Mike and Joe had been keeping Shelby up to date on the paparazzi, along with her parents who have left the penthouse twice now in the last 24 hours, as well as Cass yesterday. Shelby had been in contact with Amy asking her if maybe another statement would help or what they could do considering the paparazzi hasn't seemed to settle down.

Mike and Joe said that by the end of the day, when it's evident Shelby won't be leaving the house, they go away but why would she take Rachel out at night? Plus, it would be past her bedtime. Shelby wants to be able to do something as simple as take her daughter to the park without being hounded.

According to her parents, they were followed to lunch, then to the bookstore where they sat at the café for a while yesterday. When it was clear they weren't going to give a statement, the paparazzi fizzled out; Thomas and Katherine honestly didn't know how their daughter did it, they were awful people in the grandparents mind. Didn't they have anything better to do than harass a mother and her baby?

They could always go to a park further away which is most likely what will end up happening, but why should Shelby have to drive further just for her daughter to have fun? She's had to deal with enough in her little life and Shelby didn't think it was fair. Then again, Shelby wasn't sure if Rachel had ever been to a park before so maybe going further away would be better because there wouldn't be anyone there.

Not to mention the fact it was almost December—however, once bundled up in the little snow bear fur lined outfit Shelby bought for Rachel, why couldn't they at least go down the slide a few times? Rachel shouldn't be forced to stay inside just because of Shelby's fame; they should be able to walk down the streets of New York together just like any other mother and daughter. Ya right Shelby, you're famous. Gosh she truly despises that word.

Her parents went to check out the apartment they were interested in subletting earlier this morning; they were very thankful for Jeremy who had found them this amazing deal, great apartment, not to mention walking distance to their daughter and granddaughter.

Shelby wanted to see it as well to make sure it was okay for her parents, especially because they weren't taking them up on her offer to stay with her and wanted them to be comfortable, maybe she could take Rachel there after trying the park?

Shelby was contemplating calling the detectives to see if they could get the paparazzi out of there—she hated special treatment but it would be nice to not have the additional stress of them causing Rachel to truly lose it. Between the cameras, the people screaming her name, asking her questions, and the amount of men, Shelby knew it was a recipe for disaster.

She didn't want that for Rachel—Shelby never wanted to put Rachel through anything that would cause her to feel such a severe type of anxiety or fear. Yes, she was having Rachel meet her family but that's completely different and she's doing it slowly. She also took her to the doctors but that was not only mandatory, it was the right thing to do as her mother.

Shelby is aware she won't be able to avoid men in general being in such a large city and was hoping to help show Rachel not all men yell or are bad by at least getting her siblings on a FaceTime call to start. Her sisters first, then her brothers who most likely wouldn't go over as smoothly. That being said, maybe if they were over the phone for now, Rachel would be okay. Then eventually, they could visit.

Rachel was having a great morning—she was more content today with her nana and papa being here as after her nap yesterday she played with both of them before the favorite part of her day: bath time. She got a good nights sleep, as did Shelby who went to bed with Rachel and after texting with Cass, April and Holly fell asleep around 9pm.

Thomas and Katherine were happy to see Rachel's little personality shine through, even if she was still a bit weary, she was getting there. Katherine had yet to get a hug or be able to hold her which meant Thomas definitely wasn't able to however, they loved the time they got to spend with her.

Katherine was also still a bit afraid of the time where Rachel would let her hold her because she didn't want to break her. It was definitely an irrational fear as Thomas explained to her multiple times however, Katherine was still trying to work through it.

Seeing Rachel content with her toys playing with nana and papa, Shelby decided to call the detectives. "Rach baby, mommy is going to make a phone call. I'll be right in the kitchen where you can see me so you can still play with your toys okay?"

Rachel looked at her nana and papa who weren't moving; the grandparents didn't know if the baby wanted them to 'go' too, or stay while she played as she was looking at them with such curiosity. "Is it okay if nana and papa continue to play with you while mommy makes a quick phone call?" Shelby gently asked.

