tamara hayes; paediatrician. “don’t mistake my kindness for weakness. i am kind to everyone, but when someone is unkind to me, weak is not what you are going to remember about me.”
Tamara (she/her, cis woman) was born on July 3, 1986 in Nova Scotia, Canada and arrived to Merrock in 2024 (after years away). They prefer to be called Tam, work as a Paediatrician at Merrock Hospital, and their stomping grounds are the suburbs. Only child. Ex-wife to Cage. In a relationship with Theodore. Cat mom to Nebula. Dog mom to Duke & Luna. 'Step-mom' to Riley & Lilly. Mother to Charlotte & Blake 🖤 29/07/25 🖤
BIO. ♥ MUSINGS. ♥ CONNECTIONS. ♥ TIMELINE. ♥ MOBILE NAV.
TAM: I never got the chance to thank you and your loves for the gift basket!
TAM: It melted my heart, honestly! And there’s so many amazing products in here that I’ve definitely noted to repurchase!
TAM: how are you and your family going? Feel free to pop by anytime! It’d be great to see you.
Cradling a twin in each arm, Theo brought them downstairs from the nursery after hearing them stir over the baby monitor. They had just awoken from a nap and Theo was filling out paperwork for some bills in the living room and figured Tam could use the break. Always happy to be as hands on as he could, he loved when the twins woke up from nap time, their smiles widening at the sight of their dad. He placed each girl in the pack and play for tummy time before going over to sit on the couch next to Tamara. "You know, it'll be their first Halloween this year, we should probably start thinking of costumes for them." He watched as the twins interacted with their immediate surroundings, always in awe of how any child navigated the world.
If there was one thing she’d never get tired of being witness to, it was watching Theo be a father. Having to care for one baby wasn’t always easy, so to have him around and be present in their earliest moments was a blessing she’d forever be grateful for. “Good morning, my loves.” She cooed sleepily as she watched her better half place them carefully into their little sanctuary, a grin spreading across her face. She’d be lying if she said she hadn’t dozed off prior to the girls awakening — some lifetime movie playing softly in the background because she’d begun to feel restless In silence over the past weeks. “It will be.” Tam agreed while readjusting herself as Theo came to her side. She stretched before leaning her head against his shoulder. “We can have a night in, right? As much as I love showing them off around town, I’m… fairly exhausted.”
I don’t mind waiting, it’s not like I’m going anywhere anytime soon. I did hear the twins have made their grand entrance, just a few weeks early, which is pretty good for twins! How did everything go? How are the two new little ones? Stolen everyone’s hearts?
They did! And god, was it a time. In the moment I was so uncertain on a lot of things, medically, my brain just… jumbled up. They’re doing really well, though! We’re still keeping them at home for now, for the most part, but it won’t be long before we’re going on family walks around town, I’m sure of it! I can’t wait for you to meet them both. They’re honestly too cute and squishy, and I know that’s cliche coming from a new mom but oh my god!
Despite having had sleepless nights in the past, nothing had prepared him for going him without his twins each night after spending as much time as he could each day with them. He would take off work as long as he had to, in order to visit them and be by his partner's side. He would be there from dawn to dusk with Tam, making sure to visit Charlotte and Blake whiles in the care of the nicu. Thankful for the doctors and nurses who were caring for them, so soon they could come home. "I know," frowning softly, feeling that same aching in his chest he knew she felt. Not being able to take them home for a little while was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least, but they were where they needed to be in order to get better. The nicu was compared to the rest of the hospital, a reprieve from the harsh lighting, the quietness only broken by the cries of newborns with intermittent beeping. As he walked hand in hand with Tam, greeting the staff, he couldn't wait to see his little ones. His heart swelling as he laid eyes upon them, breathing a sigh of relief seeing their color getting better. "They're already little warriors," he smiled and squeezed her hand back, "I honestly cannot wait to take them home."
