A lot had changed in the last month and it wasn't just because of the two new additions to the Novak family. The mothers had been on maternity leave for about a two weeks when they decided it was time to make some big decisions. Lucky for them, Liz and Alexander were absolutely amazing and after the first week of being home as a family of six, the grandparents were there everyday to help. Whether it was with laundry (only the girls because Alex didn't want her mother doing their laundry too), grocery shopping, helping with meals, picking the girls up from school because Alex still did morning drop offs, washing bottles (even though Casey was mostly breastfeeding, she did pump as well so Alex could help with nighttime feedings) or cleaning up, they were amazing.
Having them there during the day even while Peyton and Oaklyn slept was a huge help as well because it allowed the mothers to get some well deserved rest and talk about their future. Yes, it was a bit early to be discussing all of this but Alex loved to be prepared and honestly Casey did as well. The first thing they took care of was trading in the Range Rovers for cars more appropriate for their family seeing as they had three car seats and one booster seat. They fell in love with the Lincoln Navigators and after setting up an appointment while the girls were at school to make sure it was exactly what they needed, their purchase was finalized.
There were a few things being added to each of the vehicles before they picked them up so within the next week or so, they'd have two new cars. Amelia and Lennon both loved how big the new cars were as they saw pictures online of them and were beyond excited—Casey and Alex loved the safety features and the fact that they could now easily fit their family without any hassle. The babies would still be in the second row however in the new cars the middle seat folded down easily so the mothers could access Lennon and Amelia to help them too. Well, help Lennon at least because of her car seat—Amelia can get into her booster seat by herself which is great although the mothers do like to make sure she's buckled because they are so overprotective.
After getting, or at least making the purchase of their new cars, they spoke about work—and although the babies were just born and they still had months left for maternity leave (Casey an extra three), they wanted to discuss it. When Alex's maternity leave is over, she is going to work three half days a week for a while and see how that goes and they are looking to keep Abbie in SVU during that time which was even better news. Abbie, who runs homicide has agreed to help out in any and every way she can considering Casey and now Alex have given her four godchildren and she'd do anything for them. And since Abbie's proposal to Serena, she is the girls other godmother which made Abbie beyond happy.
Casey isn't so sure what she wants to do after leave is up—she loves getting justice for the women who have gone through what she did, but being able to spend more time with her children is really something she can't pass up. So although it's not set in stone yet, Casey most likely won't be going back to SVU and if she does, it will be strictly part time i.e.: only mornings and just a few days a week. Alex is still debating on what she wants to do—she thought for the longest time her life was pretty planned out for her until she met Casey and after that, it seemed as if nothing mattered anymore. She was happy to have her little family, and now, her ever growing family.
There's nothing better than her girls and she has really been considering all her options—even before Peyton and Oaklyn were born Alex wasn't sure what she wanted anymore. She knew she'd have to sit down with her father who would help her with such a big decision, and of course, talk to Casey about it. That being said, Alex was definitely a daddies girl and he'd help her navigate a lot better than her mother who would most likely say 'stay where you are and work something out with Branch'. Although she knew that could be an option, Alex wasn't so sure anymore.
Amelia's 10th birthday was fast approaching and thank god for Liz and Alexander who have gone from store to store to get her presents and party supplies—Peyton and Oaklyn were now a month old meaning in 9 days, they mothers would have a 10 year old. Casey was extremely emotional about it and blamed it on her hormones because unlike everyone assumes, they don't just disappear the minute you give birth—honestly, Casey just can't believe her little one will be ten.
It also means, the last day of school is in 7 days which Amelia and Lennon remind the mothers every chance they can get. It was adorable though, Amelia just wanted to spend as much time as she could with her baby sisters—that being said, her relationship with Lennon only seemed to grow stronger which was something neither mother thought could happen because they were already inseparable.
The theme for Amelia's party is 'on cloud 9' which involves a lot of party decorations shaped like clouds, tons of rainbows, of course a sun, and lots of balloons. Due to the fact their girls are so similar, Amelia wanted to have her party at the trampoline park and the rest would be held at the restaurant just like they did for Lennon's. Casey loves being able to decorate the third floor exactly how her daughters want it to be while serving food that adults love as well. Plus, their girls love going to mommies restaurant. After the party, they are spending a week up at their house in the Hamptons so the girls can swim and enjoy the start to their summer—Liz and Alexander are coming with them as well which will be great for the helping hands and watchful eyes.
