Sorry for the delay. After my oldest being so sick, we've taken some time together as a family to get back into our routine. With two babies who were thrown off by it all, it took a bit longer than either my wife or I expected but we're doing well.

The week seemed to fly by for everyone; Shelby was absolutely exhausted but things were going so well with Rachel the mother pushed all her exhaustion aside. They've managed to actually leave the house a few times this week and not when going to the theatre when the baby is asleep but when she's been awake which has been both good and a bit rocky. Rachel loved that mommy took her out of the house but she was still terrified when there were too many people around.

Unfortunately, in New York, there are always too many people around so Shelby has used being a star to get her a bit of special treatment. She typically hated doing it, actually she never ever did it until Rachel came into her life but she'd do anything for her daughter and making her feel safe was more important than people thinking she was rude or bitchy because of it.

She rented out a small play area that was basically an indoor playground for babies/toddlers that Rachel absolutely loved. Shelby rented it out for a few hours knowing they could come back another time as well and planned it out so they could go to lunch before naptime. There was an indoor playset, a foam pit, trampolines both the long runners and the circular ones, and multiple different sensory toys as well—it was such a fun day for Rachel.

They quickly realized Rachel, as itty bitty as she is, loves jumping on the trampoline; so much so, that one of Rachel's birthday gifts will be a mini trampoline considering they have plenty of space in the penthouse.

When they move however, both Shelby and Cassie know Rachel will go crazy seeing the dance studio currently being built downstairs because they were installing an in-ground trampoline next to the foam pit and getting a big one for outside near the playset.

Their second outing didn't go as well because Shelby could only shield Rachel from so much at the aquarium—there were paparazzi, however after a phone call they were mostly gone. It was more the other people there, men specifically that scared Rachel.

They tried to distract her with the animals which worked for a while until things became too loud for her—it wasn't just the loudness of the aquarium itself or the people there, it was even the excitement of the other kids. Once Rachel's little body started shaking in Shelby's arms they got the hell out of there and went home.

She hated how scared Rachel got, but they did have a lot of smiles at the aquarium even though the baby became terrified near the end. There were tons of pictures taken and Thomas was able to sneak into the gift shop before leaving after seeing how excited Rachel became seeing the penguins and get a stuffed animal to remember their first trip to the aquarium with their littlest grandbaby.

The grandparents were loving getting to be a part of Rachel's life, and not just a part of her life but someone the baby was beginning to trust. Because they were living in their apartment in the city, the days were mostly spent with mommy and Cassie but that didn't stop Katherine and Thomas from coming over for dinners every night—they also came to the two outings which included lunch as well.

The best part of this past week for them was when they entered the house, Rachel would actually pitter patter over to both of them for hugs. Katherine always got a little longer of a hug however, Rachel was really warming up to Thomas and would acknowledge them both by name.

She was getting the hang of saying nana and papa without the slight break 'na-na' 'pa-pa' like she did at first. They loved it either way though, even when they couldn't understand very much of what she said, they heard nana and papa very clearly.

Today was the day, Addie had arrived yesterday and was very happy to see her parents even though they haven't been gone long, their family was so close so it was nice to be reunited. Today though, Addie was meeting Rachel and was beyond excited—in her mind it had been way too long that she had to wait however, she understood why and didn't want to add anymore stress to her nieces life.

She was heading over with her parents, the short walk had a little café along the way where they stopped to pick up some coffee for the adults and a cookie for Rachel. Yup, Addie was completely trying to bribe her niece to love her already and she was proud to do so.

Addie was a huge part of Shelby's life so she wanted to be that in Rachel's life as well. All of the siblings were close however, their relationship has always been closer than the rest. Even when Lexie was born, Shelby and Addie maintained that extra tight bond.

Katherine and Thomas informed Addie the cookie wouldn't necessarily go over the way she wanted it to—even though Shelby isn't strict about what Rachel eats, especially because she needs to gain weight, she doesn't like her eating a lot of sugar before her nap.