“Ah, well… they have pretty headstrong parents, so can’t be too surprised, I guess.” They had to look at the positives, after all they had been through. Despite the anxiety of the birth, they’d made it to their fairytale ending. Almost. When the twins were home and settled, she decided. That’s when she’d be at her happiest, with all their kids — Riley and Lilly included. “I’m so glad that they’re as smitten as us. I mean, Riley won’t admit it, but he totally is. You can see it in his eyes.” And if she saw it, Theo would have seen it, too. “We’ll have you home before you know it, okay?” Tamara cooed gently to the babes, a warm and hopeful smile gracing her lips as her eyes softened considerably than before. She knew that nobody wanted that more than the man beside her, resting her head against his torso as the distance closed between them. “This is real, right?” Sometimes she still had to pinch herself, even after going through eight months of pregnancy. Her life had appeared more and more surreal over the past weeks.
"Boy hair is so much easier than girl hair," he admitted on a soft laugh. Colton had been easy -- when his hair had started to get long, he had taken him to the same barber than he went to with his old man, the one that they still went to together, although it was the grandson that trimmed them up. But the girls… it was a learning curve, to say the least. And one that he was willing to figure out. "Upside, I guess if construction and restoration falls through, I can become a professional hair stylist. So, y'know, if the day comes where you need styling tips for little girl hair, apparently I'm the guy to come to," he pointed to himself with a thumb and a lopsided grin, before looking up to see that Cienna was trying to get his attention, pointing to the touch tank and bouncing a little in her sandals. "Go ahead," he nodded, "just be polite, be good, listen, pet gently." Not that he needed to worry about that with Ci. She was always gentle, always kind. He hoped they were traits that stayed with her for life. Turning back to Tamara, he gestured towards the benches that he was pretty sure solely saw the rear ends of parents who had kids who liked touch tanks. "I'm sure you appreciate a rest now and then," he said as he dropped down to sit, pulling his bag over his head and setting it next to him, letting out a soft laugh. "But yeah, for a baby. Trying for the no pressure, when it happens, it happens sort of thing."
“I can’t argue on that.” She chimed with a smile. Unless of course they happened to have long, luxurious locks — then she was sure gender didn’t play in the matter. But stereotypically, boys did tend to have shorter hair, she supposed. “Oh, yeah? You having doubts on your skills these days? Or is it just because of all these new grey hairs that you’re pondering about your career path?” Another tease — she knew Cage was quite particular when it came to that. “Early retirement doesn’t seem like it’d be your thing, after all.” Tam’s smile softened at Cienna’s excitement to move onto the next tank exhibit, thankful for the others suggestion to take a seat. Her ankles and lower back were getting a bit achy, but she’d come accustomed to that feeling. “Thanks.” She cooed gently, feeling like a whale out of water as she slowly crashed against the bench. “Well, you know what they say — that’s the best way for it to happen. I mean, look at me…” the brunette shrugged with a breathy laugh, brown hues meeting cool blues. “You should be so proud of yourself, C. Full house, full heart… It’s really great to see you thriving.”
Congratulations on your two new bundles of joy! Wishing you all a smooth transition into this new chapter. Hopefully these goodies will make things just a little easier for both you and the babies. I have included a unicorn plushie and blanket for each of the girls, as well as some baby wash, lotion, diaper rash cream, plenty of wash clothes, some onesies, hair bands, a bath robe for each, and a couple of outfit changes for each. Hopefully this all comes in handy at some point. Congrats again!
The last few days had been such a whirlwind of emotions, both good and bad, but thankfully in the end everything turned out to be positive. Theo had taken off work for a few days, instead spending each and every moment he could with Tam and visiting their baby girls. Having been discharged, he was happy to have Tam home, though he wanted to spend as much time in the nicu with the twins as they could. "Ready?" He asked Tam, offering her his hand before linking their fingers as they walked into the nicu to visit their newborns.
