This could be just me but I am beyond fascinated with pregnancy and I've watched way too many videos centred on all things pregnancy and babies. I have an entire notebook full of related research because I have too many baby-related stories and ideas, so let's put that to use!
Photo #111: Grilled Cheese, Anyone?
As a child, Eadlyn loved grilled cheese sandwiches. She isn't sure why since it's two pieces of toasted bread filled with cheese. But, it's simple comfort food and it tastes good.
This photo of herself and Ahren as children, sitting at the island in the kitchen with grilled cheese sandwiches in front of them. At first, Eadlyn isn't sure why this photo exists on the wall, but she sees the centre. Her mother is pregnant with Kaden and then the events of the photo start playing in her mind as if it was yesterday. She slightly licks her lips, almost tasting that sandwich.
For the two pregnancies she seen, her mother's pregnancy cravings were the best. They were so weird and unexpected, but delicious. Eadlyn loved eating salty foods in the middle of the afternoon and, if she was lucky, sweets in the middle of the night.
And even though Eadlyn's not pregnant, she could go for a grilled cheese sandwich right now. They are the food version of hugs which is what she really needs.
Or maybe if you were to offer her one now, she'd still eat it. And not only eat it, but she'd love it.
-o-
America is about halfway through the second trimester of her second pregnancy. Just because her bump is more prominent doesn't mean the symptoms have gone away. Nope, not at all. The growing baby equals more attention and strain on mom's body.
But America doesn't mind as much this time around. At least it's one baby over two and she has two little ones who are extremely excited. And her husband is even more helpful this time if there was such a quantity. Maxon did the sun and moon during her first pregnancy all while maintaining the kingdom. She didn't think he would survive but he proved her wrong and it strengthened her love for him.
Today, America sits in front of the kitchen island. At her side are her twins who kick their legs excitedly since their toes are far from the ground. In front of them is Maxon who run around the kitchen looking for appliances.
Earlier, America told Maxon she was craving a grilled cheese sandwich. Instead of asking the chefs to make one, Maxon gave them the next three hours off to attempt to make it himself. Even the twins wanted one of their own which motivated him, even more, to start cooking.
"It may be a bit late because I couldn't find a pan," Maxon says to them, closing another cabinet.
It takes him another five minutes and a return to the first place he looked to find a doable pan.
"The best cooking partner is someone who does all the cooking while the other just sits back and enjoys the show," America comments.
Lucky for him, the kids prepared all the bread and cheese with America's help so all he really needs to do is assemble and cook. That should be easy. So from this point on, she could be her definition of the best cooking partner. And she would have stepped in because she's starving and her husband looks like he needs some help. Maxon Schreave is a lot of things and could be more, but a cook isn't one of them. She loves him for his efforts and he would say he does them because he loves her more.
"Mommy, how do cravings work?" Ahren asks as Maxon assembles the sandwiches.
"Food cravings are what my body is lacking," America explains. "Because I'm now growing your little brother, there is more blood in my body. If the baby needs more iron or sodium, I crave those foods to get the missing vitamins and minerals."
She read that in a pregnancy book the first time around.
Ahren nods as America ruffles her hair. She loves her curious little twins and hopes that the third one is like them.
"What did you crave with us?" Eadlyn wonders.
"One of you wanted pancakes," America starts. She thinks back to her first pregnancy with a bright smile on her face. "The other wanted lasagna but I wanted marmalade. My tastebuds have changed and I hate it."
Ahren leans on the counter excitedly. "Let me see."
America laughs as she sticks her tongue out for her kids to see. She turns her head repeatedly so both of them get to see. Even though there's no physical difference on her tongue, her twins' eyes bulge out of their head in pure amazement. There must be something their imaginative eyes see that she can't.
"Oh my god, they did change!" Ahren and Eadlyn exclaim.
As the kids continue to obsess over America's new tastebuds, Maxon flips the last sandwich in the pan. This time, he scores and cheers to himself. He's glad that grilled cheese sandwiches are simple to make. But don't tell America that he failed the flip for the first two sandwiches. (But the third time's always the charm. Could the same apply to their third child? Even though his first two are perfect, it's something to think about). He's also relieved that they were distracted so they didn't catch his failure. Now, he looks like more of a professional. He should cook more often.
Maxon samples the grilled cheese sandwiches and nods his head. He feels proud of himself so far. "Baby has good taste."
America looks over at him. "Does he?"
Maxon puts their plates in front of them. The sandwiches are cut diagonally as they should be and the cheese melts out. The twins look at their plates excitedly, their mouths water in hunger. America smiles because her craving can now be handled, but she keeps her eyes on Maxon just to test him.
"It's gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free - " Maxon explains.
"So…it's taste-free?" America asks, cutting him off.
He feels offended by her even though his twins are already scarfing it down. At least his two precious children appreciate it. His third baby will do the same for sure. That means that his grilled cheese sandwich did have taste or else why would the kids eat it? There's the possibility that the lack of taste meant there was nothing to dislike about it. But he refused to believe that.
"Are you doubting my cooking skills?" Maxon questions. "Our head chef praised my cooking, said I could take over his job."
"Mind you, you're the one in charge of his job."
"Just eat it before you get a new craving. I promise you'll love it."
America holds her triangular-shaped sandwich in her hands. She holds it up at different angles like a professional food critic. She examines the gooeyness of the cheese and the crunchy exterior of the bread. Those are there so the sandwich passes the presentation criteria. It also smells delicious which is a bonus.
America is about to take a bite but stops herself. "Pregnant women are more susceptible to food poisoning."
"I don't cook that bad!" Maxon huffs. "The kids love it, right kids?"
They're too busy eating to answer. They didn't even hear the question. Maxon takes that proudly as his answer.
America simmers a laugh as she finally takes a bite. Her mouth is too full to give a compliment to the chef, but she gives a thumbs up and even tears up a little. Maxon couldn't be happier because he made his pregnant wife happy with cooking, of all things. He should do this more often unless she craves something super complicated.
He takes a picture to remember this moment: the time he cooked for his family and they loved it.
Maxon makes his way around the kitchen island and hugs America from the back. He kisses the side of her head and rests his chin on her shoulder as she eats. He puts his hands on her baby bump and feels the baby moving around happily.
That's the real credential he needs on his culinary experience. If his twins, pregnant wife, and unborn child love his dish, then he's a master chef.
"You eat like a pig," Ahren tells Eadlyn.
Eadlyn frowns at him as she keeps her plate guarded to herself. "You're mad that I didn't share any with you."
When I came up with this chapter idea, I was craving grilled cheese. And now, I still want grilled cheese. Update - I made a grilled cheese the next morning.
And as I'm typing this a few days later, at midnight, I want another grilled cheese.