Amelia woke up bright an early—not that she was a late riser by any means but today was extra special and she knew it.
She was 10.
She laid in her bed with Rocky on her chest and decided to have a little talk with her stuffed friend reflecting on the past year. It has honestly been the best year of her life—she no longer needs to see the horrors of the world, feel unloved, get yelled at, have her food withheld, and help her 'fathers' drug business.
Her main focus now is on being a kid with the two best mommies she could ever ask for, who love her, protect her, and give her everything she could ever want and more. Be the best big sister to Lennon and now Peyton and Oaklyn, and get to teach them everything while loving them and never feeling left out due to the fact that even though there's now four of them, she still gets special time with her mommies every single day. Because of this, Amelia has been working on a little project of her own.
Yes, it may be her birthday, but she wanted to give her mommies something because without them who knows what would have happened to her. Her grandpa says she's the best artist in the whole world and while Amelia appreciates the compliment, she doesn't think that's true. She is however very proud of the artwork she's created for her mommies. At the newborn photoshoot, Amelia and Lennon took pictures with the babies so Casey and Alex had a picture of all four of their children together, but they also took some random pictures while they were there because what's a photoshoot without a bunch of extra pictures. At least that's what mommy says.
Amelia asked her grandma to help her get a copy of one of the pictures that was taken and Liz did just that—she would ask her mommies but then they might catch on. Today was the day she was going to give them the picture and she was really excited. She even wrote a note to attach to it, although she decided it would go better in an envelope because her mommies would keep it somewhere special and want to frame the artwork, or so she hoped.
She quietly snuck into her mothers room careful not to wake the babies in their bassinettes and crawled into their bed, tucking herself in between both of them and smiled as she felt Casey's arm automatically wrap around her tiny body. Casey had always been a light sleeper so when she felt a dip at the bottom of the bed, she knew exactly what was happening. Since having Peyton and Oaklyn, Alex can pretty much wake up at the drop of a hat as well because she always wants to help Casey—because of this, Amelia felt another protective arm wrapped around her.
"It seems like someone has snuck into our bed, babe," Alex mumbled.
Amelia smiled and listened for the response from her mommy. "I think it's a super special ten year old, but I'm not sure." Casey opened her eyes after hearing her daughters giggles and she peppered kisses to Amelia's face, "Happy birthday little one."
"Happy birthday sweet girl, what are you doing up so early?" Alex asked as she looked at the clock. It was 6:25am which meant the babies would be up soon for their next feeding.
Amelia shrugged and snuggled further into them. "I wanted cuddles."
"You can have all the cuddles you want today my little birthday babe," Casey said, holding her closely.
"I also have something for you and momma and I wanted to give it to you before the babies and Lennon wake up," Amelia admitted, holding her breath for a response.
Amelia was looking at Casey expectantly and watched as her mommy's face showed shock and surprise, then a huge smile broke out letting Amelia release a breath she didn't know she was holding. "You're the birthday girl and you have something for us?"
Amelia nodded then proceeded to sneak out from their embrace to the end of the bed so she could reach the drawing and note she left there before climbing back up. She kneeled in front of both of them and watched as Casey and Alex sat up and scooted closer together—Casey then pulled Amelia into her lap, all three of them were happy that her squeal didn't wake the babies, while Alex was left holding an envelope and a piece of paper flipped upside-down.
Amelia had given them drawings in the past and they knew not to flip it over, 'if I hand it to you upside-down it means don't look yet, okay?' she said to them a while back. Since then, Alex and Casey knew what to do when given artwork from their daughter. The envelope threw them off though but Alex didn't question it. She looked at Amelia to ask what to look at first and smiled when Amelia shrugged, blushed, and tried to hide herself in Casey's neck causing both mothers to smile.
"It's just because you're the bestest and I wouldn't be so happy without you both," she mumbled into Casey's neck as the blush continued.
Alex decided to open the envelope first—Casey could feel Amelia's head shifting a bit to watch what her momma was doing but when the letter was taken out and opened up for both of them to read, she buried her face again.
