Part 13B/20


By early March, encouraged by the normal ultrasound and her burgeoning waistline, Harm and Mac decided it was finally time to share their news. Their friends were overjoyed and supportive. However, Harriet drew the line at joining in on the pregnancy bandwagon…five was enough for her. The Roberts reasoned that it was someone else’s responsibility to produce a playmate for the newest Rabb addition.

Two weeks later, Harm was summoned into General Cresswell’s office. He stood at attention, “Captain Rabb reporting as ordered, Sir.”

“At ease, Captain,” the General gestured, “…have a seat.” As Harm settled into one of the chairs in front of the General’s desk, he continued, “Captain…Harm, I have some news. I’ve just received new orders for you.”

“Sir?” Harm looked on with a questioning gaze.

“Seems those above have plans for you,” the General handed over the paperwork. “You’ve been chosen to fill the Command position of Force Judge Advocate, Naval Forces Europe. You’re to be transferred within the week.”

Harm was stunned, “I’m sorry Sir…did you say within the week?”

“Yes, Harm…this is a great step for you…it puts you in line to become the JAG one day.”

Harm sighed, “I understand that, Sir…but…why so quickly?”

The General peered over his glasses, “Well, Captain…the current CO needs to leave command immediately for family reasons. The Navy wants someone to fill the billet, and the SecNav has recommended you. Is there a problem?”

Harm tried to keep from fidgeting, “Perhaps, Sir. If I could delay the move for 5 months, I would love to take the position.”

The General looked on with a stern expression, “Captain, do I need to remind you that you’re in the military and not the private sector…you don’t get to chose the timetable when you’re reassigned.”

“I understand, Sir…however, if I’m required to move immediately…” Harm sighed, “…I’m afraid, I’ll have to turn down the Command in London.”

The General barked back, “Turn down…you do know this is potential career suicide? There is no guarantee; you’ll be offered this kind of position, again. You may well be closing the door on your chances to be the JAG, one day.”
“I understand, Sir…but I’m afraid that my answer remains the same.”

The General relaxed back into his chair, “Let’s speak off the record for a moment. What’s this all about, Harm?”

Harm looked at his hands, “My family, Sir. Colonel Rabb…Mac, is going through a high-risk pregnancy. We didn’t expect to get the chance to have another child, but here we are…so far things look promising, but there is a very real possibility that things can go wrong. We trust Mac’s doctor, and we know the medical facilities and care are the best here, in D.C. I can’t risk Mac’s or the baby’s life for a chance at career advancement.” Harm looked back at the General, “Sir, I waited too long to get the chance to have a family…I almost blew it. They are the most important things in the world to me, and I won’t risk them for my career. I’m sorry, Sir.”

The General nodded, “Off the record, I understand…but as JAG, I can’t delay filling the billet. I guess that means, Captain Mattoni will be moving to London.”

Harm stood, “I understand, General. Thank you again for considering me for the position.”

Harm had left the General’s office disappointed, but knew that he made the correct decision for his family. That evening, he shared the news with Mac, after they’d gotten Sophie into bed. “I had an interesting conversation with General Cresswell today.”

She walked over to sit next to him on the couch, “Oh yeah, what about?”

He slid down, pulled his legs up on the couch and laid his head in her lap. “He offered me a new command position.”

Her eyes lit up, “Really…that’s great, Sailor.” She leaned over to give him a congratulatory kiss.

He picked up her hand and began to twist her wedding ring, “I, ah…turned him down.”

“What?” she looked stunned, “Harm, why would you do that?”

He smiled and touched her cheek, “For you…and Sophie…and this one.” He turned his head to kiss her rounded stomach.

“But Harm, we wouldn’t want you to give up the chance at command…this could mean a lot for your career.”

“I know that, but the orders were to Naval Forces Europe…we’d be stationed in London. I didn’t think this was the right time for that kind of move.”

She turned her face away, “But if…”
He placed a hand on her cheek and turned her back, “Mac, can you honestly tell me that you would want to move to London, right now? You would be willing to move away from Dr. Abrahms and Bethesda at this point in your pregnancy?”

