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Post by mafan4life on Jul 18, 2011 12:03:04 GMT -5
I drove to school the next day thinking about what I wanted to do for my birthday. When I was at my locker, I got a text from Kristy saying she and the other girls had decided to come visit me for my birthday instead and I liked the idea. I shut it off before I went to class. In English, my back just killed me. It drove me nuts when that happened!
My back finally felt less sore after gym was over, but it still drove me nuts. I had just left the building when my cell phone rang. The Franklin's were calling me on an emergency sitting job because Luca was having terrible stomach pains, and they needed someone to look after Lila.
I called Dad to let him know what was going on. I didn't have to feed Lila as she had already been fed before Luca's pains showed up. I played board games with Lila, and we watched a movie together. I had just helped her finish up her homework when her parents came back a few hours later. They told me Luca had his appendix removed and was now in a deep sleep after the surgery.
"Thank you again for coming," said Mr. Franklin with a weary smile.
"Do you need me tomorrow?" I asked.
"I'm off tomorrow," said Mr. Franklin. "But thank you for offering."
He paid me and I went home. At home, I had some pizza that Dad ordered.
"It's hard to believe you'll already be seventeen," said Dad.
"I know," I said. "I'm not sure what I want to do yet. Kristy said she thought about coming over here for my birthday instead, and bringing the rest of the former BSC. What do you think?"
"Fine by me," said Dad. "They're good girls."
Later, I thought about spending some time at the mall or a flea market and perhaps, have a picnic dinner on the beach or something. I didn't think Dad and Sharon would mind too much. Carlos, Meredith, and Dawn wouldn't be working on my birthday, so they'd be able to spend the day celebrating with me. I really looked forward to it.
The next day, I had some difficulty breathing at school, so I went to the school nurse. I could barely wait for Dad to pick me up, and I had nearly passed out when we arrived at the hospital. I had asthma.
I was given some treatment to help me breathe better, and eventually I felt much better. I was given a type of asthmatic medication that would not harm the baby, and soon I went back to school.
A week later, on Friday, Kristy called me after school to tell me that she and the others were on their way now. I could hardly wait to see them again! They arrived two hours later, while Dad and Sharon were at work, and I was glad to see them.
"Hi!" I exclaimed.
"Hi!" said Kristy. She leaned in to give me a hug, but then stopped when she saw my large belly.
"I wanted to surprise you," I said. "I'm pregnant."
The other girls first looked surprised, then Jessi spoke: "Wow."
" 'Wow' is one way to put it!" I laughed.
"Your dad's okay with this?" said Kristy. "I remember him being pretty strict."
"Well, yeah, he's fine with it. He and Sharon are supportive. And, April's mom, would be the baby-sitter while I'm in school and she said she would be time to do my homework and study," I admitted. "April is planning to join us tonight because she'll be in Vermont tomorrow for her cousin's birthday party."
They couldn't wait to see her again.
"So what's the plan for tomorrow?" said Stacey.
"I'm thinking we could go to the mall, and then maybe for a picnic dinner on the beach," I suggested. The other girls liked this idea. I decided to also tell them about my asthma. They were worried, but relaxed when I told them it was now under control.
I took the girls upstairs to see the nursery room. They all loved it. We got to talking about the baby some more.
"Is Logan going to help out?" asked Kristy.
"Yes, but I told him I won't expect him to help when he's busy with sports. I have support system, so I'm not worried," I said.
That night, Dad ordered Chinese for dinner right after April came. The girls and I got into our nightgowns at ten and didn't go to bed until midnight after we chatted for awhile so we could catch up just like old times.
The next day, April's mom picked her up on their way to Vermont. She was glad she gets to time with me last night. I could hardly believe that I was now seventeen.
"Happy birthday, peanut," said Dad as came down for breakfast.
"Thanks, Dad," I said with a smile.
Sharon had made us all pancakes for breakfast, which we all enjoyed. I went to the mall with my friends, and then we watched My Cousin Vinny when we went home. We all laughed hysterically while watching it. For dinner, we had pizza, and ate it on the beach. It was such a beautiful night.
The next day, I had to say goodbye to the girls at the train station. I was sad to see them go, but I felt glad for the time we had shared. I hoped I could at least get to have them come to see the baby.
