Chapter 4: LOVE MULTIPLIES***

Morning sunlight peeked through the windows, illuminating Arianna's sleepy face. She stirred, feeling queasy and exhausted – familiar symptoms she hadn't experienced in years. Pregnancy!

Zander noticed her sluggishness and sat beside her on the bed. "Hey, beautiful. Rough morning?"

Arianna nodded, smiling weakly. "Morning sickness is back."

Zander's face lit up with excitement. "Our little miracle is already making their presence known!" He gently kissed her forehead and helped her sit up.

Throughout the first trimester, Zander cared for Arianna with devotion:

* He cooked bland meals like crackers and toast to soothe her stomach.

* Ran errands alone so she could rest.

* Gave gentle massages to ease her back pain.

* Even attended prenatal yoga classes with her – much to the amusement of their instructor and fellow moms-to-be.

As pregnancy symptoms subsided, excitement for the baby grew. Arianna and Zander embarked on nursery preparations together:

* They chose a soothing theme: "Enchanted Garden."

* Zander assembled the crib while Arianna decorated with adorable wall decals.

* They selected adorable onesies and toys, giggling over baby names and scenarios.

Zander accompanied Arianna to every prenatal appointment, asking thoughtful questions and taking meticulous notes:

* "What's the baby's size comparison this week, doctor?"

* "Are there any specific childbirth classes you recommend?"

* "How can we ensure the best possible breastfeeding experience for Arianna?"

Arianna felt grateful for Zander's involvement, his love and care multiplying her joy.

One evening, as they sat on the couch watching pregnancy videos, Arianna turned emotional. "Zander, what if I'm not perfect for this baby? What if I mess up?"

Zander wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "You're already perfect – perfect mom, perfect partner, perfect everything. We'll navigate this together, always."

Weeks turned into months, and Arianna's due date approached. They attended childbirth classes, packed hospital bags, and waited anxiously.

Finally, the day arrived – Arianna:s water broke at 3:00am

Arianna's water broke at 3:00 AM, sending her and Zander into excited panic.

"The baby's coming!" Arianna exclaimed, already feeling contractions.

Zander sprang into action, helping Arianna out of bed and into comfortable clothes. "I'll grab the hospital bag – you call the doctor!"

Within 20 minutes, they arrived at the hospital, wheels screeching slightly as Zander parked in the expectant mothers' parking area. Arianna giggled at his eagerness.

"I'm just ready to meet our baby!" Zander said, smiling back at her.

Inside the labor room, nurses welcomed them warmly and began preparations for delivery. Zander captured every moment on camera – Arianna's brave smiles, the fetal heart monitor beeps, and the sterile hospital scenery.

As labor progressed slowly, Zander comforted Arianna through contractions:

* Massaging her lower back with gentle pressure

* Helping her breathe through intense surges

* Whispering reassurances and loving words

* Playing soothing music and nature sounds to calm her nerves

Meanwhile, Emily and Jackson arrived with grandparents, waiting anxiously outside the labor room door. They drew "Welcome Baby" signs and speculated about the baby's name and gender.

"We think it's a girl!" Emily exclaimed.

"I hope it's a boy – I want a little brother!" Jackson added.

Hours passed, and finally, Arianna was ready to push. Zander held one leg, a nurse the other, as Arianna bore down with mighty effort.

With one final push, their little miracle arrived –

A beautiful baby girl, weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces, and measuring 20 inches long.

Zander cut the umbilical cord, overwhelmed with emotion as he gazed at their daughter. "She's perfect," he whispered to Arianna.

Arianna smiled weakly, holding their baby close for skin-to-skin contact. Zander snuggled beside them, tears of joy streaming down his face.

They named her Ava Marie – Ava for life and Marie after Arianna's mother.