Her eyes teared up, “It wouldn’t be ideal…I mean we really trust the medical care here, and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize this pregnancy…but if it was something you really wanted to do, I’d make the sacrifice for you.”

He smiled, “And that’s exactly why I told Cresswell, no. Mac, my family is much more important to me than my career. It took too long to get here…they could take my career away tomorrow; I wouldn’t care, as long as I had you and the kids.” She ran her fingers through his hair and just stared into his eyes. After several minutes, he shrugged self-consciously, “What?”

She smiled, “Just thinking about how lucky I am. I remember a time about 10 years ago, when your career…flying to be exact…was the most important thing in your life. You’ve changed…matured…we both have. Thank you for putting us first, for making sacrifices for us.” She cocked her head to the side, “You know…” she grinned mischievously, “…you’re kinda handsome for an old sailor.”

He placed a hand over his chest in mock insult, “OLD? Who are you calling old, Marine?”

She laughed, “That’s the adjective you picked up on?” She winked, “OK, how about sexy?”

He grinned, “That I can handle…tell me how?”

She leaned in close, “I’d rather show you.”

He placed a hand behind her head and pulled her down to him. Placing his lips against hers, he whispered into her mouth, “Yes. Ma’am.”

****

By early April, Mac’s pregnancy had progressed without difficulty. She and Harm were at Dr. Abrahms’ office for her monthly check-up. The doctor had just finished with his exam, “Sarah, I’d like to repeat an ultrasound today.”

She looked up surprised, “Why, is something wrong?”

“Nothing to be really concerned about, but I’d like to make sure the baby is growing normally. The nurse will be in momentarily to take you to the procedure room. I’ll meet with you again, once the technician is finished with the scan.”

As the doctor left the room, Mac stared at her husband with concern. “I haven’t noticed any problems; I wonder what he’s worried about?”
Harm took her hand, “Look, Dr. Abrahms said there was nothing of concern…maybe this is just a follow up ultrasound.”

They both nervously waited through the scan, through the clean-up and dressing procedure and eventually in the physician’s office, to discuss the ultrasound findings.

Dr. Abrahms entered the office with a smile, “Relax you two, the ultrasound looks perfect. The baby’s growth and fluid levels are normal. I just wanted to make sure…your blood pressure was a little higher this visit.” At the couples alarmed expression, he continued, “It’s OK, really. Sarah, your blood pressure is usually low; today it was in the normal range…which is a little elevated for you. Now, it was probably just the excitement of the doctor’s appointment, but I’d like to start seeing you every 2 weeks just to be cautious.”

Mac nodded, “OK, but you don’t think we need to be worried. I mean; this isn’t going to be like Sophie again, is it?”

Dr. Abrahms smiled, “I don’t think so, but I just want to follow you a little more closely. I suggest you take it easy…put your feet up…relax, when you get a chance.”

Mac remained apprehensive, “Are you suggesting I go on limited duty again?”

The doctor shook his head, “I don’t think that’s necessary. Just continue with normal work hours and when you get home take it easy.”

Mac laughed, “Sir, I have an almost 3 year old toddler…taking it easy, is rarely in the equation.”

Harm interrupted, “Mac, it’s not a problem…I’ll take care of Sophie and the house. Your feet go up once you get home, Marine…that’s an order.”

“Harm…”

The doctor laughed, “Alright, you two…I’ll let you work out the logistics. I’ll see you in 2 weeks.”

***

One week later, Mac and Sophie arrived home first. As Mac was starting dinner, she heard a knock at the front door. She opened it to find AJ on the other side. “Admiral…I mean, AJ…what a nice surprise. Would you like to stay for dinner?”

AJ smiled, “Actually, I’m here to make dinner. You’ve been ordered to put your feet up.”

Mac looked back with puzzled amusement, “What’s this about?”

