September 29 2019
AJ pushed open the staff doors, Mateo strapped snugly to her chest in a soft gray baby carrier. Luke was walking behind her just to make sure that they was both okay
Mateo wore a tiny blue hat, his pacifier bobbing gently as he blinked curiously at the bright hallway lights. A laminated badge reading "Honorary Resident: Mateo" hung from his carrier, clearly made by Camilla, complete with sparkly stickers.
Camilla (walking beside her)- So, how does it feel to be back on rounds... with a baby strapped to your torso?
AJ (smirking)- Like I'm leveling up in boss mode.
Camilla-Honestly, you're terrifying. But in the most inspiring way.
As they walked through the pediatric wing, nurses waved and smiled, some placing quiet bets on how long until Mateo fell asleep, others simply marveling at how calm he was.
Dr. Lim (passing by)- That baby's better behaved than half my med students.
AJ (grinning)- He's got high standards. He gets it from me.
April (whispering)- Wait... is she doing rounds *with the baby*?
Lexie -And still more composed than we are on a good day.
Luke trailed a few feet behind them, half babysitter, half hype man, carrying a diaper bag and a portable sound machine — just in case.
---
**Patient Room #3**
AJ gently knocked, stepping in with her usual confidence — Mateo still calm and alert.
AJ-Good morning, Ms. Riley. How are we feeling today?
Ms. Riley (recovering from surgery)- Better now! And... oh my goodness, is that your baby?
AJ (smiling)-This is Mateo. He's shadowing me today.
Ms. Riley (laughing)-He's adorable. Definitely the cutest doctor on staff.
Camilla (whispering, jotting notes)-And he doesn't even need scrubs to prove it.
AJ did a quick check-in, reviewed vitals, and spoke calmly with the patient, all while Mateo watched, wide-eyed. He let out a tiny coo when AJ adjusted her stethoscope.
Ms. Riley-He's your lucky charm.
AJ-He's my whole heart.
---
**Back in the Hallway**
Mateo began to fuss just slightly, a soft, unhappy squeak muffled by his pacifier.
Camilla-Uh-oh. You want me to get Luke?
AJ (adjusting the strap, swaying gently)-Nah. He just wants a walk-and-talk. He's used to movement — womb speed.
Camilla (mocking a mic)-Speed walking activated. Interns, fall in line!
**Mateo settled almost instantly**, soothed by the rhythm of his mom's steps and voice as AJ continued rounds, delivering updates with her signature mix of authority and warmth.
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**Later – Outside the Hospital**
Dave pulled up in the G-Wagon, hopping out with two iced coffees in hand.
Dave-And how are my two favorite doctors?
Mateo gave a tiny squeal from the carrier.
Camilla (grinning)-Your son has already diagnosed two residents with anxiety and made three nurses cry. It's been a productive shift.
Dave (to AJ)-You're really doing this, huh? Being a doctor and a mom — all in one round.
AJ (handing Mateo to him gently)-Doing it... and loving it. I also have Luke he's been a big help
Dave kissed her forehead, bouncing Mateo lightly.
Dave-You both make it look easy.
Luke (from behind)-It's not. Trust me, I carried the diaper bag like it was a medical emergency.
---
As the hospital doors shut behind them AJ looked back briefly — at the halls she loved, the work she lived for — then at Dave holding their son.
She smiled.
AJ-He's gonna grow up thinking hospitals are his second home.
Dave-Or his first playground.
They laughed, the sun warm on their shoulders as they walked to the car — their little family, already unstoppable.
