Here's another big chapter in this story! I really hope you enjoy it, it was really cute to write! Anthony is finally getting back to his less fussy self now that he is settled down (thank god haha). Thanks for reviewing and I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations! Enjoy!
BPOV:
The sun breaks through the shades and I stir awake, finding myself nestled comfortably between my son and my future husband. Future husband. It is so strange that mere months ago I was awaking on a morning similar to this one with the fear of the unknown at what laid ahead. I was worried about Anthony's reactions to finally having a father, only to find that all my fears were silly.
Anthony is holding Edward's hand in his sleep. His small fingers wrapped around his father's thumb while the thumb of his other hand is in his mouth. Edward is smiling in his sleep, as if he can sense his son is near him. I lay awake, gazing at the two of them as if to take a mental picture to hold in my mind forever. The worry I feel today is not too different than the worry I felt on our last trip to the zoo. That day Anthony was meeting his father for the first time and today Anthony will find that we will soon be receiving another addition to our family.
I hope he takes it well. I never know with my little one. Sometimes he impresses me with his quiet maturity…but most of the time he is a normal two year old boy. But he is my two year old boy so there is little he can do to truly bother me. I'm blessed that he is as well tempered as he is. When Peter was two he was much more rambunctious and rowdy. Thankfully his mother is an energetic little pixie who can handle him. I suppose Anthony is much like me most of the time, quiet and thoughtful. He has of course been more trying since we moved, but he has dealt with so many life changes in such a short amount of time I cannot blame him.
As if feeling my stare, Edward stirs awake, giving me a sleeping smile before kissing my forehead. "How long have you been up beautiful," Edward says with a sleepy smile.
"Just a few minutes," I giggle at how cute he is currently being. "Are you ready for today?"
"I think so," Edward says with a reassuring smile, "how are you feeling love?"
"I have a good feeling about today," I muse.
"So do I baby…so do I."
As soon as Anthony knows of our plans for a day at the zoo he is absolutely ecstatic. He goes from a tired two year old to the jumpy little boy that I know and love. He babbles about his favorite animals and exhibits. It's adorable. His excitement mixed with the fact that he is half asleep, makes it almost impossible for me to distinguish what he is saying. But, with the added hand gestures I can easily follow along. Motherly intuition perhaps? Edward finds understanding a bit more difficult, but he politely nods to humor our little boy.
Luckily the prospect of the zoo has made Anthony much more agreeable during his bath time. He lets me wash his hair and body with little compliant. I dress him in one of his favorite animal shirts that is covered in monkeys and a comfortable pair of jeans that he is starting to grow out of. As I dress him, I tickle his little tummy causing him to through his head back in a delighted laugh. I hand him over to Edward to watch morning cartoons as I take my turn at getting ready.
An hour later I am dressed in my best jeans and favorite emerald blouse, with my hair curled and pulled back from my lightly made up face. I'm glowing; my skin looks luminous and healthy. I'm not sure if it is my pregnancy or a healthy sex life with Edward that has caused this pleasant change.
Edward's face lights up as soon as he sees me, his eyes sweeping over my body in obvious approval. "You look gorgeous baby."
I flush as if he had never complimented me before, "Thanks Edward."
"You pretty mama," Anthony pipes in with a bright smile.
"Thanks buddy," I say, placing a kiss on his forehead. "You ready to go to the zoo?"
"Yea dada zoo time," Anthony squeals as he excitedly claps his hands in front of his face.
"Yea buddy, we are going to see the monkeys first right," Edward asks as he picks up Anthony and we head to the door.
"Monkey key key!" Anthony giggles at his own comment. I laugh to as I watch my son find himself absolutely hysterical.
"Gosh you're silly buddy," Edward chuckles as he guides us to his car.
O0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Bright art of animals is seen from a distance as we approach the large and beautifully painted entrance that is covered with a mural of all the animals that are to be found inside. Anthony is overflowing with excitement as soon as he sees it. Luckily, I had managed to grab him into my arms to keep him from running into cars or other families. As Edward purchases our tickets, I carry Anthony into the zoo gift shop after seeing the cutest child's ball cap in the display window.
The hat has elephants on it and Anthony is ecstatic as soon as I place it in his little hands. "Mine mommy," he asks with a huge grin.
I nod happily and say, "As long as you promise to be a good boy today and not run away from mommy and daddy you can have the hat to wear."
Anthony nods eagerly, "I do dat!"
The sun is bright in the sky and with Anthony's pale skin, that is the same as my own, he burns easily. Without the hat, his little nose will be bright red by the end of the day. I pull a pair of shades off the rack for myself before making my way to the cashier with Anthony bouncing in my arms.
"Nice hat buddy," Edward comments as he hands me the tickets.
