Evelyn drove Nikki and day old Tyler home from the hospital. Getting out of the car Nikki went to undo the car seat.
"I'll take him darling you must be exhausted," Evelyn said.
"He's my baby," Nikki said, "we'll go through the house."
"Let's come around back let you two have some time before they all descend," Evelyn suggested.
"I guess," Nikki said.
They walked through the gate with Nikki carrying the car seat. She smiled seeing the chalk art from the girls on her walkway and the banner going down the stairs. Her door had been decorated with blue "it's a boy" balloons.
Opening the door she heard her family yelling, "welcome home."
Nikki was overwhelmed.
"Thank you," Nikki smiled.
"Come sit," Teddy said pointing to the couch.
Nikki put the car seat on the table and cautiously unbuckled Tyler. Gingerly she carried her son to the couch and sat down in her favorite spot.
She heard a meerrrrp sound as her cat jumped up to greet them.
"Abbie this is Tyler," Nikki introduced as the cat sniffed the baby, "Ty this is Abbie she's our kitty cat."
"We cut her nails for you," Owen said.
"Thank you I'd been meaning to ask for help but I couldn't seem to catch her to bring her up," Nikki said.
"What do you want to do darling," Evelyn asked.
"Snuggle my baby," Nikki said, "I can't take my eyes off him."
"He is beautiful," Teddy agreed.
"Do you want a cup of tea," Evelyn offered, "I'll put it in your travel mug so it stays warm and doesn't drip."
"Please," Nikki said.
"Decaf Earl Grey with milk and honey," Evelyn confirmed.
"Please," Nikki replied.
"How are you doing squirt," Owen asked.
"Exhausted," Nikki admitted.
"I'll stay the next few nights and help you get settled," Evelyn said.
"Mom having both of us sleep deprived isn't going to be good for anyone," Nikki said.
"It's okay darling, you need help it's okay to admit it," Evelyn said.
"I can stay, trade off with your mom," Nathan offered.
"My couch is horrible to sleep on," Nikki said.
"A night or two won't hurt anyone," Nathan said, "let people help."
"My son," Nikki said.
"He is but it takes a village," Teddy said.
"You and mom have helped us out with each of our kids when they came. You had the girls for three nights when Daniel was born and cooked for us the first week home," Owen said.
"I've got it," Nikki said, "I have to figure it out."
"We're feeding you dinner," Teddy declared, "you can come up or we'll bring a plate down to you. But we're going to feed you dinner for the next couple weeks so it's one less thing to worry about."
"I put some fresh cut up fruit, cut veggies and snacks in your fridge," Nathan said, "I would have made you bacon but you don't like it."
"No I don't," Nikki said, "at least not like you do."
"The heart surgeon with bacon for a snack," Teddy teased.
"I gave him mine in Kenya in exchange for his toast," Nikki laughed.
"I traded for his fruit," Teddy replied.
"Someone put sourdough here if you want a slice," Evelyn offered.
"Please," Nikki replied, "with peanut butter it's in the cupboard above the toaster."
Seeing Nikki was tired and overwhelmed Owen guided his kids back upstairs leaving her with their mom, Teddy and Nathan.
"Darling are you okay if I run home, water my plants and shower," Evelyn asked.
"Yes," Nikki replied, "Tyler is asleep. I might shower two if I can figure out how to keep him safe."
"I'll hold him," Nathan offered, "we'll stay in this room, squirt."
Teddy offered, "I can stay for a bit two help you get settled."
Evelyn put the tea and toast on the coffee table for Nikki and gave her a quick hug, "I'll be back in a couple hours your siblings are all here."
"Thanks mom," Nikki replied, "it might be snack, shower and nap."
"Relax and let us help you," Evelyn said.
Nikki nodded, "enjoy your shower."
"I'm going to see if Owen needs help with the girls," Nathan said seeing Nikki may just want some space.
"They were begging for a bike ride," Teddy said.
"One quick hug for this little man and I'll go up," Nathan said.
Nathan lifted Tyler from Nikkis arms and held him gently, smiling at the sleeping face. Your auntie Meghan would just love you Nathan thought she would be down here fussing over you and your mommy. Meghan would have moved in for the first week or two to help out or have moved Nikki to them. He was going to be here as much as possible to help Nikku with Tyler.
"I'll take him," Teddy whispered.
"I'll help Owen," Nathan agreed.
Teddy took Tyler and held him against her shoulder.
"Eat and drink," Teddy said once Nathan had gone upstairs.
"Why do I still have a belly," Nikki asked.
