Burt Hummel walked down the hall towards the nursery, stretching his legs a little bit after sitting in the waiting room. He and Carole had come up to surprise Kurt and Rachel before her due date with their gifts, but once they had landed and called Kurt, they found out Rachel had been in labor for 12 or 13 hours and they were about to head to the hospital. Carole had managed to get Kurt calmed down enough to get the name of the place and the fact that Rachel's fingernails were going to leave permanent scars on his hands and elbows as they dug in during her contractions.

At least he could save on travel expenses by making two trips in one. He chuckled to himself at the thought, remembering how panicked Kurt had sounded on the phone before he had handed it off to Carole. Burt couldn't blame him. When Kurt was being born, he had been so clueless and scared at seeing Elizabeth in pain. But she of all things had kept calm and helped guide him in what he needed to be doing. How she could handle the contractions and pushing so well, he could never understand. He wondered how everything was going with the delivery. It had been a few hours and Kurt hadn't called or texted him or Carole after lunch. They both figured it would take some time for the baby to be born, but after grabbing something to eat and trying to relax at the hotel, they both ended up waiting at the hospital. It had been the same way with Finn's two kids. They both were enjoying being grandparents to them, but this one was a little more exciting for Burt.

When he got to the nursery area, the sound of little baby cries and noises filled his ears and made him smile. It wouldn't be long and one of those would be his grand baby. He was a bit surprised to see someone leaning into the glass, his hand practically frozen against it.

Especially considering it was his own son.

"Hey," he said softly, getting Kurt's attention. "Everything alright?"

"Dad," said Kurt, looking over at him in momentarily surprise at the appearance of his father. "No no, everything's fine. I just… I needed a moment."

"Rachel…"

"She's good," said Kurt with a half smile. "Sore and exhausted and calling me every name in the book during pushing. But they said I could follow Ana down to the nursery while they do their tests and peds exam."

"Ana?" said Burt, breathless. "I have a grand daughter?"

"Anastasia Barbra Elizabeth Hummel," said Kurt. "Rachel decided she had to have her middle name first since she had carried her the longest."

"Believe me kid, it won't be the only time she pulls that," chuckled Burt. "Where…"

Kurt pointed to where a nurse was gently putting a yellow cap on a baby's head. Burt could barely make her out, but she seemed to have her little reddened face scrunched up and crying.

"Testing out her lungs," chuckled Burt.

"She's done that plenty," said Kurt with a soft smile. "I don't think she's stopped crying yet."

"Have you gotten to hold her?" asked Burt.

"We both have," Kurt answered. "I got to hold her right after she was born and Rachel held her during the whole... after delivery things. And they let me give her a bath. The nurse wouldn't let me put her in our packed clothes though. Said she had to stay in the hospital things for a while."

"The sequins might blind the other babies," teased Burt. Kurt rolled his eyes.

"Very funny Dad."

"So why are you out here and not in there?" asked Burt, gesturing to the nurse holding Ana at the moment.

"I…" said Kurt, hesitating. He looked conflicted. "They're bringing her back to Rachel in just a few minutes after they get her her bleeding seen about. I'm supposed to go back there, but…"

"You didn't want to leave her," said Burt, putting his hands in his pockets.

"I made it out the door?" said Kurt. Burt laughed softly at Kurt's attempt at a joke.

"You're thinking like a dad," said Burt. "You don't want to leave her behind. Once those nurses put that tiny little human in your arms and they tell you it's yours it's like something switches in your brain and all the sudden you're no longer an expecting parent, you're actually a parent. For this… little red wrinkly thing that cries a lot. And poops. And makes messes all across your living room floor with said poop."

Kurt wrinkled his nose at the thought and turned back towards the glass.

"How do you let go?"

"You don't," said Burt. He could see Kurt was on the verge of having tears in his eyes. Burt looked towards the glass where the nurse had moved towards the window with the baby and was gesturing for Kurt to come back in.

"Go get my new grand daughter," said Burt, putting a hand on Kurt's shoulder. "So I can hold her. Hiram and Leroy are just going to have to wait in line."

Kurt laughed at that and went back inside the nursery to get his newborn daughter. The nurse handed her over and wheeled the bassinet out with Kurt for transport. When Kurt came out with the baby, Burt was happy at how much at much at ease Kurt looked to be already. Little blue eyes had opened by the time they got to Burt, and she whimpered a little when Kurt laid her in his dad's arms.

"Ana, say hi to your grandpa."

"She's beautiful Kurt."

"You should see her head," he said. "She has no hair practically. It's all very fine."

"It'll grow in. Between your head of hair and Rachel's, she's going to have plenty, aren't you Ana?"

"We should get her back to Rachel," said Kurt. "She's probably getting a little hungry."

When Kurt and the nurse had reappeared, Rachel was relieved to see her husband. She was now sitting up in bed with her phone, having changed and gotten more comfortable in a pair of pajamas that opened in front so she could easily access her breasts for feeding.

