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two-crabs · 11 months

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They wake up, not for the first time, face-down on the floor of a stranger’s apartment. Their cheek is pressed into a plush multicolored rug that smells like burnt sage and potting soil. When they lift their head, their vision swims for a moment before steadying on a sliding glass door; outside the Los Angeles dawn paints a small balcony in thick orange light. There’s a cafe table and chair, and a dozen or more pots and boxes full to bursting with strange, thriving plants.

The sound of shuffling feet startles them, but when they turn to look over their shoulder, their neck is painfully stiff, and the world lurches again. Slowly, they push themself up into a hunched, cross-legged seat, and rub their knuckles into their eyes. They notice, then, the white paper hospital bracelet around their wrist, and their stomach drops. It has a name on it, and a date that was four days in the future the last time they knew, and it’s dug a thin red line into their skin. On the back of the same hand, there’s a cotton ball plastered down with a dusty, peeling bandage, and the sticky residue of IV tape. They yawn, and count their teeth; their mouth tastes like saline.

When they finally look behind them, the rest of the apartment is decked in luxurious jewel tones and glimmering gold fixtures. From where they’re sitting, they can see three pink salt lamps, and a hanging pot rack full of copper cookware. There are tapestries on the walls, and a foot tall stack of photography books on the coffee table, and a couch with four throw pillows all in different colors. On the other side of the couch there is a record player and an elaborate sound system, but no television, and a marble-top side table with a wooden incense holder.

There is a click from the kitchen, and then the sound of a coffee machine burbling to life.

It only takes a few seconds for them to smell the coffee, and they stand, buoyed by it, on wobbly legs. The t-shirt they’re wearing is oversized and unfamiliar, as are the basketball shorts that reveal two badly bruised and scraped knees. Hurriedly, they check the rest of their body for damage. There’s a long scratch on their forearm, and their lips are chapped and splitting, and every time they breathe they’re wracked with a deep all-over ache…but other than that they feel mostly intact.

When they hear more movement from down the hall, they drop to the ground again, hiding behind the couch, and wince as their lower back screams out in protest. They screw their eyes shut and hold their breath, trying to imagine whoever lives in this apartment. An older woman, probably. A hippy who comes by all the witchy shit honestly. No kids of her own, but enough of a maternal instinct to take in an ailing burnout and let them sleep it off at her place. Long grey hair, lots of turquoise jewelry and beaded robes and moccasins. Retired, perhaps, after a long career teaching art history or ceramics or—

“—A-hem.”

They open their eyes, and look up.

The person staring down at them over the back of the couch is not an old hippy woman with eyes full of parental care and concern. It’s…some guy. And he looks annoyed.

They cringe, and their joints crack and groan as they unfurl themself. Once they’re finally standing, the guy takes a step back and gives them a once over. They blink into the sun over his shoulder and do the same. He’s young, thirty at most, and fashionably skinny, draped in a Halsey t-shirt so large it’s falling off one shoulder, and his blonde hair is sticking straight up from sleep. There are several golden piercings in his nose, lip, brow, and both ears, and the faint, smudgy remains of liner under his eyes. His arms are crossed over his chest, and even though he isn’t very tall, he manages to peer down his nose at them.

“H—” they start, but their voice cracks and scrapes, like they’d been yelling. The guy raises an eyebrow. They clear their throat and try again. “Hel—wait…” They tilt their head in response, and rasp out, “I know you.”

“‘Know’”—and he makes lazy air-quotes with one hand without uncrossing his arms—“is an overstatement. But, whatever. Glad you didn’t die on my couch. Coffee?” He wanders off towards the kitchen, bare feet padding softly on the hardwood floors.

A little stunned, they look down at the couch, and at the squished pillows and balled up blanket, and then their heart drops into their stomach.

“Where’s my stuff?” They vault unthinkingly over the back of the couch, catch their foot on a blanket, and nearly fall on their face. “My guitar—my pipes—what did you do with them?”

“Calm, you! Jesus.” The guy slides a steaming mug across his small kitchen island. He’s got an accent—British, but unplaceably so. “And no putin’ your feet on my fucking couch.”

“I’m serious…” they say, voice wavering, eyes darting back and forth between the guy and the coffee.

“So am I. Your shit’s in my trunk. Figured you didn’t want the ER staff nicking your gear.” Behind him, a toaster goes ping, startling them so much they jump. “And god knows I don’t want it in my house.” They watch as he turns, pulls a pumpernickel bagel out of the toaster, and begins smothering it in cream cheese. “My name is Rhys,”—he jabs a finger into his own chest and says it slow, overannunciated, like he’s talking to a kid or a foreigner. Which to him, they suppose, they are. He smirks at his own joke, then, normal again: “What’s yours? Unless you prefer Byrd-comma-Da—”

“Mai,” they say. “I’m, uh…Mai.” And they sit, perching on the edge of one of his kitchen stools, knees drawn up to their chest. “You’re the crystal shop guy. In Lawndale.”

Rhys takes a bite out of his bagel, and points at the floor. “S’ downstairs.”

Mai takes a sip of the coffee. It’s good. It’s hot. It makes their stomach ache with hunger. “Um.” They swallow hard, watching the muscle in Rhy’s jaw as he chews. “If…um…okay…” Wordlessly, Rhys slides the other half of the bagel across the counter, and wordlessly, they eat it. A minute later, they take a deep breath and look back at hum. The expression on his face isn’t quite derision, and isn’t quite pity.

“Out with it, Byrd.” And Rhys rubs the crumbs off his long, elegant fingers.

“What…happened?”

#mai #rhys #this is nothing!!!#but also.....i miss them #and i couldn't help but notice a certain rp blog back and active again......#NO PRESSURE #i've just been...rotating

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ewan-mo · 1 year

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Another hospital rising to the challenge.

Tuesday 26th September 2023

Sleeping at the Benedictine retreat house meant we didn’t need to get up too early – the hospital is just up the road. However, the cockerels hadn’t been given our schedule, seemingly, because they were crowing their wake-up call from about 4.30am.

Mo catching up with e-mails before our meeting.

Our meeting at the Benedictine Eye Hospital was a little eccentric but delightful. Psychiatric nurse Brenda you have already met – she is the mother of delicious baby Zion. She came in from her maternity leave to be at the meeting and give us her report. She was going on to run a community clinic afterwards.

It took a while before everyone was gathered, including Julius, leader of the community rehab programme in Tororo, and Moses, the programme manager. (Please don’t ask me the difference between these two!). They summoned an accountant, Sam, to respond to JF’s treasurer’s questions, and eventually we gathered in an IT guy as well.

That was when Ewan began the discussion about data and spreadsheets. Part of his mission is to encourage our colleagues to collect good data and then to use it – you can certainly use it to persuade potential donors into generosity. You can show them how many people’s lives have been transformed by treatment for their mental illness.

At some point a tall and striking figure in a white monastic robe strode in: the Executive Director, Father Peter. I hadn’t met him before but he’s clearly a supporter of mental health service development, and also someone who insists on proper accounting and reporting. I was delighted to hear from him that he was late because their monastic order was being audited!

