Tell me what is half so sweet as a baby's tiny feet -- 21/22 April 2002

Maisie had gone into labor in the evening and still was not ready to have the babies yet.  We had been there since almost supper time.  I was so nervous.  It was closing in on midnight and I was filling my cup with some more tea in the waiting room before going back in with my fiance.  I saw my parents and sister sitting together.  I was glad that they were there -- even my father.  I was starting to call him 'dad' now and not by his first name.  My mum was not the Healer wiht Maisie -- it was just something that I did not want her to deal with.  I wanted her to have the part of Nana, not Healer with the entire thing.  I walked over to them while stirring in some sugar into my tea.  "Would you like me to get you anything?" I asked, looking at them.  I had not expected Harry or Ginny to show up -- that was asking far too much from them.  One of my only mates from Hogwarts lived over in America now.  I was not going to stay out to talk with them for long, because we knew Maisie was getting close.  I just needed to take a bit of a break from sitting in there and waiting.

I sat in the waiting room at St. Mungo's, awaiting the birth of my first grandchildren.  I could not believe that I was going to be a grandpa... Now how could I call Sirius and Remus old?  I looked over at Evan and smiled at him when he came over to us.  "I think you just need to focus on you and Maisie... it might be best if you get back in there.  Your mum hated when I left," I said, glad that Evan and I were on better terms now after our talk.

I smiled up at my twin. "I'm fine, dad right, you need to focuse on you and Maisie. I can get us anything if we need." I stood, wanting to get myself some coffee. I turned to my parents. "Did you want anything? I was just going to grab a coffee."

I chuckled at them.  "I wasn't planning on staying out long enough to be killed by Maisie when she's done giving birth to twins," I pointed out to everyone.  I took a deep breath and added, "They said it shouldn't be too long now.  Next time I come out here... there will be good news to tell."

"Good luck, kiddo," I said to Evan as he went back inside where Maisie was going to be giving birth to my grandkids.  That just was not right for me to call them.  I looked at Faith and shook my head.  "Thanks, sweetie, but I'm good," I replied with a smile.  I was so happy to have my family... but it was not entirely put back together.  Even with years between what had happened, Evan and Harry still had issues because of everything with Ginny.  I did nto blame Harry, but he needed to try to give Evan a second chance.  Everyone makes mistakes.

I was ready to give birth and where was Evan?  Out there conversing.  Okay, I was not quite ready to have the kids, but still.  I wanted him in here with me.  I knew he was on his way back in, but even a few minutes was too long.  The Healer did say it would only be a little while longer.

I smiled at Evan. "And I can't wait." I ran up to him and hugged him before he could head back into the room. After I let go, I turned to my parents. "I'll be right back." I headed down the hall and got myself a cup of coffee. I slowly headed back and sat next to dad. "Evan's come a long way hasn't he?" I could tell the difference, Evan and dad seemed on better terms now. I was glad about that. Our family was slowly but surely, coming together.

I was glad that Faith gave me a hug before I went back inside the room with Maisie.  I mean, I needed a bit of strength.  I went inside and to Maisie's side.  I took her hand as she was having another contraction.  Once it passed, I looked at her, kissing her sweaty forehead.   "They all send their love," I said to her as another contraction came. 

Her Healer came inside and smiled at us.  "It is time," she said to me and Maisie.  And that was when things got... well, painful and loud and interesting.

I smiled at Faith and nodded.  "You're telling me," I said to her honestly.  "I am so proud of him -- well, both of you.  You've come quite a way yourself, missy," I replied.  I always wanted to keep the praise equal between my kids.

I was grateful to have Evan back -- and even more so after they said it was time.  With quite a lot of pushing and screaming, our first baby -- our little girl -- was born at 11:58pm.  The Healers said I probably only had a couple of minutes before our second baby came along.  They were positive that it was a little boy.  Which was perfect, one of each.  I was sweaty and panting, but when they brought our little girl to me to hold for a moment, I could not believe my eyes.  She was so beautiful.

Tears came to my eyes as I kissed her forehead.  "Hello, sweetie," I said to her gently, my voice a little hoarse.  The Healer gently took her a way after a moment and looked at us.  "It's time to start again," she said softly.

And so I started to push again.  This time there was a little complications... our little boy was coming his little bum first instead of head first, which made progress slow and painful.  After a few minutes of very hard pushing and manipulation, our son was born at 12:03am.  They technically had different birthdays!  i gave my son a wet kiss. 

Evan and I had a few moments alone with the twins -- my holding our daughter and he was holding our son -- and then I looked at their daddy.  "Honey... you should go announce our babies to your parents and sister," I said to him.

I was happy when dad said Evan had come a long way. "We all have." I replied before I turned to him with a smile. "I'm glad you two are getting along a bit better."

I did not want to let go of my son.  I could not believe that he was so... tiny.  I looked at Maisie with our little girl in her arms.  I smiled and gave her our son once she adjusted for him.  I went back out into the waiting room to see that Alfred and Ellie were there.  Max was not; I figured he was probably with little Weston back at their flat.  

"They're here," I announced when they all looked my way when I came into their view.  "The babies are born... five minutes apart -- two different birthdays."  I could not believe it that everyone had been here since seven at night... five hours worth of labor.

I stood up, grinning.  "Evan, that's wonderful!" I said to him, giving him a hug.  I was grateful that he let me do that.  Hugs were all around.  "How's Maisie?"

I had gotten word that Maisie was in labor, so I had to finish taking care of Weston's supper and for Max to get home, but then i was definitely there.  I walked in with Alfred, who had waited for me, and we found the Potters just as Evan came out.  He had a grin I never thought I would see on him.  "Oh, Evan!" I said happily, giving him a big hug.  I then hugged my own brother.  I quieted down when Mr. Potter spoke up because I was curious about my sister as well.

I did not hug Evan with joy, but I at least shook his hand. I was pleased that my sister went through giving birth wihtout a hitch... or so we would soon hear, anyways.