AJ turned her around and pointed toward the family room, “To the couch, Colonel…feet up, that’s an order.” He chuckled, “Harm called…he’s tied up in Norfolk and doesn’t expect to be home for a few hours. I’ve been instructed to fix dinner and entertain my granddaughter. Where is Sophie, anyways?”

Mac shook her head, “Harm and I are going to have a discussion. This really isn’t necessary, AJ. If you want to visit with Sophie, while I finish dinner…you’re welcome to join us.”

AJ gave her his best Admiral JAG stare, “Couch, Colonel…and that’s an order.”

Mac acquiesced while AJ disappeared upstairs to find Sophie. He found the little girl and Maggie, in her bedroom, playing quietly. He stuck his head around the corner, “Hey munchkin…how’s my girl.”

Sophie squealed with delight and threw herself into his arms, “Papa AJ!” She grabbed his face and gave him a big wet kiss.

“Wow, that’s some greeting. Do you want to help me make dinner?” At her vigorous nod, he laughed and hoisted her onto his shoulders. “Alright, Petty Officer Rabb…Attention! You are assigned to KP duty tonight…do I make myself clear?”

Sophie sat tall on his shoulders and saluted before releasing a giggle, “Yes Sir, Amiral Sir.”

AJ laughed, “Sophie, we just might make a sailor out of you yet.”

Sophie shook her head, “No Papa AJ, I A MAWINE!”

AJ sighed and shook his head, “Heaven help us, not another one.”

Dinner was uneventful and Harm arrived home at 20:30 to hear squeals coming from the family room. “Stop…Papa…AJ” was uttered between fits of laughter. Harm paused at the doorway to the room and laughed at the sight. AJ was on the floor with Sophie and Maggie. He was blowing raspberries on her belly to her squeals of delight, while Maggie pulled at his pant leg trying to rescue her little master.

“What’s going on in here?”

“Daddee, hewp…me!” was uttered between laughter.

Harm chuckled, “Sorry Princess…the Admiral outranks me.”

“Nooo! You da Daddee…you in chawge,” was squealed.

Harm swept in and lifted his daughter high in the air then covered her in kisses. “Sorry Sir, this may be the only time I outrank you. Sophie’s the boss, after all.” Sophie snuggled into her father’s embrace and yawned. “I think someone’s about ready for bed.” He kissed her cheek, “Let’s get you into PJs, Princess…tell AJ, goodnight.”

Sophie looked up with droopy eyes, “Nigh nigh, Papa AJ. I wuv you.”

AJ leaned over to give her a kiss, “Goodnight, Sweetie…sleep tight.”

Thirty minutes later, Harm reappeared downstairs, “Where’s AJ?”

Mac motioned him over to the couch and leaned forward, “He left a few minutes ago. We need to talk, Sailor.”

Harm slid in behind her, “What’d I do now?” He nuzzled her neck, “Mmm, you smell good.”

She swatted at him, “Stop it…that’s not going to get you out of the dog house.” He groaned and leaned back. “Alright, Sailor…what’s with you calling AJ tonight?”

“Mac, Dr. Abrahms said you needed to take it easy. I knew I would be late, so I called in back-up.”

“Harm, I can handle one night with Sophie, by myself.”

“I know you can handle it…but I don’t want to take any chances. You still have 10 weeks to go with this pregnancy. I don’t want to have to worry about high blood pressure, growth restriction or preterm labor. Letting others help is a small price to pay for a healthy baby.” He ran his hands over her stomach. “Humor me on this, OK?”

“I guess,” she sighed and leaned back into his embrace.

“Besides…” he whispered into her ear and smiled when she shivered, “…my parents are coming to stay with you next month.”

“What?” she started to pull forward again.

He held on tightly, “I have to go to London for a week. Mom and Frank volunteered to come help out. They were coming for Sophie’s birthday anyways…this way, they’ll just come a week early.” He smiled, “You know, given the chance, Gummy and Papa Frank wouldn’t miss an opportunity to spoil the princess.”

“Haaarm….” He slipped a hand under her top and massaged her abdomen, while he began to kiss her neck. She moaned, “You’re…not…playing…fair.”

