One Herjavec is snoring, the other is purring and I would not have it any other way. Her tiny breaths on my chest are just perfect. In fact, everything about her is perfect. The pain of missing her first hours on this earth has melted away with my own physical pain. I needed that time to heal and thankfully Robert was there for our daughter. I love how they are already a team and that they left a space for me.
I forgot to ask the nurse about her next feeding and decide to play it by ear. After an hour, Layla stirs and almost inches herself into position. Before I realize it, she begins to eat and somehow we are figuring this out. I read all the books and chatted up all my girlfriends with babies, but nothing prepared me for the emotion in this moment.
She knows I am her mother.
“Robert,” I whisper loudly without concern for my husband’s sleep. “Robert, look.”
“Baby, that monitor on her foot lights up red. As long as nothing beeps, she’s fine.”
“Robert! I promise you will want to see this!” I say with an urgency.
“Awake. I’m awake, what’s wrong.”
“I know you haven’t slept much, but this is a first you need to see.”
Robert stares at me with eyes glistening. “If I swear never to share this with anyone, would you allow one photo?”
I match his smile while he snaps away, happy to share the spotlight in Robert’s phone.
“I want every photo imaginable, especially this one.” I say with a wink. “When you get a few dozen, someone might have a diaper for you. Are we writing all of this down?”
“Kym,” my husband says astonished. “You are the mom, you are in charge! If you think we should write this down, I will start a log. I have missed a few diapers, but not a single feeding.”
“Have I told you how much I love you?” I say with complete sincerity. “I knew I wanted this, but I never knew I needed her. You have given me such a gift. Finding you was a dream come true, but this is our miracle.”
Leaving my husband speechless is quite a feat. Robert attempts a word and instead gulps through tears. He mouths “I Love You” and sits down still staring into my eyes.
“Knock, Knock!” Mum peeks her head through our door.
“Good Morning! Oh Mum, we forgot to tell you I moved rooms.”
“Don’t worry Darling, I came to see this little one first and learned the good news of her graduation.” Mum scoops up Layla and continues the conversation. “How is she this morning?”
“Two diapers and some great burps!” Robert reports with pride. “I am going to find us some breakfast, can I get you anything Barbara?”
“I’m just here to hold this bunny. You two are free to leave.”
I kiss Robert goodbye and giggle. “Mum, was I your first bunny?”
“You were, it is one of my first memories of you. Brand new babies make the most adorable noises - like little bunnies. I hope you can record this, it may not last for long.”
“I intend on recording every moment of her life. Just wait though, she has already found her voice and it is loud.”
I watch as my mother fawns over my little, completing a circle of love. “Kym, she looks just like you. I remember how vocal you were in your first few days, ready to announce your presence to the world. You’ll have to pry her away from me as it is….imagine what it would be like with a stream of visitors.”
“You were right, as always. We are still in the NICU as I understand it, but my friends would be lining up to break the rules. There’s just so much to worry about now that’s she’s here and I feel the need to protect her from everything. Robert did not sleep last night and I’m still in some pain. Any visitors other than you and Dad would be a stress we do not need.”
She shoots me a look, “Some pain? Try tremendous pain. I could see it in your face as you slept last night. You know you should be walking a bit of each hour. When Robert gets back, you two need to take a lap.”
“Where does that look come from? The all knowing, I mean business Mum look. How long before I develop that?”
“In due time, my darling.”
My daughter begins to fuss and instead of trying to soothe her, Mum hands her over to me.
I feel a bit helpless as I have yet to decipher her cries. I stroke her cheek just like Robert strokes mine. We share a moment as mother and daughter for the first time, Layla opens her eyes and looks directly at me. I study every deep blue millimeter and wonder what she must be thinking.
“They just steal your heart right from the beginning. Just remember: you and Robert should be the ones to feed and soothe her whenever possible. It is so important for your bond. Let the nurses run tests and inflict pain, you are her source of comfort.”
“Pain?!” I state in a panic as I clutch my baby tighter. “What do you mean pain?”
“Kym, it is normal. I’m sure she has already had her blood test and a few shots.”
I feel so protective over the life we have created that I can barely breathe. Just the thought her her hurting while I was unable to help is awful. However, confirmation of the same is terrifying.
“Know this my love,” Mum says sensing my discomfort. “She was rarely alone yesterday. I was there for her hearing test which she tolerated like a champ. The boy before her was very upset , however, she took to the stage like a pro!”
“Breakfast is served!” Robert enters with impeccable timing. “Kym, I forgot to take your order, so I brought a little of everything.”
“She’s asleep Mum and I have not had a proper meal in days. Would you mind…..”
Mum takes my sleeping child from my hands before I finish my thought. She is determined to soak up every minute of little Layla’s life during her month in the States.
I knew I was hungry, but after my first bite, I realize I could eat this entire tray and then some. “How is it I was so repulsed by certain foods yesterday and would eat cardboard today?”
“Hormones.” Robert says without missing a beat. “Overnight you switch from growing a human to feeding a human.”
“Baby, Mum was just telling me that Layla had a few vaccinations and some tests yesterday.”
