A few people asked for some description about Charlotte's appearance (hair and eye color) and maybe that she bears an uncanny resemblance to one of the girls. Hopeful this is what people are looking for. Thanks for reviewing.
It took both Lena and Eliza to convince Kara that she could put Charlotte down and let the baby sleep in the play pen Jess had gotten for them to tide them over until the crib could be brought in and set up. Kara hated to do it, but she reluctantly put Charlotte into the pen when the toddler had fallen asleep around 9pm. Eliza got herself settled in her room and said goodnight to the couple. Once they got dressed for bed they both got into bed and Lena was curious about why Kara was moving her pillows around.
"Are you building a pillow fort love?" Kara stuck out her tongue, "no, I want my head to be at the foot of the bed so I can closer to her."
Lena's face softened and she reached out for Kara's hand. "Darling, you have super hearing, having your head closer to her won't do much more than that."
"What if she get scared, or lonely, or has a bad dream, or…" Lena had to reach for Kara's other hand and make her wife look at her.
"Hey, look at me." Kara finally locked eyes with Lena and tried to even her breathing. "Talk to me Kara, what's going on?"
"I don't want her to think she's alone."
"I understand that, but darling, she isn't alone. She can hear us talking and can hear the fan we keep on. She knows she isn't alone."
"What if she wakes up and is scared?"
"Kara, if she wakes up and needs us she'll cry and one of us will pick her up and get her settled again. That is what babies do honey." Kara mumbled something under her breath and Lena tapped her hand as a reminder to not shut down and to just tell Lena what's wrong.
"Lena, I know what it feels like to be awake and alone and wonder when the hell someone will save you and no one ever came because how could they. I do not want her to ever feel that." Lena nodded, it almost always came back to the time Kara spent in her pod, which when Kara described it to her sounded like hell: being wide awake for years, but having no concept of where or when you were traveling through only to crash onto a planet that wasn't yours with powers you never had before.
"Kara, I know her feeling alone scares you, but she isn't alone, and she won't ever be, ok. If sleeping with your head near her makes you feel better then ok, but I promise you she knows we're here." Kara nodded and placed her pillow at the foot of their bed only to be surprised when Lena did the same. "What? You didn't think I'd leave you alone at the foot of our bed did you?" Lena threw a blanket over them both and rubbed Kara's back until they both fell asleep.
Lena woke up about 5 hours later, something that surprised her because she did not think the baby would sleep for so long in a new place. She saw that Kara was passed out cold, no doubt still exhausted from helping with the fire and everything that came afterwards. Lena gently got out of bed and went to check on Charlotte only to find something she did not expect to see.
At some point in the middle of the night, Elsa had gotten off the big bed and had managed to get herself in the play pen with Charlotte. This must have soothed the baby because what Lena was looking at was Elsa, who was far too big for this play pen curled up fast asleep, with Charlotte snuggled into her and holding on to her fur as she continued to sleep. Lena grabbed her phone and took pictures before reaching in a scratching the dog's head to wake her up.
"Is this where you think you sleep now? Stinker. Come on let's go get the baby changed." Lena picked up Charlotte who only stirred slightly and Elsa figured out a way out of the pen so she could follow Lena into the living room where she changed Charlotte and got her back in jammies. She didn't want to wake up Kara, so she settled into the living room with Charlotte snuggled into her chest, the baby still fast asleep causing Lena to google if that was normal for a baby her age. At some point in all of this, Lena fell asleep in the recliner with Elsa asleep next to the chair. Two hours later Kara got up and noticed that Lena was not next to her and Charlotte was not in her play pen, so Kara assumed Lena had woken up and taken her in the other part of the house. Kara made her way into the living room and saw Lena fast asleep on the recliner, Charlotte snuggled into Lena and Elsa sleeping on the floor next to the chair. Kara took a quick picture of her wife holding the baby. It was the first time she really got to take a long look at Charlotte. Snuggled against Lena, you really would not have guessed that they had no biological relationship.