"Hey honey," he said, kissing her.

"It hurt to go to the bathroom," she said as he rubbed her shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "But I brought back an awake baby."

The nurse handed Ana to Rachel, who started unbuttoning her top and snapping open her nursing bra.

"Do you want your nursing pillow?" asked Kurt.

"I think I'll try it without," said Rachel. "From what I've read, she won't be nursing for long. She's still going to be sleepy, aren't you Ana?" She smiled down at her daughter in her arms, who seemed to be searching for something with her mouth and eyes.

The nurse gave Rachel a few pointers, but Kurt knew Rachel was practically an expert in theory. Practice however...

But it didn't take long for Ana to latch on and suckle a little with Rachel's help and the nurse left after watching for a few moments to make sure she had it down. He slowly had picked up their video camera from the window sill and zoomed in carefully, watching as Rachel bonded with their daughter. While in the beginning he thought it was just about food and feeding their child, it went deeper than that. She was still providing for their baby in a way only she could. Rachel switched breasts, but Ana looked like she was falling asleep. He chuckled and Rachel looked up at him. She was not amused when she saw the camera.

"Kurt... really?"

There was a knock on the door, and Kurt put down the camera and went to answer it, knowing it was his Dad and Carole. He let them in, not even thinking at first.

"Oops," he said, as he turned and looked at Rachel, who was giving him a look that meant he was going be physically maimed.

"I didn't think..." She sighed, adjusting Ana in her arms a little.

"We're all adults," said Carole, laughing at the look Rachel was giving Kurt. "I think we can all agree we know what breasts are like."

"I promise I'll avert my eyes if you need me to Rachel. Sorry we interrupted Ana's first meal," said Burt.

"I think we'll manage," said Kurt, standing in front of Rachel for a moment. He winced when he felt his hip being pinched before she straightened up her bra and top. Kurt kissed her apologetically on top of the head. Carole came over to the bed and started gushing over Ana.

"When are Hiram and Leroy coming?" asked Burt.

"Dad said that he and Daddy were booking their tickets and would be here tomorrow," said Rachel. "I sent them a baby picture and I think they're in love already."

"Can I?" said Carole. She sat down on the edge of the bed after Rachel nodded. She took Ana from Rachel and Burt pulled a camera out from Carole's purse beside him on the couch and snapped a picture.

"Oh I need to call Mercedes," said Kurt. "I promised after grandparents and uncles she'd be the first to know when the baby was born."

"I'm surprised you two haven't already been tweeting about it," said Carole. Rachel shrugged, smiling at Kurt, who smiled back.

"Today's just a family day. We can do the social media managing tomorrow."

"Before we forget," said Burt. He handed off some paperwork to Kurt, who looked bewildered at the checkbook.

"What is this?" he asked.

"My gift to Ana," said Burt. "It's only a couple of thousand, but I thought we both could start her a college fund for the future. I spoke with some people and they gave me some numbers so we can start putting away money for the future. I thought you and me both could add to the fund."

"Dad..." said Kurt.

"I couldn't think of a better gift," said Burt. "Than starting my grand baby's education. We did the same for Finn's kids."

"Thank you," said Kurt.

"You're only a few hours old you already have your own bank account," cooed Rachel at Ana in Carole's arms. They all laughed at that.

"Burt, if you can hand the bag to Kurt..." said Carole. "This is my gift. It's something that's always been done in my family. Since children are made from both partners in life, a patchwork quilt is always made from things of both the parents. I had a little help from Hiram Rachel, who gave me some fabric from a costume you wore to a dance competition when you were eight. Kurt, yours came from a certain Lady Gaga costume that was left at our house." He was amused as he laid the blanket across his knees. The shiny silver fabric felt soft beneath his fingertips.

"There are some other things. An old McKinley t-shirt I thought you might appreciate, and Mr. Schue actually gave me a couple of the old costumes that they were retiring, so you might recognize some of the fabric.

"Isn't that the sky blue dress fabric from Nationals in New York?" asked Kurt to Rachel, pointing out a spot.

"It is," said Rachel. "Oh my gosh, I'm surprised the school kept them."

"This is gorgeous Carole," said Kurt. "I didn't even know you quilted."

"I do have some talents," she said, giving Burt a look, who chuckled. He came over and took Ana from her.

"You should see the one she did for Finn and Marley, it's huge."

"I had more fabric from his life, and Marley's mom helped me."

"I think I know where that patch is from," laughed Rachel, pointing to the grey and pink spot in the middle.

"You should," smiled Carole. "It was all over the place at your wedding."

Burt and Carole left when it came time for dinner, promising to return. Rachel was starving when they came around with the meals. Kurt was grateful to see their vegan option looked really good. She ate everything off the plate, even opting for more snacks.