“Oh I was there." He says nonchalantly. “The tests were during her 4pm feeding and I held her the entire time. She flinched but did not stop eating…not even a whimper.”
I kiss his hand. “You really are always watching out for us."
Shout out to @austingalatheart for helping get this one moving!
Robert blinked his eyes a few times. His vision was a little blurry and his head was pounding. As his vision cleared, he looked around at where he was. He was in a hospital. Why am I here? What happened? he thought. There was a shuffling next to him. He turned his head slightly, the pain not allowing him to turn any more.
“Hi baby,” she said softly.
Robert blinked his eyes a few more times. This can’t be real. Is she really here? It wasn’t until she reached out and took his hand that he believe she wasn’t just a figment of his imagination.
“Kym?” he asked quietly, his voice raspy.
“Hi,” she said, trying to hold back the tears. “It’s so good to see you.”
“Sleep tight Mummy,” I whisper stroking stroking her forehead. “I am going to check on Layla one last time before I turn in. Be back soon.” Kym barely stirs at my goodbye kiss.
As I step into the hallway, I cross paths with Sandy who subbed in to the postpartum unit just to take care of Kym tonight.
“You cannot resist that sweet little bundle can you?”
“Not if I wanted to. Can you keep an eye on her until I get back? I shouldn’t be long.”
“Don’t rush! I’m happy to sit with her as long as you need.”
I cannot believe how lucky I am. Married to the love of my life and now father again. All the cars and homes in this life could never equal my four greatest accomplishments. The elevator door opens and I nearly run to her side. I have missed her so much in the last half hour. The NICU nurses no longer ask that I sign in, they merely point towards an available scrub station.
I can hear someone’s baby crying while tying the string to my gown. My heart drops walking closer to our daughter’s station. Five nurses surround her isolette each looking exasperated. Every worst case scenario runs through my head.
“I’m glad you are here” A nurse exclaims. “Layla is inconsolable - she has been crying since you left.”
“You should have called me,” I can feel the anger rising in my veins. “Excuse me please.” I push through the crowd to see my daughter screaming, her face a deep red. I cradle her in my arms and stroke her cheek in a circle. Her screams continue and I look towards her head nurse Tiffany for some advice.
“Take a seat and let’s try some kangaroo care.” She says with a reassuring look. “She is half Australian after all.”
Tiffany strips the baby down to her diaper and motions for me to unbutton my shirt. She places Layla Louise on my chest and covers us both with a blanket.
“Studies have shown that skin to skin contact is the best medicine, especially for preemies. Your body temperature will help her learn to control her own and the sound of your heartbeat will mimic her mother’s in the womb.”
I continue stroking her cheek and her cries begin to soften. Moments later, all I can hear are the sweet sounds of her breathing. We rock back and forth without a care in the world.
“One thing’s for sure,” I joke to Tiffany. “There’s nothing wrong with her lung development. I’m sorry she is giving you such trouble.”
“She sure can wail. Please do not apologize, she is fine…she just wants you.”
“Days like today are numbered. The moment Kym is well enough to stay here for more than five minutes, I will move to second place. Permanently.”
Kym’s cesarean was more invasive than expected. My poor wife can only sit up for short periods at a time and it pained me to watch her two visits today. Kym insisted that I stay here in her absence, even though she needs me just as much.
“Your tiny-but-mighty daughter is already passing her benchmarks with flying colors. She will qualify for a step-down unit in the morning and just might be able to move to a private room with her mother.”
“Really?” I jolt up straight and slowly sit back down when I realize Layla is still fast asleep. “Is there anyone I can call to make that happen? Kym will heal so much faster if she is not pushing her limits to see her baby.”
“Let me see what I can do. For now, I will go get her next bottle ready.”
That answers the unasked question, I will spend the night right here. I slyly snap a photo of the darling resting on my chest and send it to Kym.
Baby, this lovie needs me right now. Text me if you need anything…no matter how small. Love you, Layla’s Daddy.
Three feedings and four diapers later, Baby Herjavec is already my little overachiever. I’m hopelessly wrapped around her finger. So she refuses to sleep anywhere but on my chest? She will sleep in her own bed before she goes off to college.
On a more positive note: she is down to only two monitors and ready to move out of this scary NICU. Without wires covering her face, her beauty is striking. A perfect blend of Kym and me with the chubbiest of cheeks. I continue to stroke her back as I call the hospital’s chief of staff.
“This is just as much a security issue as it is a convenience issue. In the off chance the press gets wind of her arrival, they will be swarming both floors.” With my every word, my newest angel curls deeper into my chest. Just like her Mum. “If price is an issue, I assure you it is not my concern. Oh really? Thank you, you are far too kind. Let me know what I need to do.”
That might have been my easiest negotiation. I was prepared to fight hard for the ladies in my life, but a private NICU suite is already reserved for the new Herjavec family.
“Ok Baby, I need you to be good for the nurses for just a few minutes so I can tell Mum the good news.” I lay her down and press a soft kiss on her forehead.
“Love you, be back very soon.”
