The Borden Family Legacy - A Heartland Dream

Chapter Eleven - Holidays with all the Trimmings Part One

A/N – As Christmas approaches the Borden family is a buzz with excitement and anticipation. Amy who is nearing the due date of the little Nugget, is doing well and is being watched diligently by Ty and the girls. Christmas is one of the traditions that Amy and Ty talked about when they first were married. Let the fun begin with presents and family time. Who knows what surprises are in store for them. This chapter is going to be a "biggin'.

The Miracle and Heartland ranches were in Christmas mode. Decorations were being put up and a chill is in the air. So far it had been a pretty cold end of the year, even for Canada, so the preparation was a little more of a challenge. And for Amy her expanding belly was causing her to be not to engaged in everything and the FAP was at a whole new level. She joked with everyone was that the only thing good about her size was that it helped her to be warmer. Give or take she was about 4ish weeks away from the birth of the little Nugget. With Lyndy, Amy had a home (Barn Loft) birth. Unfortunately, although she fought it the twins were delivered at the hospital. The doctor and midwife didn't want to risk it if there were complications. She got her wish with Maddie and had a home birth at the Miracle ranch. The decision was still up in the air for the new baby's birth plan. Of course, Amy wanted to be at home with Margo, her midwife, but Dr. Adler had some reservations. With the umbilical cord issues and Amy's age he encouraged her to be at the hospital.

"Amy, I have to agree with Dr. Adler. I know you want to have a home birth, but I am a little concerned as well." Ty reasoned. She responded, "But Ty you know what I would prefer. I hear you but everything will be fine." As the discussion continued the girls came in from taking some of the horses out for a ride. Lyndy asked, "What are you guys talking about. You seemed a little stressed." Amy looked at the serious expressions of their daughters. "Well dad and I are talking about the birth plan for the little Nugget. I want to have the baby at home like I did with Lyndy and Maddie. Dr. Adler has some minor concerns and recommended we go to the hospital. And your dad kind of agrees." She said with a little tension. Annie spoke up immediately, "Well mom you had us at the hospital, Why?" Ty interjected, "Well having twins is a bit more complicated so Dr. Adler said the hospital would be better suited if Mom needed some help. She didn't' and everything went well, but childbirth is difficult even with one baby." Maddie had a concerned look and said with watery eyes, "Mommy did it hurt when I was born? I am sorry if it did, I never want to hurt you. I hope you are not mad at me." As tears started to flow, the other girls smiled with understanding because they realized they experienced the birth of their younger siblings and Maddie had no idea. Outside of the birth of a foal she was never a part of a human birth.

Ty and Amy took a breath and attempted to ease Maddie's concerns. Looking directly in her eyes with Ty by her side Amy said, "Maddie I will not lie to you, labor and childbirth is hard and yes it hurts. But honey when you all were born the pain was forgotten because you were here, and dad and I were very, very, very, happy. As a mom you understand that there will be some pain and discomfort, but I will tell all of you, it is more than worth it because you are all here." Amy took a breath and added, "And your dad will be there with me as well. He is an amazing coach and partner and really helped me through the birth of each of you." "So," Ty added, " does that make sense honey? Do you have any more questions." She smiled and said, "No I get it, I am just worried that you will be ok. With the cord thing issue and other things, I guess I just worry a lot." And then out of the blue she said, "Man us women have to do all the hard work, have babies and care for them, clean the house, cook dinner, do laundry, Dad you guys have it easy." The room erupted with laughter. Only Maddie could say such a funny thing. Ty was about to defend the male gender when Amy grabbed his arm. "Well little girl, we are lucky because your daddy is very involved with all of those things. And he is a great dad to you all," They all agreed smiling as their mom and dad hugged and kissed each other. The twins both rolled their eyes as Maddie and Lyndy punched them each in the arm.