Rachel looked back at her mommy and smiled. She stood up and closed the distance between where she was sitting and Shelby was squatting planting a slobber kiss on Shelby's lips then agreed, "Otay mommy." Rachel plopped herself back down with her toys and continued to play as the adults smiled. Gosh she's so precious.

"Amanda Rollins," the blonde answered on the third ring.

"Hi Amanda, this is Shelby Corcoran—I'm so sorry for bothering you…"

The blonde cut her off, "You're never bothering me. Is everything okay?"

Shelby thought Amanda was extremely sweet—she knew Olivia was nice as well however she could tell the woman was all business; being the Lieutenant, it made sense though. Amanda had this extra sweet side, maybe it was because Shelby could tell she had that southern charm in her, either way, Shelby found her to be very genuine.

"Umm, yes and no. We are fine however, the paparazzi outside my building is still buzzing like crazy. My two security details have been camped out in the lobby this week as you know and my parents have been here for two days as well. Yesterday the paparazzi even followed them asking for a statement as I haven't gone anywhere yet. My publicist isn't sure if another statement will be helpful or make the media get worse—I hate asking for any type of special treatment but is there anyway you or the other detectives could help get rid of some of them? I want to be able to take my little one out of the house but with so many men surrounding the area, I know it's a recipe for disaster and I refuse to put her through that. Sorry I'm rambling…"

Amanda thought it was cute how Shelby rambled. She wouldn't say she was much older than Shelby, however she was in her mid thirties while Shelby wasn't even 25 yet so she was older—she was cute in a little sister way to Amanda who tried so hard to never get too attached to her cases. This case though, she was doing everything she possibly could and it wasn't because Shelby was famous, it was because she wanted so badly to continue her life as Shelby not the famous Shelby Corcoran.

"I can understand your fears and I will talk with Olivia when we hang up to get some people over there. To be honest with you, the men in our squad will have better luck getting the paparazzi out of there than either myself or Olivia however I will join them as well. I'm going to ask her if I can join you and your details wherever you go today to keep you and Rachel safe."

The two women had been in contact multiple times since Amanda told her about the contract because Shelby updated her on what Rachel said about yelling, stating she assumes Hiram was a yeller which further pissed the detectives off. They already hated this man enough—plus, they didn't find him in Maine like Amanda was hoping for.

The blonde gently explained what they did find in Maine though; it seemed as if Hiram either had hired a PI or took hundreds of pictures himself of Shelby, stalking her every move for months before leaving Rachel in her care. (Or should they say alone on the streets of New York City in nothing more than a onesie) There were pictures all over the walls of Shelby along with another copy of the termination papers and the 'contract' she signed when she was pregnant with a sticky note on it that said: naïve little bitch.

"I don't want to take you away from your work, I know you must have other cases you're working as well." This is why Shelby hated special treatment, it caused her to feel extremely guilty.

"You let me worry about that—what time were you planning on going out? I want to make sure we can do our best to get the paparazzi away before you're leaving."

Shelby looked at the clock, they were up early this morning and Rachel would be going down for her nap soon. She wanted to go out before lunch, maybe be able to get lunch out of the house with Rachel and her parents—do something 'normal' with her baby girl.

"I'm thinking around 11am, after talking with my parents they said the playgrounds would be empty because the time of year—all I want is to be able to take my little princess down the slide at least a couple times and then grab some lunch, maybe see the apartment my parents are subletting here for the time being. But you don't need to follow us around, I know you're busy."

Amanda smiled, Shelby was so worried about requesting anything extra from the detectives; little did she know all the other famous people they worked with were constantly hounding them asking for special treatment left and right, not to mention anyone else they worked with asked for more than Shelby.

"I'll be in the lobby of your building by 10:45am, just let me know when you're ready. I know your town car has plenty of room for your parents and security details, so I'll follow behind."

Shelby thought following behind meant that Amanda could leave at any time which would be good if she was needed elsewhere; of course she'd let her ride with them but didn't want to take away from those who really needed her.

