A little fluff and fun. The family has been through a lot in the last few chapters. Please leave a review.
"Josh I don't think it goes that way," Annie laughed.
"Have you ever put together a crib," Josh asked.
"No thats all on you," Annie smiled.
Annie was standing in front of the closet in the nursery hanging up tiny dresses in a range of sizes. There were enough dresses to get them to their daughter's second birthday.
"Can you just hold this steady," Josh asked.
"I can," Annie replied turning away from the closet and grabbing the side of the crib where Josh was standing.
"I just need to put the opposite side on," Josh said.
"The bottom and the mattress," Annie said.
"I will," Josh said, "don't worry she will have somewhere to sleep."
"She's in our room for the first few months at least," Annie said.
"Where will she sleep," Josh asked.
"We need to find a bassinet for her," Annie said, "mama said we can use the one they used for Allison and the stand. That way she's right beside me at night."
"Why your side," Josh asked.
"So I can feed her," Annie replied.
"You're sure you want to do that," Josh asked.
"I want to try," Annie said, "we have bottles and can get formula if needed but I want to try. It's best for her."
"What's best for you," Josh asked, "I want both of you healthy."
"It's better for both of us if it works," Annie said, "it should work."
"I was kind of looking forward to feeding her a bottle and getting to cuddle her while she ate," Josh admitted.
"That's one reason we ordered the pump," Annie said, "so I can pump milk and you can give her a bottle or she can have my milk when she has to go to daycare. Just don't expect it in the first couple weeks. She needs me to feed her only at first so we both learn how to do it and we get enough milk."
"Then what am I doing the first couple weeks," Josh asked.
"Diapers, cuddles, play time, making sure her and I are okay," Annie said, "you read the same articles I did. We don't know how much energy I'll have or if any of this will work."
"It will," Josh said. He stood up and looked at the four sides of the crib, "where do you want this?"
"In the middle of the long wall," Annie said.
Josh moved the crib frame where Annie had indicated and went to put the base and mattress in.
"Cribs ready," Josh announced.
Annie dug through the bin for the bedding. It was a soft grey flannel with white hearts scattered across it. She also had the waterproof cover for the mattress so any messes could just be wiped up. She carried the bedding over and attempted to make the tiny bed.
"Help," Annie laughed, "bump in the way."
"What can I do," Josh asked.
"The base of the crib is adjustable isn't it," Annie asked.
"It is but it's safest at this height," Josh replied.
"Can you get the water proof cover on the mattress," Annie asked.
"I'll bring it up a bit so you can reach," Josh said.
Annie smiled watching him adjust the crib. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before making the bed with the waterproof cover and the soft grey sheet. She folded and draped the soft grey and white blanket Evelyn had knit for them across the top railing at the foot of the crib.
"Doesn't her blanket go in there," Josh asked.
"No we wrap her in it or use one of the sleep sacks," Annie said, "this is one Nana made, I don't really want this one messed up with diaper messes and spit up."
Josh began to assemble the dresser while Annie put things away on the toy shelf. They had bought a shelf that looked like it had little cubbies in it and was the perfect height to change the baby on top of. She set up the changing station on top with the little baskets right underneath filled with diapers.
"Why do such tiny things need so much stuff," Josh asked.
"I don't know and we're still missing things," Annie said.
"Bookshelf and you wanted a rocking chair," Josh said, "what else?"
"Carrier or sling," Annie said, "mama told me not to buy much more before the shower."
"Just listen to your mother," Josh laughed, "your shower is only three weeks away."
"And she comes in six and a half," Annie said, "she's really got my ribs today."
Josh stopped what he was doing to watch Annie as she kept sorting through baby clothes and items. Putting what they would need now in its place and adding the items that could wait to their labeled bins. He loved watching her, seeing the changes in her body, the new curves of her rounded bump and the fullness of her chest. Standing in front of the window the spring sun illuminated her loose blonde curls making them glow like a halo around her face. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Stop staring at me," Annie laughed.
"I can't help it," Josh replied.
"Really," Annie giggled, "that line isn't going to work twice in one day. We still need to go grocery shopping and get ready for tonight."
"We have all day," Josh promised, "I'll get this set up then figure out setting up the other things."
"I have onesies to wash," Annie said she held one up to her bump, "think it'll fit?"
"It will but are they really that tiny," Josh asked.
"I don't know," Annie said, "I'm hoping she's not too big but with your height and your mom said you were over 9 pounds, she could be."
"What did Teddy say you were," Josh asked.
"Just over 6 pounds, she said six pounds one ounce," Annie replied, "I was a pound and a half smaller than Allison."
"Allison was so tiny and delicate," Josh said, "you were smaller."
"That's what mama and mom said they both agree on it," Annie replied, "I'm getting excited to meet her."
"Soon," Josh said.
Annie slumped down with her back against the wall, "I can't reach any of these bins when I'm standing up. But I'll be stuck down here now."
"Just make two piles," Josh said.
"It all needs to be washed so I can put it away," Annie smiled, "but the art should go up."
