Chapter 4: A Growing Family

  Bella and Mortimer were a couple of years into their marriage and they still hadn't been able to conceive a baby.  Bella believed that they were going to have a honeymoon baby but her period showed up a couple of weeks later.  At first she wasn't concerned.  Then month after month there was nothing.  She tried not to worry but each year she asked Dr. Jolina if there was something she could do.  Unfortunately, Bella was told to wait it out.  She was young and had plenty of time to start a family.  Dr. Jolina had told her that if she didn't conceive by her 5^th wedding anniversary then they would start the process of fertility treatments.  Now, with their anniversary coming up Bella was worried that they would have to endure all the tests and treatments to have a baby.  She tried to keep most of the worry to herself.  Bella helped in the garden.  She was proud of the dinners she was able to create out of the harvest, though her job at the diner wasn't going as well as she hoped.  Many of her co-workers were also competing for promotions into more esteemed positions.  Bella considered quitting work at the diner to stay home, if it would help her chances to become a mother.  Actually quitting never worked out though.  Bella's drive to become a five-star chef always nagged at her and committed her to working another night.

  

  Mortimer was equally as stressed as Bella about not having a baby yet.  He wanted children as much as Bella did, if not more.  Luckily for him work was going well and he received several promotions over the years.  He became quite adept at fixing things at work, which applied to the household as well.  Mortimer couldn't remember the last time someone in his family had attempted to fix something; they just called a repairman instead.  He'd rather do it himself though.  There wasn't a point in hiring someone to do the work if it could just be done right by him.  Mortimer let loose a string of curses when the dishwasher broke.  It was one of the newest items in the kitchen.  He hadn't worked on the dishwasher before but he pulled out the manual and went to it.
 

Before he could even realize what had happened Mortimer crossed the red and the green wire, sending electricity coursing through his body.  He could smell his own singed flesh and he felt his muscles go limp before he could pull himself free of the current.  With his vision blurred he stumbled toward the door.

“Beya,” he mumbled. “Hep me, Beya.”  Mortimer fell to his knees as his legs gave out under him.

 Bella heard the commotion coming from the kitchen.  She expected the dishwasher job wasn't going to go as planned.  It was when she heard the muffled shouting that a panic risen inside her belly and she took off running for the house.  Bella saw Mortimer trying to steady himself on the kitchen floor and fell to his side immediately.  She was able to get her shoulder under his arm and lifted him off the ground.

“What happened?” Bella questioned hardly able to hide the concern and panic in her voice.  Mortimer tried to form words to comfort his wife but his tongue lay limp in his mouth and his eyes couldn't focus.

“Oh, never mind,” Bella said as she gathered him up in a hug.  “Let's get you upstairs while you can still help me get you there.  What were you trying to do anyway?  You can't die on me.  The graveyard is full and they don't want you.”  Bella's nervous laughter filled the hallway as they made their way to their room.  Later that night Mortimer woke up with most of his muscles functioning again.  Bella kissed him softly and they gently woohooed, thankful that Mortimer's close call didn't kill him.
 

A month later Bella started getting sick after breakfast.  She figured it was the stomach flu, but when the nausea wouldn’t subside she resigned herself to having juice for breakfast.  After a couple of weeks she wasn’t getting sick anymore.  She felt out of sorts.  She felt like she needed a nap all of the time and her body felt uncomfortable.  It was when she was promoted to spice runner that the sickness came back full force.  Bella could hardly stand the smell.  Cinnamon was one of the worst.  If she caught a whiff she needed to run straight to the bathroom.  Curry was the absolute worst; she couldn’t even make it to the bathroom if she smelled it.  She just lost her stomach where she stood.  Bella was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  She needed a break.

Mortimer surprised Bella with a day trip to the spa.  He noticed that she was feeling off and figured a spa package would help her relax.  Bella was grateful for Mortimer’s kindness and sympathy.  In the middle of her mud bath she reached for the closest magazine.  Bump Magazine, figures.  The world can just rub it in my face some more that I’m not pregnant.  Bella read it anyway even though she felt like ripping it into pieces and throwing it across the room.  It was when she came to the article The Not So Subtle Signs of the First Trimester that she sat up with a jolt.  Her eyes scanned the page; nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight gain…No, it can’t be…The words practically jumped off of the page at her.  Bella hurried out of the bathing room.  She still had a mani/pedi before her day was over, but those were forgotten as she rushed for her car.  A couple of years back she bought the book Totally Preggers thinking she would get pregnant right away.  It was the one book that could confirm the magazine’s article and she had to dig it out of the trunk.  Bella flipped through the pages in shock.  I need to buy a pregnancy test now!

