Calliope & Erica

Chapter 25

I was now almost 7 months pregnant! So much had happened in the last 3 months. Baby Conor was diagnosed with mild Congenital Heart Disease. He was growing big and healthy despite it. Erica was an amazing mother! She was so good with Jack and she was very attentive to baby Conor.
Today we were painting the nursery today. We had almost ordered all of the misery furniture, and we need to paint before it got here. Conor's nursery was nothing as extravagant as Jack's was, but it was still a beautiful nursery.

I woke up and walked to the doorway of the nursery. I leaned against the frame of the door as I nursed a cup of coffee. Erica was passed out on the floor. Several energy drinks were empty and piled in the corner. I had gone to bed early, and I guess when she got home, she picked up the paint drape and assembled all the furniture. I smiled and woke her up. "What time is it?" she asked

"8am"

She got up and wobbled to bed. I kissed her forehead and told her to sleep. I walked over to Jack's room. He lay in his crib still. He stared in a trance at his mobile. He had always been a good quiet baby. I walked over to his crib and watch him hold his little foot in his hands. I smile. Suddenly, I feel a sharp pain. I shoots around my belly, and my lower back. I tightened my jaw as I wait for it to pass. I had been having them all morning. I look at the time, and get Jack dressed for his doctor's apartment today. 

I walk into the doctor's office and take Jack back. He plays with my hands and smiles as we wait for the doctor. Jack and I share a doctor's office. I was lucky enough to schedule my apt. after his today. The doctor comes in. "Hello! I hear Jack is here for a check-up today?"

"Yes." I smile.

"It looks like you have an apt. right after this too?"

"Yes."

He finished Jack's check-up and told me ho looked very healthy and happy for a boy his age. I was happy to hear it. He showed me to a different room. This one hand an ultrasound machine in it. I braced myself for another contraction. They were around 5 min. apart. I assumed they were braxton hick contractions though. 

The doctor walked in, she asked me all the usual questions. I slowed my breathing and took deep breaths in and out, as I waited for the contraction to pass. "Is everything okay?" the doctor asked.

"Yeah. I have been having braxton hick contractions all morning. I tried taking a shower, but it didn't work."

she looked at me with a worried face.

"It's okay. They are only 5 minutes apart."

She pulled a chair closer and asked if she could check. I handed Jack my phone so he could play a  game, while she check me. 

She moved he chair over and grabbed her chart. "Well, Calliope....You are indeed in labor. Your contractions are steady, meaning they aren't braxton hicks. You wait so long you are about 8 cm dilated. This mean your past the point of receiving an epidural or trying to stop labor."

"But I am only 24 weeks pregnant? I am barely halfway!"

"I know." She called for the nurse to call an EMT.

"If he is born this young, he could have complications. What about his mild CHD? He could spent 3 to 5 months in the NICU! You have to stop labor. What about steroid shots?"

"You're too far along in labor for steroid shots. At the rate your going, you'll have a baby in the next couple of hours.. Is there anyone you want me to call?"

"yes, my wife Erica."

That was the last thing I remember before once again passing out.