This is the chapter everyone has been waiting for. The wedding of Micky Dolenz and Elaine Nelson, and the introduction to the babies are in this chapter. We will welcome, Lilah Elaine and Micky Andrew Dolenz (twins)
As a week went by, Elaine was having more difficulties staying on bedrest. "Micky?" she cried.
"Yes," he answered.
"My hips and back are so sore, I need to move to the couch and lie down." Elaine replied.
"Annabelle wants you in the bed, no couch." Micky said. "I know it's hard, but you need to stay there. Use your maternity pillows the girls got you."
"Easier said than done," Elaine said to herself as she got up to use the bathroom. "Ouch!" she cried out as she walked into the bathroom turning on the light. She was going to the bathroom about every hour now and it was frustrating her. When she was finished, she walked slowly back to the bed and climbed back inside. "Can you at least try to help me with the pillows?" she cried.
"Yes," Micky said opening the door and walking into the room. She moved so he could put pillows under her knees and feet, and then use the half maternity pillow for her back and sides.
"I hate this," Elaine said.
"I know you do, but doctor's orders. You have an appointment tomorrow, right?"
"Yes, 9 am," Elaine said covering up more with her blankets. "Will you sit in here and talk to me?"
"I'm trying to rest too, Elaine." Micky said.
"You can rest in here with me then," Elaine said looking at him. "How hard is that?"
"I'm in the middle of something in the livingroom," Micky said.
"What is it that is so important, you can't spend time with your fiance?" Elaine asked.
"You'll see when I'm finished with it." Micky said. "Maybe in an hour or so after I rest my eyes for a few moments before continuing with what I'm working on."
"I will remember this," Elaine said.
Micky walked out of the room halfway closing her bedroom door. He sat back down on the floor and continued to make welcome home babies signs to hang over the nursery. It was a mutual decision that they would remain clueless about the sex of the babies. Elaine believed it would be God's will for them not to know, and Micky would not argue with her.
Elaine cried out, "I hate this! Bring me my icecream."
"No, you need to sleep." Micky said. "You cannot eat again until dinner."
"I can do what I want. If you don't bring me my icecream, I will come out there and get it." Elaine replied nastily.
"Fine, just a minute. I'm doing something." Micky replied.
"I want my icecream now, Micky!" Elaine said adamantly.
"Oh all right," Micky said standing up and walking to the freezer bringing her her chocolate chip cookie dough icecream that she loved. He took it to her, "Here. And here's a glass of water for you."
"Coke, please," Elaine said.
"No, you've had too many this past month and no more." Micky said.
"You're a tyrant!" Elaine cried out. "I hate you!"
Micky set the icecream and water on the table and left the room. She could sulk in silence. He went back to coloring the signs. When he checked on her an hour later, she was sound asleep snoring. He looked in the icecream and she had only eaten a little bit. He put it back in the freezer and then cuddled in the bed with her. He closed his eyes as he felt the babies. They were much more prominent when he pressed on her tummy.
One of them kicked her and she screamed, "Stop it babies! I need rest!" Then she fell back asleep, not realizing Micky was the one that was pressing on her tummy.
"Mommy still loves you babies. She's just tired." Micky whispered to them when he bent down to kiss her tummy and then he closed his eyes again.
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At Elaine's appointment that following day, Dr. Annabelle told Elaine and Micky, "You two better get that marriage done and over with because there is no way she will make it the full 9 months. She's already starting to dilate."
"What?" Elaine asked shocked.
"Don't panic, Elaine. It's only a 2 and you need to go to 10. But I suggest if you're going to get married, do it this week or you might have the kids by the end of the week." Dr. Annabelle said.
"Well, everything is set." Micky said. "It's just all arranged including the hall."
"Only sitting at that hall too, Elaine. No dancing." Dr. Annabelle said.
"Oh dear heavens," Elaine said falling back against the exam table. "I'm already dilating."
"But it doesn't hurt, Dr. Annabelle." Elaine said.
"It won't. Not now anyway. But if you wait another week, it might be too late." Dr. Annabelle said. "Those babies are strong and healthy and they want out into the world."
"Oh dear heavens," Elaine said starting to pant. "You having contractions?" Micky asked.
"No, hyperventilating," Elaine gasped. Dr. Annabelle helped Elaine relax while Micky sat there watching the ultrasound video. "The babies are so cute." he said.
After Elaine's panic attack, Micky got Elaine situated in the car and then got inside. "Everything is so rushed. My parents aren't even here yet." Elaine looked Micky and said, "My parents!" and then started breathing very heavily.
