed the top of Maddie’s head and gave Harlow his index finger.

“You getting warmed up?  You were standing out in the wind and rain.” Maddie asked.

“Getting there.  I am glad to have you and Harlow here.” Mike admitted.  

“Here, Mike; you should hold her.” Maddie said.  She passed Harlow over and Mike’s heart swelled with love.  Harlow gave him something of a smile and wrapped her hand around his index finger.

“Well, look at you.  You look like your mommy.” Mike said,  

“I love those dimples.” Maddie remarked.  

“She’s a beauty.” Mike replied.

“She’s also a chunk.  Ten pounds, four ounces. Twenty-three inches 

long.” Maddie said.  

“Are you and she okay?” Mike asked.

“She’s perfect.  They had to put a couple stitches in for me.” Maddie replied.

“Sorry.  Happy Mother’s Day, I guess.” Mike answered and Maddie laughed.  

“We can’t seem to have normal holidays.” Maddie said.  

“It does worry me a bit about the girls.” Mike admitted.  Katie and Hannah struggled at certain times.  They really missed Christine alot.  Mike had finally convinced both girls to go through some trauma counseling.  

“Maybe we’ll be able to get out of here soon.  She’s doing good.  And I will feel better in my own home and bed.” Maddie replied.  

“Has she eaten?” Mike asked.  

“Not yet, but I’d like to try.” Maddie replied.  Mike handed the baby back and smiled as Harlow latched on and began nursing.  

“She has that all figured out.” Mike remarked.

“I have a feeling she is going to be a good eater.” Maddie replied after yawning.  

“Once she is done; I’ll take her.  You need a nap.” Mike said.  

“Mike; thank you.  You were amazing.” Maddie said.

“Shouldn’t I be saying that to you?” Mike asked.  He sat down next to Maddie and gently massaged her back.

“Once she finishes and goes to sleep; I would like for you to lay down with me.” Maddie requested.

“Absolutely.” Mike said.  He gave Maddie a kiss and smiled at his new baby girl.  She was absolutely perfect.  And the perfect finishing touch to their crazy family.  

“I’m glad we had her.  I was so nervous but now; I think she is exactly what we didn’t know we needed.’ Maddie remarked.

“She’s going to have to be a pretty tough little girl to deal with our crazy.  Course, she had to have her own crazy entrance.” Mike replied.

“You are just a little proud of her, aren’t you?” Maddie asked with a laugh.

“Just a little.” Mike admitted.  He’d always been a proud father.  Even with the way Katie and Hannah struggled, he was proud of them because they tried.  

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Maddie said as she Harlow detached and Mike took the baby girl.  “You should lay her down for a minute and take your shirt off so she can get some skin to skin contact with you.” Maddie ordered.  Mike was not one to argue with Maddie and he handed Harlow back and took his shirt off while Maddie stripped Harlow down to her diaper.  Mike fixated on a birthmark on Harlow’s shoulder.

“What’s that?” Mike asked.

“Its a birthmark.  I asked the nurse.  She said it looked like what they call an ‘angel kiss.’” Maddie said.  It made Mike smile.  

“Maybe Lucas or Christine gave her a kiss?” Mike said.  

“I like that idea.” Mike said.  He relaxed next to Maddie and she put Harlow on his chest and covered her with a blanket.  

“My favorite thing after having a baby is seeing you do this.” Maddie remarked.  She settled next to him and put her head on his shoulder.  Mike kissed her forehead and smiled down at her.

“I love you so much.” Mike said.  He and Maddie didn’t express their love for one another often.  It was just not their baseline.  

“I love you too.” Maddie replied.  

In no time, both Harlow and Maddie were sound asleep.  Mike continued holding her until Maddie moved so he could free his arm to lay Harlow down in her bassinet.  He cuddled close to Maddie, glad the hospital had queen-sized beds for new parents, instead of standard hospital beds.  

He’d texted Katie that they had made it to the hospital with the baby in tow and were okay and would be sleeping.  Mike wasn’t terribly shocked to wake up to the girls coming in with Susannah and the twins. Shockingly, Harlow had slept almost four hours and just smiled at Mike when she woke up.  

“Oh, she’s adorable!” Katie remarked.  

“Girls, give us a couple minutes please.  Maddie needs to get around and then nurse the baby.  Sorry…I didn’t realize how deep we were sleeping.” Mike said, feeling badly.

“How about we go to the gift shop so Susannah can pick out a gift for her mommy?” Hannah suggested.  

“Thanks, honey.” Mike said.  He handed Katie some money and gave Susannah a kiss.  Thankfully, the younger kids accepted it and left again.  Mike helped Maddie out of the bed and to the bathroom.  She was pretty tired and not real sure-footed after giving birth.  While she used the restroom and got cleaned up, Mike changed Harlow’s diaper and cuddled her until Maddie was ready to nurse her.  Harlow had just finished when the kids came back in.  

The nurse took a family photo of them and Maddie cuddled Susannah, Alexander and Amelia while the girls loved on Harlow.  Mike had seen that they seemed sad but seemed to be getting through the day.  Mike sit down next to Katie and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.  

“How are you and Hannah doing?  I know today is rough for you and Hannah.” Mike asked.  

“For me; it’s a little less sharp than last year.” Katie said.

“She would be really proud of you and Hannah.” Mike replied.  