Bella was in shock when she saw the digital readout change from the hourglass to 'pregnant'.  Her shout of joy and surprise was automatic and Mortimer came running.  He burst through the door and Bella was standing there with the biggest grin he had ever seen.  Bella hadn't told Mortimer her suspicions because they had been let down before.  She couldn't deny it now.  After Bella showed the test to Mortimer there was a bunch of dancing, laughing, shouting, kissing, and hugging in the bathroom.  It wasn't long before Cornelia came to see what the commotion was all about.  Bella then called her mom and dad.  Soon the whole town knew that the Goth family had a new heir on the way.

Bella had her official pregnancy test at the hospital labs.  She was indeed pregnant and her numbers were excellent.  Bella didn't really need the second test to confirm because she was still getting sick all of the time.  Morning sickness turned into afternoon, evening, and everywhere sickness.  She had her first appointment with Dr. Jolina at 12 weeks.  Bella was concerned that the sickness wasn't letting up.  Dr. Jolina noticed a little weight loss, but reassured Bella that the weight loss is normal for women who have moderate morning sickness.  She offered vitamins to Bella and told her to drink breakfast shakes if she could.  Dr. Jolina told Bella to get some B6 tablets from the store and get some rest.  She did offer B6 injections if the sickness didn't subside in the next couple of weeks or if she lost more weight.

At week 16 Bella was still getting sick.  She had wanted a baby so bad, but throwing up all the time made her think twice about ever doing this again.  Bella felt like her body was punishing her for being pregnant, which was very unfair.  So many other women look like they are glowing at this point and Bella just felt like she had toilet hair and a hangover.  Dr. Jolina decided that Bella should come to the office every three days for a B6 injection and she needed to take some time off from work.  The vast amount of culinary smells was not helping Bella recover from morning sickness.  They hurt like a beast, but once the B6 injections started taking effect Bella started to feel normal again.  She felt like she was starting to get her pregnancy glow.

Bella spent most days around the house while Mortimer was at work.  She occasionally went out into the town to grocery shop, visit the book store, or view new pieces at the Art Institute.  However, she was most content to stay at the manor and read pregnancy and baby books or learning new recipes.  Cornelia liked to pamper Bella, but she let her have her space for the most part.
 

Mortimer and Bella enjoyed his days off together.  She would quietly work in the garden and he would paint.  At 22 weeks Bella was feeling restless.  They had done their ultra sound a couple weeks before, and everything looked perfect, but they chose not to find out if the baby was a boy or girl.  Now Bella wasn't so sure that was a good idea.  She wanted to start getting a room ready for the baby.  Bella stopped gardening and walked over to her husband, "I think we should start buying things for the baby, don't you?"

"Sure Bells.  What do you have in mind?" Mortimer asked.

"Well, I was thinking we could start remodeling one of the bedrooms."

"Remodel?  What is wrong with the bedrooms"

"Well they are so dark.  Not really for children, you know?"

"I never had a problem with those rooms Bella and we don't even know what colors we should be painting the walls."

Bella felt dejected, "I want to do something to feel like we are getting ready.  I hate waiting"

Mortimer reached over to rub Bella's tummy.  It was amazing that she was able to grow a little life.  She was so beautiful, he may want her to be pregnant all the time.  Bella certainly wouldn't agree after how sick she was but Mortimer loved looking at her in all her maternal glory.  She was his goddess.
"I love you Bella.  You are more beautiful every day," Mortimer told her.
"Mort, don't get distracted," she replied with a laugh.  "I want to do something for the baby."

Mortimer went digging in the attic for some baby things after his mother had told them that his old baby crib was still up there.  Bella's excitement quickly faded when she saw how dingy and old the crib, toys, and highchair looked.  She would need to get new sheets, but without know if the baby was a boy or a girl the crib would have to sit bare.  She did her best to clean up the furniture, but in the end it was back to waiting.  Bella visited Dr. Jolina at the hospital for another prenatal appointment at 28 weeks.  So far she had only been visiting monthly, but now she was going to be visiting every other week.  Bella felt a little silly, but she was excited at the change.  She was getting closer.  She was also glad that Dr. Jolina's office was at the hospital and that Dr. Jolina was the only OB/GYN.  Even though the town was old it was still small and Bella was glad she wouldn't have to have an on-call doctor like they did in big cities.

