Meg

Chapter 3 Elsa's sickness and a big surprise

It’s hard to believe that I’m a mother to five children. I always wanted to have a big family but nearly four years ago I was scared especially when Link had asked me to marry him at Maggie’s wedding. I said no because I didn’t want to outshine Maggie on her special day. It’s been four years since Maggie got married and Link and I are happily married with 5 kids almost 6 but we don’t mind. It is hard to imagine that Chris is 14 and starting the 9th grade, Scout is 5 and starting Kindergarten, and the triplets are 4 and starting their second year of Preschool.

“Mom why do you and Dad always have to embarrass me on the first day of school” Chris asked. “That’s what Mommy’s and Daddy’s do Chris.” Scout said. “Momma where is my SpongeBob?” Cooper asked. “Cooper, I put it in your backpack along with your SpongeBob lunchbox.” Link said. “I’m not Cooper I’m James I don’t like Cooper.” Cooper said angerly. “Yeah, daddy like you call me Maddie because I hate Madeline.” Maddie said. “Dadda I don’t want to go to school yet one more day please.” Elsa said. “Elsa you have to go to school so mommy and daddy can go to work its only a matter of time before mommy is going to be home with baby Adaline.” Chris said.

It’s hard to believe that I’m going to have another daughter in three or four weeks. After this one is born I’m definitely am going to be done with children especially how I’m now 44 and things are starting to get crazier with the triplets getting older, and Chris being a teenager already. After the triplets were born we decided that we were going to be done but we had one crazy night and Link and I didn’t take any precautions and we ended up with another baby but that was more of a planned thing because we did want another baby after the triplets just to have an even number of babies. I don’t mind I have three boys and two wonderful daughters another daughter isn’t so bad. I’m glad Link and I paid attention at every ultrasound for this baby because other set of multiples would definitely put me at a breaking point where I would start up my addiction again and I can’t do that to Chris, Scout, Maddie, Elsa, and James. I also can’t do that to Adaline once she’s born.

Five weeks later:

“Ugh why won’t this little lady want to come out?” I said in anger. “Maybe she is just scared to enter our crazy family.” Chris said. “I like your honesty, Chris.” I told my son. “Mommy Elsa is puking again.” Maddie said. “Okay I’ll be up shortly.” I said. “ Amelia what are you in a rush for you should be resting because little lady might make a move.” Link said. “No she’s not going to I’m 41 weeks pregnant anything to get her to move would be awesome.” I said. “Okay dear is Elsa throwing up again?” Link asked. “Yes I think It’s time to take her into see Hayes this bug has been going on for 4 days.” I said.

I quickly picked up my four year old daughter when I got a contraction but now was not the time to welcome our daughter as Elsa was sick. When we brought her to the hospital she was still throwing up. Hayes quickly looked at her and wanted to do testing because a bug doesn’t last that long especially for a little girl Elsa’s age because she hasn’t kept anything down for very long. I was worried about little Elsa. When Jo saw me she thought it was time for the baby. I told her that she still wants to stay in and not make any moves. Of course I lied to Jo because I have had some contractions in the last half hour but they are just Braxton hicks.

“I’m going to take Scout, James, and Maddie to the Cafeteria. Do you want anything dear?” Link asked. “No I’m good I’ll just wait here with Chris.” I said. “Mom are you okay?” Chris asked. “I’m fine just worried about your sister.” I said. “Which one Elsa or Adaline?” Chris asked. “Elsa of course, you should know that baby Adaline isn’t ready to come out just yet.” I said. “Well mom I think she’s coming because you either peed or your water broke.” Chris said. “What don’t be SILLY ouch what in the world.” I said. “See told you.” Chris said. “She’s got really bad timing huh?” Link said. “Your back already?” I said. “Yes, honey let’s get you to the maternity ward.” Link said. “Nope still early enough I’m waiting for Elsa’s results.” I explained. “Honey it could be awhile before we get any results.” Link said.