Micky put the paper bag over her nose and mouth and sat there with her until her breathing calmed down. "Just relax and breathe nice and slowly Elaine," he coached her. "We will get through this."
Slowly Micky managed to drive them back home while Elaine was still trying to calm down. At the apartment, Louise ran out and said, "Laney, Laney, your parents are here."
"What?" Elaine asked her face turning pure white.
"What's wrong, Laney?" Louise asked.
"We'll tell everyone once inside. Help me, Louise." Micky said getting Elaine out of the car and Louise helping him carry her inside.
He put her on the couch and she breathed into the bag again. "Hi baby," Mrs. Nelson said walking over to her daughter giving her a hug.
Micky made the announcement to everyone after he summoned them all over. "Well, she just had her appointment and the kids are ready to make an entrance. She's already dilated to two and the doctor suggested we get married immediately, as in tomorrow. She doesn't think Elaine will make it to this weekend."
"Oh Laney!" Naomi said kneeling down beside her. "That's wonderful news."
"Oy," Elaine gasped breathing into the bag again.
"We'll have her get married here," Sam said.
"NO, the church! I must be married in my Church!" Elaine cried out.
"Okay calm down, Laney. The Church it is." Sam replied.
"Slow it down, Elaine. The babies aren't getting enough oxygen if you aren't." Naomi told her friend. Elaine's eyes widened in horror.
Sam hit Naomi's arm. "Don't tell her such nonsense when you have no idea if it's true."
"I thought I read that somewhere." Naomi said.
"She's fine girls. Just relax and sit down." Mrs. Nelson said sitting next to Elaine on the couch. "Just breathe nice and slowly baby. Everything will be just fine."
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Two days later, after the girls went into overdrive for Elaine, at 10 am on March 12, Elaine and Micky were married. As they were being introduced as man and wife, Elaine screamed in horror, "Ow!" and she hunched over and fell to the ground.
"Elaine?" Micky asked bending down next to her. "Did you hurt yourself when you fell?"
"No," Elaine cried out. "The babies are coming and they are coming now!"
"Uh, okay, someone call 9-1-1." Micky said. "Stay calm, you're doing fine." Micky said to himself. "Keep her comfortable and focus on her breathing."
"Breathe nice and slowly, Elaine." Micky said.
"Hee, hee, hee, who." Elaine started. "They are coming right now."
"Hee, hee, hee, who; hee, hee, hee, who; hee, hee, hee, who," Elaine said over and over again. Sam and Naomi knelt down by their friend. "How far apart are they?" Sam asked.
"Two minutes," Elaine cried. "I'll never make it to the hospital."
"Calm down everyone. It's okay. Our resident Lilah delivered her babies here before, so we know what to do." the Pastor said. "Charlotte bring boiling water. I'll get some blankets."
Elaine looked at Micky and said, "It's time."
"You will be just fine, remember that. So will the babies. Remember lamaze class and staying relaxed." Micky said as he covered Elaine up with the blankets.
By the time the paramedics arrived, everyone shared in the birth of two beautiful and healthy twin babies...a little boy and girl. Naomi was ecstatic seeing the babies welcomed into the world. Peter had fainted on the floor, as well as Mike and Davy. Micky was overjoyed seeing that he had a new baby son and daughter.
At the hospital, after Elaine was checked out and everything was fine, the babies were brought into the hospital room. "I can't believe it happened at my Church." she said embarrassed. "And our Pastor delivered the babies."
"What a beautiful blessing from God, Elaine. The Pastor blessing them into the world." Micky said smiling at her. "How are Mike, Peter, and Davy?" Elaine asked.
"They're being treated with smelling salts in the other room. The girls will be in momentarily." Micky said.
"Little Lilah Elaine Dolenz and little Micky Andrew Dolenz. What beautiful beautiful names for our babies." Elaine said smiling as she held Lilah.
"Yes, they are." Micky said as he held baby Micky. "Beautiful babies."
"How's the happy couple?" Dr. Annabelle asked walking into the room.
"We're just fine." Elaine said smiling as she fed Lilah underneath her hospital gown and blanket while Micky continued to hold baby Micky.
"Well, I'm really sorry I missed the delivery." Dr. Annabelle said. "But they are beautiful, strong, and healthy. Like their parents." "How are you feeling, Elaine?"
"Oh physically and emotionally exhausted, but yet the happiest woman in the world." Elaine replied.