"You going to go grab something from the hospital cafeteria?" asked Rachel. "You haven't eaten anything since breakfast honey, and that wasn't a lot of food."

"No, I think I'm going to walk down the street and get something from that little French place, Le Pain Quotidien? I need something fatty, salty, and decadent."

"That does sound really good right now."

"You want something?"

"Kurt, I just ate."

"And?" he said.

"You know what I would want." He chuckled and kissed her cheek before kissing a sleeping Ana as well. Rachel watched him leave with a sigh, kind of grateful she didn't have to go anywhere. The nurse had come back in and massaged her abdomen after eating, which made things kind of painful. She explained that this would help her uterus contract and she could get Kurt to help it along as well. Rachel was halfway tempted to turn on the TV, but instead opted for picking up her phone and texting Shelby with a picture of Ana and all the birth details. She wanted to rest, but she could wait till Kurt came back. And she really hoped he would bring her back something sweet. The dried fruit and dark chocolate chips in her trail mix she had made was not enough.

About 45 minutes later, Kurt came back with two large brown bags. Rachel looked bewildered.

"What all did you order Kurt?" she said, looking at them.

"I may have went a little overboard," he said muffled as he took off his jacket and scarf.

"I can tell," she said. Kurt reached into one of the sacks after sitting them down on the couch and pulled out two plastic containers.

"A vegetable quiche with leeks and mushrooms and a kale side salad with raspberry vinaigrette."

"I'm going to be so full," moaned Rachel as Kurt handed her some cutlery to go with her food.

"And one more thing," he said, placing another container on her lap.

"A Belgian chocolate brownie, still warm."

"This is bribery, I know it," said Rachel. Kurt gave her a half smile and she opened the quiche and dug into it.

"So what did you get?"

"For tonight?"

"You bought something for tomorrow?" asked Rachel.

"A couple of ham & Gruyere croissants."

"That'll be a good breakfast for you at least," she teased.

"You get plain oatmeal, probably. And some fruit."

Rachel wrinkled her nose at that.

"Eat," he said. "And I got a chicken curry tartine and a Quiche Lorraine."

"What is it with you and ham and cheese?"

"Maybe I've got a craving?" said Kurt as he started unpacking the open faced sandwich.

"Now you'll be the one gaining weight," smirked Rachel.

"Oh god, I hope not," said Kurt, picking at the chicken. "Although I may have had a piece of carrot cake and a mimosa as they finished my order."

"Kurt, please tell me you're not pregnant. I don't think we can deal with another child so soon."

He snorted into his food. Rachel couldn't help but laugh herself.

"At least it was organic carrot cake? Completely gluten free and vegan."

"Was it delicious?"

"We're going for lunch one day," said Kurt.

"With a baby," said Rachel. "We're going to be one of those people."

"So we'll be one of those people," shrugged Kurt. "It's not like we have to be stuck at home just because we have a kid. We'll have to be strategic."

"You know they recommend that you be cautious with the baby for the first couple of weeks, just to avoid the cold and flu as it goes around," frowned Rachel. "It's a good thing we both had the flu shot."

"So our season court-side seats for the Knicks are going to go to waste then."

Rachel started laughing, holding her abdomen and laying her head back against the bed.

"Kurt, you don't even like basketball."

He chuckled at that before going back to his sandwich. A loud whimper could be heard from the soft white sleeper in the room. It turned into a full fledged cry and Kurt got up off the couch and went over and picked Ana up.

"Don't cry sweetheart, Daddy's got you," he crooned into her ear as he held her gently. He kissed her small cheek, holding her upright against his shoulder and rubbing her back. When he did, the diaper felt a little heavy.

"I think someone might have had her first bowel movement," said Kurt. "Do they have diapers-?"

"Under the changing table," said Rachel. She moved to get the video camera, which was now beside the bed. "Now this needs recording. You changing your first diaper."

"I've actually changed my cousins when they were little, thank you." He laid Ana down, unwrapping the blanket from around her.

"You don't smell stinky," he said, giving her a little smile. Her face was turning red from crying, but the actual cries were less. She was wiggling and Kurt heard Rachel laughing as the baby yawned, stretching.

"You are tired huh?" said Kurt. "I can't blame you after being pushed out of your Mommy's body all day."

"Well, Mommy is tired too," said Rachel, snuggling into Kurt's shoulder and peeking around him as he started to unfasten the diaper.

"Whoa," he said. "I do believe you needed a change." He shook his head, looking back at Rachel. "That looks like something you'd see at the tire shop in the waste barrel."

"Newborn baby poop is blackish with everything she swallowed in womb," said Rachel. "It kind of does look like motor oil though."

"I do believe someone was ready for a new diaper," said Kurt as he threw the diaper in the silver rubbage bin beside the table. He reached for the handy thing of wipes, trying to be careful as he picked up his newborn child. It made his heart skip a little as he held up her legs and slid the new diaper underneath her. She was so small and tiny. The nurse had said when she was weighed that she was seven pounds.