At a slightly later point we decided to start the meeting, and Julius drafted an agenda, with the usual rather formal structure, including opening and closing prayers.

Our colleagues at Benedictine have been very keen to establish mental health services alongside the epilepsy service they run – 11 clinics across the district. As always, there has been a funding problem for their drugs. They are compassionate carers and long for patients to have the treatment they need. We have been able to find a donor who is funding the drugs for the moment. We will see how that proceeds.

We arrived at our hotel here in Mbale at about 2.30pm. That was a fun morning!

View of part of Mt Elgon from our room.

Afterwards Ewan had a sleep and we both went for a walk in the pleasant evening sunshine. Teenagers passed us on both sides of the road on their way home from school. And there were mysterious goings on in the construction of storm drains. Or possibly deconstruction, it was difficult to tell. When African rains come down so heavily, you need a way of dealing with the potential floods. Ewan enjoyed a swim once we were back at the hotel.

Brenda is a very committed and enthusiastic psychiatric nurse. She met her husband when they were both at nursing school. He has since switched to medicine. I was very pleased indeed to learn that he is hoping to specialise in psychiatry.

Our workshop last week was well balanced in terms of female-male delegates. I am impressed that so many young women in particular have not only had a good general education (you cannot take that for granted in a country like Uganda) but have chosen to specialise in mental health, knowing that professionals carry the stigma as well as our patients. You are unlikely to acquire fame or fortune in our specialty. The women who do opt for such a career have a big heart for people with mental illness, and clearly show their dedication.

Prima was just one such; she was both delegate and presenter last week. She had always been interested in psychiatry but thought it was a challenging subject and you had to be a (probably middle-aged) strong man who wouldn’t be easily approachable.

Mo and Prima

She was working as a general nurse when Sister Nancy, who ran the mental health service at Kisiizi, told the nurses to get the ward in good order because the consultant psychiatrist was visiting. As it happened, the visiting psychiatrist was me!

Prima was astonished to find that you could have a lady psychiatrist. And someone who wasn’t a strong silent type of middle-aged man. That was it: she told herself that she could go into psychiatry. She is now in charge of the psych ward at Kisiizi and is a qualified specialist nurse in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Isn’t that a great story?

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chysgoda · 1 year

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September 05: Barbarous

TW: Discussion of assault and punishment.

Note: since I haven't gotten around to expanding this part of my ancient world building, Moirae Bronzechild is Hades's maternal aunt. The Azem in this is Venat

The convocation doors slammed open and hit the walls with enough force to dent the plaster and inlayed brass.

Fourteen heads turned to look at the woman who had barged in on their meeting. She was taller and broader than most Amaurotines, a fact easy to discern because she did not wear the communal robes or mask. Instead she wore A deep blue coat and black pants of some sturdy material. She was bare faced and the raw wrath on her face would make many quell and retreat. She had one hand twisted up in the hood of a young man who staggered behind her with only half of a mask hanging on the front of his robes.

"How-" Pashtarot was half standing and cut his own words off when he saw his words trying to chase after this woman but moving as if they ran through hip deep sand. "What is the meaning of this?!"

When she was well into the room the woman raised her free hand and snapped. The doors slammed closed with the same thunderous boom they had opened with. She stormed to the circle of thrones on which the Convocation of Fourteen sat. She shoved the young man into the center of the circle. He stumbled and fell in a heap, quivering as the woman walked into the circle after him.

"This," She sneered down and then turned to look at the convocation with steel in her spine and eyes. "claims to have come to my caravan at the behest of the Seat of Emet Selch. He beat one of my people near to death and tried to claim the protections of hospitality when caught."

"It is out of season for the Caravan of the Silvered Dawn to be so close to Amaurot." The seat of Azem pointed out from behind their black mask.

"Be glad we were so close or else I would have brought you bones cleaned by the vultures in the badlands." The outsider turned to face the Traveler.

"Only barbarians would-" Pashtarot's moist voice hissed.

"Do not call my people barbarians when it is yours who-"

"We have moved beyond such-"

"Allow Caravan Master Moirae Bronzechild to present her case Pashtarot." Lahabrea interrupted the other convocation member.

Moirae nodded her thanks to Lahabrea, the silver beads in her purple and red hair chiming softly. She turned to face the seat of the emissary. "Elidibus, you are the judgement of the Convocation. Witness this memory and judge its truth." She snapped and a vision of two people hovered in the air. One was the caravan master without her blue coat and the other was a dark haired youth dressed in a high necked sweater and wrapped in heavy blanket.

"I can't go there! I can't face-" the youth was wild eyed and frantic. One eye swollen shut and the deep black bruise on the opposite cheek.

The memory Moirae's face was gentle as she gave the young man a mug of something, "I wouldn't ask it if you Gaiar. Tell me and I'll take your words to the Convocation in Amaurot."

Gaiar laughed, the edges were hysterical, "what do the city folk care about us outside their walls?"

"I'll make them care," Moirae said, a hint of the steel showing that was for most in the woman physically present. "Give me your words and let me use them to make them see what has happened."

The meeting chamber of the Convocation grew still as the grave as they watched Moirae carefully coax the story of his assault from Gaiar. When the memory was finished Moirae held the image making sure that the Gaiar's battered face was burned into the Convocation's memory the way it was hers. She snapped again the sound bringing the focus back to her as the image dissipated. When she spoke her voice was soft but carried to every seat. "And how do you judge this memory Elidibus."

The old man considered the man still cowering on the floor at the feet of a woman who radiated a contained force not unlike a member of the Convocation. "I judge the words of Gaiar and yourself to be true. We will consider them as we deliberate what is appropriate justice to be delivered to our citizen." The emissary held up a hand when Moirae took in a breath. "You brought him to our justice Caravan Master. We will pay such weregild as you feel is commiserate with the crime."

"I will discuss that with you when convocation business is concluded for the day," Moirae nodded shortly. "From this day forward I will accept no Amaurotine citizen into my caravan for a year and a day."

"Ridiculous!"

"There are researchers who cannot move forward with their theses if they cannot travel with the caravan to gather data!"

"We have already agreed to a trial and the weregild! Would you punish all of Amaurot?"

"Yes." Moirae held her ground. She pointed at the young man at her feet. "I have welcomed every Amaurotine that comes into my caravan with hospitality and open arms. This may be the worst case but it is not the first time that my people have been harmed or taken advantage of. Your responses have been milquetoast at best. I will not suffer this anymore. We will return in a year and if the Convocation has found a way to prove the bonafides of those sent to us, and my people find it acceptable I will welcome your citizens once again."

Elidibus held up his hand when the Convocation began to speak over itself again. Reluctantly the elder statesman's call for silence was respected. "We can do naught else but accept your decree, caravan master. When you return in a year and a day, I hope that we will find common ground."

"As do I Emissary." Moirae bowed stiffly to the man and then vanished in a twist of blood red aether.

#ffxiv #ffxivwrite2023 #tw assault #red head writes a thing #Lahabrea #Venat #Elidibus the Elder #people are people #good and bad #no matter the time and place

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missameliep · 1 year

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💧 What is the earliest memory your OC can recall? Do they know what their first words were or remember where they took their first steps? Do they have any mementos of their childhood they’ve kept such as a stuffed toy or tiny baby clothes?