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Post by mafan4life on Jul 18, 2011 12:03:22 GMT -5
That night, I thought about getting a job to support my child, as I knew Logan lived too far away to do much. I got paid five dollars an hour for baby-sitting, but I wasn't sure if that would be enough. I wondered if they'd need me when their third child arrived. I decided to see if Portland Public Library or Borders were hiring the next day after school.
In the middle of the night, I had an asthma attack, but felt better after I took my medication. Morning sickness struck a few hours later. On top of that, I had a headache, and Dad worried that I was pale. I ran a bit of a fever, so I was kept home from school. It was probably just a minor bug, but better safe than sorry, right?
I felt better at two, but took it easy for another hour before leaving at three to see if Borders was hiring. I went in to ask for a job application to fill out later. Then, I checked out Portland Public Library, and I also received an application. I filled out both while I was waiting for my doctor's appointment at three thirty-five. By the time I was done, it was time for my appointment.
The doctor assured me everything was fine with the baby, and that my son would be born healthy as long as I continued to take care of myself. Afterwards, I dropped off both applications at Borders and the library on the way home. I started feeling sick again, so I relaxed on the couch. Sharon said she and Dad would be meeting Carlos at Subway for dinner, and that Dawn and Meredith would be joining them. She said I could come, too, if I felt better by then.
I still didn't feel too good an hour later, but my parents did offer to get me something from Subway, so I asked for a cup of vegetable soup and a BLT sub. It was a good thing I chose to stay home because my nausea grew worse a couple minutes after Dad and Sharon left. And once again, my back was killing me. My back still hurt when Dad and Sharon came back, but the nausea had subsided, so I had the soup and BLT sub, and they both managed to stay down.
"You're still pale," said Dad as he placed one hand on my forehead. "You're still warm a bit."
"I was nauseous, but my stomach feels a little better now," I said. I let out a content sigh after taking another sip of my soup. "And my back hurt again, but I'll be fine as long as I don't move around too much."
Just then, the phone rang and Dad answered it.
"Hello," said Dad. "…This is her father…Hold on." Dad walked over to me with the phone and handed it over to me.
"Hello?" I said.
"Hi, this is Mr. Stan Steidley, the head librarian at Portland Public Library," said Mr. Steidley. "Can you come in for an interview?"
"Sure. When would you like to do it?" I asked.
"I'm available tomorrow at five. Is that good for you?" asked the head librarian.
"Sounds good to me," I replied.
"See you then. If you can't, call me to reschedule," said Mr. Steidley.
"Okay, thank you very much," I said as we got off the phone. "Wow! That was fast. That was Mr. Stan Steidley, who is the head librarian, asking me to go in for an interview tomorrow at five."
"That is great," said Dad. "I'm glad to see you taking on the responsibility."
"I bet you'd be hired right off the bat," said Sharon with a wink.
"The thing is I can't bend down if I put the books back on the shelf during pregnancy," I said. "I'll have to tell Mr. Steidley during the interview ahead of time, or maybe offer to do something that doesn't involve shelving."
The next day, I was nervous before the interview, but I didn't think about it during school as I had to pay attention. At lunch, I told April about it and she was happy for me.
"I'm a little nervous though," I admitted.
"I promise you that you'll do fine," said April with a grin.
"Okay," I smiled back, trusting April's comfort words.
After school, Mr. Franklin called me and said, "Are you available now? I have to work late."
"I can't stay for long because I got a job interview at five," I said. "Want me to check to see if April's free, though?"
I asked April and she agreed to the job. I called Mr. Franklin back to let him know April would be coming.
At home, I took a nice, hot shower; afterwards, I put on a blue, sequined dress that fit nicely over my curved stomach. I was all set by four-fifteen and left about fifteen minutes later. When I got to the library, I walked over to Mr. Steidley, introduced myself, and our interview began.
I told him I wouldn't be able to do much heavy lifting or bending because of my pregnancy, and he told me he'd probably give me a job working at the front desk. I told him I was due December twentieth, and we'd work out the finer details of when I'd be leaving later. Finally, I said that I was available after school and on weekends. He asked if I could to from four to eight on school nights, and noon to eight on Saturdays and school vacations. I told him I could, and he gave me the job, and said I'd start Monday. Great!