Annabelle examined Elaine and then told her, "Well, you're doing great." "And from what we gathered when the babies were brought in, they were a good 6 lbs 12 oz, each."
"Really?" Elaine asked.
"Yes, that's very healthy for twins." Annabelle replied.
"Can you have them bring Micky in a bed so he can lie down and hold the baby?" Elaine asked Annabelle.
"Yes, I'll see what I can do," Dr. Annabelle replied. "I'll leave the happy couple alone with the blessed new bundles of joy."
After Elaine fed and burped Lilah, she traded with Micky so she could feed baby Micky. "Little Lilah with her mother's hair. What a gorgeous beauty."
While Micky was holding a sleeping Lilah, he heard a snore. He looked over and Elaine had fallen asleep while she was feeding baby Micky. Baby Micky was asleep on his mother's chest after getting his tummy full of food and a burp. Micky propped baby Micky surrounding him with pillows so he wouldn't fall downward. It was just the sweetest thing ever.
Mrs. Nelson walked in and Micky smiled saying, "Baby Micky fell asleep on Elaine."
She walked over and took baby Micky from Elaine and Elaine rolled over snoring. "She's exhausted."
"Yes, she is." Micky replied.
"You must be too, Micky. You need to rest as well." Mrs. Nelson said. "I'll let Mr. Nelson hold the other baby while you close your eyes and rest. Enjoy it while you can."
"Thanks," Micky replied handing Lilah over to her. He curled up in the bed next to Elaine and fell asleep as well. They were both two exhausted parents who needed much rest.
The girls all crept in and took turns holding the babies and watching mommy and daddy sleeping. "She's still snoring like a log." Sam said softly.
"Yes, but she deserves it," Naomi said kissing the baby on her lap. "Pretty soon it's mommy Naomi's turn as well. I just hope my delivery is as quick and easy as hers was."
"Yes, what a wonderful thing it happening in a Church surrounded by loving family, friends, and people of God." Samantha said.
"I really like her minister," Louise said softly. "She did just great delivering those babies and didn't fret at all."
"Yes, she did a great job." Naomi said rubbing her tummy with one hand. "Although, I think the baby is jealous I'm holding another one because I swear I can feel it kicking me."
"You're not far enough along yet for that, are you?" Louise asked.
"I don't know." Naomi said. "Someone take the baby while I go talk to Dr. Annabelle." Louise took the baby out of Naomi's arms and Naomi went to talk to Annabelle.
Naomi found Annabelle at the Nurse's station and asked her, "May I see you for a moment, Dr. Annabelle?"
"Sure, Naomi. What is it?" she asked.
Naomi softly told Dr. Annabelle the situation and Annabelle took her into an exam room to evaluate the situation. "You need a doctor here, right?" Dr. Annabelle asked.
"Yes," Naomi replied. "I've been meaning to call you but everything has been so crazy with the move, Elaine, me being sick, etc..."
"Well just so happens I am accepting new patients, Naomi, and I would be happy to be your doctor. And believe me confidentiality is the utmost important to me, so don't worry because I'm Elaine's doctor too, ok?"
"Thank you, Annabelle," Naomi said during the examination.
"I want to take an ultrasound and see exactly how far along you are, ok?" Dr. Annabelle asked Naomi.
"Okay," Naomi said as she held onto her purse strap.
About half an hour later, Naomi returned to the hospital room to see her friends. "What did you find out?" Sam asked.
"She's accepting new patients and that's about it," Naomi said to her friends. "So, I'm going to go to her."
Elaine woke up and looked around the room. "Where are the babies?" she asked alarmed not seeing them right away.
"The Nurses took them to change their diapers so you and Micky could rest. They said to tell you they would bring them back when it's time for them to eat again." Sam said.
"Oh okay," Elaine said swallowing and then rolling over only to find Micky next to her on the bed. She put her arm around him and sighed as she fell back to sleep.
"Well, all this baby fun has made me hungry. Let's go eat," Louise said standing up. Just then the guys opened the door and looked at the girls.
"Here they are," Louise said walking up to Davy. "How are you feeling?"
"We're fine now." Davy replied.
"Good, we're just going to eat lunch. Want to join us?" Louise asked.
"No," Davy replied. "My tummy is still very queasy."
"Mine too," Peter said taking a seat in the chair. "Where are the babies?"
"The Nurses took them for a while so Micky and Elaine could sleep. Come and sit with us anyway so they can rest." Naomi said.