For Elizabeth

Thanks for the ask, my dear friend!

💧 What is the earliest memory your OC can recall?

Elizabeth’s earliest memories can not be memories at all, and are probably due to all the stories and pictures she’s seen of her parents at their first home, and them walking at the beach… So, the first one she really knows is her own memory is from their first home at Rio, she remembers lying with her mother in her bed and having her stroke her hair and sing her to sleep. There was also a park they used to go, and she remembers the swings fondly.

Do they know what their first words were or remember where they took their first steps?

Her mother said her first words were “Oi” (the equivalent to Hi in Portuguese), “ma” to call her mother and a few other random words with the first syllables she could pronounce. Her first steps were taken in the flat they lived for a while on their own. There’s no video of the first time she walked, but her mother was able to record the second time she pulled herself up holding onto the couch and took some resolute steps to reach her favorite toy at the time - a stuffed lion.

Do they have any mementos of their childhood they’ve kept such as a stuffed toy or tiny baby clothes?

Her mother kept all sorts of things, from the first clothes she worn (like the onesie she worn at the maternity hospital, the white robe when she was baptized, the first tiny sneakers and bikini) to some of the favorite toys, like this one doll her father gave her and she loved because it came from him. The one thing she kept from when she was little and took with her to London were the pictures, specially an album her mother collected from her baby pictures. The baby clothes are now resting on some of the box in the storage room where most of the things from the flat she lived are stored.

Answered from this Ask Game

#ask box!#thank you 😊#oc: elizabeth foredale #choices fanfic

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prittyvenus · 1 year

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The Medium and the Nameless Ghouls

Case File 002-2 Dewdrop file Going to the Clergy

Sodo and Swiss gave their testimony to Sara and Detective Stevens only to find out that they were in danger by the bishop and the clergy of sin. Though they managed to clear Copia’s name, the real killer is still at large in the clergy. Can Dewdrop help find the killer in the clergy or will his sickness get the better of him?

3 Days after Sara was released from the hospital. Phil drove to the front of her apartment building. Phil grabs his phone and gets out of his car. Sara was still packing when her phone started to ring. "Yes, this is Sara Santos."

"Hello Sara, It's Phil. I'm outside your apartment. Can you let me in?"

Sara opens the window and sees Phil with his silver mask on from the upper part of the apartment building. "Go to the door, press the button next to C4, and I will let you in." Phil hung up the phone and walked to the door to press the button. Sara heard the chimes of the front door. She presses the enter button on the intercom. The downstairs alarm rings. Phil went inside the building and looked around.

"Don't you think it's too early for Halloween?" Asked an old woman.

"Excuse me, ma'am. I'm here to see Ms. Sara Santos."

The old lady looked up and yelled "Ms. Santos! You have a visitor!" Sara opened the door and looked down at the staircase banister. "Also, your rent is due!"

Sara rolled her eyes and signaled Phil to come upstairs. "I'll bring down the rent money in a minute." Phil jumps up and climbs the rails and reaches the top floor. "Don't you ever use the stairs?" Phil shrugs and walks with Sara into the apartment. "I'm still packing." Phil looks at a big box filled with paranormal equipment and two large suitcases of clothes and personal items on the floor.

"This is it?" he asked as he was looking around.

"Yes, the wall is paper thin but it's home." Phil looks down at the box and sees a photo of an old woman in a wheelchair and a middle-aged man standing behind her. "That's my maternal grandmother and my dad. She passed away three years ago."

"I have seen her before," he said as he picked up the photo. "Sara, this is Prime Mover Elisabeth!" Sara ran to Phil. "She left the Clergy years ago after her child was stolen."

"What? Are you serious?"

"Yes, she is the wife of the late Papa Emeritus the first and the next head sister of the clergy."

Sara took the photo and held it to her chest. "Let's keep this between us. I don't want to start a panic in the clergy."

"If anyone knew about this. This could start another rebellion in the Clergy."

Sara put it in her suitcase. "Let's get packing."

Phil helped Sara finish packing her things and helped get them out of her apartment. Phil was carrying her suitcases and Sara was holding her box of equipment. She managed to lock her door but Phil was already downstairs. Sara pulled out an envelope from her back pocket and dropped it down the stairs well. The old lady catches it, opens the envelope, and starts counting the money.

"You're good!" she yells to Sara.

"Okay, I'll see you in a few weeks, Mrs. Xing!" Sara yelled while going down the stairs. "Got a police investigation on my hands."

"Okay, be careful. Don't want to lose another good cop to those mongrels at the station."

"I will."

Sara finally landed on the first floor and helped Phil get the front door open. Sara looks surprised as she saw a 1970s white Buick convertible with Copia in the passenger seat. "Hello." He waved. "What took you so long?"

Sara laughed "Sorry, I was still packing." Sara looked into the back seat and saw a ghost dressed in white robes with Sister Imperator.

Phil goes to Sara. "Let me get that for you." He grabs the box and puts it in the trunk with her suitcases. Sara waited for the traffic to stop and then went to the passenger side of the car. Copia opens the door and folds the front seat. Sara got in and sat next to the ghost.

The ghost stares hard at her. "So, you this Sara that Sister told me about?" Sara winks showing her left eye. The ghost gasps.

"Papa, she's our lost sheep." Says Sister Imperator. "Sara, don't forget that any information you find in the investigation must be reported to me before sending it to your superiors at the precinct. Do I make myself clear?" she demanded.

Sara shivered, "Yes, ma'am."

Phil got into the driver's seat and started the car. "Okay, who's hungry?" Copia asked.

Case file closed

Case file contents

#the band ghost #copia #nameless ghouls #ghost fanfiction #papa emeritus iv #papa popia #sister imperator #phil ghoul #papa nihil

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christasclothes · 7 months

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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Baby Be Mine Robe.

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lifeplanchecklists · 9 months

Link

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comfymommy · 10 months

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Elegance, Comfort, and Unforgettable Moments with ComfyMommyShop's Maternity Robe, Swaddle Set with Personalize Hat

At ComfyMommy Shop, we believe in turning every moment into a cherished memory. Explore our family matching maternity sets and experience the joy of stylish, comfortable, and unforgettable moments during this particular time. Parenthood is a journey; we’re here to make it even more beautiful. Shop now and celebrate the magic of family!

#family matching maternity set big brother #pregnancy matching sets #matching robe and swaddle set #robe and swaddle set girl #Personalized Newborn Hats #maternity robe and swaddle set boy #Buy Mom Dad Baby Outfits Online In India #maternity robe for hospital #Cutest Mom and Baby Matching Outfits #plus size maternity clothes #pregnancy robes #a hospital robe for mom #Matching Dad shirt #personalized baby hat

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andrewkevin018 · 1 year

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A thousand years have already passed since I woke up from my dream, and my thin robe has been scattered by the harsh wind.

For many small employers, offering business health insurance plans to employees can be a real challenge. This is specifically confirmed when they feel pressured to compete with bigger rivals in their industry that can offer higher wages and even more powerful employee benefits packages.