Charlotte had dark hair that right now was still thin and soft, but that Kara guessed would grow more as the child aged. She had brown eyes from what Kara remembered from yesterday, but there were times they had a hazel color to them. When she smiled or laughed she had one dimple on her right cheek that would become very pronounced and Kara thought it was adorable. This moment was only interrupted when Kara heard footsteps behind her and knew Eliza had woken up.
"I didn't hear any crying this morning so I figured I would come check and see how everyone was doing."
"She must have slept through the night because I didn't hear a thing. I heard Lena get up and move into the other room, so I never woke all the way up. Is it normal for her to sleep so long?"
Eliza smiled and rubbed Kara's shoulder, "all babies are different. At her age, sleeping longer is more likely than with newborns and I am sure she was just overwhelmed after yesterday and sleep was needed for her to recharge. Might want to wake her up soon though cuz I bet she'll be hungry. I'll go make some coffee for the adults and figure out something for breakfast." Kara nodded and went over to Lean and gently tapped her wife's foot which slowly woke her up.
"Hey babe, I see I missed out on early morning snuggles." Lena smiled and slowly sat up, "well I woke up to check on her and someone had climbed into her play pen and they were snuggled together when I woke up." Kara looked at the dog who seemed rather pleased with herself as Kara offered her pets.
"Did you climb into the play pen like a naughty girl. Don't tell momma but I think that is very cute that you wanted to be with your new sister. Just don't do it when we have a crib ok." Kara then gently lifted Charlotte off Lena's chest and eventually they all went into the kitchen.
"I am gonna go shower real fast before I have coffee ok?" Kara nodded as Lena went back into the bedroom to clean up. Once around more noises and smells Charlotte began to wake up and Kara quickly got her into her highchair.
"Alright peanut, what should we have to breakfast today huh?" Jess had gotten them a lot of baby friendly foods which was good because while baby food wasn't bad for a baby Charlotte's age, she certainly could be eating other things that had more nutrients.
"I was going to make some eggs for us and she can have some once they are cooled off. Maybe cut up an avocado and see if she likes that." Eliza hand her daughter one avocado while she worked on the eggs. Kara cut the food up into small chunks and placed a small amount on the highchair plate surface. Charlotte dug into the food immediately and seemed to have a rather goo time smashing the food as she got it in her mouth. Kara gave her more, but made sure to help the toddler by feeding her with the help of a spoon so she got more of the food. Lena joined them and had to smile at Kara trying to feed Charlotte while being animated about it.
"I see we have tried avocado with some success, although has she managed to eat any of it darling?" Kara nodded, "we are doing much better thank you, and say momma we were just expressing ourselves huh baby." Charlotte hit the surface in front of her as she cooed and of course this caused some of the food to smash and hit Kara directly in her face. Of course Lena laughed at this and Kara being Kara just picked the food off her face and ate it.
"Thank you for sharing, but maybe next time we work on your aim ok?" Eliza handed Kara some eggs that were cooled down and Charlotte immediately ate that as well.
"Were you my hungry girl? I bet you were. Let's get you cleaned up cuz I gotta go take a shower since someone felt like throwing food at mommy. Who did that? I think it was this little peanut here." Kara kissed Charlotte's head rapidly and the baby giggled as Kara stood up from her chair.
"I am going to shower real quick because I still smell like smoke from yesterday." Lena nodded saying she would clean the baby up and get her dressed in the clean clothes that Jess had brought in the day before.
"Hey little one, let's clean that face ok? Looks like you have a yummy breakfast, but did you get any of it in your mouth? Or did you get it all over you and mommy?" Lena spoke in a high voice and Charlotte clapped her hands at it. As Lena cleaned her up, she looked over her shoulder at Eliza.
"Shouldn't she be talking by now. I panicked googled this this morning and now I'm concerned."