Slowly Peter, Mike, and Davy followed the girls, Samantha, Naomi, and Louise down to the cafeteria. They had a drink of Coca-Cola and then watched the girls eat. "Well, after today, I am extremely impressed with her Pastor and that Church." Samantha said.
"Oh yes, me too," Naomi said. "It was just absolutely full of love in there today and I felt God all around me watching those babies being born."
"Mr. and Mrs. Nelson along with Mrs. Dolenz and Coco were absolutely fabulous in helping out as well, and Micky stayed calm and did really unbelievably well. Even his asthma didn't act up." Louise chimed in.
"And mommy Elaine was awesome herself. She got her wish too. She wanted to be married before she had the babies and that was right after she pronounced them husband and wife." Samantha said smiling as she bit into her burger again. Mike looked at Sam and asked, "Are you still mad at me, Sam?"
"No," Sam replied. "After today, I am the happiest I have ever been and nothing will ruin that, not even you."
Naomi gave Sam a hug and then said, "I think they are releasing Elaine tomorrow or the next day."
"So soon?" Sam asked.
"They don't keep ladies in hospital long anymore, Sam." Naomi said. "Considering she had absolutely no problems whatsoever during delivery and the babies were full-term for twins, I think they'll all get to go home tomorrow."
"We'll listen to babies crying all night long and never sleep." Louise said.
"That's what turning your fan on medium is for, Louise. To block out sound. Just don't face the fan on you and you can just use it as background noise."
"How on earth did you learn about that?" Louise asked.
"It's my secret and I'm never telling," Naomi replied smirking as she bit into her burger again.
The guys sat there remaining very quiet as they were still woozy from everything that happened that day and watching the girls eating burgers with condiments was very hard on them.
Meanwhile, in the hospital room, Coco was taking a picture of Micky and Elaine. Then the babies were brought in and Coco took a picture of the babies as well. "Mother, aren't they absolutely adorable?"
"Yes dear," Mrs. Dolenz replied.
"Do you think they would care if I held one?" Coco asked.
"No, I'm sure they won't." Mrs. Dolenz replied. Coco gently picked up baby Micky and held him. "He looks just like Micky did when he was a baby."
"Yes, he does." Mrs. Dolenz replied.
Coco sat in a chair holding baby Micky for quite a while while Mrs. Dolenz picked up Lilah and held her. "This one looks just like Elaine."
"Yes, she does." Coco replied looking at Lilah's face again compared to Elaine's.
Elaine turned over and pushed the nurse's button. Her eyes were wild. "What's wrong, dear?" Mrs. Dolenz asked.
Elaine kept pushing and pushing the nurse's button. "I'm coming, Elaine. I'm coming." someone called from down the hallway.
"Help me into the bathroom urgently." Elaine cried out. The Nurse helped Elaine into the bathroom and stayed with her to keep an eye on her.
"What's wrong, momma?" Coco asked.
"Don't know." Mrs. Dolenz replied. Micky rolled over and fell off the bed.
"What the heck?" he cried out as he hit the floor.
Coco wanted to laugh at her brother, but she bit her lip. "You rolled over the wrong way." Coco said.
"Oh," Micky replied sitting back on the bed. "Where's Elaine?"
"In the bathroom with the Nurse," Coco replied.
Micky closed his eyes and fell back asleep. He knew the babies were in good hands and he was just exhausted.
"You can't send me home tomorrow," Elaine cried out. "I just had the kids today."
"We don't keep new mother's in the hospital long anymore, Elaine. It's policy. If the delivery goes fine, mother is released."
"I want to stay for at least two full days." Elaine said. "I will pay extra. I don't care."
Elaine climbed back in the bed next to Micky and said, "Move over, I am cold." Elaine grabbed the blanket from him and wrapped up.
"I'll bring more blankets." the Nurse said.
"You do that and get Dr. Annabelle in here immediately," Elaine called out.
Half hour and six blankets later, Dr. Annabelle walked in. "What's the matter, Elaine?"
"They want me to leave tomorrow. I need at least two days here." Elaine replied. "I don't care I will pay extra. I need at least two days."
"I'll see what I can do, Elaine." Dr. Annabelle said. "Try to calm down and relax or you're blood pressure might rise again."
"I will calm down when you let me stay for two days." Elaine replied covering up more with the blankets and shivering. "I need my Iron medication or I'll pass out."
"I'll get it for you, Elaine. Please try and relax." Annabelle said.