"You're doing so good," cooed Rachel to the baby, who looked at her momma with the brightest of eyes.

"What about me?" said Kurt as he fastened the diaper.

"You're about average," said Rachel, looking at the preview window on the camera.

"Thanks a lot," scoffed Kurt. He went to wash his hands and Rachel started redressing their daughter. Kurt reached down and helped her wrap the blanket around Ana, who was looking up at the both of them.

"I know, I know. We're weird parents," said Kurt as he picked up his child. He went and sat in the rocking chair with Ana, gently rocking back and forth. Rachel was following him with the camera.

"You're probably going to hear a lot of sarcasm and maybe a few fights from us over the years. And there will be lots of bad jokes and impersonations. Those will come from your Uncle Finn and Sam though."

"She'll probably love Sam's bad impressions."

"He does seem to have that effect on kids," agreed Kurt. Rachel laid a hand on Ana's small hat, before kissing her forehead.

"And I apologize sweetie if you ever walk in and see me sticking my tongue down your daddy's throat. I will personally pay for your extensive therapy lessons."

Kurt made a noise at that.

"God, I hope our child doesn't need therapy."

"At least our insurance will cover it?" said Rachel.

"I just want to hope our child grows up in a world better than we did," he said. Rachel ducked her head, but nodded.

"And they will," said Rachel. "They'll be able to do what they want to do. We'll help them along the way however we can."

"I think I'm going to hold Ana a while," said Kurt. "You should finish eating. I know someone will want to eat herself soon."

Kurt had been right. As soon as she finished eating and cleaned up, Ana was ready to feed herself. She was quite attentive to her mother as she nursed. Kurt watched the scene as he finished his quiche, yawning. While she had taken a couple of naps, she was certain that Kurt hadn't slept for about 48 hours. And it was catching up to him.

"Sleep," she said, pointing to the couch. He whined.

"We're fine Kurt. Rest. The nurse said extra pillows and blankets were-"

"Top of the closet, yes," said Kurt. He sighed.

"Sleep."

"Yes mother," he muttered, trying to be sarcastic. They both stopped and stared at each other for a moment. Rachel laughed, tightening her grip on Ana. Kurt just shook his head and wiped his face with his hand.

"I need sleep."

"You do," said Rachel.

He grunted and went to the closet and pulled down a pillow and a blanket.

"I'm glad you stayed with us," said Rachel. "You could have gone home and slept."

Kurt looked at her for a moment, as if he was considering what she had said.

"I could never leave you both," he said softly. Rachel smiled at him and patted the spot beside her on the bed. He eased out of his shoes and got up on the bed with Rachel. They both watched Ana sleeping.

"She's beautiful," said Kurt.

"We did good honey," said Rachel. Kurt kissed her, running his fingers through her hair. It felt Rachel breathless for a moment and she opened her eyes, looking into Kurt's blue ones.

"You did amazing."

Rachel laid her head on his shoulder, trying to not to squee a little at Kurt for his words as she smiled brightly. She hid her face for a moment before looking down at Ana.

"I hope you got all your daddy's good genes. You're going to need them here in New York."

Kurt didn't remember much about getting out of Rachel's bed and making up the couch, but apparently he had slept through the night. It was light outside and Rachel was up sitting in the armchair with Ana.

"Your daddy is a sleepyhead," she said, kissing Ana's little hat.

He blinked a couple of times, getting his bearings. Kurt really hadn't expected to sleep that well on a hospital couch, especially through Ana's cries. He sat up and started to stammer out an apology.

"I'm sorry Rachel, I didn't mean..."

"Kurt you were tired," said Rachel. "Ana, tell your Daddy that you slept too. I had to wake you up for feedings, didn't I?"

"Did you rest any?" asked Kurt. Rachel nodded.

"We both did sleep well. She ate and went back to sleep. Ana didn't even put up much of a fuss. And it was hard not to sleep when you two were both dead to the world. I talked to the nurse this morning and she came in to check on us and she laughed when she saw that all three of us were asleep. She said it never happens."

"Still bleeding?" he asked.

Rachel grimaced. "Yes, and I'm going to be bleeding probably for weeks. But just not as heavy."

"I'll take Ana if you'd like to shower."

"I'd love one," said Rachel. "Dad and Daddy are on their way to New York, and Mercedes and Quinn will be here in an hour."

"You've been busy," said Kurt.

"I also spoke my PR, posted a picture of you holding Ana to our social media accounts, and made our first pediatrician appointment."

"You did what? Rachel..."

She grinned cheekily. "It's a cute picture, everyone loves it." Rachel kissed the top of his head before handing him Ana to hold. Getting out her bag, she headed for the bathroom.

