I finished with my phone calls and headed back to the group. They were finished eating and waiting for me. The hour the delivery room staff told us was just about up. I scooped up Jenny, and together with the rest of the family, we headed for Carol.
A nurse was just leaving Carol's room. She stopped in the open doorway, barring our entrance. I asked her if Carol was ready to receive visitors. When she saw the size of the group (Fifteen of us!), her eyes got huge. She was hesitant, but remained friendly and professional. "Yes, we just got her and the little ones settled in. The babies are fed, and Mrs. Lloyd is just finishing her supper, but... but... you can't all go in there at once. Only spouses, siblings, and grandparents may visit during non-visiting hours. All others must come during regular visiting hours. If she was in semi-private, you would be limited to two visitors at a time not including spouses and siblings. In private, you're allowed four, plus I don't think there's room for all of you at once."
I looked at my wives and grinned. I handed Jenny to Dad and scooped each of my pregnant lovelies into my side. We all had the same thought. I nodded and My Wives did their three-persons-in-one-body routine as from inside the room I heard Carol's voice saying the same words. The poor nurse didn't know what hit her when she heard their patented surround sound effect. "We are all Mrs. Lloyd." Diane and Riekie indicated themselves. "And these are our children. Please let us in to see our babies."
I saw the nurse note that three of the ladies, especially the two I was holding, were pregnant (And if she was smart, remembering Rule One <grin>), but she still acted like she would continue to block the door. Riekie got a very stern look on her face and spoke directly to the nurse. "I am not only Mrs. Lloyd, I am Dr. Lloyd. As the physician present, I take full responsibility. My wife and our babies will be receiving their family NOW, thank you. We'll work out our own rotation, but these people are all Carol Anne's family, and she wants to see them. If there is a problem, take it up with the Chief Surgeon, who also happens to be our family doctor." (In our small hospital, the Chief Surgeon was second only to the Administrator, and therefore God.)
The nurse blanched when she realized this was the same Dr. Lloyd who worked with Dr. Hackett. She stepped aside, then, to allow us to enter. "All right, Dr. Lloyd, as long as Mrs. Lloyd isn't overtaxed and she and her twins get their rest."
Riekie stepped to the door, glanced in the room, threw Carol a kiss, then turned to us. "The nurse is right about crowding. We'll go in first, David, with Mom and Dad and Grandpa Paul and the Oma's; and then you guys, Joanne, Jim and Judy. Is everyone Ok with that? Each group will only spend fifteen or twenty minutes with her. That should give each person a chance to see the babies and have a short visit with Carol Anne. Despite what she might say, she does need her rest, so we won't stay too long. The kids and any of us spouses can stay as long as we like."
Everyone agreed, I took Jenny back from Dad and we went in. The kids rushed in ahead of us, eager to see their new brother and sister. They babbled and giggled. "Mommy Carol! Mommy Carol!"
Carol was just finishing her supper as the nurse had said. She had changed to a soft blue nightie that went well with her blue eyes and the red highlights in her freshly brushed hair. She looked adorable. It was obvious she was tired, but she also looked extremely happy and proud, and so she should — just look at the wonderful, magical results of her labour lying in the cot at the foot of her bed!
When she saw the kids coming, Carol pushed the table away and held her arms out to them, momentarily diverting their attention from the new babies. The three oldest climbed on Carol's bed and gave her huge sloppy kid kisses and hugs. I set Jenny down with the other three and she crawled up the bed to give Mommy Carol a wet kiss and a hug. She was delighted to see them and hugged each tightly. "Hey! Munchkins! Come see me first! I wanna hold you guys! Let your grandparents have some time with the babes, then you can meet them and maybe we'll even let you hold them. Whaddaya say?"
Rhiannon, after a brief glance of silent consultation among them, spoke for all of them. Lately, when addressing someone for the four, you would see this glance then only one would speak, leaving the other three attentively silent. Rhiannon, as the oldest, was often that spokesman. They took the four-bodies-one-mind to levels even My Wives couldn't attain. "That's OK, Mommy Carol. We've already talked to them. They're real glad to be out of your tummy, but they miss how warm you were. They were scared, but we told them it was OK."
Those four never ceased to amaze My Wives or me! Just when we thought we had a handle on their abilities, they'd surprise us with something even more profound. They still do.