"Thank you Amanda, see you then."

Rachel went down for her nap after having 'mommy milp', slept for a little over an hour and seemed excited to go out with mommy. So far, they had stayed inside but that wasn't anything new for Rachel.

Her daddy never took her anywhere so she didn't know that people actually left the house for fun. Her daddy would always say he was going to work and to be a good girl so she assumed when people left the house they worked.

Mommy explained that you can have lots of fun when you leave the house, especially when the weather is warmer—for now, she was just happy to go with her mommy along with nana and papa. They were coming too, so it must be fun right?

They wouldn't all go to work, that would be silly because her mommy told her nana and papa didn't live where they were. So how would they work here? Rachel's little mind was all types of confused, she was just excited to be with her mommy always feeling how loved she was all day long no matter what they were doing.

Shelby put Rachel in a little sweatpant set making sure she was bundled up as much as she could be—it was absolutely adorable. The set was pink with a little white shirt underneath to keep her warm when they were out, (not outside but hopefully out for lunch somewhere) she didn't want her baby to get cold or sick.

Once they were ready to go, Shelby showed Rachel her little snow bear suit that Rachel seemed to be crazy about. It was obviously pink, fur lined, with little ears to make her look like a little bear—she'd be the cutest little bear to ever exist. Shelby bundled Rachel up in the suit, then put her in a hat as well, with matching mittens—the suit covered her little feet so she didn't need to worry about her little toes.

The adults bundled themselves up and Shelby scooped up her little snow bear; she wrapped a blanket around her and while they were getting ready explained to her that 'mommy would be there the entire time, they would always be together however there would be some other people around them but she'd always be safe in mommy's arms.'

Rachel thought about all the time she's spent with her mommy and even when she went to the scary doctors office her mommy never let her go so she was excited. Once Rachel was covered up, they all left the apartment and took a deep breath stepping into the elevator.

Amanda had let her know they did the best to get rid of most of the paparazzi however there are always people who linger which is why Tutuola and Amaro were there creating a path to the car along with Joe and Mike.

Alright peanut, this is a big test for us—can we handle the outside world together? Shelby asked herself. She's never been a fan of the paparazzi, in fact she hated them now even more so because of Rachel—wasn't there any better stories for them to write about?

Rachel tucked her little head in the crook of Shelby's neck and because her bear hood was on and the blanket was covering her, she really couldn't be seen at all. Shelby put on her big sunglasses, picked up her typical fast strut to the car and was happy she called Amanda—she really got rid of everyone. Yes, she saw a few flashes, heard a few people calling her name however, she also heard people standing up for her saying to 'back off' or 'leave her alone'.

Shelby felt Rachel start to shake when hearing the yelling and started to hum when they got into the car—she was waiting for her parents to get in along with Joe who was sitting away from Rachel while Mike sat up front. She kept Rachel in her lap cooing, humming, and letting Rachel know she was safe until she'd calmed down enough.

Once everyone was in the car, Shelby said, "Okay peanut, can mommy put you in your car seat? We're going to the park, it's going to be so much fun…" she tempted. Rachel nodded slightly and Shelby buckled her sitting right next to her. They held hands while Shelby's other hand stroked Rachel's cheek gently and started to sing.

Her parents never got tired of hearing Shelby sing—they didn't know where she got her voice as nobody in the family had any musical ability; then there was Shelby who was not only amazing, she won a freakin' Tony for her performance.

Everyone was happy to see the park empty; they wouldn't be here that long, Shelby was just dying to show Rachel some type of normalcy, even if it was cold. She took her little snow bear down the slide five times with nana taking pictures while papa recorded it.

Rachel was squealing in excitement, laughing her little head off; it was evident she's never experienced this before. Being so little, Shelby didn't let her go down alone and Rachel was content being in her mommy's arms having the time of her life.

They then went on the swings for a few minutes, Shelby pushing off the ground with her arm protectively wrapped around Rachel hearing the giggles coming from her daughter. This was better than she could have ever imagined. Little rosy cheeks, fits of laughter, constant smiles: Shelby was over the moon. Rachel kept looking up at Shelby, and Shelby kept giving her kisses each time causing more giggles.