"I'm going to kick your mother," muttered Kurt to Ana, who was looking at him. He took her little hand into his, teasing the little fingers. He kissed it after a moment, laughing as she wiggled and moved her arms.

"I'm happy you are here," he said, tracing her cheek with his finger. "I need someone who'll help me put up with her." He kissed Ana's forehead. He eased up off the couch and went over to the rocking chair. Kurt started rocking Ana back to sleep, who seemed content to lay there and look at the ceiling for a little while. Kurt heard the shower turn off, but with a small moan following it.

"Rachel?" directed Kurt towards the bathroom.

"I'm alright," said his wife through the slightly open door. "Just a little sore."

"You need me?" he asked.

"No, but giving birth really, really sucks."

Kurt got up and put Ana down in the small bassinet in the room. He went into the bathroom and found Rachel grimacing as she rubbed her side.

"Would you mind?" she said. "I dropped my towel." Kurt looked down and picked up the white and fluffy cloth and wrapped it around Rachel, holding her close to him. She adjusted it and give Kurt a thank you kiss.

"Thanks sweetie. I-"

A very loud wail met both their ears.

"I'll go get her," said Kurt, washing his hands quickly. He walked back over to the baby bed and picked up Ana, who was crying at the top of her lungs.

"What's wrong sweetheart? Did you get lonely?" he cooed as he sat back down in the rocking chair with Ana. "Did you think Daddy wasn't coming back? I'm sorry. I'm not going to abandon you, don't worry." He rubbed her back and gently held her head. He checked her diaper.

"You're not poopy or wet at least." She cried louder, obviously not happy. He bounced her slightly, but her face got redder as she cried louder.

"Oh Ana..." he said, kissing her cheek and cuddling her close to him, re-wrapping her blanket and trying to be careful of the umbilical cord stump. It still amazed him that not even 24 hours ago, Ana was still attached by it inside Rachel's body.

The baby seem to quieten down some, her face still scrunched up a little.

"Rachel, have you fed Ana?"

"Right before you woke up," she said, coming into the room.

Kurt got an idea and held the crook of his finger to her lips. She latched onto it quickly, sucking on it. Rachel saw what he was doing and laughed.

"I think she still maybe hungry," said Kurt.

"As soon as I finish changing, we can try it." Rachel pulled out a cute nightgown and robe, along with a makeup bag. Kurt looked skeptical.

"You're the one who told me I looked terrible," she said with a shrug, looking amused at her husband.

"I was kidding," said Kurt. "You were in labor Rachel and I was trying not to panic. You know we both made a pact that anything we said during those hours wouldn't be held against us unless the blackmail was a justifiable cause."

Rachel had to resist the urge to reach over and pat his head like a child.

"I'm changing into something nice because I'm going to get Dad when they get here to take a photo of us," she said. "So we can have a family photo."

"You would say that when I look terrible."

"Well I think you look adorable," she said, running her fingers through the back of his hair. "And you've put Ana back to sleep by letting her suck on your finger."

Kurt looked down and realized Ana had fallen back to sleep in his arms.

"Guess that worked."

"Don't do that very much. She needs to focus on eating."

After Rachel had gotten changed, there was a knock on the door. When Kurt said for whoever it was to come in, he and Rachel both hadn't expected to be greeted by the hilarious sight in front of them. Both Mercedes and Quinn came in at the same time, wearing large pink shimmery faerie wings, sparkly pink and white tiaras, and each of them carried a glittery pink wand. Cheesy grins adorned both their faces and Rachel gasped at the both of them. Kurt sat there in the rocking chair, laughing. He held up his phone and took a picture of the both of them as they were oohing and awwing over Rachel's shoulder at the baby.

"How did you-?"

"We put our heads together," said Mercedes, waving her wand. "And since neither of you has mentioned anything about godparents..."

"It was safe to assume that you were choosing us to be godmothers," said Quinn. "Which we're both honored, by the way. We can't wait to meet Ana."

"And we'd better be holding our god baby soon," said Mercedes.

"Kurt, can you?" said Rachel, gesturing to Ana in her arms. Both Mercedes and Quinn squealed as they went and sat down on the couch.

"She's so precious Rachel!" said Mercedes as Kurt laid his daughter in her arms.

"And tiny," said Quinn, peering over Mercedes' shoulder.

"She weighed about seven pounds," said Kurt. "She felt heavier when I caught her."

"Wait, what?" asked Quinn, looking up at Kurt.

"Ana came pretty quickly," said Rachel. "I only did maybe... 15 minutes of pushing?"

"If it was even that," said Kurt. "The doctor didn't get there in time, so it was just me and the labor and delivery nurse. So I caught Ana."

"That must have been interesting," said Mercedes.

"Felt like the weight of the world was in my hands," said Kurt. "She was so red and crying."

"All the blood and the..."

"It was a little gross yes," said Kurt. "But I don't think I would have done it any differently."

"I would have," said Rachel. "I think I should have gone for the medication after all."