Dear Mommy and Momma,
I wanted to say thank you because I am really happy. I've never been so happy before because I had to see a lot of scary things before I met you that made me feel really unsafe. When mommy came into the police room I knew I could trust her and then momma came in and I thought the same thing. I also got ice cream that day which was super cool. I've never had anybody care about me like you both do and it makes me feel really special. You both make me feel super safe and really loved.
I also got a sister which was really fun because I've never had one before. You both never treated me differently than Lennon and it makes me feel extra loved because I'm not blood related like she is. I was scared that I'd be treated not as special as Lennon but that wasn't right at all because we are treated the same.
I was so excited when mommy said she was having a baby because that meant I got to be a big sister again and I feel like it's one of my biggest accomplishments. I get to teach them things and help them grow up and always love them. I even got an extra sister because mommy had two babies in her belly at the same time. Even though I didn't come from your bellies well really mommy's belly because momma doesn't want to have a baby in her belly I feel like I did.
You are the best mommies in the whole world and I am really happy that I got you. I hope you like the drawing I did because I worked really hard on it. Maybe you can even put it in a frame if you like it lots.
Grandma is helping me write the letter to make sure I spelt everything right I hope that's okay. I love you both so much. Like times a million bazillion.
Love, Amelia
Ps. Grandma said I should put age 10 so you don't forget I'm 10 now.
Amelia could feel her mommy crying because her body was shaking a little bit and she could hear sniffles from both of them…she didn't know if that was a good or bad thing. Suddenly, she felt Casey's arms wrap tighter around her little body and after Alex carefully put down the letter and drawing that was still upside-down, she hugged both of them as well peppering kisses to Amelia's face.
"Oh baby, that was so precious—thank you so much for this letter, it means so much to both mommy and me," Alex saw Casey nodding as tears poured down her face. Again, hormones.
Due to this, Alex continued, "We love you so much and we are so happy that you feel so safe and happy with us—you're the little one we've always needed and you're the best big sister to your little sisters. We are so beyond proud of you each and everyday."
Amelia smiled then turned around and tried to wipe Casey's tears away even though it was pointless as they continued to stream down her face. "Momma is mommy crying happy tears?"
Casey nodded as Alex answered, "Mommy is so happy and because of her hormones she's extra emotional."
Casey continued to nod while hugging Amelia closer to her body. After a big hug and kiss, Casey regained her composer and spoke, "Momma is right baby, everything she said is so true." As she felt Amelia start to squirm, she knew they needed to look at the drawing and needed to do it right now.
"How about we look at this drawing? What do you say momma?" Casey looked at Alex who nodded her head this time.
As she flipped it over, both mothers gasped and tears started again for Casey while starting the first time for Alex. They had never seen anything more beautiful besides their girls in person—of course the pictures they had taken were beautiful but this was homemade and absolutely gorgeous.
There in front of them were their four girls laying on a white blanket, Amelia and Lennon were in the middle snuggled up next to one another, each had an arm around a baby who was wrapped up in blanket that matched the colors of what the girls were wearing: pastel pink. Peyton was 'snuggled' up next to Lennon, (more so resting next to her as Lennon lazily held her) and Oaklyn was snuggled up next to Amelia who had an arm wrapped around Lennon and Oaklyn to show she's the big sister.
Everything about the drawing was perfection: it honestly looked like they paid a professional artist to draw it even though they knew it was their daughter. She was beyond talented and not just with her artwork but her dancing as well. The arts in general screamed her name—in multiple forms, she could truly do anything she set her mind to. Underneath each of the girls were their names in a beautiful cursive, something Amelia has been learning all year long at school. Peyton Mae, Amelia Rayne, Lennon Grace, Oaklyn Sky.
Amelia wanted to make her mommies happy so she pointed to the names and said, "I wrote them just in case…I know sometimes it's hard to tell the babies apart."
After she said that, both mothers laughed through their tears—they couldn't help it. Plus, Amelia was right, it wasn't always easy to tell the babies apart. Now that they were a month old, the mothers and Amelia knew who was who—Lennon would guess because to her they looked 'too the same' is what she always said.
