January 11

As I was getting dressed this morning, I couldn't help but notice how much my body has changed since I've given birth. My breasts are still so full, my hips are a bit wider, and my stomach is covered in stretch marks.

I frowned a bit as I analyzed them. I know it's completely natural and normal to have stretch marks after having a baby but it feels so strange to be scarred like this. I also wondered what Yasha thought of them. Has he even noticed them? Does he think they're unattractive?

My eyes stung at the idea of Yasha ever thinking I wasn't beautiful but instead of thinking about it further and making myself even more upset, I closed my robe and finished getting ready for the day.

After I finished getting dressed and was looking in the mirror brushing my hair, Inuyasha came into the room with Moroha. "I'm about to leave, Kagome."

He was going to a demon extermination with Miroku. He had told me about it yesterday after we had our heartfelt conversation and he was reluctant to go with Miroku for fear of leaving us alone and more demons coming into the village. I just hugged and kissed him and assured him that we would be fine. After all, they would just be going up the road this time. They would be back this evening.

I took Moroha and kissed him. "Be safe out there today, love."

"I will be." He hugged me just a little bit tighter. "Are you sure you'll be okay on your own?"

"I promise we will. I'll go to Sango's house in a little while and her and the kids will keep me company."

"Good, and we'll be back there for dinner before sundown." He kissed me again. "I love you."

"I love you too, Yasha." I picked up Moroha's hand and had her wave at him. "Say, bye-bye daddy, I love you."

Inuyasha laughed a bit and kissed her nose. "I love you too, sweetie." He kissed me once again and then he left the room. A few seconds later I heard the front door close and Moroha and I were by ourselves.

I left to go to Sango's house this afternoon. Before I left I packed a small bag of diapers and other things for Moroha since we would be out for the rest of the day. As I was walking to Sango's house it made me feel like an official mom to have my baby on one hip and her diaper bag on my other shoulder.

This afternoon, Sango and I were sitting at the kitchen table having tea. I also had Moroha at my breast while we talked. Meanwhile, the children were behind us playing.

"Moroha is such a cute little baby," Sango said.

"She's so beautiful and sweet," I replied. "She has the cutest little smile that just lights up my whole world."

"That's so nice. When your baby is smiling and laughing it just feels like everything is right with the world." Sango sipped her tea. "Sounds like everything is going well for you and Inuyasha."

"These few weeks have been a whirlwind," I said happily. "We're still getting used to everything and trying to figure out how to get enough sleep and at the same time we just feel so fulfilled."

"Well you can expect to be tired for quite a while but all the other stuff comes with practice. You and Inuyasha look so happy every time I see you. It's sweet to see. You're recovering okay?"

"Oh yeah, I feel much better now. Between you and me I really want to start having sex again."

Sango giggled. "Give it a few more days, you don't want to tear anything."

All of a sudden we heard a crash and then we turned around to see Midori and Mieko running around carrying Shinichi above their heads.

"What are you kids doing?" Sango asked.

"We're playing a new game," Midori explained.

"Put Shinichi down. Someone is going to get hurt."

"But mommy…"

"Now."

They pouted but put Shinichi down and switched to another game.

"This is what you really want, Kagome?" Sango said jokingly. "Every time you turn around you'll see your kid doing something crazy and potentially dangerous."

I laughed. "It's worth it, isn't it?"

"It's more than worth it."

Moroha finished eating and I adjusted my shirt and put her on my shoulder. "Inuyasha's birthday is in a couple of weeks."

"Ooh nice, any plans this year?"

"He did mention that he wants to have a nice dinner so I guess we'll do that. I wish we still had some ramen for him."

"I'm surprised, you guys brought back so much."

"True, but it's long gone now. He's still depressed over it."

"I know he is. Besides you two, ramen is his favorite thing in the world." She pushed back her chair. "I think it's time to start working on dinner. Inuyasha and Miroku should be back soon. Kohaku is also supposed to be coming to visit."

Kohaku was the first to arrive. He was immediately almost knocked down by hugs from the kids. Then they dragged him over to me.

"Uncle Kohaku, come see baby Moroha," they said.

"Hi Kohaku," I said as he came over to me.

"Wow, Kagome she's so pretty," Kohaku said when he saw Moroha who was looking at him curiously.

"Thank you. Do you want to hold her?"

"Of course."

I handed her to him. "Hey, Moroha. I'm so glad I finally get to meet you."

"Isn't she cute Uncle Kohaku?" Midori said.

"She's our new best friend," Shinichi said.

Kohaku laughed. "That's awesome. I know you're all gonna have a lot of fun together."

A few minutes later, Inuyasha and Miroku came in.

"Hey family," Miroku said.

"You're just in time for dinner," Sango said. She was just starting to lay out the food.

Moroha started to whine when she saw Inuyasha.

"I think she wants her dad," Kohaku said as he handed her to Inuyasha.

She immediately calmed down and started smiling when Inuyasha held her. "I've missed you too, my sweet little girl."