“Kymmie, Kymmie! Wake up, it’s moving day.”
“Hmmm?” Kym mumbles still half asleep. “What do you mean moving day?Where have you been all night?”
“With another beautiful girl I’m afraid, the only person on this planet who can match your beauty. Did you get our text?”
She draws me closer for a proper good morning kiss. “I woke twice and you were not here - I figured you fell into her spell. Did we even pack my phone?” She pulls her hair up into a ponytail and straightens her top. “Tell me more things about this move. Are we going home?”
“Close! You are moving to a room downstairs that you will share with the baby. If we hurry, we might beat her there!” I scoop up the few belongings unpacked from Kym’s giant suitcase and a nurse knocks on the door with a wheelchair.
“You mean it?” She reaches up for me attempting to speed up her transfer into the chair. “Yesterday was so chaotic, I feel like I get a second chance to meet her.”
“Just wait until you see her today Baby. Layla is simply beautiful.”
Kym smiles but cannot cover her discomfort.
“Darling, I know you are hurting. Are you sure you do not want anything for the pain?”
“Just your hand,” Kym says. “This is all I need.”
We make it to our room in record time. The strings I pulled to get us all together did not arrange for a desirable room. The stark, sterile box only has one tiny window and much of the floor space is dedicated to our daughter’s care.
“It is perfect,” Kym declares despite the dreary surroundings. “Once I can lay down, I will be all set.”
“I’ve got it from here.” I quickly dismiss the nurse as I place my wife in her new bed. “Do you need anything?”
“A headband and some fresh clothes please.”
“Oh, I left out the best part! You will want to wear this top for kangaroo care.”
“Pardon?” Puzzled, Kym puts on a buttoned front pajama set as the nurses wheel in our princess who is once again crying.
“It is really something I need to show you.” I place our child on Kym’s chest and their bond is instant. Almost electric. Our daughter stops crying just as Kym bursts into tears of joy.
“Robert, thank you for this. Thank you for loving us. Just thank you.”
Exhausted, I pull a chair up to Kym’s bedside and rest my head on her pillow. Stroking Kym’s arm and our little one’s cheek, I am brought back to the night of their rescue. Once again at peace, I drift off to sleep.
“Kym, I’m not falling for that trick again. For as long as I’ve known you, you have packed and re-packed right until we leave.” My love walks into our bedroom with a tell-tale smirk. “On second thought, if you pack your entire closet, perhaps there is nothing to re-pack.”
Robert pulls me into his side as I attempt to defend myself. “It’s for me AND the baby, honey. So when you think about it, I packed light.”
“Well, if it is for the baby, then I completely understand. I cannot believe you’re having a baby tomorrow!”
I have a witty comeback ready, but I cannot give it at the moment. A sharp pain in my back radiates to my sides and midsection. I grip onto Robert’s shoulders for support and my head hangs towards the floor as he talks me through the pain.
“They said this might happen Baby, this is why we scheduled her early. If you feel like you need to check in today, let’s go.”
“We’re good, we have an agreement that she will not make her entrance until tomorrow.” I catch my breath and stand up straight. “Let’s install the carseat so the hospital will let us take her home!”
“Which car?” Robert says with a devious grin. “Baby should come home in style, so I was thinking the Ferrari.”
“Funny. It doesn’t have a backseat! Try the Range or the Mercedes. At a few days old, I am certain they will be just her style.”
Two hours later, my man returns triumphant. I give him a round of applause, but remain prone in the ugly recliner he insisted on adding to our living room.
“I knew you would love that chair baby.”
“This thing’s days are numbered. It will soon find a new home somewhere out of sight.”
“Is there anything else you would like to do on your last day of freedom?”
“I would love to eat lunch at La Scala and drive out to Malibu to see the sunset. This will be our final meal without a high chair or a baby sitter!” I am far too excited to have complicated dinners out.
“Heaven, Kym. That sounds like pure heaven. Just to be safe, we are taking the Range….and our luggage.”
“Are you ready to go Mum?”
Puzzled, I turn around to see if my Mum is at our house. She arrived late yesterday and went straight to the hotel. We plan on meeting her at the hospital this morning.
“Kym, are you ready to go?” Robert repeats.
“Yes baby, of course. Why were you talking to my Mum? Is she here?”
“Baby!” He says with a kiss. “You’re a Mum today!”
“I am?!?” I say in a pool of emotions.
We are heading to the hospital at 4am….five hours prior to our scheduled arrival and nearly eight hours prior to our little one’s arrival. I secretly hope that we can bump ahead of a few c-sections. One thing’s for certain - if I stay in this house one more minute, I will spin out of control.
“Baby, would you give me the honor of one last pregnancy dance?” He cues At Last on his phone before I can respond. We circle the kitchen island in a fumbling waltz. Between my lack of balance and Robert’s lack of form, we are the perfect fit. I stop halfway through the second verse and place his hands on my sides. Breathing through a contraction to our wedding song is not exactly how I envisioned this moment. But perhaps this is the perfect final move.
“Okay, executive decision Kym. Let’s get on the road before she decides to cut in.”