After that, I drove to Portland Bank and signed up for my own account so I would be paid. After that was all set, I went back home. I knew April was probably at the Franklins. Mr. Franklin would be home after nine. But for now, I'd have a nice, delicious dinner.
"Hi, how was the interview?" asked Dad
"Great. I got hired," I replied as I sat down and struggled to get comfortable in my chair.
"Wonderful!" said Sharon excitedly.
"That's my girl. When are you starting?" asked Dad.
I told them about my working hours, and how I had set up my own account at the bank, and that I was starting work Monday. Then Dad asked if I'd have time to baby-sit the Franklin kids. I realized I probably wouldn't have much time at all as I knew the managers wouldn't like it if I took time off work to baby-sit. I decided I'd talk with April later and see if she'd be willing to be a temporary baby-sitter for the Franklin's, and that I'd also explain the situation to the Franklin's as well.
Boy, this sure was getting to be one, busy day!
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Post by mafan4life on Jul 18, 2011 12:03:41 GMT -5
When I left home, I was really nervous on what I should tell the Franklins, so on the way, I was thinking about what words I should use otherwise so I wouldn't upset them. When I arrived at their house, April greeted me at the door.
"How did the interview go?" asked April.
"I got hired," I replied with a big grin.
"Swell!" April cried out in a low voice; I figured the kids were asleep if she used such a low tone.
"I know, but I have a favour to ask from you," I said.
"Spill the beans," said April.
"I can't baby-sit the Franklin kids except after five on Saturdays and anytime on Sundays, so would you mind if you take over if they need you during the week?" I said.
"Sure, not a problem. We just need to tell Mr. Franklin so he can let his wife know," said April.
"I'm not sure what should I say to him. What if I disappoint him or something?" I asked.
"We can tell him together if you want," replied April.
"Okay," I said, glad to have April's support.
But I was still nervous about what might happen. At least I could count on April to support me. I felt really lucky to have her as my good friend. In some ways, she almost reminded me of Kristy.
At nine-ten, Mr. Franklin came home from work and I took him aside to talk to him.
"Um, Mr. Franklin, may I ask you something?" I asked, fidgeting with my hands.
"What's up?" asked Mr. Franklin.
"I have a new job working at Portland Public Library, so I won't be able to baby-sit during the week. Is it okay if I recommend someone else like April?" I asked. "But I can baby-sit after five Saturdays and anytime on Sunday. Is that alright?"
"Okay, I'm glad you let me know ahead of time. When are you starting your new job?" asked Mr. Franklin.
"Monday," I replied.
"Alright. I'll tell my wife so she would know," said Mr. Franklin.
"Okay, great," I said. "I was a bit nervous to say something because I wasn't sure what would happen. I didn't want to upset you."
Mr. Franklin just chuckled and said, "It's okay to tell me anything as long as you tell me early enough."
I felt better after that. April stood by my side in case I needed her. I'd do the same, but to tell you the truth, she never gets nervous about about anything. I wished I didn't get so nervous, either.
At home, Dad said, "How did it go when you talked things out with April and Mr. Franklin?"
"Great. April agreed to take over during the week and I told him I can do it after five Saturdays and anytime on Sunday. He didn't mind at all," I said.
"That's good," said Dad.
I let out a sigh of relief and said, "Thank goodness the Franklins know April."
We went out for dinner on Friday night at Red Lobster. A few days flew by after that when Monday came and it would be my first day at Portland Public Library. I couldn't wait to get started. This would be great. I wondered if I should work at Stoneybrook Public Library if or when I planned to go to college in Stoneybrook.
I talked with Sharon and Dad about it, and they liked the idea, as long as I took my homework with me and did it over the break. It was a long ways from now, and I'd most likely have to take my son with me, but it was good to think ahead.
At school, we had an English test that included multiple choices, and short answers. I did much better with multiple choices than I did with the short answers. While I was taking my test, my back began hurting me again. I justhatedit when that happened. It could beveryhard to ignore to be honest with you.
Later, in study hall—which came before lunch—I was doing my math and history homework since there was no homework in English that day. I finished my homework by noon. Thankfully, there was no science homework that day.
After school, I drove to Portland Public Library. I parked in the staff parking lot, and then I went inside the library. Mr. Steidley wasn't in, but a woman with glasses and frizzy hair stood by the entrance.