"Wait, I thought you were..." said Quinn, frowning.

"She thought she was going to be big and strong and take it all on her own," said Kurt, giving Rachel a side smile. "She did well."

"You did good Momma," said Mercedes, giving Rachel a smile. Quinn started doing gimme hands at Mercedes, wanting to hold Ana. She carefully handed over the baby, who wasn't fazed at all about being passed around.

"She is sleeping soundly," said Quinn.

"Kurt put her to sleep," said Rachel with a yawn. "I think the only one who didn't sleep as much is me and I'm the one who did all the work."

"Still cramping and having contractions?" asked Mercedes. Rachel nodded.

"That and being sore," she added. "Plus trying to get her started on a feeding schedule. "Ana wanted to sleep more than she did eat."

"Oh, I wanted to tell you two while we're here," said Quinn. "I figured the last couple of days you've been a little busy, so you might not have seen it, but Santana and Brittany are moving back to New York."

"I'm surprised," said Kurt. "I thought they were happy out in L.A."

"They were," said Quinn. "But Santana's got a project here in New York, so they're going to stay here for a while."

"What is she doing?" asked Rachel. Quinn shrugged.

"Contract negotiations are still going on, so she can't say anything."

"I'm sure Brittany will be sad to give up the beach," said Rachel. "She seemed to be enjoying getting to surf."

"I'm still bewildered how she got Lord Tubbington on that surfboard," Kurt added.

"So we're going to throw them a welcome back party at their new apartment," said Quinn. "Just some snacks and drinks. Everyone's been invited."

Rachel frowned at that. "I don't know. Both of our parents are here, and..."

"We get it," said Mercedes. "You just had a baby Rachel. These things take up a lot of time and energy. I know you've got to be exhausted."

"We'll just have to see," said Kurt.

"Everyone will understand. Don't worry about it," said Quinn. "I'm sure they've all seen the baby pictures by now."

"Speaking of baby pictures," said Mercedes. "We want our godmother pictures with Ana." She pulled out a camera from her purse and handed it to Kurt while Quinn handed him her phone.

After Rachel's dads had made it to New York and the hospital, Burt and Carole came to the hospital to meet up with Hiram and Leroy. The grandparents were going for dinner together. Rachel had a sneaking suspicion her dads were already scheduling the upcoming (and probably future) holidays. Flowers had started to be delivered: one from the crew of her last production, one from her friend Claire, and another from Jesse. They came with an assortment of balloons, and much to her amusement, Jesse's had come with a Care Bear. It was all going to be a handful to get home.

Both Doctor McKenna and Doctor Mills had come by to see her. Doctor McKenna had apologized for not being able to be there, but Rachel told her that Clara had explained she had been in surgery, and that she had the second best possible person (Okay the first, but she couldn't tell her doctor that) to help deliver the baby.

With all of that and breastfeeding Ana, she was tired. And being cooped up in one room was driving her nuts, even if she could get up and walk the facilities if she wanted. This was one of the reasons she hadn't really wanted to do a hospital birth: it meant that she would have to stay a minimum of 24 to 48 hours. She had been bleeding a lot, so Doctor McKenna had wanted to keep an eye on it a little longer. They would be leaving in the morning at least. The hospital pediatrician had come by and gave Ana a check up and told them that all was well and she was ready to go home.

Home sounded really good right now, though Rachel as she looked out the window at the sun setting over the city. Beside her on the bed, Kurt was holding Ana on his bent knees. She was awake and content, her eyes expressive as she watched her daddy kiss her little hands.

"You have such cute little fingers, don't you," he said. "So small and perfect."

"She takes after her daddy," said Rachel, kissing a little hand too. "She got all the good Hummel DNA."

"Well, we are remarkable specimens," said Kurt. "Very rare breed."

"I must be special, I have two of you now," said Rachel, giving Kurt a smirk.

"Wanting to start your own Hummel clan?" said Kurt.

"If we both like having children," Rachel said, choosing her words carefully. "Then I would consider having more."

"Let's get through this one first," said Kurt. "We may hit the teething stage and decide one will be plenty."

The next morning after having one last meet with her doctor and saying good bye to Clara, the Hummel family was ready to go home. Things were packed, discharge papers signed, and much to her protest, little Ana had been undressed and redressed in warm clothing so she could go outdoors.

There was only one problem.

"Kurt Elizabeth Hummel, if you don't put down that camera right now…" warned Rachel while she put on her jacket.

"But you and Ana are about to leave the hospital," he said from behind the video camera. She glared at him.

"And YOU'RE going to BE in the hospital if you don't come help me honey," Rachel said with a glare. Kurt sighed and turned off the recording device.