"And don't I get any food to eat as well? I should be allowed food if I'm hungry and bring me a Coca-Cola. I am so thirsty and I want my Coca-Cola. And get him his own bed so I can rest comfortably in mine please." She pushed Micky over a bit more and said, "I need room."
"I can hear you," Micky said. "Just relax would you please?" Micky got out of bed taking a blanket with him and sitting next to his mother. "How are the babies doing?" Micky asked cooing at them.
"They're probably starving to death. Let me feed them before I eat." Elaine said holding her arms up at him. "Give me the babies."
Micky looked at Elaine and said, "My mother and sister are enjoying the babies. They will eat when they're ready to eat."
"Fine, you feed them then when they're ready." Elaine said closing her eyes and taking a few breaths to relax.
Micky looked at his sister and mother and apologized.
"Micky, she's a new mom. We understand." Coco said. "If she wants the babies to feed, we can give them up. We'll see them lots of times. Won't we mother?"
"Yes dear, we will." Mrs. Dolenz replied.
"I'm too tired to feed the babies now. Hang on to them until they scream if you want." Elaine said. She was so unhappy and upset about the news of having to leave only 1 day after delivery when she completely was not ready to leave.
When the gang came back in the room, the Nurse was giving Elaine her Iron shot in her IV. "I'm so sick of this IV, take this thing out of me, would you please? Why do I need it anyway? I delivered the babies at my Church, not here."
"To keep you hydrated, Elaine. You're losing a lot of fluids." the Nurse said.
"Well you either take it out of me or I'll cut the wires with scissors." Elaine said. "Dr. Annabelle!" she screamed and the babies jumped and started to scream.
"Now look what you did, Elaine. The babies are scared." Naomi said sitting down next to Coco and said, "I'll hold it if you don't want to any longer."
"I'm fine," Coco replied putting the baby on her shoulder and patted its back.
Peter sat next to Naomi and felt her tummy. "How are you feeling?"
"Eh, tired." Naomi said. "Very, very tired."
"We should go so you can rest." Peter said.
"I want to stay here." Naomi said looking at him. "Don't make me leave my friends."
"Stop your fussing, Naomi, and go home. We're all just fine." Elaine said.
"What is your problem?" Naomi asked walking up to her.
"They are making me go home tomorrow." Elaine replied. "I am in no way ready to leave until I have another complete day here to rest."
"Well, that gives you no excuse to yell at me or anyone else here, when all we are trying to do is help you and Micky so you both can rest." Naomi said smacking Elaine's face and walking out of the room.
"Fine!" Elaine screamed again and the babies started to cry. Micky put his hands in the air and said, "I can't handle this right now."
"Micky?" Peter asked following behind his friend.
Micky walked outside the hospital and took a puff on his inhaler. "Wanna talk?" Peter asked.
"No, you need to go be with Naomi." Micky said.
"I'm here if you need me, Micky," Peter said walking down to the car to get Naomi. Micky sat on the chair on the patio for quite a while trying to clear his thoughts. He couldn't handle Elaine's attitude. Yes, she had just had a baby and yes, he understood she was moody and tired, but he did not like her taking everything out on friends and family.
Shortly after Naomi left, Sam and Mike and Louise and Davy walked out and said, "We're going back to the apartments."
"Take me with you," Micky said looking at them.
"They brought you a bed, Micky. Just ignore her right now. She's upset at hospital policies." Samantha said.
"Yeah well, I'm upset with Elaine's policies." Micky said running down the steps and disappearing into the parking lot.
"Should we go after him?" Sam asked Mike.
"No, let him be. It's between him and Elaine now. Not us."
"Yeah, I guess so," Samantha replied taking Mike's hand as they all walked down to the car in the parking lot.
Meanwhile, back in the hospital room, Elaine was apologizing to Mrs. Dolenz and Coco for her outburst. "I didn't mean to be rude to both of you." she said.
"We know, Elaine. You're stressed." Mrs. Dolenz replied. "Micky's stressed as well. You both have major life changes coming up and you need to learn how to cope with everything and especially each other."
"Yes, I'm a horrible wife," Elaine said. "Only a bride for not even a full day yet and already driven him away."
"He'll return once he calms down, Elaine. He is very responsible and he will be a great father to these kids." Mrs. Dolenz replied.
"Mother, we better go now." Coco said. "It's getting late and visiting hours will be over soon."
"Congratulations Elaine on marrying my brother. He's a good guy." Coco said giving Elaine a hug and kiss.
"Thanks for both of your blessings," Elaine said. "You are both welcome over to the apartment anytime."
