Maggie and I got into position with my arms wrapped around Maggie, the headboard supporting us. We got comfortable and then Mama said, “Now Jim, you put your hands, palms flat, on Maggie’s belly and let’s all say good morning to Layla.”

I placed my hands on Maggie and Layla, and Mama said, “Good morning, sweet child!”

Maggie laughed and said, “Hey, baby!”

“Okay, so this is the position that you two will be in while Maggie is in labor, and Jim your job is to hold Maggie and to comfort her while Myra and I help baby Layla crown.”

“You just hold onto Maggie, Mr. Jim, and help Maggie do her breathing and when baby Layla starts to crown you gonna move and be by my side and help Mama catch the baby.”

“You understand, Mr. Jim?”

“Maggie and Layla they gonna do all the work. We got the easy part!” Myra said.

“You can say that again!” Maggie said.

Mama cackled and said, “Oh, this is gonna be a special day when baby Layla comes, a special day.”