Hannah Mae
Written for fanfic100 prompt: Birth
Title: Hannah Mae
Character(s)/Pairings: Colby/Callie, Hannah
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Callie goes into labor...
Author’s Notes: This is Colby's perspective on Callie going through labor when she has their daughter.
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: I don't own anything affiliated with Numb3rs...sad.
Colby's heart was pounding as he maneuvered through traffic. Callie had called to tell him that her contractions had started and he knew that even though she'd been trying to keep her voice steady -- she didn't want to be alone right now. He had immediately let David know what was going on and with wishes of good luck, Colby had raced to the Jeep. He cursed with every red light and honked impatiently at drivers who got in his way. He almost wished he'd taken the Suburban and let David drive his Jeep since right now he could have really used the lights and sirens, but the bag that he and Callie had carefully packed in advanced preparation was in the back and so he told himself that he would just have to do his best.
After what felt like an eternity, he pulled into the driveway and was nearly out of the vehicle before he'd shut it off. He calmed his racing heart as he made his way to the door. Callie needed calm assurance, stability, and strength right now and he fully intended to give her just that.
As he walked in, Callie emerged fresh from the shower. Relief washed over her features even as she croaked, "My water broke."
He strode across the room and took her by the shoulders as he looked into her eyes that were dancing with concern. He knew she must have been worried sick, having been alone for that and he cursed at himself under his breath for going against his better judgment and leaving her that morning. "That's good, Cal. But let's not get too anxious...remember that sometimes the water breaks up to twenty-four hours before the actual birth."
She nodded and his hand slid down to her stomach where he touched her gently before leading her over to the nearest chair to help her ease into it. Once she was sitting down, he propped up her feet and brushed her hair back behind her ear, kissing her forehead gently. "I'll be right back..."
He quickly made his way into the kitchen and boiled her some of her favorite tea that she had bought especially for pregnancy. It had always seemed to calm her before and he wanted to do everything in his power to comfort her right now. Minutes later, he brought the tea in and smiled, "Here you go sweetie...."
She muttered a weak "thank you" and he stooped down beside her, taking note of her swollen feet and ankles. She took a sip of the tea and sighed appreciatively as he expertly began massaging her feet. "All right...tell me what you're feeling, Cal. Everything that you're feeling, I want to know...we're in this together, okay?"
She nodded and took a deep breath, "I had my first contraction about an hour before I called you, but I wasn't sure if I was imagining it or not, so I waited until the next one came. I started writing down everything, just like we talked about and I called Em. She said everything sounds normal."
Colby closed his eyes a moment, ever thankful for her friendship with Emily Eppes. She was a seasoned pro when it came to having babies by now and had been a comfort many times over to Callie. "Good...that's good."
His hands moved over her feet and then up her ankles as he asked, "Are the contractions bad?"
She shook her head, "Not yet...I know it's just the beginning...I just...I just didn't want to do this alone."
Colby's eyes softened as he reached up and took her hand, "You aren't alone, baby...you'll never be alone...I promise you. I told you I shouldn't have left this morning."
It was Callie's turn to smile and Colby was never so glad to see that smile as he was now when he knew she was so concerned, "You just didn't want me out of your sight...."
He grinned back at her, "You're right. My beautiful, glowing mother-to-be...I feel like I am being robbed whenever I am away from you."
They talked over their plans, making sure that they had everything in order and Callie insisted that they go and look over the nursery once more to ensure that everything was perfect and as it should be for when they brought their daughter home. Colby made her some lunch that she picked at, but knew that she should at least try and eat. The hours passed and as it was nearing dusk, the look of discomfort in her eyes was one that Colby couldn't take anymore.
He held out his hand and smiled, "Come on...I have an idea."
Callie took his hand and he led her outside. The ocean breeze washed over them and they stood there for a moment, letting the rhythm of the waves caress their senses. Colby had read that one thing that helped to ease the discomfort of labor pains was to take a walk and he thought that the ocean was just the distraction that Callie needed. He asked, "Want to take a walk with me? We won't go far..."
