** Early morning, December 31st**

felt the baby kick. 'If you’re so exited then why don't you get born, you’re almost fourteen days late. I swear if you're going to be this lazy or slow when you grow up, I'll leave you on a sidewalk somewhere' said agitated. She was like this most of the time now. This baby was in fact fourteen days late and like any normal woman, was sick and tired of being pregnant. The day before, and her had gone to the doctors. When the baby wasn't born within the next 48 hours, they would go to the hospital, would have a shot that would start the labour process. was a young woman and normally they didn't use this procedure on a woman her age, but this baby was taking too much time and that wasn't healthy. 'You’re going to do no such thing ' murmured, half awake. 'Yes I am and if you were sane you would do too' spat. 'No I wouldn't. This is just the tired you talking. You'll be fine. If the baby's not gonna show for the next two days..' turned round, 'we'll start the labour in the hospital, I know.' sighed. She got up.

'Morning mummy, morning baby' Callan whispered against her tummy. 's eyes welled up. Seemingly she was the only one who was being impatient for the baby to come. If her son and husband could do it, then why could she not? 'Morning darling' she managed to say without sounding like she was about to let rivers stream out of her eyes. Callan ran into the dining room where he said good morning to his father. quickly wiped the starting tears from the corners of her eye and entered the dining room herself. They had breakfast. 'How about you take Callan outside for a ride on the sled' suggested to 'that way I can clean this mess up' she smiled softly. 'OK' nodded. Knowing his wife was trying to keep herself from worrying about the two days ahead of them. He knew she was tired of being pregnant and he wished there was something he could do for her. Taking Callan outside was one of those things and so they were lucky that it had snowed that night and there were heaps of fresh snow to be conquered. 'Come Callan, how about you and your dad go outside with the sled' walked into the lounge were Callan was already playing with his toys. 'Mummy, daddy's taking me outside for a ride with the sled, we'll be back soon' Callan already ran back towards the hallway. 'See you soon darling' tied the shawl round his neck. 'Stay safe sweetheart' kissed him. and Callan left the house and breathed out deeply, this way she could quietly start the preparations for the New Year's party that she and were organizing, as it was their turn this year. ', what are you doing?' shouted when he arrived back in his house, seeing standing on a ladder hanging up decorations. 'Sssssshhh' put a finger to her lips, casting him an angered look. 'You shouldn't be doing stuff like that' sighed. 'I'm pregnant, not dying' sighed. 'Yes and I'd like to keep it that way' said. 'I'm not a set of china . I can do this' said. 'I know darling. Just better to let me do it. You're better in the kitchen, and don't argue that, cause you know what I mean by that' he added when 's eyes went dark with anger. sat down 'Keeping myself busy, really' she shrugged. saw another glimpse of emotion coming through the cracks. He admired her for being so strong. He knew she worried about having to give birth to the baby a little more unnatural than was usual. He’d rather have it happening the normal way, but for their baby's health, it was better they'd do it this way. 'I love you ' he sat down next to her. nodded. 'I know you’re done with being pregnant and I know you’re worrying about having to start the contractions up. And I also know that you'd do anything for our baby to be born healthy' put his arm around his wife. felt the tears sting behind her eyes. 'I don't know what I've done to deserve you.' she said, not looking him in his eyes. 'You've just been you and you know that very well. You’re my supergirl . Just hang in there for a bit more.' kissed the side of her head. 'OK' nodded. lifted her face and wiped the tears away. 'C'mon babe. There are people expecting a new years party when they get here' he winked. Which had the effect that he wanted as started smiling.
I'm gonna get myself ready' said, as the auderves and snacks were ready to be served. She showered, did her hair and make-up and wore comfortable shoes that matched well with her dress. 'You look absolutely gorgeous' smiled broadly when his wife descended from the stairs. blushed. These days she found it hard to believe compliments, knowing it were just the crazy hormones making her feel like she was a gigantic cow. 'Thank you, now you go get you and the little man ready. They'll be arriving soon' ran her hand through 's messy hair. 'I will darling' nodded, then called their son to him, who came running out of his playing room. watched her two guys go upstairs, Callan asking his father questions about what was going to happen tonight. She smiled and felt happy 'Now, you better become a real part of this family little one, cause there's lots to enjoy. I promise' she said, looking at the bump right under her chest.