"Because it took nine months to stretch out all the muscles and skin it takes a while to shrink back. You really only gained in your stomach," Teddy pointed out, "it hasn't even been 48 hours Nikki. Give it six weeks before you start to worry. Daniel is six weeks and I'm just getting back into my normal pants, I haven't tried jeans yet. Wear what's comfortable at home with your son and be comfy."
"I have to look good when I face Jeff," Nikki said.
"We'll make sure you do," Teddy said, "have you talked to him?"
"No reply yet," Nikki admitted.
"Then don't stress about him," Teddy said, "the best thing you can do for yourself and Tyler is to relax and be as calm and happy as possible. When Allison was born your mom told me that no matter how tired I was or how fussy Allison was to make sure I had a shower and got dressed every day. She said that life always looks better when we feel clean."
"I feel gross," Nikki admitted.
"Then go shower I've got him," Teddy replied, "we'll be down here."
"Are you sure," Nikki asked.
"Go shower I'll be on the couch with him if you need me," Teddy said, "finish your toast. Your tea will stay warm in your mug."
"Thank you," Nikki said.
"Anything you need we're here," Teddy said, "me, Owen, Nate, your mom we will help however you need. Take your mom and Nate up on staying here for this week."
"Teddy I have to be independent," Nikki said.
"In a couple weeks," Teddy said, "you need to rest your body is healing and adjusting. The next couple weeks are physically hard let us look after you."
"It's me and Tyler," Nikki said, "we're a team."
"This family is a team," Teddy said, "we're all going to be here for you."
"I can do it," Nikki said.
"Right now go shower," Teddy directed, "I have Tyler and he's sound asleep."
"Are you sure," Nikki asked.
"Your son is fine," Teddy said, "I've had three babies, I can hold him while he sleeps. Let him cuddle with auntie Teddy."
"I'll be fast," Nikki replied.
"Take your time," Teddy said.
Nikki walked into her bathroom, "who cleaned up in here?"
"We did," Teddy replied, "the towels are freshly washed. There's clean sheets and blankets on your bed."
"Thank you," Nikki smiled.
"The laundry folded on your dresser is clean," Teddy replied, "I don't know what you want to do with it. It's your maternity clothes."
"Thank you," Nikki replied, "I know you're busy with your kids."
"Owen helped so did Nate," Teddy replied, "we wanted you to come home to a clean cozy house."
"Thank you," Nikki said again.
"You've done it for us and our kids with Amber and Daniel," Teddy said.
"Nathan did most of cleaning your house this time," Nikki said, "I was with the girls and did all the groceries and cooking. I only did your bedroom and bathroom. I didn't think you'd want Nate there."
"The girls like days with you," Teddy said.
"Once I get settled with Tyler I want them around," Nikki said, "I love the girls."
"They want to play with you," Teddy said.
"Maybe after lunch we can play a board game," Nikki suggested.
"Go shower, have a nap and some lunch then see how you're feeling," Teddy said.
"Four kids, three adults were outnumbered," Nikki laughed.
"Why we're keeping Nathan until you're in routine," Teddy replied.
"Don't you need him at work and he's seeing Mereidth," Nikki said.
"You knew about that," Teddy asked.
"She came with him to say hi last night," Nikki replied, "he told me before he told you and Owen. he wanted me to help soften the blow."
"Its been ten years he can be happy," Teddy said.
"That's what I said," Nikki replied, "he had tears in his eyes holding Tyler."
"He did the first time he met each of ours," Teddy said, "go have your shower."
"Just getting clean clothes," Nikki said.
"Leggings and a comfy top," Teddy said, "it's just family tonight."
Nikki grabbed what she needed and closed the bathroom door. Usually the warm water calmed her but today all she could think of was getting back to her son. Getting out of the shower she combed and braided her hair, she didn't have the energy to blow dry it.
"How's he doing," Nikki asked sitting back on the couch.
"I think he might be getting hungry," Teddy said, "Daniel will be hungry soon two. Why don't you spend some time with Tyler? I'll close the door when I go up. "
"Thank you," Nikki said.
"Here he is," Teddy said putting Tyler back in Nikki's arms.
"Hi little man," Nikki whispered as he relaxed in her arms, "Teddy he knows me."
"He does," Teddy smiled, "he knows his mommy."
"I think he's hungry he's doing the head thing," Nikki said.
"I'll go up and give you some space," Teddy said.
"We'll come up when we're ready," Nikki said.
"Take your time," Teddy said, "feed him and have some cuddle time."
"I will," Nikki said.
Teddy went back up stairs and took Daniel back from Owen.
"Where are the girls," Teddy asked.
"Nate took them on a bike ride," Owen said, "you need me here."
"I'm just going to feed Daniel and have some time with him," Teddy said.
"What can I do for you," Owen asked.
"Your on dinner," Teddy said.
