Calliope & Erica

Chapter 18

My alarm clock woke me up. 6:15 already? I rolled out of bed, and kissed Erica. Today, I went back to work. I loved the NICU. It was hard starting work again after I had Jack, because it brought back memories of Edith and baby Jack, so small. Surrounded by tubes and wires. Now, when I walked into that room. I was fulfilled. Happy. I remembered getting to take home home. Holding him for the first time, in the NICU. Happy moments. I had learned to love my job again. I got dressed and checked on Jack before I left. I still missed mom duty while I worked, but I got to help moms, who hadn't even know what mom duty was. I helped sick babies.

I walked into work, and was greeted by Veronica. I swiped my time card, and walked over to help Veronica with 7:30 rounds. I changed diapers, recorded heart rate, and blood pressure. All of it seemed like 2nd nature, I had been doing it so long. NICU nurses were the ones who did assessments, gave meds, started IVs and drew blood. 

I walked out as my phone rang. "Yes?"

"Is this Calliope?"

"Yes."

"Hello, i'm a real estate agent. I got a call from you a couple of months ago...I think I found a house for you!"

"Really? That is great! i'm at work right now, but can I call you back?"

"Yes, and Congrats!"

I turned to lean against a wall. I pushed my phone into my scrub pocket. I tried to steady my breaths. yah. I was moving! I had an almost fresh start. I loved Hawaii, but I wanted something a little bit more exciting. I was thinking LA or Seattle. Suddenly a monitor beeped.

I hurried over to shush the machine. Baby C of the triplets we delivered was seizing. I hurried to slowly turn the baby on its side. The baby's small body covered as I waited for the seizure to pass. "Veronica, can you grab me....5 ml of Lorazepam?"

"Yah" she answered as she hurried to the med cart. She hurried with a syringe of it to me. I places the syringe in the IV. I pushed the Lorazepam in. As the seizure ended, I realized I had been holding my breath. I ordered labs, and called Dr. Greene so he could asses and order further tests. I walked over and grabbed a tube for blood. I grabbed the IV extension line, and took blood. As it filled, I stared at his little body. My heart ached for his mommy. I carried the blood to the lab and rushed the results. 

Turns out Baby C had an underlying seizure condition. It was undiagnosed until he was out of utero. 

We found out just before I clocked out. I got in my car and drove home. Part of me, wanted to pull over and cry, but I had a beautiful baby and an amazing girlfriend that I couldn't wait. 

I also couldn't wait to tell Erica, that I had a house that I thought would be perfect to move into. I loved Seattle and I couldn't wait to live there with her and Jack.