Just when had put the snacks on the coffee table in the lounge the doorbell rang. It was and . 'So? how are you really?' asked, walking into the kitchen. 'I'm fine, I just told you', looked at her friend. 'Something's up . No matter how you try, all of us can read you like an open book. What's up?' demanded. started busying herself with straightening a napkin that didn't need straightening at all. She sighed. 'I'm nervous for Thursday. It's just not the way it should be happening, you know.' she felt the tears well up. No matter how she tried to tell herself that lots of baby's got born that way today these days, she just couldn't agree that her second baby should too. 'Darling, there's nothing to worry about. They're really helping you just a bit. It's for this one's own good and also for you' lay a sympathising hand on her shoulder. nodded 'I know, I know. Doctor's been telling me that too'. 'Everything will be fine ' smiled. showed a weak smile 'Thank you'. 'Now, let's get some drinks done huh?' smiled again. 'OK' nodded. Their other friends arrived, they talked, joked and laughed, while their kids were playing in the playing room. and served dinner and they all enjoyed the meal very much so.
The hours passed and then it was time for Graham Norton's 'The Big Finish New Year's Show' where the lads had pre recorded a performance a few weeks before. , she cringed when she felt her entire body contract, like a belt was being pulled to tight around her waist, pushing all the air out of her lungs. Feeling drops of water trickle down her legs, she knew what had happened. '?' was the first one to speak, he sounded worried. 'No need to worry darling. We're going to have some new company in our midst tonight' smiled. Everyone at the table started to instruct them 'call the midwife' 'call the hospital' ' go lie down' ' get the bag for in the hospital'. The only thing the happy couple were doing, were smiling at eachother. Twenty minutes later, their friends were doing the dishes and catering to and 's every need. 'You're relieved aren't you?' smiled. 'Well yeah, kinda.. ooooeehh' another contraction stopping her from speaking. 'OK, it's every ten minutes now. I'm calling Maddy' said. nodded. 'Mummy, are you OK?' Callan came walking into the room. 'Oh sweetie. I'm grand. You know what, we're going to the hospital soon' smiled, looking happily in her son's eye. 'Why?' Callan didn't understand. 'Because, your new brother is sister is going to be born tonight' explained. 'Really?' Callan asked. 'Yes. You’re going to be a big brother in a few hours' smiled, then breathed in sharply when a new contraction presented itself. '' she called out. 'What' he came rushing into the room. 'I just had another one. I think we better get to the car' suggested. 'Indeed' agreed. Everyone got packed up and soon a row of cars were driving towards Sligo General Hospital.
's wailing got louder with every minute that passed At General Hospital they were met by Maddy, who had already arrived. They got the check in done and was taken to a room where she could change into a hospital gown and rest on a bed. Her friends were let into the room. 'Sorry for ruining your New Year's' 's hormones got the better of her again and she started crying 'None of that. Your giving us the best New Year's ever' kissed the top of her head. 'Mummy don't cry' Callan hugged her, as his father had sat him on the bed. 'Mummy, why is auntie crying?' Breighanna, 's daughter asked . 'She's a little emotional sweety. She's not sad, she's crying because she's really happy' answered. 'Hello' Maddy came into the room. 'If you don't mind. I'd like to see how far we are. So if you all would leave the room, please' she asked. 'Sure' everyone answered. 'Callan, go with Uncle and stay with him. I'll come and get you, OK?' picked his son up from his mother's bed. 'OK, daddy' Callan nodded. reached out his hand and Callan went with him. 'Allright' Maddy put on her doctors gloves. 'You are fully dilatated. I'm going to get some nurses. It's time we bring this little one into the world' she smiled, then left the room. A few minutes later Maddy came back with two nurses. 'We're going to take you to the delivery room' she announced. 'OK.. ooohhw' went through another contraction. While being brought to the delivery room, had another two contractions. 'Allright, it wants to get born, lets get it done' Maddy decided. 'Here we go, darling' took her hand. smiled. 'Come on . Push' Maddy said. 'Aaaaaargghh' pushed. 'OK, good another one, you can do it' Maddy said.
For it seemed like she was pushing forever. 'It's almost midnight' she whimpered after she had given another strong push. 'Don't worry about that now sweetheart, concentrate on pushing' wiped the sweaty hair out of her face. 'You're almost there . I think one more push should do it' Maddy encouraged her. took a deep breath, then pushed with all her might. The bell manner sprang to 12 on the clock. Far away in the distance the bells rang in the New Year. Fireworks shot into the air, exploding in green, red, purple or gold colours. In the delivery room a baby started crying. 'Congratulations you two. It's a boy' Maddy smiled, giving the baby to the nurses. kissed . 'Well done sweetheart' he said as he pulled back. was exhausted. Maddy carried their new born son in her arms towards them and handed him to . She softly stroked the little one's head. 'He's got your eyes' she smiled up at . 'He does' nodded. 'Go get Callan' smiled. 'OK'. Outside fireworks were fully colouring up the night sky. 'Happy New Year' whispered to the baby boy in her arms.


THE END



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