"We'll keep in touch," Mrs. Dolenz said giving Elaine a hug. Then they walked out of the room. Elaine was all alone with both babies in their bassinets. Her parents had gone to the hotel for the night already. The girls had left for the night, so it was just Elaine, Micky, and the babies.
After the Nurse's helped Elaine feed the babies and change their diapers, they left the babies in the Nursery for another night. Elaine prayed that Micky was okay and hoped he would return soon.
When Elaine looked at the clock and it was almost 9pm, she knew it was getting late. She was stressed out to the max. How on earth would she be mother to twins? she thought to herself.
After Dr. Annabelle took Elaine's IV out and helped her to the bathroom one last time, Dr. Annabelle left her pager number with Elaine. "You call me if you need anything. I will be at home all night."
"Thank you, Dr. Annabelle. I hope he returns soon." Elaine said.
"Don't worry, Elaine. He'll be back. He's emotional right now as well." Dr. Annabelle said giving her a hug. "Get some rest."
"I will." Elaine said. "Sorry about earlier."
"It's okay. I've heard much worse," Annabelle said trying to make Elaine feel better.
Elaine curled up in her bed and stared at the empty one. She wished Micky would return soon, but he never did while she stayed up. Elaine finally ended up crying herself to sleep that night.
Micky spent the night down in the nursery holding the babies off and on. They were his prides and joys. He loved them dearly. "We will make this work out babies. We will." Micky said rocking them both in his arms all night long.
When the Nurse walked in to check on the babies and found Micky asleep holding them, she gently took them from his arms and covered him up with a blanket. She would let him stay there all night, since she knew he wasn't going to hurt anything.
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That following morning, Elaine woke up crying and Micky still wasn't in the room. She pushed the Nurse's button in a panic and started hyperventilating. When the Nurse came in and saw Elaine, she asked, "What's wrong?"
"I had a dream Satan killed Micky and the babies!" Elaine screamed. "Where are they? Where?"
Micky's eyes popped open immediately when he heard Elaine's screams. He checked on the babies and then ran down the hallway to Elaine's room and went inside. "It was only a dream, Elaine. I'm here." Micky said running to her bed and giving her a hug. She was in a full-blown panic.
"I'll get an oxygen mask," the nurse said. Micky held her trying to reassure her everything was okay, but she was hysterical and her eyes were rolling up in her head.
"Where's my babies?" she gasped. "Satan killed everyone."
The Nurse came back with the oxygen mask and put it on Elaine. As soon as she started breathing the oxygen, she slowly started calming down. Micky reassured her the babies were fine. Elaine's eyes rolled up in her head again and she went to sleep.
The Nurse asked Micky, "Is she like that often?"
"She has nightmares, yes. But she'll be fine." Micky replied brushing Elaine's hair out of her face.
"Has she seen anyone about the nightmares?" the Nurse asked concerned.
"She's fine, honestly." Micky replied.
"Should we formula feed the babies or will she wake up to nurse them?" the Nurse asked.
"If you wouldn't mind formula, she needs to rest." Micky said caressing Elaine's long beautiful hair. Slowly her breathing started to return to normal. He knew she would be okay.
He stayed with her the entire day, not leaving her sight. He was feeling guilty for leaving her alone overnight out of his anger. That was certainly not the way to treat his new wife and that would be the last time that he would ever do that again to her. He felt God's conviction to his heart immediately as he touched her hair and heard her labored breathing starting to relax.
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That following morning at around 11 am, they had Elaine up and walking around to make sure she could ambulate by herself. Dr. Annabelle had given Elaine a list of do's and dont's, as well as Micky. She chuckled when she read something interesting on the listing. However, she never said a word to anyone about it, not even Micky.
By 2 pm that afternoon, Micky was helping Elaine get dressed and then they wheeled her out in the wheelchair. The babies were also brought home that day. The girls all gathered in Sam's vehicle that could easily fit eight people inside. She let Micky sit in the back with Elaine and the babies, while the girls all gathered around in various seats as well.
At the apartment, Peter told the guys, "Hurry up, they'll be back any second."
"Almost done hanging these signs Micky made for the babies." Mike said.
"Okay labeling is all done. Baby A is now Lilah and Baby B is now Micky Andrew," Davy said holding up the marker and closing the cap.
"We need to scram before they arrive." Peter said. "Let's go down to Naomi's and hide."
"Okay," Mike said. The three friends went down the hallway to Naomi's apartment and went inside.