If this is the case for your community, you are not alone. Research discovers that the smaller the organization, the less likely employees are to receive employer-provided health benefits.

What is small group health insurance?

Small group health insurance is exactly what it says like a medical insurance plan that small employers can collectively offer to all their workers. These coverage options are specifically designed for small communities and startups looking to attract and retain top skills so that they can reasonably compete with larger companies.

To qualify for a small group health insurance plan, you must:

Have between 2 and 50 full-time workers

Depending on the state, employers with one worker or as many as 100 may also qualify

Pay a part of your workers’ premiums

Ensure you complete the minimum participation conditions set forth by the insurance company

Most insurance companies need at least 75% of your employees to be enrolled in the policy.

What does a small group health insurance plan cover?

While every kind of plan is different, small group plans comply with the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) health coverage requirement. That suggests they must fit into one of the four metal levels of coverage (bronze, silver, gold, or platinum) and cover the ACA’s essential health benefits.

This includes ten major health benefits:

Hospitalization

Ambulatory services

Including visits to doctors and other healthcare professionals and outpatient hospital care

Emergency services

Maternity and newborn care

Services to treat mental health disorders and problems with substance abuse

Prescription drugs

Lab tests

Preventive services

Pediatric services for children, including dental and vision care

Rehabilitative and “habilitative” services

Small group health plans won’t include any kind of coverage for vision or dental care for grown-ups. If this is something your workers value, these are often offered as benefit riders that you can add to your group plan for an extra fee.

How do I enroll in a small group health insurance plan?

There are a few additional ways you can purchase a small group health insurance plan:-

Directly from an insurance company

Through a broker, licensed agent, or personal exchange

The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), also understood as SHOP insurance

If you have more irregular than 25 workers, purchasing a plan through SHOP has a special perk. You may be able to qualify for the small business healthcare tax credit, which can help you pay for your contributions to health insurance premiums.

When can I enroll in a small group health insurance plan?

Unlike personal insurance for individuals and family health insurance plans, there’s no set open enrollment period for group health insurance plans demanding when you require to register. That suggests you’re free to start a plan whenever you’re ready to sign up for one.

#group #group health #group insurance #health #health insurance

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healingmamaco · 2 years

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Postpartum Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack

Preparing for the arrival of your baby is an exciting time, and packing your postpartum hospital bag is an important task to complete before your due date. While it may be tempting to pack everything you own, it's important to pack wisely and only include what you and your baby will truly need during your hospital stay.

The postpartum hospital bag is essential for ensuring you have a comfortable and stress-free experience after childbirth, as it contains all the items you'll need during your recovery and for your baby's care.

In this blog post, we'll provide a comprehensive checklist of essential items to pack in your postpartum hospital bag, as well as some tips and strategies for packing and preparing for your hospital stay.

Essential Items for The New Mother

The postpartum hospital bag is primarily for the mother's comfort and recovery after childbirth. Below are some essential items to consider packing in your bag:

Comfortable Clothing

After giving birth, comfort is key. Pack loose-fitting and comfortable clothing, such as nightgowns, robes, and pajamas. Don't forget to pack clothes to wear when you leave the hospital, and make sure they fit comfortably.

Nursing Bras and Breast Pads

If you plan to breastfeed your baby, nursing bras and breast pads are essential items to pack. Nursing bras provide easy access for breastfeeding, while breast pads can help with any leakage.

Toiletries

It's important to maintain your hygiene and feel fresh during your hospital stay. Pack essential toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, and moisturizer. Don't forget to pack a hairbrush or comb, as well as any other personal care items that you may need.

Maternity Pads

Bleeding after childbirth is normal, and maternity pads are designed to absorb the heavy flow. Pack enough maternity pads for your entire hospital stay.

Snacks and Drinks

Hospital food may not be the most appetizing, so pack some of your favorite snacks and drinks to keep you energized during your stay. Consider packing non-perishable items like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit.

Phone Charger

You'll want to keep your phone charged and within reach to take photos and communicate with your loved ones. Don't forget to pack a phone charger, as well as any other electronic devices you may need.

Important Documents

Bring all the necessary documents, such as your insurance card, photo ID, and birth plan. It's also helpful to pack a notepad and pen to jot down any questions you may have for the healthcare team.

Items for The New Baby

The postpartum hospital bag should also contain items for your new baby. Here are some essential items to consider packing:

Clothes and Swaddles

Pack several changes of clothes for your newborn, including onesies, sleepers, and hats. It's a good idea to pack clothes in different sizes, as you don't know how big your baby will be. Also, consider packing swaddles to keep your baby cozy and warm.

Diapers and Wipes

Newborns go through a lot of diapers, so make sure you pack plenty of them. You'll also need wipes to clean your baby during diaper changes. Consider packing a small container of diaper cream as well.

Blankets

Pack a few receiving blankets to keep your baby warm and snug. You can use them to swaddle your baby, as a burp cloth, or to lay your baby down on.

Usually, the hospital will provide some basic items for your baby, such as a hat, a onesie, and receiving blanket. However, it's always a good idea to bring your items to ensure your baby is comfortable and has everything they need.

Optional Items

While the essential items listed above are important for a comfortable hospital stay, there are also some optional items that you may want to consider packing in your postpartum hospital bag. Here are some items to think about:

Entertainment Materials

Labor and delivery can be a long process, so consider packing some entertainment materials to help pass the time. This could include books, magazines, a tablet or laptop, or even a deck of cards.

Nursing Pillow

If you plan to breastfeed your baby, a nursing pillow can be a helpful item to pack. It can provide support for your baby and help you maintain a comfortable position during breastfeeding.

Postpartum Recovery Supplies

While the hospital will provide some postpartum recovery supplies, you may want to pack some additional items to aid in your recovery. This could include a peri bottle for cleaning, witch hazel pads, and sitz bath herbs.

Gifts for Hospital Staff

While not necessary, it can be a nice gesture to pack some small gifts for the hospital staff who will be caring for you and your baby. This could be something as simple as a box of chocolates or a thank-you card.

Remember, these items are optional, and you should only pack what you feel you will need or find useful. The goal is to pack a postpartum hospital bag that will provide comfort and ease during your hospital stay.

Tips for Packing and Preparing for The Hospital Stay

Preparing for your hospital stay and packing your postpartum hospital bag can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time mothers.

Here are some tips to make the process easier:

Start Early

It's best to start preparing for your hospital stay and packing your bag a few weeks before your due date. This will give you plenty of time to gather everything you need and ensure you have everything packed before you go into labor.

Follow the Hospital's Guidelines

Check with your hospital to see if they have any specific guidelines for what you can and cannot bring. Some hospitals may have restrictions on certain items, such as electronics or personal care products.

Pack in Advance

It's a good idea to pack your bag in advance and keep it in an easily accessible location, such as by the door. This will ensure you can quickly grab your bag and head to the hospital when it's time.

Consider a Checklist

Use a checklist to help you ensure you have everything you need. You can find pre-made checklists online or create your own based on your personal needs.

Pack Lightly

While it's important to have everything you need, it's also important not to overpack. Remember that you'll be leaving the hospital with a newborn, so you don't want to be weighed down with unnecessary items.