In total, they spent about 20 minutes at the park but that was enough for her little bundle of joy—Shelby didn't want to risk Rachel getting sick or being outside for too long and getting too cold. Rachel loved the park, so much that until she was promised a special treat with lunch, she didn't want to leave. Never having a special treat before, Rachel agreed they could leave the park after Shelby promised to bring her back another day.

They went to a little hole in the wall restaurant that Shelby loved—the owner and his family always treated her like a person, not like the rest of the city treated her: like a star. They saw Shelby for Shelby which she greatly appreciated; she's come here numerous times with her friends, sometimes alone, sometimes just with April before a show—it didn't matter though because anytime she was here it was great.

Shelby was happy when Marie greeted them instead of her husband—of course they had read the statement and seen the picture so they were aware of Shelby's current situation and were very happy for her. Marie having three children of her own could never imagine being in young Shelby's place—she was a 'mother like' figure to her and Shelby's best friends through the years.

Rachel was content in her mommy's arms still hiding her little face—so much so Marie thought she was asleep. Shelby smiled and told her that wasn't the case, she's just very shy. She introduced her parents to Marie and they hit it off immediately leaving Amanda standing there with Shelby and Rachel while they spoke about everything and anything.

Marie sat them in the backroom, yes it was a private table but Shelby wasn't going to complain about special treatment right now because the restaurant wasn't quiet and there were multiple men. "Are you sure you don't need to be at work? I feel badly for taking you away from other people who need you."

This was the third time Shelby has said something to Amanda in the hour she's been with the family, "I'm sure Shelby. I am officially your extra detail for the day, or until you're home—cleared by Olivia herself."

"Well I appreciate it," Shelby said as she started to unbundle Rachel. Now that they were inside she took off her snow bear suit and laughed as Rachel stretched her little body out. "That was a big stretch for such a little monkey."

Rachel looked up at her mommy and giggled burying herself in her mothers chest. Finally her parents came into the backroom to sit down—they had been speaking with Marie for a while now. Shelby was happy though, at least when they 'moved' to New York they'd know about this place and have a friend. Marie and her family were amazing people.

"Okay little one, what should we have for lunch?" Shelby looked at the menu in front of her, she's never seen their kids menu so this was a new experience for her as well. It was a bit difficult to do because Rachel was trying so hard to color on it with the crayons she was given while Shelby was reading it, but they made due.

She briefly looked at Amanda and said, "Please order anything you want, it's on me." When Amanda started to protest Shelby just shook her head with a raised eyebrow shutting the blonde down.

"Do you want some mac n cheese? Or should we get you some chicken nuggets love bug?"

Rachel looked up into her mothers eyes and whispered her response, "map n pease mommy?"

"Of course baby, mommy's so silly—who wouldn't want mac n cheese right?" she just happened to make eye contact with Marie who was there to take the drink order when hearing Shelby say that. Marie nodded, confirmation that Rachel's order would go in first.

Drinks were order and sippy cup was handed over to Marie who had juice in the back—Shelby packed Rachel plenty of water but had a spare sippy cup in the diaper bag and Marie insisted she could have some juice because it was much more fun than water.

Rachel was having so much fun being out for lunch—even though the Amanda lady was there, she was nice too. Rachel was used to staying inside all the time, so this was something new and exciting to her. She was trying to soak it all up because she didn't know if she'd ever go out again.

Her mommy said they would, but the weather was getting colder so it wouldn't be the same. Rachel took that as her and mommy wouldn't go out again when it was cold, while Shelby was referring to just the park. Rachel's little mind was trying to process all of what was happening today and take it in. This was the best day ever.

Shelby decided to feed Rachel her mac n cheese, even though she had a change of clothes it was just easier. Especially in a restaurant, she didn't want a mess on the floor which there typically was when Rachel fed herself—the baby didn't mind though, as long as she got the yummy food it was all the same to her.