Addie brushed them off, she has three kids and said Shelby would be fine with it—the grandparents just smirked because Shelby definitely wasn't like any of their other children as parents.

She was extremely overprotective of Rachel, for very good reasons too—while the rest of their children were obviously the overprotective parent from time to time, especially when they each had their first child, it wasn't an all day thing like it was for Shelby. If Rachel had been with her since birth, she would have grown up much differently and Shelby wouldn't have to be so overprotective, but she didn't, so she was.

As the three Corcoran's were walking to the penthouse, Shelby was finishing getting dressed before dressing an overstimulated Rachel. The baby woke up in an extremely great mood, started her morning by nursing because she was extra snuggly and wanted a bit of extra comfort then they ate a yummy breakfast of strawberry and banana pancakes made by Cassie.

After breakfast Cassie went to get ready in the guest bathroom knowing they all had to be ready at the same time today while Shelby and Rachel took a bath together per usual. Normally it wouldn't be an issue if Cassie showered in the main bathroom while the two of them took a bath but that's because they'd make it a huge deal—Shelby would sing, Rachel would play and dance, and Cassie would even dance as well to whatever her girlfriend was singing.

Knowing they were in a time crunch today, Cassie showered in the other room. She was dressed and doing her makeup when Shelby and Rachel got out of the bath. She figured she could help Shelby get Rachel ready however, the baby had other ideas.

Shelby put on her diaper and suddenly Rachel started bouncing on the bed, jumping around, and squealing in excitement making it nearly impossible for either of them to actually want to get her dressed because she was just so happy.

Cassie watched as she continued to bounce in her diaper as Shelby got dressed then the mother scooped up her little jumping bean, "Okay little miss, let's go pick out an outfit."

Rachel settled down and laid her head on Shelby's shoulder as they walked into her room. Honestly, Shelby had no idea why she kept Rachel's clothes in a room she knew her daughter would never use, at least until she was older anyways, however her clothes were there.

It was already painted beautifully, Shelby had her decorator and a painter come in the few times they were out so the baby could play in her room but she wasn't sleeping in there. Most of her pjs were in one of Shelby's drawer though considering she always go her dressed for bed after their nightly bath in her room anyways.

"What do you want to wear baby girl?" Shelby asked opening the closet.

This was one of the things Shelby was really trying to work with Rachel on—it took the baby a bit of time to realize she could actually choose but the mother felt it was necessary to let her baby have choices in life. She would ask about outfits, meals, snacks, what she wanted to play with, movies, and a little over half the time she received an answer.

Rachel typically went for something pink which wasn't hard to do with so many of the clothes in her closet being pink and it clearly being her favorite color—because she was so small, she had a lot of onesies that would snap and essentially get tucked into her little jeans or leggings.

"Dis un mommy," Rachel tried to pull on a pink onesie with ruffles on the shoulders. Pants were something she didn't typically pick out—once she had a shirt, that's all Rachel cared about.

When they stayed inside, pants weren't necessarily needed with a long sleeve onesie however, Shelby always put them on her if someone was coming because her parents and friends still struggled with seeing how small she is.

Not that clothes made much of a difference, you could still see her ribs through all her shirts but when she was just with mommy and Cassie, it was fine with them. Of course it still broke Shelby's heart, and Cassie's, but they could cover their sadness easier than the grandparents.

"Oh that one is so pretty," Cassie said from the doorway.

Rachel whipped her head around and smiled at her Tassie. She loved when either mommy or Cassie told her she was pretty, agreed with her choice, or anything positive which happened all day long. It made the baby feel more loved than ever.

"Can you grab me a pair of pants please babe?" Shelby asked the blonde as she brought Rachel over to the changing table.

Cassie opened the drawer and pulled out a pair of floral leggings to match the pink onesie and when Shelby looked over she tossed them to her. "Thanks," she winked.

Cassie smiled then let her girlfriend know she was going to go downstairs to make them some drinks. Aka, fill up a sippy cup with juice and some anxiety drops for the baby knowing today would cause her stress because she was meeting someone new.