While the kids babbled away to Carol, full of questions, the rest of us gravitated toward the twins. I thought how progressive this hospital seemed, as they were together in one of those portable baby beds, but Riekie said that was just to save moving two cots from the nursery. She thought in the nursery they would be separated. After our experience with the older four, none of us liked that idea, and wanted them to stay together especially at night. I resolved to look into how difficult it would be to keep the babies with Carol all the time.
The twins were awake and alert, and seemed to be looking for the source of the kid noises in the room. Riekie and Diane picked them up, cooing and fussing over them. Damn! They looked good holding babies! Soon the little ones were being passed from parent, to grandparent, to grandparent. The little ones never made even a peep, and appeared to enjoy the attention.
Daddy seemed to take a back seat as the babies were held and loved by everyone. Finally, though, there seemed to be some unspoken agreement reached, and I received both in my welcoming arms. As their tiny fists wrapped around the index fingers of both my hands, I was once again overwhelmed with love and awe for these two tiny miracles. Both babies looked into my eyes and I became lost in their ancient gaze.
A soft voice from the direction of the bed broke me from my reverie. "Did I do good?"
Tears in my eyes, I turned to her and breathed, "Oh, yeah, Baby, you did real good. They're perfect!"
Carol held out her arms. "Bring Benji and Katelyn over here so the kids can meet them, and I need a hug, Lover."
While I'd been holding the twins, I'd been oblivious to everything else in the room. I noticed that almost all eyes were on me. I felt the heat rise in my face. "Whut?"
Riekie laughed. "Oh, you know... We were just watching the proud father. You looked a million miles away, and you had the dreamiest smile."
Mom smiled. "You were looking at those babies the way you and Your Wives look at each other. They might not have recognized that look of total love as observers, because they're always on the receiving/giving end, but the rest of us see it all the time. It has always been the sweetest thing to see — total love and total commitment. Now, the other children have been very patient, David, it's their turn to meet their new brother and sister."
Smiling uncomfortably at Mom's observation, I moved to the bed as the four older children gathered close by Carol, watching eagerly. Carol hugged them then had them move farther down the bed to give them room. Benji smiled and seemed to reach for her as I handed him to Rhiannon. Diane moved in to show her how to hold the baby. When I gave Katelyn to K.P., I saw the same interaction. Riekie moved to instruct her in safe baby-handling as well. J.D and Jenny moved in close to their sisters as they held the babies and waited their turn. I was pleased there was none of that 'Me first!' or 'Hurry up, it's my turn!' behavior from any of them. D.J. and Jenny waited their turns patiently and quietly.
Both mothers hovered close to ensure small arms were able to hold them safely, especially when they switched from one child to another. Even two-and-a-half year old Jenny got to hold them for a few minutes. The kids were mesmerized, and the babies seemed to recognize them all. The kids cooed and fussed over their new siblings, but were strangely quiet until we saw the significant glances and knowing looks and realized they were communicating among themselves and probably with Benji and Katelyn at that non-verbal level they were perfecting so well.
With Diane and Riekie supervising the four older ones with the babes, I was able to properly greet My Wife. She held out her arms and I took her into mine. We became totally oblivious to the rest of the room as we exchanged a very sweet and tender kiss that lasted forever. It wasn't a kiss of passion, but, OH! the love! As we gently separated, I whispered, "I love you, Baby, more than I can ever express. How do you feel?"
"I love you too, Lover. I feel wonderful, but I am pretty tired — I think I could sleep for a week. Oh! Twice now you've called me Baby and it hasn't brought up the old hurt. I always liked when you called me that. It made me feel so loved and warm. Now that we're finished with Daddy, just that good feeling is back, and I want to hear it all the time again. What made you start calling me that again?"
"Couple of things. I noticed earlier today you'd dredged up an old name for me — 'Lover'. The two always went together, and somehow it was fitting when you finally had your babies."
She sighed. "You're right. I was kinda daydreaming earlier today until the contractions started, remembering our first summer, and I guess that's why I called you that today. Damn! That was a good summer! Now, kiss me again, like you mean it, Lover!"
I lowered my lips to hers. Once more we became lost in each other as we exchanged our souls and hearts in a timeless kiss.
"Get a room!" <Giggle> "Somebody else would like to say hello to the new Mom and babies!"
