Chapter 77 - A Little Strange Vomiting commenced the following morning, at around three. In the morning. Not quite as pleasant as it sounds, but I remained stalwart through the process and prescribed myself medication before returning to bed.
Unfortunately, the medicine did not kick in for a day or so, and I had to soil Grandmother Serena's pristine private toilet, which she has had since Day 1 of the house. Oops.
I returned to our area of the house to find that Grandfather Nicholas had dropped off a birthday present! I suppose the immortalized memory of me in lingerie will serve as a comfort in my old age.
I'm not the only one who received a sculpture. Mother was delighted with Ozzie the Octopus, who she displayed proudly in her room.
Seeing Nick's son, Willis, only makes me want a nooboo more. He's an adorable little fellow, with Juana's eyes and possibly Grandfather's hair.
While I waited for confirmation from the hospital, my sweet Bubba aged up. He rapidly recovered his hat, and looks just the same as he did when we first met. Except for not being blue, of course!
I had already selected my maternity wear, which is good, considering what I might have ended up with by default!
The first person I told was Bubba, who had just reemerged from the bedroom after twenty minutes of choosing and adjusting a hat.
One would think that, as a pregnant woman, I would have access to the fridge of delicacies Grandmother Serena prepares every morning. Instead, I was placed on a strict diet of watermelon! Of course, I know from my years in medicine that watermelon makes a baby stronger, smarter, and more mature (hint: female).
And, of course, I celebrated with my husband. It is such a relief to not have to worry about clicking "Try for Baby!" We once did, by accident a few weeks ago, but cancelled the action just in time.
Naturally, I treated myself at the spa to a facial and body treatment. Nothing overly extravagant, but the universal truth of the matter is that pregnant women deserve a spa day! Or seven.
My genie friend Burton, who is my primary student, was happy to hear the news, although he hinted that I should set him free sometime soon. I truly am planning to, but there is just so much going on right now!
He sent me this lovely present as a congratulations. It seems a little inappropriate to use in winter, but the elders enjoy relaxing in the steam while eating breakfast.
I really took advantage of maternity leave to work on my job performance. I made many housecalls to a myriad of townies, including Grandfather's daughter, Cynthia. Or is that Quiana? They look so alike, it's difficult to tell!
I was just freezing the lamp, as Burton instructed me . . .
And I felt the labor begin, dropped the lamp, and fled upstairs.
As many women before me, I gave birth in the nursery to a perfect, angelic little girl.
Little Mikayla may not be blue, but there's definitely something very special about her.
All of the elders flock to the nursery to see her, and cuddle her, and coo to her.
Including my mother, who claimed to be utterly bored by "pink burritos" but snuck up one night to just hold her granddaughter up and smile at her little giggles.
As for Bubba?
It is getting ridiculous.
The elders are all talking about her, down in the basement. I can tell because they exchange looks and don't make eye contact with me when they come back up.
* * * "
There's something off about her," Bree stated, dropping her fork on the table.
"
Why would you say that? She seems like a perfectly sweet, smart child to me," Serena retorted.
"
I don't know . . ." Kara muttered. "
She's my granddaughter, but there's strange thoughts lurking behind those eyes."
"
We could use a little more strange around here," Nicholas laughed, taking a seat. "
Frankly, life is starting to get into a routine. Mikayla will be a little fresh air for us crotchety old people."
"Excellently put, Nicholas. You four can stop moaning now, because life is going to get a little more exciting with Mikayla. After all, she probably will end up saving the world from evil, so I would keep an eye on her."
