Adventures in Parenting

Avery's first birthday

Disclaimer: I own Avery, and Lynsey. That's it.

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Trish closed her eyes, glancing down at Avery. She couldn't believe the baby was a year old. It seemed like just yesterday they had brought her home from the hospital.

"Rand?" she called. Randy appeared beside her. Grinning, she gazed toward him. "Mind helping me? My back's killing me, and I don't want to put any more weight on myself,"

"You look like a pumpkin," Randy commented, picking Avery up. Trish rolled her eyes, lightly rubbing her belly.

Trish was six months pregnant with their second child, also a girl.

Gracen Elizabeth was due in approximately three months. She hadn't been planned, but none the less was a welcome surprise.

"How's Gracie?" Randy asked, gently rubbing her belly. Trish giggled.

"Jumpy," she replied, gently running her fingertip down Avery's palm. "Like her big sister,"

"Did you ever imagine we'd have them fifteen months apart?" Randy asked. Trish sighed.

"No, but I wouldn't have it any other way," she said. She grinned, watching Avery clap her chubby hands together. "What is it, Princess?"

She turned around to see her daughter pointing to Amy, Jason, and Damien. Like Trish, Amy was pregnant. "You see your boyfriend,"

Since Avery had become more toddler-like, she had become obsessed with Damien, who was two months older. They were the best of 'friends'. While Avery really didn't get along with other children, she somehow managed to get along perfectly with him.

"Have you started planning a wedding?" Amy teased, setting Damien down. It was a running joke that their children would get married. "Adrien can be the best man," She gently rubbed her swollen belly.

"And Gracie can be the matron of honor," Trish said. Lynsey ran in through the back gate. Technically, it was Stacy's month but Lynsey was insistent on being there for Avery's first birthday.

Since Trish had stormed out almost a year ago, Lynsey had finally learned to love and respect Trish. She had finally figured out that Trish was a lot more reliable than her real mother.

"Hi, Daddy! Hi, Trish!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Trish's swollen middle. Therapy had done her a world of good. The angry child was no more.

"Hello, Lynsey," Trish said. Her stepdaughter was a joy to be around when she wasn't angry.

"Hi, Gracie," Lynsey murmured, hugging Trish's belly. "Happy birthday, Avery!"

The party went well. The ice cream didn't melt. The punch kept chilled. It was essentially the perfect party.

A cake with one candle was presented to Avery. Trish couldn't help but cry. Her baby was getting so big. Before long, Avery wouldn't need her anymore.

"Avery!" Trish laughed, watching her daughter stick the heel of her foot into the cake. "I see it's a tradition in the Orton family," She glanced towards Randy and Lynsey.

"Damien fell asleep in his cake," Amy said, smoothing down her son's blonde hair.

"Cake..." Randy teased, kissing the sole of her foot. "Happy birthday, Princess,"

Trish chuckled, unable to believe the adventures parenting had taken her on. Then, she glanced down at her belly.

Suddenly, she couldn't wait for more adventures... with her three girls.

THE END

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Yes, Adventures in Parenting is COMPLETE! This fic was fun to write. I hope you enjoyed it.

Oh, just a small trivia fact. Amy's sons, Damien and Adrien are named for the sons of Satan in 'The Omen' and the book form of 'Rosemary's Baby'

-Jen