Callie studied him for a moment before looking out over the waves and then smiling, "A walk sounds nice right now."
He wrapped his arm around her protectively as they made their way down through the sand and loved the way that Callie seemed instantly at ease as the water washed over her feet. They took a nice, long stroll and Colby did all he could to take her mind off of her anxieties. He told her funny stories about his own childhood and then shared with her some of the stories that Philip had told him about Joey and Dylan when they were born.
Soon, they were back at the house and Callie insisted on sitting out on the porch for a while so that she could watch the waves rolling in. Colby knew that this was the most comforting thing that he could do for her and so he conceded, even though he wasn't keen on her being exposed to the damp ocean air as evening rolled in. They tried to talk casually, but in the back of their minds, they both knew that the time was drawing nearer and so Colby found himself drawing her closer and closer to him as he relived with her the moment they'd found out that they were having a baby and the first ultrasound and when they first heard Hannah's heartbeat.
They were sitting quietly now, Callie wrapped in Colby's arms and he quietly asked, "How far apart now?"
She took a deep calming breath as a contraction took hold before she sighed, "About ten minutes now..."
Colby breathed, "All right. Let's get you into the Jeep and head to the hospital so that we can get there no problem and in plenty of time. How does that sound?"
Callie looked at him gratefully and kissed him sweetly, "Thank you Colby...for everything."
He smiled at her as he rubbed his nose across hers, "There's no need to thank me, Cal. You're giving me a baby...no matter what I do, it's never going to be enough."
The trip to the hospital was smooth and uneventful and with no problems at all, Callie was soon lying in a bed and carefully watching the monitors all around her. Colby came in from the hallway where he'd gone to get her some extra pillows and some ice chips and he stopped in the doorway as his breath was nearly taken away. There she was -- his beautiful, fiery wife -- lying in a hospital gown with her hand absently rubbing her very swollen stomach, as if comforting their daughter. This was it...soon, he was going to be a father and he swallowed hard against the emotion that was rising up within him suddenly. So far, it had all seemed so distant and as if it were something routine since he and Callie had rehearsed and planned for how things would be when this day came. But now...from here on out, it was out of their hands -- this glorious miracle of life.
14 Hours Later
Colby needed a drink...a stiff one. He and Callie had long talks about this day and how she didn't want any drugs when the time came. They had made the decision together and were both adamant about it. However...now, as he watched her struggling against so much pain and knowing that there wasn't anything that he could do to help with it, it was tearing him up inside that he'd agreed to it. But...it was what Callie wanted -- what she needed -- and he would do whatever it took to make sure that wasn't compromised and so when the nurse came in a third time asking if they were sure about the drugs, Colby excused himself and grabbed the woman roughly by the arm. He pulled her out of the room and she scowled at him as she tried to wrench herself out of his grip, but to no avail. Colby's eyes were intense as he looked down at her, his chest heaving with annoyance, "Listen to me carefully because I am not saying this again. My wife has told you twice already that she doesn't want any drugs. If you need a translation, let me clear it up for you. She...doesn't...want...drugs."
The woman gave him a cold stare and he continued, "If you, or anyone else asks her again, and causes her to be upset, then you'd better be prepared to see a highly pissed off man tearing through this place and let me tell you that it won't be pretty. Now...go tell your friends...I'm not playing around. If I even sense that someone is getting ready to ask her one more time, you'd better be prepared for an ass chewing because it will be you that I come for first."
When she looked away, clearly convinced that he wasn't bluffing, he stated, "Go get the doctor...according to how dilated Callie is, he's already late."
He then turned around and took a deep, calming breath before donning a smile and re-entering the room. Callie was looking at him with concern in her eyes and he took her hand and kissed it, "The doctor's on his way. How are you feeling?"
She was sweating profusely now and Colby lovingly dabbed at her damp, pale skin as she groaned, "I've been better..."
She was so brave...and so strong. She would never believe him if he told her how incredibly beautiful she was to him right now, but he had to tell her anyways. "Well, you look like an angel....I wish you could see yourself through my eyes right now."
