A/N: I am sorry this has taken so long to post. Thanks for sticking around with me. I originally wanted to have the whole year written before I posted, but it is taking too long. So here we go.

The next twelve-plus chapters will follow Rosemary, Lee, Patrick, and Isabella as they get used to being a family of four. Each chapter will account for a month in their life, Isabella's firsts, and all that comes with being a family. I hope these chapters will make you laugh and cry as we go through this transitional year in our favorite fictional family's life.

As a reminder: Isabella Rose Coulter was born July 12th, 1918.

Chapter 53 – The New Normal (One Month)

August 12th, 1918

Rosemary nurses Isabella in the rocking chair while Lee gets ready for work. She remarks, "I can't believe Isabella is already a month old, Lee."

"I can't either. Time sure has flown."

Rosemary whines, "Do you have to go to work today? Don't you want to stay home with us?"

"I would love to stay home today, but I need to get back to work. I think Bill is tired of covering for me on mayoral duties, and I want to discuss what you and I talked about with Jesse."

"You want to sign over the sawmill to Jesse?"

"Yes, I want the J and L Sawmill as a subset of L. Coulter Enterprises. I'll still be the owner of the whole venture, but Jesse will manage J & L Sawmill independently. I think he is ready. Plus, it will allow me time to focus on being mayor, future ventures of L. Coulter Enterprises, and the most important part, be here for my family." Lee fixes his tie and walks over to his wife and daughter, kissing the top of Isabella's head and grabbing his vest.

Rosemary clears her throat, making Lee chuckle. He tiptoes back over and kisses her tenderly. "Lee, what if I can't handle her by myself? I am so used to you being here."

"Rosie, you will be fine. You know how to take care of her, and Patrick will be here to help you. You could even visit me if you so desire." He kisses her again. "I would love the distraction."

Rosemary glances down at their cutie-patootie, inquiring, "What do you think, princess? Should we visit Papa today?" Isabella stretches and yawns in her mother's arms before closing her eyes again. "I knew you would want to see your Papa." Rosemary stands up carefully, trying not to disturb Isabella. "Here, let me fix you breakfast. What would you like, my darling?"

"Thanks, but I am already running late. I'll find something at the café later."

Rosemary pouts, "You better not make this a habit, Lee Coulter."

"I promise I won't, sweetheart," remarks Lee as he grabs the bassinet he brings downstairs every morning, whispering, "I'll see you two later."

Rosemary touches Isabella's nose, quietly baby talking, "I guess it is only your brother and us today. Should we let him sleep some more?" Isabella squirms and settles back down. "You're right. We'll let him sleep for now," whispers Rosemary. They check on Patrick, who is sound asleep in his bed, and go downstairs to start their first day without Lee.

Lee jogs up the steps into the office and is surprised to see Jesse at his desk and Hannah at Rosemary's desk. Lee says, "I didn't expect to see both of you here this morning." He surveys the office, and it seems to be in order, for the most part, including the cradle he built, sitting in the corner covered with a blanket.

Hannah asks, "How are Rosemary, Patrick, and Isabella?"

"They are doing well," answers Lee as he ponders his feelings. "It is the oddest thing, but I already miss my family, even though I just got here," confesses Lee as he puts his hands in his pockets.

"Don't worry. It is normal. You've been with your family constantly since Isabella was born."

"I still have everything under control, Lee, if you are not ready to be at work yet," mentions Jesse.

"No, I'm ready. Do you mind, Hannah? I need to talk to Jesse alone."

Hannah smiles, stating, "I'll be at the dress shop if you need me."

"Thanks, Hannah," responds Lee as she walks out the door. Lee sits down in front of his desk. "Jesse, you've done a great job managing this place while I've been out. Rosemary and I appreciate all you do for us. And because of that, I feel good about telling you." Lee pauses for a moment before continuing, "I have decided to split off the sawmill from L. Coulter Enterprises as its own company, run entirely by you."

Jesse looks at Lee in confusion, "You want to step away completely? But you love the sawmill."

"I do, but it's time. You've been practically running it since last year, and I have been busy with other things. You deserve this, Jesse."

"I don't know what to say, Lee."

"Say yes, and I'll have Bill deal with all the paperwork."

"Can I talk to Clara first?"