“Hannah struggles.  I think sometimes she has trouble remembering

Mom and Lucas.” Katie said.

“I think as she goes through counseling; that might get better.” Mike said.  Sometimes it was a battle with Hannah to go to counseling but she really looked up to Katie, so if Katie encouraged it, Hannah was more likely to do it.

“I know you and Maddie are busy but you might try and go with her sometime.  I think it would mean a lot to Hannah, and frankly; you probably have some unresolved emotions where Mom and Lucas are concerned.” Katie replied.

“I might but that doesn’t need to be put on you or Hannah.” Mike said as he took Harlow.

“By letting us see you grieve, it tells us that it is safe to do it and that you and Maddie don’t mind.” Katie remarked.    

“We don’t.” Mike said simply.  Alexander had toddled over and Katie picked him up, the consummate big sister.

“Just think about it, Dad.  How long will Maddie and Harlow be here?” Katie asked.

“We are hoping to be home this evening.  Maddie had some slight damage from the birth and needs to take it a bit easy.” Mike said.  

“I can make sure she has a good dinner and the bedroom is ready.” Katie said.

“Thank you, honey.  We really do appreciate you and love you.” Mike said.  He leaned over and kissed the top of Katie’s head.  Neither of the older girls enjoyed displays of affection and Mike didn’t want to imagine why.  He was scared for the day he would find out why.  

“I love you guys, too.” Katie said.  Mike took Alexander from her and smiled as the baby pointed at Harlow.  Alexander didn’t talk yet just being fourteen months old, but he was expressive.  

“Do you want to see the baby?” Katie asked.  Alexander nodded yes and Katie jumped up.  Maddie handed Harlow over and Katie carried her over and settled next to Mike, so Alexander could see Harlow.  “Isn’t she pretty?” Katie asked the little boy.  Alexander touched one of Harlow’s dimples, which immediately earned him a smile.

“Those are her smile buttons.” Mike remarked.  Alexander laughed as Mike curled Harlow’s hand around Alexander’s finger.  It made Mike smile at how innocent Alexander and Amelia were.  

“She is sure pretty.  I think in a few years, you’ll have your hands full with her.” Katie remarked.

“Yeah; I have several pretty daughters.  It seems to be my lot in life.” Mike replied.  Katie laughed in response and Mike smiled over at Maddie, who was talking to Hannah, while cuddling with Amelia and Susannah.  

Several hours after the girls left with the younger kids, Mike helped Maddie into the SUV.  She wanted in the backseat with Harlow and Mike began the careful drive home.  Once he pulled in, Katie came out to get Harlow, so Mike could help Maddie up the porch steps.  

“Your bed is all ready for you.  I figured you’d want in there straightaway.  And I have dinner ready.  You can both eat in the bedroom.” Katie said.  

“Thanks, honey.” Mike said.  

“A shower sounds amazing.” Maddie remarked.

“I’ll help you.” Mike said.

“Hannah and I went to the store earlier and got you a few things for Mother’s Day.  And Susannah made you a card.” Katie told Maddie.  

“Thank you,” Maddie said warmly.  Mike could tell she was beyond exhausted and he steered her into their bedroom, not wanting her to stop to fold laundry or help Susannah with whatever she was doing.  On the dresser was a vase of lilacs and there was a large basket of items for Maddie on the bed.

“Mrs. Greene went with us to help us with the basket.” Katie explained.  She laid Harlow down in the waiting bassinet and gave Maddie a hug.

“Thank you.  This is all amazing.” Maddie said.  

“You're welcome.  Thank you for all you do for Hannah and I and welcoming us into your home.  You very easily could have not let Dad keep us with him.  I know at times it is overwhelming.  We will always miss our mom but we are glad to have a bonus mom like you.” Katie said.  Mike looked over and saw tears in Maddie’s eyes.  But thankfully, they were happy tears.

“Thank you, You have no idea what that means to me.” Maddie said.  Mike winked at Katie who just nodded before she left the room.  Mike found a comfortable nursing nightgown for Maddie and helped her into the shower.  She had to grab him for support several times but felt better once she was done.  Mike helped her into bed and gave her Harlow, who just loved being held more than anything.  

“I had had breakfast in bed and flowers, a massage; all kinds of plans for you today but Harlow had a different idea.  But Happy Mother’s Day.” Mike remarked.  

“What Katie did and said means more than anything.  And this is a pretty great present right here.” Maddie remarked, running her hands through Harlow’s dark hair.  

“She looks more like you but she also reminds me a lot of Hannah when she was born.  Hannah has those dimples.” Mike said.  

“I see a little you in her.” Maddie remarked.

“So, I did get you something.  I know you have a mother’s ring already but it's a bit out of date, so I got you a new one; but included the girl’s birthstones, and Harlow’s.” Mike said, pulling out the ring from his nightstand.  He opened it and Maddie smiled immediately.  

“Thank you, Mike.  I love it and I love you.” Maddie said before giving him a long kiss.  Harlow made a whimpering noise and Maddie laughed.  “She sure loves her daddy.  I think she might be the jealous sort.” Maddie said.  Mike put the ring on her right finger and took Harlow.  

“I love you too.  Maybe Father’s Day will be less eventful.” Mike said with a laugh. 

“We can hope.” Maddie replied.  Mike cuddled her close with his free arm and smiled down at Harlow.  

I know I am late in getting this out.  Honestly forgot to finish it!