"You must be Mary Anne Spier," said the woman.
"Yes," I replied. "I'm starting today."
"Mr. Steidley told me. He just left for a meeting, but he's due back in an hour or so," said the woman.
"Okay. I'm supposed to be at the front desk because I can't bend down too much during pregnancy," I said.
"He told me that as well. Do you know how to use the scanner for the books, movies, music, etc when they're checked out and returned?" asked the woman.
"I come here often and I have a good idea how that works," I nodded.
"Terrific," said the woman. "I'm Lily Porter. I'll be using the other computer to check out and return items."
I did pretty well with using the scanner. Thank goodness I already knew how to use it. Mr. Steidley returned just when Mrs. Porter said he would.
"How are you doing?" asked Mr. Steidley.
"She's been doing great. She already knows how to scan items," said Mrs. Porter.
"Good," said Mr. Steidley. He turned to me. "I can see you'll do just fine here."
My first day at the library completed successfully, and my back hardly ever hurt at all, thank God!
"So, when are you due?" asked Mrs. Porter while we were getting ready to close up.
"In December," I replied.
I'm glad I did just fine like Mr. Steidley said. I came home at around eight-thirty.
"How was your first day at Portland Public Library?" asked Dad.
"Great," I said. "I was able to scan items correctly."
"That's good," said Dad with a smile and a nod.
"I know," I smiled back.
I was so tired that I didn't stay up for long and went to bed an hour later. I fell asleep, glad to have had a successful day.
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Post by mafan4life on Jul 18, 2011 12:04:18 GMT -5
I worked hard every day and started to earn money, which I hoped would be enough for both my college tuition and for supporting my child. After working there for a month, Mr. Steidley approached me.
"Every year, around two or three days before Halloween, we hold a small, Halloween-themed party for children coming by. Nothing fancy, though we do have staff members dress up and read stories to the children. Afterwards, we give them a bookmark and a few candies to take home," said Mr. Steidley.
"Do their parents come, too?" I asked.
"Yes, they greatly enjoy it as well," said Mr. Steidley. "Would you like to volunteer to read to the kids?"
"Sure, I'd love to," I said. Then I asked, "Does Luca Franklin come here for the readings?"
"Yes. He enjoys that," said Mr. Steidley.
"Good," I said. "I used to be Luca's baby sitter for a few years, but now my good friend has taken over for a while. Anyway, what time will the event be at?"
"It's usually at four or five," replied Mr. Steidley.
"I could talk with April and see if she can bring Luca, and maybe his sister," I said.
Later, after work, I knew April was home because Mrs. Franklin was on vacation from work, so when I got home, I called April and told her about the reading coming up. She said she might be able to come, and all was well.
Except for my physical condition, that is. I had a terrible headache at night, and my back continued to hurt. "What else is new," I sighed out loud. I wished I didn't have such a sore back as it was a big pain. I eventually fell asleep, but the next day, my back was stiff and I could barely move.
Dad came in to check on me, and offered to give me a heating pad. "Sounds good," I said with a grateful smile.
After he gave me the pad, he called up school to let them know I'd be staying home today to rest my back. I just prayed it would be better before I could go in for work since I had never missed a day so far since I hadn't been sick- thankfully- and I wanted to keep it that way even though Mr. Steidley wouldn't mind too much. He would understand since I told him about my pregnancy difficulties.
Later, I could walk around okay, but my back still ached. Thankfully, I sat most of the time at work and stood up once in a while, so it wasn't too bad. A few weeks later, the day before the Halloween reading day, I helped Mr. Steidley by getting one or two Halloween books. I got out Arthur's Halloween and It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Mr. Steidley liked those choices.
With the help of other staff members, we each filled up five baggies with candy and bookmarks to hand out to the children. I had to work on Halloween since it was on a Friday this year, but I didn't mind at all since I enjoyed my job.
At four-thirty, I had to leave work because I had another pre-natal appointment for five, so I went off and I was told everything was just fine.
After work, at home, I was tired and went to bed after Dad and I talked for awhile. The next day, at work, I got ready to do some reading to the kids.