“All’s fair…in love…and war,” was whispered as he moved his lips to hers.

***
The end of May 2009, everyone celebrated Sophie’s 3rd birthday in grand style. Since this was to be Sophie’s last birthday as an only child, Harm and Mac decided to make a ‘big deal’ of her special day.

No one had yet dared to buy anything for the new baby. There was no decorating of the nursery, no little boy clothes purchased and no baby names discussed. Everyone was afraid to tempt fate this time.

At Mac’s 34-week prenatal visit, Dr. Abrahms pronounced everyone to be in good health. A follow up ultrasound was normal and Mac’s blood pressure had returned to ‘her’ normal range. Dr. Abrahms removed all the previous activity restrictions and told her to use common sense. Harm scoffed at the idea of ‘common sense’, but agreed to let her off the couch, as long as she didn’t ‘over do it.’

The morning following her doctor’s appointment, Mac awoke and declared ‘it was time to get ready for the new baby.’ Harm looked at her with shock, “Mac, I thought we didn’t want to tempt fate?”

She smiled reassuringly, “Everything’s going to be fine, Harm. We only have 6 weeks to get prepared!”

“Ah Mac, do you know something I don’t know?”

She smiled radiantly and patted his chest, “Yep…trust me on this.”

He gave her a weary look, “Did you have a vision or something?”

She grinned, “Or something…let’s go shopping.”

Harm shrugged, “OK, that’s good enough for me.

They spent the day shopping for ‘boy things.’ Harm refused to use any of the frilly things from Sophie, for his son. So they purchased blue sleepers, clothes, diapers, stroller, car seat and boy toys. Harm insisted on buying a ship, cars and a fighter jet. Mac tried to reason that the baby would be too small for all those things for quite some time. Harm didn’t care; he was having fun. They collected Sophie from the Roberts’ house, grabbed dinner on the way home and collapsed into bed exhausted.

As they cuddled in bed, Mac asked, “Harm, can we start on the nursery tomorrow?”

He shrugged, “Sure…I don’t see why not. Do you have an idea of what you’d like to do?”

She nodded, “I have it all planned.”

He rubbed a hand along the bare skin of her back, “Care to clue me in? Am I involved in this project?”

She looked up with a smile, “Of course, you’re the muscle.”

He rolled his eyes, “OK, where do we start?”

She bit her lip, “Ah…by bringing David’s furniture down from the attic.”

He looked shocked, “What? You want to use David’s furniture for the new baby?” She nodded back with pleading eyes. “Are you sure…I don’t want any sad memories transferred to the new baby.”

She looked away and whispered, “David said it would be all right.”

He pulled her face back to him, “What did you say?”

She cleared her voice, “My dream last night…it was David. He told me everything would be fine with the new baby…and he wants us to remember him in a good way. Harm, I want to use the furniture. I’m not sad when I think about David anymore. I want to remember him as a good part of our family…I don’t want to just forget him.”

He stroked her cheek, “OK, if that’s what you want, that’s what we’ll do.” He grew quiet for several minutes, before asking, “Mac, what does he look like…David, I mean?”

She smiled, “I’m not sure I remember details clearly. He’s happy and normal…perfect, absolutely perfect.”

Harm sighed in contentment, “Good.”

***

They spent the next several weeks decorating the nursery. They decided to use the front bedroom, again. Harm put down a warm colored hardwood floor. He reasoned, they could use area rugs as needed, but toy cars ran better on a hard surface than carpeting. He painted the walls a warm cream color in preparation for the murals that Mac had planned. They argued over the theme for the little boy’s nursery. Harm had wanted planes and ships, but Mac argued for a fairytale retreat. She reasoned, they could always change the theme, as he grew older; but when he was little, she just wanted him to have a place of magic to escape and dream. Harm finally relented, with the understanding, that the room could be changed to a theme of their son’s choosing at a later date.

