Karev Baby? Again?

Chapter 20

Arizona knocked on the door, bright and early in the morning. "Good morning.." She whispered, just in case there was a sleeping baby.

Katie was feeding Paisley, who was almost asleep. "Hi." She whispered, rubbing her eyes. Paisley woke up every hour, sometimes twice overnight. It was a lot to take in. Jo tried to take a couple of the changings, but Katie insisted on taking them. "She's almost asleep, she'll be done in a second."

"No worries." She said, checking Katie's vitals. "You're looking great, momma. How are you feeling?"

"Sore, tired." She complained.

"I know. First week is tough. You can go ahead and take over the counter pain relievers, but if it gets any worse let me know and we'll prescribe something stronger. As for the sleep, I can't help too much, unfortunately." She sighed. "She will get adjusted. It might feel a little impossible, but in the next couple of weeks, she'll get used to feedings and schedules. I wouldn't try to set a schedule for the next week or two, just because you don't want a crying baby constantly."

Katie nodded. There were so many things she had to learn, it was overwhelming. She snapped her hospital gown back together. "She's only eat for about 15 minutes every hour. Sometimes every 30 minutes. It's really scattered right now." She sat up, wincing.

Arizona checked Paisley's heart rate and lungs. "Katie, she is just perfect. Everything is where it should be. I think it's time for you guys to go home." She grinned. "I can grab discharge papers for you and get you guys out of here. You'll get to go home and get some sleep."

Katie nodded, a scared expression on her face. This was it. She was taking her daughter home, all alone. Of course, she had her parents, but they could only take so much time off of work. Especially as department heads (ortho and peds, that is). She was the one responsible for every single thing that baby girl needed.

"I could text Sierra, maybe see if she could spend some time with you while you settle in." Arizona suggested.

"Okay." She nodded. She watched her mother sign the discharge papers, since she was still a minor, and pulled the blankets off of her legs. She winced even louder when she stood up. She was in so much pain from the birth, especially the day after. She kept Paisley on her chest, limping over to the bag and car seat. She tried to bend over; horrible idea.

Jo scurried over. "Let me take her, okay? Your dad will make sure everything's together. Why don't you try to get dressed? If you need help, please don't hesitate to ask. I've seen it all, Katie." She said, holding Paisley in her arm. Luckily, Paisley was in a deep sleep for now. Katie hoped she would stay a heavy sleeper.

Katie took fifteen minutes to get dressed, but successfully did it. It was just sweats and a t-shirt, but she'd take the small victory. "Didn't Meghan Markle have her baby and walk out of the hospital the day after in full makeup and a dress?! Cause I seriously envy that woman right now. What kind of drugs did they give her??"

Jo chuckled. "I will never know either." She laid Paisley in her seat, buckling her in and laying her purple planet over her.

"She looks so tiny in there." Katie whispered, smiling at her girl.

Jo picked up the car seat, walking to the elevator with the other two. Mark had grabbed all of the bags, and they let Katie walk empty-handed. Katie sat in the backseat next to Paisley. She held onto her hand, silently watching her sleep.

Paisley slept the entire drive and even when they walked inside. Katie unbuckled her from her seat, which took a few minutes. She didn't understand why they made it so hard to undo. She cuddled her to her chest, sitting on the couch. "I love you so freaking much, Paisley Mae. I think we're going to be just fine."

She went ahead and let Sierra know she could come over in a couple of days. She wanted to get settled in alone. Just her and Paisley. She loved Sierra, but right now she wanted Paisley all to herself. She laid down, quietly speaking to Paisley about the people around her that were already in love with her.