While everyone else was enjoying their meal, Rachel got to have her special treat—a chocolate chip cookie. She had absolutely no idea what it was when Marie brought it out; Shelby broke it up into little pieces and gave Rachel her first bite making sure one of her parents had out their camera, watching as her daughters face lit up.

When Shelby picked up another piece, Rachel took it right away, "Dis me tootie mommy!"

The adults laughed, "I know it's your cookie love bug, mommy was just helping you eat it. Mommy doesn't want any, I promise."

Rachel accepted this answer and let Shelby help her eat it even though she had already gotten chocolate all over her little hands and face. Shelby couldn't wait for her birthday to see what happened when she got her a mini birthday cake if this was the reaction to a simple cookie.

After her cookie and getting cleaned up, Rachel became fussy; it was getting close to her second nap time and sitting in the highchair wasn't what she wanted. Shelby was hoping to check out the apartment for her parents but Rachel came first and she didn't want to disturb her sleep by walking around with a sleeping baby touring an apartment when her parents were apparently 'in love' with it already. She'd have to take their word and settle for the virtual tour online.

Shelby took Rachel out of the highchair and cradled her close to her chest as she rocked back and forth. Rachel pulled at Shelby's shirt and when she eventually was able to sneak her hand inside feeling her mommy's warm skin, she felt completely content. Shelby gave Rachel her pacifier and hummed while rocking her until she fell sound asleep—it was as if nobody else was with them until she looked up and realized where she was.

The other three adults smiled at her and Shelby returned the smile before eating more of her lunch hoping they would continue whatever conversation they were having before Rachel became fussy; what the conversation was though, Shelby had no idea as she had been so focused on her baby.

As lunch ended, Shelby told Marie to add Mike and Joe's orders to her bill as well knowing they were respecting the fact Rachel wasn't comfortable with them yet and ate in the dining room. She handed over her card and Marie nodded. She knew Shelby well enough to where she had already added their meals to Shelby's tab because that's just who the beautiful brunette was.

Every time she came into the restaurant, she left way too much for a tip and purchased a gift card for Marie to use for a family in need to help pay for their meal. A lot of times, Marie was able to help multiple families because Shelby always put $150 on a gift card and they weren't a very expensive Italian restaurant. She was so sweet and clearly her parents were as well—Marie made sure to exchange numbers with Katherine stating 'We'll always be here with a fresh meal and nice long chats'.

Once they were back in the lobby of Shelby's place with a sleeping Rachel, Shelby thanked Amanda numerous times and handed her an extra gift card she had Marie add to her bill—she couldn't do much for the detectives, but giving Amanda a gift card meant she could at least feed them right? They were working so hard day in and out to help her, Shelby wanted to do something, anything.

Amanda told her she wasn't allowed to accept gifts however, Shelby was very persistent. She said she'd call whomever she needed to allow the blonde to accept this very small token of appreciation. Amanda said phone calls weren't necessary and she'd take it—yes, she would have to deal with Olivia later but that would be something worth doing because she knew Shelby would make those calls if she didn't.

"Thank you Shelby, and thank you for lunch. I'll keep you updated," Amanda smiled.

"I appreciate everything you and the 1-6 are doing. Thank you again for today, Amanda. You went above and beyond," Shelby smiled. "I'm going to go put this little one down so she's more comfortable. I really appreciate the trouble you went through today to make sure we were safe and away from most paparazzi."

There were multiple pictures taken however, Rachel was either covered or tucked in the crook of Shelby's neck so they didn't actually get any pictures of her face. It's not that Shelby was hiding her daughter from the world, she was just trying to shield her from the horrible screaming media frenzy.

Amanda got back to the station and went right to Olivia; she explained how even though there was a police presence and two security details, Shelby was still followed, how she saw Rachel physically shaking in fear hearing the paparazzi screaming (not only did it break her heart, but it showed Amanda just how much Shelby was dealing with because of the bastard they couldn't seem to track down), then handed Olivia the gift card.

