I wake up confused and dazed when I hear Me-Me groaning early in the morning. It takes me a minute to realize what’s happening. The baby is coming!
I hurry over and pull her into my arms.
Kai: Are you okay? Is it time to push?
Melisa: Not yet. My contractions are still too far apart.
I place my hands on her belly.
Kai: *to Me-Me’s belly* We’re waiting for you! We can’t wait to meet you.
I can feel the baby move as if they are responding.
Kai: *to Me-Me* Any ideas for a name?
Melisa: Well, if it’s a girl, I was thinking Kyla – after you. But I’m still not 100% sure about a boy’s name yet.
I like the name Kyla. I like it a lot.
Kai: I’ve been giving it some thought, and I might have an idea for a boy’s –
Another contraction hits her before I can continue. She’s right; they are about 10 minutes apart. Judging from when Dub was born, we probably still have a while to go.
I suggest that Me-Me tries to sit back and relax for a bit. It’s all a waiting game now. We sit in silence, between contractions. Until she suddenly speaks up.
Melisa: Kai, can I talk to you about something?
Her tone sounds serious – maybe even a bit worried. I lie back on the bed next to her.
Kai: What’s up?
Melisa: I’ve been thinking. *brief pause* I don’t think I want to go through this again.
Kai: What do you mean? Labor?
Melisa: I mean pregnancy, having another child – all of it.
I don’t react right away. Instead, I take a moment to allow Me-Me’s words to sink in. I can feel my smile beginning to crack as I recall our conversation when we were still dating. We talked about having four kids. Now she’s telling me that this is it for her. I’m hoping it’s just the labor that’s getting to her.
I do my best to hide the disappointment in my tone.
Kai: What changed?
Melisa: I’m tired of being pregnant. I want to progress in my career. And this whole thing is just not what I thought it would be.
I’m not sure what she means by that. But my job right now is to be supportive. She continues –
Melisa: I’m sorry, Kai. I feel bad, but I’ve felt this way throughout this pregnancy. I thought I wanted a lot of kids, but – I don’t know. Having children versus talking about them is two different things.
I know she feels as if she’s letting me down. And I realize that she’s right. Parenting is tough and requires giving up so much, especially for the woman who has to carry and deliver the children.
Kai: I understand. You don’t have to explain anything to me.
And that’s the truth. We’ll be a two-child household. It’s not what we originally wanted, but it’s our new reality.
Me-Me gets up from the bed as another contraction ripples through her belly.
I sit there feeling helpless and worthless as another contraction quickly follows. If I could take away her pain, I would. I get up to offer her as much comfort as I can. I gently turn her and rub her shoulders, hoping it gives her some relief. Judging by her moans, I believe it does.
She leaves the bedroom to use the bathroom. She either has to pee, or her water is breaking. I stand there alone, thinking about how this baby will be our last. And I realize that it’s probably for the best. We can put everything into our two children versus scrambling to meet the needs of a small hoard. My thoughts are interrupted by Me-Me’s shrill cries –
Melisa: It’s time, Kai!
We go into the nursery, where Dub is still sleeping. Had I been thinking logically, I would have temporarily moved the baby bassinet out of Dub’s bedroom so his sleep isn’t disturbed by the new baby being born. But it’s not Dub who wakes up during Me-Me’s labor. It’s ma. She hurries up the stairs with sleep in her eyes, dressed in her robe.
She’s right on time to witness the birth of our new son. Me-Me holds our beautiful new baby in her arms.
Melisa: What was the name you had in mind, Kai?
I almost forgot that I even mentioned a possible name.
Kai: It’s Mason.
Melisa: Mason! I like it. *to the new baby* Welcome to the world, Mason Banks!
Ma gives me a big hug.
Prosperity: Thank you for making me a grandma once again.
I didn’t do much. It should be Me-Me that she’s hugging, but I don’t need a good reason to receive love from ma.
Ironically, it’s not Mason’s birth that eventually wakes Dub up. It’s his cries afterward. Dub climbs out of bed and joins the chorus of wails.
Dub looks confused when he sees Me-Me holding Mason. He walks over to me.
Prosperity: He’s going to need a lot of attention and reassurance, Kai.
I’m more than willing to give him that and more. I kneel and pull him into my arms.
Kai: It’s okay, Dub. Daddy’s here for you.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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