After they got Elaine and the babies in the apartment, Naomi ran down the hallway and tapped on the door giving the guys their clue they were back. She ran back down to Elaine's apartment and went inside.
"Who made those beautiful signs?" Elaine asked.
"Micky did, Elaine. Aren't they absolutely gorgeous!" Naomi said giving her friend a hug.
"Yes, they are beautiful. Was that what you were doing the other night?" Elaine asked.
"Yes," Micky said walking out of the kitchen passing around a beer to all his friends. "And tonight, we celebrate the babies and mommy Elaine."
"I can have my Coke's again. Praise God!" Elaine said walking to the fridge and getting one, plus handing one to all her girlfriends as well.
"Let's open presents!" Sam said happily running to the couch and pulling out a huge pile from behind it.
"You guys didn't have to do anything for us. I told you that your presence was more than enough." Elaine said.
"I know, but we wanted to bless you both and the babies. Are you going to take away our blessings?" Sam asked knowing darn well Elaine would never take away a blessing from someone.
Elaine went into her room and brought out the nursing pillow and blanket saying, "Excuse me everyone I need to nurse the babies. I hope you all don't mind."
"Not at all, Laney." Naomi said sitting down next to her friend. "Let me help you."
"Thanks," Elaine said to her friend as she got situated on the couch and pulled up a baby onto her lap.
"Okay, well Micky you can open the gifts then while Elaine's busy." Sam said.
Micky walked over and sat in the chair. He put his beer down on the floor and then smiled at everyone.
"Don't let him open that one with the pink wrapping, Sam. That is Laney's only." Naomi said.
"Okay, yes, I remember now, Nay Nay." Sam said putting it up on the couch next to Elaine so she didn't forget. "The blue one is for Micky from Davy." Louise said.
"You guys didn't have to get me anything," Micky said.
"It's a blessing." Davy said pulling up a chair and sitting next to his friend. Peter and Mike found garbage bags to put all the wrapping paper in.
"Wait!" Louise screamed. "Not that one, that's Laney's. I'm sorry, his is this blue one over here." Louise ran the present over to Micky taking the other one out of his hand. "I'm sorry I got confused." she said.
Davy smiled as Micky opened it. Micky looked at it for a minute and asked, "Louise, are you absolutely sure this is from Davy?"
Louise stood up and gasped. "OH MY GOSH! I am so sorry Micky, I was right the first time around." Davy put his head in his hand he was so embarrassed. Louise took the present from Micky swapping it with the other one. "Laney, I'm sorry it's opened already, but this is from me."
Elaine looked at it and gasped, "Louise!"
"Well you never got a bachelorette party, so we're kind of combining both in one tonight." Louise said blushing five shades of red.
"Naomi, hide this will you please? I don't want the babies getting traumatized." Elaine said softly.
Micky opened his gifts and laughed. They were so amusing from his friends. "Thanks guys!" he said over and over again as he was looking at them.
After the babies were fed, the girls took turns sharing them while Elaine opened her gifts. "Samantha Kay you shouldn't have!" Elaine said astounded.
"You've worked hard for that, Laney, and you deserve it." Samantha said.
"What is it?" Micky asked.
Elaine looked at Sam and Sam said, "It's something she'll show you later, Micky."
Micky's eyebrow raised as he looked at Elaine blushing five shades of red. She was so embarrassed.
When baby Micky started breathing funny, Elaine's heart started to race. "What's wrong with him?" she asked nervously.
"Um well he's either dreaming or he's taking a potty in his pants." Naomi said trying to decipher what on earth he was doing herself.
Sam bent down and smelled baby Micky and said, "The latter one is the truth."
Naomi asked Elaine, "May I change him please? I need the practice."
Elaine smiled at her friend and said, "Yes, of course."
"Thanks," Naomi said carrying baby Micky into the nursery. "Holy toledo!" Naomi called out.
"What's wrong, Nay Nay?" Elaine asked.
"You and Micky need to get in here right now." Naomi said.
Micky helped Elaine to the nursery and they gasped! "Oh how absolutely beautiful." Elaine cried out. "Who did all this?"
"We did, Elaine." Peter, Mike, and Davy said in unison walking into the room.
"Thank you guys so much! This is absolutely beautiful!" Elaine said giving them each a hug and kiss.
"I labeled everything, Elaine. Baby A is Lilah and Baby B is Micky Andrew." Davy said.
"Awwww, that was so sweet of you, Davy. I appreciate it so very much." Elaine said giving him another hug and kiss. "Thanks a bunch guys! This is really nice of you." Micky said walking over to the bassinet to check on Naomi. "You okay?" he asked.
