FP: Max coming home

[Cierrasmom1700]

Spending all my time at the hospital with Serena and Max was wearing me out. I had to get out of there for a few minutes. My legs hurt from sitting in the small chair, my nose hurt from the smells of all the different things in Max's room, and my heart hurt from watching Dan and Serena together.

I headed to the forest where I could phase and just run for the afternoon. I took off running after I hid my clothes behind a tree. As I phased I felt better. I ran and I ran. I stopped long enough to watch two squirrels fight, probably over a female squirrel. I shook my head and headed back to the tree where my clothes were.

As I walked out of the forest, in human form, I headed to Serena's house to go visit with Landon and Oliver. I needed some adult interaction. I stepped on the porch and saw Cedric. He nodded and I smiled.

"How's S doing?" Cedric asked.

"She is doing great, she's just bored waiting for them to decide we can bring Max home."

"How is the little guy doing?" Ced asked as he motioned for me to come sit with him. "I can't believe how well he is doing. I saw him yesterday and he looked a lot bigger."

I smiled. "He is gaining weight and growing, once he weighs enough we'll be able to bring him home."

"Jared, I need to be honest with you. I told myself after I found out he wasn't a little Diggory, that I wasn't going to have anything to do with him. But, seeing him and spending time with him. I love the little guy. Landon will always be like my own son, but Max is like a nephew. I hope that doesn't offend you. I don't know where I fit in with you, we haven't really ever had any issues or anything. But, I know we aren't close friends either."

I looked at Cedric and smiled, thinking how loved these boys were. "I think that Max would be lucky to have you as his uncle if that is what you want to be to him. I already told Serena that I wanted you included in the family because I know you were there for her and Landon when Oliver and I weren't."

Cedric awkwardly leaned over and we had a male hug. It was weird but it seemed fitting.

"Where is Landon? I was thinking I might grab him and take him to see his brother for a little while. It's been a few days."

"Oliver took him to his parents house for the weekend." Cedric said in a confused voice.

"Oh crap!" I said as I smacked myself in the forehead. "I knew they weren't going to be around, what was I thinking?"

"It's that hospital. You are losing track of your days I'll bet." Cedric smiled. "You look like you could use some sleep. Why don't you crash for a bit?"

"I have been gone most of the day, I guess I should get back. I will sleep when they kick us out and tell us visiting hours are over. Thanks for the chat Cedric. I will tell Serena we talked, she'll be happy."

"Give her my love as well, talk to you later Jared."

I stood up, stretched, and figured I'd head back to my son and Serena. As I walked I thought about little Max and the thought of him made me smile. I couldn't wait to get back and hold on to him. I started walking faster and then when I got closer I sprinted back to his room.

I walked in and washed my hands and face before walking over to look at my son laying on Serena's chest. He looked so perfect and she looked so beautiful. I kissed her on the cheek and then picked up Max. I noticed he had lost a few more cords.

"What is missing?" I asked Serena.

"They are weaning him off of everything. They think he might be ready to come home." Serena squealed with delight.

I could feel myself smile even without trying. I looked at my son and the thought of bringing him home made me beam with pride and excitement. So many people still hadn't seen him because of the rules of the hospital.

The nurse came and unhooked his last cord, that went to the heart and oxygen monitors. He looked so different without all the extra cords. I cuddled him against me for the first time since he was born with no barriers. It was just Max and me. It made me get all teary eyed. This father thing was more intense then it looked!

I looked at Serena who was smiling at me. She came and stood behind me and placed her hand on Max's back. I handed him back to her so she could hold him without all the cords like I was doing. She cuddled him and kissed him as she sang to him.

Max, like Landon, was soothed by Serena's singing. He fussed for a bottle then went back to listening to her sing for him. I sat back and watched it all and smiled.

As Serena and I were in the middle of making plans for the next few days the healer came in. He waited as we discussed who would cover which hours with Max so he wouldn't have to be alone.

The healer cleared his throat and got our attention. "No one has to worry about shifts. I think Max is strong enough to go home tonight. He is almost 5 pounds now and hasn't had one negative side effect of being born early."

"Tonight?" Serena asked.

"Yes Serena, tonight. It's time you two take this little guy home and introduce him to everyone." The healer said with a smile.

"Thank you sir!" I said as I shook his hand.

I smiled at a shocked Serena. "Come on before they change their minds, lets take our son home."

Dan decided he would let us pack Max up alone. He told us he'd meet us at home.

We got a bag from the hospital full of diapers, formula, and some of the things they had given us while he was in the hospital. I dressed Max while Serena took down all the cards she had taped to Max's walls.

I was all set to put Max in his little seat and then I couldn't get it buckled. I tried several times and Serena came to help me. She just touched it and in the blink of an eye he was fastened in. I growled and she laughed.

"Your hands are just to big, its easy I promise." She said as she giggled.

"Sure it is." I picked up Max's seat and one of the bags. "Are you ready to leave?"

"I am ready! Thanks everyone for being great with baby Max." Serena said to all the nurses.

We walked out the door and for the first time since Max was born I felt a weight lifted. I was ready to be away from this hospital. I looked down at my little son and then I took Serena's hand. We were finally going home, all of us.

[Octobersmom]

Nov. 15, 2009 at 7:40 PM

Yay!  I'm glad Max can go home :)  Annie will be sending you a gift soon. Maybe she'll stop by for a chat too ;)