Reluctantly we parted. Somewhere during our kisses, the grandparents had quietly exchanged places with Joanne, and Jim and Judy. I gave Carol a little peck on the tip of her nose and stepped back. "No rest for the wicked, Baby. I'll let you visit with your other guests. We won't stay long. You and the whiffets need your rest."
It felt so-o-o-o good to be able to use one of my favourite pet names for her again! Often times, since September, I'd had to bite my tongue to refrain from using it. Now that I could use it again, I felt liberated.
Joanne and Judy fussed over Carol and the babies as they had their visit. Jim seemed a little uncomfortable, but loosened up when he held each of the twins. He'd never held a baby before, and felt a little awkward at first, as most men do on their first time. Too soon for them, their allotted time was up. They kissed Carol and the babies good bye and said they'd drop in again tomorrow. Joanne said she'd call all our friends, like Jim and Julie, and Al and Karen to let them know the good news.
The grandparents all came back in for a few minutes to say their goodbyes for the evening. They didn't really want to leave, but Mom sensed how tired Carol really was, and hustled them out, saying. "Carol and her babies need some sleep; let's leave them to their rest. I'll call all your aunts and uncles, David and let them know. Praise the Goddess! I don't know when the arrival of new babies has been so widely anticipated! And... it's going to be the same for Muffin and Princess!"
With the other visitors gone, My Wives and children stayed with Carol for another hour or so, by which time she was fading fast, and hardly able to keep her eyes open. The new twins, freshly nursed (The older kids were fascinated to watch as Benji and Katelyn suckled hungrily at Carol's beautiful, bountiful breasts.) and in fresh diapers were sound asleep in their cot at the foot of the bed.
While Carol was feeding them, Doc Hackett came in to check on her and the babies as part of his evening rounds. I asked him, "Doc, any chance Benji and Katelyn can stay all night with Carol Anne? We don't like the idea of them being separated from each other in the nursery, and they're so content right now, I think they'd cry constantly."
Doc laughed. "Oh, for sure, David. We're not in the Dark Ages of post natal care here! We don't take the newborns away to the nursery anymore unless there's a medical problem that requires monitoring. These two are healthy and eating well already. They're best being left with their mother. Twins always do better if they're kept together. There's already a note on their chart that they're to stay with Carol."
My next question was on all our minds. "When will we be able to take them home?"
He surprised me. "If Carol and the twins continue as healthy as they are now, and as long as they keep eating so well," he indicated the youngsters smacking noisily and happily at Carol's breasts, "You should be able to check them out Monday — Tuesday at the latest. I'll be able to let you know tomorrow for sure. We don't keep them long now. Having babies isn't a disease, it's a natural, normally healthy process, and the sooner they're in their normal home environment, the better." My Wives and I heaved a sigh of relief. We wanted them home as soon as possible as we didn't want to be separated from Our Love, Carol, or the babies any longer than necessary.
Doc asked Carol a couple more questions and made a discrete examination of her tummy, then left. After the twins had sucked up their fill, been burped and changed (Diane and Riekie got that job), they soon fell asleep cuddled in their mother's arms. We gently removed them from her arms, placed them in the cot, and prepared to say our goodbyes to a very sleepy Carol.
The four older kids kissed Mommy Carol good night and tarried longingly at the twins' cot as I gave her a sweet, lingering kiss. "Good night, Baby. I'll miss you in our bed tonight. Come home to us soon. I love you. I'll see you as soon as we can get here tomorrow, but it might be after lunch. Get some sleep now; those little munchkins'll be hungry again soon."
Carol smiled sleepily at me and pointed to her heart. "I'll be with you here, Lover. It's only a couple of nights. You'll survive. Now get those other kids home to bed. It's getting close to their bedtime. I love you. I'll see you tomorrow."
I kissed her lightly one more time then gathered up the kids as Riekie and Diane said their own goodbyes. They both kissed her tenderly and murmured words of love to her. The nurse came in while Diane and Carol were sharing one of their patented lover's kisses. She coloured brightly when she saw it. I'm sure Carol and Diane saw her coming and purposely deepened the kiss for her benefit. Pausing briefly to kiss the new twins, we reluctantly headed out the door. I looked back and Carol was already sound asleep, a sweet smile on her beautiful face.
