⋱ ― ♱ . THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR REGRESSOR FOR DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS ♱
provide plenty of time in advance to prepare when possible. giving week notices, month notices, etc. various reminders to make sure it doesn't feel too sudden or like a jumpscare
practice the appointment with a stuffed animal at home! sometimes it helps to see their plushie is gonna be okay afterwards too
encourage them to talk to their therapist about it (if they have one)! not only that but talk to them and ask about what could be done to help them feel safer!
piggy-backing off of the last point, consider medical advocacy if needed. sometimes regressors have a hard time speaking up for themselves in the medical space. if you feel comfortable, maybe you might be able to learn what you can do to help ensure they are advocated for (i only have minor experience as a medical advocate so look up resources online or at the library)
ensure they're taking their meds responsibly. regularly, routinely, and as they're supposed to. eating beforehand if needed included.
make sure they are as comfortable as possible for the trip. comfortable clothing, an ESSA along if needed, stim toys, snacks and drinks in the car too.
afterwards, maybe they could use a treat! i personally really like getting icecream after scary doctors appointments so maybe you could take them for a treat or meal! or if you can't eat out somewhere, stop at a park or library or somewhere comforting afterwards before going home
when you get home, ensure there's lots of rest if it was really stressful. taking a nap afterwards or drinking extra water, maybe even a good bath or shower might be nice. or just alone time! it's totally okay if they just need to be alone to decompress afterwards
also as a caregiver, be kind to YOURSELF! you won't always be able to help and that's natural and okay. but you can't pour into someone else's cup if yours is empty. give yourself a chance to rest and prepare as well.
Sitting in the drs office like oh no. I'm going to make a fool of myself by talking about my ailments to the Talking About Your Ailments person who is here to hear me talk about my ailments :(
Summary: Rose and Jack find out the gender of the baby as they get the nursery ready. Jack's affections are getting harder to hide.
Warnings: Pregnancy, doctors offices, Jack being a sarcastic little shit.
A/N: Just a fluffy little chapter. The angst is lurking don't worry. Be patient with me, my sleep schedule is in the trash right now.
It was too early in the morning. It wasn’t really, only 10 am. But when you work nights, that’s really fucking early. Jack regretted his decision for a split second as his alarm rang out. He climbed out of bed, grabbing his crutches and making his way toward his savior: coffee.
“Morning.” Rose smiled as she stood in the kitchen. “Want some pancakes?”
“Just coffee.” He mumbled as he poured the hot elixir into his thermos.
“You’ll get a stomach ulcer that way.” Rose shook her head as she plated the pancakes.
“A risk worth taking.” Jack sipped the thermos before moving to the kitchen table.
“Eat.” Rose put a plate in front of him. Jack grumbled to himself as he obliged.
“You’re bossy.” He sighed, not wanting to admit the pancakes were good.
“You’re easily manipulated.” She smiled. “You don’t have to go today. I know it’s early. I tried to get later. They usually get me in last.”
“You want me to go still?”
“Yeah.”
“Then I’m going.” He chugged his coffee.
“You’re going to shit yourself.” Rose chuckled.
“Haven’t recently.”
“So, it has happened at some point.”
“I mean yeah. You haven’t shit yourself?”
“I don’t think so.”
“You’re lying.”
“I’m not!”
“Everyone shits themselves at some point. If it hasn’t happened yet, it’s coming.” Jack chuckled.
“Don’t curse me like that. I mean, I’m probably going to shit myself when I give birth.”
“That one doesn’t count. That’s not embarrassing.” Jack scoffed.
“Shitting myself in front of a whole team of people isn’t embarrassing?”
“Not when it’s medical professionals who see it every day and it’s a known part of the process.”
“You’re weird. Let’s go.” Rose sipped her tea and got up.
The exam room was too cold. It was always too cold. Rose sat on the table in her gown, socks still on. Her shoulders shook slightly.
“You okay?” Jack hummed from his stool next to her.
“Just cold.” She shrugged.
“Yeah. They don’t really adjust for the fact you’ll be in a gown.” Jack looked around the room, judging the infographics on the walls.
“Don’t be mean to the OB.” Rose sighed.
“Why would I be mean to your OB?” Jack looked at her confused. They were interrupted by a knock and a woman in her fifties came waltzing in. Her glasses were purple and her greying hair was pinned atop her head with butterfly clips. Her coat that should have been white was Pepto Bismal pink.
“Dr. Nolan! So good to see you in here this morning! Are we excited to see baby today?” She practically sung every word.
“Jesus Christ.” Jack mumbled. Rose nudged him.
“Ready as ever, Dr. Jane.” Rose forced a smile.
“Is this dad?”
“Just the support system.” Jack grunted.
“Oh! How good! It really does take a village! It’s nice to see your village showing up for you! How exciting for you to be a part of Rose’s journey into motherhood! It really is magical!” Dr. Jane started setting up the ultrasound.
“Magic, mediocre sex, same thing I guess.” Jack chuckled.