"She wouldn't take no for an answer and we both know she'd make those phone calls. Shelby has never asked us for special treatment and kept assuming today was taking me away from many people who needed us much more so than she does. I thought the least I could do was take this to make her happy; she just wants to thank us in the only way she knows how to, a warm meal while we work on her case."

"She's a very sweet, young, innocent soul," Olivia agreed. She and Amanda were on the same page about Shelby—being that much older than her and seeing what they do on the daily basis, dealing with celebrities who want this that and everything done for them…it was refreshing to see Shelby wanting to be treated like she was just like everyone else. Plus, it was public knowledge how much Shelby helped others when she could—Amanda didn't know about the little things like today (Marie and the gift card for a family in need) but they knew she donated to multiple charities and was beyond kind.

"I know I don't need to remind you we can't accept gifts—that being said, I agree with you that Shelby would make some phone calls and if we didn't take this, we'd most likely end up with meals being delivered here so you did the right thing Amanda. Now, go catch up with Amaro, he has another lead on Hiram Berry. I'm waiting for a phone call from Cabot now to…"

Amanda didn't wait for Olivia to finish her sentence before running out to catch up with Amaro, she wanted to know any and all leads so they could get this guy. Olivia just laughed, at least my detectives are dedicated.

When Rachel woke up from her nap, Shelby nursed her and when the baby was finished, she sat up and babbled all about how fun the park was. Shelby smiled seeing how much Rachel truly enjoyed herself; she wanted to find other things they could do in the winter months that would make Rachel this happy. For now though, she and her little snuggle bug would be watching a movie per Rachel's request.

When Shelby told her parents the plan, Katherine suggested they watch her movie knowing Rachel would most likely love Frozen the same way the rest of the grandkids did. Even the teens loved it because they thought it was so cool their aunt was in the movie.

Shelby rolled her eyes but put it on anyways; she hated watching herself, it just made her think of everything she could have done better while cringing hearing her own voice. When Rachel heard 'Let it Go' she whipped her head around in Shelby's lap with her eye brows furrowed.

"What is it baby?" the brunette asked.

Rachel was trying to figure out how her mommy was singing on the TV, she didn't understand, she just knew it was her mommy's singing voice because her mommy sang to her all the time. "Dey da ame?"

"What's the same love bug?" Shelby questioned.

Rachel pointed to the TV and then put her little fingers on Shelby's mouth. Katherine and Thomas were watching the scene unfold—it was too cute not to. It was evident Rachel didn't understand what was happening and they were curious as to how their daughter would handle it.

"Oo ing da ame mommy, oo pimcept?"

Shelby laughed, "Mommy does sing the same because she played the princess for the movie." Rachel's face turned into pure confusion. How do I explain this to my baby?

"You know how when we watch other movies you hear other peoples voices singing in them?" Rachel nodded although nothing made sense yet. "Well for this movie, mommy was the one to do the singing."

"Oo in da T-B?"

"Well no," Shelby chuckled, "I'm not in the TV baby, but mommy went to a studio where they recorded my voice so it could be on the TV."

Rachel was trying to understand this however she wasn't totally grasping onto everything her mother was saying. My poor little baby has come so far already, but is so behind. Gosh it breaks my heart. What did those mother fuckers do to my baby? This beautiful innocent little baby deserves the whole world, she didn't even know what a fucking cookie nevermind a playground. I have so much to teach her and show her about the world, that thought made Shelby smile.

"Oo ing too ame?"

"Yeah baby, mommy sings the same as the princess on the TV."

"No, mommy oo ing ight n-ow oo?" Rachel was working really hard to copy the words her mommy said, words she could understand most of the time however, they didn't come out of her mouth the same way they sounded in her head.

"Oh, you want mommy to sing along?" Rachel nodded and bounced in her mothers lap. "Okay, let's rewind it so we can hear the song again and mommy will sing along just for you my little cheeky monkey."

Shelby rewound the movie to the beginning of 'Let it Go' and sang the lyrics softly while Rachel watched the TV, bouncing in her mommy's lap because she was singing too.

