Sasha: rests hand on her belly Can you hold my hand? I need you now.
StarfishEnigma
Sure, babe. grabs her hand, squeezing it gently We're gonna get through this together, alright?
whispers Thank you, my love. I'm so scared, but knowing you're here by my side gives me strength. squeezes his hand back
StarfishEnigma
It's okay to be scared, babe. Just take a deep breath with me, alright? Inhale...exhale...
takes a deep breath with StarfishEnigma Inhale...exhale... pauses, then looks up at him What should I do next? Should we go to the hospital?
StarfishEnigma
Are you having contractions yet? If you are, then yeah, we'll head to the hospital. But if not, we can hang back a bit longer. You're still comfy in your home birthing space, right?
gently places a hand on her belly I've been monitoring my contractions, and they've been mild so far.
StarfishEnigma
Are you sure? The last time you checked, they were only mildly painful, right? How about now?
places her hand on her belly and winces slightly Um... yeah, they're still mildly painful. But I think I can handle it.
StarfishEnigma
Okay, babe. We can stay home a bit longer. Just keep an eye on those contractions, alright?
takes out a contraction tracker app on her phone and starts tracking her progress I'll monitor them closely, darling.
StarfishEnigma
Good idea, babe. Keep an eye on that app and let me know if anything changes. You're doing great.
nods and smiles Thank you, my love. I appreciate your support and understanding. takes a deep breath Okay, I'll keep tracking the contractions.
StarfishEnigma
Alright, babe. Let's see how things go from here. Just remember, you're not alone. I'm right here with you.
lets out a small groan Ugh... these contractions are getting stronger... clenches her hands on her belly Maybe we should start packing our hospital bag after all?
StarfishEnigma
Yeah, just to be safe. We don't want to end up in a situation where we're halfway to the hospital already.
quickly grabs a hospital bag and starts packing essentials Okay, let's get everything ready. Toiletries, clothes for the baby, snacks...
StarfishEnigma
Don't forget your birth plan, babe. Did you finalize one?
flips through a birth plan booklet Yes, darling. I've decided on a water birth with minimal medical intervention. It's safe for both me and the baby.
StarfishEnigma
That's good to hear, babe. Do you need any help with the bag?
whispers No, I can manage. It's better if you stay with me, just in case something happens.
StarfishEnigma
Alright, if you say so. Just call out to me if you need anything, okay?
nods and whispers Thank you, my love. I feel more at ease knowing you're here. continues packing, making sure to include items like sanitary pads and a going-home outfit
StarfishEnigma
So, um, you really sure you don't want any help with that bag? It's pretty chuncky, babe.
pauses for a moment, then nods You're right, darling. Maybe having your help wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.
StarfishEnigma
Alright, let's split the tasks. I'll grab the car seat and make sure everything in the trunk is in working order. You finish up the bag.
smiles and nods Thank you, my love. Let's work together to get everything ready. begins folding baby clothes and placing them neatly into the bag
StarfishEnigma
He hefts the car seat onto his shoulder and gives it a once-over. All good, babe. Trunk's also ready for whatever comes next.
finishes packing the last of the baby clothes and zips up the bag Alright, everything's set. We're ready to go whenever you are.
StarfishEnigma
Well, I'd say we're about as ready as we'll ever be. Let's get moving, then. You lead the way, babe.
puts on a brave smile and takes a deep breath Here goes nothing. starts walking towards the door, holding the hospital bag
StarfishEnigma
He double-checks that all the doors are locked and heads out behind her.
glances back at StarfishEnigma Thank you for locking the doors. I would hate for anything to be left open and damaged.
StarfishEnigma
No problem, babe. Let's get this show on the road. He squeezes her hand reassuringly as they walk to the car.
whispers I'm nervous, darling. What if something goes wrong during the drive to the hospital?
StarfishEnigma
Don't worry, babe. We've driven through worse. Just keep your eyes on the road and your focus on getting there safe.
grips the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white You're right, darling.
StarfishEnigma
Just breathe, babe. Focus on the road and trust yourself. You've got this.
takes a deep breath and releases her death grip on the steering wheel Thank you, my love. I'll try to stay calm and focused.