Fiction

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It was late. Lindsey laid in bed smiling. Her husband John lay sleeping soundly beside her. Their children: ten year old Lucy, five year old David and three month old Ashley were also quietly sleeping. Ashley still wasn't sleeping through the night. This worried Lindsey but John told her, "Don't worry Hun, each child is different. Just because Lucy and David were sleeping through the night by now doesn't mean Ash should be too."
Lindsey was just beginning to doze when she heard Ashley's cries. She headed towards the nursery and was greeted by Ashley's smiling but fussy face. Together, Ashley and Lindsey made their way to their favorite chair so Ashley could nurse. Soon they fell asleep. Lindsey woke to John's kiss on her cheek. "What time is it?" She yawned. "Almost 5:15," John said between kisses, "Why don't you let me take Ash for awhile. I work a fifteen today starting at three so I won't see her much for the next day or two. "That's fine. I'll go shower and read and then start breakfast," she said with a half smile. "What's wrong sweet heart?" John asked. "I know you have to earn a living, but I hate when you work 15s," Lindsey answered. John had been a police officer for over 15 years. His job scared Lindsey, but she also knew he was exactly where God wanted him. That fact still didn't always ease Lindsey's fears.
"I know honey. I don't normally have to work 15s, but we have had so many guys out sick that they need me tonight. I'll be home by six tomorrow morning. I can help with breakfast and getting the kids off to school, and then we can have a lazy morning. Don't forget: tomorrow night is date night. My mom is coming over to get the kids and I have an evening in planned," He replied with more kisses. "Alright. Breakfast in an hour and a half?" "Sounds great, Now go enjoy that alone time while you can." "I love you John." "Love you too Linds."
Soon Lindsey was through the shower and in her favorite quiet time spot. As she sat down and curled up in a blanket, she remembered all that this chair had seen her through. She thought back to her first son, Jason Mark who was taken to be with the Lord because of Anencephaly. Lindsey remembered how much time she spent in this chair mourning the loss of her first child. Then Lucinda Jayne's sweet face came to her mind. She remembered the countless hours she spent praying after Lucy was hit by a drunk driver. Lindsey remembered rejoicing after her second son, David James was born. Then more recently she remembered losing her second baby girl, Peyton Maria, suddenly and without any known cause. Yes, this chair had seen much of Lindsey's married life. An hour passed quickly while Lindsey poured over Scripture.
It was time to head down and make breakfast for her family. Lindsey was tired, but she just attributed it to the lack of sleep and stress of dealing with a new baby. Breakfast was on the stove and John and Ashley snuck in and John kissed Lindsey on the cheek from behind. Lindsey turned and first kissed her husband of 16 years and then her almost 4 month old daughter. "I need to go wake the older kids. Can you and Ash watch breakfast?" "Absolutely my love," John replied.
Lindsey headed up the stairs of her home that seemed much too large for her family of five and headed towards Lucy's room. She stopped in the doorway to watch her little girl sleep. "Wasn't it just yesterday she was running to our room because she was scared of the storm or had a nightmare? Now she's almost a teenager," Lindsey thought to herself. Lucy's strawberry blonde hair laid around her face in straight wisps, just like her mothers. She had her father's nose and eyes and her mother's high cheekbones. Lindsey curled up next to her firstborn daughter and just snuggled with her. It was Lucy's favorite way to be woken up, with her mom snuggled in beside her. Lucinda woke up and said with a big yawn, "Morning momma. I love when you wake me up like this." "Guess what tonight is little Lu?"
"What is it mom?"
"Tonight is girl’s night. David is going to Papa's house."
"Is Papa still lonely since Nana went to heaven?" Lindsey's mom passed away just more than a year ago.
"Papa still misses Nana, but he just wants to spend some time with David. He called earlier to ask if David could come over. I still need to talk to daddy about it. Now, get dressed, breakfast will be ready soon," Lindsey explained to her sweet girl. Next she headed towards David's room. Davey loved a hug and a kiss to wake him up and this morning, Lindsey did just that. She woke David and hurried down to talk to John.
As she came into the kitchen, John was singing to Ashley. Lindsey stopped and listened. She loved to hear John sing, especially to one of their children. Then she remembered why she had come downstairs in such a hurry. "John, my dad called earlier and asked if David could come stay tonight." "Doesn't David have school tomorrow?" John questioned. "I forgot until Dad called this morning. Tomorrow is a teacher in-service day so the kids are off. Is it ok if I send him? It would give me time with the girls." "I think it’s a great idea. Let your dad spoil him for a night and my parents can spoil all the kids tomorrow," he said as he kissed her and handed her Ashley. Soon everyone was set down around the table for breakfast. John told David the news. "DJ, tonight you get to go stay with Papa." "Really?!?!?" David exclaimed, "I can't wait! When do I get to go?" "Papa will be her around 4:15. Mom will pack your bag so you can be ready when he gets here." David smiled all through breakfast.