When Shelby stood Rachel up and pulled up her little leggings the baby threw herself into her mothers arms with an 'oomph'. "Are you feeling so snuggly today?" Shelby asked, continuing to pull up her little pants as they cuddled. Rachel's only response was to snuggle further into her mother and rub her little face against Shelby's chest.

Shelby had already told Rachel about Addie coming today and after going through the heartbreaking question and answer with her baby girl, it seemed like the little one was okay with it. Shelby hated hearing the uncertainty and fear in her daughters voice asking if Addie was mean or if she would yell, if she was bad…

It nearly broke Shelby, especially when Rachel was still nervous whenever she heard the doorbell until she saw it was just nana and papa. Shelby gave them a key of course, but they always said they didn't want to overstep and barge in scaring Rachel more—plus, it was for their own selfish reasons too considering when Rachel realized who was on the other side of the door she would pitter patter over to them squealing.

Shelby walked downstairs with Rachel in her arms just in time for them to hear the doorbell ring. Cassie shot Shelby an apologetic smile considering they hadn't been able to give Rachel her juice yet but she did have some drops in the pancakes earlier—turns out they are quite easy to slip into the batter so they hoped for the best.

Cassie went to answer the door and Rachel turned her little head to watch while snuggling into her mommy. When the door was opened and she saw her grandparents there was squealing until she saw another lady behind them and then she started to shake.

"Shh, shh, shh baby girl—you're okay. Mommy's got you," Shelby gently bounced her and went into the living room with her juice as Cassie let everyone in.

Addie saw her niece start to shake uncontrollably and felt the tears well in her eyes. My parents were right, nothing can prepare you for this…was I truly that stupid to believe I could win her little heart with a cookie? She's terrified of me.

Katherine wrapped her arms around her daughter and whispered, "It's okay honey, give her a little time."

Thomas followed Cassie into the living room and watched the scene unfold. Honestly, the hatred he had for Hiram grew every single time he saw his grandbaby shake, cry, even frown…the lip quiver was just as bad—seeing her upset in general made his anger go wild.

"Mo-mmy," Rachel cried, still shaking.

"I know baby, I know. You're okay, mommy's got you." Shelby started to sway back and forth to settle her and Rachel's little hands snuck their way into her shirt for comfort as she calmed down to soft little hiccups.

"Nana and papa came to see you, and your Auntie Addie is with them baby. Remember how we talked about her earlier?"

Rachel chanced a look back at the older brunette who looked kind-of like her mommy. She had the same color hair, it wasn't like her other aunties April and Holly and it wasn't like nanas even though, nanas hair used to be the same color too.

Her eyes weren't the same color as mommy's either, they were the same color as her nanas—but her hair was the same length, and she looked like mommy and nana enough for the baby to realize she wasn't like her other aunties or like her Tassie.

Shelby settled with Rachel on the couch and let her drink some juice as she continued to stare at Addie; the older brunette just let it happen as her mind filled with her own thoughts of how much Rachel looked like her little sister. Addie was brought back in time to when her parents came home with Shelby from the hospital—more to when she was about a year old because they look nearly identical besides those big brown expressive eyes.

She also thought about her own babies and how much bigger they are than Rachel is—obviously, because they are older but in comparison to when her babies were Rachel's age, even when Addie's babies were one, the size Rachel is, they were so much bigger than she is. It was breaking her heart.

She smiled though, now wanting to scare her niece anymore than she already did and kept her tears at bay. She knew tonight she'd breakdown most likely in her parents arms—she honestly didn't know how her sister was doing this; keeping this brave face and smile when there was so much wrong with everything happening.

Eventually, everyone was in the living room with the coffees that were brought. Shelby and Cassie were sitting on the floor, Rachel was in her mommy's lap as nana and papa took their typical place on the couch. Addie sat between her parents but on the floor, she had learned that the baby responded better when she didn't feel so intimidated by adults being 'above' her.