Harm stained the furniture a rich deep blue as per Mac’s request. The stars and moons, on the spindles, were painted a yellow to contrast with the rich color. Mac closed herself into the room to paint the murals on all four walls. She refused to let Harm see the paintings until they were completed. He spent the next 4 weeks anxiously questioning, “Are they done yet…when can I see?”
Finally in late June, Mac pronounced the project complete and planned a special dinner date for the unveiling. Harriet had volunteered to keep Sophie for the night, so Harm and Mac could enjoy one last night alone before they became a family of four. Bradley Michaelson and Bud had moved the furniture into the room and helped with any last minute heavy work details.

Mac met Harm at the door and led him by the hand to their son’s nursery. As she opened the door, he gasped in awed astonishment. The room was a perfect little boy’s fairytale. On one wall was painted a large scroll with a poem delicately lettered onto its parchment-shaded surface. He looked at her amazed, “Where did you find the poem…I’ve never seen it before…it’s perfect.”

She beamed, “I wrote it for the baby.”

His eyes grew wide, “Really?” He softly recited the words aloud.




Nestled in my Mother’s arms in the time ‘tween eve and dawn. I sail with the sandman off to sleep upon the ship of Nod.

As we enter the kingdom of nursery rhymes, my best friend Teddy and me. We dream of adventures on the sea in this land of make believe.

As we dance among the stars at night, I dream of all I can be. I captain a ship. I slay a beast. I save a princess, all before tea.

As we sail thru the throngs of make believe land, Mother Goose doth implore us to lend her a hand. We twirl in the moonlight a trio of three, while making up lyrics ‘bout piggies and me.

As we kick up the stardust with our fanciful tunes, I look to the heavens where cows jump over moons. I then sit to porridge with Little Boy Blue, just as the bowls run away with our spoons.

And then as we’re about to fly with blackbirds from a sixpence pie, my Daddy comes to bid me ‘hi’, as wee folks paint the morning sky. And as we emerge from across the sea, we bid farewell to our dreamship, my Teddy and me.




He looked around the room at the painted images. There was a little boy guiding a large wooden ship with sails, before a brightly smiling moon. As he turned the corner, he found a little boy asleep in a bed clutching a softly worn teddy bear; above him, his dreams of the cows jumping the moon and spoons and bowls on the run. On yet another corner of the wall, she’d painted an intricate grandfather style clock with mice running up its face. He smiled when he saw the painting of the little boy and princess enjoying tea at a properly set table; while at their feet, a small mouse swam through the pool of a teacup. There was a picture of the same little boy and his teddy flying on the back of Mother Goose, with a smile of pure joy reflected at the activity of flight. He turned to the last wall, to find a magical elf with a large paintbrush, painting a beautiful sunrise over the smiling face of a father waking his son from his dreams. He sighed when he recognized the face of the father, as his own.

As he looked at the remainder of the décor, he found a short window topper in a light blue and yellow stripe. The bed was adorned in a similar stripe along with a nursery rhyme fabric. In the corner of the bed was a teddy bear with soft curly fur. Hanging out from the wall, over the dresser, was a large half moon with another teddy bear suspended from its tip.

He turned back toward Mac, with tears in his eyes, “Sarah, this is absolutely incredible…I never imagined.” He wiped at his tears and took a deep breath, “It’s perfect…you included sailing and flying…all the things I wanted, but in a magical little boy wonderland.”

She reached up to stroke his cheek, “I’m glad you like it…I enjoyed every minute of creating this room. I’d hoped you wouldn’t be disappointed without the Navy theme, but I just wanted him to be a little boy for awhile.”

He shook his head, “No, no…this is so much better. I couldn’t imagine it any more perfect.” He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her deeply. He pulled back with a smile, “Now how about I feed my pregnant wife.”

They enjoyed a slow intimate candle lit dinner. Harm then led her into a family room illuminated only by candles and the soft glow of the fireplace. They danced around the room to the sound of soft jazz, before retiring to their bedroom to fall asleep in each other’s arms. As they were just about to drift of, he gently ran his fingers through her hair, “Sarah, have you thought about names for the baby?”