Luca came with April since Mrs. Franklin was at home taking care of Lila, who had a cold. Once the last few children who signed up for the reading came, I sat down in a rocking chair and read Arthur's Halloween and they all enjoyed it. I also read It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. I heard someone talking, so I politely reminded them to be quiet and went back to reading, which went well without any more interruptions.
I decided to help them draw their Halloween costumes with Mr. Steidley's permission since they did that every year on the Halloween themed reading day. By the time they were done with their pictures of costumes, it was over and I gave them each a bag of treats and a bookmark on their way out.
It was a great Halloween overall, and it made me look forward to the day I'd get to take my son to a reading like this.
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Post by mafan4life on Jul 18, 2011 12:05:56 GMT -5
A month later on a Monday morning, Sharon had news for us: Her parents would be coming in to Stoneybrook to spend the weekend with us! I could hardly believe it, as the Porters still lived in Stoneybrook. I couldn't wait for them to spend the Thanksgiving weekend with us, especially since my working hours would be shorter on the days leading up to Thanksgiving, and I'd get the day off on the holiday itself.
"Did you tell them that I'm pregnant?" I asked.
"I figured I'd let you tell them," replied my stepmother.
"Thanks," I said as I hugged her.
I had wondered about that. Later, before I went to work, I went in for my next appointment. My son was doing fine. I had one more appointment about five days before my due date, which would be on the fifteenth of December at three o'clock. I could hardly believe I only had one more month until little Cameron arrived. I hoped he'd be my early Christmas present.
"The rest of my family still doesn't know it's a boy," I told the doctor as I got ready to go. "I can't wait for them to be surprised."
The doctor said, "I might excuse you from work after Thanksgiving Vacation since it would be about a few weeks before your due date."
"Do you want me to see you on the following Monday after Thanksgiving?" I asked.
The doctor agreed to that. At work, I went to Mr. Steidley and told him about my step grandparents coming in, and also what the doctor said about my being excused from work. I was so tired when I got home, but I did manage to tell Dad about my next appointment.
A few weeks later, I reminded Mr. Steidley about Granny and Pop-Pop's Thanksgiving visit. They would be here the day before Thanksgiving.
"I got a half-day the day before Thanksgiving, so I'll be here a little early," I said. "I'll be out at eleven am."
"Okay," said the head librarian. "Thank you for reminding me."
"Not a problem," I said.
A week later, when I got up on the Wednesday morning, I felt sick to my stomach. Sharon let me stay home. I got up to get some water, then went back to bed and slept for two hours. When I woke up, I heard Dad coming in. At first I thought it was just sounds around the house until he came upstairs.
"You're home already?" I asked, surprised to see him.
"Yes, the meeting just ended awhile ago. Sharon already called me to tell me you were home," said Dad. "How are you feeling now?"
"I'm still feeling a little sick, I was going to into work early, but I think I'll call Mr. Steidley to tell him I won't be in so I can rest," I said.
"I don blame you for that," said Dad.
After I did this, Dad offered to make me some soup, but I wasn't feeling well, and so I continued to rest. I nibbled on soda crackers, but nothing else.
Later, I woke up on the verge of an asthma attack, but I had my medicine, and I was able to control it before it got out of hand. I came downstairs to see Granny and Pop-Pop had already arrived.
"Hi," I said.
I was happy to see them.
"I heard you got a new job recently," said Granny.
"Yes, at Portland Public Library," I said. "I called out today because I felt sick. I didn't go to school."
"How's that going?" asked Pop-Pop.
"Good," I replied. "I have something to tell you both. You're going to be great-grandparents."
"As in you're pregnant?" asked Granny.
"Yes," I said. "I'm due right before Christmas."
"What are you going to with the baby?" asked Granny.
"I'm going to be responsible by raising my baby," I said.
I'm glad things went well.
The next day, we had a fun day. We watched the parade. After that was done, they set the table. They excused me from helping out. We had a great lunch. Dad cooks the turkey.
I felt a little sick after lunch, but it didn't last for very long. We had sandwiches for dinner at around 6:30 pm.
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Post by mafan4life on Jul 18, 2011 12:06:14 GMT -5
On Monday, I saw Dr. Andrews on the way to work and she gave me time off on maternity leave. Mr. Steidley was informed and all was well.
