October Baby

I waited outside the hospital room with my father, trying to ignore the sterile smell that surrounded us. I played with my hair nervously. I was jittery with excited energy but completely afraid of what was to come.
A few months ago, My mom had informed me that I was going to be a big sister! The transtion from a family of three to expecting a fourth started slowly. My pretty bed was moved up against the wall and a little white cage was moved in. Girly baby clothes and toys found their way to my room too. As mommy's belly got bigger, more new stuff for the baby arrived. People came to our flat and gave us diapers and baby food, blankets and bottles, even a saucer. But the week before, people had stopped coming.
As we waited for my grandparents to arrive, Daddy and I discussed names for my baby sister. I wanted to name her Eliza Thornberry, after my favorite television character. Daddy just snickered at me.
Finally the nurse told us we could come see my mommy. She lay on the hospital bed, smiling down at at the basin at the foot of the bed.
The baby was small and pink with tiny hands and feet and big hazel eyes.
I grinned at my little sister.
"Her name is Caitlin."