New Addition

6

Miranda had her tablet in her hand as she walked down the hallway. She was getting ready for her meeting with Catherine.

“Ow.” Miranda said placing her hand on her abdomen. She stood still for a second and breathed in and out before walking again.

Miranda walked into the conference room. “Hello.” She smiled.

“Dr. Bailey how are you.” Catherine asked smiling.

“I am doing well, other than being a walking incubator and these frequent headaches…speaking of that do you mind if I dim the lights just a little.”

“Oh by all means go right a head.”

Miranda dimmed the lights and it made her headache ease a little.

After the meeting was over. Catherine and Miranda discussed that Alex would be interim chief again when Miranda’s has the baby.

Miranda looked at her pager. “Oh I gotta go I’m being paged to the pit.” Miranda said walking with her tablet.

Miranda was tired of these headaches and this sharp pain in the side of her stomach, she would have thought something was wrong but Deluca said that the stomach cramps were normal. Miranda took it easy almost every single day.

“Hey Miranda.” The voice of her husband brought her out of her thoughts.

“Hey.” Miranda smiled slightly, looking at him in his uniform.

“You okay.” Ben asked and Miranda slid her hand from off of her stomach.

“I’m fine.” Miranda told him.

“Miranda yours eyes are squinted and you are breathing heavy, nor did I miss the hand on your stomach.”

“You still have those head aches and your are in pain.” Ben said and Miranda just stared before saying “Ben I’m fine.. seriously.”

“I wished I believed you, come on we are going to get you checked out. “ Ben insisted grabbing her hand.

“That’s is not necessary.” Miranda groaned snatching away from his hand.

“Miranda look at you. The light is hurting your eyes, you can’t even look at me fully come on.” Ben argued.

“Fine but if we get backed up in the pit, it’s your fault.”

“They will be just fine with out you for a few minutes.”

Ben helped Miranda sit on the examining table.

“Dr. Bailey you paged me.” Carina said walking into the room.

“Yeah Miranda has headaches, light sensitivity, shortness of breath.” Ben said before Miranda could even respond.

“Oh and a pain in her abdomen.” Ben added and Miranda rolled her eyes.

Carina’s face frowned before she masked it.

“I saw that look. What is it ? Is it the baby?” Miranda asked.

“Let me check your blood pressure.” Carina said ignoring her questions.

Miranda let her put the cuff on and check her blood pressure. Carina clicked her teeth.

“Well what did it say?”

“140/90”

Both Ben and Miranda’s eyes widen.
“Dam that’s high.” Miranda cleared her throat.

“We will check it again in another 4 hours. “

“Carina what is it that you think this is.” Miranda asked wanting her to stop stalling.

“Preeclampsia.”

“High blood pressure.” Ben and Miranda said together.

“Yes, but this can be very dangerous during high-risk pregnancies.”

“Okay but it’s just high blood pressure that I now need to monitor and take a pill for. Women normally develop it during pregnancy and it goes away after birth.” Miranda said holding her stomach.

“Yes Dr. Bailey that may be true but after Dr. Warren  said your symptoms it lets me know that your case is a more server. You may have low clotting and or kidney and liver trouble.”

“I want to run some test. Checking your platelet count, abnormal liver enzymes and protein in blood and urine.”

“I just don’t get it I was fine. My check up was two days ago.”

“Preeclampsia can develop during early pregnancy but it normally presents it’s self around the 20th week and is sudden but even with proper care, these are sometimes unavoidable.”

“So the baby?” Miranda questioned.

“After your results come back. I’m going to give you a nonstress test to monitor the fetus. A nonstress test is a simple exam that measures how the fetal heart rate changes as the fetus moves and then an ultrasound to check your fluid levels and the health of the fetus.” Carina said and Miranda nodded.

Miranda did all the test including the urine test. “Ben you didn’t have to follow me to the bathroom. I can pee in a cup just fine.” Miranda laughed.

Ben chuckled before saying. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I have sat and had a whole conversation with you while you were using the bathroom before, peeing in a cup won’t disturb me.”