“I’ll kick you out.” Rose warned.
“Okay! Let’s say hi to baby!” Dr. Jane did a little dance as she moved the ultrasound next to Rose.
Rose laid back and rolled the gown up to her chest, the thin blanket covering her legs not offering much defense against the cold. Dr. Jane squirted the gel onto Rose’s belly. She pushed the probe into Rose’s abdomen and started scanning around.
Jack leaned over to watch the screen, doing his own exam from the images. He barely registered Rose’s grip on his bicep.
“Baby is looking good. Growing at a perfect rate.” Dr. Jane smiled. She pressed a button and the room was filled with the rapid heartbeat. Jack was taken aback. He had heard a fetal heartbeat a thousand times, he wasn’t sure why this one was impacting him so much. His chest tightened with an emotion he couldn’t quite name.
“You okay?” Rose looked over at Jack, his face was stuck somewhere between awe and fear.
“Hmm? Yeah. Yeah, just listening.” He mumbled, his eyes glued to the screen.
“Did you want to find out the gender today?” Dr. Jane asked.
“Yes! Yes. I’ve been too excited to wait.” Rose smiled.
“It’s all very exciting, I don’t blame you! I found out with all my kids.” Dr. Jane smiled. “All five.”
“Holy shit.” Jack whispered. Rose smacked his shoulder.
“Looks like…” Dr. Jane moved the wand. “You got yourself a little girl.” Rose and Jack stilled looking at the screen. The news washing over them and making their hearts explode with adoration.
“A girl.” Rose whispered.
“I’ll print these out for you. Everything looks great, Rose. Call if you have any concerns. The front desk will set you up for your next appointment. We’ll do the gestational diabetes test in a few weeks. I’d rather get you tested early with your family history.” Dr. Jane handed her the photos.
“Makes sense. Thank you, Dr. Jane.” Rose nodded as she wiped the gel from her belly.
“Of course. See you soon.” The doctor nodded and left.
“Don’t say it.” Rose warned as she handed the pictures to Jack, and then hopped off the exam table to get dressed.
“I wasn’t going to say anything.” Jack turned to face the wall.
“I can feel you wanting to say something.” Rose pulled her pants on.
“I think I did well, considering I had no warning what was going to walk through that door.” Jack snorted.
“You did terribly!” Rose hissed. “You made more than one comment- You can turn around. She probably heard you!” Rose pulled her shirt over her head.
“Warn a man that Miss Frizzle is going to walk through the door before she does! Why the fuck does she have a soccer teams worth of kids? Whose bedding that woman that much!” Jack cackled.
“You’re terrible.” Rose huffed as she grabbed her bag and walked out of the room.
“Who has a pink lab coat?” He whispered as he followed after her.
“She’s the best in Pittsburgh.”
“That can’t possibly be true.”
“Look it up.”
“I hit a nerve.”
“A little. That is the woman I have picked to deliver my child and you can’t stop making fun of her.” Rose growled.
“I’m sorry.” Jack put his hands up in surrender.
“Thank you. Go get the car. I’m going to set up my appointment and I’ll be out.” Rose sighed.
“Yes Ma’am. Dairy Queen?”
“Obviously.”
They sat at the picnic table, ice cream cones in hand, quietly contemplating the appointment. The warm air makes everything feel lighter. A woman is walking up to the ice cream stand with a little girl in tow. Rose and Jack both watch them. The little girl giggles at her mother and the mother smiles down at her.
“Was that what you wanted- Oh, for God's sake.” Jack chuckled, turning to see Rose crying.
“Sorry! Sorry.” She sniffled and wiped her face.
“Stop apologizing for normal bodily functions.” Jack tossed napkins at her.
“That’s going to be me, I get to actually have that. I didn’t think I would.” Rose cried as she licked her ice cream.
“Yeah. It’s a lot. I’m sure.” Jack cleared his throat.
“Sorry. I’m not being considerate.”
“What do you mean?” Jack looked up at her.
“You didn’t get that. I’m rubbing it in your face.” Rose gave him a look that made his stomach twist. She never had looked at him with pity, but there it was.
“Rose, don’t do that. Don’t pity me, don’t tiptoe around me. I can take it from everyone else. Not from you.” Jack growled.
“Just…let me know when you need me to shut up. I won’t be upset.” Rose sighed.
“Deal. Will you pick a color for the fucking nursery now?” Jack smiled.
“I’ll try. Dana is taking me out to do the baby registry this weekend. I’ll drag her to the paint store. She’ll force me to make a decision.” Rose nodded.
“If anyone can it’s her. Don’t make me paint it pink. Be original, I’m begging you.” Jack finished his ice cream.
“You want to see my pinterest boards?”
“Do I have to?”
“No.”
“Show me.”
The smell of paint filled the house. Oddly, Rose liked it. She chalked it up to another weird pregnancy thing. She walked into the nursery, beers and sandwiches in hand.
