Owen got out of the shower and was going to take the older two to the park for a bit and leave an exhausted Teddy with baby Daniel for a bit. They had brought Daniel home the afternoon before and Teddy had been feeding him every two hours around the clock in the two days since his birth.
He smiled seeing Teddy leaning against the pillows with Daniel in her arms and the older two curled up on either side of her in their bed.
"Mommy why does he do that," Leo asked.
"He's hungry. He wants me to feed him," Teddy explained.
"He eats you," Leo asked.
"No," Teddy said , "mommies have special milk for babies. Daniel only eats milk for now. When he's bigger he can have food like you and Allison."
"I share," Allison said.
"You can share your toys and books now," Teddy said.
"I share yogurt," Allison tried.
"He's too little for yogurt," Teddy replied.
Owen beamed at the scene with the four cuddled together; this was what he had always wanted but had been too afraid to chase. He could have had this so much sooner if he had been brave enough to love Teddy to let himself love her and be loved by her. Noticing that no one was looking at him Owen took his phone out of his pocket and snapped a picture.
"Daddy," Allison yelled.
"Allison you'll scare the baby," Owen said.
"Are you coming to sit with us or staring," Teddy asked.
"I was going to make breakfast in bed for all of you," Owen said.
"I'd rather go to the table," Teddy said, "these two with food in our bed?"
"You have a point," Owen agreed, "what do you feel like?"
"Eggs," Teddy said, "I need protein."
"Breakfast then what," Owen asked, "what do you feel up to?"
"I'm sore and exhausted. It's worse than it was with Allison," Teddy said, "with her I could sleep when she was and let my apartment be a mess, I ordered take out for the first week and had it delivered."
"You're saying you need a nap," Owen said.
"I need rest," Teddy agreed, "but we can all have a long quiet time after lunch. Maybe we can go for a short walk to the park?"
"Park, park, park, park," Leo and Allison chanted.
"Breakfast, let mom shower and we can play with Daniel then we'll all go to the park," Owen said.
The older kids ran to the living room to play.
Owen sat beside Teddy on the bed, "how's he doing?"
"He's hungry," Teddy said, "let him finish then he'll be ready to change and get dressed."
"You," Owen asked.
"I need home and quiet," Teddy said, "he's three days old."
"I don't know how much you should be moving," Owen said, "Teddy, that was terrifying. Seeing you in pain and bleeding like that."
"He hurt more than his sister," Teddy said, "I was not expecting that."
"You amaze me," Owen said, "how did you keep going?"
"Him," Teddy smiled at the baby in her arms, "I knew that Daniel was coming."
"Are you sure you're okay," Owen asked.
"I'm okay," Teddy said, "I need a shower badly and my b-o-o-b-s hurt like h-e double hockey sticks but I think a shower and letting Daniel feed as much as he wants should be okay. I might try the pump later but that would be for the freezer anyway. He's not ready for bottles."
"I want to give him a bottle," Owen said.
"I know you do," Teddy replied, "as soon as he's ready. Let him and I get in a good pattern first. It should be actual milk now so I can start storing it."
"I just want you to sleep more than 2 hours," Owen said.
"Life with a newborn," Teddy replied, "once he's done on the other side we'll join you for breakfast."
"Allison, Leo come help me," Owen said.
"Can you get them dressed," Teddy asked.
"No," Allison yelled, grabbing on to Teddy.
"Allison baby you need to go get dressed," Teddy said, "daddy will help you."
"Mommy," Allison whined.
"After I feed Daniel I can," Teddy agreed.
"Now," Allison whined.
"After sweetheart," Teddy said, "when he's eating I can talk to you or read to you but I can't move."
"Is eating all he does," Leo asked.
"No," Teddy said, "he sleeps and looks at us. He's only two days old and he has a lot to learn."
"You two need to be our big helpers and help him learn," Owen repeated.
"Mommy dress," Allison whined.
"Daddy is going to help you," Teddy said, "because Daniel is eating."
"No mommy," Allison yelled.
"Come on Princess," Owen said, lifting Allison off the big bed.
"Mommy," Allison yelled again.
"Bring me her clothes," Teddy said.
"I've got it," Owen said as he carried the kicking and crying toddler from the room.
"Owen today is not the day to fight her tantrum," Teddy said, "bring her clothes here and I can help her. She can dress herself. She just wants me. We knew it would be an adjustment."