"Of course." Jesse hugs Lee. "I need to head out to the mill, but I will talk to Clara and let you know."

Rosemary slumps into the rocking chair in her bedroom, trying to comfort her unhappy daughter. Isabella has been fussy all day, not wanting to be anywhere besides Rosemary's arms.

Patrick calls out, "Mama, where are you?"

"In here," replies Rosemary.

Patrick enters his parent's bedroom, inquiring, "Can you help me, Mama? I am stuck."

"I'm sorry, bud. I know I promised to help you with your new puppet show, but every time I try putting her down, she cries."

Patrick sadly remarks, "It's okay. I understand."

Rosemary glances down at her now content child lying in her arms, asking, "What's wrong, my sweet baby girl?" Then she looks up at Patrick, inquiring, "Why don't we go see Papa?"

Patrick grins, answering, "Can we? Can we?"

"I'll get her things together, and you check on Nanny and Laika."

"Yeah!" exclaims Patrick as he rushes out of the room.

Rosemary lays her daughter on the bed between two pillows, then grabs Isabella's bag and goes over what she needs in her mind. "Let's see. Hmm. Diapers, old washcloths, a rattle," when her thoughts are interrupted by Isabella's scream. Rosemary throws everything in her bag and coos, "It is okay, sweetie. Mama needed to finish putting all your things in your bag, but now we can go see Papa." Isabella stops crying for a second and then wails louder than before. Rosemary quickly finds an extra outfit, stuffs it in the bag, wraps the sling around her front, and places Isabella inside. When Isabella finally calms down, Rosemary mumbles, "I sure hope I have it all," and they walk downstairs to see if Patrick is ready.

Rosemary yells out, "Are you ready, bud?" Patrick jogs inside with Nanny and Laika following him.

"I'm ready to go, Mama," reveals Patrick.

Rosemary hysterically screams when she sees the muddy footprints Laika tracked in from the back door to the stairs and around the settee. She takes some deep breaths, trying to calm herself down so she doesn't overreact. Then Rosemary quizzes Patrick, "You didn't see her muddy feet?"

Patrick turns around, sees the mess, and apologizes, "No, I didn't. I'm sorry."

Rosemary shouts, "Laika, come here." Laika obeys and runs to Rosemary. She leaves Isabella in the bassinet, and Laika follows her to the sink. Rosemary wets an old washcloth and bends down to clean up Laika's paws, but she scampers away. She chases Laika around the table until she finally stops. In the meantime, Isabella starts screaming again, and Rosemary wipes the mud off Laika while Patrick tries to comfort his sister. However, the screams are getting louder. After Laika is all clean, Rosemary attempts to clean the floor but finds it hard when her daughter is crying. She cleans up one more paw print before realizing it doesn't matter. What does matter is comforting her baby girl. Rosemary throws the washcloth in the sink, takes a deep breath, and scoops up her screaming child. She bounces Isabella, trying to calm her down, repeatedly cooing, "It will be okay. It will be okay," trying to convince them both.

Patrick quietly inquires, "Do you want me to clean the rest of it up, Mama?"

"No, it's fine. We can clean up this mess later. Let's go see Papa."

"Do you want me to take her bag out to the buggy?"

Rosemary smiles, asking, "What would I do without you." She slips Isabella back in the sling and rummages through the bag again, realizing she forgot something. "Oh, wait. I need one more thing. Her favorite blanket. I will meet you outside." She hands him the bag, and she hurries up the stairs. Rosemary grabs the blanket, checking to see if she needs anything else. She sits on her bed, wondering, "Should I be going out today? What if I forget something? What if she has a diaper disaster or throws up all over herself?" Rosemary watches her precious little girl, who is sleeping now, and breathes deeply for a few moments. Then she questions herself, "What is wrong with you? You can handle anything life throws at you." Rosemary gathers her things before padding down the stairs and outside, where Patrick is waiting. Rosemary puts Isabella in the buggy, hoping the movement won't wake her up, and they begin their stroll to the office.

Isabella seems content until they get into town, and she starts to cry. Rosemary stops and picks her up, placing her in the sling again while they continue walking. When they finally arrive, she parks the buggy in the front, and they climb the stairs. Patrick opens the door for his mother, they step inside, and Lee immediately stands up, revealing, "I was hoping you would stop by today. I missed my three favorite people."