The trip home only took a few minutes. We were all tired and a little quiet, but very happy. I called Mom to let her know we were home again and advise her Carol could be home as early as Monday. She said she'd called all our relatives already plus Hank and Celia who said they'd let Tom and Sandra know.
The wives took the kids up for their bath and got them ready for bed. We tucked them in and read them a story, the girls acting out all the parts. Soon they were sound asleep in a heap with Ahab woven through them somehow. My wives and I retired to the kitchen to unwind and share a few quiet moments. It had been a long tiring day for us, too, and we would be hitting the sack early ourselves.
Diane looked thoughtful. "I heard you call Carol Anne 'Baby' a lot today. Why was that?"
I sighed. "I used to call her that all the time, didn't I Princess?" Riekie reached over the table, took my hand and nodded. "But... Bob Sr. called her that when he tried to rape her, and so whenever I used it, she'd get a painful memory flashback. She said today that she doesn't anymore, so now I can use my favourite pet name for her again. Way back when, we had a bit of fun over that name, and it became our favourite. Princess knows the story. It was part of the 'Name Thing' when we did the phone sex as our first intimate act."
Riekie sighed at happy memories. "Yeah! It was so sweet! Ya know, I almost lost David and Carol Anne's friendship over my stupid actions that day, but I also mark that day as the beginning for me, for that was the day I first admitted to myself my true feelings for David. I felt it before that, probably since I met him, but that day crystallized it." She squeezed my hand and mouthed, "I love you."
Diane said, "Well! That settles it! I've been wracking my brain for a good pet name for Mrs. Lloyd that we can all use. From now on, if she's agreeable, Carol Anne is 'Baby'. So say I." Diane hung 'Princess' on Riekie permanently, so I guess she thought giving Carol a permanent pet name was her special privilege as well.
I laughed. "Oh I don't think there'll be a problem with that. She told me today she wanted to hear it all the time, now. We'll just start using it. If she has any objections, she'll tell us." Thus, Carol became 'Baby' to all her spouses. I've never heard a kid slip up and call her 'Mommy Baby', though, like we sometimes hear 'Mommy Muffin'.
We were all tired, the conversation ran down and before long, we were yawning, fighting to keep our eyes open. We closed up the house and headed to bed. It was a little lonely without Carol. It was supposed to be Riekie's private time, but she insisted Diane join us for the night, else she'd have been alone. The three of us simply cuddled together and were soon asleep. I was awakened in the morning by two warm wet mouths licking and sucking my morning woody. My orgasm left me drained and happy. After a morning shower where I explored the nether charms of both to screaming orgasms, we got on with our day.
Sunday passed quickly. In the morning we caught up our morning chores, then after a light lunch, we loaded the kids in the van and headed into the hospital to visit Carol and the new twins.
When we walked in, Carol greeted us with warm hugs and kisses, Diane first. As she ran to embrace Carol, she said. "Hi, Baby! We missed you in our bed last night!" Carol seemed to melt at Diane referring to her as 'Baby'.
When Riekie greeted her with, "Oh, Baby. We miss you so much!" Carol raised an eyebrow at me, and smiled.
I took my turn giving her a sensuous kiss and whispered. "Hi, Baby. Miss us?"
Carol pulled me back for a second kiss. "Hi, Lover! Got 'em all saying it now, eh? Good! I miss you guys so much! I feel I could go home today, but they won't let me."
We spent the rest of the day with them until it was the older kids' bedtime, leaving only long enough to go to the cafeteria for supper. Unlike the Palliative Care Unit at Foothills, the hospital here wouldn't serve meals to family in the maternity rooms. Other visitors, including the grandparents, popped in and out during the regular visiting hours in the afternoon and evening. Benji and Katelyn slept most of the time, despite all the attention from visitors, awakening long enough to be fed and changed. When awake, they were quiet and seemed to take everything in with their large blue eyes.
Doc Hackett came in during the afternoon and confirmed Carol and the babies would be discharged sometime tomorrow, probably after lunch but maybe earlier, depending on his rounds. I made a note to get the infant seats installed in the van first thing the next morning. While he was there, Doc also gave Diane and Riekie a quick check to see how they were doing, and confirmed they were progressing normally. The older kids were thrilled when Doc let us all listen to the heartbeats of the three yet to come in his stethoscope. Not to mention four expectant parents... !