Our car ride is buzzing with excitement. Robert eventually breaks our nervous silence with an attempt at a joke. “You know, if we decide to reschedule this whole having a baby thing to tomorrow, we could grab breakfast at that diner you love.”
“Herjavec, talking to a pregnant lady about food when she’s fasting is not funny. You should be very thankful that I get to meet our daughter today. I am already hangry.”
“No food, I promise,” Robert playfully puts his hands up in surrender. “So should we go find your mom before we check in? She’s surely awake by now.”
“I would love that.” I grab his hand in agreement. “In a wheelchair. As much as I resisted that dreadful thing, I am done waddling.”
“I think we can arrange that…even though you have the cutest waddle I have ever seen. ”
Instead of providing a distraction, Mum has only heightened my excitement. It turns out there is very little to do besides drink coffee this early at the hospital.
“Let’s scope out the nursery!” Mum suggests. “We should see it at least once — your baby will not spend any time there I’m sure!”
It turns out that sitting in a wheelchair and staring at tiny brand new bundles of life is the perfect formula for a weeping pregnant woman.
“Can you believe they are going to let us take one of these home? Quick, pick a cute one and I’ll cut a deal. We can skip this whole cesarean thing.” Robert jokes attempting to turn the mood around.
“Robert, what if I walked back to checkin? My contractions might be five minutes apart…that should bump us up a few places in line, right?”
“Barbara, was she always this mischievous?” Robert says in jest.
“Well she was never very patient. She would insist on putting on her costume at least an hour before each performance.”
“If you two are going to make fun of me, you could at least do it behind my back,” I pout.
“Kymmie, we are at the hospital. Do whatever you like. I will even race you to the operating room if it makes you smile.”
We round the corner to the intake desk and the nurse points at me and smiles.
“You are my first mommy today by a long shot. Dr. Aaron has an 8am opening if you would like to go back now!”
I’m certain my expression answered any questions she might have. The thought of meeting our baby a few hours early is more than I can take. I grip Robert’s arm, freezing him in his tracks. “Are you sure we’re ready for this?”
“Ready as we’ll ever be. Let’s go! I cannot wait to wish our angel a happy birthday.”
Special thanks to my co-writer @ohheyitssharkaroo for putting up with my nonsense this chapter. She saved this one for sure!
Our little girl arrives in one week, a secret Kym and I have kept quite well given our crazy schedules. Kym just wrapped a maternity meditation video and I’m currently wrapping up my final meeting before we’re scheduled to check into the hospital.
“Know this: I am only be called for burning fires….forest fires.” My team in Toronto has worked wonders with my schedule leading up to Little Miss’s birth, this speech is merely for my own piece of mind. “After that, don’t expect me in the office till EOQ. Text, emails and one conference call a week. Period.”
“Yes sir,” my managers around the world say in unison.
“Ok, with that I’m signing out.”
And then it hit me. I’m going to be a Father of four. At the end of September, Kym and I will be in Toronto with our daughter. I sink back into my chair almost oblivious to my wife walking into my office.
“All done? I can’t wait for you to see the rest of the house, Mikie has really outdone himself.”
Kym is positively glowing with her hair in rollers. Today we celebrate Baby H properly. What was intended to be a small quiet dinner out has blossomed into an event spanning two levels of our home. Instead of putting my foot down, I decided to roll with it.
“Darling, I’m more interested in the sight in front of me. Just look at you.” I pull her into my lap. “I hate to be all ‘overprotective husband’ but the moment you feel tired, I want you to sit down. This isn’t a recent-plane-crash-survivor thing, this is an eight months pregnant thing.”
“I promise the moment that time comes, you will find me on my throne.”
“Your throne?”
“Yes, my throne. You really need to see our living room!” Kym leads me out of the office into a party fit for a queen and her soon to arrive princess. A rose gold throne takes up nearly an entire wall.
“Hey Robert,” Mikie greets me while buzzing around in preparation. “Are you ready for a Royal Day?”
“Oh my gosh.” I stand and stare amazed. “How long was I on that call?” I cannot remember the last baby shower I attended, but I’m certain it was nothing like this.
“Are you happy?” I ask an obvious question while embracing my overjoyed wife.
“Ecstatic! I imagine this is my last party for quite a while so I want to live it up. Should I wear my tiara?”
I may have just realized I’m about to be a father again, but my wife is clearly ready to be a mother. Her smile today is identical to the one we shared as she walked down the aisle.
“I think you should wear it. You are my queen, you know. I want tonight to be the party of your dreams - absolutely nothing less.”
Despite the commotion around us, I hold Kym tight in silence for a moment longer. She clutches me equally as close, but suddenly bursts into tears.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” I kiss her forehead before offering my handkerchief.
“Our lives are about to change. What if our relationship changes? We are not going to have this time alone together. What If….”
“Oh Kym, come here.” I lead her back into the privacy of my study. “I know a lot of this is pregnancy hormones, but I can understand why you might be worried. Yes, things are going to change….but only for the better.”
“What if we grow apart?” Kym sobs.