Patrick skips to Lee, shouting, "Hi, Papa."

"Hi, buddy. What have you been doing today?"

"Nothing much. Isabella has been crying a lot. Mama has to hold her constantly."

Lee looks at Rosemary and sees the exasperation on her face as she hugs him with her free arm. He kisses Rosemary's cheek and his daughter's forehead, inquiring, "Oh, no, she has? Well, maybe she is missing her Papa today." He reaches for her, baby talking, "Come here, princess." Rosemary giggles, handing her over to Lee. "Everything will be okay now. Why don't you tell Papa why you've been crying so much today?" Isabella squirms in his arms, making cute noises.

Rosemary remarks, "I have no idea what is wrong with her. She cries every time I put her down."

"She's probably sensing you are a little uneasy."

Rosemary hesitantly asks, "You think she is picking up on that?" Lee nods, and Rosemary's face falls. She squeezes Isabella's cheeks, whispering, "I'm sorry, pumpkin."

"Papa, can we show her?" questions Patrick.

"Show me what?" quizzes Rosemary. Lee nods to Patrick, pointing to something in the corner covered up with a blanket. Rosemary walks toward the corner, but Lee stops her.

Lee grins, suggesting, "Wait, let us do the honors. Patrick, do you want to help?"

Patrick yells, "Yes, sir!"

Lee hands Isabella to Rosemary, and he and Patrick each grasp one side. Lee announces, "On the count of three, we will both lift. Are you ready?" Patrick nods, and Lee does a drumroll, counting down, "Three, two, one!" Patrick and Lee lift the blanket off, and underneath is a brand-new cradle, painted white with purple sheets and a blanket.

"Oh, Lee. It is beautiful. Where did it come from?" questions Rosemary.

"I built it for you. Well, most of it. Your father helped me finish it when he was here." Lee gives the cradle a slight push, and they watch it rock back and forth. "I thought you would want to bring her to work with you, so I thought a cradle would be best since it is smaller than a crib but will last longer than the bassinet."

Rosemary rubs the smooth wood, revealing, "You did such a fabulous job. Thank you, sweetheart." She lays Isabella in her new cradle, and she immediately begins to scream. "See what I mean?"

Lee picks her up, and she calms down a little. He gazes down at his pride and joy when she sticks her fingers in her mouth. "I think she is hungry, honey."

"Is she sucking on her fingers?" Lee acknowledges and hands Isabella over to Rosemary.

Rosemary searches the office for Isabella's bag and doesn't see it anywhere. She quizzes Patrick, "Where is her bag? Is it in the buggy?"

Patrick looks around the office and jogs outside. A minute later, he re-enters, appearing guilty. "I am sorry, Mama. I guess I got distracted and never grabbed the bag," admits Patrick.

Rosemary replies, "It's alright, bud. I can use her sling to cover her up for now." She sits down, and Isabella greedily nurses until she is full. Rosemary burps her, and Isabella spits up all over herself and her mother. Rosemary frowns, thinking about how she will clean up the mess without her bag.

Lee offers, "Why don't Patrick and I run over to the mercantile to get some things?

"Thanks, honey," mentions Rosemary. Lee and Patrick head across the street while Rosemary glances down at her messy, sticky daughter and eventually laughs. "You sure made a mess, missy. Mama needs to make sure she always has extras of everything, huh? Maybe even keep some here. Or, at the very least, ensure I always have your bag." Rosemary burps her, padding around until Lee returns. Lee and Patrick walk into the office, and Rosemary is singing to their baby girl. Lee gives her a few napkins, a diaper, and an outfit. Rosemary changes Isabella, picking her up just as she spits up again. She groans, "That didn't last long. I better get her home before she makes more of a mess."

"Are you sure? I can go back to the mercantile."

Rosemary wipes Isabella's face, responding, "Thank you, but this time she needs a bath."

Lee taps her nose, cooing, "Bye, sweetie. Papa will see you later."

Rosemary's heart melts whenever she sees Lee with Isabella, thinking, "She is going to be a daddy's girl through and through." Rosemary giggles, inquiring, "Are you ready to go, Patrick?"

"Can I stay here with Papa?" Rosemary looks to Lee, and he nods his head.

"Sure, bud. We'll see you two boys later."

