Snapshots with Nikki

Discovery
Cecelia had been feeling off the past few weeks. After the craziness that was the Uranium Mission, Rooster had some time off.

The couple was scheduled to head over to Maverick's place later in the week for a few days. After the mission, Mav had finally talked it out with Bradley and they were at a good spot again.

Bradley had noticed her symptoms as well. While she wasn't becoming physically sick, she was nauseous all the time, drinking gallons of water, and eating some bizarre food combos.

When he brought up the symptoms he was noticing, Cecelia immediately checked her calendar.

"I'm late," she said in disbelief. "Bradley, I'm late."

"What?" He responds, sounding breathless. "You.., you're...," he can't even get a proper sentence out.

Grabbing his hand, Cece tries to keep him calm, while also trying not to freak out herself. "We need a test first."

Without wasting another minute, Bradley grabbed his keys and practically ran to the car. Once Cecelia was in the car, they drove to the pharmacy, picking up multiple tests to be sure.

Let me tell you, those 5 minutes for results felt like hours to the potential parents. While a pregnancy hadn't been planned right now, especially with a wedding to plan, it wasn't unwanted. Both Bradley and Cecelia wanted kids, so they would be happy either way.

When the timer went off, they peeked at the tests on the counter.

And without a second thought, Bradley wrapped his arms around Cecelia's waist, spinning her around their small bathroom.

They were going to be parents.

Cravings
Let's just say, all those cliche cravings you hear about pregnant women having? Cecelia managed to have almost all of them.

Bradley can't even count the number of weird combos she was eating.

Pickles and peanut butter was one, which was quite disgusting because Cece didn't even like pickles.

Ice cream with pretty much anything was a must, their freezer always stocked with a few different flavors.

And her chocolate obsession? It just got worse the longer into the pregnancy they got. Bradley was running out at all hours of the night to get her candy.

Delivery
The day Cecelia went into labor was a day to remember.

Cecelia hadn't realized she was in labor. She had been experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions for a few days, so she thought nothing of it.

It wasn't until a particularly sharp pain hit her that she put it together.

"Bradley," she started. He looked over at her from the kitchen. "I think I'm in labor. For real this time."

He dropped everything he was doing, making sure to turn off the stove, before walking over to the couch. He crouched down to Cece's level. "Are you sure? Like 100%?"

She just gave him a look.

Getting checked into the hospital didn't take too long, but by then, Cecelia had been in labor for quite a few hours.

Shortly after, her parents got to the hospital, followed by her brothers. Calls were made on the way, letting a few people know.

Cecelia was in pain but pushing through when Cat arrived. And she instantly put everyone in a better mood.

"Move aside everyone, Auntie Cat has arrived!" Cat bursts through the door, already carrying a balloon and a very large teddy bear.

Even the nurses in the room began laughing, a new sense of calm entering the room.

It took a few more hours before Cecelia was ready. Bradley would be the only one allowed in the delivery room, but everyone was eagerly waiting in the waiting room for the newest member of the family.

In almost no time at all, little Nicole Bradshaw made her entrance into the world. Screaming her tiny lungs out, the baby girl was as healthy as could be. And as she was laid down on Cece's chest, both parents were letting out tears.

Their little family had finally begun.

☽☆☾   ☽☆☾   ☽☆☾

Snapshots with Luke

Discovery
Luke was also not planned but once again, a blessing to the growing family.

It wasn't long after the wedding that Cece started having similar symptoms to Nikki. Within one exception.

She was hit hard with morning sickness. More often than not, Bradley would wake up to Cece running to the bathroom and puking.

When she hit 4 days of this, she knew she had to take a test. This time, she took them by herself, especially since she was significantly less terrified.

Upon seeing those two magical lines, she began thinking of ways to tell Bradley. He was at the base for work before he would go pick Nikki up at daycare.

So Cece headed out to the store and got the things to make this special.

In a small box, she had a onesie with a plane on it, tiny little aviators, and the pregnancy test itself. She also got a shirt for Nikki that said "Big Sister reporting for duty" she would give Nikki later that night.

That night was one to remember. Nikki can't recall ever seeing her dad cry before, but Bradley was crying tears of happiness as their family continued to grow.

All Nikki knew was that she was about to become like her mommy and that was the best thing ever.

Cravings
Luckily, Luke came with less cravings that Nikki did.

Thankfully, Cece didn’t have the pickle craving this time around. Both she and Bradley were happy about that one.

But the ice cream and chocolate stayed strong. At one point, Cecelia was dipping her Pizza into ice cream instead of ranch. (Bradley couldn't watch her do that, almost becoming physically sick himself.)

The funny thing though, was Nikki trying to copy her mom. And while she didn't like the ice cream combos, she was in love with the chocolate.

Yea, Luke is 100% the reason for Nikki's insatiable sweet tooth.

Delivery
Being a second pregnancy, Cecelia's labor went easier.

She knew much earlier that she was in labor. But she also knew that she could wait before heading to the hospital. She wanted to be comfortable for as long as possible.

Bradley wasn't even home when she found out, being at work for the day. Cece didn't bother calling, knowing he would freak out for no reason.

By the time Bradley came home, Cecelia had her bag ready and told him it was time. He quickly changed and grabbed Nikki's bag as well, knowing the little girl would get bored.

This time, not only did her parents arrive at the hospital, but Natasha as well. She was in the area for a while and had the important job of distracting Nikki so Cecelia could focus on her breathing and pain management.

Lucas Bradshaw was a much faster labor, ready to meet the world as soon as he could. Healthy as a horse and screaming louder than his sister, the boy was born.

Nikki was finally a big sister. And she would do everything in her power to protect her baby brother for the rest of their lives.

✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈

Word count: 1,182

Here are how our little babies Nikki and Luke came into the world!!

Now, I have never been pregnant, so I'm basing this off of stories I've heard from my mom and relatives. I hope I did some justice, I know labor is different for every woman.

But until next time, bye for now!!!