As Kerry readies the high chair, Tony walks toward her playing with their little one. She's giggling so sweetly, and looks absolutely adorable and happier than ever in her daddy's arms as they approach.
Just as they get within arm's length, Tony says, "There's mommy." Isa looks over at her and with the cutest toothless smile she smacks her lips at Kerry, and grins. The sight melts her immediately as she says, "Morning ladybug. How's mama's baby?"
Isa grins brighter and kicks her feet in response, as Kerry peers back at her adoringly. Excitedly, she reaches for her baby girl, and she comes to her easily. The moment has Tony grinning too. It's a darling interaction they'll always remember.
As she plays with her a bit, Tony grabs Isa's bowl. He places it on the table close to the high chair, and grabs the top to the chair. Kerry sees he's ready, and gives him a look. He looks back at her and says, "Come on Ker."
She obliges without physical resistance, despite the apprehensive expression on her face. Something he notes, but he doesn't hold against her. He understands her struggle, he too knows this will likely be a battle for both of them.
She kisses her baby girl as she bends down, to put her in her seat as she says, "It's time to eat little one." All is well for a second, until like clockwork, Isa whines seconds as her bottom hits the chair. They both look at one another, and Isa continues to squirm and whine. Her whines turn into cries, and Tony picks her up as he says, "Hey, hey, little lady. Daddy is here."
Kerry watches as he calms her and she quiets down in a matter of seconds. He then tickles her and she grins and claps his face. He hisses her, and says, "Daddy and mommy need you to sit in your chair baby girl. Can you sit in the chair for us?" Isa smiles at him, but they both know she's oblivious to what he's saying. Kerry shakes her head as she says, "Why do I feel like this is futile?" He looks at her as he responds, "Come on Ker. We just talked about being consistent."
She takes a breath as she says, "I know. I know. I just don't want her to cry." He smiles at his wife, he understands how she feels. But decides to still try to be the engine that could for this operation. And, after getting Isa super calm, with giggles, smiles and all.
He says, "Okay. Let's do it again." Kerry readies and he does the airplane move with Isa through the air, getting her to laugh. But when instead of keeping her in his arms, he lands her in the chair and Kerry quickly puts the top on it. With the top in place, Isa is still smiling at Tony. She doesn't realize she's in the chair yet. Tony quickly says, "Grab her bowl."
Kerry excitedly grabs her food from the table; placing it in front of her, as she sits down to feed her as she says, "Here you go mama's girl." She has the spoon up to her mouth and Isa looks at both of them as if she's going to whine. But then Tony says, "Ah Ah Ah. Come on lady bug. You've got this." Sweetly, she smiles at him and it honestly makes Kerry's heart flutter.
But, she stays the course as she says, "Come on little lady, we've got to get you fed. Cooperate with us please." Isa looks at her mom, and then back at her dad. Kerry urges, "Come on, open wide mama's baby." Surprisingly, Isa opens her mouth and quickly her mother slips the spoon between her lips.
With a cute grunt, which both of them determine to be "MMM." Both Kerry and Tony grin excitedly as Tony says, "Yeah! Look at you eating in your high chair." Isa giggles at him and Kerry can't help but grab her phone and snap a photo. It's just too cute of a photo opportunity to pass by.
She snaps the shot and Tony leans over to her. They share a quick kiss and Isa smacks her lips, and bangs on the table as to say, "Uhm, this is my time." They both chuckle as Kerry says, "Okay little mama. We see you." Tony comically replies, "Gee, I wonder where she gets that whole, feed me now thing from?" Kerry slips another spoonful of organic squash into Isa's mouth as she playfully rolls her eyes at him.
Feeling his hunger pains step up, he says, "Mind if I sit and eat babe?" She smiles at him as she responds, "No, Of course not. Sorry I didn't get to serve you in bed." Kindly, he smiles at her as he replies, "No worries. I'm good with watching you and ladybug. Thanks for the offer though." She nods as she says, "You're welcome."
Because she's slow in getting the next spoon up to Isa's mouth, their interaction once again is interrupted by a grunt. Tony then says, "You'd better hurry up. Say hurry up mommy." Kerry grins at she shakes her head, as she says, "My goodness lady bug. You're hungry this morning, hub?" Isa's timely grin causes them both to laugh and smile at her. Minutes later Kerry has finished feeding her, and she's now bottle feeding; to top off the meal.
As Tony begins to eat, he says "This looks great babe. Thank you." She smiles as she replies, "You're welcome honey. Tell me what you think of the pancakes, it's a new recipe my mom shared with me."
He takes a bite of them and moans as he responds, "Damn, this is delicious. They taste just like bananas foster." She grins as she says, "I know right. I'm glad you like them. I could drink the syrup by itself." They chuckle together as he says, "Yeah. The syrup is amazing. It really sets off the flavor." She nods in agreement as she says, "Yep. Mama says daddy loves them too." He nods as he says, "I'll bet. I'm looking forward to spending time with your parents over thanksgiving."
She smiles as she replies, "Me too. I'm just glad we're able to make the trip." He agrees with her. For a minute he wasn't sure if they'd be able to travel to NY for the holiday. So it's welcomed relief they're clear to go. After swallowing his last bite of bacon he says, "There's nothing like holiday time in NY." She agrees with him, it's a magical time for sure.
She looks down at their daughter as she is now barely sucking the bottle, because she's falling asleep. She then looks at Tony and he grins as he says, "Just like her mama when her belly's full." She laughs lightly, trying not to disturb her. But gives him a look that lets him know he's lucky she can't hit him. Deciding she's had enough; she picks her up, putting her on her shoulder to burp her and then goes to lay her down as Tony finishes eating.
When she returns to the table she pops him on his arm, and he smiles at her as she says, "That's for your wise crack." He chuckles as he replies, "Gee, I didn't know there was a punishment for being truthful." She can't lie, his words have never been truer. And, she can't refute his words. But, she can deflect, as she responds, "Let's see how you fair after this Thanksgiving meal buddy."
He nods as he says, "Fair enough. I'm working out extra hard just to prepare. I know there's some cobbler and sweet potato pie in my future." They both grin in agreement, there's sure to be a wealth of good eats on display for them to enjoy.
After she has a seat next to him at the table, he asks, "What time are we supposed to meet Judy?" She replies, "We're not. We're going to do a video conference instead." He sits back in his seat as he responds, "Really? What brought that on?" She shrugs her shoulders as she says, "I just don't feel like making that trek to her office. And, I didn't want to force her to drive here. So, it made more sense to use video chat."
He nods as he says, "I agree. That does make allot of sense. What else do we have on the schedule today?" She smiles as she replies, "The Christmas decorations will be arriving today, so we can get started on decorating before we leave for New York."