Mrs. Holmes [Book III]

Check Ups

January 2

"So you're off then, dearies?" Missus Hudson asked as Sherlock gently slipped Susanna's coat up her arms and onto her shoulders. They had appointments for her shoulder and the baby- mainly to follow up following the wreck. If all was well then Susanna would be able to take off the sling and there wouldn't be any problems that would necessitate delivery in a hospital ward or the operating theater, where neither felt comfortable.

Susanna nodded, "Yes we are, Missus Hudson."

"Be careful out there, it's still cold and icy."

"Yes, Missus Hudson, we're aware." Sherlock acknowledged as he donned his coat and gloves.

The kindly landlady chuckled, "I do hope everything goes well."

"Thank you, Missus Hudson. Have a good day!" Susanna smiled warmly and the expectant couple took their leave, albeit the exit was slower than customary for them both.

The baby had gained another kilo and Susanna had assumed a duck-like waddle to accommodate the extra weight. This, paired with the fact that she was still recovering from her encounter with Doina and the sidewalk was icy in patches, prompted Sherlock to keep the pace slow and steady. He supported her on her right side, avoiding her left altogether, and walked her to Mycroft's waiting sedan.

Their first stop was to have her shoulder and arm examined. While she was still heavily bruised and sore, the doctor gave her the all-clear and removed the sling. Better than losing the sling was the news that the injury would not interfere with holding the baby in a few weeks, as long as she kept up the exercises and didn't lift heavy items. A few more instructions were given and a date for re-evaluation was set, then they went on their way to the Obstetrician.

"Welcome, Holmeses," Doctor Kirtley greeted with a warm smile, "You're getting rather close now, aren't you?"

"Just a few more weeks." Susanna answered excitedly, holding Sherlock's hand.

"Mmm-hmm. I read in this file that you were in an accident over the holidays?"

"Yes."

"From what I can see, it's a wonder that the baby did not endure distress or trauma."

"I am quite grateful that she had her seat belt on and was able to assume a protective position that succeeded." Sherlock remarked. Doctor Kirtley nodded.

"Yes, indeed," She noticed a bit of the bruising, "An injury sustained by the mother?"

"Dislocated shoulder. That's where we were before this."

"I see. Were you given a greenlight?"

"Yes, the doctor said I'm recovering well and that it won't cause a problem."

"Excellent! Now, I'm sure you're wanting a thorough check up on your baby so let's hop to it, shall we?" Susanna smiled and nodded, happily complying. Sherlock hovered while her vitals and measurements were taken and Doctor Kirtley gave her an extensive external exam.

After she had finished the exam Doctor Kirtley smiled, "You are beginning to efface. That's a good sign- you might be fully thinned out by the time labor starts."

"And that would help labor progress faster?" Sherlock inquired.

"In a way, yes. All you'll have to worry about is dilation. But how long that takes is different for everyone, so the difference isn't that significant."

"I see."

The scanner was powered on and Susanna lifted her shirt. By now the cool gel no longer startled her, but the baby seemed to react as it was applied and the wand was pressed over it, "They're quite responsive."

"So I see. Don't be concerned if they stop moving so much- it's normal. If you really get worried then of course you can always call."

"Okay."

Again, Doctor Kirtley took her time checking. Double checking and pausing over certain points to get a better image. Susanna and Sherlock watched the baby move with awe on the grainy black and gray screen. When they were finished Doctor Kirtley smiled again, "Looks like everything's perfect. I couldn't see any potential problems and your baby is on schedule."

"Thank you, Doctor." Susanna wiped off the gel as Sherlock conversed with the specialist. By the time she was all set, Sherlock had memorized every new instruction and piece of advice.

To celebrate the good news, after they'd checked out and set their next appointment they headed to Angelo's. John happened to be there with Rosie. Sherlock smirked, "Fancy seeing you here, John."

This startled the army doctor a bit but a smile split his face within a second, "Hullo, you two! Good day at the doctor's I hope?"

"We can thank our lucky stars for how easy Susanna got off." Sherlock replied. Angelo sat the four all together, offering his congratulations on the continued health of mother and child, and wishing them the best. He was one of few personal friends of Sherlock's whom had the pleasure of an in person pregnancy announcement- he had also attended their wedding by the same token- and had been an angel of grace several times when she had started craving Italian and garlicky food. To say she'd inhaled her fair share of garlic bread and alfredo was an understatement.

Rosie scooted closer to Susanna and they talked about the chilly weather and how Rosie would be starting school soon. Sherlock's eyes meandered over often to watch while he talked with John about a potential case. Finally John got up the nerve, "Sherlock, just curious... Are you going to take paternity leave at all?"

"I plan to take paternity leave once we are certain she is in labor. Once that happens I would like you, John, to put a notice up on the blog to say that I will be unavailable for an undisclosed period."

"Of course. I was already planning to make that announcement even if you weren't taking leave."

Sherlock smiled, "If I didn't take leave, I'd have the entire family up in arms."

"Of course you would."

Thank you for reading!