"Rach baby, I think Auntie Addie brought you a cookie…" Shelby tempted and saw her daughters eyes look up at her expectantly. "Do you want mommy to get it for you love bug?"

Addie smiled when she heard a squeal, it was one of the cutest noises she's ever heard. Of course Addie's children are the cutest in her eyes but my gosh, Rachel was absolutely freakin' adorable. Plus, her 'baby' was now 7—it feels like she hasn't been around a baby in forever. Addie has an 11 year old, a 9 year old and 7 year old, all of whom used to be the baby in the family until Rachel.

Addie picked out a cookie that was shaped like a flower with pink frosting which would definitely be appreciated by Rachel—Shelby took it out of it's packaging and broke it up a bit then brought a piece to her daughters mouth. Rachel accepted it and her face lit up in excitement—each time she gets a special treat it seems better and better.

Rachel squirmed around in Shelby's lap doing a little happy dance and they all smiled at her, "Is it so yummy baby?"

Rachel nodded and tried to reach for more. Addie was content watching her niece eat the cookie, snapping a few pictures because she couldn't help herself, especially while the baby was distracted.

She knew how long it took for her parents to get any type of physical contact with Rachel so she didn't expect any—Rachel had yet to hug her 'Auntie' April and Holly so Addie knew she wouldn't be receiving a hug either. She was the new face in Rachel's life right now, however, she was thrilled to be there.

Rachel ate about half the cookie before being all done or 'ah dom' as she said to her mommy who immediately grabbed the baby wipes to clean her hands and face. Shelby let everything play out considering right now her daughter was content; Rachel stood up and went over to her blocks but when she tried to pull them closer to where her mommy was, she struggled.

Shelby saw the dilemma and knew it was just too heavy for her so she pulled them over herself and Rachel plopped back down in her lap and happily played with her blocks as the adults talked. She was used to hearing the voices of her mommy, nana, papa and Cassie but this new voice sounded really similar to her mommy which confused Rachel.

She didn't truly understand how the whole sibling thing worked—not only is she an only child, she's been isolated from the world her whole life; isolated from everything until she came to her mommy. So she listened—although most of what was said didn't mean anything to her meaning she continued in her own little world.

Now that she's been with her mommy for a little over three weeks she's used to certain voices, sounds, she's learning lots of new things besides shapes and colors, they have worked on using a fork and spoon although those two things she struggles with still. Rachel is also working on her speech with mommy and Cassie—she tries to copy the words they use and her speech and the sentences she says are getting longer and easier to understand…kind-of.

Cassie can now understand a lot of what the baby says, nana and papa have a harder time however, she's great with the sign language Shelby has been teaching her which the grandparents do understand because all their children taught their grandchildren to use sign as babies.

The morning seemed to fly by for Addie who was teetering between being lost in her own thoughts about everything happening and trying to focus on the here and now like Shelby clearly does.

The next thing she knew, the baby was fussy and tugging on her sisters shirt which meant they'd be going upstairs for a nap—at least, that's what her parents informed her; she knew it was for Rachel's benefit as opposed to Shelby who wasn't shy in the least about breastfeeding.

Shelby stood up with a fussy Rachel, excused them from the living room and she took her upstairs to nurse before going down for her nap. Cassie didn't always go with them before naps seeing as the baby didn't request her like she did for bedtime so she stayed downstairs with the other adults—she loved all of the Corcoran's, they've treated her like family since day one, even when they thought she was just a friend.

While Shelby was nursing Rachel to sleep in the rocking chair, Cassie started cleaning up the toys played with as Katherine and Thomas asked Addie how she was doing. Everyone saw the emotional toll it was taking on her seeing Rachel for the first time—Cassie felt the same way, as did the grandparents so it's a feeling they have all experienced.

Addie didn't want to breakdown though, not while she was still at her sisters place. When she got back to the apartment her parents were subletting then she'd let herself fall apart—most likely in her fathers arms and again on the phone with her husband.

About a half hour later Shelby came downstairs with a baby monitor in hand and was able to properly hug her sister who she hasn't seen in what felt like forever. "She's beautiful Shell-bell, so, so beautiful," Addie said, keeping her tears at bay.