“Baby, we have talked about this before. My first marriage was splintered before we had kids and our problems only worsened as time went on. We only stayed together for the kids — otherwise we would have divorced after the second year.”
I kiss her again in hopes of calming her fears.
“Our relationship,” I motion between our noses for emphasis, “could not be more different. I love you so much and I cannot wait to meet our child. We have plenty of friends anxious to step in and babysit….and remember kids do sleep. I know us. We will find plenty of time to be alone.”
“And you’ll tell me if things change?”
“I won’t have to Baby. We are going to grow stronger together. You know I love babies! I just spent the afternoon cancelling every meeting possible after her arrival. What else can I do to make you feel better?”
“You did? Honey that is so sweet! Sit with me while I finish my makeup?”
I kiss her hand in agreement and vow to tell her every day how much my love has grown.
The guests should arrive in a half hour and somehow everything is ready. Kym looks absolutely radiant tonight as she rules from her throne.
“So I was thinking of a trip to Toronto in late September. I need to go into the office for a few hours, but I really want to show off our girl!”
“Oh really? Already filling her travel schedule?”
“Have baby, will travel! It will be a great dress rehearsal for our trip down under for the holidays.”
“Any other trips I should know about?” Kym asks with a giggle. “Should get her travel kit together now?”
I slip next to Kym’s side. “Baby, you know I hate to travel without you. I guarantee you will not travel without baby Jane for quite a while.”
“Her name is not Jane.” Kym says playfully.
“We have two weeks to settle on a name. Your friends think we are holding some big secret. If they only knew how many rounds we’ve gone at this!”
“I’m sure we will know her name when we meet her. But not Jane…too many Tarzan references.”
An hour into the party, I wonder how Kym is holding up. Surveying the room, she is nowhere to be found. I eventually find her in our closet subbing her heels for a pair of slippers.
“Baby, I am so proud of you! Sacrificing fashion for your baby, I never thought I would see the day.”
Sitting down next to her, I take her slipper off and rub her swollen foot.
“I know we have a house full of people, but if you keep this up, I could sit here all night.” she turns to the side and rests her other foot in my lap.
“Let’s send them all home!” Kym swats at my arm. “But seriously, do not worry about our guests, they are fine without you. Your poor toes though….when was the last time you wore heels?”
“I can’t remember, but it won’t happen again. Ok, just one more minute and then you can help me up.”
But instead of helping her up, I decide to distract Kym a little longer. I take her hand in mine and trace a line of kisses up to her lips. Realizing my new plan, Kym joins in and we both lose track of time.
“Kymmie, are you ready to eat?” Carson bursts into our room and pretends to cover his eyes. “I should have known when you two disappeared. C’mon, let’s go. I’m STARVING.”
Reluctantly we walk towards a beautifully set table filled with junk food. Never would I imagine my wife - the fitness icon - eating anything breaded, fried or covered with gravy. However, her current cravings resemble one of Paula Deen’s cookbooks.
“Hopefully today is your cheat day,” I announce to the crowd with a laugh.
“I don’t know about everyone else,” Carson interjects. “But I lam fine with the spread on the table. When was the last time we all ate carbs?”
Our guests all happily join in agreement.
“Well that’s a relief,” Kym says playfully. “Because our dessert tonight is certainly more of the same!”
While I was out of the loop in the planning of this event, my toasts have been a staple at our landmark events. Near the end of our meal, the wait staff pass around Rose and pink sparkling lemonade to my sweetheart.
“My dearest Kym, it has certainly been an eventful few months. I am constantly in awe of your composure, strength and perseverance. to get to where we are today. I thank God every day for bringing you into my life. You are the piece of my heart I never knew was missing. Our little girl is so blessed to have you as her Mum.”
I pause to give her a kiss and gather my composure. Kym softly wipes my tears before kissing me again.
“You have brought so much light into my life, I cannot wait to meet the light we bring into this world.”
Kym can no longer resist. She leaps into my arms oblivious to our audience.
“Oh, I almost forgot,” I pick up my glass still clutching my wife. “Cheers everyone!”
Does anyone know anything about the Facebook live event for Shark Tank. I'm not on Facebook so I have limited knowledge. Is this something someone thinks they can record?
But by then, it was too late. We were already up in the air.
Robert leaps out of his seat and kneels in front of me, grabbing both of my hands.
“Baby, you can do this, I know you can. We land in 28 minutes. Look at me and breathe. What can I get you?”
Still gripping his hands, I wrap my arms around my stomach as if to create a protective layer. Any strength I have gathered in preparation for this moment has dissolved and I rest my forehead on his shoulder in desperation.
“Sweetheart, you are shaking!” Robert whispers in my ear. “We will be cruising in one minute. Breathe for me please.”
Closing my eyes only makes the situation worse. I lift my head and press my forehead to Roberts gazing into his eyes. He looks so strong, so calm. I wish I could steal some of his courage right in this moment. Through each deep breath, I concentrate on blinking in sync with my beloved.
“Oh, did you feel that! Someone else is piping up.”