Lee and Patrick pick up dinner and dessert on their way home. Lee had checked in with Rosemary earlier, and the afternoon did not go any better. He promised to take care of Isabella and let her have a little break when they got home. They open the door, and Rosemary is lifting a screaming Isabella from the bassinet. Relief washes over her face as she realizes Lee is there to help after an exhausting day. Lee doesn't have to say anything. He sets the basket on the kitchen table and walks up to his wife. She hands him their crying baby girl, and he happily rocks her until she stops crying.

Patrick hugs his mother, mentioning, "We brought dinner and dessert, Mama."

"Thank you. It's the perfect night because I am too exhausted to cook anything." Rosemary slumps onto the settee with an exaggerated sigh. "Here, Patrick, come and sit with me. Did you have fun with Papa today?" Patrick sits on her lap and recounts what he did, talking so fast she can hardly keep up.

After tucking Patrick in, Lee and Rosemary happily climb into their bed with Isabella. They only sleep a few hours at a time, so any chance they get, they sleep. Rosemary nurses Isabella one more time, and Lee decides to tell her about an idea he has.

"What do you think of expanding our office?"

Rosemary's face lights up, asking, "What do you have in mind?"

"I think we both agree we love sharing an office. However, it is a little tight with me being mayor and you having an employee at The Valley Voice now. Not to mention, Isabella will be joining us." Lee pulls a piece of paper off his nightstand and shows it to Rosemary. "I think we should add a small room to each back door, one for you and one for me." Lee pauses for a moment, watching the grin form on Rosemary's face. He taps the paper, continuing, "The idea is to keep the two rooms separate. Each room will contain a door leading outback, a window on the side facing out like the others, and the inside doors will remain where they are. I was thinking of putting your printing press and a desk and chair for Hannah in your room. And I want to put a round table and chairs in my room. That way, I can have meetings and not disturb you." Lee chuckles, trying to figure out what Rosemary is thinking. He finally questions, "What do you think?"

"I think this is a great idea. Will you be able to finish before Isabella and I come back to work in five weeks? I plan on starting when Patrick begins school on September 16th."

"Of course. Building the two rooms shouldn't take long at all."

"Great! I can't wait to see the finished project," replies Rosemary as she kisses him. "You think of everything, sweetheart?"

"If it involves my family, I do." Lee kisses her back, and they giggle, watching Isabella gurgle.

August 30th, 1918

Elizabeth stops by Lee and Rosemary's office when she knows he'll be alone. She questions, "What do you have planned for Rosemary's birthday?" Lee's face falls, realizing her birthday is tomorrow. "I was expecting as much. Don't worry. I will handle it all. I am very much aware of how it is with a newborn."

"Thanks, Elizabeth. You are a great friend."

"I know you and Rosemary would do the same for me, so no worries," remarks Elizabeth as she turns to leave.

"For the record, I didn't entirely forget her birthday. I just didn't realize it's tomorrow." Elizabeth chuckles and waves goodbye.

August 31st, 1918

It is early evening, and Rosemary is on the settee, leaning against Lee. He is holding a sleeping Isabella, and they are discussing how tired they are. Then there is a knock at the door, and Lee calls out, "It's open." Elizabeth steps in, holding a cake, followed by Nathan, carrying a food basket. Next is Allie with a pitcher of tea, and then finally Jack.

Rosemary inquires, "What is all this?"

Elizabeth answers, "I will tell you, but first, what is today?"

"It's Monday, no, it's Tuesday. Wait, it is Tuesday, right?"

"You're right. It's Tuesday, but it is also your birthday."

Rosemary sits up, gasping, "I can't believe I forgot my birthday." She lightly hits Lee's leg, joking, "Lee, you forgot my birthday, too?"

"I'm sorry, Rosie. I did, but I didn't. I remembered your birthday was coming up, but yesterday Elizabeth was the one to remind me it's today. She said she would take care of everything, and I guess I forgot again."

Rosemary pats his leg, offering, "It's okay, sweetheart. I understand."

Elizabeth grins, "That is why we have friends who are also our chosen family. To remember your birthday, among other things." She points to the kitchen, and Nathan and Allie put the food basket and tea on the table. "I made enough for us all, but we don't have to stay if you prefer." Elizabeth looks around, wondering, "Where is Patrick?"