"Yes, he's just being an angel for me, aren't ya baby Micky?" Naomi said cooing at him. Elaine walked around the room looking at everything the guys had done. They re-did all her labels neatly and kept everything so organized as she had it all.
"Elaine and Micky, our presents to the babies are in the closet." Peter said.
"You've done so much for them already, Peter." Elaine said walking to the closet and opening it. "Oh wow!" Elaine cried out as she pulled all the stuffed animals and toys out onto the floor. There were about 50 different items there. "Awwwww, and a baby nursery - one for each of them. They will love it dearly!" Elaine cried out. She was so happy. "Your friends are the best, Micky!" Elaine said giving them each another hug and kiss.
Louise opened up the other closet and brought out a double Graycola swingset. "Laney, you put the babies in here and start it up and they will both swing for hours."
"I've wanted one of those! You all knew!" Elaine said. "Thank you. I can put them in there when I need to do housework or nap. Awww, you're my angels," she said giving her friends hugs and kisses. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, Laney." the girls replied. Naomi got baby Micky situated and put him in the swing. Louise put baby Lilah in the other swing and then they started it on low. The babies started to swing back and forth gently.
"That won't hurt their heads, right?" Elaine asked.
"No, they can't lift their heads now anyway, Elaine." Naomi said handing Elaine the directions and she felt relieved knowing it was a newborn swing.
The girls carefully moved the swing into the livingroom so the babies could swing and nervous parents could watch from a distance, as they saw Elaine's hands shaking she was so nervous.
"Everything was absolutely beautiful everyone. Thank you so much!"
"Yes, thank you everyone!" Micky said.
They all sat in the livingroom conversing with each other. Elaine kicked her feet up on Micky's lap and rested her back in her half maternity pillow. "I just love this thing." she said.
"I love mine too," Naomi said.
"I think Louise and I will invest in one too, just for the heck of it, huh Louise?" Sam asked.
"Yeah," Louise replied. "We might need one one day too."
Mike sat rubbing Sam's shoulders trying to help her relax. "You two getting along now?" Naomi asked.
"Yes," Sam replied. "We've worked through everything."
"That's good. I'll finally get some sleep then." Naomi said holding her tummy.
Everyone zoned out in the livingroom for a while before everyone fell asleep. The babies rocked in their swings most the night. Elaine felt so safe and relieved that the babies would be fine, even though she woke up every few hours to check on them. She didn't want to wake them up if they weren't crying.
___________________________
Two months had gone by and Naomi was getting bigger every day and feeling very uncomfortable. She was visiting Elaine one day and asked, "Did you have hot flashes?"
"Um, I can't remember. Maybe." Elaine replied. "Why, do you?"
"Yes, very. Dr. Annabelle says it could be normal. But it's horrible."
"Lie down and rest then, Naomi. I have to take a shower anyway. You can watch the babies in the swing."
"Okay," Naomi replied curling up on the couch putting pillows underneath her knees and feet. She propped herself up with her maternity pillow she brought over from her apartment. The babies were looking at Naomi and she got the biggest kick out of them. "Don't look at me little ones."
"Eye!" one screamed at her and giggled.
Elaine came running out of the bathroom. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing, she's talking to me." Naomi replied.
"Whew!" Elaine said walking back into her room and closing the door. Lilah just smiled and cooed at Naomi. Baby Micky was falling asleep in the swing.
Naomi closed her eyes and Lilah made another coo at her. Naomi moved the kids closer to her so she could watch them. Lilah cooed as she stared at Naomi. "What are you saying little one?" she asked.
"Eye!" Lilah cooed again waving her arms around.
"You want auntie Naomi to hold you?" Naomi asked and Lilah giggled again. Naomi stopped the swing for a moment to get Lilah out and started it up again for baby Micky who was sound asleep.
Naomi positioned herself on the couch again and covered them up with the blanket. Lilah put her head on Naomi's shoulder and played with her hair. She still couldn't move her head much, but Naomi kept her very supported.
When Elaine came out of the bedroom and saw Naomi and Lilah, "Awwww," she said going to get her camera and taking a picture of the two sleeping beauties. Then she took a picture of baby Micky and the flash scared him and he started screaming.
"Awww baby, I'm sorry," Elaine said stopping the swing and getting baby Micky. She took him to the one rocker in the livingroom and started to rock him. He slowly calmed down and went back to sleep.
Chapter 13
Chapter 15
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