At home, I sat on the couch during dinner, as Dad and Sharon were out. I enjoyed having Tigger for company. Then, I got a call from April, who was baby-sitting for the Franklin's that night as Mrs. Franklin had gone into labor and April had to baby-sit. She told me that they had a girl named Julia Marie. I thought the name sounded lovely.
After we chatted for a while, I began to feel a little tired. I called up Logan to see if he could arrange to visit over Christmas break, as the baby was due around that time. He said he might be a little busy, but he'd see what he could arrange. I called up Jessi to arrange for a time when she might be able to come in after Kwanza to see my baby, or otherwise just to visit, as I did not want her to miss out on the opportunity. Kaylee might come over, too. We haven't seen each other in a while. Her family is in Augusta.
A few days later, at the doctor's office, I learned that Cameron was doing fine. I was both excited and nervous about my approaching due date. It felt like it would never end! I arrived home just in time to hear the weather forecast from the TV predicting a heavy snowstorm.
Sure enough, the forecast was right, and luckily, it stopped the following day. But all the schools were closed.
"The law office is closed," said Dad.
"That's good to be safe," I said.
"I know," said my dad.
As the day wore on, I felt back pain. I was in the recliner.
"Are you feeling okay?" asked Sharon.
"I'll be okay. My back is bothering me," I said.
Later, Dad came to say it was time for dinner. As Meredith and I got up, I thought I had wet my pants, but I realized my water was breaking.
"Uh-oh," I said touching my stomach.
"Define uh-oh," said Meredith.
"My water just broke," I said.
"Really? I'll go get Mom and Dad," said Meredith.
I took a few deep breaths to keep myself calm while she went to tell them.
"I wonder how we should take her to the hospital on time," said Dad.
"Roads are clear," said Meredith.
Thankfully, she was right and we got there just fine.
At the hospital, the doctor said I was only two centimeters at the moment since I'd have to be at least ten centimeters to push, assuming the head was in the right position. Luckily, my baby would be born healthy since I handled my diabetes just fine. It was a long, hard wait. I can't wait for this to be over. At eleven pm, the doctors told Dad and Sharon to head home to get some rest. They can come back tomorrow.
The next day, I was finally fit to give birth at six in the morning. Finally! I was able to remain calm.
I wasn't sure how long it lasted, but after what felt like an eternity, I heard a cry fill the room. I realized after a few seconds that it was Cameron crying, and my heart filled with relief and joy. He was born at six-thirty am.
"It's a boy," said the doctor as he cut the umbilical cord and held my son up. "Congratulations."
"Thanks," I breathed, smiling.
After Cameron was cleaned up, he was placed in my arms. With his small tuft of hair and sweet face, he looked so beautiful. I was holding him while they took the picture of us.
Later, Sharon and Dad were the first to come in. Cameron was in the nursery. I was awake.
A nurse came and said, "Morning. Would you like to meet your grandson?"
She went to get Cameron and came back to give him to me.
"This is Cameron Richard," I said.
"He's beautiful," said Sharon with a smile.
"He looks a little like me from my own baby pictures," remarked Dad.
"Really?" I asked.
"Yes," said Dad.
"We like his name," said Sharon.
"Thanks," I said, still smiling brightly. "I can't wait for my siblings to come in and meet him. Are they still here?"
"They're in school. They'll come by later," said Sharon. "I'll let them know."
Later, Meredith, Carlos, and Dawn came in, and they all gasped at the sight of Cameron. They all thought he was adorable. Carlos suggested calling him "Cam" for short.
Cameron and I were released two days later. He slept on the way home, so I put him in his crib, hoping he would be a good sleeper.
On the day Jessi was to arrive, I called and told her to lightly knock on the door when she arrived and not to ring the doorbell. Eventually, Jessi arrived, and I took her upstairs to see Cameron.
"This is Cameron Richard," I whispered.
"Aww, he's so adorable," whispered Jessi with a smile.
"Don't tell anyone it's a boy," I said. "I want it to be a surprise."
"Don't worry. My lips are sealed," promised Jessi.
I had a good feeling that this was going to be a lovely reunion.
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Post by mafan4life on Dec 20, 2011 10:41:33 GMT -5
Being a responsible, teenage mother had its challenges, but with some good thinking I felt I could handle them. I was able to feed Cameron with ease. Jessi seemed to be enjoying her visit so far, so I told her about the Franklins and their baby. From what I had heard, Julie Marie was fussy but the Franklins could handle it.