"Dank you daddy," Anthony giggles, "Got elephants!"
"That's so cool Anthony."
As soon as we make it past the front gates, Anthony insists on going straight to the monkey exhibit. It's on the opposite end of the park, but Edward and I oblige. I can't help but look at the other families as we make our way down the busy streets. So many children on leashes and so many parents who look stressed out beyond belief. Thankfully Anthony's legs are much too short to run away from Edward and me. Whenever he takes off, he never gets very far before we easily catch up with him. Esme informed me that Edward was just as short when he was a kid before he hit a growth spurt at sixteen and shot up to well over six foot.
When we finally reach the monkey exhibit, I am pleased to find that there is a baby monkey that had recently been born in the zoo. I read an article about it in the local newspaper last month about it, but at the time I didn't have much use for the information so I had easily forgotten all about it. The baby is adorable, with large eyes that take up the majority of its face and black spikey hair that points out in all directions, reminding me very much of my own little boy.
"Look da monkey!" Anthony pulls me to the front of the crowd to get a better look.
The baby monkey sits cutely atop its mother's back as they rest on a tree branch.
"Look Anthony, it's a baby monkey!" I raise Anthony into the air to get a better look.
"Dada! Look da baby," Anthony says with a grin, pointing his chubby finger towards the mom and her baby.
Edward looks at me and winks before addressing our son, "Wow buddy! That's a really cool monkey isn't it? Look at her sitting on her mommy's back as they swing from tree to tree."
"Wowwy! Me wish do that!"
Anthony stares at the monkey as it jumps from branch to branch, basking in the warm weather. He giggles at the baby and her wild hair.
"What her name," Anthony asks as he gazes at the baby monkey.
"It's Nala." Anthony smiles at the name and says he loves the baby monkey and wants to take it home.
"Babies are cute aren't they buddy," I ask, wanting to tell him I'm pregnant in that moment. But Edward's plan is just too perfect to ruin.
"Yea mommy. Like da monkey," Anthony replies before stating that he would like to see the elephants.
We walk from exhibit from exhibit, and at each exhibit Anthony tells us some animal facts he has heard from his Saturday morning cartoons. I can't make out everything he is saying, but he is cute to watch nonetheless, my little animal expert. When we come across the giraffe exhibit, we find that they have a baby as well, this one a boy. Anthony is just as excited about this animal, asking Edward how the giraffe can eat if it is too short to reach the leaves.
"It's mommy gets food for him. Just like your mommy makes you food at home," Edward says as he tickles Anthony's tummy.
"Cool dada," Anthony approves.
We snap a few pictures with Anthony and the baby giraffe. Wanting to have a memory of this special day with our son. Anthony smiles up at me from under the brim of his new baseball cap as I snap his photo. As I take his photo I see there is a small spot where a zoo keeper is set up selling carrots to feed the giraffes. As soon as I point it out to Anthony he jumps at the opportunity and runs as fast as his little legs can carry him to the carrot stand.
Edward purchases two carrots and holds Anthony in his arms as they await their turn. I'm standing with my camera in hand, eager to capture Anthony feeding the baby giraffe. Anthony squeals as they make it to the front of the line and the small giraffe is close enough for him to pet. Edward helps him feed the animal the carrot and the action has Anthony in a fit of excited giggles.
"Dadda da baby! Dada look it," Anthony yells between his laughs.
Edward is chuckling as well, holding our wild son steady in his arms. "You have one more carrot buddy."
"Mommy help me mommy," Anthony giggles as he begs me to join them.
Putting my camera away, I quickly join my son and help him feed the next carrot to the baby. He is all smiles and laughs and I want to burst with happiness at the sight of him. I want to see him this happy every day; seeing him this way feels so wonderful.
"Tummy hungry mommy," Anthony says as soon as we feed the giraffe the final carrot.
"Okay buddy, say goodbye to the baby," I smile.
"Byey baby raf," Anthony sings as he waves goodbye to his new favorite animal.
"That was really cool," Edward admits as we walk toward the food court.
With a feast of chicken nuggets and fries in front of us, Anthony happily tells us about the highlights of his day so far. He is bouncing on my lap as he talks and his flares his hands about as he describes the animals. Edward's eyes are filled with love as he watches our son and just seeing that look makes me emotional. My hormones must already be kicking in. Edward sees the happy tears swimming in my eyes and smiles and throws me a wink.
"Wasn't it cool to see all the baby animals today buddy," Edward prompts him.
"Yea dada cool," Anthony agrees with an eager nod.