The grandparents were still trying to figure it out, even spending every single day with them the only reason they truly knew who was who was because of the left and right trick. If they were in their mothers arms before they arrived neither Liz or Alexander could tell yet.
Abbie was trying extremely hard, however, failed every single time. So much so that she would try and trick herself; when she was super confident, she'd guess the opposite knowing she was probably wrong with her guesses then ended up being wrong because she was right the first time. Amelia always thought it was super funny to see Auntie Abbie get so worked up about it especially because she could tell her sisters apart. The squad had no clue and always hoped they were in some type of monogramed onesie to help them out or at least had their special blankets with them that had their names.
"This is absolutely breathtaking little one, I can't believe you drew this. You're so talented and I can't wait to frame this and hang it up. Where do you think we should put it momma?" Casey asked, squeezing Amelia tightly while giving her kisses.
It was Alex's turn to not be able to speak—she was in pure shock that her daughter could draw something so special, so beautiful, it was unreal. "I want to see it all the time," Alex said quietly, not specifying anywhere they should actually hang it.
"What do you think sweet girl?" Casey asked, looking down at Amelia to see what she thought. "Where do you think we should put it?"
"Umm, well there's so many pictures everywhere so I don't really know." They all laughed at that because it was true. Not only did they have a photo wall in the living room, but there were pictures in the entryway, along the wall to the kitchen, the hallway upstairs had a lot, the office had another mini photo wall, and there were tons in the master bedroom.
It clicked to Casey, she has wanted to replace one of the pictures they have in the entryway because they had so many new pictures and wanted to include all of their girls. Right now, the center picture was of Lennon and Amelia so she suggested it to both Alex and Amelia knowing everyone who came over would see it—she wanted Amelia to be comfortable with that. Once they agreed, it was final—that's the knew spot for Amelia's gorgeous artwork.
The day continued, crepes for breakfast because the girls and Alex were so similar: they were a breakfast favorite. A 'mommy sized' amount of fruit was not required today as it was Amelia's birthday and she knew how healthy their girls ate anyways. Casey nursed Peyton and Oaklyn then put them down for their first nap of the day while Alex cleaned up breakfast and the girls watched The Little Mermaid and played together with their toys.
On the kitchen island were huge balloons, a one and a zero that were pink because unfortunately the store doesn't carry peach, Amelia's new favorite color. And around the balloons were some presents from mommy, momma, Lennon, Peyton and Oaklyn. Amelia had no interest in opening them right away—she wanted to play with Lennon so that's exactly what she got to do.
They were heading to the trampoline park for their special private slot time which was from 2pm-4:30pm. It gave them plenty of time to spend there knowing Amelia invited her two best friends, the Stabler kids would be there as well which was great because they'd also play with Lennon.
Casey also knew Auntie Abbie would be bouncing and wouldn't be surprised if Fin joined in as well because he would do anything for their girls. Alexander would definitely try to bounce too causing Alex and Liz to cringe with embarrassment—but he was all about doing everything the kids did, especially for a celebration.
Even with the noise, it would be around the time of the babies fourth nap however their schedules weren't always perfect so who knows whether or not they'd be awake. Either way, it would be okay with plenty of helping hands. Liz wouldn't be bouncing so she'd definitely keep an eye on them while the mothers spent some time bouncing around with their girls and Kathy, who had only met the twins a few times, would be baby obsessed. They were truly lucky to have so many people who cared about their family.
As 1pm approached, both girls were dressed in their matching rompers—Amelia still didn't mind matching and the mothers would let them match for as long as Amelia felt comfortable doing so. It was the end of June and the weather was warm so they were lightweight with little spaghetti straps: perfect for jumping around while still being stylish.
Because the party was 'on cloud nine' they were a mix of light blue and white to represent the sky. The twins were in their own matching rompers however theirs had little short sleeves and cut off exposing their little legs—they were just white with ruffles because unfortunately there weren't matching for babies.
The mothers wore jeans and Alex put on a light blue top while Casey wore white. Amelia picked out their outfits because she wanted everyone to match. Casey made sure to get doubles of the babies rompers knowing if they had a blowout, the outfit would still be the same as what Amelia picked. Casey was more worried about the spit up wearing a white shirt herself so she made sure to pack extra burp cloths and bibs.