Rosemary answers, "He is upstairs playing. Thank you, Elizabeth. Please eat with us. I insist." She grins, inquiring, "What would I do without you?"

Elizabeth orders, "You go upstairs, clean yourself up, and get Patrick. You too, Lee." She gives the cake to Allie, and Lee hands Isabella over. "We will set everything up. Now go." Lee and Rosemary clean up and join their guests downstairs.

By the time they return, Isabella is sleeping in her bassinet, and they are all sitting at the table, Elizabeth, Nathan, Allie, Jack, and Patrick. Patrick runs to his mother, exclaiming, "Happy Birthday, Mama! I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier."

She hugs him, stating, "It's okay, buddy. Papa and I didn't even remember."

"Aunt Elizabeth made one of your favorite meals and dessert, Chicken Stew, fresh bread, lavender tea, and chocolate cherry cake."

"She did? How wonderful."

Patrick pulls her to the table, suggesting, "Sit down next to me, Mama." Lee sits next to his wife and says the blessing, "Dear Lord, Thank you for this food, amazing friends, and my incredible family. Amen."

"Amen," responds the rest of the group.

Rosemary eats a couple of bites when Isabella starts to cry. She places her napkin next to her plate and scoots her chair out. Elizabeth offers to check on the baby so Rosemary can eat some more, but she insists, "It's okay, Elizabeth. Isabella is probably just hungry. Please sit back down." Rosemary picks up her daughter, cradling her in her arms when Isabella tries to stick her fist in her mouth. She giggles, announcing, "I was right. She's ready to eat. We'll be upstairs, but you all continue enjoying this delicious meal."

They finish the dinner without Rosemary, leaving the cake for the birthday girl. Elizabeth and Nathan clean the kitchen and head back to their house with Allie and Jack. Lee glances at the clock, questioning Patrick, "Should we check on the girls? They have been up there quite a while."

Patrick agrees, then concocts an excuse in his mind before voicing it out loud, "I'll be up there in a minute, Papa." Lee looks at Patrick questioningly but still brings the bassinet up and walks into their room. Rosemary is asleep on the bed, and Isabella is beside her, sleeping between two rolled-up blankets.

Lee carefully moves his daughter from the bed to the bassinet, hoping not to wake anybody up. But unfortunately, Isabella opens her eyes and whimpers a few times, waking Rosemary up just before quieting back down. With her eyes half closed, Rosemary feels for Isabella and sleepily asks, "Where is the baby?"

Lee answers, "She's in the bassinet, and they left a few minutes ago."

"Oh, no, how long have I been up here? I feel horrible. Elizabeth did that all just for me," remarks Rosemary as she sits up. "I was so tired after I fed and burped her that I laid down for a second. I must have fallen asleep because that is the last thing I remember."

"I am sure they understand."

"I know, but I still feel bad."

Patrick comes in slowly with a piece of cake he proudly sets on Rosemary's nightstand. He sits beside her, loudly whispering, "I cut this piece of cake and brought it up to you without making a mess, Mama."

"You did? Thanks, bud. It's my favorite," Rosemary forces out with a smile. Then looks at Lee, wondering why he let Patrick cut the cake by himself.

Lee's face falls, but then he gets something from the closet. It is a flat box inconspicuously wrapped in one of Lee's sweaters. He throws it back in the closet and gives her the box. Lee chuckles, "See, I didn't completely forget your birthday."

Rosemary grins, questioning, "What is it?"

"You'll have to open it," responds Lee. So, she lifts the lid off the box and reads Lee's card, sitting on the top of the black leather-bound notebook.

My Love,

Happy Birthday, sweetheart! Thank you for being the best wife and mother anybody could ever want or need. Here is a notebook you can use to document the first year of Isabella's life.

Forever,

Your Devoted Husband

"Oh, Lee. I love this! Thank you," mentions Rosemary. She tries to swing her legs off the bed, but Lee insists she relaxes some more. He'll watch Isabella for the rest of the night except when she needs nursing. She thanks him with a long and lingering kiss.

Lee grins, "We'll be downstairs if you need anything."

He turns and grabs the bassinet, and as they walk out of the room, Rosemary calls out, "I love you, Lee Coulter!" Right as he is going to tell her he loves her too, Isabella cries, breaking the moment.