"It depends honey. She actually might have already started talking before all this happened and her not talking now is not a sign that anything is wrong. She might just not be ready to say something. Even though she didn't see things happen, it was a trauma and her brain is so busy that you might just need to give her some time." Lena nodded and bounced the baby on her hip as she started to eat the breakfast that Eliza had placed in front of her at the counter.
"Are you sure it's ok to leave Charlotte with you so Kara and I can go and buy things she needs? I know it has all been a lot of info for everyone to take in at once." Eliza waved Lena off and held out her arms for Charlotte who happily reached for her and snuggled into Eliza.
"Please, if anything I may not notice you two are gone. We're gonna have Charlotte and grandma time aren't we sweetheart?" Lena smiled at the interaction as she finished her food.
"Well then, I see the pecking order. Speaking of which, Elsa is very attached to this one and vise versa. I found Elsa in her pen this morning and Charlotte was using her for a pillow and Elsa acted like it was just a normal thing. So chances are you'll be constantly followed by her." Eliza looked down to see the dog patiently waiting on the other side of the kitchen counter, knowing she is not allowed in that space when they are cooking.
"I think I can manage, but I promise I will call if we need anything." Kara came out of the bedroom ready for their shopping trip.
"We should head out soon right?" Lena nodded and went to grab her purse. Kara kissed Charlotte as she walked by. "Have fun with grandma ok peanut." Lena quickly did the same, promising Eliza they would update her as the day wore on as to when they would likely return. Lena had reached out to several stores to see who would give her and Kara private access to their store and she was greatly surprised that once again, it was Kara's name that carried the weight, not her own. Three stores offered to open on a Sunday which they usually did not do and allow the couple to shop without having all eyes on them.
The first store had most of the furniture they needed so after about two hours there the couple had picked a crib, changing table/dresser, rocking chair for the nursery, a stroller, more pop up play pens for Lena and Kara's offices and a handful of the same car seat, knowing that they would need one in each of their cars, one for Eliza's for the times they visit and one that could be used when they fly that would simply just stay in the L-corp jet. Lena begged the owner to please make sure that if nothing else the crib got to the house today. Kara jumped in and explained the situation, leaving out Supergirl totally and making a genuine plea to the owner who agreed that he would make sure the crib made it to the penthouse, but only after Kara insisted it never had either of their names on it. It needed to be left downstairs for the doorman to collect. With this agreed to, Lena offered the owner a substantial tip as a thank you and deep down and bribe for their silence, along with the promise that he recommendation for her employees would be to frequent the store when they had children.
They moved on to a store that offered a large selection of baby and infant clothes and Kara let Lena pick the outfits that were meant to match, but Kara went nuts getting shirts that were funny or sassy. They to grab the next few sizes up just to help themselves not have to worry about growth spurts. They got shoes and more pairs of PJs than Lena ever thought Charlotte would ever wear. Once they finished with this store they made a similar trip to another store where they were able to get more toys than either of them planned on along with safety things to protect Charlotte from things around the house. Kara could already see herself being volunteered to set up the baby gates for the kitchen, bathrooms and Lena's office. Lena made notes on the other things they might need to do to the house to make sure it passes whatever the state requires.
This whole shopping marathon took them give or take 6 hours and stopping for lunch did precious little to help the women feel refreshed. That being said, they both were very glad to finally get home and were shocked that the crib and changing table were already waiting for them downstairs and the staff told Lena they would bring it up shortly and leave it outside the door or bring it in depending on what she and Kara preferred. Once upstairs Lena opened the door and she and Kara could hear the TV playing something while Eliza was talking to Charlotte about something silly. They found the two of them and Elsa in the living room and smiled at the sight of Eliza on the floor with Charlotte who had a vice grip on Elsa's collar.
"I see you are causing all sorts of trouble with grandma huh peanut?" Kara went over and kissed Charlotte and offered Eliza a hug.
