It is after midnight when April awakens suddenly in her bed. Her eyes glow red, as she surveys around the quiet bedroom. It is quiet outside ... the sound of crickets, the occasional howl of a coyote, the sorrowful call of the cows in the barn.

But none of those sounds grab her attention as the one right beside her ... the beating sound of Clark's heart as he sleeps.

She turns slightly to watch him sleep for a moment. April can feel her vampiric side taking control. The dark desires of her thirst swirling in her mind. Her attention directed to the pulsing vein at Clark's jugular. A hunger inside her that she has never felt before.

"Clark..." She manages to whisper his name. "Wake up..."

April did not like being confined to her bed -- even though she knew it was for the best. Every time she got frustrated -- she just reminded herself that this was for the health and welfare of her unborn child.

It wasn't like she could get bored. She had tons of books handy. She had her sketch pad nearby -- so she could still work on fashions. She had access to a computer, which allowed her to keep in contact with the art studio and ensure the business was still profitable.

It wasn't like she was alone either. There was always someone around -- helping with the other two children and normal house-hold duties. Clark spent as much time as he could around the house. Martha was a common visitor. Spike practically moved into the barn -- so he could be available at any time of the day. Shasta was always there too, especially after learning that April would benefit more from drinking vampire blood right now.

And it wasn't like she never saw her children. Jonathan, who seemed wise for a four-year-old, quickly understood that mommy wasn't available for normal nighttime routines. So he changed the routine -- bringing books and Laura into mommy's room for their bedtime story. Every now and then he would rest his head on April's stomach, and talk to the baby. Laura would occasionally mimic her brother. It was those little moments that meant the world to April.

But... there were still times when the things April had around her were just not enough. It was difficult not to get emotional. Not to feel useless. And just to feel alone.

Luckily, she had friends to remind her of how untrue that statement was.

((This is an open post. Anyone and everyone welcome. I will respond to every post as a different visitor))

Her third pregnancy had been different than the first -- but April couldn't really place a reason why. The morning sickness lasted longer. She felt tired more often.

And the cravings for blood were more frequent -- and more demanding on her.

Even now that she was six months pregnant, she was still getting sick occasionally. And she felt it harder and harder to feel motivated for most normal things.

And today -- she can't get out of bed. Literally, it is like her insides hurt.

"Clark..." He was going to get the two other kids ready for the morning. But even though he is down the hall with Jonathan and Laura, she knows that he will hear her.

Today, April, Jonathan and Laura are visiting the Nexus zoo. April particularly likes this zoo, since there are no harmful confinement against the animals, and there is a wide variety of animals that she is familiar with, and those from other worlds and universes. It gives her an opportunity to teach her children about new fauna.

It can be quite an adventure, being the mother of two unique children. Jonathan was very exciting about everything around him, and now at three-and-a-half he could be quite a handful himself. April had to watch him carefully at times, to ensure his excitement didn't accidentally betray his super powers to others. She knew it was difficult for him to contain, being so young.

Laura was roughly seven months old, so was still contained within a stroller. But she was quite excited about all the new sights and sounds around her. The biggest complication for Laura was watching what the infant grabbed, since she was putting everything in her mouth -- as she was teething a few new teeth.

And to make the day even more exciting, April has both dogs, young Ree and older Shelby on leashes as they explored through the zoo. The dogs seemed interested in some of the animals... and of course there were those animals who were more interested in the the dogs themselves.

There was a point when the leashes were wrapped around April's legs... Laura was grabbing for some lady's keys, and Jonathan was pointing excitedly at the ice cream station. All in a normal day for Super Mom.

It is Jonathan's second birthday. Unlike last year, where a group of friends were invited to the apartment, April has favored for a family event.

The decorations are simple, and tasteful around the apartment. Jonathan is sitting among a few opened presents, playing with the wrapping paper. (Ignoring the toys that were in the boxes for the time being).

April is watching Jonathan with a smile, tilting her head slightly for a moment. This is such a nice moment, with the three of them together.

((inspired by Mother's Day. Post could actually take place in May))

Being a mother means that Jonathan is almost always on April's mind. She thinks of him when she paints. She thinks of him when she is at the art studio.

She marvels at how each day he learns something new. He achieves a new milestone. He is becoming his own person, and April is always amazed at how remarkable he is.

They call them baby steps... as he waddles around the apartment. Still curious about everything he sees and that he can reach. But April knows that each step is a step forward, towards new goals and new accomplishments.

There is so many opportunities for Jonathan in the future. He could be anything he wants to be. Sometimes April finds herself day-dreaming about him in different jobs. She wonders what he will be good at, or what will be his passion. She can't wait to find out.

It is because of Clark that she is a mother now, that they are parents. And each day is a new adventure... and she can't wait to enjoy it with her family.

It was another good day for April and Jonathan. Their growing infant was learning more words, which was good since they didn't have to explain the S'man as much anymore.

Right now, Jonathan was trying to play with Shelby. But the older dog was just lying there, as he rolled a ball towards her. And called out... "B'll!"

April watched with interest. Definitely there was a connection there, between infant and dog. But the disconnect was that Jonathan had a lot of energy, while Shelby did not.

April and Jonathan went shopping today. The new mother decided to travel into Smallville to avoid the noise and confusion of Metropolis itself. And shopped at the flea market, and a couple of small-town places that she knew would provide approprate supplies at good prices.

Her best find of the day was a small wooden music box. It had an older tree feeling to it, which she particulary liked. And felt would be a good addition to the nursery.

Jonathan was tired when they returned home. So April placed him in the crib, and quietly took out the music box to gently play for him while he slept.

Two seconds after leaving the nursery, Jonathan started to cry with a piercing scream. Quickly, April returned to the nursery. She could feel that he was in pain... so gently she picked him up. And attempted to soothe him. She could not figure out why he was in such pain however.

And her first attempts to soothe him didn't work. Holding him, April left the nursery and headed into the living room to call Dr. Hamilton. Jonathan calmed slightly, but still whimpered.

It was 3 p.m., the middle of the evening. The city was quiet. April was fast asleep in her bed. Her husband, Clark, was at her side, sleeping just as peacefully.

There was a slight movement from April, adjusting as the baby kicked in the middle of the night. The soft touch of her voices entered her dreams... ready to prepare her for a very big event.

In her dreams, April was having a picnic lunch with her husband. There was a soft jingle of chimes from the oak tree that they sat under, as a soft wind blew across the field. Looking over her shoulder, April could see people approaching them.

First Martha, who came over to kiss her cheek, and who told her to rely on her strength. Then it was Spike, who came over to hold her hand, and told her to be brave. And not to fear the hunger that she may feel. That it was okay.

A slight pain rippled through April, soft and warning.

Still in the dreams, April and Clark was approached by more loved ones. She saw the face of Jor-El, and his wife Lara-El, who told her how proud they were of her. That they wished they could hold their grandchild. That they knew their legacy would be protected. Then it was Jonathan, who softly touched her shoulder, and spoke of the harvest that was to come. And how beautiful it would be. How he was proud of her too

Five minutes later, another pain rippled through April, this time causing enough discomfort to awaken her from her sleep. She sat up sharply... sitting there for a moment. April had a few Braxton Hicks contractions before, but something told her that this was not the case tonight.

She reached over and gently touched Clark. "Sweetie... wake up... the baby is coming."

For all of her previous appointments with Doctor House, April has arrived with Clark by her side. They have learned about their baby. Got tests done. And now it is getting closer to the due date, it is even more important to see the Doctor every week.

But something is different today.

For today, April shows up alone. Clark isn't there.

She looks around for Victor. For the person she knows will support her through this.