Through It All

Chapter 4: Leaving

"Nothing to worry about Maya. She's doing perfectly well besides her little cough but it isn't anything to worry about." I nod and still gnaw on my bottom lip as I watch him examine Lynie.

Everything was fine until one day where she got a fever and later a small cough. I was scared that it had to do with her lungs, scared that she was struggling to breathe because of it. Luckily we had a doctor's appointment the very next morning for her one month update.

"Every child gets sick. With the vaccination she's getting today it should help her get rid of her little cold anyways."

"I was just worried because of her breathing, it looks like she's struggling."

"For now she's fine but if there is ever a moment where you think she really doesn't seem fine please don't hesitate to bring her here or give me a call."

I nod, "Thank you."

"Of course," he smiles. "She's doing very well weight wise, she gained exactly what we want her too so I'm guessing she has no problem with breastfeeding."

"She's still not comfortable with latching on but otherwise no," I reply.

"Most babies it takes them a little while to figure it out but if you were having trouble I'd suggest to try a bottle, although she's eating and gaining weight so that would entirely be up to you and whether you would want to switch. Most moms do because they need do go back to work." He explains.

"For the time being I'm going to keep breastfeeding and maybe a few months later we'll try a bottle," I glance at Josh for confirmation and he nods.

"That way if you aren't around I could always feed her and not have to rely on you," he adds.

"Exactly," I agree.

We talk a little while longer about Lynie and how she's doing at home before the doctor eventually leaves to fetch the needles. "Its going to be a disaster," I mumble, gazing down at our baby girl with a sad smile.

"And that's why we're both here." Josh wraps an arm around my waist and plants a kiss on my temple. "To give her the love and assurance that she needs. I really wish she didn't have to go through it but she needs it." I sigh and lean against his side.

"It'll be over fast," he assures me.

"I know but it's still hard to watch, she's our fragile girl she doesn't need more things to harm her."

"A few seconds of pain for a something she'll need in the long run. Its going to be fine." He places another kiss on my temple and I let my eyes close for a few seconds, taking a deep breath.

Josh tightens his grip on my waist when the doctor walks in and my heart start pounding in anticipation as I watch him get everything ready.

"This usually hurts the parents more than the baby," Dr. Kraft chuckles when he notices Josh and I's worried faces.

"It'll feel like a quick pinch, that's all."

He takes his place in front of her and rubs some alcohol on her little thighs. I hold her arms against her chest and without giving us a warning he gives her her first shot. Just as her she starts turning red, seconds away from crying he quickly does the other encouraging a shriek out of her that turns into her loudly crying. He places two small band aid on each thighs and turns to smile at us. "All done."

I instantly pick her up, pressing her against my chest and start swaying around to get her to calm down. "Its all over," I coo, pressing several kisses to her temple.

"You're all done."

Josh hands me her blanket, covering her with it so she doesn't get more sick than she already is. "Mama's got you, you're okay now." Her crying dies down to little whines and my heart sinks. I wish I could've taken the pain for her.