Two Pink Lines

chapter 12: coming home

"WAAA" a loud cry came from the hospital crib, and Joe got up, walking over to him.

"Hey Jam, your mom's still sleeping," Joe tried to quiet him.

Taylor sat up slightly, "Not anymore."

"Sorry darling," Joe apologized. 

"It's fine," Taylor said, glancing at the time, "The doctor's come in to do a last checkup in half an hour."

Joe nodded, "I think he wants to be breastfed."

Joe handed James to Taylor, who winced as James sucked on her breast. "No one told me breastfeeding hurt."

"I'm sorry love," Joe kneeled down next to her, kissing her forehead.

They talked for half an hour, constantly making sure the baby was alright until the doctor came in. "Hey guys! have you used the inhaler yet?"

Joe looked up, "I was just about to."

"Okay, why don't you do that while I check on Taylor," Dr. Knowles said, going over to the monitor.

After Joe helped James with the inhaler, Dr. Knowles walked over, "Taylor's in great condition, let's just check on James."

Once she checked on James, she gave them the go-ahead, "You guys look perfectly healthy! You should have James come back in next week though, just to make sure everything stays okay."

"So can I get up?" Taylor asked.

"Yeah, here why doesn't Joe help you, your body is going to have to adjust back to not having a baby," Dr. Knowles said.

Joe walked over to Taylor, placing a hand on her back, lifting her up. Taylor wobbled a little bit, leaning onto Joe for support. "Oh my god I feel so light," Taylor said in disbelief.

"That feeling may last for a while. If you feel like your muscles need more help getting adjusted, when get can you physical therapy next week when you come back in with James," The doctor explained. "I'll leave you two to get changed, then you can check out at the front desk. You can use the baby carrier right over there."

"Thank you so much," Joe said politely.

The doctor left the room, leaving Taylor and Joe. "So I brought you some loose joggers and a t-shirt, I wasn't sure what would be most comfortable," Joe said, pulling them out of the duffel bag.

"That sounds perfect," Taylor said. "Er, can you help me change into them?"

"Of course love," Joe let her hold onto him for support as she changed, and he helped her lift her shirt over her head.

Taylor sighed, "It feels good to be in something that's not a hospital gown."

Joe nodded sympathetically, kissing her cheek before picking up James and strapping him into the baby carrier. After stopping by Patrick, they checked out of the hospital, then drove home. "I'm so excited!" Taylor said, grinning as she held James. "This is going to be your home James!"

James giggled, sucking on his thumb. Joe held Taylor's free hand, opening the door for them. "Should we show him to the nursery first?" Joe asked.

"Yeah," Taylor replied, walking up the stairs. Joe followed, walking into the nursery they had painted and decorated weeks before.

Joe smiled, "Do you like it Jam?"

James clapped his hands together, and Taylor and Joe exchanged happy glances. After showing James the nursery, they went all around the house, giving him a little tour. Soon after, James started to cry, causing both Taylor and Joe to panic.