Don't Forget the Details

It's easy to focus on the big items, such as clothing and toiletries, but don't forget the details. This includes packing chargers for your electronics, bringing a camera to capture special moments, and packing extra bags for any items the hospital sends home with you.

Enlist Help

Don't be afraid to ask for help when packing and preparing for your hospital stay. This could include asking your partner, family members, or friends to help you gather everything you need and pack your bag.

The goal of packing a postpartum hospital bag is to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free hospital stay. By starting early, following guidelines, and packing thoughtfully, you can ensure you're fully prepared for the arrival of your new baby.

Conclusion

Preparing for your hospital stay by packing a postpartum hospital bag can help make the transition to motherhood easier and less stressful. By packing essential items for both you and your baby, as well as any optional items you may find useful, you can ensure that you're fully prepared for your stay.

Remember to start early, follow guidelines, pack thoughtfully, and don't be afraid to ask for help along the way. With a well-packed postpartum hospital bag, you can focus on the important moments to come - meeting your new baby and beginning your journey as a mother.

#postpartum recovery kits #postpartum kits #cesarean labor & postpartum bag #labor bag #hospital bag for labor

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thekimonohouse · 3 years

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Welcome to THE KIMONO HOUSE

Cotton kimono robes are perfect for lounging around the home or spa. Use our kimono robes as a cover up on the beach or after a dip in the pool. Add a luxe, boho feel to your bridal shower. Versatile, soft and luxurious, our 100% cotton kimono robes are printed with azo-free dyes.

The Kimono robe features 3/4th sleeves, a waist tie and two front pocket.

Size ~ One Pluse Size (Free Size Long)

Size Length ~ 50 Inches long (127 Cm Approx ).

Bust Size ~ 56 Inches ( 140 Cm Approx)

Sleeve Length ~ 14 inches (35 Cm Approx).

Belt Length ~ 72 Inches (183 Cm Approx).

Strip Width ~ 1.50 Inches(4.44 Cm Approx).

Pockets ~ Yes (Two Pockets In Front ).

Fabric ~ 100% Cotton.

Print ~ Screen Print.

For best results hand wash and line dry when possible. Machine washes cold, tumble dry low and warm iron.

Please Note all custom clearance , taxes etc if any are to be cleared by buyer.

Have a nice day

#Kimonorobe #beachwear #coverups #wrapdress #bathrobe

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thebadgerclan · 3 years

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Pups

Pairing: Severus Snape x reader

Requested by Anonymous

Summary: You’re ready to start a family...

Smut! A/B/O dynamics

When Severus arrived home, he knew exactly where he would find you. It hadn’t been an easy decision to make, but you’d chosen to go off your birth control and start a family. You knew that when your heat rolled around it would be all but guaranteed that you’d get pregnant, so your mate had made sure that you were certain about this. Which you were; you wanted a child, a pup that had your hair and Severus’ eyes, his talent for potion making and your love of reading.

The urge to nest had setin a few days ago, so Severus had cleared out the walk-in closet in your bedroom, scenting blankets, pillows, and some of his hoodies for you to make a nest out of. And when Severus arrived home, that’s where he found you, naked and flushed, the scent of your arousal thick in the air. “Alpha,” you whined when you saw him, rising to your knees. “Alpha, I-” “Shh, I know, Omega. I’m here.”

He stripped off his robes and climbed into your nest, kissing you deeply as he rolled you onto your back. Severus growled low in his throat, and the sound had your inner Omega limp and pliant, and you tilted your head back, letting your Alpha kiss and suck at your neck. His cock had hardened as soon as he scented your arousal and Severus parted your thighs, finding you wet and wanting him.

“Y/N,” he said. “I need to know that you’re certain about this. About having pups. Because if you’re not, I-” You shut him up with a kiss, moaning against his lips. “Breed me, Alpha,” you said, and Severus growled again, taking his cock in hand and lining it up with your entrance. “I’ll fill you up, Omega,” he said, teasingly slowly sliding into you. “Fill you up with my seed, make sure it takes.” “Yes!” you cried, and Severus began fucking you hard, thrusts erratic and hard, his lips sealed over yours.

The nest in your closet was small, creating an intimate setting, a perfect place to have and raise pups. You’d give birth in a hospital, most likely, or at least with a Healer present, but the thought made your maternal instincts flare. “Alpha,” you moaned, helpless to do anything but lie and be fucked, your legs lying limp on either side of Severus’, your arms loosely around his neck. “Fuck, yes! Breed me, knock me up!”

Severus snarled, lowering his head to nip at your mating mark, the slight pain sending shockwaves of pleasure through you, making your cunt clench around his cock. “I’ll breed you, Omega,” your Alpha moaned, snapping his hips harder against yours. “Make you mine, no other man will touch you.” “I’m-ah, fuck!-yours! Sev, Alpha, yes!” Already you felt yourself drawing closer to orgasm, and you knew Severus was too. Heats were meant to conceive children, after all, a slight drop in stamina only made sense.

But your Alpha would make you come twice in one round, this much you knew, and when Severus reached down to rub your clit, you shattered, wailing his name as your orgasm crashed over you. Your pussy clenched around his cock as you came, feeling pleasure wash over your entire body. Severus buried his face in the junction of your neck and shoulder as you came, staving off his own high.

When the shockwaves passed, Severus began thrusting again, these thrusts harder and faster than before. A moment ago, his purpose was pleasuring you, making you come, but now, his purpose had shifted: breeding you. Your Alpha’s cock was twitching within you, his knot stirring, and distantly, through the intense haze of lust and want, you knew he was close. “Omega,” he moaned, his voice rough. “Fuck, you’re so tight around my cock. So fucking wet for me.”

All you could do was nod, speech having since left you, but Severus knew you shared his sentiment. The only sounds filling the small closet were that of skin against skin, panting breaths, and desperate moans as the two of you chased your highs. “Alpha,” you cried when you knew you wouldn’t be able to hold on any longer. “Alpha, I need to come, please!” “Come, Omega. Let me hear you.”

With a high-pitched moan, you came once more, wrapping your arms tight around Severus’ neck. Your Alpha released with a groan of your name, his knot inflating, keeping him locked within you. Severus kissed you sweetly, rolling onto his back, pulling you atop him. “I love you, Omega,” he said, kissing your temple, your cheeks, your nose and lips. “I love you too, Alpha,” you slurred sleepily. You knew you’d be needing another round soon, but for the few moments you could, you would rest.

“We’ll have a family soon,” Severus said, letting a hand drag over the side of your abdomen. You knew you weren’t pregnant yet, but the thought of a child growing within you sent butterflies through your stomach and brought a smile to your face. “Yeah,” you whispered, letting your eyes slip closed. Severus wrapped his arms around you, holding you close while you got a few moments of rest.