When we got home that night, after tucking the kids in bed, we called Bob and Karen and had a nice long visit with them. Karen was in between Diane and Riekie for her due date. As the three of them were so close together, they were more or less at the same stage of their pregnancy, and were constantly comparing notes.
After talking with Bob and Karen, we called the boys and also gave then the full details. Robbie and Jamie surprised us, announcing they were coming East to spend a week with us over the Canada Day holiday. Jamie had graduated from college in May, and wanted a holiday before starting his new job sometime in August. Neither had been east of Winnipeg, and they wanted to spend some time with us. They were arriving next weekend!
After we got off the phone with the boys, the girls got all in a dither, worrying about where we'd put them up. The spare room was jammed with baby stuff, with just a path to the bed. The girls were the only ones to use the room on Saturday nights. They didn't mind the clutter as it was only temporary until the new house was ready, but declared it unfit to house guests. Mom's was out of the question, Paul and his wives were still there, with Jim and Judy on weekends. I told the girls for a week we could let them use the fold out bed in the living room — the boys wouldn't mind. They knew about our space constraints and would adapt. The girls weren't so sure...
"C'mon My Loves, there's nothing we can do about it tonight. Let's just go to bed and sleep on it. Maybe we'll have a brainwave overnight."
In stereo. "You're right, David. Let's sleep on it. And... let's see if we can keep it from Baby. It'll be a wonderful surprise for her."
"Can you two keep it from her for a whole week? She's bound to figure out something's up. She'll sense your excitement at the very least."
"We think we can, David. She'll be busy with the babies, and if she does catch our excitement, we'll just tell her we're planning a surprise for you."
When we went to bed, Diane got the cuddle spot, but Riekie curled into my back felt just wonderful, too, despite the summer heat. I made love slowly first to Diane and then Riekie from the spoon — their tummies too swollen now for our preferred missionary position. In this position, I was able to caress their tummies, large with new life and fondle their succulent boobies. They might be almost seven months pregnant, but their libidos were still very active. Totally connected empathically, each came when the other did, loudly and wetly, their screams echoing through the house. Three rather satisfied individuals fell into a deep, contented sleep, cuddled in each others' arms.
Next day, Monday, we rose early. At breakfast, we told the kids about Robbie and Jamie's upcoming visit, and told them we were going to make it a surprise for Mommy Carol, so they couldn't breathe a word to her. The children were totally excited at the visit and also the idea of surprising their parent.
After breakfast, I called Jim at the dealership to arrange for two infant carriers to be installed in the van that morning. Jim said the shop was busy, but he had anticipated my call since Joanne called him on Saturday with the good news. He congratulated us and said the appointment was already made. All I had to do was show up when I was ready.
I made a quick visit to the house site to check in with the crew and let them know the good news. The guys were almost as happy as us, and seemed to go back to their work with a renewed enthusiasm. I checked with Diane and Riekie, then headed into town, making a quick stop at the smoke shop on the way in.
While I was away, the girls and kids were to put the finishing touches on the nursery — not that it needed anything, but they were sure they'd overlooked some preparation. They also said they'd think more on how we would accommodate Robbie and Jamie during their one-week stay with us.
At the dealership, Jim saw me drive in. "Leave the keys in it, Dave. The boys will have it done in no time."
"I feel a fool, Jim. I should've had these seats installed weeks ago. I just got wrapped up in everything else. Oh, by the way — have a couple cigars!" I handed him two cigars from the boxes I'd bought at the smoke shop. A blue band on one announced 'It's a boy' and a pink one on the other 'It's a girl'. Trite, but what the hey! It isn't everyday I get to announce the birth of twins!
Jim wasn't busy with customers, so we visited for a few minutes. Jim wanted all the details of the delivery to take home to Julie. He said Joanne didn't have a lot of time when she called.
About fifteen minutes later, the service manager came over and said I was good to go. He was very patient with me, and explained how the seats worked as he demonstrated. "You could've just bought the seats and set them up yourself. But then, most new fathers — and I was one once, too — usually need a little guidance the first time. They're a simple rear-facing baby carrier which just fastens in under the seat belt. When you pick them up, unbuckle the seats and take them in with you... like this. Secure the little ones in the seats... like this, then just buckle them in... like this. These are top of the line, and have solid carrying handles... here. They're also convertible to forward facing for when the kids grow. Just follow the instructions on this sheet. Keep it in the glove box."
