No Holds Barred

[dovesong]

Is 8 months too long to post again? I haven't been here since December. I had to hunt for this place, but since I have free time (a lot of it) on my hands, I thought I'd come for a visit. And when I got here, I got all nostalgic and sentimental and stuff... I miss you guys! *tears*

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Kate: I have a couple more things. One is this… (pulling an unwrapped infant car seat from behind her chair. This is from Haysberts’ wife and children. A small token of their appreciation for helping find their father. And one more thing. (holds up a card and then hands it to Jinny) This came by way of the mail at the station house a day or two ago. I thought I’d keep it until today. It is from the Kent’s. Joy’s adoptive parents.

(Jinny opened the card and began reading slowly. She passes the card around as she digs back into envelop to produce three 5X7 photos of Joy in different poses. She stared at each for several minutes before passing the first two on, but the third held her eyes captive for much longer. It was Joy in the same pink, lacy, frilly dress that Jinny had admired on her first shopping outing with Teddy. Joy was posed perfectly, smiling at the camera with a big open, toothless, mouth, her arms extended. Her entire body laughing. For a moment, Jinny’s heart hurt. How much she missed Joy flooded back. She remembered why she had cried so hard when she found out she was having a boy. But she saw how happy and health Joy obviously was and knew that this baby needed that also. She vowed in that moment, that be it girl, boy, or duck, she would love this baby with everything in her. Jinny passed on the final photo and sat back, rubbing her belly. She told this baby how much she loved him and he kicked as if he understood her.)

Jinny: (looking up to see all eyes back on her) Oh, sorry. We were just talking.

Magda: Uh-huh. More like he talks, you listen.

Jinny: (getting up) Yeah, and what he’s saying is, my bladder is in his way. If you’ll excuse me.

All: (laugh)

(Jinny takes her time in the bathroom, and washing her hands. She turns sideways and presses her shirt around her bulging abdomen and frowns. *kick* Will her body ever be the same again? Will Teddy *kick* still love her if it doesn’t? After being up for days and nights on end, will she care? *kick* She can hear the crowd getting rambunctious downstairs, so she decides to make her way back down the stairs.)

Olivia: (upon seeing her) Here she comes.

Magda: We thought you got lost.

Jinny: I was just thinking, I guess.

Magda: Getting excited?

Jinny: (smiles) A little, yeah.

Magda: Well, its about time, girl.

Liz: Well, if we’re done in here, I’ll start picking things up a bit. Maria, give me hand.

Maria: (scooping up a handful of wrapping paper) Sure, Mam.

Jinny: Here, let me help.

Liz: No. it’s time to sit back and let everyone wait on you. From now until this baby is about two weeks old, you’ll be pampered and fussed over. Then, it’s all over. Then you’re a mother and wife and a woman of the world. But don’t let me scare you.

Jinny: (sitting back down) I’ll take it.

(Everyone sat around chatting about their own pregnancy, labor and delivery stories. Jinny sat back smiling. Somehow she knew this day was coming. She knew she wasn’t immune from the horror stories that everyone held locked inside. She was rather proud of them for holding them in for as long as they had. They began to clear out after about an hour or two and Jinny thanked each one as they left until it was down to Olivia, Liz and Maria, and Magda. They finished cleaning up and packed Jinny’s car full of gifts. As Jinny was making one last trip to finish filling her car’s last empty spot, A second car pulled up. Jinny watched as Teddy got out and circled Jinny’s car, staring inside.)

Teddy: Wow. It’s um, full.

Jinny: Yeah, it is.

Teddy: (arms around her belly) Are you gonna fit in there?

Jinny: Of course. I’ll even have room for the chauffer. (holds up a teddy bear with a blue T-shirt that says “It’s a Boy!” on it)

Teddy: Wow. A chauffer. And you said I was spoiled.

Jinny: You are. What exactly are you doing here?

Teddy: Mom said you might need a little extra room to move stuff.

Jinny: Oh, she must have meant for the 200+ bags of diapers she has stored in your old room.

Teddy: 200? From where?

Jinny: Oh, the 100+ guests that didn’t get invited. (pause) At her son’s request.

Teddy: Oh, those diapers.

Jinny: (kisses him) Thank you.

Teddy: Don’t mention it. (looking in the car) Is this it?

Jinny: Except for all those diapers.