#severus snape x reader #severus snape x you #harry potter fanfiction #snape x reader #snape x you #harry potter reader insert

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miracleonice87 · 4 years

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Secret

a Mathew Barzal one shot

a/n: and here it is! the recent news-inspired secret baby fic. Huge thanks to all who reached out and encouraged me to write it and to those who gave me ideas and advice. completely fictitious timeline and hockey-related events here, and we’re pretending the pandemic is not a thing in this one.

summary: Mat Barzal and his longtime girlfriend welcome their first baby after keeping her pregnancy well-hidden from the public eye.

warnings: morning sickness and childbirth (nothing graphic or detailed). dad Barzy, which deserves a warning. swearing. super fluff.

_____

Never in your life did you imagine that you would be attempting to conceal your first pregnancy — or any pregnancy — from members of the media.

Then again, you never could have predicted that you would end up being the long-term girlfriend of one of the most recognizable figures in the National Hockey League, and, more specifically, on the New York City sports scene. But if there’s one thing you had learned over the course of your more than four-year relationship, it was that life is full of the unexpected.

Currently, that aforementioned figure was whipping his car as quickly as possible into a private parking area at New York Presbyterian, glancing at you every ten seconds as you breathed through the early stages of labor with your firstborn baby, your water having broken just as you and Mat were settling in for sleep around midnight.

Only a small, select group of people knew that you and Mat were expecting, and as you checked in to the maternity ward just before one o’clock in the morning, you were grateful that there were very few people around you. You were hurried to your private room, Mat faithfully carrying your bags and nearly stepping on the heels of the poor nurse pushing your wheelchair, refusing to let you out of his sight for even a second.

Only once you were settled into bed, changed into a most unflattering hospital gown, hooked up to several monitors, and examined, did you allow yourself to look up at Mat and announce your practically inevitable victory.

“As long as that nurse doesn’t moonlight as a reporter, I think we did it,” you ventured with an incredulous chuckle. Mat shook his head in disbelief as he stood next to your bed, holding one of your hands in both of his.

“Don’t wanna speak too soon, but yeah, I think we did,” he agreed. “I can’t believe we managed to keep this a secret.”

_____

Six weeks

It certainly wasn’t the first time you’d ever had your head hanging above a toilet bowl on New Year’s Day.

But it sure as hell was the first time it had ever happened when you had no hangover to speak of.

In fact, you’d only had two sips of champagne the previous night before you felt weirdly dizzy and passed out in bed watching the Isles battle the Bruins.

The next thing you knew, you were being gently roused from deep sleep by your boyfriend, whose brow was creased with concern as he leaned over you.

“Sweetheart?” Mat spoke softly when you finally opened your eyes, his fingers smoothing your hair against your heavy head. “You okay?”

You inhaled deeply, feeling completely off. “Yeah... yeah,” you insisted softly. “What time is it?” you asked, discombobulated.

“It’s almost midnight,” Mat answered. “How long have you been sleeping?”

You slowly pushed yourself up on your elbows in bed. “Uh... I don’t know,” you admitted. “I watched the first period... I think.”

That wasn’t like you, and Mat knew it. A lifelong hockey fan, you kept close tabs on not only Mat and the Islanders, but the scores from around the entire league each night. Coming from a hockey-loving family, watching highlights on NHL Network was your late night routine. On top of that, you looked flushed to him, and dark circles hung around your eyes, a rarity for you except when you were ill.

“Baby... are you sick?” Mat shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it on the end of the bed and quickly taking a seat next to you on the edge of the mattress. He put the back of his hand to your forehead and studied you carefully. “You don’t feel fevered.”

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s just a cold,” you replied, remembering the strange feeling that had overcome you when you sipped your champagne earlier. “I do feel kinda dizzy... nauseous.”

Mat nodded, eyes still full of worry. “Maybe you’re getting the flu,” he suggested. “That’s been going around lately.” You nodded too, yawning.

“Well, listen,” Mat continued, motioning for you to lie back as he pulled the covers over you again. “Go back to sleep, and tomorrow if you still aren’t feeling well, I’ll run to the pharmacy and get you some medicine and stuff. Okay?”

You nodded again, overcome once more by exhaustion as you settled back into your bed. “Okay,” you whispered. “Thanks, babe. Hey, did you win?”

Mat smiled. “Yeah, baby, we won. Now get some rest. I love you, sweet girl,” he said, pressing a warm kiss to your temple.

“I love you, Maty,” you breathed. “Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year, my love,” he whispered, his thumb tracing your bottom lip slowly as you immediately drifted back to sleep.

And now here you were, seven hours later, heaving into the toilet as Mat dropped to his knees behind you on the tile, gathering your long hair into his hands as quickly as possible.

“Oh, honey,” he groaned, rubbing your back. “You poor thing.”

After flushing the toilet several times to get rid of the contents, you finally sat upright, cautiously, slowly.

“God, I feel like shit,” you whispered, pressing a hand to your forehead as Mat ran his hands back and forth down your legs, trying to soothe you.

“I can tell,” he said sadly, standing. You looked up at him helplessly as he said, “I’m gonna go get you flu meds from the pharmacy. Let me just get dressed.”

You nodded once, feeling too lightheaded to move your head any more than that. You didn’t budge from your place on the floor as Mat took his robe from the hook on the door and wrapped it around your shoulders, kissing the crown of your head before exiting the bathroom. You heard him shuffling around in his drawers as you closed your eyes, willing the queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach to cease.

Moments later, Mat called out to you from the bedroom.

“Do you need anything else from the drugstore while I’m there, baby?”

You opened your eyes to glance around the bathroom, trying to keep your head as still as possible. You saw toothpaste, Tylenol, and... did you have enough tampons?

You reached next to you to open the drawer that held your monthly supplies, and you were surprised to find two boxes of tampons, not even opened, along with a plethora of pads and liners.

Finally, it hit you like a crashing wave. Suddenly, your world started spinning, and it wasn’t because of the nausea.

“Holy fuck,” you whispered, slamming the drawer shut.

“Maty...” you called out hoarsely, causing him to rush back toward the bathroom. Your heart was racing.

“What’s wrong?” he asked anxiously as he appeared in the doorway, ready to take up residence on the floor with you again if necessary.

You bit your bottom lip and inhaled a shaky breath before answering, sounding much more calm than you felt.

“I need you to buy me a test,” you said matter-of-factly.

At first, Mat wore a blank expression. “What kinda te— wait…” he said as you watched the wheels turning in his head. You couldn’t help but allow a small smile to spread across your lips as the realization hit him, too. He froze, mouth slightly agape, wide eyes searching yours to try and determine whether you were serious. Reading him, you nodded, which caused his eyes to widen even further.

“A pregnancy test,” you confirmed in a shaky voice.

“Holy fuck,” he whispered familiarly, his own smile beginning to play on his lips.

_____

“That was Liana,” Mat said, sliding his phone back into the pocket of his sweats after ending the brief call. “She’s catching a flight in the morning.”

You nodded gratefully as Mat returned to your side, dutifully grabbing your hand and running his other over your rounded stomach.

“She said to tell you she loves you, and baby, too,” he added with a warm grin. “And that she—“

Mat stopped short the second he heard you groan softly, the smile you’d worn upon hearing Liana’s name having morphed quickly into a wince.

“Another contraction?” Mat asked, hastily pulling the stool by the bed closer and taking a seat.