"I've already made the sauce for lasagne," Owen said, "but for you?"
"My back and shoulders are really tight," Teddy said.
"Sit," Owen said.
Teddy sat sideways on the couch with her back against one of the arms, her legs stretched out the length of the couch. Owen sat on the arm behind her gently massaging the knots out of her shoulders. He felt her relax against him and kissed the top of her head.
"Relax," Owen whispered into her hair.
"This feels good," Teddy said as he kept massaging.
"You need to nap two," Owen said, "just cuddle Danny and sleep."
"The girls," Teddy said.
"Nathan took the girls for a bike ride and to get ice cream," Owen said, "we have time to relax with Danny."
Teddy nodded and yawned.
"Sleep babe," Owen whispered.
"Sit with me," Teddy said.
"Scoot down," Owen said.
He sat on the couch and put a pillow on his lap. Teddy put her head on the pillow and laid Daniel on her chest. Owen stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. He noticed her breathing slow and deepen she was asleep. Owen kept one hand brushing her hair back from her face and put his other hand with hers on their son's back.
A couple hours later Evelyn pulled back into the driveway and saw Nathan drawing with chalk with the girls.
"Everyone inside is asleep," Nathan said, "so we're playing outside."
"Thank you Nathan," Evelyn smiled, "you've always taken care of our family."
"Owen and Nikki are my siblings," Nathan said, "I like time with my nieces and nephews."
"How's Meredith," Evelyn asked.
"She's good," Nathan said, "if everyone is okay here I'm going to make dinner for her family."
"She has kids," Evelyn said.
"Three," Nathan said, " Zola, Bailey and Ellis. Their nice kids. I'm going to borrow a couple of Nikki's games to play with them. She's told me to grab them whenever."
"Nikki liked her when you both popped in," Evelyn said.
"I like my time with Mereideth," Nathan said.
"Are you dating," Evelyn asked.
"We are," Nathan said.
"Good," Evelyn said, "when you're ready bring her and her kids for Sunday dinner. Seven kids will be fun."
"Ma," Nathan said.
"You are always one of mine," Evelyn said, "Nathan we're not doing Sunday dinner this week unless we just order pizza. But when both you and Meredith are ready I want you to bring her and her kids for dinner. My house, her kids can play in the back yard with the girls, you and Owen fixed up the tree house and swings."
"Zola 6, Bailey is 4 and Ellis is 2," Nathan said.
"They can all play in the yard," Evelyn said, "we'll have a BBQ."
"I'll let you know when we're ready," Nathan said.
"Its time your happy," Evelyn said, "we want you to be happy. And you will always be one of mine. We've all been through too much together to let you go."
"I think you'll like her but its hard to bring someone else to you," Nathan said.
"Nathan you are my son I want to see you happy," Evelyn shared, "meeting someone else doesn't take away the love you shared. It's been ten years you are allowed to find love and happiness."
"Thank you," Nathan said hugging Evelyn.
"Are you okay with the girls I want to check on Nikki," Evelyn said.
"Go around back," Nathan said, "when I went in Teddy was asleep on Owen and Daniel was asleep on her."
"I have a key to Nikki's door," Evelyn said, "bring the girls to the back yard."
"We'll come back," Nathan said, "I need to put the bikes away."
Evelyn walked through the gate and down Nikki's steps. She found Nikki asleep on the couch with Tyler on her chest. Evelyn ran her hand over her own baby's head, "Nikki I'm going to put Tyler in his bed."
"Mom," Nikki yawned.
"I'm just going to bring the bassinet here and put Tyler in it," Evelyn said, "let both of you nap a bit more did he eat?"
"He did," Nikki said, "around one."
"It's two just sleep darling," Evelyn said.
"Laundry," Nikki groaned.
"You have a couple outfits so does he," Evelyn said, "I'll put them in and let you relax. Just enjoy your son."
"I'll keep him right here," Nikki said, "I like having him right with me."
"Enjoy it while he's this little," Evelyn said.
"He smells good," Nikki said.
"Babies do," Evelyn said.
"I'm awake now and feel bad not doing anything," Nikki said.
"You are doing something," Evelyn said, "you're bonding with your son. He's calm right now. You're calm. Just let him sleep on you, get to know your smell, and hear your heart. This is really good for him. Just get cozy, you could put a movie on and relax."
"I will," Nikki yawned.
"I'm going to go take over from Nate with the girls," Evelyn said, "Owen and Teddy are asleep on their couch as well."
"Don't send Nate in," Nikki said, "I'm enjoying just being quiet with Ty."
"I'll let you two have your space," Evelyn said.
"Thanks mom," Nikki whispered as she laid back down in the couch kissing the top of Tyler's head as he slept.