Our Redemption

It's Too Soon

I'm now seven and a half months pregnant and I'm definitely feeling it. Andrew is away shooting a movie for another two weeks before he's done and he's home until after the baby comes. I'm heading out for one last lunch date with my good friend Lily Cole before I intend on not leaving my house until this baby is on its way "How do you still look amazing" she says "I don't feel it but thank you. I figured my last outing I should make a little more effort" I say "I can't believe your gonna be a mum in less than two months" she says "I know it seems insane but I'm excited" I say "How's Andrew feeling about everything" she asks "Good a little guilty he's not here right now but we gotta work" I say "He'll be here when it counts" she says. We order our food and have a proper catch up before I head home. Andrew calls me later that night "How's my two favourite people" he says "Good tired but what's new" I say "I miss you both" he says "Us too. How's filming going" I say "Good. I just want to be back home with you but two more weeks" he says "Exactly and don't worry about me. My dad is coming over tomorrow to help me with some last minute nursery stuff and your mum and dad are always just a phone call away if I need anything" I say "I know" he says. We spend another twenty minutes on the phone as he talks to bump before we say goodbye.

My dad comes over to help me and even buys me groceries so I don't have to go out to the shops on my own "Your the best dad" I say "Have to look after my little girl" he says. We're in the nursery doing some final touches when I feel a sharp pain "You okay" he says "Just Braxton Hicks my doctor said they happen close to the end of my pregnancy" I say "Okay" he says. The cramps continue throughout the day and just as my dad is about to leave my water breaks "Its too soon" I say "I know but clearly this baby is ready to meet the world" he says and he grabs my bag and we get in the car and drive to the hospital. My dad calls Andrew and his parents on the way and Andrew promises to get on the first flight possible.

We get to the hospital and check in and they bring me to a room and hook me up to monitors "Is it safe to deliver this early?" I ask my midwife "We're gonna see if we can delay labour to give you more time but if we can't it just means the baby can't come home right away" she says "But they'll be okay right" I say "Yes" she says. Andrew's parents arrive a short time later and it's nice to have Lynn here to help keep me calm. They can't stop labour but it's going slow so there's a chance Andrew who's on a plane right now will make it before the baby comes.

It's been about two hours of labour so far and my contractions are getting closer and I'll have to start pushing soon but I need Andrew here "He's supposed to be here imagine how he'll feel if he misses this" I say "I know but we both know he's more concerned about you. How your feeling" Lynn says "I know. Its been tough going through pregnancy without my mom here I even started writing her letters about it like she'd be able to read them somehow but I'm glad your here. You've always been a mother to me and if Andrew can't be here I'm glad you are" I say "You've been family from the first time Andrew brought you round when you were five. And even if your mum isn't here in person she's here in spirit. You are strong Aurora and you can do this" she says "Thank you" I say.

I've started pushing just as Andrew arrives "I'm here. Are you okay is the baby okay" he says "We're fine I guess they just couldn't wait to meet us" I say "Impatient little one" he says and I feel the need to push again so he takes my hand and let's me squeeze it tight. We continue like this for another hour before we hear the cries of our precious little baby "Congratulations you have a beautiful baby boy" the doctor says and we get a quick glance before they place him in an incubator and take him to the NICU.

I end up sleeping for a few hours before we go and see our son together "He's so tiny" Andrew says "I know but he's ours" I say "You couldn't of waited two more weeks until I was home huh. No you had to make a dramatic entrance your showing that your the child of two actors aren't you little guy" he says "How did it go down you leaving in the middle of shooting?" I ask "They understood. Said they'd film what they could without me and they can finish whenever I'm ready to go back" he says "That's good. He needs a name doesn't he" I say "We hadn't decided on one yet" he says "What about Atlas it means to carry and in Greek mythology he was a titan forced to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders showing great strength just like our son is. He was born early and he's gonna have to fight to get stronger. I know it's unusual and very much a celebrity baby name but I like it" I say "So do I. Atlas it is" he says.

We gather our families a little while later to tell them the name "Meet Atlas Benjamin Garfield" I say and Ben is surprised we chose his name as his middle name "His name symbolises strength and you Ben are an incredible role model for our son and we can only hope he'll have your compassion" Andrew says "Thank you guys that means alot" Ben says. They spend some time with Atlas in the NICU before leaving and Andrew attempts to set up a bed for the night with me in my room but I insist he needs to go home to a proper bed "It won't feel like home until your both there" he says "It is home and I'll be home in a day or two. I'm not letting you sleep here. We'll be fine. I love you go home" I say "Okay. Love you" he says and kisses me goodbye.