"John," Lindsey called through the house, "Ashley is hungry and extremely fussy..." "I'll take the kids to school," interrupted John as he came around the corner and kissed his bride, "Do we need anything from the store?" "We could use more milk and bread. Thanks so much sweetheart." "It is no problem, just get Ash fed and calmed down. Be back soon," he replied with another kiss.
Soon the house was quiet again. Lindsey took Ashley down to the oversized chair, put in a movie, and settled in with Ashley. Lindsey and Ashley were soon settled into their usual routine of Ashley nursing and Lindsey dozing. When Ashley finished nursing she fell right asleep, as did Lindsey. When Ashley slept, Lindsey took advantage of the time for her to sleep as well. It was often the only sleep Lindsey saw. John came home to a silent house. He put away the groceries and went to find his wife. As he entered the TV room, the sight brought tears to his eyes. His wife was asleep with his baby girl. He wiped the tears from his eyes and joined them in the chair.
Soon it was time to get John off to work. Lindsey packed him dinner and a few snacks while he spent some daddy-daughter time with Ashley. All too soon, John was out the door to the station. After feeding Lindsey again, she put her in the swing and began to do household chores until it was time to go pick up Lucy and Davey from school.
Once the older kids got home, the house was a whirlwind of chaotic activity. Lucy started her homework while David ran around excited for his night with Papa. Ashley was hungry and fussy again. It was all Lindsey could do to control David and keep Ash from screaming. She heard the front door open and her dad holler, "Davey, Papa's here!" David ran off and Lindsey heaved a sigh of relief. She went out and made small talk with her dad about John and the kids while answering questions about homework from Lucy, about when he was leaving from David and trying to keep Ashley calm. As quickly as Davey left with his Papa, things began to calm down. Ashley was able to nurse and Lucinda was able to do her homework in peace. The house was quiet once again. Something was still bothering Lindsey. Ashley ate twice as much, almost three times as much, as her other two children but weighed three times less. John said all kids are different, but Lindsey felt this wasn't normal. "I'll talk to John tomorrow night," she said to herself.
Lucy came skipping into the room when she had finished her homework. "What would you like for dinner tonight little Lu?" Lindsey whispered as she didn't want to wake little Ashley who had just fallen asleep, "You can get whatever you'd like." "Can we get pizza or Chinese? Actually can we order Chinese because David don't eat it and I don't get it when he is home," Lucy rambled excitedly. "Chinese it is sweet girl. Why don't you go get a Chinese menu from the take out drawer? Ash is finally relaxed and sleeping and I don't want to wake her." Lucinda ran into the kitchen, grabbed the phone and a menu and was back to the living room in no time flat.
Lucy and Lindsey ordered the food and then Lucy picked out a movie. When the food came, they curled up on the oversized chair and enjoyed their time together. As soon as the movie ended, Lucinda looked at her mom and said, "Can we have a sleepover down here?" Lindsey had been waiting for this question. "Sure sweetie. Go get your jammies on and bring me a diaper and jammies for Ashley." Off Lucy went and soon the three girls were settled in for a sleepover.
The night was one of great sound sleep for Lucinda and one of no sleep for Lindsey as Ashley ate almost every hour. "Even more reason to have her looked over," thought Lindsey during a 2 a.m. feeding. At 6, just as Ashley had finished nursing, John came through the living room door.
Lindsey started to cry. John dropped his bags and went to over to her and took Ashley and put her in the sleeper swing and turned his attention back to his crying wife. "What's wrong love? Did something happen while I was at work?" "It’s Ash," Lindsey said through sobs, "She been miserable for three days. She eats almost every hour but looks like we never feed her. We need to get her checked out. Something is not right."
"Alright sweetie, let’s see if we can get her in today. It was a light night so I actually got to sleep. Judging by the sound of things you didn't sleep did you?” he asked his wife. "No," she replied, "I didn't sleep. I was worried about not having enough milk to feed Ashley." "Are their bottles for her in the fridge?" "Yes, like always." "Alright then, you go get some rest and I will take care of the kids. I will also call the pediatrician and see if we can get Ashley in today. How does that sound?"