“Mhm,” you confirmed tightly, rolling on your side to look into his eyes, seeking a diversion. The pain in your face absolutely shattered Mat’s heart. He despised how helpless he felt watching you.

“Just look at me. Breathe, baby,” Mat coached before breathing in and out just as your Lamaze instructor had taught you both, nodding his head to urge you to mimic him. You did your best, squeezing his big hand hard enough that Mat saw his fingertips turning white, though he was too smart and too concerned with your labor pains to point that out.

“Good girl. Breathe, sweetheart. Good girl,” Mat encouraged. “That’s my girl,” he added softly, lightly dragging his fingernails along your scalp, combing his hand through your hair, in an attempt to comfort you.

“I seriously hate you right now,” you spat between pants and gasps. “You did this to me.”

Though he tried to hold back, a breathy laugh passed through Mat’s nose. “Yeah, my mom warned me you might say that,” he told you. “I’d hate me right now, too,” he added, running his fingers along your forearm lightly as you grimaced in agony.

Finally, your muscles relaxed as the contraction passed. Your face softened and your eyes fluttered open to see Mat staring at you intently, concern etched into his gorgeous features. You reached out your hand to run a thumb over his strong jaw.

“I’m okay,” you whispered, giving him your best smile as you caught your breath.

Mat nodded. “I just hate seeing you hurting,” he whispered back. You gave him an understanding look and then grinned brightly.

“But it’s gonna be worth it,” you assured, making Mat’s eyes light up. He kissed your palm and you asked, “Now what else did Liana say? Distract me.”

With a smile, Mat said, “That she can’t wait to meet this little one.” He leaned his head forward to kiss your belly sweetly as you smiled softly, leaning back against the mattress to rest up momentarily before the next wave, as the memory of telling Liana the news months ago came to mind.

_____

Twelve weeks

Your phone buzzed on the dining room table, vibrating against the glass top. Normally, you would never answer a call during a Valentine’s Day dinner with Mat, even at home, but these particular circumstances allowed for an exception.

“It’s Liana,” you smirked, swiping to answer the FaceTime call as Mat muttered, “Nice of her to call you and not her own brother.”

You ignored his complaint and smiled at the woman who was basically your sister-in-law.

“Hi, Li,” you said happily. “Happy Valentine’s Day!”

Liana didn’t even let you finish your greeting before she asked hurriedly, “What the fuck is going on?”

Mat leaned closer into you in order to be included in the camera’s view. “That’s rude,” he chirped, trying to sound angry, but being betrayed by the smirk twitching at his pink lips.

“No, seriously, you guys,” Liana continued, sounding anxious. “What does this mean?” She lifted the card from the full bouquet of blush pink roses before her. “‘Happy Valentine’s Day, Li,’” she read. “‘We’re so excited to give you another member of the family to love this August.’ And it’s signed from you guys and ‘Baby B...’”

Liana’s eyes flicked back up to your own and she couldn’t stand still, pacing her kitchen. “It’s not funny to joke about this,” she insisted, sounding confused and slightly offended.

“It isn’t a joke, dude,” Mat giggled. “We’re having a baby.”

Liana started screaming after “having.”

Laughter racked your body as you watched her jump up and down, tears streaming down her face as she squealed and asked a dozen times whether you were serious. You nodded each time until her hysteria finally subsided.

“Do Mom and Dad know?” Liana asked with a quaking voice, wiping the dampness from her cheeks.

“Yeah, they know,” you confirmed, swiping at a couple of your own fallen tears. Damn hormones.

“But listen, Liana,” Mat interjected, putting on his most serious tone. “They know, and her family knows, but past that, we haven’t told a soul. We honestly might not tell anyone else, depending on how soon she starts to show. We don’t want crazy fans or, God forbid, the media to get ahold of it and just be intrusive. We’ve seen how that goes. We just want this to be as private as possible. So you can’t post anything, can’t tell any of your friends. Okay?”

Liana nodded, sniffling throughout her brother’s command. “Yeah, totally,” she immediately concurred. “I get it. I think you guys are smart for doing it this way. This is like Kylie Jenner shit.”

You and Mat both snickered at that comparison for multiple reasons, then Liana began truly processing the news.

“Wait... so,” she began. “How far along are you?”

“Twelve weeks,” you replied. “So barring anything out of the ordinary, that kind of means we’re in the clear, risk-wise.”

“And you’re okay? Everything is okay?” Liana asked nervously.

Mat nodded, appreciating his little sister’s obvious concern for you and the baby. “She’s okay, Liana,” he assured as you smiled at him. “She’s perfect,” he added, picking up your hand to press a kiss to your fingers, causing Liana to tear up once again.

“You better take such good fucking care of her, Mat. You hear me? She doesn’t have her mom or any of us nearby, so she needs you,” Liana said firmly to her brother. You warmed at her display of womanly solidarity, ever thankful to have an ally in her.

Mat rolled his eyes. “Yes, Liana, I’ve been taking care of her for years,” he said, unamused.

“Yeah, well, it’s different now,” Liana pointed out. “Now she’s carrying my niece or nephew!”

You and Mat grinned at each other once more, Mat rubbing his hand slowly across your lower belly, which was mostly still flat, save for a slight, bloated curve.

“Yeah, she is,” Mat said airily, gazing into your blue eyes deeply as his sister resumed her squealing in the background.

_____

“Can I please have more ice chips?” you asked as you came down from yet another contraction, sounding whinier than you meant to and slightly hating yourself for it.

Mat smiled warmly down at you, pushing some of your hair back from your forehead and tenderly placing a kiss to your temple.

“Yes. You get all the ice chips you want, sweet girl,” Mat cooed, nuzzling his nose in your hair before stepping back and winking at you, grabbing the ice bucket from the bedside table. If there was one thing you had enjoyed most about the experience of pregnancy and labor, it was the way Mat spoiled you, ever attentive to your needs and wants. “I’ll be right back. Don’t have that baby while I’m gone,” he instructed, pointing at you.

Despite the discomfort you felt, you still breathed a laugh and rolled your eyes at him, Mat positively beaming at you as he walked backwards out of your suite, then turned down the hall.

As you rested your hands against your belly and your head back on the pillow, spotting the big bouquet of flowers Tito had sent for you, another memory from the past several months flashed in your mind.

_____

Twenty weeks

“I’m sorry,” Tito choked out once he stopped coughing on the Easter ham you’d made for a small group of the Isles boys, who had just begun playoffs and therefore weren’t traveling for the holiday, and their significant others. “You’re what?!”

You and Mat giggled, Mat squeezing your thigh under the table reassuringly. Sydney, late in her own pregnancy, jumped from her seat, tears springing to her eyes, and squealed as she ran to you, throwing her arms around your shoulders as you sat grinning at the others — Tito, Marty, Anders, Grace, Josh, and Meg — whose mouths hung open as they tried to process your announcement.

You turned back to Mat, the same broad smile seemingly permanently plastered on his handsome features the past few months stretching across his face once again.

“You wanna show them?” he asked softly, the tone in his voice telling you the decision was yours completely. You nodded, grasping the fabric of your knit sweater, the same casually chic, baggy style that you’d stocked up on to hide your growing stomach.

