Love Unexpected

Chapter 3: I'm What Now?!

About a month after our vacation, Caitlin had her yearly physical scheduled. I had mine earlier in the month, and everything was said to be fine with me. Though Caitlin is quite nervous for the appointment, since she is always nervous about going to the doctors. I just did my best to keep her calm during the car ride to the doctor's office.

"You okay for your check-up?" I ask, focusing on the road in front of me. "Yeah, I'm feeling a bit better after that quick pit stop at Dollar General for a snack." I remember that she said she wanted to grab a bite, but we only had about an additional ten minutes for a quick stop. We stopped at a nearby Dollar General and buzzed in fast for some munchies. I just grabbed a Pepsi and some pretzels, though Caitlin got a small jar of crunchy peanut butter, dill pickles, and a bottle of orange soda. I was quite surprised about the combo of pickles and peanut butter, but as long as she was calming down, I chose not to give it a second thought.

Upon arrival to the office, we were just about on time for the physical with a few minutes to spare. I spent this time to relax my wife further for the physical, though we should be good as long as there are no needles large involved. "Mrs. Neri-Purdy? Follow me." a nurse says as she leads us to the hallway. She tells Cait to remove her shoes and stand against the wall next to a scale. "Alright, you are 5 foot 3 inches. " the nurse records that on her pad, "Now step up to the scale and we will get your weight." She steps to the scale and waits for the scale to equal out. "Alright, you are at 110 pounds." I can tell you are a bit disappointed that it isn't a bit higher, but at least it is in the triple digits. "Okay, now if you just wait in this room, and the doctor will be with you in just a few minutes." she says politely, and then closes the door.

"So, do you think Phoenix is doing fine with Ari during this physical?" I ask, hoping to keep Caitlin relaxed. "She is probably doing okay, she always likes when Ari looks after her. But she just may miss us a little." she says. Unlike most doctors, our doctor came in about five minutes later. "Good morning." the doctor greets pleasantly. "Good morning Dr. Anderson." Caitlin responds. "So, we are here for your yearly physical. So let's get started." She quickly goes over the basic procedure: checking my wife's eyes, ears, blood pressure, and heartbeat. "So, how have you been lately?" asks the physician. Cait looks to me and answers, "Well, I'm still feeling a bit tired, but that is what happens when you are a mother to a toddler." We explained how Phoenix is doing, as well as how her personality is showing.

"Now, back to you Caitlin. Do you smoke at all?" She says no.

"Do you drink at all?" "Well, sometimes, but not recently." she replies to the doctor who follows up with: "When was your last period?" She responds "About a month ago." "Are you sexually active?" She blushes for a minute, "Very."

"Okay, now even though this isn't part of the physical, I'd like you to provide a urine sample quickly in light of some of your answers." She looks to me for a moment "Okay, and why is that?" Well, from what you said about your last period being about a month ago and that your are currently sexually active, I'd like to check for any pregnancy hormones." We are both a little stunned for a second. "You mean you think I might be pregnant?" she asks Dr. Anderson. "Well, if you are, it explains your choice of snack on the way here." I add. "Mrs. Neri-Purdy, please take this cup and go to the restroom down the hall on the left, then return once you have given the sample." she instructs my wife.

A few minutes later, she returns with the cup. "Good, now I'll take this to the lab and test for HCG. This will take a few minutes, so just relax while the sample is tested."

"Well, this is quite the surprise." I say, breaking the silence after the doctor left. "Yeah, a big surprise." she chuckles nervously, "But I'm not sure how to feel right now. I'm both excited and afraid at the same time." I can understand that feeling. I am a bit excited and nervous at the same time myself. "Well, look on the bright side: If it is positive, Phoenix will finally have a little sibling." I say and hug her. "Yeah, and maybe you will get a son this time." she replies and hugs me back. Just at that moment, the doctor returns.