"Allison let's go get your clothes," Owen said.
"Let her choose," Teddy reminded.
"I want mommy," Allison sniffled as Owen carried her.
This was hard. Teddy didn't know what to do as Owen carried Allison away. She knew Allison had to learn to be with both parents and share the attention with her brothers but she hadn't expected the tantrums and trying to sleep in their bed. As an infant Allison had often slept in Teddy's bed with her but it had been just Teddy and Allison.
"Teddy," Owen called.
"Let me finish here," Teddy replied.
"Allison is coming back with her clothes," Owen called.
"Mommy, mommy," Allison called bringing Teddy her clothes.
"Jammies off," Teddy directed.
Allison took off her pajamas.
"Pants," Teddy prompted.
Allison put on her leggings.
"Shirt," Teddy said.
Allison put on her shirt, "I do it."
"You did it," Teddy beamed, "my big girl."
"Hug," Allison asked.
"Come here," Teddy said, opening her free arm to Allison.
Allison crawled up in the big bed and Teddy hugged her with her free arm.
"Milk," Allison asked.
"We will get you a glass of milk when we go to the kitchen," Teddy agreed.
"Baby drink milk," Allison said.
"Yes Daniel drinks milk," Teddy said, "but he's done now. Do you want to hold him?"
"Yes," Allison cheered.
Teddy gently put the baby in his sister's lap. She kept her eye on them as she put on a clean shirt and leggings. She picked up Daniel and held him against her shoulder with one hand, she lead Allison to the kitchen with the other.
"Mommy daddy made eggs and bacon," Leo declared.
"My favourite," Teddy smiled.
"Why I made it," Owen said, "I'll hold him you eat."
"Lets try putting him in his swing near the table," Teddy suggested, "this was my problem with Allison. I didn't put her down unless I was showering and she was six months before she would go to sleep with out me."
"I remember taking her to daycare when I first moved here," Owen said, "you would have to feed her to sleep before work to get her to go to daycare."
"When they all go to daycare it'll be hard for her again after being home with us it'll be almost a year by the time I go back to work," Teddy said.
"Should they go to preschool," Owen asked, "the daycare reopens in a few weeks. We could do mornings for preschool."
"It might be good for them," Teddy said, "there's public preschools they call it kindergarten that they could go to and be taught in german."
"It wouldn't hurt," Owen said, "should we register them?"
"Just for the social," Teddy said, "it all re opens in a couple weeks. I can email that were coming back."
"It'll be good for you to have time with just him," Owen said.
"I need time with each of them," Teddy said, "so do you. We have to be fair."
"We do," Owen said, "we'll manage. Grey does it on her own."
"If Grey can do it alone we have this together," Teddy declared.
"We can," Owen agreed.
"Thank you for making me breakfast," Teddy said.
"Feeding you is the least I can do," Owen said.
"Breakfast, shower and dry my hair then the park," Teddy said.
"If he needs to eat," Owen asked.
"I can feed him in the carrier," Teddy said, "I managed it with her."
"So young," Owen asked.
"No," Teddy said, "we'll play it by ear."
"Are you sure you're up to it," Owen said.
"Fresh air and the park with the kids," Teddy replied, "that's what we all need."
"I'll clean up the kitchen and living room while you get ready," Owen said, "take your time. Teddy, we're not in a rush."
"Okay," Teddy said.
"Eat," Owen said.
"You two," Teddy replied.
"We're all going to eat," Owen declared. He put Teddy's plate in front of her then the kids plates down before taking the baby from Teddy and settling him in the swing before eating.
Owen sat in his chair at the table and put his hand on Teddy's knee. He could tell she was stressed, in pain and exhausted, he wanted to reassure her that he was there. They finished their breakfast and Teddy slowly made her way to the shower. Allison ran after her.
"Mommy no," Allison yelled, stomping her foot.
"I am going to take a shower," Teddy said, "I need to get clean. I'm going to get mad soon if I don't get a shower. Allison I need 20 minutes."
"Allison, stay with me," Owen said, "you can play with your brothers. Let mommy shower."
"Mommy no leave," Allison said.
Teddy knelt down in front of Allison, "I'm not leaving baby girl. I'm just going to the bathroom. I'll shower and get dressed then you can sit with me when I do my hair."
"Teddy," Owen asked.
"Its a compromise today," Teddy replied.