When the movie picked up after the song, Rachel turned around, "dain, dain mommy!"

Shelby laughed as did Katherine and Thomas; leave it to her parents to suggest this movie—now she would constantly be singing Frozen to Rachel, she wouldn't trade it for the world though.

After singing it three more times they finished the movie and then Rachel decided she wanted to play. Katherine sent a text to April knowing she and Holly would be the ones to meet Rachel next to let her know they've now watched Frozen to which, Rachel was already obsessed with. The baby had been trying to sing, babble the words to 'Let it go' since the movie ended over an hour ago.

April was giddy with excitement and dragged Holly out right before dinner to buy all things Frozen for the baby they were meeting tomorrow. Holly wanted to complain she didn't get her tacos that she was hoping for, but couldn't resist shopping for the little one.

Shelby would never be able to stay mad at them for making Rachel happy and she'd be ecstatic with Frozen toys and clothes which were a lot harder to find than April thought seeing as they were looking for clothes in such a small size. After two and a half hours of shopping, April compromised and stopped at Taco Bell for her girlfriend to get her precious tacos. She's obsessed.

The Corcoran's enjoyed a nice dinner, well the adults did while Rachel only ate a little bit then became extremely fussy. The day took more out of her little body than she was used to so Shelby excused herself, pushing her own dinner aside and took Rachel upstairs.

"I know baby you're so sleepy," Shelby cooed. Rachel was in full blown tears by the time Shelby shut her bedroom door. Shelby didn't know if Rachel would make it through bath time at this rate, maybe a quick shower would be better. That being said, Rachel loved her tubbies so maybe it would help calm her down.

Shelby ran a bath, stripped them both down and had a sense of déjà vu to Thanksgiving night when she first brought her baby home for the first time as Rachel settled on her chest instead of playing with her bath toys like she normally did.

Her tears were now just small hiccups as she rubbed her eyes with her little hands. Shelby gently washed her body, then her hair and realized Rachel's eyes were fluttering by the time she finished.

Once wrapped up in a towel, Shelby dried her off, put lotion on her little body, diaper on, but before she could put her in any pjs Rachel burst into a fresh set of tears. "Oh my goodness, there's no reason for all these tears love bug. Mommy's right here," she picked Rachel up and patted her diapered bottom while swaying back and forth.

Shelby somehow managed to put on a pair of panties while bouncing Rachel gently to keep her calm and neglected to put on a top as she climbed into her bed. She cradled Rachel and the baby latched on immediately finding comfort in the skin to skin contact while she nursed. Her little hand grabbed onto Shelby's right breast telling her mother that she wanted that one next while Shelby gently stroked her cheek.

Today was such a big day for her little one and Shelby was so proud of her; tomorrow April and Holly were coming over however they'd be staying inside. Shelby hoped she wasn't pushing Rachel too much or too quickly—she just wanted to get her comfortable with her friends and family to show Rachel how many good people there are in the world and how many people love her.

"You're so beautiful baby girl, mommy loves you so much."

Shelby placed one last kiss to Rachel's temple then laid her down on the bed. She had no problem with Rachel sleeping in just a diaper, the house was warm enough so she got out of bed and put on a t-shirt covering herself up—honestly, she wasn't really hungry anymore. She knew her parents probably assumed she was coming back down, but she was exhausted as well even though it was only 7:25pm.

She didn't know what she was going to do come time to go back to work; she'd save that thought for another time though. Right now, she just wanted to snuggle with her little peanut—she'd go downstairs in a bit.

Shelby got back into bed and placed Rachel's body back on top of her, pulling the covers around both of them. What Shelby didn't realize was, a bit turned into the whole night as she fell sound asleep listening to the adorable little snores coming from her daughter.

Day by day, with all the heartbreaking things she was learning about her daughter, Shelby still felt happier than ever knowing she could now provide her with the best life possible. Shelby fell asleep thinking: things would get better, Rachel will be the happiest little girl if it's the last thing I do.