Epilogue: Jack Seeing Double
From the moment he found out about Sue being pregnant. Jack wanted to learn everything about childbirth and
be prepared for anything. Yesterday, he went to the bookstore and bought five baby books. As soon as he got home, Jack reads
the first book cover to cover and then onto his second book, third book, and so fourth. Jack has been going overboard reading
far more than he should have about the potential dangers of pregnancy; for example, Eclampsia. Just the thought of it scares
him to death. But he does not want to worry Sue. He tells Sue that he is just “doing research” to get ready for
the arrival of their first miracle baby.
Meanwhile, Sue has been dealing with morning sickness so she is not a happy person at home all the time. Of
course, Jack is not helping the situation either. Let’s just say, Jack is beginning to drive Sue crazy with his worrying
and hovering around her. Tomorrow Jack is going with Sue for her scheduled monthly checkup with her doctor. Sue hopes that
Dr. Murphy can put Jack’s mind at ease.
Five months-2nd trimester -Dr. Murphy’s examination room
Dr. Murphy’s assistant took Sue’s weight, blood pressure, and blood tests. Sue is in her fifth month
of pregnancy and her stomach is getting bigger every day. Sue changes into a hospital gown. Then Dr. Murphy squeezed some
gel onto the flat polished end of the electronic instrument.
Dr. Murphy:
I know the fifth month is hard on mom and it gets worse before it gets better. Okay. Now let’s see how your baby is
progressing. Lie back so we can get a look at your tummy. I’ll be using a Doppler ultrasound; Mr. Hudson. (smile)
Jack held his breath as Dr. Murphy moved the instrument around
Sue’s stomach to see the baby’s heartbeat and movement of its body, arms, and legs on the ultrasound. Jack and Sue were awestruck by just seeing those two
little babies on the ultrasound. It was quite a shock and startling news for them both. But there’s no doubt that Sue
is carrying twins. Jack’s eyes wide, in fact, both he and Sue look dazed at the mention of twins.
Dr. Murphy: There’s your baby. Wait,
I’m picking up a second heartbeat. She pointed on the ultrasound monitor, I see two babies moving around. See right
there; two heads, four arms and four legs, and two heartbeats. Sue and Jack, say hello to your twins. (smile)
Jack: What
did you just say? I heard two? Meaning there’s more than one baby? (mesmerized smile)
Dr. Murphy:
Yes. Congratulations, you’re having twins. (smile)
Jack: Are
you absolutely sure? Twins? As in doubles or pairs? Not one but two at the same time? (mesmerized smile)
Dr. Murphy:
Spoken like a typical nervous first time father. Yes, I’m positive. (smile)
Jack: Well,
that’s because I’m still trying to absorb the fact that we’re going to have twins. (dazed smile)
Dr. Murphy: It’s
understandable. Here, put this headphone on Mr. Hudson and you can hear your twins’ heartbeats. (smile)
In the next moment, Jack heard his twins’ heartbeat
for the very first time. It was incredible and exciting and Sue cried as he held her hand. Another loud swishing sound resounded
in the room. While Sue’s heartbeat bounced all over the place, the twins’ remained a steady whoosh. One more turn
little ones. It looks like they are in the right position so I can tell you what you are going to have if you want to know,
Dr. Murphy informs them.
Then Jack’s eyes sparkle as their babies gave a
little kick exactly where the doctor showed Jack to put his hands on Sue’s abdomen to feel them. The look of wonder
on Jack’s face was one she knew she’d never forget. He could still feel their two babies’ heartbeat echoing
in the room. The sticky gel on his hand was worth the priceless moment where he felt his kids moved against his palm. Half
an hour later, Dr. Murphy turned off the handheld device and moved to clean the gel from Sue’s skin.
Dr. Murphy:
Two very strong heartbeats. Both mother and two babies are doing great. That’s what I like to see, Mom and Dad. (smile)
Jack: Wow!
We’re going to have twins. This moment is something I’m never going to forget. Doc, Sue and my two babies are
healthy? (mesmerized smile)
Dr. Murphy:
Right as rain. Sue and your twins are very healthy. Okay, mommy, keep up the good work. Be faithful with those prenatal vitamins.
Now do you have any questions for me? (smile)
Jack: For starters,
this is not a high-risk pregnancy and nothing will go wrong when Sue goes into labor, am I right? (concern smile)
Dr. Murphy:
Looking at Sue’s chart, I don’t see any reasons for concern. Rest assured; this is not a high-risk pregnancy.
But it never hurts to take precautions. (smile)
Sue: Rest assured;
I’m following doctor’s orders to the letter. You’ll have to forgive my husband, Dr. Murphy. Jack knows all
these things because he has been reading way too many baby books. (radiant smile and teases Jack)
Dr. Murphy: I think
it’s wonderful that you want to educate yourself on every aspect of childbirth. Word of advice: don’t let what
you read scare you too much though. I can assure right now that Sue and the twins are doing great. Would you like to know
if you’re having twin boys, twin girls, or one of each? (smile)
Jack: I’m not
sure. On the one hand, I’d like to be surprised and find out after Sue gives birth. Boy or girl, in the end all that
matters is love, health, and happiness. On the other hand, since now we know there are two babies I need to care take of.
I would like to know for certain if I should buy blue or pink baby patterns for the nursery. (dazed smile)
Dr. Murphy: Well,
I wrote down the baby’s gender on the chart. I can tell you right now. Most first time parents want to know, some don’t.
It really depends on the couple. (smile)
Jack: Can we have
a moment alone, Doc? (dazed smile)
Dr. Murphy: Sure.
I’ll check my messages. If you want to find out today, meet me in my office. Otherwise, I’ll see you two next
month. Sue, get plenty of bed rest now because once the babies are born all you’ll get is sleep deprivation. (smile)
Jack: That’s
what I keep telling my wife but she doesn’t listen to me. (megawatt smile, raise eyebrows, and teases Sue)
Sue: I don’t
listen to you because you are a tad stubborn. (radiant smile and teases Jack)
Jack: Very funny.
So what do you think? Should we wait to find out or let Dr. Murphy tell us now? (megawatt smile and his signature wink)
Sue: I would like
to be surprised. This is my first time being pregnant. My mom and your mom didn’t know about us until we were born.
(radiant smile)
Jack: That’s
true. But back then they didn’t have the technology to find out like they do now. But I also understand what you are
saying. So we wait for our two bundle of joy during delivery. See I told you Dr. Murphy would agree with me. You need to rest,
that means staying in bed and not doing any strenuous work. (megawatt smile and his signature wink)
Sue: I know what Dr.
Murphy said. But Jack, Honey. I’m
pregnant. Not a fragile china doll. And you’re not the boss of me. (dazed smile)
Jack: Right. We’ll
discuss this matter at home later. Thanks for the invitation Dr. Murphy but we have decided we want to wait. (megawatt smile)
Dr. Murphy: Sure thing.
Here’s an ultrasound photo for your baby memory book. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to call me,
day or night. (smile)
Jack: Thanks Dr.
Murphy. I have your number on speed dial. We’ll see you next month. (megawatt smile)
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