"Mommy no," Allison said.
"I have to shower like you have to have your bath," Teddy said, "you can come with me to do my hair and make up."
"Make up," Allison brightened up.
"Yes I wear make up," Teddy said.
"Me make up," Allison said.
"Maybe," Teddy said, "if you let me go now."
"Teddy," Owen gasped.
"She thinks chapstick is lip stick," Teddy replied, "clear blistex chapstick like you steal from me in the winter. We put it on them when their lips are chapped."
"Okay," Owen agreed, he had gone through Teddy's purse and makeup drawer before to get chapstick for the kids. She always had it in her purse, work bag, desk drawer and in random places around the house.
Teddy went to shower, she stood in front of the mirror eyeing herself, she wasn't happy she still looked pregnant. Last time she had been alone she hadn't been happy with how she looked but there was no fiance to worry about if he would find her attractive again. Owen could not see her like this with her deflated stomach, swollen breasts and stretch marks crossing her hips and belly. She had to get in shape as soon as possible. But she was in her mid 40s with three kids. How could she do that now?
Owen cleaned up the kitchen and worried about Teddy. The night before he had reached for her to cuddle and she had pulled away from him. He hadn't wanted more than to hold her and make her feel loved but she hadn't wanted to be touched, even this morning she had tensed when he put his hand on her knee under the table. Even as just friends they had always been affectionate and she had always come to him for hugs or to be held when she was having a rough day. She had held him through Megan's surgeries, they had always had that unspoken understanding.
Teddy came out with her hair blow dried and a little bit of make up on, she felt better doing those two things.
"Who's ready to go to the park," Teddy asked.
"Park," Leo said, running to the door.
"Whoa Leosaurus," Teddy said, "put your shoes on."
"Hurry," Leo said.
"Mommy slide," Allison cheered.
"We can go on the slide," Teddy agreed, "lets put Daniel in the stroller."
"Me ride," Allison asked.
"No you're a big girl," Teddy said, "big girls walk."
"No walk," Allison whined.
"There's only room for Daniel in this stroller," Owen said, they were planning on using the one Teddy had bought for infant Allison, there was only room for one child.
"Diaper bag," Teddy asked.
"Packed," Owen said.
"Diapers," Teddy asked.
"Three or four for him, pullup for Allison, clean clothes for all three," Owen said, "water bottles for all of us, adult and kid snacks."
"Thank you," Teddy replied.
They got the older two ready and Daniel wrapped up in the stroller. Owen pushed the stroller down the road while Leo scampered ahead and Allison held Teddy's hand. They reached the playground and the older two ran for their favourite play equipment. Teddy sat on the bench and pulled the bottle of bubble solution out of the diaper bag and began to blow bubbles over the stroller so Daniel could see them, Allison came running over and began to jump and try to catch the bubbles.
"Bubbles," Allison squealed.
"Do you like bubbles," Teddy asked.
"Yes," Allison said.
Daniel began to fuss in the stroller.
"Why don't I blow the bubbles," Owen said.
"I'll try to feed him," Teddy said.
"What do you need," Owen asked.
"The spare blanket in the bag," Teddy said.
As soon as Teddy picked Daniel up he stopped fussing.
"Maybe he just wants me," Teddy said, holding him close.
Owen put the bubbles away and went to play on the playground with the older kids.
"Teddy," a woman said.
"Diana," Teddy greeted.
"You had your baby," Diana stated the obvious.
"Two days ago," Teddy said, "this is Daniel."
"Out already," Diana asked.
"Here and straight home," Teddy said, "we all needed fresh air. Owen is on the playground with Leo and Allison."
"The older kids," Diana asked.
"Adjusting," Teddy replied.
"How are you," Diana asked.
"Recovering," Teddy answered, "he's my third. I know how this goes."
"I thought you adopted Leo," Diana said.
"Many years ago," Teddy said, "I miscarried a little boy at 18 weeks."
"I'm sorry," Dianna said.
"I have my three," Teddy smiled, "Dianna, I thought Allison would be my one and only but I have three beautiful kids."
"Leo looks like Owen," Dianna said, "and Allison is your mini me."
"I think Daniel will be a mix," Teddy said.
"He is gorgeous," Diana said.
"He is," Teddy smiled at her friend, they had met in a baby group for american moms when Allison was a newborn and had become friends through that.