“Ya’ll want to take a break. You’ve been at it for a few hours.” She hummed.
“Yes!” Robby and Shen came climbing down from their ladders, sounding like they had just run a marathon.
“Did you carry that up the stairs?” Jack gave Rose a pointed look as he saw the six-pack in one hand and a tray of food in the other.
“No, I teleported up here.” Rose snorted. “I can manage to walk up the stairs, I haven’t gotten to that point yet.”
“Relax, Abbot. She’s a grown woman. I think she can make the decision to walk upstairs.” Shen chuckled. Jack shot him a killer look, John sipped his beer, and walked away.
“You said he was getting protective. I thought you were exaggerating for effect.” Robby chuckled.
“Excuse me for wanting to make sure everyone is being safe.” Jack huffed as he went back to painting.
“He’s sensitive about it.” Rose smirked.
“Hey, why green? I thought you said it was a girl?” Shen asked.
“So it has to be pink? Didn’t peg you for a misogynist, Shen.” Jack barked.
“Whoa! That is not what I meant!” John put his hands up.
“Jack, come on. That’s not fair.” Robby cocked his head to the side.
“I agree.” Rose looked at him, confused.
“Don’t stereotype my ba-…the baby before she’s even born.” Jack cleared his throat. But the words were heard. They hung in the air as everyone stared at him.
“um…green is supposed to help promote sleep.” Rose tried to distract them. “Just trying to set myself up for success. I don’t think it’ll work.”
“Sure. Green makes me sleepy, too.” John laughed.
“Thanks for the lunch.” Robby smiled as he went back to painting.
“You should go back downstairs. Shouldn’t breathe in the chemicals.” Jack said over his shoulder.
“Sure, sure. Holler if you need anything.” Rose hummed as she went back downstairs.
The room was quiet for a moment. John and Robby looked at each other as they absent-mindedly painted.
“Um…we going to talk about the elephant in the room or what?” John asked.
“No elephant.” Jack said.
“Jack. Come on.” Robby stopped painting and turned to him.
“Let it go.” Jack hissed.
“Dude. You need to tell her. The longer you wait, the weirder it gets.” John said.
“Can we just paint the damn room. Please?” Jack barked.
“You should talk to your therapist if you won’t talk to us.” Robby sighed.
Jack kept his head down and focused on the painting. His face was red with embarrassment and anger.
Rose was stirring the chilli in the crockpot. Night had fallen and John and Robby had gone home, despite her invitation to stay for dinner. The nursery was painted, but Jack wouldn’t come downstairs.
“Jack! Come on, dinner’s ready!” Rose shouted up the stairs.
“Not hungry.” Jack’s voice wafted down.
“If you don’t come down here, I’m going up there!” Rose instigated. She heard a groan and his footsteps thudding down the hallway.
“You’re manipulative,” Jack grumbled as he passed her.
“When I need to be.” She smiled.
“Chilli?” Jack sniffed the air as he walked into the kitchen.
“Yeah. You said it was your favorite. Wanted to thank you for painting the nursery.” Rose served him a big bowl of the chilli.
“You didn’t have to.” Jack happily took the bowl and sat at the table to scarf it down.
“Do you ever slow down? You’re not being rushed anymore.” Rose chuckled.
“Some habits are hard to break.” Jack wouldn’t meet her eyes.
“Can I ask you something?” Rose sat across from him, stirring her chilli in her bowl.
“You can just ask. You don’t need permission.” Jack huffed through a mouthful of food.
“It’s personal. I don’t want to push it, if you aren’t in the mood.” Rose sat back, her hands sitting low on her belly.
“Just ask it, Rose.” Jack sighed.
“You said that room was supposed to be a nursery anyway, when you asked me to move in.” Rose bit her lip.
“That’s not a question.” Jack finally looked up at her.
“What did you mean?” Rose asked.
“We bought this house for that nursery. My wife, Sarah…she started crying when she saw the window nook. She said she could see herself sitting there with our baby, rocking them to sleep. Obviously, that never happened.” Jack rubbed at his eyes.
“I’m so sorry, Jack. Today must have been hard.” Rose leaned forward.
“They’re all hard.” He cleared his throat and started eating.
“You can talk to me, I’m here for you. You can tell me anything.” Rose pushed a little further.
“I know. Sometimes I can’t…bear to hear it out loud.” Jack hung his head.
“I’m here, when you’re ready.” Rose smiled that smile that made Jack’s world spin.
And im so glad its not. Im so so so glad. Im thanking God, because of everything He's done.
They said that its not harmful, its not bad. My dad told me that the doctors want to see me in 6 months to get ultrasounds and see if the lump is getting larger or smaller.
For now they want me to keep track of my diet and sleep to look at the changes in my neck.
↑ Katla and her fellow day nurses in Sunny Ward! I don't mean to drop 2 new characters, but I dont have the energy to draw nurse Katla again on her own, so here u all go :') (I've got a lot of art and lore for sunny ward but nothing new :(
