Hide Your Heart

A 6 Month Checkup (Tommy)

"Hey, aren't you due for your 6 month check-up?" asked Paul when he called me. I was trying to calm my upset stomach and find shoes that fit at the same time. "I think so. I don't remember."

"Tom, this is important. Go look for the doctor appointment date and let me know."

"I DON'T FEEL LIKE IT! I'M  HURTING AND YOU DON'T CARE ENOUGH TO BE HERE! I HATE YOU!" I hung up and laid on the bed. I wanted nothing more than to just sleep until the triplets came. Unfortunately that wasn't going to happen. The door to the bedroom opened and my husband walked in. "Thomas, baby, look at me. I flew home to go to this appointment. Now sit up and let me help you."

Paul pulled me into his arms and rubbed my back. "Come on, let's get you ready. Give me your feet." 

Paul gently slipped house shoes on my swollen feet and helped me on with an oversized shirt and shorts. "I'll do what I can with your hair."

Tears came to my eyes as Paul managed to brush my hair and tie it back with a blue ribbon. " I so hope one of our girls gets your curls." He was so patient with me even though I was being moody and snappy. 

"I hate curly hair." I mumbled. 

At the doctor's office I laid in Paul's lap as he stroked my hair. "I hate feeling like this." I sighed. "I'm 26 weeks along and I feel horrible."

Finally I  was on the table with my husband holding my hand. "I'll ask for a sonogram so you can see our babies." I said.

When the check-up was done, I asked for a sonogram. Paul cried when he saw our daughters in front of him. "They weigh about two and a half pounds now. A bit on the small side but healthy." "You on the other hand are not. Your blood pressure is too low and you're in need of bed rest."

"What?!" I cried. "I can't."

"Yes you can and you will." said Paul firmly. "We have two more shows and then we're coming home. I postponed the last two months because Eric's throwing up every night." "He has morning sickness bad."

I pouted but reluctantly agreed to stay in bed. "If I promise to stay in bed, does it have to be all day?"

"No, at least fourteen out of twenty four." 

Paul wheeled me to the car and gently placed me in the front seat.

"I'll be home by Sunday. You better be in bed when I get there."

I agreed even though I hated the idea.