"Do you think this will end soon," Dianna asked.
"I hope so," Teddy said, "hopefully by Christmas numbers are down."
"Mommy," Leo yelled, "push me."
"Once dad comes and takes Daniel," Teddy replied.
Owen took Daniel from Teddy, "you're nice and awake now buddy. You have your mommy's eyes, little man."
"He just likes being held," Teddy smiled, "he's been awake about 20 minutes he should sleep again soon. He's only managed an hour so far."
"Should we head home in 10 then," Owen asked.
"Maybe," Teddy said, "I'm ready to be back on the couch."
"Mommy," Leo demanded.
"I'm coming little man," Teddy replied.
Teddy walked over and pushed Leo on the swing, she enjoyed her time at the park.
Over at the bench Daniel began to cry in Owen's arms.
"Let's try changing you before we get mommy," Owen said grabbing the diaper bag and laid the changing mat on the bench beside him before putting Daniel on it and changing him.
Leo, now swinging high, Teddy made her way back to the bench.
"It wasn't the diaper," Owen frowned.
"Its been two and a half almost three hours," Teddy said, "he probably needs to be fed."
"Do you want to go home," Owen asked.
"I'll take him," Teddy said, "you meet us in a bit with Ali and Leo. they need to play."
"Are you sure," Owen asked.
"I need to take him home and feed him," Teddy said, "we've been out longer than I thought."
"You okay," Owen asked.
"I need to get home," Teddy said.
"Okay I'll get the older two and head home," Owen said, "you take the stroller and Daniel."
Teddy quickly laid Daniel in the stroller and walked as fast as her very sore body would go.
Owen gathered Allison and Leo.
"Where did mommy go," Leo asked.
"She took Daniel home," Owen said, "let's go to the bakery and get treats then we can go home."
"Mommy," Allison asked.
"She's at home feeding Daniel," Owen explained, "we're going to the bakery and the veggie store first."
"Cookies," Allison asked.
"We can pick out some cookies," Owen agreed.
"Chocolate," Allison tried.
"We will get chocolate cookies," Owen agreed.
"Gingerbread," Leo demanded.
"You can have your gingerbread," Owen agreed, "what should we get mommy."
"Cinnamon bun," Leo suggested.
"Mom has liked those lately," Owen agreed.
The three of them made their way to their favourite bakery and picked out a selection of treats and fresh bread.
"Hi sweetheart," Evelyn answered when Teddy called her a bit later than normal, "I was worried you wouldnt call today."
"Everyday," Teddy said, "I just got Daniel down."
"Where's Owen," Evelyn asked, "why isn't he helping you?"
"He took Allison and Leo to the bakery and market," Teddy said, "it is helping. Allison isn't adjusting well."
"Its been three days," Evelyn said, "treat her like she's older don't baby."
"We're not," Teddy said, "I think she just wants attention."
"Probably," Evelyn said.
"I had to bribe her with chapstick to let me shower," Teddy said.
"Owen was like that when Megan was born," Evelyn said, "make sure you get time with just Allison when Daniel naps."
"I'm really short tempered with her and Leo right now," Teddy admitted.
"It's okay," Evelyn said, "you're exhausted, he's probably feeding every two or three hours around the clock. Have you been able to eat and shower?"
"Shower and I had breakfast," Teddy said, "lunch not yet. Owen is feeding me."
"Sweetheart I want you to put something cozy on and curl up with a cup of tea until the others come back," Evelyn said, "you don't look cozy."
"I don't really have clothes that fit right now," Teddy whined, "normal is too tight and then I have maternity clothes. I have one pair of leggings I've been wearing for 2 days."
"Don't worry about that for today," Evelyn said, "be comfortable. You're home, you're not going out."
"We already went to the park," Teddy said.
"Too soon Teddy," Evelyn said, "you need to let Owen do those things for a couple weeks."
"Leo and Allison," Teddy sobbed.
"Will adjust," Evelyn promised, "they know you love them. You just need a mom right now don't you."
Teddy nodded tears rolling down her face.
"Can you talk to me," Evelyn asked.
"Maybe," Teddy sniffed.
"Whats going on," Evelyn asked.
"I don't want Owen to see me like this," Teddy whined, "I don't look like me."
"And that man is more in love with you than ever," Evelyn said, "Teddy you had a baby three days ago. Your third child. Give yourself time. What did you do with Allison?"
