Swimming With Sophie

E3 - I BROKE MY HUSBAND'S HAND

Lacey

"I can't believe this," Travis is saying as he rubs his wrist. "You are seriously freakishly strong, Lacey. I may never be able to climb another rock."

I'm half passed out, half euphoric, holding our little bundle after the craziest birth experience imaginable.

"Travis, you cannot hold me responsible for what happened in that ambulance. I was trying not to give birth while moving sixty miles an hour. Pretty much the hardest thing I've ever had to do." He has no idea how difficult it is to notpush when every part of your body is forcing you to push.

He leans down, wrapping his injured hand around my shoulder and kissing the side of my head. "I don't, babe. That really was insane. I can't believe we made it to the hospital before the baby came. What was it, three pushes before the whole thing was over? You are a champion."

Both of us fall silent as we gaze at our daughter. We have a little girl. "I'm so glad we waited to find out. Honestly, that moment when we realized we had a girl was the best moment of my life." My voice is a whisper, reverent and full of wonder at the little life in my arms, the life that we've been waiting to meet.

"But now we have a problem. We never agreed on any girl names. We just have Cody and Liam on our 'yes' list." Travis laughs a little, causing the baby to stir. "What are we going to do?"

"First, keep your voice down because she jostles at every sound we make. And remember her cry? That scream is deafening. I'd like to keep it at a minimum if possible."

Travis nods his agreement, keeping quiet as he does. He holds our little darling's hand with one finger and watches as she wraps her tiny fingers around his while still sound asleep. I think I just watched my baby wrap herself around his heart.

"And second," I say, my voice full of emotion, "Who says Cody can't be a girl's name?" Travis and I continue looking down at our daughter. I'm sure he's doing exactly as I am; imagining calling after our girl as she's playing on the beach or on one of our outdoor adventures.

"Cody," he whispers. "It fits her, Lace. And her middle name?"

Oh, right. "One challenge at a time. For now let's just settle on Cody Black." I'm too exhausted to think of any more names. "Maybe Luc and Sophie can help us with the rest."

"Did I hear my name?" Sophie bounces into the room. "I can't believe she's already here!"

Sophie's exuberance causes little Cody to stir and cry. I love my daughter, but her lungs don't love me. "Yikes, baby girl." I cringe at the volume she's pumping out with one little cry. Her mouth is open and face red. I can see her tiny tongue wagging as the cry fills the room.

"Well, I can see which Black she takes after," Luc says as he plugs his ears. "Sounds like Travis when he gets a flat tire."

I hold back the laugh, because Luc hit the nail on the head. "Or when little critters surprise him." I can hardly say it with a straight face remembering our ill-fated Christmas tree excursion when a mouse hitched a ride in our Explorer.

"Sure, bag on the new dad. I'll take it, but let's focus on the star of the show, okay?" Travis takes Cody in his arms and takes her to meet her god-parents.

Sophie is speechless and I can see the shimmer of tears in her eyes. "Oh," is all she can say. Sophie takes the baby like a pro which makes me wonder about her mothering skills.

"You look like a natural, Soph."

Luc comes to stand next to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and gazing down at my daughter. "We've been preparing, too, Lacey. I hope you know that we don't take this responsibility lightly." He winks at me.

"Bro, I think we just lost our edge," Travis says shaking his head. "What happened to the two guys who love the mud and roughing it for weeks at a time?"

Luc shakes his head, still watching little Cody. "Nah, we haven't lost anything, Travis. You just gained an entire life to love, and Sophie and I get to practice for the future."

"Besides," I say, "You have no idea how messy babies can be. Roughing it in the woods is nothing compared to dirty diapers and spit up."

Sophie pales as I speak. "What?" She looks down at Cody like my baby is a ticking time bomb.

Yeah, kind of.

"Here, I'll take her." The baby is still crying, though not nearly as loudly as she was a minute ago. Sophie cradles her back into my arms. I can't take my eyes off of her.

"Looks like this adventure has begun, ready or not," Travis says.

"Is anyone every really ready?" Luc asks then winks at Sophie.

"Got some news to share?" I eye my best friend, now suspicious of all of her unexpected skills with my newborn.

"No news is good news," Sophie replies. "But if there is news, you'll be the first to know."

"Second." Luc states firmly.

"Meh, maybe." Sophie smirks. "But probably not. Sorry, babe. I knew her first."

Luc's mouth drops open. Sophie rises on her toes to kiss him.

"Relax, I'm just joking." Sophie comes to sit next to me and snuggle my baby. "I'll tell you at the same time."

In my little fantasy life, Luc and Sophie will have their own little one sooner then later so my sweet Cody can have a best friend as awesome as her mommy's.

^^^^^

I have zero excuses for my bad behavior. My imaginary friends have not wanted to come and spill the tea lately... But, only one epilogue to go and it will be my favorite! Luc has some surprises in store for us! I really, honestly, truly plan to post on Wednesday. I will tie myself in a chair with my laptop if that's what it takes.

Clickbait baby!!