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I chew on my lip, considering his worry. "That’s exactly it. The safety net of a hospital feels reassuring. There are immediate surgical options, epidurals if needed. But then, hospitals can feel so impersonal, and I worry about being just another patient on a busy night."
He leans in, his concern palpable. "I get that completely. It's just the idea that I’d never forgive myself in an emergency if we weren’t in the right place to get you both the best care quickly."
"I know," I sigh, "And that’s why it’s so hard. There’s also the thought of how invasive a hospital can be. Constant checks, the potential for a more medicalized birth than might be necessary. But you’re right about the emergency aspect. It's about balancing risk and comfort, isn’t it?"
Jake reaches across, squeezing my hand. "Exactly. It’s about what feels right for us, for you, Mia. Safety is paramount, but so is your comfort and how you want to experience bringing our child into the world. Maybe we meet with both a midwife and a hospital consultant? See which approach resonates more with us?"
I nod, grateful for his support and understanding.
"That sounds like a balanced way forward. Exploring both options more thoroughly will help us make a comfortable decision. After all, it’s about welcoming our baby in the best possible way for our family. Honestly, I'd prefer the birth happening at the hospital."
Our conversation continues, a gentle back and forth as we weigh the pros and cons, our mutual respect and love guiding us through these monumental decisions.
Later that day, while having sandwiches and apple slices at the kitchen table, Jake and I reveal some of the baby names we've been considering to Dylan and Emily.
"So, you two," I begin, trying to capture their attention between bites, "we've been thinking about baby names and wanted to know what you think."
With their mouths still full, Dylan and Emily, who are scribbling on a piece of paper, pause and look up. Their eyes light up when baby names are mentioned, and suddenly, the reality of a new sibling seems to hit them anew.
"We've picked out a couple of names for if the baby is a boy and a few for if the baby is a girl,” Jake says, his voice infused with excitement. “For a boy, we're thinking about Ethan or Alexander. And for a girl, maybe Olivia or Sophia. What do you guys think?"
"Ethan is cool!" Dylan exclaims, eyes wide. "He could be a superhero with that name."
Emily tilts her head, thinking. "I like Olivia. It's pretty. But what about... Sparkle if it's a girl or Rocket if it's a boy?" Her suggestions send us into laughter, the joyous sound filling the kitchen.
Jake winks at me and turns to them. "Sparkle and Rocket, huh? Those are unique choices. We'll have to consider them."
I can't help but smile at their earnestness. "We wanted you two to be a part of this decision. It’s important that you feel connected to your new sibling."
Dylan's amusement shifted to a more thoughtful look. "But, will I have to share my room with the baby if it's a boy? Or will Emily share if it's a girl?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
I couldn't help but laugh gently, shaking my head.
"No, sweetheart, you won't have to share your room. We plan to turn an empty room upstairs into a nursery. That way, the baby will have their own space, and you and Emily can keep your rooms as they are," I reassured him, smiling warmly. Jake leaned forward, capturing the kids' attention with his engaging tone.
"That's right. The baby will get their own room. We want each of you to have your own space and the baby to have their own. Plus, it'll be fun setting up a nursery together. We can all help pick out colors and themes," he said, inviting them to be part of the planning.
This immediately brought back Dylan and Emily's excitement. Their worries were gone, and they started thinking enthusiastically about potential nursery themes.
Emily's eyes light up with excitement, and she almost bounces in her seat as she chimes in.
"Oh! We should make it a pink nursery if it's a girl! The walls could be pink, with lots of baby dolls all over the place! And a big dollhouse when they are big enough to play with it!"
Her imagination takes flight, vividly painting a nursery haven for playful adventures and nurturing dreams.
Dylan, not to be outdone, jumps in with his vision. "And if it's a boy, the room should be blue! But not just any blue, something cool like sky blue. And wallpaper with horses on it! Like, huge ones that look like they're running across the walls."
His enthusiasm builds as he gestures wildly, trying to encompass the vastness of his idea.
"We could even find a bed that looks like a barn or something. It would be cool to have a room like that, like a giant adventure every time you go to sleep."
Jake couldn't help but laugh softly at Dylan and Emily's vivid imagery and boundless excitement. Shaking his head in amusement, he placed a calming hand on the table, signaling a gentle pause in the lively conversation.
"You two have some amazing ideas! I love how creative you're getting with this," he said, his laughter subsiding into a warm smile that reflected his genuine appreciation for their enthusiasm.
"We'll keep all these fantastic themes in mind. Imagine the possibilities!" he added, winking at me. I nodded in agreement, my eyes twinkling with shared excitement and love.
The atmosphere at the table shifted to a lighter, softer tone as the children, imbued with a sense of being heard and valued, slowly resumed their lunch.
