Team8s and Counting

115. Leaving Our Babies Behind

After probably the longest four days and nights of their entire lives, Barf Bag was recovered enough to head home. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for the babies. It was estimated that Sprinkle and would need to spend at least another 3 weeks in the hospital before they were ready to come home.

Barf Bag and Donut knew that this would likely be the case as soon as they were in the ambulance, but it still broke their hearts nonetheless. However, they knew that this was what the babies needed, and Barf Bag knowing some of the NICU nurses personally helped a lot.

The morning that Barf Bag was about to get discharged, Donut and Barf Bag headed over to the NICU one last time before they left. They slowly walked over to their babies, trying to hold back tears.

Barf Bag place her hands on each of the twins's incubators, stroking her thumbs against the glass as if trying to convey all her love and strength through the barrier. The sight of her tiny sons, nestled in their warm, protective cocoons, brought a lump to her throat. "Mommy and Daddy love you so much," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "We're going to be back every day, okay? You just focus on getting stronger."

Donut stood beside her, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. He gently touched the incubators, his fingers brushing against the glass in a tender gesture. "We're so proud of you both," he said softly. "You're doing so well, and soon you'll be home with us."

The nurse, who had been a comforting presence throughout their stay, approached them with a reassuring smile. "They're in good hands," she reminded them. "And they'll be home before you know it. Take care of yourselves, too, so you can be strong for them."

Barf Bag nodded, taking a deep breath. "Thank you," she said, her voice steadying. "We will."

As they left the NICU, the weight of going home without their babies settled heavily on their shoulders. They made their way to the car and headed off, tension filling the air.

Meanwhile, back at the Team8s house, the rest of the team was getting ready to welcome Donut and Barf Bag with open arms. They made sure the house was in tip top shape for the new parents. Along with the house, they also made sure to get their hearts in the right place, knowing that the two of them were experiencing something that none of the other parents in the house had experience with their kids.

They also made sure that the kids knew what was going on; that while their Auntie and Uncle were coming home, they wouldn't be bringing their little cousins with them just yet.

As the time drew near for Barf Bag and Donut's arrival, the team gathered in the living room, ready to greet them. When the door finally opened and the couple walked in, they were met with warm smiles, hugs, and a chorus of "Welcome home!"

Barf Bag and Donut were visibly moved by the reception. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and the sight of their friends and family eased some of the tension they'd been carrying.

"Thank you, thank you," Barf Bag said, "It's been a heck of a few days, but we're managing."

Gaty stepped forward, offering them a warm smile. "We're here for you, whatever you need," she said, echoing the sentiments of the entire team. "You're not alone in this."

Bladey and Thread rushed forward, their eyes wide with concern and curiosity. "How are Sprinkle and Sack?" Bladey asked, looking up at her aunt and uncle.

Donut crouched down to their level, giving them a reassuring smile. "They're doing well, just a little more time to grow and get stronger. We'll all get to meet them soon."

The rest of the team surrounded Barf Bag and Donut, offering words of comfort and encouragement. They knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but they were ready to face it together.

Barf Bag went out of her way to find Pin, who she had wanted to talk to since...that night. Barf Bag subtly approached her. "Pin?" she said softly.

Pin turned her head to look at Barf Bag, "Yeah?"

Barf Bag smiled gratefully, "Thanks for coming into the bathroom with me while I was going into labor...I'm sorry for putting you through that scare, I was just...in denial of what was going on at that moment."

Pin shook her head, a gentle smile on her face. "You don't have to apologize," she said, her voice warm and understanding. "It was a scary moment, but I'm glad I could be there for you. You were so brave, Barf Bag. And look at you now—you're a mom to two beautiful boys."

Barf Bag felt a wave of emotion wash over her, the gratitude and relief mingling with the anxiety she still felt about her babies. "I just wish they were home with us," she admitted, her voice trembling.

Pin reached out and took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "They will be soon. And until then, we're all here for you and Donut. You're not alone in this."

Barf Bag nodded, feeling a sense of comfort in Pin's words. It was a reminder that she had a support system, a family that cared for her and her children. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Thank you, Pin. That means a lot."

As the evening progressed, the team did their best to lift Barf Bag and Donut's spirits. They shared stories, played games, and enjoyed a meal together, creating a warm, supportive atmosphere. For a while, it felt like a normal, happy family gathering, a welcome distraction from the worries and fears that had been weighing them down.

Eventually, Barf Bag would receive a text from one of her colleagues, who happened to work in the NICU. Upon opening the text, she was greeted with a picture of the twins, both wearing little hats that the NICU nurses gave to them.

The sight of the picture brought a smile to Barf Bag's face, and she quickly showed it to Donut and the rest of the team. The babies, nestled in their incubators, looked peaceful and cozy in their tiny hats. The image was a comforting reminder that they were in good hands and that they were growing stronger every day.

"Look at them," Barf Bag said, her voice filled with warmth. "They're so small, but they're fighters."

The team gathered around, sharing in the joy of the moment. It was a small but significant step toward the day they could all welcome the twins home.

As the evening came to a close, Barf Bag and Donut found themselves surrounded by a sense of community and love. The support of their friends and family was a powerful reminder that, despite the challenges ahead, they would not have to face them alone.

.............................................................

Sorry if these chapters are feeling stale as of lately, I promise they will get more interesting soon. Also, fun fact, the NICU nurses putting the babies in hats is actually based on a true story, me being the baby - my dad has told me it at least 100 times that I was in a little hat when they visited me on Christmas Day. 

Anyway, I hope you've been enjoying these chapters, and I'll see you in the next one!

- Sunny