Tamara was the epitome of exhaustion; both physical and emotional. Still, nothing would keep her from seeing their two bundles of joy. Even if that meant living seperately for a little while, for their own good. While both Charlotte and Blake had thankfully been on the up and up, neither Tam nor Theo wanted to risk their health by taking them home, as much as they’d nothing less. “Beyond. It still feels wrong, going home without them.” Something she had said multiple times already since being discharged herself, but they were always there first thing in the morning, the last to leave at night. Entering the dimly lit room in comparison to the rest of the hospital, meeting with soft cries and steady beeping from the NICU’s occupants. Tamara offered a smile and a nod in greeting to the staff as she passed, heading straight to the bays where their girls were situated and still sleeping soundly. “Hi, my loves.” The brunette whispered sweetly, moving to sit down between their cots while hushing as one babe stirred. “Their colour looks better.” Tam noted, giving Theo’s hand a squeeze with a relieved smile.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: long para tw, medical tw, premature birth tw, birth tw, blood loss tw, hospital tw, pregnancy tw
TAM’S POV.
The time had come for Tamara to begin her maternity leave, an act that was both terrifying and exciting. Terrifying because she still remained a bit of a workaholic, and being out of her office for so long was just… odd, but exciting of course because it meant that her and Theo would really be jumping into a new lifestyle. Everything was going to change; and the unknown had her adrenaline spiking. Besides, it wasn’t like it was easy to get around comfortably with the balloon of a stomach she’d accumulated. She cured her boredom with sitcoms and music echoing through their home, and maintaining it in between. The nursery was complete, and ready for the new arrivals to come in just a months time.
Taking a breather from tidying up for the day when Tamara felt herself getting lightheaded — that was usually her queue — she pulled out a kitchen chair and tried to take deep, steady breaths. After a moment, she was almost convinced it would soon pass like every other time, but a sharp pain had her crying out not long before she felt a dampness grow between her thighs. Lifting the sundress she’d thrown on that morning, her heart pounded in her chest at the sight of crimson red trickling down her skin. This wasn’t like any bloody show she’d ever seen, in her experience, and more pain had her buckling over and tears flowing down paled cheeks.
Somehow, she managed to get to her phone that was on charge in the other room. Instead of calling for an ambulance, she instinctively hit Theo’s name. But she supposed that they were one and the same, right? Theo would get her the help she needed, and faster then anybody else probably could purely for the fact that she knew their love had no limits. They would always get to each other when they needed it. The combination of this unknown fear and the piercing pain up her spine had her collapsing quite ungraciously onto the sofa. While she waited and prayed for Theo’s voice on the other end of the line, Tamara knew she had to check herself again. Panic really settled in at the bloodbath that she was creating, reaching for the blanket and shoving it between her legs with a cry to soak up whatever was to come. Tamara was so scared, she didn’t even register the call being picked up until the sound of Theo’s voice echoed softly.
“Baby — somethings wrong — I - I need help.”
THEO’S POV.
With an early morning start with a quick kiss goodbye to Tam before heading to the firehouse, the day started out just like any other. His head swirling with thoughts of the days paperwork, any meetings on the calender, any calls they had, and of course his kids and girlfriend at home. Stopping for a coffee, he then headed to the firehouse with minutes to spare before that morning's briefing. He always kept his cell phone in his pocket, never leaving it in his captains quarters for fear of missing a call or text from his kids, his ex, his siblings, and now most of all, Tam. A fear that ran deeper since his accident last year, a subconscious one he didn't even realize he had.
As he busied himself his paperwork, the day dragged on after their first call for a vehicle accident. There were only so many drills one could subject the others to do, and he really needed to get this incident report done. Halfway through, he heard the familiar chime of his ringtone, and he looked down to see it was Tam calling.
"Hi my love," he started to say before hearing her voice on the other line, "baby. What's the matter? - I'll be right there." He hung the phone, leaving everything at his desk before racing out to the apparatus floor and called the paramedics, telling them to follow him home.
He didn't even stop for any red lights, not caring about getting a ticket, needing to get home to whatever was going on with Tam. The ambo following closely behind him, their lights and sirens blaring which evidently helped make way for any traffic on the road. He pulled into the drive way, the paremdics parking behind him, and the three of them racing to find Tam. "Hey, hey, what's the matter?" He kneeled down in front of her, taking her hand in his.
TAM’S POV.
Her blood pressure must have sky rocketed, because her vision was blurring and her head spinning. In truth, she didn’t know what the problem was — but she knew this much bleeding wasn’t normal. Swallowing harshly as she felt saliva build in her mouth, nausea induced by what she could only assume from anxiety. At least one could hope. “I don’t know — but something’s definitely w-wrong.” She didn’t end the call when he said he was on his way, she needed him right now, even if it was just the sound of his voice. Until he was by her side, that had to be good enough.