"Better," she said. "I know it's a big event, but we have a lot of stuff…"

"And I already sent the flowers and gifts and the leftover snacks back to the apartment with Dad and Carole so that's something at least," said Kurt with a sigh. He picked up two of the bags off the bed and sat them down on the floor. Ana was asleep in the car seat already in the middle of the bed. He kissed the top of her bald head, being careful of her soft spot. She was already dressed in a little jacket with a matching hat for the season, but it had already slipped off in her sleep. Rachel picked it up from behind her head and placed it back on. She pulled the blankets tighter around their daughter to help keep her warm during the trip. Ana hadn't enjoyed being undressed from the hospital things, but she had fallen asleep quickly once she was warmed up again.

"We're taking home a baby," Rachel said softly.

"Unfortunately the DNA tests said she was all ours," said Kurt, cracking a small smile. "And the grandparents are already attached. So I think we're stuck with her."

"Like you'd ever leave her behind," said Rachel, trying to avoid being too sarcastic as she was just happy to be getting out of the hospital. "I know you."

"There is something about cutting the cord that makes you feel attached."

Rachel rolled her eyes and hugged on Kurt's arm.

"We'll be home soon enough and you'll get to play."

"I know you're ready to get home and sleep," mused Kurt.

"Hospital beds aren't the best," Rachel said with a sigh. "I just want to take a nap for like… two weeks."

Kurt nodded. "You think we're ready?"

"I think so," said Rachel. "And there's my ride."

An orderly laughed from the doorway and did a wheelie with the wheelchair. "And it's car seat friendly." Kurt pulled on the handle of one of the suitcases and sat it down to roll as he pushed the overnight one on his shoulder. Rachel carefully sat down in the chair and the male orderly cooed at baby Ana.

"She's beautiful."

"Thank you," said Rachel. "Shall we go?" She glared at Kurt again. He had taken his camera back out and was filming.

"Spoilsport," he said with a sigh, turning it off.

A taxi ride and a trip up the elevator and Kurt told Rachel quietly to wait as he opened the door. She rolled her eyes but smiled and watched as he opened the door carefully and put the bags in to keep from waking up Ana with the loud noise. Rachel strolled inside with the car seat, taking it over to the kitchen table and getting Ana out. It felt good to be in their apartment. She went over to the couch in the living room and sat down.

"We're home Ana," she said. "Even if you are asleep and missing your first moments."

"I think this is better than her hour long crying fit she had last night," said Kurt as he crossed through the living room to the kitchen. He took Ana's car seat and headed for the baby's room.

Rachel shuddered at that, remembering how they had both been at a loss as to what to do to comfort her. Their daughter had just kept crying and crying, even after doing everything from diaper change to feeding and rocking her. The only thing that seemed to work was Rachel taking off her nursing bra and laying Ana directly on her skin. Her heartbeat seemed to calm her enough to stop crying.

Which made sense when Rachel thought about it. Ana had been inside of her for months and had gone to sleep listening to her heart beat many times. She wondered what it was like, hearing all the different sounds the human body makes on the inside.

Ana yawned and was stretching, which caught Rachel's attention. Her eyes opened, but she closed them again.

"You're Mommy's little Sleeping Beauty, aren't you?" said Rachel, rubbing a finger down her face. Little lips puckered and she smiled.

"Lunchtime huh?"

"I could use some lunch," said Kurt. "But I think Carole said something about bringing back food for everyone." He came back in into the living room after putting their suitcases in the hall closet. Rachel gave him a look while unfastening her blouse.

"Oh, you meant that lunchtime," said Kurt. Rachel nodded her head after unfastening her nursing bra.

"Mmhmm," said Rachel. "Some water please?"

Kurt nodded and went into the kitchen and brought back a glass full with ice before going back into the bedroom and delivering Rachel's breastfeeding pillow.

"I should have thought of that. Thank you," she said.

"You rest," he said. "Things are taken care of."

"Thank you," said Rachel. "You know, not that I'm not grateful for the time we got to spend together with Ana, but... I wonder why none of our friends came except for Quinn and Mercedes. And that's because we asked them to."

"That's simple," said Kurt, as he sat down beside her.

"Why so?" asked Rachel, adjusting Ana a little.

He took out his phone and started to check his messages. "I told them not to."

Rachel was stunned. "Why?"

"You needed time," said Kurt. "To rest and get used to feeding. So I made the decision. It worked, I think."

"Kurt, you didn't have to..."

"I did," he said. "My family comes first, and even if they are like family by now. But you getting used to feeding is not easy and we all needed the time."

"It is a little complicated," said Rachel. "And my nipples are sore."

"You want some of the cream?" asked Kurt.

"In a little bit," said Rachel, looking down at Ana. "Someone's hungry."