“Okay your results are back and there is a little protein in your urine and blood. Your platelet count is low. “

“I can give you medicine to monitor your blood pressure but the protein in your urine already shows that damage to your liver and kidney is happening.”

Ben’s eyes widen looking at his wife.
“So what can we do.” He said getting upset.

“First I want to check on the baby and then I will give you the option that I am thinking about.

Carina checked the baby out and smiled at the monitor. “Your baby is 100% fine.”

“Oh thank God.” Miranda said out loud and Ben smiled.

“Okay so back to this preeclampsia.” Ben said crossing his arms.

“So what I want to do is when your baby gets to 20 weeks I want to deliver or call Arizona in to deliver.”

“Excuse me.” Miranda gasped.

“Dr. Bailey once the baby is delivered, preeclampsia symptoms should resolve.”

“The lungs are not developed that much at this stage chances of survival is slim. The baby is doing absolutely fine I don’t see a reason for taking them out.” Miranda spoke loudly.

“It’s not the baby that I’m worried about. It’s you.” Carina responded.

“And if Miranda decides to keep the baby in? What would happen.” Ben inquired.

“Could happen.” Miranda corrected.

“Preeclampsia is a very serious condition. It can be life-threatening; complications can include bleeding problems due to low platelet levels,
Placental abruption, damage to the liver, kidney failure, pulmonary edema and Development of Eclampsia; seizures. “

Ben’s eyes widen “Miranda you need to consider her option.” Ben insisted everything sounded like death to him.

“We are not taking a completely healthy baby out earlier than needed.”

“Miranda if you aren’t healthy then what? You would be putting the baby in danger either way. “ Ben argued.

“Ben.” Miranda whined

“What about your heart Miranda. You already had a heart attack. High blood pressure consistently can cause another.”

“Give me a second to talk to my husband. “ Miranda told doctor Deluca.

“Yes ma’am.”

After the door was closed Ben walked over and stood in front of her touching her arms.

“Ben I’m the strongest woman you know. I know I can do this. I can deliver this baby. They are healthy and I’m not putting them a risk. “

“Miranda you are at risk. These doctors know what they are doing, you raised them, hell Alex will fight like hell to keep our baby alive.”

“Ben I just don’t want it to be a chance of survival. I want it to be a guaranteed.” Miranda said as tears fell down her face. 

Ben had tears swelling in his eyes.
“I just don’t want to loose you.” Ben said seriously

“You are not going to loose me, that’s a promise but I want to try this. I got pregnant for a second for a reason and I have to do everything in my power to deliver this baby, healthy.”

“If this gets bad Miranda we need to deliver.” Ben stated

“Give me two months and I will. “

“Miranda you are infuriating you know that.” Ben said blowing out a breath.

“I think that’s why you married me.” Miranda chuckled kissing him.

Ben went to the door to grab Doctor Deluca.

“So.”

“I’m almost 5 months I want to try to make it to 7 and if I can’t we will take the baby out.” Miranda said strongly.

“Okay Doctor Bailey, you are playing with fire but there are 3 medications that I’m going to give you. A statin to lower blood pressure. Corticosteroids, which are medications used to help your baby’s lungs mature and reduce inflammation in your liver and magnesium Sulfate to prevent seizures.”

“Thank you so much. Hun help me down.” Miranda said extending her hand to Ben. 

“Hey so did the foster home with Joey’s siblings respond. “

“At first no one answer but I went during the middle of my shift this morning and I asked if they could come for his birthday and they agreed. I will pick them up at 1 on Saturday. “ Ben said smiling.

“Oh that is so good. He is going to be so happy.” Miranda smiled as she laced hands with Ben as they walked to her office. She knew he was still thinking about what Carina said, the determined and perplexed looked on his face told it all.

“Baby I’m going to be fine .” Miranda said once again pulling him into her office before embracing him with a tight hug.

Ben held Miranda by the waist, his hands moving to her lower back before rocking them both side to side. He looked in her big brown eyes and stared for a while. He loved his wife with everything that he had and he the thought of something happening to her pained him to the core sending chills through him.

