5-6 Months:

A new year has began for Harry, Christine, and Abby. And a great one at that.

Harry was listening to some of his Mel Torme records in the living room while reading a book. Christine had just put Abby down for a nap. She came into the room with a piece of paper in her hand. "Harry, look at this." She sat down next to him on the couch.

"What's this?" he took the paper from her.

"It's a flyer for a dog sled race."

Harry skimmed the flyer, "I never knew you liked these things. Why didn't you ever bring it up before?"

Christine laughed, "I've never been to one, but it sounds interesting. We missed the one today but how about we go to the one tomorrow?"

"Sounds fun, let's do it."

"Yay! Thank you." She gave him a quick kiss and stood up, "I'm going to go start dinner."

"Alright." He picked his book back up but then something occurred to him. He went into the kitchen. "How do you think Abby will be?"

Christine turned around, "Oh yeah, I didn't think about that…"

"Well, we can take her, see how she is, and if she gets to fussy we can leave."

Christine nodded, "Okay, it won't hurt to try."

They arrived at the dog sled races. Abigail was bundled up in her snowsuit and kitty hat. They stood and watched the first part of the race and then decided to get some food.

They were standing in line at the snack stand. Harry was holding Abby and Christine was playing with Abby's hand. "I am so surprised, she is barely fussing!"

Harry laughed, "I know! It's almost a miracle."

Christine laughed as well. "I don't think we should get used to it though. Oh, her nose is running again…" She took out a tissue and wiped her face, "I just glad her cold is pretty much gone."

"Yeah, me to. It probably should have also occurred to us that being in the cold doesn't help a cold."

"At least she's bundled up."

Harry nodded, "I love this hat that Roz gave her. I have to be honest, I would never have thought she would pick a cute, pink cat hat out…"

Christine smiled, "Okay, I'll be honest. I picked it out and Roz gave me the money and wrapped it up."

Harry smiled and rolled his eyes, "I should have known…" he leaned in and gave her a kiss. The man working at the snack stand said impatiently, "Are you going to order or not? You're holding up the line."

Harry and Christine couldn't help but laugh. They ordered their food and continued watching the race.

After the race they decided to go to a restaurant for dinner.

Abigail slept peacefully the entire time.

They spoke as they drove home.

"This was a great day. I never thought that we'd get through dinner."

Harry laughed, "Me either. At least we know now that if we want to go out to eat with Abby we just have to keep her awake all day and then let her sleep while we eat."

Christine turned around to check on Abby, "She seems to be waking up now."

"Hey maybe we can get her to sit through a movie."

"I doubt it but again, it won't hurt to try."

Harry quickly looked over at Christine and smiled, "Have I ever told you how much I love you?"

"Only about a thousand times."

"Well count this as a thousand and one…"