Chapter 161
“Yes you can, sweetie. Be gentle,” Lynn reminded her.
Calista leaned over, touching him with a single finger. Morgan joined in as she too reached over to touch the baby. Katie smiled when she bent down, kissing the top of Lynn’s head while continuing to take photos. “Oh, sis, he is just adorable!”
Lynn leaned against Alexis when the tears blurred her vision as she stared down at the squalling infant. “I think I’m in love!”
* * * *
It was another thirty minutes before Lynn’s contractions resumed. Even though she did not want to turn loose her little boy, she reluctantly did so, placing him into Katie’s capable arms. Both Calista and Morgan immediately surrounded Katie when she knelt in front of them, giving them both a closer look at their new brother. Lynn blew out a slow breath, preparing for another round of labor. “I love you,” Lynn whispered as she kissed Alexis’s lips.
“I love you, too.” Alexis returned the kiss while rubbing Lynn’s stomach. “I’m so proud of you!”
Lynn beamed when she leaned into Alexis’s arms. She released yet another breath and glanced up at Charlene. Lynn opened her mouth so that Charlene could provide her with a much-needed dose of rescue drops, an herbal remedy for use in times of high stress. Alexis slipped out from behind Lynn, scooting in front of her so that they were facing. Lynn moaned deeply as she pushed, leaning slightly forward as she placed both palms on Alexis’s shoulders.
Elise leaned over the birthing tank, checking the baby with the underwater monitor. Charlene palpated Lynn’s stomach, verifying the second baby was still in the correct position. Lynn closed her eyes when Alexis rubbed her face with a dampened towel while Elise brought over some ice cubes. Lynn happily munched on the cool ice, continuing to take slightly shaky breaths.
Unlike the first baby, it seemed the second wave of contractions were not nearly as forceful. Maybe it was because she already knew what to expect when the second one came. Then again, it could have been that at this moment, she was too elated to focus as much on the pain. Lynn’s muted hums were much more serene than with her first baby. She shifted when the burning sensation returned. With Alexis and Charlene’s help, Lynn was able to get back onto her knees. She leaned across the edge of the birthing tank, deeply panting.
Alexis rubbed Lynn’s lower back, moving her palm in slow circles to help alleviate some of the pain. “Just take your time, sweetheart.”
Morgan walked over, rubbing Lynn’s cheek. Lynn smiled when she opened her eyes as Morgan kissed the bridge of her nose. Her eyes closed again when Morgan’s arms wrapped around her neck, hugging her from outside the birthing tank. Lynn grunted when she felt the pain begin to lessen. With one final push, the baby slipped into Alexis’s waiting arms.
“It’s a girl,” she heard Alexis say. Lynn released a breath, collapsing against the side of the tub from sheer exhaustion. 32
After delivering the placenta, Charlene helped Lynn out of the birthing tub and into the bathroom to clean up a bit while Elise examined the two children. Upon examination, the baby boy weighed a whopping eight pounds while the little girl weighed seven pounds and one ounce. Both babies received an Apgar score of good health, as did their mother. Grateful to have received the all clear herself, Lynn eagerly slipped beneath the warmth of her freshly laundered blanket. Lynn held her stomach as she carefully settled onto the bed. Alexis immediately scooted next to her.
“We’ll give the two of you some time alone.” Charlene smiled, placing the baby boy into Lynn’s open arms.
Elise stepped to the other side of the bed, lowering the little girl into Alexis’s arms. She and Charlene took one last look at the two mommies before Elise closed the door.
Lynn parted her robe, smiling when she was able to get her son settled on her right breast. Once Charlene showed Lynn how to properly breast feed, the only problem was balancing both babies in her arms at once. That was where Alexis came in handy, especially until they purchased a specialized pillow to assist with feedings. It was one thing on their list that they somehow forgot to purchase in advance. Alexis scooted elbow to elbow with Lynn, coddling their daughter as she helped her to latch onto the other teat. “I think she’s getting the hang of it,” Lynn said as she gazed down at her little girl.
“I think so. Oh she’s so cute!” Alexis leaned down, kissing the soft down that covered the little girl’s head. “She’s going to have your thick head of hair.”
“He has your striking blue eyes.” Lynn looked up at Alexis, kissing her wife. “I know we decided not to DNA test, but…” she smiled. “I know he’s from your egg. Look at him. He looks just like you.” Lynn glanced down at his chubby cheeks, sighing as she watched the babies suckling.