At 1:45pm the Novak family along with the Cabot's pulled into the parking lot of the trampoline park—perfect timing because they were able to help unload everyone. Liz and Alexander gave kisses to Peyton and Oaklyn while waiting for the girls to get out of the car. Lennon jumped into Alexander's arms from the car while Amelia hopped down and ran into Liz's arms. She was quick to lift Amelia up and give her ten birthday kisses and a huge hug, "Happy birthday sweet pea."
Then they switched girls so Alexander could do the same while Liz said her hello to Lennon. "Happy birthday princess." To Alexander, all of his granddaughters were princesses—however, Alex was too which made Amelia laugh.
Amelia's friends soon arrived along with everyone who was invited—as predicted, Abbie, Fin and Alexander were quick to jump with the girls while Liz and Kathy were quick to pick up a twin and ask who they were holding.
Alex left to go bounce while Casey made sure Parker and Ayla's parents knew they were invited to the restaurant after bouncing—they were planning on leaving and coming back to pick up the girls but because of the upgraded cars, it wasn't necessary. Due to the fact both of Amelia's friends were much bigger than her, neither required a booster seat so they were good to go and the parents were free to have two and a half hours alone.
That being said, Parker has siblings so Casey told Allison (Parker's mother) a few weeks before the party if they wanted to bounce too, they were more than welcome. Due to this, Noah (Parker's father) stayed to make sure the boys behaved even after Casey said they had plenty of eyes to watch them. They were surrounded by detectives and lawyers, nobody would be out of site. Noah thanked Casey but decided he would bounce with the boys as it was always great to spend time with his children seeing as he worked full time during the week.
As the party went on more laughter was heard, drinks were handed out to make sure nobody got dehydrated, amazing memories were made, and pictures were captured. Amelia was having so much fun with everyone, not just her friends. She felt so special, everyone who was there came to celebrate her—this was the first birthday party she has ever had and it was unbelievably special to her. She honestly couldn't believe how many people there were who actually cared.
After bouncing for a while, Casey heard the undeniable cry of one miss Oaklyn Sky which meant soon after, Peyton Mae would also start to cry because they did everything together. Casey quickly made her way over to where Liz and Kathy were sitting, smiling at Alex to ensure she was fine, and took both babies into her arms.
They instantly calmed down—Liz had seen this happen many times since she and Alexander had been there everyday for the three weeks but Kathy was truly blown away. This never happened with her twins—it was as if Casey had the magic touch. Casey knew their naptime wasn't over yet and bounced slightly to get them back to sleep and once they were, she gave them a kiss, handed Peyton back to Kathy and was just about to give Oaklyn back to Liz when Alexander snuck his arms in. Liz laughed and nodded signaling it was okay.
"And who do we have here?" Alexander said, giving the baby a kiss on her little head.
"Take a guess," Liz smiled knowing he'd get it wrong. Truthfully, she had no idea either until Casey told her earlier—it was a 50/50 guess though.
"I'm going to have to say you're little miss Peyton Mae."
Liz just shook her head and pointed towards the baby in Kathy's arms. "Well, hello little miss Oaklyn Sky. Grandpa's sorry he got you mixed up with your sister."
After making sure the babies were settled, Casey went back to join her girls who were jumping around together while holding hands. Amelia was so sweet, she loved being a big sister so much that even with her friends there, she was bouncing with her four year old sister.
A little while later, Kathy appeared with the adults who were bouncing around, more like standing and talking while on a few trampoline squares keeping an eye on the kids. Casey quickly turned around to see Peyton had been handed off to Liz and Kathy informed them she was checking to make sure all her kids were behaving.
Suddenly, Amelia came bouncing over with Lennon, Parker and Ayla interrupting the adults' conversation. Casey picked Lennon up when she made grabby hands signaling she was getting tired even after her long nap today. "Are you having fun?"
Amelia nodded as did her friends, "Mommy how much longer do we have to bounce?" This was the third time she's asked, Amelia wanted to make sure she was able to bounce the entire time and knew at the end, the lights would get darker as colors lit up the sky so they could bounce 'in the dark'. Between the glow in the dark socks and all the colored lights, it really wasn't that dark, but Amelia wanted to know when that would be.