I refused to leave my sick child just to have another child. I already knew that Adaline’s birth was going to be heavily monitored considering I had a C-section with the triplets. I didn’t want to leave but the moment Jo walked by and saw that my water broke she escorted me to the maternity ward. I didn’t want to go but I went anyways. Jo wanted to see how far along I was before she would even consider me to see Elsa before I have this baby. I was already 7 ½ centimeters and Jo determined that Adaline was coming fast. Around the time that we got the news that the baby was coming fast that I found out that Elsa had appendicitis. I couldn’t be with my little girl because I was preparing to welcome her sister. I felt so bad for the little girl. Elsa was prepped for emergency surgery. I told Link to stay and wait for Elsa and I had Meredith in the room with me for this baby.

“Good push one more I can see her head.” Meredith said. “I CAN’T DO THIS.” I said when I heard my baby cry. “She’s here Meredith.” I said. “Well he’s here.” Meredith said. “What No the baby was supposed to be a girl.” I said. “Well welcome baby boy number 4.” Meredith said. “Great what am I supposed to tell Link who was excited for a girl hey do you want another baby?” I asked. “AMELIA you can’t do that to Link.” Meredith said. “OWWW what is this please tell me I’m not still pregnant.” I said. “Yes Amelia I need you to push.” Jo said. “Oh boy another baby we already have 6 we can’t have 7 or 8.” I said. “Amelia push harder your baby is breech and it’s too late for a C-Section.” Jo said.

I pushed for five minutes then I heard the cry of my daughter who I originally thought was a boy because I ended up with twins and not know yet again. Jo explained that she did tell us that it was twins but I guess Link and I weren’t paying attention to her. Chris with Scout, and James came to visit when they saw a brother.

“Mommy what happened to baby Addie? Scout asked. “Well you have a brother instead.” I said. “I DON’T WANT A ROTTEN BROTHER I WANT A SISTER.” Scout said before running out. “I’m not Rotten he’s the monster.” James said. “Boys you have to love each other you’re the only brothers your going to have.” I said. “So mom does dad know that Adaline is a boy?” Chris asked. “No and besides Adaline is a girl she’s over here.” I said. “Twins? But mom I thought you said it was only Adaline?” Chris said. “Yes it was supposed to be but I had twins by surprise like Elsa, Maddie, and James were surprise triplets, but guess what Mom is going to schedule a surgery so she can’t have anymore babies.” I said. “Mommy I want another sister.” James said. “No honey you have your two older sisters, and little sister.” I said.

Dear Scout,

Mommy loves you very much. You mean a lot of your dad and I. You are my rainbow baby who I love very much. I'm sorry I haven't seen you in awhile I miss you. I will be home soon with Auntie Meredith where we will spoil you with things from Minnesota. This trip has been really long without you my sweet boy. I hope you are doing well. I'm sure you are probably having fun with Daddy, Aunt Jo, and Luna just know we will be together again I promise I just needed to find out if I truly wanted to be with your dad forever and whether I wanted to give you a sibling. I have been scared. I'm scared you would have siblings who hate you or don't get along with you like your Aunts Nancy, Kathleen, and Liz. Mommy only had one sibling who saved me many times and that was your uncle Derek who you are named after my sweet boy.

I will see you when I get home Love you very much baby boy.

Chapter 2: Suprises and Happiness

It has been three months since Scout’s incident and I’m still shocked that a 19 year old could do that to an infant. Amelia is terrified to leave Scout and Chris with a sitter unless it is her brother, Maggie, and my parents. She won’t go out unless we know someone who won’t hurt our boys and our two puppies Stella and Nuggie. Those dogs have been protecting Scout since we got them and they let us know when he is awake and crying. I think Nuggie should be trained to be a service dog for Chris who is traumatized by what happened to his brother. I think Amelia is too. She is also 8 months pregnant with our baby that we still don’t know the gender to so it’s either Ariel Elizabeth, or Cooper James. We decided that Ariel Elizabeth sounded better than Ariel Grace.