Shelby heard her sister choke up and knew what she was asking without even looking at her, "I'm okay Addie, really," she promised. Their parents just watched the exchange knowing they could communicate without speaking if they truly wanted to—they realized Shelby and Cassie did the same thing however, as lovers and not sisters.

"How is it over there at mom and daddy's apartment?" Shelby asked, knowing her sister got in yesterday and has seen the apartment that Shelby has yet to visit. Her parents were happy, she saw the online tour and knew if one person would be blatantly honest about it, Addie would be that person.

"It's beautiful—they have a gorgeous view, it's much bigger than it looks on the pictures online; honestly I was surprised at how amazing it is," Addie gushed and Shelby knew she was being honest with her.

"Honey, we told you it's beautiful why don't you believe us?" Katherine asked as Shelby and Addie continued to hug—they didn't want to let go of each other just yet.

Finally they separated and Shelby looked at her mother, "I do believe you mom, I'm just making sure you have everything you need here—you came to the city to support me, which means more than I can ever express to you, so I'm just, I want you and daddy to be comfortable."

"We came here to support our daughter and granddaughter—it wouldn't matter if we were in the smallest of apartments, we'd still be here."

"I think you just proved Shelly's point mom," Addie said with a laugh.

Katherine didn't understand why Shelby was so stressed about their living arrangements and the time they were spending away from the rest of their family. Yes, Katherine and Thomas have a life in Columbus—yes, all of their children besides Shelby live near by. Yes, they see their family constantly, watch their grandchildren, see their friends, go to work—but if any of their children ever need anything they are always there.

Right now, it's Shelby's turn to need them and all of the siblings know that. Plus, even Addie's youngest understands that nana and papa need to be in New York for a few months nevermind the rest of the grandkids who were older and understood.

Shelby was just so independent and didn't want to be a 'burden' or add any additional stress, which she knew she was even though the stress was actually anger at Hiram not anything else.

"Oh whatever—you two can continue to phrase it anyway you want. Daddy and I love the apartment and we are very grateful that you paid for it even though it wasn't necessary."

The girls just rolled their eyes at their mother and started talking about something else. Shelby asked about Addie's husband and kids, however, Addie wanted to know more about Rachel. She also was excited to see her sister perform again—she was going to take April's second comp seat next to Holly and her parents were coming again tonight as well.

The elder Corcoran's haven't been to every show—they went Shelby's first night back and went again with Marie and her husband from Shelby's favorite restaurant one night when Holly was working late knowing the four seats would be next to each other. They have become good friends in such a short time which has been great for them—Shelby was happy they had at least one set of friends here in the city.

Cassie always cared for Rachel and besides the first night, she hasn't woken up again while at the theater. Her little body didn't understand the first night and knew something was off—since then, she hasn't even woken up until the middle of the night to nurse per usual.

Shelby has spoken with Arizona multiple times—she doesn't mind nursing Rachel at all, in fact, she absolutely loves their time together. That being said, she called the doctor to make sure it was 'normal' or 'okay' that Rachel would wake up in the middle of the night to nurse even if it was for barely ten minutes meaning it was more for comfort than anything else.

Arizona told Shelby to not worry about how many times Rachel was nursing as long as she was eating at least two full meals a day which she is. Honestly, Arizona was thrilled that she was nursing so much because that meant she was getting important nutrients into her little body. It would take longer than three weeks for Rachel's body to get accustomed to eating regularly.

As much as it broke her heart too, she knew it could take months before Rachel ate full meals and ate more than two a day. Of course Shelby fed her at breakfast, lunch, and dinner but they didn't make up full meals—as long as she ate, that's what was important. And truthfully, Rachel loved food—it wasn't her fault her little body just couldn't eat as much of it as everyone else.

Plus, with nursing at least six times a day like a true baby, she was getting more than her body has ever been accustomed to which Arizona thought was great progress. She knew they were moving at the end of Shelby's contract meaning she wouldn't be their pediatrician anymore however, she always told Shelby she could call anytime and recommended a friend she has in Akron for them to see when they moved.

