(PIANO LINE)
GK: Motherhood has changed over the yearss--
SS: I'm just not sure my self-esteem issues have been resolved to the point where I can meet the emotional needs of a child and I know it's been 18 years since we got married but I don't think that you and I have achieved the sort of openness in our relationship that we need in order to make this decision.
TR: That's okay. No rush. It's up to you.
SS: I Just want to be completely ready.
TR: Fine.
(PIANO CHORDS)
GK: It used to be more cut and dried s--
SS: Ben?
TR: Yeah.
SS: Saw the doctor today.
TR: Oh?
SS: Guess what?
TR: Really?
SS: Yep.
TR: He's sure?
SS: Yep.
TR: Huh.
SS: So what do you think?
TR: Think you and I better get married.
(PIANO)
GK: Now the delivery of the child takes a whole team of highly trained professionals--
ER: Mr. Carlisle?
TR: Yes?
ER: I'm Acacia and I'm going to be your midwife today -- Bree can't be here -- she has tai chi --
TR: Is Sally okay?
ER: She's doing beautifully. She's in the salt water tank right now. I'd like you to meet your monk Nam Van Truong who will be chanting today-- (FN BUDDHIST CHANTING) and I'd like you to meet your dolphin, Frisky (DOLPHIN) -- he'll be in the water with Sally.
TR: Okay. Nice.
ER: And can I get you anything to deepen the experience for you? would you like marijuana? A glass of red wine? Maybe some beta blockers?
TR: No, thanks.
ER: Okay, so if you'll just remove your clothing, you'll be getting into the pool with Sally and Frisky. (DOLPHIN)
TR: You know, I think I will have that glass of red wine.
ER: Good. I have a Cabernet, very muscular, very manly, with a big bouquet that opens up to wonderful overtones of plums and raisins and daffodils.....or I have a Barolo (FADES) that is sensitive but strong, with a large presence of tannins and endorphins....... (PIANO)
GK: Back in the day, delivery was simple--
(BIG BOOTS STRIDE ACROSS FLOOR) (SS CRY OF PAIN, OFF)
FN (SLIGHTLY DRUNK): That your wife in there?
TR: Yessir.
FN: I'm Doctor Mahoney. You can call me Bud. You wouldn't happen to have a bottle of bourbon, wouldja?
TR: Yessir.
FN: Good. How far apart are the contractions?
TR: Not very far.
FN: Got plenty of time. Get me a glass. No ice.
TR: Aren't you a veterinarian?
FN: Do both. Yeah. I do both. Any sort of mammal. I'm a mammologist. (POURING) Care for a drink?
TR: No, sir. (SS CRY OF PAIN, OFF)
FN: You don't keep guns in that room, do you?
TR: In the bedroom?
FN: She doesn't have a gun, does she?
TR: Nope.
FN: Good. Hey, how you doin? (SS DEEP MOAN) You're doing great! --How about poker? Care for a game of five-card stud? I'll deal. (DEALING)
(PIANO)
GK: Now your child's birth is a festive occasion--
(DOLPHIN, CHANTING, WATER)
ER: This is so beautiful. How do you feel?
SS: (MOAN)
ER: You look beautiful. The baby's head is showing so your camera crew is coming in for the closeup now......
SS: (MOAN)
ER: You're doing great, Sally. Don't push too hard. Let the baby emerge. Let him find his own space. Just be buoyant. Think lightness. (CHANTING)
SS (MOAN)
ER: Okay, Frisky is going to lift you up on his back now. (DOLPHIN) Don't push. Let it happen. Let the baby go free.
(PIANO CHORDS)
GK: So different from how it used to be--
SS (BIG DEEP GRUNT) (BIG SLAP) (BABY CRY)
TR: It's a girl, Elizabeth. 'Nother girl. Isn't that a girl, Doctor?
FN (DRUNK): I think so.
TR: Where you goin, Elizabeth? Don't get up-- baby's hanging by the cord.
SS: Gotta finish picking them potatoes, Ben. Time's a wastin'.
TR: You can't get up right from having a baby, Elizabeth--
SS: Gotta get them potatoes in. And clean this bedroom floor. Look at it. It's a mess. Blood and goodness knows what-- Git me a mop. Did you pay the doctor?
TR: Here you go, Doc. (CHICKEN) Thanks for your help.
FN: Not a problem. And don't forget you owe me for the last one too-- (PIG) Thanks.
(PIANO)