“Honey, I think It's time.” Amelia said. “Are you sure? Remember you did this with Scout.” I said. “Well I'm having contractions every 5 minutes lets go in case these are real ones which I know they are.” Amelia said. “Okay what about Chris and Scout? And it isn't a little too early, you're only 34 weeks” I said. “Bring them with us, let's go now.” Amelia said doubled over in pain. “Okay I’ll get Scout in his carseat.” I said. “Link what is wrong with mommy is the baby coming?” Chris asked. “Yes, so we have to go to the hospital.” I said. “Okay I’ll get the diaper bag, and stroller for Scout.” Chris said. “Thank You Chris you are a good big brother to Scout and the new baby already.” Amelia said. “Mommy do you think the baby is coming or do you think it’s like Scout when you thought he was coming and yet he wasn’t ready just yet.” Chris asked. “Well we won’t know till Aunt Jo assesses mommy.” I said.

We got to the hospital around 5:30pm. Chris was getting hungry so he decided that he would take the Scout in his stroller to the cafeteria while Amelia and I went to see if the baby was coming. We waited for a half and hour as Jo was in surgery delivering a baby. Jo was originally going to go home with Luna but she stayed to find out what was going on. Amelia was right the baby was coming. She wasn't looking forward to the delivery part again, especially so close to Chris’ birthday which is in the morning. With the baby coming we ended up rescheduling Chris’ birthday which he was very understanding of. He’s a good kid, even though he has a hard time in school due to his developmental delays doesn’t defy him.

“Scout would you like a mushed up pizza I had the nurses blend up a pizza for you.” Chris said to his little brother. “Yes Pizza.” Scout said. “You are a good big brother when the baby comes would you like to stay and Auntie Meredith can watch Scout so you have the privilege of naming the baby?” Amelia asked. “Really Mommy?” Chris asked. “Yes Chris you are going to be 10 in a few hours and you can have the privilege of being in the room.” Amelia said. “Link I want to do this at home can we do this at home?” Amelia said. “I’m Sorry Amelia but the babies are still breech and I want you here and if you have to have a Csection which you might if these babies don't progress in the next hour I’m sorry this is the only way to get the babies safely out.” Jo said. “Well Chris you might not get to see the baby born after all.” I said. “It's okay. I can go spend time in the observation area with Scout, Auntie Meredith, Uncle Derek. I think Uncle Derek is doing a really cool removal of a tumor in a back.” Chris said. “Yes he is, I was supposed to help him and so wasn’t daddy.” Amelia said.

I knew Amelia and I were preparing for this long surgery but unfortunately we aren’t going to be able to finish with our patient because Amelia went into labor and may have to have a C-Section. A half an hour had passed when Jo came into the room. Chris, and Scout were sleeping when she came to see if the baby had progressed. The baby had not progressed so she had to give us the most devastating news that our baby was likely not going to make it if Amelia chose a natural birth because the baby’s heart rate keeps dropping. She decided that It was best to have the surgery and that Amelia would have to go through Rehab after the baby is born just to ensure that she didn’t want more drugs. Jo didn’t want to have her put under general because of the danger that can come with that. Five minutes after the news we were in the operating room.

“We're having this baby.” Amelia said. “Yes we are, I'm looking forward to meeting the baby.” I said. “Me too lets just hope no complications are happening.” Amelia said. “Okay Amelia a little pressure, and baby A is out.” Jo said. “The baby is here, wait did you just say baby A?” I asked. “Yes there is more than one didn’t I tell you guys months ago?” Jo asked. “Not that we can recall.” I said. “Well surprise, here is baby B.” Jo said. “How are the babies Link?” Amelia asked. “Beautiful wait there is another coming.” Link said. “Perfect triplets, what are we going to do? We only planned for one, not three.” Amelia said. “I know we will work something out because we are great parenting Christopher, and Scout.” I said. “Poor Chris will have to share his birthday with the triplets.” Amelia said. “Here you go daddy baby A is ready to meet her family.” the Nurse said as she handed me a baby girl. “Elsa Mae is her name.” Amelia said. “Elsa Mae it is then. I said as the nurse brought the second baby over and it was another girl. “Madeline Elizabeth is her name. I decided that Charlotte wasn’t a perfect name for our baby.” Amelia said as Elsa, and Maddie were placed on her chest. “Here you go daddy.” the nurse said handing me a baby boy. “Cooper James is his name.” Amelia said.