After visiting from the grandparents, loads of phone calls to return, and things to put away, a very tired Hummel household was glad it was time for bed. Kurt walked into the bedroom after a long phone conversation with Isabelle to find Rachel walking the floor with their daughter, singing softly to her a song he didn't recognize. He wasn't even sure if it was in English. But it struck him as beautiful as he stood there with his phone in his hand, recording it. Rachel hadn't even noticed he had entered the room. He leaned against the wall, feeling warm and happy at the sight in front of him. It was overwhelming, really. To be filled with so much more love than he realized he could hold. Not only for the tiny new life that they had created, but the love that had changed and evolved for his wife. She had grown a child in her body and bore her into the world. It was a different feeling, seeing her in a new role as mother to their daughter.

"Oh Kurt!" said Rachel, noticing him. "Come here." He shut off his phone and went over to Rachel, who automatically started pushing up his sweater and shirt.

"Hey!" he said. "What-"

"Take off your shirt," she said. "I have an idea."

He gave her a look like she had gone nuts.

"Just go with it," she said. "And sit down on the bed."

That one earned her an arched eyebrow. She poked him in the shoulder, and he did so, settling down on the bed. She gently took the blanket off Ana, along with the soft t-shirt she was wearing along with a snap-on yellow onesie. The only thing left was her diaper. Ana almost seemed perturbed by this new situation as she whimpered. Rachel gestured for Kurt to lay back against the headboard and pillows. She laid Ana on his chest, beaming as she pulled back to look at them. Ana didn't seem to mind, curling up with arms and knees bent. She snuggled down into his chest, trying to get warm. Kurt couldn't breathe for a moment, trying to decide if doing so would disturb her.

"I thought she could use a little daddy and tummy time. It is good to get skin to skin contact," said Rachel. Ana was making little gurgling noises, which made Kurt laugh. He was a little shaky as he breathed deep.

"You could have warned me," he said, kissing the top of Ana's head gently. "Is it really okay-?"

"Not for long periods of time, but three to five minutes will not hurt her. I wish I had thought of this sooner. We could have been doing this at the hospital."

"I don't think she's too terribly impressed," said Kurt. He placed a hand on her back as she was wiggling around.

"You're a different heartbeat," said Rachel, sitting down on the bed. She rubbed Ana's little foot, who moved it, kicking her mommy in the process. "But she knows Daddy."

"I hope," said Kurt.

"She does," said Rachel with a smile. "Although probably more by voice."

Kurt gently pulled her a little further up. It was different, being this close to his child. He could almost go to sleep listening to the rhythm of her breathing. They stayed that way for a few minutes. Ana was moving around on Kurt, yawning as she showed off her little pink tongue. Rachel chuckled and pulled the co-sleeper they had bought closer to her side of the bed. She kissed Kurt's temple and took Ana, who didn't want to be moved. But once Rachel started to redress her and wrap her back up, she didn't protest. She gently laid Ana down to sleep.

"What were you singing when you were walking Ana?" asked Kurt.

"An old children's song Daddy taught me," she said, laying down next to her husband on the bed.

"It sounded like it was in another language," said Kurt.

"It was," said Rachel. "I've forgotten the words in English. It's in Hebrew. I think the song title is 'Come, clouds.' It's about wanting rain for the garden."

"It was nice," said Kurt.

"I don't know what made me think of it," said Rachel, "I haven't thought about it in years."

"We should go," said Kurt.

"Go where?" said Rachel, pulling on the covers and getting under them.

"You know where," he said.

"We should," agreed Rachel. "It would be nice to be together with everyone for a little while."

They both shared a smile.

It was an awkward elevator ride with a baby carrier and squeezing in with people. Everyone wanted to know how old Ana was and couldn't believe that she was not over 72 hours old. An older lady chided Kurt for letting his wife out so early after having a baby. They both had laughed at that. If Rachel had wanted to go somewhere, it wasn't like he could stop her.

They got to the apartment door and knocked. There was a lot of murmuring and some music coming from inside. Rachel was nearly beside herself at getting to see Santana and Brittany. It had been a while since they had lived in the city. The music got muted.

"It's probably our damn neighbors complain-" Santana opened the door and was greeted at the sight of two people who she hadn't expected to see. She grabbed each one of them in a fierce hug.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"Couldn't miss a party," said Kurt. They heard a squeal and a blonde blur appear.

"Baby!" said Brittany, grabbing Kurt and squeezing him hard.

"Brittany!" he said quickly. "Oxygen!" She let him go and focused in on the carrier in Rachel's hands. The brunette was laughing so hard as she lifted up the blanket hanging across the top to give Ana a little more warmth. Sam and Mercedes was not far behind as Santana took their jackets. Brittany showed Rachel to the couch where she automatically sat down to hold baby Ana. It wasn't long till everyone had ooh-ed and aah-ed over Kurt and Rachel's child as they all caught up with their lives. While it had been a little too cold outside, the warmth of being around their friends who were all in New York made up for it, not to mention the soreness and stiffness Rachel was feeling. Plus watching Quinn and Mercedes acting out placing their godmother wishes for the others was something she was glad they hadn't missed.