I later changed Cameron's diaper and he seemed happy. I put him in adorable fuzzy lamb pyjamas. Half an hour later, I sat and rocked him in the chair, placed near his crib. I sang softly and quietly to him until at last, he fell asleep, and I placed him in his crib.
When Dad came home later that night, I told him how my day had went, and he was glad to hear all went well.
Then he told me that he planned to check on me and Cameron every day after work and in the morning after I got up to him at night. I was used to the idea even though it might drive me crazy. Maybe he could let me be on my own after awhile. I decided to wait and see what would happen first.
In the middle of the night, I heard Cam crying and I got up to him.
"Mommy's here," I said, picking him up and gently rocking him. He was hungry, so I heated up a bottle of formula for him. He cried during the whole five minutes I had to prepare the bottle for him, and I wondered to myself if I should breastfeed him instead to save the extra time, so I did, and decided to save the bottle for another time. He fell asleep after that.
Cameron woke up again at six-thirty. This time, he needed a diaper change, and after I changed his diaper I figured he'd need me to hold him for a little while as he was still very fussy. Once again, I sat in the chair and rocked him to sleep. I could tell this was going to be difficult, but rewarding.
Dad was glad to hear I could handle Cameron relatively well, but warned me that taking care of a baby was no walk in the park. I had figured that out for myself by then. He admitted that he was worried I'd get worn down from this, but I assured him that if it ever got to be too much for me I would ask him to step in.
Just after we talked, Cameron needed his diaper changed again, and was still a little fussy, but calmed down after another gentle rocking. I put him back in the crib, and he seemed fine.
Two hours later, April came by. I introduced her to little Cameron, and she thought he was adorable. Cameron continued to cry on and off for the rest of the day—sometimes, he slept two hours; others times, he slept four. I had been told that I was an easy baby, and I hoped this was "easy" enough!
He fell asleep between six and eight-thirty. Jessi had to leave early to take a ten o'clock flight. She left at seven-thirty. She took a cab to get to the airport to give herself plenty of time to check in and to let us sleep. I knew she had to leave early because she told me last night before we went to bed.
After a few days with Cameron, I helped decorate the house while he was napping.
"I can't believe this'll be Cameron's first Christmas," I sighed, getting teary-eyed at the thought of how big Cameron would be this time next year. I considered having Logan help around a bit during his stay here. I wouldn't want to put too much pressure on him, though, considering he'd only be here for a few days.
I was thankful for help from my siblings, as I felt I'd be nothing if I didn't have them to support me. I was also immensely grateful to have Sharon around. And as for Dad? He's been putting a lot more effort into it, and I had to give him credit for that. He assured me he'd always be there to step in if I ever needed help, but that he did trust me.
On Christmas Eve, I got a package in the mail from Jessi. I read the card: To Cameron for his first Christmas. From Auntie Jessi.
I opened it, and it was a bib saying My First Christmas.
"Isn't this cute, Cameron?" I asked, lightly bouncing him in my arms.
I put it on him and he looked so cute in it.
"Let's go show to the others," I said.
I did and they all thought he looked adorable. I called Jessi up and thanked her for the lovely gift.
Later, Cameron was, well, a little horrible sleeper. He woke up several times during the night, for one feed, and several diaper changes. It really bugged me, and there were times where I felt like bursting into tears, but I managed to pull through. At some point, Cameron seemed to stay asleep, and I collapsed into bed.
I woke up late the next morning to the smell of gingerbread pancakes. I went downstairs and found my Dad in the kitchen.
"Merry Christmas, Dad," I said.
"Merry Christmas," said Dad with a smile. "I'm very proud of you for how you've been handling Cameron so far. I'll think about limiting the amount of times I'll check on you."
I had a great Christmas. I had two new dresses, a new nightgown, and a new scrapbook for Cameron's first year. That night, we had chicken breast with mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and squash. At eight, I put my new nightgown on and it looked very nice on me.
The next day, today was the day my other friends were due to arrive. I could hardly wait for it. I also couldn't wait to see Logan. At last, they all arrived at eleven. I greeted everyone with a hug and a smile, and an extra big smile for Logan. I took them up to the nursery to see Cameron.