Shortly after the triplets were born the nurse took them to the NICU because they were early but we were still shocked how we ended up with triplets Maddy and Elsa are identical twins and it turns out Cooper was just another egg that was released when Amelia got pregnant during our short separation time near Scout’s first birthday. We have five kids when it was only supposed to be three. When Amelia got back to her room Meredith, and Derek were there waiting on the news of whether the baby was okay. We had quite a surprise for them as Amelia said that they were beautiful.

“They? You are doing gender binary talk for the baby?” Derek asked. “No Elsa, Madeline, and Cooper are perfect.” Amelia said. “WHAT?” Derek asked. “We had triplets two girls and a boy.” I said. “Triplets wow so you have 5 kids after all now.” Derek said. “Hey I wasn't playing on it as we were only supposed to have one but I guess Maddie was hiding behind Elsa, and Cooper was higher up and Link and I never really paid much attention to the ultrasound as we were talking about either Chris or Scout.” Amelia said. “Well surprises are always good though even if it’s babies.” Meredith said. “Don’t worry we will get you things for babies.” Derek said before leaving the room with Meredith as Chris entered the room with Scout.

Chapter 1: Scared and Proud.

Being a single mother to my nine year old son and one year old son was never a thought of mine. I was just scared I didn’t want to hurt him but I guess I did. I’m worried that Scout might not love us if we have another child right away because he’s still a baby. I haven’t told Atticus this but I probably should. I want to have another in the future but right now isn’t good timing. I love Scout and I love Link. I just don’t think my heart is ready for marriage or even another baby just yet after all we already have a 9 year old and a 1 year old to worry about. I don’t even know how to talk to him about this just yet.

“You have reached Dr. Atticus Lincoln, please leave me a message and I will get back to you.” “Link I know you are scanning your phone to see who is calling but I know you're mad and probably leaving me with Scout or want a custody battle but if we could just talk I think you would understand or maybe I would anyways give me a call back.” I said. “Amelia?” Link said from behind her. “I tried calling you a second ago.” I said. “Yes you did, I’m never going to do a custody battle with our son. He needs both of us and Christopher needs us too and if both of us are not on the same page then we can’t make things work out.” Link said. “Link, are you sure you want marriage and another baby?” I asked. “All I want is you I love you. It doesn't matter if Scout is the only child we have, I want you.” Link said. “Okay where are the rings?” I asked. “REALLY?” Link asked. “Yes I want the middle ring.” Amelia said.

4 Months Later:

4 Years Later:

How is it possible that my baby boy is already 6 years old and is heading into First Grade. Raising four kids was never in my mind after Christopher because I couldn’t go through the pain of losing another baby. After Annabel was born Link and I decided that we had enough children with Scout, Paisley, Gabriel, and Annabel. But that didn’t seem to stop us because we are expecting another baby. Link and I were taken by shock when we found out. Today is the first day of school for the kids and I’m not ready for Scout to go to First Grade.

“Link where is Scout’s Spongebob lunchbox?” I asked. “Honey it’s in his backpack along with his favorite stuffed animal.” Link told me. “Momma is it school time?” Scout asked. “Yes dear Daddy will get your brother and sisters ready.” I said. “Momma will Paisley, and Gabe be okay in school as I am in the big boy part of the school not the little kid part of school.” Scout said. “I am sure that they are going to be okay dear why don’t you get in your car seat.” I said. “Okay Momma, but am I a big boy for caring about Pais and Gabe?” Scout asked. “Yes you are soon Anna will be in school as well just a week from now.” I said. “Will Anna be okay Mommy?” Paisley asked.