It was amazing catching up with Addie—she was able to meet Rachel and of course she'd brag about it to their older brothers because she's still a kid when it comes to them but she was also able to see first hand what their sister has to go through everyday.

Shelby thought it would be better if they left before Rachel woke up from her nap knowing they could come again tomorrow and Addie agreed knowing she had a lot of tears to get out before getting ready for Shelby's show tonight.

They were also able to plan to go to the same indoor playground this week so Addie could hopefully see Rachel carefree and having an amazing time while staying off to the side. She saw some of the videos and pictures taken when they took Rachel last time and honestly thought it was the cutest thing ever. Plus, she'd be able to meet her parents new friends after considering they love going to Shelby's favorite restaurant.

They tried to take Rachel to the café near Shelby's penthouse this past week however, it didn't go very well and Shelby was very thankful Cassie was there along with Mike and Joe who were able to form a bit of a wall around them as Cassie stayed inside to grab their order.

There were too many people coming in and out which scared Rachel—when they went to Marie's, which happens to be the little hole in the wall (her husband named the restaurant after his wife), they always sat in the backroom so Rachel wasn't able to see the other patrons which calmed a lot of her nerves.

One day, Shelby knows Rachel will be okay with going into restaurants, stores, walking down the street, but right now isn't that time. Right now she will continue to use her fame to get her little things like renting out the indoor playground for a few hours, time at the trampoline park which is something Cassie thought of, a backroom at Plaster Fun Time again, taking her to Cassie's studio to see if she wants to dance around knowing nobody else will be there, and other activities they have been coming up with that are indoors.

They won't be doing it everyday, especially while Shelby is still performing five nights a week; obviously they will celebrate the holidays at home so finding places won't be necessary then, but they are trying to take Rachel out of the house at least three times a week starting last week because it's good for her to see the outside world even though she's extremely happy in the penthouse.

In two days, Rachel is turning three which is an extremely special day. Shelby may be performing tonight, but she has tomorrow and Rachel's birthday off to celebrate her precious baby girl.

Katherine and Thomas have done all the shopping for the little party Shelby is putting together for her baby; they've gone out to get the party supplies Shelby ordered, the presents she picked out which they've brought back to their apartment to wrap for their daughter to help her, and they will be grabbing the cake as well on the day of.

The grandparents, Cassie, and Addie will be the only ones there to celebrate as to not overwhelm Rachel—in the morning it will just be mommy, Rachel and Cassie but the other members of the family will be coming over after naptime to celebrate. Shelby has tried to explain what a birthday is many, many times to her daughter however, she just doesn't understand.

It doesn't help that she's received a lot of presents already from everyone, or that she's had special treats however, they are all guessing Rachel will get the most excitement out of a true birthday cake which will be the biggest treat yet. Plus, with Shelby decorating the house hopefully it will show Rachel how different the day is and how special she is.

Shelby planned a rainbow themed birthday party—all pastel colors for the rainbow balloons, streamers, and there is also going to be some unicorns because Rachel's favorite book right now that she wants read to her every night is about a unicorn.

The unicorn for the party is made of white balloons with a beautiful pastel rainbow crown on top with little tassels for 'hair'—a crown that matches the one the mother picked out for her baby to possibly wear if she wants to. Shelby is hoping Rachel would absolutely love it: all of it.

The cake was very similar; it looked like a unicorns face on the front and when you cut it or in Rachel's case dug into it, because they got her a baby one and a bigger one for the adults, it was rainbow cake inside.

Shelby couldn't wait to see Rachel be able to dig into her cake—they all agreed Shelby would be the one to sing happy birthday because they knew the baby would be too overwhelmed with too many voices and the noise it would make…it was going to be perfect.

At least, Shelby hoped it would be perfect. If anyone deserved to have the best birthday ever it was her little baby girl…

Next up: Rachel's third birthday! :)