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July 31st, 1927 ~
Five days ago our girls, Finn and Fee, were born. What a wonderful, hectic time it has been for all of us. In my past I have doubted the existence of miracles. No more, for all I need to do is look into the eyes of my three children. Anna and I are so blessed.
I've only been to the hotel a handful of times since the birth. Whenever I've ventured over to check on things or relieve the staff, they've shooed me back home, saying they can manage…that Anna and the family need me more. And they're right. This week my place is with Anna, William and the girls.
Dr. Clarkson stopped by yesterday and said Anna and the babies are doing well. Actually better than well. They are thriving.
Daisy and Sarah pop in any chance they get and Archie has been keeping us well-fed.
Lady Mary was here this morning with a gift of books for William. She said she well remembers how left out she felt when Lady Edith was born, not that that feeling lasted long, I'll wager. It was very thoughtful though and Will was thrilled, but I really don't think he's feeling left out at all. He rarely leaves his sisters side's. Rocking their baskets, telling them stories and catching them up on all they've missed in the past four years of his life. He'll be a wonderful big brother.
Although Anna is no doubt tired, she's bounced back very well. As I write this I can reach out and touch her because she's sitting here next to me, a baby in each arm and a contented smile on her face, under the shade of the big elm. All is well…
~ John Bates
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It was a perfect day. The sun was shining but not too brightly, there was a soft breeze and the butterflies flew from flower to flower. Their garden had never looked better. The gazebo was finished, William was playing with Jack, Charlie slept on his window sill, and of course, their girls were here with them.
Finn and Fee slept peacefully,one in Anna's arm and one in John's, knowing for the first time the feeling of being outside in their garden, a place where they would play a million games, run after their pets, and surely have a couple of tumbles along the way.
Fee was in her father's arms now, yawning lazily while he smiled, beaming with adoration at his little girl.
'Aren't they the prettiest little things?' he mused out loud. 'Can you tell them apart yet?'
''Course I can!' Anna chuckled. 'I'm their mother. Mother's can always tell their babies apart.'
John furrowed his brow at her. 'Then…what's the difference? Apart from their clothes…' he looked at Anna with defiant eyes, ready to tell her 'See, you can't.'but once again, his wife would surprise him.
'See…Fiona there,' she pointed to the baby in his arms, 'she's a little taller, and see…she has your ears, and Finola is chubbier and her hair is a bit lighter and finer, also her nose is a tiny bit bigger than Fee's.'
John stared at Anna for a moment with a disgruntled expression before looking down at his daughters. His ears? Finn's nose is a tiny bit bigger? He nodded then, pretending he could see all those things Anna was talking about but honestly…
'You can't tell them apart, John Bates?'
'I can!' he replied, trying his best to look offended by her accusation. 'Didn't I put them in your arms and tell them apart?'
'Yes. You said 'Here is Finn in yellow and Fee in white'…that's what you said.' Anna giggled at him.
'Because it's easier…but I can tell them apart alright.'
'You will, soon you will. Don't worry.'
John sighed, rolling his eyes and Anna couldn't help but laugh. And that's when William approached them, followed by Jack, and ready for a proper introduction.
'Jack wants to meet my sisters,' William said.
'Well then, you must introduce them!' John told the boy with a smile.
'So…Jack,' the boy cleared his throat. 'This one in mummy's arms is Finn…she's a bit chubbier and her nose is also a tiny bit bigger than Fee's, and that one is Fee, she's taller though. That's how you tell them apart,' William said, standing tall and decisive, proud of his little sisters.
'Wait!' John narrowed his eyes and leaned toward William. 'Did your mother tell you that?'
Anna tried to suppress her laugh while William looked at his father in confusion.
'Did your mother teach you how to tell them apart?' John questioned.
'No…I just looked at them,' William replied, peering over at his mother.
'Oh John…' Anna reached for his hand, 'Do you how much I love you?'
That put a smile on his face.
'Even if you can't tell your daughters apart!' she finished.
She had to laugh again, and John couldn't help but join her. Anna had been right when she said he would soon be able to tell his daughters apart. And while they enjoyed that lazy afternoon, William told Jack all about his sisters, and how he would have to help mummy more now, hence not being able to play with him as much.
Jack cocked his head, listening. This news put a real kink in Jack's day, but he seemed to understand William's plight because he chose that moment to lick the boy across the mouth.
Will wiped off the dog kiss with the back of his hand and continued, 'Don't worry, Jack. One day, they'll be able to play with us, and they'll be a lot more fun than they are now.'
But Jack already found the girls infinitely interesting , as he would often check on them between his games with William. He would sniff their hair and rest his head on their baskets, watching over them as they slept. The twins would grow to love the scruffy Jack and for many years he would be their faithful companion.
Charlie the cat watched with interest from his place on the window sill, not yet sure of these little ones. He would need to think on this a bit.
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These last few days have been so incredible! I haven't had time to write but I have been a bit busy. Two babies are really a full time task. Even nursing them can be a challenge, let me tell you! But I couldn't be happier than I am. Neither of us could!
Finn and Fee are asleep now, and as I look at them I can see how much they favor John. They are perfect…I've been so blessed. And while they sleep, William and Jack are watching over them. Charlie is keeping a wary distance but I think he's curious too.
Of course, I can't forget my wonderful husband, who's been such a great help. I couldn't manage without him, honestly. He just went to the hotel to fetch us our dinner, as Archie has been so good cooking all of our meals for us. Bless him. I am quite hungry, to be honest. Feeding two babies does that to you.
So I'm resting while waiting for John to bring dinner back. The nights have been a little hectic. The girls don't cry as often as William did, but the problem is, when one cries the other does too, and it takes double the time to silence them. It doesn't seem to faze John though. He takes it in his stride when they wake us up. He's the first to get out of bed to tend to them. And all with good humour. I've been slightly moodier, that's for sure!
Here he comes through the garden now, and he just saw me as well. I can't wait to see what's for dinner. Archie always cooks the best food! I hope the babies sleep long enough for me to eat.
I'd better get up and set the table and have Will wash up for dinner. I'm starving tonight!
~ Anna Bates.