She’s more than piping up, it feels like she’s pressing both of her legs into my ribcage. Every day her space becomes more limited and my current position is not helping.
“Would it be alright if we sat on the couch?” I hear myself requesting.
“Anything. Let’s just take it slow.”
He leads me to the rear of the plane as we pass Joe’s wife. She’s attempting to look enthralled in her magazine, but I can tell she feels sorry for me. I make a mental note to explain myself later. For now, I only have the energy to rest my head in Robert’s lap and gaze into his eyes as he winds my hair through his fingers.
“Babe, I set my phone on a countdown. We only have twenty minutes to go. Would it help if you watch the minutes tick by?”
“No thank you, just keep being your amazing self.”
Grabbing Robert’s left hand, I spin his wedding ring in silence. The noise of the engine quickly becomes white noise that drowns out everything but the bluest of eyes.
I reach up to wipe an errant tear from his cheek and attempt to change the subject to happier things. “What do you have planned for us today?”
“Hmmm, today? I booked a private spa suite for the rest of the afternoon. We can begin with lunch and massages. Then an early dinner at the hotel.”
“That is everything I wanted. Just us two.” I pull myself up and whisper into his ear, “the earlier we get back to the room, the better. I have some plans of my own for tonight.”
“Mrs. Herjavec! I do declare! We are eight minutes from landing. Are you comfortable here or would you prefer to sit in a seat.”
“Just hold me right here. I think it was sitting in the seat earlier that upset me. I can do this.”
Landing this flight was my biggest fear by far. Now that the moment is here, I have an eerie confidence. Still gripping to Robert’s side, I focus on his words of encouragement rather than the ever moment of that night’s crash.
“I’m right here, we are beginning our initial descent. You are so brave, I’m so proud of you for doing this so quickly. See? A slow, steady landing. Only a few moments more.”
Taking my first step back on the ground, I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Now our vacation can begin.
“Joe and Anna, I’m certain Robert has planned a lovely weekend for you. Please enjoy and thank you so much for coming. I promise I will be better company on the flight home.”
We exchange pleasantries and finally escape to the privacy of our own car.
“Kymmie, you certainly rallied for the last half of that flight. I am so proud of you. Do you think the flight home will be better? Would you like to stop by the hospital and get checked out first?”
“Shhhh.” I press my finger up to his lips. “The babymoon has begun and I feel like a fat version of my normal self. Your only two responsibilities are to feed me and tell me I’m pretty.”
Drunk in love, I draw him in for several sloppy kisses.
“Sir, the Ritz please,” Robert tells our driver and continues in a whisper, “I disagree with the fat comment, but the rest can be arranged.”
“Baby, wake up. Wouldn’t it be romantic to watch the sunrise from the pool?”
“Honey, sounds great.” He rubs his eyes and slowly puts on his swim trunks. “Remember, though, you married an old man. I need a moment. I thought normal, pregnant women needed their sleep.”
“I thought I proved last night that I’m far from a normal, pregnant woman.”
“That you did! Well we have a cabana today so all you need to bring is yourself.”
I emerge from the bathroom in my caftan and signature floppy hat. “Let’s go.”
“Wait, wait. Remind me again why we are going out at this hour? It is still dark outside which means bedtime, not pool time.”
“Oh really? I guess I can take off this,” I lift the side of my dress to reveal a tiny string bikini, “and put on my sweatpants.”
“I stand corrected, let’s go.”
The hotel staff are relatively unfazed with the pregnant guest dragging her fifty-something husband to the pool at five in the morning. Unsurprisingly we have the whole pool to ourselves.
“Baby, I feel like we’re pool-hopping teenagers. How are you not exhausted?”
Floating with Robert in an empty pool as the sun peeks through the desert sky is certainly romantic. I spin us around before responding.
“I’m not sure where this is coming from, but I love it. A weekend away with my man, a healthy little girl almost ready to take on the world and conquering my fears - I guess I am just too blessed to be tired.”
“Well, Mrs. H, what else would you like to do with all that energy? A round of golf? Six mile hike? Jeep tour of the desert?”
“Um, no. I might be full of energy, but those activities sound far too hot for this preggo. I was thinking more of this,” I lower us both chin deep into the water and kiss him fiercely. “If you can find us a float and some breakfast, I would be happy to stay like this all day.”
I feel his hands creep up to my neck and untie my top. Instead of protesting, I draw Robert closer and let him take the lead.
“Babe,” Robert says eventually breaking the silence. “Remember the last time we were here?”
“I do! I thought that I could not possibly love you more that weekend. If I only knew how wrong I was!”
“There’s one thing I know for certain Baby: I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as I will love you tomorrow.”
“Baby, I hope I’m not rushing you into this,” I carefully examine my wife’s emotional state as we walk into the doctor’s office. “If you are not ready, we can always drive instead.”
“Robert, I’m more than ready for this. You should book some rooms at the Parker, it will be the perfect baby moon.”
“Already taken care of: Joe and his wife at the Parker and we’re at the Ritz. Dinner reservations, cabanas and spa treatments are all set. Separately, of course.”