She stretched in his embrace then nuzzled her face into his neck. “Uh huh,’ she sleepily replied.

He chuckled, “Are you still with me, Marine?”

She kissed the skin at the base of his neck, “Yeah, just barely.”

“I asked, if you had any thoughts about a name for the baby?”

“Yeah, but I want to see him before I say.”

He grinned, “You don’t plan on sharing with me?”

“Not yet…” she whispered, “…I want to decide after he’s born. We can both have a list of our favorites and decide then.” She paused, “I just don’t want to say yet.” She looked into his eyes, “Is that OK?”
He kissed her forehead, “Yeah, I can live with that…go to sleep, sweetheart.”

***

By her due date on July 3rd, Mac had enough of being pregnant. The July heat was uncomfortable and she felt like a beached whale. Dr. Abrahms had promised to induce her delivery, if she didn’t go into labor in the next few days. She was grumpy and short at breakfast that morning. She sipped from a large glass of cold orange juice and glared at her husband. “This is all your fault, you know.”

“Excuse me?” he grinned. He knew not to argue with her when she was in this kind of mood.

“I said, this is all your fault,” she huffed back.

“What THIS, are we taking about?” he pushed an omelet onto her plate. “Are we talking the weather…the day…your pregnancy…” he grinned again, “…because I will take credit for that particular malady.”

“Harm…” she scowled back.

He laughed, “I’m sorry the baby won’t come, but I can’t see where that’s my fault.”

“Yes it is!”

He stepped back, “You’ll have to explain; because last I looked, the baby and I weren’t conspiring against you.”

She looked up with eyebrows raised, “My looks…your brains. He clearly has your sense of timing…or should I say tardiness.”

He laughed, “Mac, in the first place, he’s not late…he’s due today. In the second place, I hardly think my timing, or lack there of, is hereditary.”

“Oh yeah, then how do explain Sophie?”

“Excuse me…I’m not following this line of reasoning?”

She sighed again, “Your looks…my brains. She came early and has had my sense of timing ever since…right down to telling time without a watch.”

He shook his head and pointed to her plate, “Eat your breakfast before it gets cold.” He walked around the table and kneeled before her. She regarded him with question, as he placed a hand on her large belly. He bent in close and began to talk, “Look son, we need to talk. Your mother’s going to kill me, if you don’t come soon. So if you don’t want to be an orphan, I suggest you make an appearance today or I won’t be responsible for what happens.”

Mac giggled and ran her fingers through his hair, “I’m sorry, I’m being so unreasonable. I just never thought with my history of preterm labor that we’d still be here now.”

He looked up from his position on the floor and smiled, “That’s OK, just tell me what to do to keep you comfortable and happy.” He stood up and kissed her soundly. She was dazed as he pulled away. He mumbled softly, “Maybe that will keep you distracted for a few minutes.”

They all managed to survive the day without killing one another. They’d retired to bed early, but Mac had difficulty getting comfortable in any position. She tossed and turned, bumping into him with each position change. He finally rolled over and sighed in exasperation, “Should I go sleep in the other room?”

“No…” she sighed, “…I’m sorry, but I just can’t get comfortable.”

“Are you all right…you’re not having contractions are you?”

“No…it’s just…I can’t breath on my back and I’m uncomfortable on my side,” she shifted again. He got up and walked around the bed. “Harm…” she exclaimed, “…I said I didn’t want you to leave.”

He raised an index finger, “Just a minute, I have an idea.” He headed into the bathroom and returned with a bottle of her favorite lotion. She still loved the subtle jasmine and orange fragrance, and it usually relaxed her. He held up the bottle, “How about a massage…it usually helps you relax.”

She rolled onto her side and smiled, “That’s a great idea.” She looked into his eyes, “Thanks for putting up with me today…I know I’ve been less than pleasant.”

