"I can't believe that she is going to be here in nine weeks," Gail says as she pushes the cart through a baby boutique. "It seems like just yesterday you were telling us about her."
"I can believe you start the academy in a few days," Kathleen says as she looks through the different outfits. "Remind me what are we doing here?"
"Uh, getting the last few things on your list," Gail says as she looks over at her. "The baby shower was a huge success but you said that you wanted to grab a few last things."
"Right, sorry," Kathleen says as she looks over the clothing section. "Did I show you here coming home outfit?"
"No," Gail says as she watches her cousin pull out her phone. She sees the picture of a four-piece outfit. It had a white bodysuit which read 'Daddy's little princess', a black headband with a pink flower and a pair of pants and a hat which had black and white flowers with pink splashed in. "That is so cute. Have you shown Luke?"
"Not yet, I just need to grab booties and that is taken care of," Kathleen says as she begins to look through the newborn socks and booties collection. "Hmm."
"I would go for pink, black or white," Gail says as she continues to look through different items. "I still can't believe how quickly this has all come and gone."
"Tell me about it," Kathleen says as she picks up a pair of pink bunny booties. "It seems like just yesterday Luke and I were moving into their apartment and now the spare room is almost turned into a nursery."
"Those would be perfect," Gail says as she places them in the cart. "I know it seems like you were just graduating and getting ready to start your career and now."
"I'm getting ready for maternity leave and you are starting yours," Kathleen says as she wanders over to the diaper bag section of the store. "It's going to be different with you going to work every day and me staying at home with my little one."
"Yes, but you can come to visit the division," Gail says as she follows her. "Maybe I'll get 15 and it can be three visits in one."
"That would be nice," Kathleen says as she looks at bags. "I am thinking a backpack would be easier to travel with but I want something that if Luke has her doesn't scream girly."
"Hmm," Gail says as she looks through the bags. "Plus if one of the many other males in your life have her."
"Exactly," Kathleen says as she picks up a large black backpack. "This could work."
"Definitely large enough," Gail says as she examines the bag. "Different carrying options, tons of pockets, insulated pockets, and a large easy access pocket for adult items."
"And comes with its own changing pad," Kathleen says as they investigate. "Not too girly."
"Seems like a perfect fit," Gail says as she watches her cousin place the bag in the cart. "What do you have left to do before she comes?"
"Wash and wipe everything down," Kathleen starts as they wander around the store. "Organize the nursery and prep the freezers for meals."
"You still have plenty of time. How have nights been going for you?"
"The last two weeks have not been too bad. I still have another five works worth but if they get too bad Melanie said that some of the girls are willing to give up their day shifts. I am hoping to remain on swing shift but jump between days and afternoons after the baby is born."
"They created a new swing shift?"
"They have for the pediatric section so I am hoping to do ten hour shift days starting at 8 and going till 6 and then do 12 to 10. It's going to be different but at least I don't have midnights. It's four shifts working and three off kind of schedule. It's in a six-week rotation."
"That doesn't sound too bad. Have you looked into daycare centres yet?"
"Not just yet, I want to wait till she is a few months old before investigating them, but your mom and my dad have offered to get her into the one at HQ."
"That wouldn't be too bad, minus the fact that my mom would always be down there playing with her."
"Your mom isn't too bad with kids. This should keep her off your case for a few years."
"That is true. I guess I owe you and Luke a few child-free evenings."
"She is going to have so many different babysitters. If we look into a nanny, the work that is going to go into that background check. Not to mention the rest of you all circling the building."
"We are a protective bunch, talking about residence. Are you two still planning on moving into your own house before next Christmas?"
"We are hoping to but it is all going to depend. We have to arrange times when Luke isn't working and if we are taking Fay with us, if not we are going to have to pick a sitter."
"Ugh, too much planning."
"Welcome to parenthood. Think you have to pack your stuff, everything you could need for the baby as well anything else you may need for your outing."
"Never want kids, ever."
"Sure Gail," Kathleen says as they walk out of the stores carrying their purchases. "Say that after you spend some time with Fay."
"You are not playing fair," Gail says as they walk towards Kathleen's vehicle. "You can have kids and I'll just borrow them when I am having a baby feeling."
Kathleen just shakes her head as she opens the trunk of the SUV. "You say that now, but we will wait and see. Any new guys catching your attention?"
"No, I've been focusing on my classes and training," Gail says as she loads the bags. "I'm staying away from relationships and guys for now."
"Gail, you can not lock yourself away because of a couple of bad dates," Kathleen says as she gets into the driver's seat. "You have to keep getting out there."
"After things settle down, I mean I have the academy and then being a rookie," Gail says as she gets into the passenger seat.
"I am just saying don't be afraid to go on a few bad dates," Kathleen says as she pulls out of the parking spot. "Do you remember the number of bad and awkward dates I went on between Andrew and Luke?"
"True, but I just want to focus on the academy. I should sail through it but better to be safe than sorry."
"Stop worrying about nothing. You know your stuff and you have killer instincts."
"Thanks," Gail says before they enter the ride of silence.