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VICTORIA

Baby Michael had to stay in the hospital for a few days after his birth They wouldn’t let him leave until he was five pounds They let me stay on a recliner in the NICU, partly I think, because they kneasn’t going to leave unless they physically removed me I can hardly believe howso else Soin to wonder how people can have more than one child How could you possibly open up your heart that wide more than once… and then Alex comes in to see us and I realize that the heart really knows no bounds Mine stretches to accoht to feel that way about him He’s Michael’s father but technically, he’s not even my boyfriend My heart and brain are in a constant battle over it He’s been here every day He bringsit and he holds our son and tells hiether soain, my heart swells

I was sitting here today next to the crib watching my handsoht behind hi to ht of Alex and my breaths quickened

“How is Sir Michael doing today?” the doctor asked He’s called him “Sir Michael” since the day of his birth He said it’s his eyes, they al

I smiled at him and my eyes drifted over to Alex and I s back on the moment I said, “He’s perfect, Dr Samuels, just perfect”

The doctor grinned and looked at Alex and said, “We’ll see if she’s still saying that in a few years when he’s sliding down the banister backwards Raising boys is not for the faint of heart, you know”

“I’ree,” Alex said

“And I’m sure my boy will be the best banister slider there ever was,” I told thehed and unwrapped Michael’s blanket He started poking around on his little belly Michael started to fuss, annoyed at the intrusion

“You don’t like that littleup to the other side of the crib He put his hand down next to the baby and as the doctor pressed his cold stethoscope into the baby’s chest, Michael reached up and grabbed onto one of Alex’s fingers Alex’s eyes widened and he looked at !”

Dr Samuels pulled the stethoscope out of his ears and said, “He is a strong guy Everything looks good and the nurse said he is up to five point one pounds today”

A thrill shot through me “That means we can take him home today?”

“That’s what it means,” he said “If you’re ready”

“We are so ready!” I told hi his finger If it had been dark in the room, Alex’s smile would have illuminated it

“We’re ready,” he said

“I’ll get the paperwork started,” Dr Saot a fine boy there” We both thanked hiot up and stood on the opposite side of the crib from where Alex was