Chapter 78
“Nick...I am so scared.” I said.
“Heather...don’t worry. It will be okay.” He said as I was prepped for the C-section.
After a few minutes...Dr. Christine said it was time to get started. It would be much longer until the baby was here. “Just stay calm Heather...and everything will be calm.” I heard her say. “We are going to give you some anesthesia to make you sleep. You won’t feel a thing.”
“Just relax...I am right here. I will not leave your side.” Nick said.
All I remembered was the lights above me turning dark and then nothing. I felt absolutely nothing as the operation commenced. Nick sat at my side, never wavering, even when things got bad looking.
“Is there supposed to be so much blood?” Nick asked nervously.
“Mr. Carter, we assure you, everything is going fine. Once the baby is born, we will get him or her cleaned up, and then you can see the baby. We will get Heather closed up as quickly as possible so we can get her awake.” Dr. Christine said simply to Nick.
Nick sat there, watching intently as the team made all the proper incisions and followed the procedures. “Her blood pressure is a little low Doctor. I suggest we hurry this along.” The anesthesiologist said.
The next think Nick knew was this beautiful site and then a small cry. It was all so simple, at least to him. The baby was born easily, with little complication. All of the sudden, the room was erupted with a huge wail! “Mr. Carter, I believe your DAUGHTER wants to say hi to you!” Dr. Christine said cheerfully.
Nick jumped up with excitement. He was a daddy. “Oh my God...she is...she...is beautiful! Just like her mommy!” he cried out and then passed out on the floor.
“Mr. Carter...Mr. Carter...” the nurse said waving some smelling salts under his nose. “Wakie wakie...your daughter is ready to be seen. We are just finishing up with Heather.”
“Oh my gosh. I just don’t know what to say.” He said as he looked into the small bed holding the newborn. “Why is she in the bubble thing?” he asked curiously.
“She was born just a little too early. She needs to be in an incubator for a few weeks, but don’t worry, she is very healthy...just very little. That’s all.” Dr. Christine said. “Now, why don’t you go and tell everyone your exciting news while we finish up with Heather.”
Nick listened, yet still shocked at the events of the last few hours. “Yeah...let me go tell them.” He said stunned.
*** *** ***
“Congratulations Nick!!! This is sooo exciting! Do you have a name for her yet?” Brian asked?
“Umm, well, Heather and I had tossed around a few names...but we haven’t exactly decided. Once she wakes up, and is feeling up to it, we will give Little Bits a name.” Nick said proudly.
“So, the proud father is overjoyed. What are we gonna do with you Nick?” Kevin asked.
Everyone looked at Nick who was off in his own little world. “First off...” a voice boomed...
“Someone needs to takes these flowers, balloons, and gifts outta my hands!” a hospital candy-striper said. “They are coming in faster than we can store them!” she said.
“My God!! Where did all these come from?!” AJ asked.
“Just look out the window...and you’ll see.” The young lady said.
The whole group went to the nearest window and saw a huge crowd awaiting the announcement. “Damn, there must be at least 200 or 300 hundred people down there.” Kevin said. “I’ll get management down here right away to work on a statement.” He finished as he picked up his cell phone.
Everyone stood around talking with Nick and hugging him. He was so lost in his own little world of happiness, that he had forgotten about me still in surgery. It wasn’t until Dr. Christine came down the hallway solemnly.
“Nick, may I please speak to you?” she said in front of the group.
“Sure, what is it doc? Is the baby okay?” he questioned.
“Yes, the baby is perfect. All ten toes, all ten fingers, bright eyes, a sweet smile...but it is Heather I need to talk to you about.” She said softly.
Nick immediately came back to reality. He suddenly became nervous with the sound of Dr. Christine’s voice. “Is she okay?” he asked fearfully.
“Well, please come with me.” She answered and then walked Nick down the hallway.
AJ, Brian, Kevin, Dee, Leighanne, Jane and Bob all stood there watching Nick walk away. They all knew that this was a very tense moment, and no one could speak.
*** *** ***
“Nick. I am so glad to see you. How is the baby?” I asked weakly.
“She is doing just fine.” Nick said with a smile. “Now, we just have to get you all better now, and we will live happily ever after.” He finished with a grin.
“She? We have a baby girl?” I said with tears in my eyes. “When can I see her?”
“Um, the doctor said they will bring her in here in just a bit. Unfortunately, she was born a little too early, so, they will have to keep her here for a few weeks. But, you and her will be fine. Do you know what we should name her?” Nick asked.
“Well, I was thinking of Kathryn Elizabeth Carter...what do you think?” I questioned.
“That is beautiful, but I have a better idea...what about Kathryn Lynne. She can have your middle name...” he said softly.
“I love it. That sounds beautiful.” I said as we saw the nurse wheel the baby bassonette into the room.
“Here she is...Little Bits Carter.” The nurse replied with a giggle.
“You named her Little Bits, Nickolas?” I questioned with a grin.
“Well, I had to call her something until we named her. I couldn’t just call her ‘Hey you!’” he smiled brightly.
“You also have a few visitors if you are feeling up to it. I think all these proud “honorary” aunties, uncles, and grandparents want to meet the new arrival.” The nurse said as she let the group in. “Now, only ten minutes. I am not supposed to let you all in at once...but since mother and baby are doing fine, you may all come in and see them. But stay quiet...” she said as she handed our daughter to me.
Brian, Leighanne, Dee, Kevin, AJ, Jane and Bob sat there staring at the small infant.
“She is so small.” AJ said.
“But has her daddy’s sweet and pouty little lips.” Dee mentioned.
Nick blushed at the comment. “Aw, Dee, do you have to embarrass me?”
“Well, Nick...just wait til you get to change a stinky diaper...then there will really be some teasing.” She replied.
“But she has her mommy’s beautiful face.” Nick quietly said.
“Well, what is her name?” Brian asked impatiently.
Nick and I looked at them and responded, “Kathryn Lynne Carter.”
“That is beautiful Nick and Heather. She is just simply gorgeous and well, if she is anything like her parents, she will be very loving and sweet.” Jane said as she hugged her son. “And...now I must go and let this all sink in...Bob and I are grandparents!” she said as she kissed each of us and walked away.
With that, everyone crowded around for a last little glimpse of Kathryn.
I had held her for a few minutes, and then started to feel sleepy. “Umm, y’all. I hope you don’t mind, but I am exhausted, and think I need a little rest. I am sorry.”
Nick gently took the baby from me and held her sweetly. “Come on Kathryn, let your mommy sleep.” He said as he walked over and put her in her bassonette.
“Bye Heather...we will be back a little later. As soon as Kat and Howie get here, we will bring them up.” Dee said. Everyone hugged us and congratulated us again and then quietly left.
Nick sat in the rocker next to Kathryn and I. As we laid there, he sang to us...a sweet lullaby to help us rest.
“Baby mine...don’t you cry...Baby mine...dry your eyes...rest your head,
close to my heart...never to part...baby of mine...” he sang from the Disney
movie Dumbo as we all fell asleep.