More than Expected

Part 33

October 4, 2013
      The past two days in the hospital have been crazy as Rick and Kate adjust to life with Royce. They got to spend 48 hours with their baby boy in their arms as they navigated the early stages of parenthood. Rick helped his girlfriend as she showered for the first time and got the hang of nursing their son while they both perfected their diaper changing and swaddling techniques. Yesterday, Royce received his first bath that one of the nurses gave him while Rick and Kate watched in awe of their son, which still felt crazy for them to say.
      Today is the day they leave the hospital. Rick went with Johanna back to the house yesterday while Kate was sleeping to get his car and install the car seat. Kate slips on a pair of yoga pants and a grey tank top before slipping a grey cardigan over it and the couple pack their bags before they tackle getting Royce dressed for the first time. It's a little tense for the new, young parents when the little baby begins squawking as they try to get his arms through the clothes, but once he's nestled in his car seat, he's content.
      "I've got him and the bag if you just want to grab the pillows." Rick says. Kate nods and grabs the pillows, "Ready to go home?" Kate asks her boyfriend. He smiles and nods before leaning down to kiss her, "I love you." "I love you too. Both of my boys so much." She says before looking between him and the baby. Once outside, they make their way to Rick's car where he gets Royce's car seat secure and helps Kate climb into the back seat with their son before placing their belongings in the trunk.
      He makes sure his girlfriend and their child is secure before getting in the passenger seat, "Ready?" He asks as he looks at her through the rear view mirror. Kate smiles and nods. Rick begins driving home while Kate stares at their little human in awe, "I can't stop staring at him. We made him. Like we created him." Kate states, "I know. He's so perfect. He's going to be amazing just like his mama." Rick smiles, "And brave just like his dada." She adds. It doesn't take much longer before Rick is pulling into her parents' driveway.
      They smile when they see the 'Welcome Home' decorations in the yard and their friends' cars parked on the side of the road. Everyone comes out to help the new parents inside. Once they're settled, Kate grabs Royce out of his car seat, "Guys, this is our son, Royce." She introduces him to the group, "He's so cute, girl." Lanie smiles as she looks at the ring baby in her best friend's arms, "Thanks. Did you wash your hands? Wanna hold him?" Kate asks. Lanie nods to both questions before sitting on the couch and accepting the baby into her arms.
      "I'm gonna go out the stuff away." Rick tells his girlfriend, "Want me to help?" She asks. He smiles and shakes his head, "Sit down and relax, please. You just gave birth two days ago." He reminds her. She smiles before walking over to the couch and sitting next to her best friend, "How was giving birth?" Jenny asks, "Well, it isn't a walk in the park, but it's not as bad as everyone makes it seem either." Kate tells the girl. "I literally can't believe you made a human." Lanie says as she looks down at the baby in her arms.
      "Well, you saw me pregnant, so believe it." Kate jokes. By the time Rick comes downstairs, Royce has been passed between their friends and is now in Jim's arms, "Rick, Katie, you guys hungry?" Johanna asks. Kate nods and Rick helps her up as they walk hand-in-hand to the kitchen. "I made some tomato soup and grilled cheeses." Johanna says as she passes them each a bowl and a plate, "Thank you, Mom." Kate smiles as she and Rick sit side-by-side at the bar and turn enough to keep their eyes on Royce.
      "Tired?" Rick asks. Kate turns to look at him and nod. "Once everyone heads out, we'll take the little guy and go get some sleep." Rick tells her. She smiles in appreciation as she takes a bite of her sandwich before Royce lets out a loud cry. It's crazy how that little noise make her heart begin to palpitate and the hairs on her arm to stand up. "Katie, he might be hungry." Johanna, who now has Royce in her arms, says. Kate gets up from her seat and makes her way over to her mother before scooping her son out of her arms.
      "We set up a little space in the office so that you don't have to go all of the way upstairs yet if you don't want to." Johanna tells her daughter. Kate smiles and thanks her mother before walking into the office. She settles in the office couch and slips one breast free from her nursing bra before positioning Royce correctly to allow him to root before latching on and nursing. She smiles down at her baby boy in complete awe that this little guy is actually hers who she gets to love forever and spend her life with.
       After about 30 minutes, she switches Royce to her other breast while Rick enters the office, "How's it going?" He whispers before squatting down in front of where she's sitting on the couch, "It's good. A little painful, but he's a champ." She informs him, "A boob guy. Just like his dada." Rick teases which makes Kate giggle as she shoves his shoulder. He leans in and kisses her cheek, "The gang left. They have a project to work on. Lanie said text her later if you're feeling up to it." Rick tells her. She nods as Royce finishes his feed.
      She passes the baby to Rick who happily begins burping him while she fixes her nursing bra and tank top. She looks up at her boyfriend and smiles, "You look hot as a dad." She compliments him. He chuckles, "I think we're getting this parenting thing down." He encourages. Once Royce is burped, it's not much longer before he's fast asleep in his father's arms, "Just like his mama: loves to fall asleep in daddy's arms." Kate says. Rick looks at her with wonder in his eyes before they share a kiss.
     They inform Jim and Johanna that they're going to get some much needed rest. Rick gently places Royce in the bassinet next to the bed before he and Kate slide under the covers and cuddle up to partake in some much needed rest.
Part 33!