Teddy: Wow, that’s a lot of stuff.

Jinny: Yeah, I think we covered that already.

Teddy: (smiles; backs her against the car) We’re like, the luckiest people on the planet.

Jinny: We have great friends, don’t we?

Teddy: The best. (pause) Was there any food left? I’m starving.

Jinny: Maybe. Come on.

(Teddy slips his arm around Jinny as they head towards the house, slowly, talking about various odds and ends, including the day care center visits they had planned for the following Monday. When they entered the house, Teddy was bombarded with greetings from Magday and family he obviously hadn’t seen in too long to remember.)

Teddy: (looking around) Where’s dad?

Olivia: He had the kids out back. You should go say hello.

Teddy: Sure. Right after (grabbing the platter of sandwiches from Olivia’s hands) I help you put this away.

Liz: Careful, ‘Liv, there won’t be anything left to put away.

Teddy: (smiles) A growing boy needs nourishment.

Olivia: Well, you eat all you want. Jason won’t eat them anyways and the kids had their fill before the party. What can I get you to drink.

Teddy: Whatever. Diet soda is fine.

(Jinny sits with Teddy as he eats. Olivia, Liz, Maria and Magda make light conversation around them as they are cleaning up. Teddy looks over in time to find Jinny jump and place a hand on her stomach. He puts his hand on hers and she moves hers over his to hold it there. He is staring into her eyes when he feels the first little kick. The seconds feels as if the baby is trying to push his hand away, and then he pulls back and kicks Teddy’s hand again. Olivia, Liz, and Magda stop and watch the two quietly before Olivia interrupts.)

Olivia: Is that my grandson you’re trying to hide from me? (pushes Teddy’s hand away and places her own on Jinny’s belly; quiet; feels his kick) Oh, how precious. He’s a strong one, already.

(Jinny and Teddy finally said their goodbyes and headed home. Magda followed shortly after to help Teddy unload everything. She helped Teddy tote everything up to their apartment, daring Jinny to lift the first thing. Jinny and Magda sat in the nursery floor for a piling high, baby clothes, blankets and the like to wash before the baby came. She helped Jinny organize the rest of the belongings into their appropriate places. Hanging empty hangers in the small closet as the finishing touch.)

Magda: (looking at the huge pile of clothes) Wow. Olivia really outdid herself didn’t she?

Jinny: Yeah.

Magda: Well, listen. You have to have baby detergent, like Dreft, or something to wash these in. Not what you use, he has sensitive skin. And, you still need a bottle of alcohol and cotton swabs for his little belly button and you’re going to need a jar of petroleum jelly for his little (pause; smile; shrug) ‘winkie’ after the circumcision.

Jinny: (frowns)

Magda: You are going to have him circumcised.

Jinny: (frowns) I never thought about that. Do we have to? I mean, doesn’t it hurt.

Magda: Well, you don’t have to. But, trust me, it will be much less traumatic doing now, than when he’s eight or twenty eight. Easier to teach them to take care of it too. Less chances of infections, blah, blah…

Jinny: God, just one more decision that will affect this kid for life. Is there anything else I should know?

Magda: You want to make your birth plan now, while you’re sane. Don’t wait until you’re in pain and try to make all those decisions.

Jinny: Birth plan?

Magda: Yeah. Do you want to go all natural, no drugs, no nothing. Or do you want pain meds, an epidural. Do you want to deliver standing up? Laying down? Squatting? In water? Some doctors say its okay to eat up until the big finale, others say no. Who do you want to be present. Just you and Teddy? (emphasis) Me? His mom? Your dad? Do you want to breast feed as soon as he’s born. Do you want to breast feed at all? Do you want to keep him in your room all the time? Do you want to send him to the nursery some so you can rest? Do you want camera’s to take photos or even video the whole shebang? You have to make these decisions now. And stick by them. Some people really want a natural birth, but as soon as the pain starts, the give in. If you put it in a birth plan, then the nurses know to try to encourage you breath and focus, and stuff and try to encourage you to wait on the pain meds. Your nurses can be great.

Jinny: Okay, Mag, I get it. You don’t just go in and pop out a baby. Well, I can assure you, I’m up for any pain meds, they want to pump in me...

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So, ya'll leave me a message and let me know how you've all been doing

[Jeanie]

Great story. Can't wait to read more. The sooner the better.