When I went to pay, Jim waved me off. "Dave, Julie and I only got a token gift for Carol's shower. These are our real gifts to Carol and the babies. We tried to get them sooner, but they were backordered and just came in on Friday. When it's time for Diane and Riekie, they'll get the same — but don't tell them now and spoil their surprise. We already have them, so they're ready either for the next shower or when you need them." He handed me a card. "Give this to Carol."
I was overwhelmed at their generosity. These car seats were NOT cheap! I clasped Jim's hand and pulled him into a hug. "You've always been a good friend, Jim. Thank you from Carol Anne, the babies, and me. Take that hug home to Julie for us, willya?"
Jim and I shook hands and I drove home. Riekie and Diane met me at the door, faces beaming with four children bouncing excitedly. They could barely contain their excitement as they babbled in their synchronous speech. It was fun to listen to them.
"Carol Anne called..."
"Doc said they can..."
"Come home any time..."
"We don't have to..."
"Wait until after lunch..."
"We're all ready..."
"Let's go..."
"Get 'em!"
Four young voices chimed in, "Yeah, Daddy! Let's go get 'em!"
While Diane and I strapped the kids in the van, Riekie quickly called my parents to let them know we were off to fetch Carol and the new babies, then we were off to the hospital.
On the way in, Riekie told me, "Muffin and I decided the boys can't sleep in the living room. We asked Mom if she had room over there for the extra and unused baby things in the spare room. Most of it's clothes and toys for when they get bigger. She said she had lots. The one bedroom in the basement is still unused, so while you were in town, we sorted out everything we would need for the next month, which wasn't much. Paul and Dad are going to take the rest over to Mom's while we're away getting Baby and the babies."
She giggled. "Huh! 'Baby and the babies' — sounds like the name of a '50's or '60's rock band. I LOVE it! <giggle> An-ny-way... By the time we get home, the spare room will be cleared and ready for the boys. Doing it while she's away, she'll not wonder why we're clearing the spare room. Carol Anne won't be up to housework for a while yet, so if Muffin and I clean the room, and keep that door closed, which we do anyway, she'll never notice the change.
When we got to the hospital, I unlimbered the car seats and we went up to Carol's room. Carol was dressed and sitting on the bed, swinging her heels. As we walked in, she slid off the bed and grinned. "'Bout time ya got here. Thought I was gonna hafta walk home." She opened her arms and took hugs from all of us. "The twins ate just a few minutes ago. They're OK for a couple hours now. Take us home, please."
My wives and I strapped the babies into their carriers and collected Carol's belongings, including the various plants that had been sent by well-wishers. Everyone had something to carry. A nurse showed up with a wheel chair for an indignant Carol, who protested, "I walked in here, I'll walk out!" But the nurse insisted, saying it was 'hospital policy'. Rather than create a scene, Carol acquiesced and allowed herself to be wheeled to the exit. I left them long enough to bring the van around. We quickly strapped everyone in and headed for home.
When we arrived home, all the grandparents were there to meet us. The welcome Carol and the newborns received, you'd have thought she'd been away for weeks instead of a couple days. Even the guys from the construction crew used their break time to be part of the welcoming committee.
Their first day home was busy. We had visitors in and out all day. I fetched Diane's rocker from the spare room and set it up in the living room so Carol could rock the babies without withdrawing from the family. Even with the rocker and the support of the rest of us, all the comings and goings became quite taxing on Carol and the babes got cranky. She bravely soldiered on, not wanting to snub people who dropped in to visit thinking they were doing a GOOD thing, but I saw the effect on her and finally drew the line. I spoke to Riekie, who agreed, and as the doctor, sent them upstairs to bed for naps and just peace and quiet in the mid-afternoon. The rest of us took turns lying with her, just holding her, and changing diapers as needed. By supper time, Carol was rested, the babies were past their crankiness, and she was able to join us for the evening meal.
At supper time, Carol sighed and said. "It's very nice to have all these visitors, and they mean well, but I wish we could just get away. I was thinking, David... I know we can't travel yet, but do you and the girls think we might be able to go to the cottage next month? My five weeks of enforced celibacy will be up by then, and I can think of no better place to resume our love life."