"Laid around in pajamas and didn't worry," Teddy said, "but it was just her and I. Owen wasn't trying to hold me in the middle of the night."
"You two have always been affectionate even as friends," Evelyn said, "he's just trying to show you he's there and loves you. Trust him. I felt the same way after both kids I would pull away from Bill. Let Owen in. What do you need?"
"Sleep, coffee and a hug," Teddy said.
"Tell Owen," Evelyn prompted.
"I'll try," Teddy said.
"You were doing it a few days ago," Evelyn said, "keep it going."
"I'll try," Teddy said.
"How are the kids," Evelyn said.
"Daniel eats, sleeps and cries," Teddy said, "Leo is trying to be our right hand and Allison is trying to be the baby."
"She's 2," Evelyn said, "he's three and a half."
"I know," Teddy said, "three kids."
"Three," Evelyn said.
"We should talk about Meghan's shower," Teddy said.
"We have time," Evelyn said, "I'm building her baby girl box."
"I'll order some things on Amazon and have them sent to her," Teddy said.
"Do you two use Amazon to send things," Evelyn asked.
"We do," Teddy said, "it's just easier."
"Can I order from here and have it sent to you," Evelyn asked.
"You can," Teddy said, "if you use the german one it comes with prime."
"That's getting beyond me," Evelyn said, "are you sure your okay Teddy?"
"I am now," Teddy said, "I needed time and to talk to you. They're home."
"Hug everyone for me," Evelyn said, "I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"I will," Teddy replied, "thanks Evelyn."
Teddy paused she really wanted to use Nathan's ma for Evelyn. She almost had, maybe she would try it soon and see how Evelyn responded.
"How's mom," Owen asked.
"Shes good," Teddy said, "Meghan's shower is virtual in a month. I've ordered a few things to be sent to Riggs to hide for her."
"What did you order," Owen asked.
"Carrier the same one we have that I used for Allison as well and a couple onesies," Teddy said, "Meg bought the carrier we have."
"How are you," Owen asked.
"Worn out it was too soon to go to the park and play on the play ground," Teddy said.
"What do you want to do," Owen asked.
"Can we all just cuddle and watch a movie," Teddy suggested.
"We can do that," Owen agreed, "and we went to the bakery so theres treats."
"After lunch," Teddy said.
"Sandwiches okay," Owen asked.
"Yes," Teddy said, "but I'm not moving unless I have to."
"I can make 4 sandwiches and we can eat on the coffee table today," Owen replied.
Allison had climbed up on the couch with Teddy and snuggled into her mom's side. Teddy wrapped one arm around Allison holding her close. Teddy smiled and kissed the tops of both kid's heads, she couldn't believe she had made them. Teddy looked to Leo who was trying to wiggle between Teddy and the arm of the couch.
"Okay Leosaurus," Teddy smiled, "let me sit up a bit then you can cuddle with us two."
"Can I hold the baby," Leo asked.
"I'll help you hold Daniel," Teddy agreed.
"Story," Allison asked.
"I can tell you a story but my hands are too full for a book," Teddy said, "should I tell you about meeting Daddy?"
"Please," Allison said.
"Okay," Teddy said she shifted so her feet were on the coffee table and she had her arms around all three kids, "so about 20 years ago when Leo and Allison and Daniel were just perfect little dreams mommy and daddy were both soldiers in a country called Iraq. We were working with auntie Megan and uncle Nathan. The first time I met daddy he was my boss, he was in charge."
Owen interrupted, "mommy is the boss now."
"As I was saying he was the most handsome man I had ever seen," Teddy continued, "my first day in a new place in the middle of a hot, hot desert he told me to do a big surgery on a heart with him. Then after our surgery we started talking and daddy became my best friend. We were best friends for many many years before daddy came here from Seattle where grandma lives to tell me he loved me. Then Daddy adopted Leo and I had Allison and when Allison was almost one daddy and Leo moved in across the hall from Allison and I and we realized our family was perfect with all of us."
"Daniel," Leo said.
"We had just moved in here when we found out Daniel was in my tummy," Teddy said, "now he's here."
Owen brought lunch to the table, turkey sandwiches for himself and teddy and half of a PBJ each for Allison and Leo. Owen turned on a movie and soon the five of them were asleep on the couch their half eaten sandwiches forgotten on the coffee table.