"She has been wonderful and even took a nap didn't you sweet girl? She ate around noon and I was about to make her a snack." Kara smiled, "perfect, Alex texted that she was on her way over to help us set up some of the safety stuff cuz I will lose my mind doing it myself." No sooner had Kara said it did their doorbell ring. Alex and Kelly were quickly led into the house and Alex was all but vibrating at the chance to see Charlotte again and in a more relaxed setting.
"Ok so where is my favorite niece and why is she not in my arms?"
"Hello to you too sister." Alex offered Kara a quick kiss and her eyes went back to where Charlotte was sitting. "Can I?" Alex pointed to the toddler and Kara nodded, but stepped in front of her.
"Of course you can, but let me get her because someone is a little protective of her." As if to make Kara's point for her Elsa got up off the floor and blocked anyone from picking up the baby. She didn't growl, but she showed her teeth, something she never did to anyone, especially not to Alex who she loved very much.
Kara scolded the dog quickly, but not in an unkind or angry way. "Hey, no ma'am. She is my baby, I can pick her up and you know Alex. No growling and no teeth. Be gentle." Elsa stopped the behavior quickly and sat down, allowing Kara to pick up Charlotte without issue and hand her to Alex. Kara then called the dog to her, still having a hand on Charlotte's back.
"See. Baby safe with Alex and Kelly. Ok?" Kara offer Charlotte a kiss before doing the same to Alex and Kelly before returning to Elsa. "Be gentle." Elsa went over and rubbed against Alex's before sitting at her feet.
"Good girl, Elsa. Good gentle." Alex was more than impressed and also deeply touched that the dog was so protective of the toddler so fast. Of course her thoughts were interrupted when Charlotte looked down to Elsa, clapped, and praised the dog, "Good Elsa gentle."
Literally everyone in the room stood still and Kara and Lena looked at each other instantly.
"You've got to be kidding me. Are those her first words here with you guys?" Alex didn't know to cry or laugh at the moment. Kara went over and kissed Charlotte again, "who's mommy's smart girl? Your puppy loves you huh?" Lena joined Kara and shook her head.
"Figures that her first words with us are about the dog. You really are a traitor you know." Lena offered Elsa gentle pets as she joked about the situation that was actually deeply meaningful to her and to Kara.
"Well, I think that calls for a nice dinner, on us. But now I get extra snuggles because she said her first words with you guys while I held her." Alex sat down and the couch and was not surprised when the dog joined her, forcing Kelly to sit on the other side of the dog. Something
that made everyone laugh. They ordered dinner and Alex handed Charlotte over to Kelly while she and Kara tried to set up as many baby gate as they could: focusing on blocking of the kitchen and guest bathrooms as well as the path to the balcony. Lena could hear the siblings swearing and scolding each other for swearing as they fought with the gates, eventually managing to get the ones they planned on up and Alex promised they would work on the crib after they ate dinner so that Kara and Lena weren't trying to do it alone.
As they sat down to dinner, Kara had to be reminded often to eat her food instead of fussing over Charlotte who was feeding herself better than she had at breakfast.
"Kara, it's plain pasta and cut green beans, I think she can handle it can't you monkey?" Alex cooed at the baby from her seat opposite Kara and the baby smiled and pointed to her food and then to herself.
"Charlie ea." This was followed by her clapping for herself while, once again, every adult at the table froze. Kara looked at Lena, "where did she get Charlie from?"
"I'm not sure love, but maybe its what her mother called her as a nick name." Kara looked sad at that and turned back to Charlotte.
Hey Charlotte, who is Charlie?" The toddler looked at Kara and smiled before pointing to herself, "Charlie." Kara nodded and looked at Lena who rubbed her hand over Charlotte's head and smiled, "Charlie it is then." That was Lena's way of telling Kara to not get stuck in the place of focusing on the sad and instead be present with them in the moment.