Bella got home from her appointment and Mortimer could tell by the look on her face that something was wrong.
"Is everything okay?  I knew I should have gone with you," he said as he gathered her in his arms.
"No, everything is not okay.  Why did I even think this was a good idea?  It's just so unfair, " Bella sobbed.
"Don't cry honey.  Everything is going to be alright.  We'll go to another hospital and get a second opinion.  I've heard good things about Riverview General.  No matter what Bella we will always love this baby, whatever is wrong."  Mortimer tried to sound strong for his wife.
Bella looked at him like a grew a second head, "What are you talking about Mortimer?  They baby is fine."
"You said something was wrong..."
"No I didn't!  Weren't you listening to me?  I said everything wasn't okay.  I've gained 60 lbs and I still have twelve weeks to go.  Jeez, you are being so insensitive.  Don't you even care?"
"Of course I care.  Bella I just thought.  Well you said...and I was worried something...don't cry.  You are gorgeous."  Mortimer held her close.  He kissed her on the mouth and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.  "I was just scared Bella.  I'm sorry.  You are beautiful and you are growing our baby.  Nothing else matters to me."

Bella spent the next month getting out of the house more.  She would take walks through the park and then stop by the grocery store for some fresh ingredients.  Bella decided to start experimenting in creating new, healthy dishes that would appeal to pregnant women.  She thought about writing a cookbook but always go too caught up in the kitchen.  Even though she was on maternity leave she started visiting the diner more often, especially while Mortimer was at work.  She talked with her co-workers and told her boss about the new recipes she was working on.  He was interested in adding some new items to the menu and asked Bella to bring by some samples for the customers to try.

The final weeks of the pregnancy flew by and the work she was doing for the diner kept her mind off the waiting.  Her new recipes were a hit with the customers.  Her dishes were so popular she made up instructions so the chefs could duplicate them.  Bella still created more though.  Everyone was enjoying her take on healthy eating.  The diner became a popular place for other pregnant women to visit.  Sales were climbing.  Bella was thrilled that everything was working out so well and looked forward to getting back into the diner kitchen.

Bella became so busy in the kitchen she fell into bed every night and was sleeping almost the second her head touched the pillow.  Mortimer wanted to be worried but Bella was so happy with her creations that he couldn't help but to be happy and proud of her.  Bella had gone past her due date and, even though she was busy, the waiting was becoming unbearable again.  A lot of that had to do with the swelling and constant uncomfortable tight skin.  Bella was so ready to have the baby, but Dr. Jolina only induced if it was medically necessary.  Bella and the baby were both the epitome of healthy.  She would just have to wait until the baby was ready.

One night, after a particularly busy and productive day, Bella went to bed thinking her tummy felt tight inside.  As Mortimer rubbed some tummy butter on he noticed how hard her belly felt.
"Are feeling alright Bells?"
"Uncomfortable a little, but I'm fine."  She kissed him lightly, curled into him, and drifted off to sleep.  A couple of hours later Bella awoke with a start.  Her sheets were wet and pain rippled through her belly.  She quickly got out of bed and jostled Mortimer awake.  At first he didn't seem to realize why Bella was trying to drag him out of bed.  She held her belly and groaned through her teeth and him and Mortimer jumped into action.

Gretle, the ghost of Mortimer's great-grandmother, was haunting that night and made her way to the bedroom.  The ghost weren't particularly active with the living members of the family, but this night Gretle felt a connection to the living.  Bella had hardly noticed the flash of white translucent arms waving at her.  It was comforting, nonetheless.

Mortimer threw his clothes on and left Bella in the care of his great-grandmother.  He ran out to the car as fast as he could go.  Mortimer had read that the first labor was long, that they had time to get to the hospital, but he was worried she would have the baby at the house or, worse, in the car.  Mortimer helped Bella into her clothes and ushered her down to the car.  Gunther and Cornelia rushed into the hallway to see the two out of the house.  Cornelia promised to call Bella's parents and that they wouldn't be far behind.

Bella and Mortimer arrived at the hospital.  They walked into the hospital as two, excited that in a couple of hours they would be three.