Before Tam could speak to him on the groups arrival, another surge of pain caused her body to tense up, hand gripping onto Theo’s forearm like her life depended on it. “I — I don’t want to lose them. We can’t lose them, right?” Tamara whispered sharply, her voice almost desperate and brown hues pleading for assistance. Her mind was jumping to the worst, but praying for the best. After being assessed swiftly by the paramedics and confirmation that they’d be heading to the hospital right away, Tamara did feel some inkling of comfort in that. It was the best place for her, for their girls.
The sound of the sirens had faded into the background, as did the beeping of the monitor and the urgent chatter of the emt’s. It all became a distant buzz. Was she dissociating? She wondered how far until they would reach their destination. Until she would be reunited with Theo, who had opted to tail them in his truck. It was the logical decision, she supposed. At least they’d reunite soon
THEO'S POV.
He was never one to panic, always the cool headed captain of Merrock'a fire department. But seeing Tamara in that position, how she was pale and blood was trickling down her leg. The panic in her voice on the phone and in person. He was absolutely panic stricken. He had kept the phone during the entire ride home, not wanting to leave her should anything happen. He held it together just long enough for the emts to take over, his hand never leaving hers, "we won't, I promise." His voice cracking as he spoke, his heart humping inside his chest and tears threatening to spill over.
There was no time to waste, not saying anything until she was in the back of the ambulance, running to get into his truck to follow them closely. He knew the EMTs on shift and that they'd do anything for their patient, especially one who was so close to one of their own. He trusted them wholeheartedly but he was still absolutely petrified.
Driving to the hospital, he followed the ambulance closely behind thankful he was alone in the car. He gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white, his cheeks stained with tears that kept falling. The silence was deafening, save for the sounds of him sniffling every so often. He couldn't lose her, he couldn't lose the twins. He couldn't lose any of them.
He barely stopped and parked the car before hopping out, running to find her in the ER. Bypassing security, he finally found her and grabbed her hand as they raced her up for delivery, "Hey I'm right here. I'm right here," he whispered as he walked along side the gurney. He wasn't going anywhere, being by her side for as long as he could.
TAM’S POV.
Tamara was sure she blacked out. One moment, she was in the ambulance and on route to their destination. The next, she was near blinded by iridescent lights overhead. But Theo was there, now, his touch aiding in her attempt to ground herself. Tam couldn’t particularly describe how she was feeling, she couldnt find the words. But that instinct? The one that they said many experienced when in labour, telling her to push? It crept in amidst the aching pain and Tamara let out a wail in her attempts to breathe.
Suddenly in a delivery room, she felt the cot beneath her lock in place as the medical team around her secured it in place and dropped the railings. “Just going to check you, Dr Hayes.” It was faint, but she heard it, nodding her head in confirmation. Then there was pressure, but it wasn’t particularly painful. Not compared to what else she was experiencing. Her nails dug into Theo’s skin, her own covered in beads of sweat as her body trembled. “Okay — Tamara, you’re in labour, and I can feel babies head right there — I need you to push for me, okay?”
She didn’t need to be told twice. Almost instinctively, her body bared down, and after five minutes of active pushing, she heard the softest cry. Tamara couldn’t stop the tears from falling freely now. “Because you’re losing a bit of blood, we’re going to give you an infusion.” They explained, and she nodded, but she wasn’t sure she was really listening as they lifted the tiny being to a cubicle. “Wait — i can’t hold her? Is she okay?” Tamara begged, but she knew why, really. They’d been premature, at least 3 weeks. They needed to be closely monitored, to make sure they were healthy.
They. Tamara’s heart skipped, her body drained of her strength. “She’s okay, honey — but we need you to take a deep breath, and push again.” Thank god she wasn’t going through this alone. Her gaze moved to meet her boyfriends, his baby blues looking down at her evident even through blurred vision. That was what she needed to find the strength to go on, and she could feel another wave of pain approaching before it consumed her. Her body slumped against the cot after what felt like an eternity of pushing, but the combination off cries was a symphony to her ears. “I did it?” She asked breathlessly, disbelief morphing into relief. “I did it, baby.” Brunette tresses were drenched with sweat, Tamara attempted to steady her breath and let her body recover from what it had endured.