[DOPEY85xxx]

awesome

[dovesong]

Originally Posted by Jeanie

Great story. Can't wait to read more. The sooner the better.

WOW, two posts in two days, what'd I do to deserve that? But anyways, here's more... 2:30 in the morning is going to be here far too soon if I keep this up...ah the nostalgia...

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Jinny: Okay, Mag, I get it. You don’t just go in and pop out a baby. Well, I can assure you, I’m up for any pain meds, they want to pump in me, and as far as video, you can forget that.

Magda: It used to be that all those decisions were made for you. Even the daddy didn’t get to be in the delivery room. Just you and a bunch of sterile white coats. Things have come along way.

Jinny: Why didn’t somebody tell me?

Magda: Because you haven’t wanted to hear it, my friend.

Jinny: (pause) Yeah, I guess I have been kind of… (searching for a word)

Magda: In denial?

Jinny: (laughs with Magda) Yeah, I guess. It’s just… I can’t believe I’m having a baby.

Magda: And soon.

Jinny: I never thought I’d ever have a baby.

Magda: But you are. And you’re gonna love it. You and Teddy will make wonderful parents.

Jinny: Teddy’s so excited. Why haven’t I been?

Magda: You’re first baby is scary. But, I’ll help you. And you have Teddy’s mom and Dad. You’re not alone in this. Just don’t be afraid to ask.

Jinny: Okay. I know. I will.

Magda: (helping Jinny to her feet) Well, listen, I’ve got to go. I promised I’d take Benjamin out for dinner. I’ll see you Monday.

Jinny: Tuesday. Teddy and I are touring Day Care Centers Monday. Oh, the fun you’ll be missing.

Magda: I was lucky there. I had, mommy and poppy.

Jinny: (walking Mag to the door) Dad wants me to let Ronnie baby sit.

Magda: Ronnie?

Jinny: Yeah, my step sister. You don’t remember me telling you?

Magda: Yeah, I remember. You should think about that. Its better than day care. All those snotty nose kids. Kids are sicker in day care centers than in private homes. All those germs getting spread around. Babies don’t know to wash their hands. And those workers, just don’t have the time to worry about that enough.

Jinny: Thanks for that, Mag.

Magda: (kisses Teddy’s cheek) Bye guys.

Teddy: (arm around Jinny) Bye, Mag. Thanks a lot. (to Jinny) You look tired.

Jinny: I am. Did you know that people take video of the birth of their babies?

Teddy: Really? Can we do that?

Jinny: Um, no.

Teddy: Just think, Jin, and we thought naked baby pictures were bad. Just wait until we break out the birth video to show the girlfriend.

Jinny: Yeah, and then we can video your vasectomy.

Teddy: (makes a face) Ouch. You know, maybe still pictures is more the way to go.

Jinny: I thought you might see it my way.

(Teddy and Jinny spent their Sunday morning washing, drying, and putting away baby clothes. Monday, they played hooky from work to visit a couple of day care center. They pulled into the parking lot of the first and noticed it was really run down with broken siding and a poorly kempt yard with few toys. Jinny immediately scratched that name off their list and made their way to the second. It was a brightly colored two story house about five miles from downtown. The large front yard was fenced. The gate was locked and was card entry only. They pushed the “push for assistance” button and waited. Soon a young woman left the house and approached the gate to greet them.)

Lydia: Hi, may I help you?

Teddy: Yes, we had an appointment to tour and an interview with (glancing at a paper) Mildred.

Lydia: Mildred is no longer with us. I’m Lydia and I’ll help you. You are?

Teddy: The Blumenthals. Teddy and Jinny, and son.

Lydia: Yes, I remember seeing you on the schedule. (slides a plastic card in the slot; gate opens) Well, this is your grounds tour. We have two separate fenced areas. One for children five and under and one for ages six to twelve. We are outside everyday unless it rains. (opening the front door for them) Our older children are upstairs. Is this one your first?

Teddy: Yes.

Lydia: How much longer?

Jinny: Six weeks.

Lydia: (nods) We won’t waste time upstairs right now, then. It’ll be a few years before they’ll be going up there. Okay. (opening a door and peeking in; quietly) It’s nap time for our little ones. If we could just convince THEM it’s nap time. (smiles) This is where your little one will start out and be here until he’s two. (closing the door and opening another farther down the hall) Then from three to five they’ll be in a this room. Nap time here too, of course. (closes the door; leads them into an office) There is large room at then end of the hall where they can run and play and do some of the more active games.