I need this time away with my wife. For much of our marriage we have been constantly on the go, a trip away for the weekend is the last piece of normalcy missing from our life. And this particular hotel is where it all began: our very first weekend away after the elimination.
Kym gets herself situated for another ultrasound for baby Mya, or is it Ella today? We still have some work to do on her name. "Did you know that if all is well, we only have one more ultrasound?”
"Healthy Mum, healthy baby is all I need to hear," I say staring into her smiling eyes. The doctor arrives in the middle of our wordless exchange. “So we are here for good news Doc.”
“I could not have better news for you. We ran every test and scan on the books and Kym passed them all with flying colors. I'm certain that this ultrasound will show you officially have a normal, boring pregnancy. Free from all restrictions.”
I watch in amazement as our baby's profile is projected on the screen. More than once I have thought about buying one of these....just to sneak a peek in the middle of the night.
“So when you say all restrictions,” Kym blushes before she can continue her question. “Do you mean everything?”
“No waterskiing or rock climbing. As of today, you are a normal pregnant woman beginning her third trimester. Your body will tell you what you can and cannot do. Just use your best judgment.”
I clutch her hand tighter in excitement, “well that settles that!”
Quickly thanking the doctor, I help Kym out the door as fast as possible.
“We have some catching up to do, I reckon.” I say with a wink.
Any concerns that the next few weeks would creep by were quickly dashed by two words: no restrictions. My wife has embraced her newfound freedom without hesitation….and all while keeping me within arms reach.
“Baby, what time do we takeoff? Do you think this swimsuit is ok or should I go pick up a maternity suit? I mean, this is full on bump. I’ve never been this exposed in public.”
Emerging from our bathroom in a pre-pregnancy suit, my wife could not be any more sexy. “Dressed like that, you will not be in public for long. I love this look, but I’m not sure I can resist.”
Accustomed to resisting my advances, she playfully slaps my arm. I spin her around and envelope her into a hug. Slowly untying the strings of her bikini, I lead us towards the bed.
“I guess this means I should pack two or three more string bikinis,” Kym remarks still entangled in my embrace.
“Well hard as it might be to pull me out of this bed, it will be extremely hard to get me out of our hotel room. I really see no need for you to pack clothes at all!”
“Anxious to make up for lost time, eh?” She says while putting on my bathrobe. “We really should get going Love, I’m moving much slower these days.”
I prop myself up on my side and watch her cute little butt walk away. She’s packed today in the exact luggage and purse recovered from the plane. Tattered and scuffed, it is her badge of honor.
“So spill, how are you feeling about this flight. I went ahead and booked a car to drive up either way. If for some reason you want to drive home, just say the word.”
“I can do this,” Kym says confidently. “Well, I can’t lift this bag, but I can fly. Are you going to get dressed? We have a plane to catch!”
Five minutes later we are in the car and Kym is nearly convincing me that all is well.
“So we are decided then.” Kym says with confidence.
“Decided on what?” I may have been reading her mannerisms instead of listening to her words.
“Just a small shower, not at our house and absolutely no Sip and See. I would love to celebrate her arrival, but we do not need the full production. Just an afternoon together with our friends.”
“Whatever you say Baby, just let me know when and what I should wear. Do you need to stop for anything? Should I call ahead for catering?”
“Not necessary,” Kym says voice cracking. “It is a short flight, I will survive.”
“Yes, yes you will Honey.”
We drive onto the tarmac and begin our preflight ritual. I notice that Kym waits in the car instead of boarding immediately. After everything is set with Blake and Joe, I open her door and escort my wife to the plane. She takes slow, short steps while attempting to exude confidence.
“No rush Baby. My plane, my rules.”
Taking her seat, I watch her right hand begin to shake. Kym quickly tucks it underneath her purse and reaches out with her left, steady hand.
“I can do this, I promise.” She grips my hand hard as we taxi down the runway. Two months after the accident, Kym shows amazing grace under pressure.
I turn away for a moment to buckle my seatbelt and hear Kym mumble.
“What’s that baby?”
“Stop, we need to stop.”
“Stop? Kym, look at me, everything will be ok.” “STOP THE PLANE!”
“Great, so everything’s set? He has a full morning? Make sure to insist he needs to come in. Thank you so much”
It feels so weird sneaking around in the bathroom at 5am but for this plan to work, I have to get moving. Step one of my plan is cooking breakfast in full hair and makeup…I have not surprised him like this since our first week as Herjavecs.
“Baby, what is this?” Robert states in delight in the kitchen. “Anniversary of our first kiss? The first day we said ‘I love you?’ Whatever it is, I cannot believe I forgot.”
“Oh this, this is nothing! You did so well with breakfast the other day that I thought I would return the favor.”
I can feel his hands slip around my waist and untie my robe. “What if we just skip breakfast? We could take the Ferrari out to our spot and not watch the sunrise.”
As he slips off my robe, his hands slowly creep under my nightgown. It is all very sexy….until my stomach lets out a huge growl. I plate our eggs and turn into his arms.
“Can we continue this later?” I say inches from his lips. “Baby's not a fan of skipping meals.”