The drive to the school was scary as I’m 24 weeks pregnant with our fifth and hopefully our final child, and bringing our three oldest children to school. When we got to the school I held Annabel, and Paisley’s hands, while Link held our son’s hands. We brought Gabriel to his Kindergarten classroom. He was scared because it wasn’t Preschool anymore and that he was going to be down the hall from his older brother and two classrooms away from his twin sister. Scout told him that it was going to be okay before giving him a big hug and giving him a stuffed cat to hold if he got scared. Scout is such a beautiful soul and would help his sibling no matter the situation. When we got to Paisley’s classroom she was so excited to go into the classroom to meet friends and her new teacher.

“Hello I'm Ms Honeywell, and I will be your daughter's teacher this year.” The young teacher explained. “Hello, I’m Mr. Lincoln, and my wife Mrs. Lincoln or rather Dr. Shepherd.” Link said. “Hello Amelia, and Atticus this must be Paisley Lincoln.” She said looking right at Annabel. “NO I Anna I no Paiswey.” Anna said. “Sorry that’s our 4 year old Annabel she always gets called Paisley because they both look alike and are only 14 months apart in age.” I said. “Oh well that’s okay so you must be Paisley dear.” the teacher said. “Yes I’m Paisley Grace Shepherd Lincoln i’m 5 and I have a twin brother Gabriel Adam Shepherd Lincoln, an older brother Scout Derek Shepherd, and a baby sister Annabel Rosalie Shepherd Lincoln, and a unnamed baby in mommy tummy.” Paisley said. “Oh well welcome Paisley, and Dr. Shepherd you seem to be busy.” Said the teacher.

We were happy to leave that classroom I could tell Annabel and Scout were getting uncomfortable as was I. But the main classroom that I felt truly uncomfortable was in Scout Classroom when the teacher asked why Scout had a girl’s name and not a boys name of course without Scout hearing but little Anna hearing it. Link and I were livid with the teacher and reported her to the principle. We weren’t going to let our son get hurt from a teacher who thinks his name is a girl's name.

After a week or so with all four kids in school we found out that Scout’s teacher was fired and was replaced by his Kindergarten Teacher who had returned from maternity leave as his teacher had a baby during the late spring when Ms. Honeywell took over. Mrs. Naps is a wonderful teacher we were thrilled to know that she was moving up to First grade so that Scout at least had a teacher that he could talk to rather than going to Miss. Molly who is now Anna’s teacher.

“So how does it feel to know all the kids are in school now?” Meredith asked. “Well to be honest it feels strange we sent them all to school and what are we complaining about.” I said. “Well soon enough you will have time with just you two and a new baby.” Maggie said. “Yes we truly are just going to get time to ourselves then the baby will be here.” I said. “So do you know what you are having?” Meredith asked. “No we told Jo and Carina that we want to be surprised unless someone wants to do a gender reveal party for us.” I said. “I might just do that Zola loved it when we did it for Paisley and Gabriel.”Meredith said.

2 Month Later:

Being 36 weeks pregnant with our fifth child certainly has not kept me feeling good. With Thanksgiving being tomorrow I hope this one doesn’t decide to come yet again Anna was 41 ½ weeks gestation when she was born. Meredith and Maggie have a gender reveal and baby shower planned for us. We weren’t expecting to have another baby after Annabel but we did. When I woke up this morning I wasn’t feeling the greatest some contractions but nothing I couldn’t handle after all it is thanksgiving and a big event at Meredith’s house. When we got there the kids went to play with their cousins and enjoyed every second while we finished working on dinner before we did the whole display of the Gender of the baby and the baby shower.

“So Amelia are you ready to find out what the baby is?” Jo and Meredith asked. “Yes we are I’m hoping for a boy Link isn’t sure but I’m hoping a boy.” I said. “Well are we ready?” Meredith asked. “Yes we are” Link yelled. “Ready 5,4,3,2,1 It’s a GIRL.” Meredith and Jo said as Pink balloons began to fly out. “Another girl poor Scout and Gabriel. I hope they get along with each other.” Maggie said. “Yes they do besides Emily has two brothers Ethan and David.” I said. “Well and Benjamin who is due February 14th.” Maggie said.

