Unexpected Gift

Chap 36

The next day came and just as Leo had dreaded it, he was not allowed out of bed for anything now, but taking showers and going to the bathroom. He couldn't even watch TV anymore, unless he did from his room. This was going to be the most boring time of his life.

His own bed was moved over by the doorway so he could watch TV, but he wasn't leaving his room anytime soon. His food would be brought to him from now on. Don's laptop would be brought to him if he wanted to use the internet. His family was going to be looking after him whenever he wanted something.

Stomach cramps and baby movements were nearly constant now. Leo wasn't mobile anymore, so it made the baby get active a lot more. Leo was glad that the party had brought him a good time and mood, but now, things were changing. His moods became grumpy as he couldn't leave his bed.

His bros and father tried to keep him entertained when he wasn't sleeping. They played card games and such. They gave him his books to read. They let him pick some programs to watch, though they didn't want him watching the news, no stress rule.

And once a week now, Don was doing exams on his baby to make sure it was alright.

Leo liked seeing his baby, but it still put him in a bad mood that he couldn't do anything outside his bed. He thought about wanting to be sedated the rest of the pregnancy. He almost couldn't take the pains anymore.

Leo would spend a great deal sitting up. But when he laid down to sleep, his left side was the more preferred side. He was too uncomfortable on his back, and he had to have a pillow between his legs now too. He did get severe leg and back cramps too.

Though all this had been a new life experience for Leo, he didn't ever want to go through it again. It had its bad and good moments, and it would all be worth it in the end for a healthy baby.

The weeks went by fast, but to Leo, they took an eternity. Bed-rest was not easy on him, but it was Don's orders. He was trying to prevent Leo from going into labor too soon. And his belly continued to grow.

His family had to listen to Leo's orders about his food. If he couldn't get it himself, they would have to serve it up just right in order for him to be happy. And being so bored a lot, he was more moodier than ever.

Raph had been a lot more supportive and doing as told by Leo and the others, but he didn't know how much more he could take from Leo's 'blue moods.'

Leo was now about 31 weeks along. Thanks to the healthy foods he was eating and Don having ordered him on bed-rest, Leo had come much further in his intestine pregnancy than the woman they had read about. She hadn't been on bed-rest like Leo was now.

One day, Raph came in with a game to play and Leo said he didn't want to play. "What's wrong, Leo?" He asked.

"I just want this baby out of me." Leo grumped. "I want out of bed." He had his back to Raph. He was lying on his left side.

"I know you do, Bro."

"Why can't Don just cut it out now?"

Raph was taken aback. "It ain't ready Leo." He was surprised that Leo was THAT ready for the baby to come.

"It's been 5 weeks Raph. I want it out of me!" Leo began to cry.

"You've carried it for a long time, Leo." Raph said.

"I know, but I've been in bed for 5 weeks! I want out of bed!" Leo cried out.

Raph was not a sentimental type, but he had to do something. "Don, get in here!" He called.

Don heard him and came running. Then everyone came running.

"What's wrong?" Don asked.

"Leo's really upset right now and I'm no good at being a comforter." Raph said. "He wants the baby out."

Don then turned and walked to Leo's bed. He sat down. "Leo, I know you want the baby out, but it's not strong enough yet. Its lungs need to be developed first. I don't think its ready yet."

"I just want the pains to stop and I want out of bed!" Leo sobbed.

"I know you do. We're all doing everything we can to keep you comfortable Leo. I know you hate this, but it's for the baby's sake and yours that you won't go into early labor before it's ready." Don tried to explain. "You've come so far. You're almost there. Give it a little longer."

"I'm trying Don. I really am, but staring at the ceiling and walls all the time is getting to me."

"You can watch TV." Mikey said.

"I just want to be out doing things too." Leo said.

"I know, but you can't." Don said. "I know you can do this Leo. Try to be patient. You're the most patient one of all of us."

Don pulled Leo into a hug and let him cry to get the grief out. The others left so Don could comfort their pregnant brother. "Just a little longer, Leo. I want to try to get you up to at least 34 weeks."

Leo would try, but he didn't know how much longer he could take before he went stir crazy! This pregnancy was just working on his last nerve.