She smiled weakly, "Yeah...me too. That way you'd be the one who was giving birth instead of me."
Colby chuckled and then moved to climb into the bed behind her. He positioned himself just as they had during their sessions of Lamaze. He pulled her back against him and wrapped his arms around her and asked, "Comfy?"
She nodded and he smiled when she placed her hands over his on her stomach. He nuzzled her neck and kissed her there sweetly as he murmured to her that he was there, that he loved her and that he couldn't wait to see their daughter. Moments later, the doctor entered and greeted them before taking his position. Colby could feel Callie's breathing becoming shallow and noticed that her heart race was increasing. Soothingly he breathed, "Cal?"
Her attention focused on his voice and he sighed, "I'm right here, baby. We can do this...together. Whatever you need from me...I'm right here."
He felt her tense up with pain once more and couldn't fight the scowl that crossed his face. He was thinking to himself that maybe he should have taken some of the drugs offered earlier so that he would be able to withstand watching her go through all this pain. It was one of the hardest things that he'd ever had to endure and that included the horrors of war. "Breathe with me, Cal...let's go...ready....deep slow breaths..."
She followed his lead and visibly relaxed as he cooed, "That's my girl....just like that....keep going...."
The doctor then chimed in and led them through what the process was going to be like and after being assured that they were ready, he urged Callie to push. She cried out as she did as she was instructed and Colby encouraged her the whole time, using his strength to give her something to hold onto while she pushed.
When she was told to stop, she leaned back into him and let out a loud sigh as they were told that the next push was going to be the hardest. The doctor stated, "Once the shoulders are out, you won't need to work nearly as hard, Callie..."
She had to push a few more times and weakly she leaned back against Colby as a sob escaped her. He immediately moved to comfort her and whispered softly to her as he crooned, "We're almost there Callie...our daughter is almost here...you're doing such an amazing job. I'm so proud of you, baby..."
His words seemed to give her strength, despite the pain and she signaled that she was once again ready. With a deep breath, she cried out once more and pushed with everything that she had. She felt a great release of pressure and groaned thankfully as she leaned back into Colby, her chest heaving from the exertion. Both were snapped back to reality at the cry of the infant, new to the world and taking her first breath. Callie choked back another sob as she gasped, "Hannah....that's our Hannah..."
Colby felt his heart pounding with anticipation and with the excitement as reality finally settled in. Callie was safe....Callie was fine and now, their daughter was just a few feet away from him, "Mr. Granger, would you like to cut the cord?"
Colby felt his stomach lurch and he looked to Callie, making sure that she was all right with it. When she smiled at him brilliantly through her tears and nodded for him to go ahead, he carefully unwound himself from around her and made his way down to the end of the bed where the tiny form lay crying and writhing as she adjusted to the harsh conditions of the room, compared to the quiet comfort of her mother's womb.
The doctor instructed him and very carefully Colby cut the cord and then watched as the nurse moved to wipe her off and wrap her in a tiny blanket. The nurse moved past him and beamed proudly as she handed the infant to Callie, "Congratulations on your baby girl..."
Colby was instantly at her side, his heart swelling with a love unlike any he'd ever known before. Tears were still streaming down Callie's face as she looked down at their daughter and Colby slowly let his gaze slide down to that tiny face. Tears stung his eyes as she made tiny sounds and was instantly comforted by the sound of Callie's voice as she cooed softly to her. Colby reached out a hand and ran it over Callie's hair as he smiled through his unshed tears. He had never imagined that he could ever be as happy -- as proud as he was right now.
Then, Callie smiled up at him and urged him to hold their daughter for the very first time. He took a deep breath as he carefully accepted the tiny bundle and felt warmth wash over him as she wriggled and seemed to be trying to figure out what was happening. However, she easily settled into his arms and he mused as he looked at her tiny nose...her tiny hands...her pink skin. He chuckled softly as he noticed the tuft of red hair that was just like her mama's. "She's beautiful," he breathed in awe.
Callie was quiet for a moment, smiling at the scene before her. Then, Colby was sure that he'd never heard more beautiful words in his life as she spoke, "Happy Father's Day, Daddy..."