Watching my three kids grow up together is heartwarming. I wish I was this close to my siblings. The only one I was close to was Derek. I’m nervous about how the twins will react to the baby, Scout was understanding when Paisley and Gabriel were born. Having a two-year-old and 14-month-old twins it is surprising the amount of energy one has when chasing kids especially being 9 months pregnant. I never had this energy with Scout, and the twins. Nor have I been pregnant this long with a baby. Link thinks this little girl has her own schedule even though I’m not sure she really wants to be apart of the family especially with how crazy this family can get.

“So how is little miss today?” Maggie asked. “Oh stubborn but good how’s Emilee doing?” I asked. “Well she’s doing good Winston and I are thinking about having another, but we aren’t sure if we are ready for another yet again Emilee maybe my only child if I don’t try for another child.” Maggie said. “Amelia what are you still working for shouldn’t you be on maternity leave by now?” Meredith asked. “Meredith I am going to work until this one comes she just has a mind of her own and honestly I don’t know if I can have her with Link away on a conference.” I said. “Amelia, I promised I would be here for you if that did happen.” Meredith said.

I worked for the day then took the kids home or more of Meredith took us to the house where Scout got excited to play with Bailey. Paisley liked playing with Ellis, and Zola. Gabriel just liked watching his brother and cousin from his walker. Zola and Ellis love to play baby with Paisley meaning walking her and playing mommy and sister. I guess that is advantage to Paisley having a little sister so close in age. I just hope my children aren’t like my own siblings when they are older. As I sat down, I felt a contraction but nothing too sharp that wanted me to go to the hospital. Honestly, I have been having them off and on all day.

“Amelia do you want to watch some home videos?” Meredith asked. “Sure, that would be fun.” I said. “Well I can dig them out I’m sure Zola would love to watch videos of when she was little and the ones that Derek recorded, and I recorded.” Meredith said. “Mommy did daddy ever video me?” Ellis asked. “Well Elle Belle daddy never meet you because he was in an accident before you were born.” Meredith said. “Mommy phone ringing.” Scout said. “Hello, Link how are you how’s the conference.” I said. “It’s good how are you doing? Has the baby decided to make any moves yet?” Link asked. “No not yet same as this morning, I think she’s waiting for you.” I said lying to my husband because I was having off and on contractions.

After watching home videos with the kids, we decided to go to bed early. I was comfy on the couch and the twins were already sleeping in the play pen. Scout went up to bed with Bailey. Meredith was concerned because I wasn’t acting the way I was previously earlier in the day. She decided to stay with me. It was an hour later that I woke up with a contraction that was a strong one. Meredith timed it because it was a long one. Meredith was sure that the baby was coming that she had called Deluca to come watch the kids. I told her that I was fine just before I had another contraction 5 minutes from the last one.

“Amelia the baby is coming we need to get you to the hospital.” Meredith said. “Meredith I have been through this before she’s got a mind of her own and won’t be here for awhile.” I said. “Okay Amelia.” Meredith said. “Mer I will let you know and right now I’m not ready nor is the baby.” I said. “Amelia she can’t stay there much longer your what 41 weeks pregnant?” Meredith asked. “Yes 41 weeks and 4 days along she just isn’t willing to come.” I said.

I fell asleep for about an hour ignoring several contractions within that hour. I went to the bathroom but was doubled down in pain. Meredith convinced me to go to the hospital but I didn’t want to go or have the baby because Link is not here. As soon as we got to the hospital Carina examined me and said that I was already 8 centimeters. I asked Meredith Facetime Link so that he could see the birth of his daughter. Link was there in spirit but Meredith coached me through the birth and delivery of the 7 pound infant girl. I held her while Link Facetimed me while looking at the baby. He said that he was on the next flight out and decided that his presentation can wait until next year as he really needed to be home for his children.

“So, Amelia what is her name?” Meredith asked. “Well we have a name for her but we are not 100% sure what her name is going to be.” I said. “Annabel Rosalie Shepherd Lincoln.” Link said. “Are you sure that’s the name we want to call her?” I asked. “Yes that is her name.” Link said “I like it she’s perfect welcome Annabel.” I said.