"The lights will be going out soon baby," Casey said, looking at the time on her phone. She knew the last fifteen minutes were when the lights went out. "In five more minutes, okay?" Amelia's last water break contained anxiety drops, even though it wasn't too dark, the mothers knew she didn't like the dark very much however, she did like this part so they weren't too worried.
The three girls cheered while Lennon snuggled closer to Casey. Before they ran off, Amelia looked up at her sister, "Lennon do you wanna come bounce with us? The colors are coming on soon." They have been to the trampoline park many times before and when the lights went out, typically Lennon loved it but right now, Casey could tell she was exhausted.
She shook her little head and after Amelia asked one more time, Alex went with them instead to make sure they would truly be okay with the lights out. Casey took Lennon off the trampolines and sat down in one of the chairs next to Liz and Alexander. "Are you tired baby?"
Lennon nodded in response cuddling closer to Casey—they were chest to chest with Lennon's hands up near her face. "Raffy?" she asked.
Casey leaned over and got Raffy out of the diaper bag then handed it to Lennon and rocked her slowly. The babies were now awake but extremely content while Lennon's eyes were starting to flutter. "Rest baby girl, mommy's got you." And that was all she needed to fall asleep.
Alexander, Liz and Casey all smiled at Lennon talking about how much bouncing she's done in the last hour and fifteen minutes—it would wipe anyone out, especially being so small. She's full of energy, but had been going hard the entire time and finally needed a break before the rest of the party.
The second Amelia saw the third floor of the restaurant she squealed in excitement—it was everything she imagined and more. Clouds, rainbows, a sun, the number balloons like she had at home a one and a zero with tons of balloons all over the room.
She chose 'on cloud 9' partly because of her middle name and the story her mommy told her but she didn't want just rainbows so Casey suggested 'on cloud 9' because Amelia truly was so happy now that she had a stable loving and safe home. Amelia fell in love with the idea because she also loved when they would go to the park and look at the clouds and see the different shapes they made while still able to have her rainbows.
There was a buffet table with little snacks, a desert table that currently contained cake pops and wrapped cookies. In each little wrapped bundle there was a rainbow, a cloud, and a sun. There were also a set of cookies that spelt out Amelia. The cake wasn't out yet and neither was dinner seeing as they wanted everyone to be there before service started. There was also a table of presents which didn't interest Amelia as much as the cookie table.
Their girls loved cookies—Amelia and her friends were so excited to get to eat them but they knew not yet—that being said, Alexander opened one of the bundles and handed each girl a cookie whispering that it was okay.
Lennon was still waking up from her nap, and the twins were about ready to be fed which was great because they'd be fed by the time the actual meal came upstairs. It was like a wedding almost, they had three different options for dinner and with the party invitations they sent out, you had to pick what you wanted so Antonie knew what to make.
There were plenty of extra which was great because Parker's parents and brothers joined, along with Ayla's parents as well. Melinda showed up for the dinner portion of the party seeing as she didn't want to go to the trampoline park, and Olivia did the same. Amelia was still a bit weary of Olivia as was Lennon who somehow remembered from when she was two that she wasn't nice to her mommies—Amelia was weary because she was the one who tried to talk to her first. That being said, seeing their mommies be friendly with Oliva made it better.
Dinner was served, the cake was brought up, 'happy birthday' was sang, candles blown out, a big wish was made, and eventually the party died down. People started leaving slowly until all that was left were the Novak's, Cabot's, Abbie and Serena. The newly engaged couple started bringing all of Amelia's presents down to the car while the girls played and Casey finished feeding Peyton and Oaklyn. Liz and Alexander cleaned up even though it wasn't necessary—although, Alexander wasn't really cleaning he was making sure all the extra food and dessert was being wrapped up so they could bring it with them to the Hamptons.
Amelia opened the gifts from her friends during the party knowing they really wanted to be there when she opened them, but besides that, didn't open her gifts. She was too shy with such a big crowd of people there which was perfectly okay according to her mommies, 'you can open them whenever you want, you're the birthday girl'.