Title: Hannah Mae
Character(s)/Pairings: Colby/Callie, Hannah
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Callie goes into labor...
Author’s Notes: This is Colby's perspective on Callie going through labor when she has their daughter.
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: I don't own anything affiliated with Numb3rs...sad.
Colby's heart was pounding as he maneuvered through traffic. Callie had called to tell him that her contractions had started and he knew that even though she'd been trying to keep her voice steady -- she didn't want to be alone right now. He had immediately let David know what was going on and with wishes of good luck, Colby had raced to the Jeep. He cursed with every red light and honked impatiently at drivers who got in his way. He almost wished he'd taken the Suburban and let David drive his Jeep since right now he could have really used the lights and sirens, but the bag that he and Callie had carefully packed in advanced preparation was in the back and so he told himself that he would just have to do his best.
After what felt like an eternity, he pulled into the driveway and was nearly out of the vehicle before he'd shut it off. He calmed his racing heart as he made his way to the door. Callie needed calm assurance, stability, and strength right now and he fully intended to give her just that.
As he walked in, Callie emerged fresh from the shower. Relief washed over her features even as she croaked, "My water broke."
He strode across the room and took her by the shoulders as he looked into her eyes that were dancing with concern. He knew she must have been worried sick, having been alone for that and he cursed at himself under his breath for going against his better judgment and leaving her that morning. "That's good, Cal. But let's not get too anxious...remember that sometimes the water breaks up to twenty-four hours before the actual birth."
She nodded and his hand slid down to her stomach where he touched her gently before leading her over to the nearest chair to help her ease into it. Once she was sitting down, he propped up her feet and brushed her hair back behind her ear, kissing her forehead gently. "I'll be right back..."
He quickly made his way into the kitchen and boiled her some of her favorite tea that she had bought especially for pregnancy. It had always seemed to calm her before and he wanted to do everything in his power to comfort her right now. Minutes later, he brought the tea in and smiled, "Here you go sweetie...."
She muttered a weak "thank you" and he stooped down beside her, taking note of her swollen feet and ankles. She took a sip of the tea and sighed appreciatively as he expertly began massaging her feet. "All right...tell me what you're feeling, Cal. Everything that you're feeling, I want to know...we're in this together, okay?"
She nodded and took a deep breath, "I had my first contraction about an hour before I called you, but I wasn't sure if I was imagining it or not, so I waited until the next one came. I started writing down everything, just like we talked about and I called Em. She said everything sounds normal."
Colby closed his eyes a moment, ever thankful for her friendship with Emily Eppes. She was a seasoned pro when it came to having babies by now and had been a comfort many times over to Callie. "Good...that's good."
His hands moved over her feet and then up her ankles as he asked, "Are the contractions bad?"
She shook her head, "Not yet...I know it's just the beginning...I just...I just didn't want to do this alone."
Colby's eyes softened as he reached up and took her hand, "You aren't alone, baby...you'll never be alone...I promise you. I told you I shouldn't have left this morning."
It was Callie's turn to smile and Colby was never so glad to see that smile as he was now when he knew she was so concerned, "You just didn't want me out of your sight...."
He grinned back at her, "You're right. My beautiful, glowing mother-to-be...I feel like I am being robbed whenever I am away from you."
They talked over their plans, making sure that they had everything in order and Callie insisted that they go and look over the nursery once more to ensure that everything was perfect and as it should be for when they brought their daughter home. Colby made her some lunch that she picked at, but knew that she should at least try and eat. The hours passed and as it was nearing dusk, the look of discomfort in her eyes was one that Colby couldn't take anymore.
He held out his hand and smiled, "Come on...I have an idea."
Callie took his hand and he led her outside. The ocean breeze washed over them and they stood there for a moment, letting the rhythm of the waves caress their senses. Colby had read that one thing that helped to ease the discomfort of labor pains was to take a walk and he thought that the ocean was just the distraction that Callie needed. He asked, "Want to take a walk with me? We won't go far..."
Callie studied him for a moment before looking out over the waves and then smiling, "A walk sounds nice right now."
