Happy New Year, my Dear Ones! So, I said I wouldn't post this until the new year and technically it's new year…somewhere, right? Right?

~*~TLaDoIS~*~

Charlie Swan and Renee Dwyer were not your typical couple. Charlie was your down to earth, "let's think this thing through" kind of guy; while Renee was your late blooming, flighty hippy who liked to fly by the seat of her proverbial pants. At age 21, they fell in love quickly and into bed even faster. Some might say that their active sex life was what kept their unlikely relationship stable.

Renee was in her final year of college, finishing her nursing degree - an arrangement she had reluctantly agreed upon during one of her mother's many guilt trips- when she'd met Charlie during a frat party. She'd swooned at his thick Tom Selleck mustache and his cool, "I don't really want to be here" demeanor. Renee was the center of attention,-as usual- dancing provocatively in the center of the crowded room. She had plenty of guys vying for her attention but she only had eyes for one. She wouldn't be deterred from trying to gain the attention of one Charlie Swan.

Renee would find out later that evening that Charlie was not there as a student but a close friend to one of the other guys at the house. A year older than the party goers, Charlie was a student at the police academy and couldn't wait to pursue his dream of being a police officer. The idea of working his way up through the ranks was what appealed to him the most. He knew he'd pay his dues, running the shit calls that dispatch would roll their eyes at. He didn't care. It was what he wanted. Seeing his hard work pay off was what he lived for.

By the end of the evening Renee had all but thrown herself at Charlie. Though outwardly cool and calm, Charlie was a complete mess inside. His stomach flipped and turned upside down at the mere thought of going home with a girl as pretty and confident as Renee Dwyer. He was not an inexperienced man but what he felt for this girl in mere minutes caused him to be more nervous than he'd ever been.

While Charlie brought a slow, sensual side to the bedroom, Renee brought a more wild and feisty side with her. As a result, what came from the two polar opposites was a well balanced and highly gratifying sex life.

They dated for a little more than a month before Renee graduated from college and quickly found a nursing job at the hospital in Port Angeles. Charlie had graduated from the police academy and was enjoying the daily –if not hourly- rousing from the guys at being the rookie.

The morning Renee told Charlie she was pregnant was a time in his life that he'd never forget as long as he lived. He was shocked, elated, and taken completely off guard but most of all…he was scared shitless. He had no idea what to expect except that there was a tiny human growing in his girlfriend's stomach and he wanted nothing more than to protect them both. For the first time in his entire life, Charlie did something impulsive. He got down on his knee that morning and asked Renee to be his wife. No ring, no fanfare…just the two of them –well, three really- and a heartfelt proposal. Renee was over the moon excited and accepted his proposal instantly. They married a month later in a tiny white church with only their families and close friends nearby.

The first few months of their marriage were bliss. Though they couldn't afford a real honeymoon, Charlie made their every day special. He'd surprise Renee with fresh wild flowers one day or a homemade cake the next. Renee never told him that his cake was better than hers…and that she knew it. She was a terrible cook and tried to hide it from him as long as she could. All in all, they thought that this marriage was a solid one and couldn't wait to get to the next leg of their journey together.

Isabella.

Isabella Marie.

Isabella Marie Swan.

Isabella would be another high point in their lives together. They could hardly wait to meet her. The day she came into their lives, kicking and screaming, was a scary one. Renee's blood pressured had dropped alarmingly low and Isabella's heart rate sky rocketed. The doctor rushed through the delivery and was eventually able to stabilize both mom and baby. It was a very scary hour, to say the least, but everyone was all right.

Both Renee and Charlie's families crowded around to see the new baby and to listen the frightening story of how they almost lost both mom and baby. Charlie would never openly admit it –being the manly man he was- but he prayed to God during that hour and asked Him to protect his girls.

From the moment they stepped across the threshold with little Isabella in their arms, Renee wasn't quite right. She cried…a lot… more than Isabella. Charlie didn't know what to do with a crying baby, much less a crying wife. He'd ask if there was anything at all he could do to help her but it would only upset her further. After careful discussions with his own mother and mother-in-law, Charlie took Renee to see an expert. She cried when they pulled up at the clinic. Then Isabella cried. Charlie wanted to cry too but kept his wits about him.

Postpartum Depression. That's what the doctor called it. He talked to Renee for a good hour before bringing Charlie and Isabella back into the room. After a brief overview of options, they settled on medication. Renee would be lowly medicated to help balance her mood.

Renee received tons of attention from both sets of their parents, who gave many opinions on the subject of her moods and her medication. It took about a week but Renee was finally able to see through the fuzz that surrounded her head. She apologized to Charlie profusely and promised to be better for him and their baby.

And she was.

~*~TLaDoIS~*~

When Isabella turned a year old you probably wouldn't have found a happier household than the Swan home. Renee was back to her bubbly self and happy to show off their beautiful little girl to anyone who'd look twice. Charlie was thankful to have his Renee back and counted his blessings every day. Isabella was a beautiful and happy baby. Though they weren't really sure which side of the family it came from, Isabella had the most beautiful blonde hair any baby could have. It was a complete contrast to her chocolate brown eyes but it made them stand out all the more.

As soon as she learned to walk, Isabella would teeter around the house just looking for trouble. Bookcases were finally anchored to the walls. Televisions strapped to their stands. Cassette tapes were placed high out of reach of little grabby hands. Isabella was a handful, to say the least, but her mom and dad couldn't be more proud.

A year later, Isabella had to be brought into the hospital where she was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. It was a serious enough case that warranted the need for her to be hospitalized for several days in order to be treated with intravenous antibiotics.

Charlie and Renee's family and friends rallied around them as they slowly watched their little princess recover. She was too tiny to be in such a big predicament. They felt helpless. Renee, being a nurse, was sick with herself. She should have known the warning signs. She should have been able to see that her daughter wasn't quite right.

Isabella was finally sent home after nearly a week of hospitalization. Their neighbors were so very kind and kept them supplied with enough food to feed an army. They commended Charlie and Renee for being so strong through such a difficult and scary time. Though Renee felt she hadn't done enough, she was encouraged by hearing everyone's praises. They couldn't be more thankful for the wonderful people in their lives. They were surrounded by loving, caring people who always wanted what was in the best interest of little Isabella Swan.

Isabella Marie Swan…their princess.

~*~TLaDoIS~*~

Props to my girls MandyLeigh87, BellaScotia, batgirl8968 & FicObsessed! I love you all to the end of the earth and back! Thanks for all your help, suggestions and support.

Happy New Years! 2012!