“You don’t understand Miranda I need for you to be okay. Remember when you told me I love you too much, well I love you too much too you are a piece of me.” Ben expressed.

“And nothing has changed. I love you too much too.” Miranda said before kissing him heavily and passionately.

“Alright I’ll see you at home. I have some more paper work to complete and check on my patients and you need to get back to your shift. You have left Miller hanging.” Miranda chuckled as Ben looked at his watch.

“Well I got 3 hours left. Me and Nicole is supposed to be making dinner together.”

“She’s going to be a good cook.” Miranda smiled.

“Yeah she is.” Ben said kissing her cheek before leaving out.

Miranda invited people from the hospital to come over Saturday for their barbecue/ birthday party. She knew Ben was going to invite his crew from the station so, Miranda was expecting a full house.

Saturday came and Miranda was putting up decorations along side Nicole. “When does everyone come back.” Nicole asked.

“Um well Ben took the boys to the mall and let them get clothes and stuff for Joey’s birthday plus a hair cut and other stuff. He wanted a men’s day… So I’m guessing he will be back before the party starts. Because your dad has to cook the meats”

“I thought he would be the one to pick up Joey’s foster siblings but that will be me.”

“I can’t believe I have a 19 year old.” Miranda said putting her hands on her face.

“So what are you getting him for his birthday.”

“Me and your father finally agreed on getting him a car. He’s going to need one so he can go to college. I wanted him to stay on campus to get a feel of college life but he just got use to us being his family so he wants to get that dynamic down before tackling another social dynamic so the first year he is commuting.” Miranda explained.

“Wow when I turn 16 next year. I want a car.” Nicole said smiling.

She really had 3 teenagers who all would want cars. That’s why she was glad that they kept their other house instead of selling it. Although money was never and issue for them, they were renting it out now for 1500 a months and that would pay for all their car notes.

“We will see.” Miranda responded picking up the case of wine coolers.

“Ma give me that. You can’t pick up stuff like this.” Nicole said taking it out of her hands and walking outside to the back yard.

Miranda was glad they decided on this house with the huge back yard and pool. She loved their new home.

“I’m going to lay down for a while until I have go pick everyone up.” Miranda told Nicole as she walked back inside. Miranda slowly walked up stairs, kicking her shoes off and got into the bed.

Miranda rolled over as she felt a brush against her lips. Her eyes flutter open before turning once again.

“Yes husband.” Miranda said looking at him as he was on his knees In front of her.

“You are beautiful.” Ben said smiling.

“Ben I was sleep I probably have bed hair and everything.” Miranda replied rolling her eyes.

“I love it.” Ben said genuinely

“And I love you.”

“Thanks for waking me so I can go get his siblings. The meats are seasoned in the fridge. I did all the sides I just need to place them in the oven and I’ll get Nicole to watch them. Where are the boys?.

“Out side in the pool already.” Ben said smiling.

“Okay great I’ll be back and leave the gate open so everyone know to go around back.”

“Alright love.” Ben said hitting Miranda on her butt as she walked passed him.

Miranda pulled up at the fosterer home and she rung the door bell.

“Hi I’m Doctor Bailey.” Miranda smiled.

“Hello I’m Rachel. You can come in. They should be ready. “

“Sarah, Ernie and Frank. Are you guys ready to go.” Rachel yelled up the stairs.

“Thank you for doing this. This is a blessing.” Miranda spoke happily.

“Oh no problem, I know they would love this too.”

“Dr. Bailey.” Sarah said running down the stairs and the rest followed.

“Hi.” Miranda waved.

“Okay everyone has their swim suits and extra set of clothes.”

“Thank you I’ll bring them back tomorrow afternoon.”  Miranda said walking out of the door.

“Okay you guys buckle up.” Miranda told them as they got inside.

Miranda pulled up back home and she smelled the grill and heard the music playing in the back yard.

“Okay I’m going to show you all the bathrooms so you can get changed and then we can go out back. Food should be done In a while.” Miranda said showing them to the bathroom downstairs and then walking up stairs with Sarah to show her the other one.