Sydney let go of you, allowing you to stand from your chair, as she nearly shouted, “What do you mean, show us?! How pregnant are you?!”

You bit your bottom lip, still smiling from ear to ear, and turned sideways, lifting your sweater to reveal your noticeable, ever-rounding bump beneath your high-waisted leggings.

A collective gasp sucked the oxygen from the room, Mat smirking at your friends, as you quietly admitted, “I’m twenty weeks...”

Tito pounded a fist to the table in disbelief and let out a holler. Anders raised his own fists over his head so fast that he knocked off the black baseball cap he wore. Josh and Marty couldn’t stop yelling, “No!” and “No fucking way,” respectively. Meg and Grace immediately leapt to their feet, too. “You’re halfway?!” they shouted in unison.

All Mat could do was beam proudly at you, bringing your waist close as he pressed a reverent, chaste kiss to your stomach over your sweater.

“Surprise!” you sang softly to the onlookers, your voice watery as a couple of happy tears escaped your eyes. The girls all embraced you, taking turns rubbing your belly, as the guys uttered boyish praises to Mat, joking that they didn’t know he had it in him.

Besides your and Mat’s parents and siblings, you still hadn’t told any friends of your pregnancy — making this sacred time that much more special for you and Mat.

But it was time to tell this circle. It had gotten more and more difficult and complicated to refuse drinks when the wives and girlfriends met for brunch, and even Mat was struggling to come up with excuses for why he wanted to rush home from the arena when the rest of the guys his age wanted to go to the bar to celebrate big wins. This close-knit group knowing the truth would help combat that.

You certainly didn’t plan to tell the whole team — quite frankly, there were some recently-added guys you just didn’t know well enough yet, along with some newer girlfriends who seemed a little suspect when it came to keeping team matters close to the vest. You and Mat agreed that you’d tell your close group of Isles friends and leave it at that. And that group, this group, these friends who had become much more like family — these felt like the right people to let in on the secret.

_____

“I’m scared,” you whimpered. “I don’t know if I can do it.” The pain was excruciating now, the pressure was building, and your doctor had just informed you that it was time to push. You felt like crying, but you were so paralyzed by the fear that gripped your chest that no tears were flowing.

“Hey…” Mat began softly, gently taking your face in both of his hands and angling it to look up at him, his eyes radiating confidence and pride. “Listen to me, okay? You’ve been so strong throughout this whole pregnancy. I know better than to believe that that’s gonna end now. You can do this, my love. I know you can,” he encouraged. “And I’ll be right here the whole time.”

You nodded, still feeling completely unprepared but somehow strengthened by Mat’s faith in you. As the doctor approached, gowned and gloved, she looked at you with anticipation.

“You ready, sweetie?” she asked. With one last look up at Mat, who nodded and kissed your knuckles, you turned back to her with a nod of your own. She patted your knee and said, “Okay, let’s have a baby. On the count of three, I want you to push, just the way we talked about. Daddy, you hold this knee. Ready? One… two… three… push.”

_____

Twenty-three weeks

The Isles had lost in the second round of the playoffs. Mat was obviously disappointed, but he was also more excited for this offseason than he’d ever been for a summer before, which certainly softened the blow. You were having his baby in just three more months, and he absolutely could not wait. Mat was ready to commence full dad mode — getting the nursery ready, reading the books, and most importantly, keeping a close eye on you every moment that he could.

On the same day the guys were cleaning out their lockers and giving final interviews following the end of the playoff series loss, Mat had scheduled a meeting with the coaching staff and team public relations executives to inform them of your pregnancy. He wanted them to be aware of the situation in case the news got out before the birth, especially as your baby bump was getting harder to hide. Since the two of you had decided to stay in New York for the summer instead of returning to British Columbia, to avoid travel late in your pregnancy, he knew that the chances of someone spotting your round stomach and starting to talk about it was higher on Long Island than in Coquitlam. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if the news got out, but if you and Mat could help it, you’d much prefer that it didn’t. He wanted this experience to be peaceful for you and as enjoyable as possible.

The meeting had gone well, which was unsurprising. The staff was thrilled for the two of you and promised to keep a tight lid on the information until you were ready to share it publicly after the baby had been born — they also agreed to evade any questions that their office might encounter on the topic during the summer.

Mat had thanked them profusely and said his goodbyes before leaving the building, heaving his heavy equipment bags into his trunk, and heading back home to you. A few minutes later, his phone dinged with a text from you and he glanced down at it at the next stoplight. It was a photo of the two of you in front of Big Ben on a rare sunny day in England, Mat hugging you close to his chest.

“This just popped up in my memories. Four years ago today we were in London and you told me you loved me for the first time. Look at us now. 💋”

Mat grinned at the message before returning the phone to his cupholder, his mind traveling back in time to that first big vacation the two of you had taken together. He knew your affinity for English culture — the fashion, the history, and, of course, the royal family, so he decided to take you on a trip across the pond a couple of months after you started dating.

It was one of the best decisions he’d ever made, as it brought the two of you much closer in those early days of your relationship — so close, in fact, that he found himself professing his love for you over a candlelight dinner on your last night in London. You had frozen, just for a moment, before a broad smile lit up your face, your eyes sparkling.

“I love you, too, Maty,” you’d said softly, allowing Mat to finally exhale as he basked in the knowledge that you felt the same way as he.

London was a landmark in your love story. Mat blinked a few times at that thought, an idea suddenly coming over him.

London…

_____

London Riley Barzal, named for the city where you fell in love and given your current last name as a middle name, was born August 15 at 8:13 p.m., after twenty hours of labor.

You and Mat had never known a love like the one you found the moment your baby girl was laid on your chest, and he had never been more fiercely in love with you than he was as he watched you snuggle her close.

“God, she’s so beautiful,” Mat breathed, voice quivering as he realized that this tiny girl belonged to him — to both of you.

“She’s perfect. Just perfect,” you agreed as her strong cries suddenly quieted into small whimpers.

Immediately, Mat looked you in the eye. “She knows your voice,” he said in astonishment.

As your baby blinked and squinted before opening her eyes for the very first time, she seemed to look directly up at her daddy. You smiled knowingly at Mat, who was frozen in place as he locked eyes with his baby daughter for the first time.

“I think she knows yours, too,” you suggested, the two of you smoothing your fingertips over her tiny face and hands in wonder.

You spent several minutes soaking it all in as a brand new family of three, both talking to London softly and placing kisses on her tiny head, before the nurse took her from your arms to take her vitals and give her a brief exam.

As you watched your healthy, gorgeous baby being fawned over by the medical team, you breathed a deep sigh of relief and a silent prayer of gratitude before opening your eyes again to see the love of your life staring down at you in absolute amazement.

“You did so good, baby,” Mat said through tears of pure joy. He pressed his lips to your damp forehead, cupping your cheek in his hand. “You did so good. You’re unbelievable, you know that? I’m so goddamn proud of you,” he praised.

“We have a baby, Maty,” you said with an awestruck, tearful chuckle. “I just had our baby.”

Mat nodded, grinning. “We have a daughter, my love,” he said. “Our little London.”

_____

One week later…

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