"Logan, meet your son," I announced. "His name is Cameron Richard."
"He's so cute," cooed Stacey.
"When was he born?" asked Mallory.
"December sixteenth. I was four days early," I replied. "Even though he was early, my family has been very helpful. It gets pretty tiring when he cries at night," I admitted. "But babies will be babies."
Later, when Cameron started getting hungry, I started to show Logan how to prepare the formula, but he did just fine on his own. He even got to hold Cameron and feed him. Later, he changed Cameron's diaper. I was proud of him for how good he was at this, and I was certain he'd be a great father. I felt sad that he lived across state, because if he lived closer by, he and Cameron would probably get along great.
I smiled at the sight of Logan singing a lullaby to Cameron, and somehow, I felt that everything would be fine.
The End
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lia
New To Stoneybrook
Posts: 6
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Post by lia on Apr 3, 2018 10:12:15 GMT -5
That night, Dad and I sat down in the kitchen to talk for awhile. I told him how hurt I felt for locking me out that day. "I just want you to trust me," I said. "Sharon and Dawn are willing to give me a chance. Do you think maybe you could also try?" "I'll try, but taking care of a baby at your age is a big responsibility and not everyone can do it," explained Dad. "You know I'm trying to be responsible," I said, trying to keep myself calm. "I tried to be responsible with Logan, but, well…things happened. And I thought you didn't believe in throwing people out when they make a mistake. Did you remember you used to get mad at Sharon for doing that to me by mistake? If she can't, neither can you. That's hypocrisy." Dad looked down at his coffee mug and said, "You're right. I'm sorry. From now on, I will try to trust you more." Our talk made him change back what I wanted him to be: a father who could at least trust me. Several days later, when we got back home, I noticed something very different about the house. "Hey, is it me or did our house change?" I asked as we walked up to the porch. "You'll have to wait and see," said Sharon. "Um, okay," I said, puzzled. The only thing I noticed was that the inside of the house was slightly bigger, but Sharon said the surprise was upstairs. There was a door next to my room which was closed. "Why don't you open the door to see it?" asked my stepmom. When I did, it was a nursery. I gasped in surprise to see the beautifully decorated carpet and the walls, along with a chair in the corner and bright yellow walls. "Like it?" asked Sharon. "I love it. Thank you so much," I said as I hugged her happily. I felt so lucky to have Sharon for my stepmom, and I shed tears of joy. "Do you think I could show it to Dad?" I asked. "Of course," replied Sharon. I went to Dad, but he was busy unpacking and said he would see what I had to show him later after supper. Unfortunately, he was back to doing paperwork at the time, but he explained to me he had been busy getting caught up with work and that was why he couldn't come to me right away. Once he was done, I showed him the nursery, and he was impressed with the work that had been put into it. So far, there were no new baby clothes in the drawers, but Sharon had offered for us to go shopping for some the following day. The next day, we left for Wal-Mart, and April went with us. "If I tell you the gender, keep it between us," I said as we walked down the baby clothes aisle. "I'm having a boy, and naming him Cameron Richard." Sharon and April liked the name very much. At Wal-Mart, I found some new pajamas, along with some new pants and shirts. We decided to buy some baby formula from myorganicformula.com and food a bit later when the baby was old enough to wean or eat solid food. Afterwards, we went to Subway for lunch. After lunch, we went back to my house and unpacked the bags. April helped us by putting the clothes in the drawers. April had remembered the shoes, socks, and carriage. It was definitely the best summer ever, one I would never forget. Yes, definitely! I like this part a lot: "You know I'm trying to be responsible," I said, trying to keep myself calm. "I tried to be responsible with Logan, but, well…things happened. And I thought you didn't believe in throwing people out when they make a mistake. Did you remember you used to get mad at Sharon for doing that to me by mistake? If she can't, neither can you. That's hypocrisy." Very well written!! I'm keen to read more!
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cnj
Sitting For The Papadakis's
Posts: 1,708
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Post by cnj on Sept 15, 2018 15:25:47 GMT -5
"You know I'm trying to be responsible," I said, trying to keep myself calm. "I tried to be responsible with Logan, but, well...things happened... Interesting story...but I can't see Mary Anne making a statement like that or having a baby or marrying while still a teenager.
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