(Lydia provides Jinny and Teddy with a list of the facility’s schedule activities, their current menu, etc. She explains their billing and security systems. She explains the cameras they saw on the walls and how a parent could log in to be able to see their child any time of day.)

Lydia: I’ve talked enough. Do you have any questions for me?

Teddy: (shakes his head, no)

Jinny: Yes. How do you discipline?

Lydia: We get asked that a lot. We primarily use time-outs. If they didn’t take a nap, sometimes, we’ll take them to a quiet room and let them take a nap. We try to explain why what they did is wrong. We’ll ask them to apologize if they’ve taken a toy, or hit someone. We try to get them to compromise. If they both want to play with a toy, we’ll try to get them to share it. Like with balls, or cars. We try to teach them to get along when at all possible.

Jinny: And corporal punishment?

Lydia: Is absolutely not tolerated here. We have a zero tolerance policy here.

Jinny: Meaning?

Lydia: Meaning termination of employment and possible legal action.

Teddy: Have you had that problem here in the past?

Lydia: Well, children will say things when they get mad, and we investigate every complaint, from every child. If we suspect there is a definite problem, or the children have evidence, we jump into action. In our five years, we’ve had one questionable incident with the older children. Neither case could be substantiated, but we asked for this person’s resignation, to prevent any further question. Plus, the cameras cut down on a lot of that. They know they’re being videoed and they know that any parent could be watching at any time. We also offer our employees the opportunity to move around occasionally if we notice their frustration level is escalating. We offer them the right to walk away if they feel like they are losing control; and as long as the children are safe. We have more than one caregiver in any setting, so that the safety of the children is not in jeopardy.

Jinny: And how often does that happen?

Lydia: (smiles) Not often. But if you have a child at home, you can understand that there are times that even you need to walk away. We’re human and we’re no different. I like to think that have hand selected some of the very best, most patient individuals there are.

Jinny: What kind of activities do you offer?

Lydia: Well for the little one’s like yours… we do a lot of sensory stimulation: touching, massaging, different textures, talking, different sounds, colors, shapes, music, things like that. When they get older, the stimulation increases. We provide a little bit of TV time, for learning experiences. To help them travel to the farm, the train station, the bakery, the grocery store, things like that. We do a lot of behavior modeling, singing and dancing. We try to teach them a little sign language, “more,” “milk,” “eat,” little things they’ll use. We also encourage quiet time activities like reading. Any other questions?

Jinny: What’s your child to caregiver ratio?

Lydia: With the infant to two year age group, we have five children to each caregiver.

Jinny: Wow that’s a lot.

Lydia: That is a number set by the state and adhered to strictly. Anything else?

Jinny: (shake her head)

Lydia: Now, we don’t have any available spaces right now, but by the time your little one is ready to come stay with us we should have three. Now there are two others on the wait list now an three more interviews this week. If you’d like, we can place you on the waiting list and that guarantees you the third space, even if one of the other mothers would deliver before you. We’ll hold that space for your little one, up to a month beyond your initial date.

Jinny: (hesitates)

Lydia: Its not a problem to remove your name from the list, but it’s impossible to get on the list in the same spot.

Teddy: I think we should do it. I mean, if we find something better, we can call and cancel.

Jinny: Okay. Sure fine.

(The two expecting parent shook Lydia’s hand after she escorted them to the gate. The departed to the third center. Quiet. The third interview went more smoothly. Jinny asked the same questions and was pleased with most of the answers.)

(Teddy and Jinny sat on their sofa that evening, surrounded by brochures and weighing their options.)

Teddy: I really liked the second place, Bullfrogs and Butterflies. They were really nice. And they have a lot of security features in place. I like that.

Jinny: Yeah, I guess. They all have good qualities. It’s just how do you weigh which of the good you’re willing to give up and which of the bad your willing to accept?

Teddy: I don’t know. But we have to make a decision. Giggles and Smiles has given us until Wednesday or they’re giving up our spot to the next happy couple.

Jinny: What about looking for an individual?

Teddy: But, what about the socialization skills he’ll be missing? That’s important too.

Jinny: Yeah, but five kids per person? When are they supposed to get one-on-one attention?