I can't wait to show him the little gift we have for him at home. It was Edward's idea and it has to be the cutest thing I have ever seen. I cannot wait to see Anthony's face when he receives it. I'm so incredibly curious to see his reaction. While he might be delighted by the idea of having a baby to play with, he also won't truly understand the ramifications until the baby is born. I want him to know that a new baby won't mean me and his daddy love him any less.
We walk through the exhibits one more time after lunch, giving Anthony another chance to see all of the animals. By the end of the day Anthony is beat and I carry him in my arms as we wave goodbye to the last animal and leave. He's quiet and smiling, seeming beyond content with his day.
"Did you have fun buddy," I ask before kissing his flushed little cheek.
"Yea mommy dank you," he smiles up at me, "Love you mommy."
"Aw buddy I love you too," I say before kissing his other cheek. "What do you say to your daddy?"
Turning to Edward he smiles and says, "Dank daddy. Love you daddy."
"I love you too buddy," Edward says, his voice filled with love. "Me and mommy have a surprise for you when we get home."
"Nother surprise," Anthony says with a giant smile.
Edward and I exchange a smile before packing into the car and heading home.
O0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"What it," Anthony says as he holds the gift wrapped box in his hands.
He shakes it but frowns when he doesn't hear anything. "Open it buddy," I urge him, assisting him with safely tearing the wrapping paper.
He opens the gift and pulls out a shirt that says "I Am A Big Brother" with a big dinosaur and a baby dinosaur on it.
Anthony giggles and points to the dinosaurs, "Dada look it! Dionys!"
Edward bursts out laughing and helps Anthony slide the new shirt over his head. "What say it," Anthony asks as he glances down at the words.
"It says 'I Am A Big Brother.' Do you know what that means Anthony," I ask as I stare down at my, now, wide-eyed toddler.
"I get brotha," Anthony says with a big smile on his face. "Dada I get brotha!" Anthony is clapping his hands and giggling as he bounces on the carpeted floor.
"Well…it might be a brother or it might be a sister," I say cautiously.
Anthony makes a face and shakes his head, "No brother. Mommy boy please," Anthony babbles quickly.
"You don't want a sister," I try to say with a straight face, but his little frown makes me want to giggle.
"No mommy," Anthony giggles, "brotha or da monkey mommy."
Now I am laughing at him and Edward can't help but join me. Anthony looks between us as if he can't figure out what is funny.
"No girl then," Edward chuckles.
"Dada girl cootie. Brotha or monkey pet," Anthony says with a cute little grin.
"But your mommy is a girl Anthony. Don't you love your mommy," Edward teases him.
"Love mommy," Anthony nods, "mommy fun."
"Well imagine having a sister just as cool and fun as mommy," Edward says as he reaches down to tickle our son.
Anthony giggles for a moment and then says, "no dada."
"Are you happy with the baby then," I ask Anthony as soon as he stops his giggling.
"Brotha get soon?"
I giggle at his question and try to imagine what would happen if we are to be welcoming a little girl instead. "Well it has to grow in mommy's tummy first," I tell him.
"He play wif me," Anthony asks.
Not wanting to correct him on the "he" thing again, I smile and confirm, "Of course Anthony. The baby will love to play with you. Your job as the big brother is to teach the baby everything you know. The baby will look up to you and you will be its favorite person. Do you think you can handle that buddy?"
Anthony nods with a huge smile on his face, "Yea mommy! Love da baby!"
"Where he now," Anthony asks and looks around the room.
"It's in mommy's tummy buddy," Edward says as he pulls me close to his side and kisses my forehead.
Anthony looks confused, "In there," Anthony says, pointing at my now flat belly.
"Yep. It will be in there until it's ready to come out and meet you buddy."
Tears fill my eyes as I watch what Anthony does next. He smiles at me and then crawls toward me until his face in right by my stomach. Then he kisses my tummy and loudly says, "Hi! Me you brotha!"
I giggle at my son and tears run down my cheeks. I'm so touched by his little gesture. It's amazing to see him talking to my belly. I quickly pull him into my arms and pour all the love I can into one hug. Edward wraps his arms around us and we hold each other as possibilities of the future drift through our minds.
A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed that? Anthony was pretty cute in this chapter. Thanks for the reviews! One review in particular inspired me a bit with the ending of this chapter. Thanks biblepam for telling me your cute little story about your co-worker! That was really cute and it definitely inspired me at the end. Also, thanks to every single one of you reviewing, it helps me out a great deal and definitely inspires me for future chapters. Thanks for sticking with me on this story! It is my first ever story on fanfiction and i'm still really new to this site (Joined December 1st 2016) so your support means a lot!
Also, just a side note because I thought this was the scariest thing ever...when I was writing this a spider crawled across my laptop screen! I almost died lol, just wanted to throw that out there haha. The things I go through to post a new chapter for you all...:)