He wrapped his arm around her protectively as they made their way down through the sand and loved the way that Callie seemed instantly at ease as the water washed over her feet. They took a nice, long stroll and Colby did all he could to take her mind off of her anxieties. He told her funny stories about his own childhood and then shared with her some of the stories that Philip had told him about Joey and Dylan when they were born.
Soon, they were back at the house and Callie insisted on sitting out on the porch for a while so that she could watch the waves rolling in. Colby knew that this was the most comforting thing that he could do for her and so he conceded, even though he wasn't keen on her being exposed to the damp ocean air as evening rolled in. They tried to talk casually, but in the back of their minds, they both knew that the time was drawing nearer and so Colby found himself drawing her closer and closer to him as he relived with her the moment they'd found out that they were having a baby and the first ultrasound and when they first heard Hannah's heartbeat.
They were sitting quietly now, Callie wrapped in Colby's arms and he quietly asked, "How far apart now?"
She took a deep calming breath as a contraction took hold before she sighed, "About ten minutes now..."
Colby breathed, "All right. Let's get you into the Jeep and head to the hospital so that we can get there no problem and in plenty of time. How does that sound?"
Callie looked at him gratefully and kissed him sweetly, "Thank you Colby...for everything."
He smiled at her as he rubbed his nose across hers, "There's no need to thank me, Cal. You're giving me a baby...no matter what I do, it's never going to be enough."
The trip to the hospital was smooth and uneventful and with no problems at all, Callie was soon lying in a bed and carefully watching the monitors all around her. Colby came in from the hallway where he'd gone to get her some extra pillows and some ice chips and he stopped in the doorway as his breath was nearly taken away. There she was -- his beautiful, fiery wife -- lying in a hospital gown with her hand absently rubbing her very swollen stomach, as if comforting their daughter. This was it...soon, he was going to be a father and he swallowed hard against the emotion that was rising up within him suddenly. So far, it had all seemed so distant and as if it were something routine since he and Callie had rehearsed and planned for how things would be when this day came. But now...from here on out, it was out of their hands -- this glorious miracle of life.
14 Hours Later
Colby needed a drink...a stiff one. He and Callie had long talks about this day and how she didn't want any drugs when the time came. They had made the decision together and were both adamant about it. However...now, as he watched her struggling against so much pain and knowing that there wasn't anything that he could do to help with it, it was tearing him up inside that he'd agreed to it. But...it was what Callie wanted -- what she needed -- and he would do whatever it took to make sure that wasn't compromised and so when the nurse came in a third time asking if they were sure about the drugs, Colby excused himself and grabbed the woman roughly by the arm. He pulled her out of the room and she scowled at him as she tried to wrench herself out of his grip, but to no avail. Colby's eyes were intense as he looked down at her, his chest heaving with annoyance, "Listen to me carefully because I am not saying this again. My wife has told you twice already that she doesn't want any drugs. If you need a translation, let me clear it up for you. She...doesn't...want...drugs."
The woman gave him a cold stare and he continued, "If you, or anyone else asks her again, and causes her to be upset, then you'd better be prepared to see a highly pissed off man tearing through this place and let me tell you that it won't be pretty. Now...go tell your friends...I'm not playing around. If I even sense that someone is getting ready to ask her one more time, you'd better be prepared for an ass chewing because it will be you that I come for first."
When she looked away, clearly convinced that he wasn't bluffing, he stated, "Go get the doctor...according to how dilated Callie is, he's already late."
He then turned around and took a deep, calming breath before donning a smile and re-entering the room. Callie was looking at him with concern in her eyes and he took her hand and kissed it, "The doctor's on his way. How are you feeling?"
She was sweating profusely now and Colby lovingly dabbed at her damp, pale skin as she groaned, "I've been better..."
She was so brave...and so strong. She would never believe him if he told her how incredibly beautiful she was to him right now, but he had to tell her anyways. "Well, you look like an angel....I wish you could see yourself through my eyes right now."
She smiled weakly, "Yeah...me too. That way you'd be the one who was giving birth instead of me."