Miranda went into her room and quickly put on a sundress before walking down stairs. “Okay you guys ready.”

Miranda walked to the back door and slid it open.

“Hey Joey.” Miranda smiled.

“We brought some visitors to spend the day with you.”

“Oh my Gosh.” Joey said getting out of the water.

Miranda watched as he hugged each of them. “You can get in.” She told them.

“Thank you both for this, you are the best parents ever.” Joey said smiling.

Miranda went into the kitchen. “Thanks honey for this. I got it from here you can go have fun. It look like your friends are walking into the back yard now. Miranda said pointing.

Miranda covered the macaroni and other sides.

She walked back outside and saw Meredith and Maggie come through the gate with Meredith’s children.

“Hey.” Miranda beamed smiling at everyone.

Soon enough the back yard was full of children, doctors, and firefighters.

Miranda laughed at Catherine and Richard dancing along with other people in the crowds. Some people were eating and others were drinking.

“Dance with me.” Ben said coming to where she was sitting.

“Ben Warren. “

“Miranda Bailey.” Ben said raising an eyebrow.

Miranda smiled and put her hands in his standing up.

Ben walked with her over into the crowd and they danced together to the pace of the music. Miranda swayed her hips against Ben as they danced. Miranda loved to dance and even more with Ben.

She loved lined dances too but her body wouldn’t let her be great and have fun. She was feeling a little weak and wanted to just sit back down.

“I’m hungry.” Miranda said out loud hoping he would let go get food, so she would not show her fatigue .

“I’ll make you a plate babe.”

“Thanks.” Miranda and she followed Ben to the kitchen. After Ben made her plate Miranda followed him out side and sat on his lap in the chair.

“We should do something like this twice a month for the entire summer.” Miranda said eating her mac and cheese.

“I love it.. this is what a home is for…it’s beautiful and look at our kids.”  Ben said and Miranda looked at the kids in the pool and all of them had smiles on their faces.

Times like this made her miss Derek and Mark. Then she thought about Callie and Arizona on the other side of the country. They were her friends her work crew. Who she went out with for drinks and dinner parties and she never thought that they would be gone. 

Ben put his big hands on Miranda’s belly and she smiled.

“You ready for cake.” Ben asked and Miranda nodded her head.

Ben helped her up and he walked with her in the house.

“Ooh that’s a nice cake.” Miranda acknowledge looking at the basket ball theme.

“Thanks.” Ben said glad he picked it out.

Miranda put the one and nine candle into the cake and she lit them before walking out side.

Miranda sung happy birthday as everyone joined in. Joey smiled as he had a towel wrapped around his body. Everyone clapped as he blew out the candle.

Ben reached into his pocket pulling out a car key and handed it to Joey.

Joey looked down at it before looking back up at them with a shocked face.

“You didn’t!?” He questioned loudly.

“We did.” Ben said as Miranda nodded her head smiling.

“Oh my god thank you. I love you so much.” Joey said hugging them.

“Woah woah careful.” Miranda said holding on the cake tightly.

“We can cut the cake and then we can go check it out.”

Miranda cut the cake and passed out pieces.

“What kind of car did you get him.” Richard asked taking a piece of cake.

“A white 2019 Dodge charger.” Miranda replied.

“Oh nice. He’s gonna pick up some ladies.

“Oh he better not.” Miranda said protectively.

“Please Miranda don’t act like you haven’t had sex in a car.” Ben teased.

“Yeah I have had my fair share.”

“Alright then.” Ben laughed.

“Come on let’s go let him check out his car.” Miranda responded. Grabbing Ben’s hands.

After Joey checked out his car. The family cleaned up out side as everyone left. Miranda was in the kitchen putting the food away.

“Hey, I just wanted to thank you guys again. You really made this day extraordinary and this was my first birthday party. I love you guys and I’m forever grateful for you both. You are god sent.” Joey said hugging Ben and then Miranda.

Miranda let her tears fall. “I’m sorry. I’m just so emotional. I love you too blame the tears on the baby.”

“I still can’t believe your having a baby.” Joey remarked.

“Some days neither can I.”