"Alright." Lindsey headed up to the bedroom and collapsed on their bed. Instead of staying there, she headed to her favorite chair and began to pray, "God. I can't handle losing another child, not after Jason and Peyton. Lord, what is wrong with my sweet little Ashley Lynn? Why won't she gain weight? Why won't she grow? God I need you...” Lindsey fell asleep praying in the chair. John found her there and carried her into their bedroom and laid her on their bed.
John called their pediatrician, Dr. Abby Trenton. "Hi, Dr. Abby?" "Yes, this is she." "Hello. This is John Hoff. How are you?" "I'm well are the three kids doing?" "Well, Lucy is doing great. David is a growing extremely active little boy," John paused, "well, its Ashley I am calling about. Lindsey and I are starting to get worried. She's almost four months old and only weighs 9 lbs. She is eating almost every hour on the hour but is gaining nothing." "I see. I have an appointment open in an hour. Can you make it?" asked Dr. Trenton. "Yes. I'll wake my wife and we will be there. See you soon Dr. Abby. Thank you." "It is no problem at all."
John went in and held Lindsey as he prayed, "Lord, be with my beautiful little girl. Be with Linds. Give her your peace. Grant Dr. Trenton wisdom in treating our baby girl. Amen." When John opened his eyes, he was face to face with his beautiful bride. "The appointment is in 45 minutes. Why don't you go shower and I will watch Ash. I called my mom and she came and picked up Lucy and is going to spoil her rotten today. I also called your dad and He is going to keep David for another night. We need to figure out what is wrong with Ash." All Lindsey could do was hug John and cry. Twenty minutes later, all three of them were on their way to the doctor's office.
As soon as they got to the office, Dr. Abby meet them and took them back. When they got to the room, Abby started asking questions. “Lindsey, how are you feeling? You look very tired and stressed. Can I run some tests on you to begin with?” “Sure. What tests would you like to run?” Lindsey asked. “I’d like to run a urine analysis and a blood analysis to begin with. I’d also like to do a full work up on little Ashley here. She does seem unusually small.”
They began running tests on both Ashley and Lindsey. John felt completely helpless as he watched his wife and baby girl be poked and prodded. Then it was time to play the waiting game. Even though it only took thirty minutes for the test results to come back, it seemed like an eternity. As they sat in the room and waited for the test results, Lindsey snuggled close to the love of her life while holding her youngest daughter. Soon there was a knock at the door and Dr. Abby came through the door.
“Lindsey,” Dr. Abby started, “let’s start with your test results first. Have you been feeling extra tired lately?” “Well, yes,” Lindsey replied, “but that’s just because I’ve been worried about Ashley and making sure I get time with the other two kids.” “Have you been sick recently, like flu sick?” “Well off and on,” Lindsey answered again, “but again, that is because of the stress of worrying about little Ashley and my other kids.” “I have another reason you have been extra tired and sick,” said Dr. Trenton, “Lindsey, you are pregnant; at least two months along maybe even three or more.” Lindsey was in total shock. John spoke for her, “Dr. Trenton, how can this be? Ashley is only 4 months old. I mean, can a woman get pregnant that quickly?” “Yes,” replied, “it is possible. We have an ultrasound machine outside. Would you like to see your new baby?” asked Dr. Abby. “S—sure,” stammered Lindsey.
So many thoughts were running through Lindsey’s mind. “Another child so soon; Can we handle this? What about Ashley? God I need you now. We need you now. Thank you for this blessing but please be with my sweet little girl.” Soon Lindsey was lying on her back clutching tightly her husband’s hand staring deep into to his eyes, pleading with him not to leave her. John squeezed her hand and gave her a look that said, “I’m here beloved. I’ll never leave you.”
“Are you ready to see your newest addition?” asked Dr. Trenton. “Absolutely,” John and Lindsey said together. Before long they were looking on the screen and could see their newest child. Dr. Abby suddenly began studying very intently. Lindsey tried to hide the concern in her eyes, but John saw it and squeezed her hand with his free hand. “Is something wrong doctor?” asked John. There were a few minutes of silence. John and Lindsey prayed very intensely during that time of silence. Dr. Abby turned to them and said with a big smile, “There is absolutely nothing wrong, both of your babies are perfectly healthy.” “Both of our babies?” Lindsey questioned. “Yes, both of them; you are carrying identical twins. You will be three months along on Wednesday. I can tell you will be having identical twins because see,” Dr. Abby continued as she pointed towards the ultrasound screen, “there is only one sac of amniotic fluid so you will either have two more boys in your family or two more girls.” Dr. Trenton print off some pictures of the babies as Lindsey got back dressed.