He motioned for her to scoot over and sat on the side of the bed. He poured a generous amount of lotion into his hand and began to massage her legs. Squeezing her foot, he replied, “It’s OK, I know you’re miserable…I love you, anyways.” Before he could finish the massage, she was sound asleep. He climbed back into bed and placed a kiss gentle kiss on her cheek, “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

The next time he was awakened was at 02:00. Mac was standing bedside the bed, fully dressed. “Harm, wake up…we need to go to the hospital.”

“What?”

“Get up…I’ve already called Harriet; we can drop Sophie off on the way to Bethesda. You need to call Dr. Abrahms.” She walked out of the room to get Sophie.

He sat up and shook his head, “Mac…where’d you go?”
“Sophie’s room…come on, we need to go.”

***

Once they arrived at Bethesda, Mac had a rapid progression of labor. Their son was delivered at 07:35 and christened absolutely, perfectly normal by Dr. Williams, the neonatologist. They’d been pleasantly surprised to find Sophie’s NICU doctor on call again. Once the baby was examined, cleaned and dried, he was handed to his parents for closer inspection. They counted ten fingers and ten toes. They examined his arms and legs, and stroked his beautiful face.

Mac looked up with tears in her eyes, “He is perfect.” She kissed his forehead and stroked his soft brown hair.

Harm sat on the bed and pulled them both close, “I kept my promise…your looks…my brains. He looks like you, Marine.” He kissed first the baby then Mac. “So, what are we going to name him?”

She stoked the baby’s soft cheek and smiled when he turned his face and opened his mouth. “His name is Samuel Matthew Rabb.”

Harm considered her choice for a moment, “I like it…he looks like a Samuel. I take it the Matthew is for your Uncle Matt, but how did you pick Samuel?”

She picked up Sammy’s little hand, “I didn’t pick Matthew for my Uncle…that was just an added bonus. I picked his name because Samuel means ‘God has heard’ and Matthew means ‘Gift from God.’ I think that describes him perfectly. God heard us even though we’d given up…and blessed us with the gift of our son.”

He looked back at her with tears running down his cheeks, “Oh Sarah…I can’t think of a more appropriate name. He is the best gift, we never thought we’d get.”

At that moment, Samuel Matthew Rabb made his presence known with loud vocalizations. Harm stroked his cheek and the baby opened his mouth and grabbed on to his father’s large finger, sucking vigorously. Harm laughed, “I think he’s hungry, Marine…this is your department.” He withdrew his finger, much to his son’s protests, and helped Mac untie and lower her gown.

She guided the baby to her breast and he latched on without difficulty, feeding contentedly. She looked up at Harm with eyes wide in amazement and shock. “He’s nursing…Harm, he’s nursing,” she said excitedly. She grimaced back, “Wow…he has a strong suck.”

Harm placed his lips against her temple and grinned, “I think this one is going to prefer the breast to the bottle…but then he is my son.” He pulled back and stroked the small head, “Mac, you…we finally got our dream…a normal pregnancy…a normal delivery…a normal baby.” He leaned in to place a kiss on her lips, “Thank you…I love you.”
She kissed him back, “Thank you and I love you, too.”

Samuel Matthew Rabb for his part went to breast and camped there happily for the next 24 hours…he was a Rabb man, after all. Who, but a son of Harmon Rabb, Jr., would hold out to be born on the Fourth of July.

***

21:30
Saturday, May 20th, 2006
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Antepartum Unit

Harm pulled Mac closer into his embrace and kissed her head. He muttered in his sleep, “That’s my son.”

Mac stirred and blinked in the dim light of the hospital room. She burrowed closer into his arms and mumbled, “Harm you need to go home…it’s late; you won’t be able to drive.”

He muttered back, “Will go soon…go back to sleep…Samuel will be up soon.”



AN: As an aside, the poem and the description of the paintings in Sammy’s nursery are an almost perfect description of the waiting room in one of the NICUs I cover. I wrote the poem and then painted the scenes depicted in the poem on the waiting room walls; minus Harm’s face of course, LOL. The waiting room of an ICU can be a scary and unsettling place. I wanted our families to have a feeling of ‘home’, comfort and hope, while they tensely wait and pray for their little ones to survive and come home for real.