The Cabot's already had their bags packed and were planning on staying over at their daughters house tonight seeing as they were leaving for the Hamptons the next morning. It also helped because while Casey got the girls settled in the house, they could help Alex bring everything inside. Alex was still treating Casey as if she was pregnant trying to do everything and anything to make sure her wife didn't have to do anything too strenuous.
She felt as if she wasn't doing as much as Casey considering her wife was breastfeeding so only she could truly help the babies at night; Alex often times fell back asleep in the middle of the night while her wife fed the babies which Casey found adorable. Honestly, Casey didn't mind at all. Alex was absolutely amazing and she deserved her sleep with all the extra things she did throughout the day. Casey has also been through this before except this time, she isn't alone. Just knowing Alex is there by her side is an indescribable feeling.
Alex knew her daughter well enough to leave some of the presents in the trunk knowing bringing them to the Hamptons would be best so she didn't get too overwhelmed seeing all of them in the living room. The Cabot's got Lennon a few toys for the Hamptons too—even though it wasn't her birthday, she'd have some new toys to play with up there which was really sweet. They knew Amelia wouldn't mind, she shares most all of her toys except the ones Lennon is too little to play with.
After opening the presents from her mommies, Lennon, Peyton, Oaklyn and grandparents, Amelia had enough. She was extremely grateful and loved everything that she received, she just wasn't used to so many gifts and so many people caring enough to love her and bring her presents. She did let Lennon help open a few extra gifts, the ones from Auntie Abbie and Serena, and the one from Fin which was absolutely adorable. Amelia truly was the best big sister.
Bedtime was fast approaching which meant bath time was necessary. Peyton and Oaklyn were sleeping and instead of putting them in their bassinettes upstairs, Liz and Alexander took them and loved every minute of it while the mothers went upstairs to tackle bath time.
Not all the time, but sometimes, the girls took their baths together. Tonight was going to be an early bedtime for Amelia because it was evident she was absolutely exhausted so Alex went into the master bathroom and started the bath while Casey went with Lennon to pick out her jammies and Amelia picked out her own.
Soon enough, there were two little girls covered in bubbles surrounded by music and glow sticks laughing and having the time of their life. Who knew a bubble bath could be so much fun? Casey and Alex felt beyond blessed to have such amazing girls—they were truly two peas in a pod even with the age difference.
After washing two little bodies, the girls were dried off and in jammies in no time. Alex went downstairs to make a bottle for Lennon quickly checking on the twins who were sleeping peacefully in their grandparents arms then went back upstairs. Amelia cuddled up with Alex for Lennon's story time like she did every night as Casey held Lennon in her arms and once she was asleep, they went into Amelia's room.
Casey could sense she was still overwhelmed even though she had a sippy cup of water with some more anxiety drops while Lennon had her story time. They snuggled into her bed together and Amelia instantly cuddled into Casey: suddenly, the mother felt her shirt getting wet. Alex mouthed 'is she crying' to her wife and with a nod, Alex started to rub Amelia's back.
"You're okay little one, mommy and momma are right here. You had a pretty overwhelming day didn't you? There are so many people who love you soooo much and just had to be at the most amazing little 10 year olds birthday party." As Casey spoke, Amelia started to calm down so she continued.
Eventually, Amelia mumbled, "That was my first ever birthday party…"
Of course Alex and Casey knew this and made sure it was extra special for their little girl but it broke their hearts how sad Amelia sounded and the fact she was crying—poor little peanut. Neither of them said anything, just waited for Amelia to continue.
"I had so much fun. I didn't know it was possible for so many people to actually care about me. I saw it with Lennon but I'm…"
After a few moments of silence, Casey gently asked, "You're what baby?"
"Adopted," Amelia whispered. "I know that you and momma and grandma and grandpa don't treat me differently, and Auntie Abbie too but I don't know, I just thought maybe it wouldn't be the same because I'm adopted and Lennon isn't. I'm sorry."
"Oh my sweet little one, you have nothing to apologize for," Casey said. Alex was too stunned to say anything. "You're so loved by everyone and it doesn't matter that you don't share our DNA, you are our daughter just like Lennon, Peyton and Oaklyn are."