My kiss snaps him back to reality. “So what’s on your schedule this morning Babe? I have a few conference calls but we could stop by Bel Bambini on our way to your appointment.”
“Oh! That sounds nice.” I reply carefully. We finish our breakfast and clear the table as Robert receives a call from the office, right on time.
“What do you mean they are coming into the LA office? They are scheduled to be at headquarters. Well, it will look pretty stupid if I remote in from my house three miles down the road. Yeah, I’m coming in, let me make a call.”
“What’s wrong baby?” I say coyly.
“It’s nothing, I am just going to see if Cheryl can stop by this morning. I have to go into the office for a meeting that my staff mixed up royally.”
“Don’t be silly Robert, I can stay by myself for a few hours. Cheryl does not have time to babysit the pregnant lady. Or, why don’t I come with you? The office is a few blocks from Dr. Aaron’s and I am dying to get out of the house. I have the cutest maternity suit from Theory…this will be a blast.”
“Honey, I don’t know. This is dozens of people who will be lining up to suck up to the boss’s wife.”
“Think of it more like me sitting on the couch in your office, checking emails and making calls. Basically exactly what I would do here, but dressed up. Hurry, go get ready!”
Arriving at the office was the best welcome I have had in a while. Robert made a big fuss about my first non-medical outing but quickly led me to his office.
“We’re here to work everyone, which is exactly what you should be doing right now.” As the door closes, he gives me with the biggest grin. “Have I told you how very sexy you look in your power suit? Quick, sit at my desk and pretend to take a call. Lean back and prop up your feet….”
Our photo shoot is cut short by Robert’s meeting, but I make sure to give him a proper sendoff. He leaves only after setting up my laptop and putting every conceivable item I might need in arms reach. “Baby, I will be just fine, don’t be late!”
“I’m the boss, I can be as late as I want!” He procrastinates with kisses, a method I have always found irresistible.
I play his game for a moment but eventually cut in. “The sooner you go, the sooner you will be back.”
As he reluctantly leaves, I courage for my own appointment. I methodically lay out my notecards and practice what I will say. After an hour of rehearsing, Robert returns visibly frustrated.
“How was your meeting? Is something wrong?”
He picks me up and deposits us both on the couch. After a few minutes of cuddles, Robert has finally calmed down.
“Thank you for this Baby,” Robert speaks without letting me go. “I was moments away from exploding on my staff. They scheduled yet ANOTHER meeting in the office, which means we are stuck here all morning. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry,” I say while tracing his lips with my finger. “There are worse places to be. And besides, we are together. Can I sit in your next meeting?”
“Of course, you are always welcome. I’m not even sure the topic, but you can pull on your ear when you get bored and I will wrap it up fast.”
Robert’s assistant buzzes the intercom to announce our 10:30 appointment.
“Mary, we will take that one in the conference room. Set up a spot for Kym please.”
As Robert leads the way, I feel an amazing rush of nerves and excitement.
“Good Morning, I hope you don’t mind my wife sitting in on this one.” Robert takes control of the room as usual. “This is my wife Kym.”
“Actually my meeting was with the both of you, sir,” Joe states definitively.
Robert clutches my hand while giving me a puzzled look.
“Joe, thank you so much for coming.” Now it is my turn to take over the room. “Our last meeting was on such terrible terms, I thought a fresh start was in order. Baby, this is the man who saved our lives.”
I take a seat and Robert clumsily sits in the chair next to me. “Joe, I must admit I was ill prepared for this. Words cannot express my thanks.”
“I’ll take it from here honey." I thumb through my notecards and elect to set them aside. "Joe, I was all alone on that plane until your voice gave me a beacon of hope. You saved my life, more importantly, you saved my daughter’s life. Our future would be forever changed without your help. I have thousands of questions, but first, how did we survive the impact?”
“Best I can tell Mrs. Herjavec, you braced yourself against both the wall of the plane and the seat in front of you. By protecting your baby, you were in the perfect position for this crash. And no thanks is necessary, I consider my actions all in a day's work."
"I only saw you that one time, where did you go?"
"When I left you, I got turned around and ended up on the other side of the mountain. I could not find my way back but did find the rest of the plane the next day. I received word that you were found safe as they took me into the hospital.”
“Joe,” Robert stammers, “were you injured in any way?”
“Just exposure sir, I was back in the air two weeks later.”
“Are you ready to move to a smaller plane? I’m always in the market for good pilots and you would have a job with the Herjavec group for the rest of your life.”
“Sir, I would have to think about it. I’ve been with Delta for twenty years.”
“Joe, we will forever be in your debt,” I cut in. “If we could just persuade you to moonlight for one flight, I am anxious to conquer my fear of flying.”
“Yes, please. I would love to treat you and your wife or girlfriend to a long weekend in Palm Springs. You can fly my G5 with Blake and I will take care of the rest. How about next Thursday?”
“I would consider it an honor,” Joe says without hesitation. “Let me know the airport and I will freshen up on my small plane training.”
yousharknotpass
romaincrisis
gummygunk
origamiaround