Teddy: With mom, on Tuesdays and Thursday’s. (quiet) We have to pick someone, and soon.

Jinny: I know, but I just can’t right now.

Teddy: Okay, how about this… How about, we think about it until Tuesday night, and we get back together with our choices, pros and cons, and we make a decision and make the final call on Wednesday morning before we go to you doctor’s appointment.

Jinny: Okay.

(Jinny showed up for work Tuesday to file paperwork. Kate had warned her, her time on the streets was limited. She wasn’t sure she could handle six more weeks of this. And Haysbert was back and in rare form. He was suddenly avoiding Jinny. No acidic remarks. No burning glares. And Jinny Exstead Blumenthal had survived her first of 42 days of enslavery. Teddy and Jinny greeted each other warmly and made their final decisions about day care. They slept quietly arm in arm that night and rose early to make the definitive call.)

(Jinny dressed and readied for her doctor’s appointment. She and Teddy waded through the flood of small children and stares to the desk to sign in. They took a seat and waited for over an hour before her name was called and she was weighed and stripped of her clothes and they were left in a room to wait for another hour on the doctor. Finally, a nurse appeared with what appeared to be a medieval torture device. She carries on a conversation with the expecting parents to help decrease the anxiety she knows all new parents feel with each new experience.)

Nurse: I know this looks scary, but you remember this from your last stay in the hospital? It just goes around your waist and records any contractions you may be having.

Teddy: Should she be having contractions?

Nurse: Braxton-Hicks contractions are common at this stage. If she hasn’t felt any, she will probably start. They are smaller contractions that help the baby move down into the birth canal, and help to get everything ready for birth. They’ll get stronger, even painful, the closer to delivery she gets.

Teddy: So, how do we know when it’s the real thing?

Nurse: Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular. You may have one now, then ten minutes from now, then maybe six minutes, then maybe an hour later, you’ll feel another one. The real thing may start as Braxton-Hicks, but they’ll develop a regular rate: every 20 minutes for a few hours, every fifteen minutes for a few hours.

Teddy: When do we come to the hospital?

Nurse: With this being your first baby, labor will be longer. Most recommend waiting until you’re about five minutes apart and regular. I say ten or fifteen, unless you want to deliver in San Francisco traffic. (finishes) Now, the doctor should be in soon. We’ll let this run until he comes in. Do you need anything?

Jinny: (shakes her head) No.

Nurse: (looks up to Teddy)

Teddy: (shakes his head; to Jinny after the nurse leaves) I’m sorry for that. I know you can’t stand me to ask questions.

Jinny: No, that’s okay. I had the same questions. Really, thanks.

Doc: (as he’s coming in the door) Good morning, all. (shaking hands with both) How are we this morning?

Teddy: Great.

Doc: (looking over the strip) Are you feeling any contractions? Because you’re having a ton.

Jinny: No. Is there something wrong?

Doc: No. (helping Jinny to lay back as he examines her; then helps her sit back up) You’re starting to dilate. You’re about a two. (seeing Jinny’s worried face) Which is not unusual for someone as far along as you are.

Teddy: So, if something were to happen an she would deliver now…

Doc: Things should be just fine. She is (checking the chart) thirty-five weeks. We want her to carry for another week, preferably three more, but while he may be slightly smaller than we like, he wouldn’t have anymore problems than he will when he’s born on time. You have successfully made a healthy, happy baby boy.

Jinny: So, I was told that we needed to make a birth plan?

Doc: Birth plans are great if there is some unusual thing you want to do, giving birth under water, something like that. You don’t have any unusual requests do you?

Jinny: I don’t think so.

Doc: We try to honor your requests. Pain meds; no pain meds; epidurals; standing; sitting; walking. As long as you and the baby remain stable through the labor process, you’re free to try anything you think will make the pain easier to bare.

Jinny: How reassuring.

Doc: It’s not going to be a walk in the park. But it will be well worth it in the end. We’ll see you every week from now until you deliver. Go home, relax, pamper yourself.

Jinny: I don’t pamper well.

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Ta-da... thanks so much for responding, I'd almost given up on you guys... I was getting ready to break out the defibrillator and try to pump new life into this old fic. I so miss The Division... I don't even get cable right now... mad at the cable company... going to do Dish or something maybe soon, so I don't even get the re-runs. *sniff* Well, anyways, take care and don't wait another three months to respond, lol