Elliot came home to find Liv sitting on the floor next to Nora, who was lying on a blanket, happily playing with her hands. "Look what Nora discovered today," Liv said, laughing. Nora smiled happily at Elliot, then returned to gazing at her hands in wonder.
"Did you find your hands, owlet?" Elliot asked. He kissed her fingers, and Nora giggled, delighted. "I don't blame you for being excited," he said. "Your hands and fingers are delicious." Nora made content, cooing noises.
"I don't know if I'm ready to go back to work yet," Liv said to Elliot. "I thought three months would be enough, but now that it's two weeks away, I feel like I'm just getting over the initial exhaustion and getting to know her. I've wanted this for so long. I love work, but I want to be at a point when I can be fully emotionally there when I go back."
"Why don't you talk to Cragen?" Elliot suggested. "You know I support whatever you need, and we could make one income work. Don't you still have more stockpiled time off, anyway?"
"I think so," Liv responded.
She called Cragen the next day. "He was completely supportive," she told Elliot that night. "He encouraged me to take as much time as I needed and pointed out I still have more than three months of unused vacation and sick time. I can't believe how much time I accumulated."
"That happens when you never use it," Elliot teased her gently. "But I'm so glad you have it. Do you feel better after talking to Cragen?"
"Much better," she said. "It's a relief to know I can stay home for longer and don't have to decide when to go back yet."
"I need more time with you, owlet," she said, picking up Nora. Nora snuggled happily into her mommy's arms.
Elliot gazed fondly at Liv and Nora. "I love you, Nora. I love you and your mommy so much." He leaned closer to where Liv was holding Nora on the couch, and the three of them nestled together.