“What about our sweet little Ashley?” John asked. “Its Ashley I’m worried about. We need to admit her immediately.” (Last Sent) The joy drained from Lindsey face into panic. “Admit her immediately?” Lindsey asked. “Yes,” Dr. Abby replied, “Ashley isn’t getting the nutrients that she needs. Her little body isn’t getting enough. I know you’ve been feeding her every hour, but she still isn’t getting what she needs. We are going to have to put a feeding tube in through her nose that will go down into her stomach to give her the nutrients she needs.” “Can I still breastfeed her?” Lindsey asked through tears. “Yes, of course. I want you to hold her as much as you can possibly stand,” Dr. Trenton said with a smile, “She is going to need to know that both you and John are here. Where are your other kids?” “Lucinda is with my mom,” John answered,” and David is with her dad. They can keep them for as long as we need to be here. How long will Ashley be here?”
“We are still unsure why her body is rejecting the nutrients she needs. She will be here until we can figure out why this is happening and then we will know more of a concrete timetable for her being here,” Dr. Trent replied, “John can you come with me to sign some forms for Ashley’s admittance?” A nurse came in the room. “Lindsey, this is Laura Wright. She is a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse. She is going to take you and Ashley down to the NICU and get things rolling. Laura will start an IV so that Ashley can stay hydrated. She will also do a full work up to make sure that all her other systems are functioning right. When John and I finish with the paper work, we will be down and I will insert the feeding tube. Lindsey,” Dr. Abby said, “I will not leave this hospital until we find out what is going on with Ashley. I will work until I can put a name to what is going on with our sweet little girl.” “Thank you Abby. Thank you so much.”
John kissed his wife and headed with Dr. Abby to sign forms for Ashley’s admittance to the NICU. After the forms were signed, John called his parents and his dad, Jeremiah answered. “Hey dad, it’s me John.” “John, what’s wrong? I can hear it in your voice something is wrong.” “Dad, its Ashley, she was just admitted to the NICU. She’s not getting the nutrients that she needs so they admitted her. The doctor just went to put a feeding tube in.” “Oh, John,” Jeremiah sighed, “What can your mom and I do? We will be praying but what else can we do?” “Can you keep Lucy for a few days? I will be going home after we get Ash settled to get some things for Lindsey and I and I can get some of Lucy’s things that she will need for the next few days then. Oh, and dad,” John paused, “There is more. We found out something really happy at this appointment.”
“What did you find out John?” Jeremiah asked. “We are going to have identical twins. In a few weeks we will find out if they are boys or girls,” John replied. “That’s wonderful son, Congratulations! Lindsey can’t be that far along can she? Ashley is only four months. How far along is she?” “She’s three months along. It’s going to be a crazy next few months dad.” “John, how about you tell me what you need from the house and mom and I can go get it. Then we can bring you dinner and Lucy can come and say hello.” “Dad that would be great; we could use some food. We hadn’t even thought about food yet.” John gave the list to Jeremiah and then asked to talk to Lucinda.
“Hey Little Lu, it’s your daddy.” “Hi daddy, where are you? Are you coming to get me soon?” “Honey, Ashley is sick. She has to stay in the hospital for a while. Is it ok if you stay with Nana and Pappy for a while? Mommy and I need to be here for Ashley.” “What about my go to work with daddy day next week? Can we still do that?” “Of course sweetie; you and I have a date for that day. Do you wanna come with Nana and Pappy when he brings mommy and daddy some things from the house?” “Yes can I see mommy and Ashley?” “Absolutely Lucy; Can I talk to Nana?” John heard Lucy holler through the house for his mom.
“Hey mom,” John said exhaustedly. “Hi Johnny; Dad said my little dove is in the hospital for a while. What is going on?” “She’s not getting the nutrients she needs so they admitted her to the NICU and put a feeding tube in. Lindsey is still breast feeding her, but she has to have the tube so she can possibly begin to start growing again.” “Ok. Dad said you gave him a list and we are going to head over and get the things you need. Dad also told me you had some pretty exciting news. What’s the news?” “Lindsey is pregnant again with twins; identical twins. She’s four months along. We haven’t told Lucy yet. We want to tell her face to face. ““Oh, son!” John’s mom exclaimed, “That’s so exciting. How are you guys holding up with this news and the news about Ashley?”
“Mom,” John said and then paused with a sigh, “I’m scared. I have one child who is very sick and two more on the way. Lindsey is stressed beyond belief. I’m worried about her health. She needs to stay healthy and well rested for our new little ones and our other three. I can say this; my knees are going to be worn out by the end of this. I haven’t stopped praying since we heard Ash was going to be admitted.” “Well son, we are praying. We will be up in about an hour. Where can we find you?” “We will be in the NICU.” “See you soon John; I love you.” “Love you too mom.”

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