I agreed, but wasn't sure if the babies and the other two would be able to handle the long drive.
Riekie spoke up. "It's a wonderful idea! The babies should be well established in their routine by then and should be able to travel. Muffin and I will still be able to travel as long as we can make pee stops. We'll be a little uncomfortable, but no more than we are sitting at home. We all need a break. Our lives have been a turmoil for almost a year now — it'll be therapeutic for all of us."
Diane was enthusiastic. "Yeah! And I'll finally get to see this magical place I've heard so much about. David, call Joe and make the arrangements. We'll need to set up a nursery there. Is there room?"
"Tons of room. I'll call him tonight. I should anyway, just to let him know about Benji and Katelyn's arrival."
After supper I called Joe and told him our good news. He was ecstatic. You'd have thought he was one of the grandparents! I asked him to set up the west bedroom as a nursery with two large cribs and to get a couple sturdy rocking chairs. One for upstairs and another for down.
Joe laughed when I told him what I wanted. "My daughter, Janet, is way ahead of you! Neither you nor I thought of it, but she did. We already have a nursery ready for twins, complete with changing table and one rocking chair. I'll get another one for downstairs. The master is set up as you asked, and the other two rooms are set up with queen size beds. When do you think you'll be coming?"
A hurried consultation with the wives. "We'll be down for Civic Holiday weekend and hopefully the following two weeks. I'll let you know the full plan once we get it firmed up. I'll let you go now and talk to you later."
"OK, David, and again, congratulations. I can hardly wait to see you all. Good Bye."
Their first night home, the babes were restless in their new surroundings. We were up with them several times and Carol's rocking chair got a good workout. Diane and Riekie were up just as often as Carol and I, and we were all tired in the morning. Needless to say there was no passionate lovemaking that night, but there was certainly a lot of loving cuddling centred on Carol.
In the following days Carol and the babes settled in and a routine of two-to-three hour feedings and frequent changing was quickly established. With two other women in the house, Carol's burden was greatly reduced. Unlike many first-time mothers, she had lots of help, and was able to get much-needed rest, avoiding most of the moodiness and anxiety many new mothers get simply from being over-stressed and fatigued. She had a few mood swings as her hormones readjusted, but nothing serious, and Mom was able to provide some herbal remedies that alleviated the worst of the 'post-partum blues'. The older kids were simply fantastic and loved their new siblings dearly.
I helped where I could, becoming quite proficient at changing diapers (Seemed I always got the smelly ones... ), and was the designated 'burper'. I didn't mind a bit, as this was my special time with the little ones, allowing me to bond with them. I spent a lot of time rocking and talking to them, often lost in the depths of their old/young eyes.
The wives looked after the daytime, and I got the night shift, allowing Diane and Riekie to get their rest, too. We didn't need either of them succumbing to exhaustion so close to their own due dates. The babies thrived and grew quickly. Despite having only grown one bra size, Carol had ample milk for the twins and often expressed some with the aid of a breast pump so there was always a supply in the fridge for those few times when all they wanted was a little snack or Carol was temporarily unavailable. Benji and Katelyn had healthy appetites, leading to much gentle teasing of me. "Well, we know they're yours for sure — look at them eat!"
With a practicing physician on the premises, the babies' and their mother's health was monitored closely. Riekie soon had Carol on a healthy nursing diet and a more rigorous exercise routine to tighten her tummy, further reduce the size of her uterus, and restore her figure and overall muscle tone. By the end of the first week, both Carol and the babes were healthy and content, with a consistent routine.
Work on the house forged ahead. The contractor said it looked good for an occupancy date no later than the end of October, and possibly earlier, barring delays beyond his control. The girls became more actively involved as the interior started to take shape, choosing paint colours, floor coverings, bathroom fixtures, appliances, and all the myriad details of finishing that go into a house. Carol was able to visit the site everyday with the rest of us to add her input.
Friday night, the boys called to let us know they'd arrived in Toronto. Fortunately, Carol was busy feeding the twins when the call came, and I was able to talk freely with them. They said they were going to take a day exploring the city, and would arrive at the farm sometime Sunday afternoon. I told them Carol didn't know they were coming. Her big surprise was set.