Colby chuckled and then moved to climb into the bed behind her. He positioned himself just as they had during their sessions of Lamaze. He pulled her back against him and wrapped his arms around her and asked, "Comfy?"
She nodded and he smiled when she placed her hands over his on her stomach. He nuzzled her neck and kissed her there sweetly as he murmured to her that he was there, that he loved her and that he couldn't wait to see their daughter. Moments later, the doctor entered and greeted them before taking his position. Colby could feel Callie's breathing becoming shallow and noticed that her heart race was increasing. Soothingly he breathed, "Cal?"
Her attention focused on his voice and he sighed, "I'm right here, baby. We can do this...together. Whatever you need from me...I'm right here."
He felt her tense up with pain once more and couldn't fight the scowl that crossed his face. He was thinking to himself that maybe he should have taken some of the drugs offered earlier so that he would be able to withstand watching her go through all this pain. It was one of the hardest things that he'd ever had to endure and that included the horrors of war. "Breathe with me, Cal...let's go...ready....deep slow breaths..."
She followed his lead and visibly relaxed as he cooed, "That's my girl....just like that....keep going...."
The doctor then chimed in and led them through what the process was going to be like and after being assured that they were ready, he urged Callie to push. She cried out as she did as she was instructed and Colby encouraged her the whole time, using his strength to give her something to hold onto while she pushed.
When she was told to stop, she leaned back into him and let out a loud sigh as they were told that the next push was going to be the hardest. The doctor stated, "Once the shoulders are out, you won't need to work nearly as hard, Callie..."
She had to push a few more times and weakly she leaned back against Colby as a sob escaped her. He immediately moved to comfort her and whispered softly to her as he crooned, "We're almost there Callie...our daughter is almost here...you're doing such an amazing job. I'm so proud of you, baby..."
His words seemed to give her strength, despite the pain and she signaled that she was once again ready. With a deep breath, she cried out once more and pushed with everything that she had. She felt a great release of pressure and groaned thankfully as she leaned back into Colby, her chest heaving from the exertion. Both were snapped back to reality at the cry of the infant, new to the world and taking her first breath. Callie choked back another sob as she gasped, "Hannah....that's our Hannah..."
Colby felt his heart pounding with anticipation and with the excitement as reality finally settled in. Callie was safe....Callie was fine and now, their daughter was just a few feet away from him, "Mr. Granger, would you like to cut the cord?"
Colby felt his stomach lurch and he looked to Callie, making sure that she was all right with it. When she smiled at him brilliantly through her tears and nodded for him to go ahead, he carefully unwound himself from around her and made his way down to the end of the bed where the tiny form lay crying and writhing as she adjusted to the harsh conditions of the room, compared to the quiet comfort of her mother's womb.
The doctor instructed him and very carefully Colby cut the cord and then watched as the nurse moved to wipe her off and wrap her in a tiny blanket. The nurse moved past him and beamed proudly as she handed the infant to Callie, "Congratulations on your baby girl..."
Colby was instantly at her side, his heart swelling with a love unlike any he'd ever known before. Tears were still streaming down Callie's face as she looked down at their daughter and Colby slowly let his gaze slide down to that tiny face. Tears stung his eyes as she made tiny sounds and was instantly comforted by the sound of Callie's voice as she cooed softly to her. Colby reached out a hand and ran it over Callie's hair as he smiled through his unshed tears. He had never imagined that he could ever be as happy -- as proud as he was right now.
Then, Callie smiled up at him and urged him to hold their daughter for the very first time. He took a deep breath as he carefully accepted the tiny bundle and felt warmth wash over him as she wriggled and seemed to be trying to figure out what was happening. However, she easily settled into his arms and he mused as he looked at her tiny nose...her tiny hands...her pink skin. He chuckled softly as he noticed the tuft of red hair that was just like her mama's. "She's beautiful," he breathed in awe.
Callie was quiet for a moment, smiling at the scene before her. Then, Colby was sure that he'd never heard more beautiful words in his life as she spoke, "Happy Father's Day, Daddy..."