“Go — you have to go with them.” Tamara added hoarsely, throat raw. “I’ll be okay.” She added soon enough, mustering a reassuring smile and giving his hand a squeeze. They needed at least one of their parents with them as they were moved to the NICU, and she was in good hands where she was. “I love you, so much. I’ll see you all as soon as possible.” Which was a fact, as soon as she was able.
THEO’S POV.
The trip between the hospital and being by Tam's side felt like both the longest and shortest of his entire life. He didn't know how he got there but he did, and he vaguely remembered calling Jason and telling him to get the kids and bring them with him to the hospital. But that was all what seemed like a distant memory, because here and now he was with Tam and going into a delivery room. His hands gripped hers, her nails digging into his skin but he didn't care. He would be there for it all, allowing her to take out whatever pain she needed to upon him. He had done this before, been there for both Riley and Lilly's births, helping his partner through the ebbs and flows and labor. He was an old pro, or so he thought, his pulse racing and he was sure his heartbeat could be heard by everyone around him.
Helping her bare down, holding onto her and her to him in any way that she needed to, he held his breath. The room seemed silent before hearing the first cry of twin number one, exhaling when the sound pierced the air. His eyes drifted to the doctors as they did what they needed to to baby one, and then to Tamara's his eyes filling with tears. "Baby you're doing so good," he was able to say through the emotions, the choas going on around them before she had to do it again for baby number two. He wanted to tell her to keep going and that she could do it but was cut off by the OB, telling her to push once again. He held his breath once again, waiting for the cry of their second daughter, only exhaling when she did so.
"You did it baby," he leaned down to give her a kiss on her forehead, resting his against hers momentarily. "I'm so proud of you," he whispered and locked eyes with hers before giving her another kiss. At the insistence of the doctors and Tam, he had to go be with the twins and he'd report back as soon as he could. "I love you so much, I'll be back soon I promise," he managed to say through happy tears, leaving her with a kiss upon her forehead. He followed the doctors and twins to the nicu where they were fully checked out and where he was told their sugar was a little low and a bit jaundice. They'd have to stay for a few days, but all in all they were healthy. He didn't want to hold either of them without Tam being there, so as soon as he could, he went to go back to tell her. To let her know they were okay, and they could see them soon.
That's great that you have a place to go take a dip like that, can imagine it's pretty relaxing. How are you feeling, feel like getting this close to your due date can be putting more strain on the body than not. Have you gone out on maternity leave yet? I'm sure you'll do great, and that just means cute, chunky babies even if it leaves you a little tired. You should do the diaper raffle at work, just know all the nurses and medical assistants would get in on that for some kind of raffle, they love a raffle. I would just make sure that you ask for a variety of diapers post-newborn or you'll end up with a ton that you don't end up using, though with two that maybe won't apply as much.
You’ll have to come around some time, I’ll happily share my little spot of heaven with you. Probably before the twins come, otherwise you might be waiting a while. I assume I’ll be pretty occupied come late August — that is if they don’t go over term. I actually just started my mat leave, and my back is thanking me for it. For the most part, anyway. Does that mean it’s too late to do the raffle now? Probably, huh? Oh well, it doesn’t matter. We’ve been talking names finally, after accumulating a few options. I think we’re going to keep them to ourselves for now, though. Theo and the kids, and I, I mean.
Mateo had insisted upon going swimming in the ocean, something Mena hadn't exact been the biggest fan of. But thankfully they ran into Mateo's uncle JD and he offered to take him in the ocean for a bit. After doing so, Mena and Mateo then headed over to grab some snacks. Seeing Tam, Mena smiled, "Hey!" She replied to her son's doctor, "Dude wants some cotton candy. Apparently swimming in the ocean works up an appetite. How about you? How are you feeling?"