Alex found her voice and said, "You listen to me sweet girl, I don't share DNA with any of my daughters but I still love them all the same. Do you know why?" Amelia didn't answer. "Because you, your sisters, and your mommy are the best thing that have ever happened to me. DNA doesn't make a family, love does and everyone who was there today knows that. They all love you for you."
"I l-love y-you t-too," Amelia hiccupped.
"We love you so much little one."
They decided to skip Amelia's typical story tonight and told her about all their favorite memories they've made as a family so far. Amelia was interjecting for a little while until she slowly faded and fell asleep on Casey's chest holding Alex's hand.
Casey carefully removed Amelia from herself and they watched as she snuggled Rocky and her blankie closer to her body. Alex came around the other side of the bed and wrapped her arms around Casey putting her chin on her wife's shoulder, "She looks extra small when she sleeps," Alex whispered.
Casey nodded, agreeing with her wife. "I can't believe she's ten. Our little one is ten years old, my gosh I truly can't imagine our lives without her. Amelia Rayne, we love you so much." With one final kiss goodnight, the mothers left her room and went downstairs.
They were happy the packing was done so all that they'd need to do tomorrow morning was gather their girls 'can't sleep withouts' and they'd pretty much be good to go.
Casey and Alex walked downstairs to find Alexander holding a diaper clad Peyton while Liz washed Oaklyn in the newborn tub that fit perfectly in their sink. They had three of those tubs, two upstairs for when the mothers gave them baths at the same time and one downstairs.
There was a thick changing mat where Alexander laid Peyton down to put on her onesie while Liz finished bathing Oaklyn—it was so cute to watch him with the babies. He was so gentle which cracked them up because being a doctor he knew just like Liz and Casey, babies aren't as fragile as new parents think.
Essentially, Alex was a new parent because Lennon was 2 when she met her so Alex changed the babies the same way her father was now. Super carefully. Casey and Alex silently laughed as they heard Liz say, "For gosh sakes Alexander, she won't break. I'm almost finished here, hurry up we don't want this little sweet pea to be in the bath longer than she needs to be."
Liz looked up hearing the laughter and rolled her eyes knowing Casey would understand. She didn't say it in the same way, but Casey has said similar things to Alex, 'honey she won't break while you get her dressed' or 'sweetie, you don't need to walk so slowly she's not going to wake up while you carry her'. Casey may phrase it nicer than Liz did but she meant the same thing when she said it which was funny to her.
"I'm just making sure she's okay, honey. I don't want to zip my grandbabies skin and these dang zippers are so small my fingers can barely get them. I don't remember these from when Alex was a baby weren't they all snaps?"
"I was a baby a long time ago daddy," Alex said as she and Casey walked closer to the kitchen counter. She walked over to her mother while Casey quickly took over for Alexander zipping Peyton's onesie up without any issue.
"How you do that so quickly, I'll never know," Alexander said shaking his head.
"Honey, you need to remember the girls change them all through the night, practically in the dark," Liz said.
"Don't worry daddy, I'm still super careful like you," Alex said, kissing his cheek. Liz let Alex take over in getting Oaklyn ready for bed and then they all sat in the living room.
They spoke for a while about what they would do in the Hamptons, how the grandparents would stop for groceries so the mothers could get the girls settled, and then decided to call it a night when the babies decided it was time for them to eat again.
Alexander and Liz said goodnight then made their way into the office where the pullout was already made for them and once the babies finished eating, two tired mothers made their way upstairs with two sleeping cuties.
Once settled, Alex held Casey closely as they shared a passionate kiss goodnight and prepared themselves to wake up in the next three hours. They may be absolutely exhausted, but it won't stop them from doing everything in their power to make sure their girls have the best time every day—and that starts with taking the family to the Hamptons.
Call them crazy, but they knew it was possible. A ten year old, a toddler and twin one month olds, what could go wrong? As long as the girls were happy, that's all that matters to Casey and Alex. Tired or not, life still goes on and neither woman would pass up the opportunity to make this summer amazing: especially because they were on maternity leave.
They were ready, they were excited, and they were prepared. Novak party of six were all thrilled for the nice weather, the beautiful beach house, the ocean, and playing in the sand.
I wanted to make Amelia's birthday special, but the next chapter is going to time jump a bit. Not too much, don't worry.
Also, sorry for the delay, I've had three sick little ones.