“Well, I can’t blame him for that. Swimming definitely works up an appetite, and cotton candy is pretty yummy.” Tam mused, winking at the child before returning her gaze to his mother. “In moderation, of course.” She added with a soft laugh. “I’m doing well, thanks. I’ll be officially on leave as of next week, which will be interesting. I kind of feel like a puffer fish, though. All swollen and a little touchy at times.”
"Good place for a birthday party," he could imagine setting up the picnic blankets out in the fields, surrounded by flowers. Maybe some bees and butterflies, but that was all part of the atmosphere, the aesthetic, the girlhood of it all, he supposed. Feeling a small smile tug at the corner of his lips as she said that he could imagine them playing hairdresser, he nodded his head, "I don't even cry with frustration anymore. Most of the time." It might have been touch and go a little bit there int he beginning. Cienna's hair as beautiful, curly and full, but it was a life lesson, one that he was still eager to learn. "If by play dates, you mean the girls playing with the twins like baby dolls? Yes, absolutely," his laugh was a little more hearty as he nodded his head, knowing how a couple of four year-olds felt about babies. Living, breathing dolls. He watched Cienna move on to the next tank, taking a few steps to the side to keep her in his eye line. "But. Play dates aren't off the table. We're trying."
“Oh, I bet it took a few tries for you to be able to keep ‘em at bay.” Tamara added, mischievous smirk toying at her lips regarding any tears Cage shed. “I doubt they were ever in frustration, though. Complete adoration, maybe, but rarely frustration.” She wouldn’t say never, because she knew how parenthood could keep you on your toes. Maybe it was habit or maybe instinct, but Tamara’s attention continued to shift between Cage and Cienna. Not that she doubted her exes ability to watch a child, not in the slightest. She found herself more conscious of the little ones in the world regardless, she supposed. They deserved to be protected. “Oh, absolutely. At least when they’re able to hold their heads up on their own, they will be.” Tamara laughed, able to picture the scenario sharply in her mind. The only thing that brought that beautiful image from her attention was what he’d said next — and she hoped she wasn’t assuming or misunderstanding Cage’s words. “Really? You’re trying? Like… for a baby? Because if that’s the case, then… I’m absolutely over the moon for you, C.”
Theo shot her a playful look, his eyes narrowing as he tried to hide a smirk from forming onto his lips. "I'm excited to meet the little beans," he grinned before placing a hand on his chest, "the anticipation is killing me. But you know if I could take any of the aches or pains or 'them using your bladder as a trampoline' away I would in a heart beat." He meant it, and he knew that pregnancy took a toll on anyone, whether that involved a single baby or multiple, it was rough. He didn't envy her one bit and tried his best to be as supportive as he could. And that included agreeing to incorporate her parents somehow with naming, which he happily would do. "Kind of," he teased, laughing as he felt her foot against his, "but it just means we have a lot to choose from. Hopefully that means we agree easily." He sent a wink her way, he was only teasing as he had always been an agreeable guy when it came to picking out decor, paint colors, toys, and even baby names. His eyes scanned the list as she continued, pausing to look up as she mentioned a name. "Elaine," he repeated to see how it rolled off his tongue before then repeating and adding in the first name, "Charlotte Elaine." He liked the way it sounded, "Charlotte Elaine Hayes-Browning," knowing they'd hyphenate their last names but hopefully one day they'd all share last names. "Hm, what about Elizabeth? Maybe as a middle name? Wait would that be weird to have both twins have the same middle initial?" He looked up at her and made a face before letting out a soft giggle, but kind of liking the idea of it.
“I get it, trust me. It’s like… I want to hold them physically in my arms, but I also know they need more time to develop and grow more.” which meant that she could consume as much of the spread Theo had brought to her office as she wanted. There were always pros to every scenario. Hearing the name fall from her partners lips had her heart a flutter and sent shivers up her spine. “I… really love that, actually.” It sounded effortless, despite being a little longwinded. “And Elizabeth, is really pretty — I don’t think it’d be weird. Do you? So long as their given name begins with a different letter.” In truth, it reminded her of one of her favourite shows growing up — Lizzie McQuire. “Should we do a more gender neutral name for baby bean two?”