"Put it where you want it on the floor and I'll hang it," Josh smiled.
"There's not a lot," Annie said, "I want to paint the tree on the wall near the window."
"Are you really going to do it," Josh asked.
"I am," Annie said, "how hard can it be?"
"We could just pay that art student that illustrates your books to do it," Josh suggested.
"Jillian would," Annie agreed, "probably more artistic than I could do. I love her work in water colours but her acrylics are good as well."
"Text Jillian," Josh said, "save yourself the stress. See what she would charge."
"Or I can order it as stickers from the same place we got the flowers for over her crib," Annie suggested.
"That's easiest," Josh said, "just order it."
"But would it be too busy," Annie said, "maybe we put bookshelves there. Go back to Ikea and get those wall mounted floating ones."
"Not Ikea again," Josh groaned.
"In shelves and out," Annie said, "we have time today."
"It's never just in and out there with you," Josh teased.
"We don't need any more furniture," Annie said, "we could use more of the dresser organizer baskets."
"Make a list first," Josh said, "I'm not spending all day wandering and racking up the credit card."
"I have a list on my phone," Annie said, "bins, hangers, baskets I think I can get at walmart."
"Is it just the shelves," Josh asked.
"It is," Annie said, "and a couple little things."
"Let me change and we'll go," Josh said.
"Hair," Annie said.
"Your hair looks good. I like it like that," Josh said.
"Just brushing it," Annie said, "I should change. Leggings and a t-shirt aren't my best look."
"We'll both change and go," Josh said.
"Help me up," Annie said reaching her hand to Josh to pull her up off the floor.
"Yet you could do it at work yesterday," Josh teased.
"With a lot of effort," Annie replied, "I can give into it here. At work I still have to be the hard core cardio goddess in training."
"How much longer," Josh asked.
"Six weeks but I want to ask mama about going a week earlier then we planned," Annie said, "i'm ready to be done. I only need a few cardio, one plastics and 4 general."
"When your suregires are done maybe we call it," Josh suggested.
"Am i being a wimp," Annie asked.
"Why would you say that," Josh asked.
"Mama worked the night before Allison and said she was in class and did a lab in early labour with me," Annie said, "I want to be as tough as she is but I'm getting tired."
"You're down to short shifts right," Josh said.
"12 instead of 14," Annie said, "10 would be better."
"If you're tired why don't we just stay here today," Josh said, "finish this up, relax, watch a movie. Order what you want from Ikea online and get it delivered."
"I don't even know it's for sure what we want," Annis said.
"Then let's leave it and relax here today," Josh said.
"Walk down to the beach," Annie suggested.
"Finish putting these things together, groceries, lunch, beach walk then your mamas for sunday dinner," Josh suggested.
"Works for me," Annie agreed.
Late that afternoon Leslie and Dan parked in front of Teddy and Owen's house.
"Nice looking house," Leslie said,
"She runs that whole hospital," Dan said
"Annie says most family things are here," Leslie said, "or Evelyns."
"Do you know whose coming tonight," Dan asked.
"It sounded like the whole family," Leslie said, "and Evelyn is dating one of their pastors. An older gentleman from the sounds of it."
Dan knocked on the front door and was greeted by Owen.
"Dan, Leslie come have a seat," Owen greeted, "dinner is in the oven one of Annie's favourites."
"Is everyone spoiling her," Leslie asked.
"We are," Teddy smiled, "I wish I woud have had that with her or let myself enjoy it with Allison. Have you met our younger two?"
"We haven't," Leslie said, "I've seen you or Annie and Josh with them but never actually been introduced."
"Allison, Leo," Owen called, "come say hello to our guests."
"Come in," Teddy said, "we can sit in the living room."
"Thank you," Leslie said,
Two little redheads appeared at the bottom of the stairs.
"Daddy why are Annie's dad and other mama here," Leo asked.
"Leo, Allison this is Mr and Mrs McKellar," Owen introduced, "the're Annie and Chris's mom and dad."
"I thought mama was Annie's," Allison said.
"I am," Teddy said, "remember Annie has two of us she has me and Mrs. McKellar who she calls mom."
Leslie knelt down to look at the two kids, "would you like to call us Leslie and Dan like your mama and dad do?"
"Can we," Leo asked.
Teddy looked shocked they didn't allow their children to call adults by just their first name, there was always a doctor, auntie, uncle or another form of respect first. They knew it was old fashioned but their children would be respectful.
"I think Mrs. Leslie and Mr Dan would be polite," Teddy said, the children recognized the no nonsense look on her face.
Dan looked at Teddy.
"We don't encourage our children to call adults by first name," Teddy explained.
"Call it old fashioned but we expect them to be polite at all times," Owen said.
"Military yes mam and no sir," Leslie asked.
"Exactly," Owen replied, "let's have a seat."
"Allison and Leo you can sit with us in the living room while we have an adult discussion or you may go down stairs to the playroom until Annie and Josh get here," Teddy offered.
"Can I play lego," Leo asked.
"You may," Teddy replied.
"Mama can you get my paints down," Allison asked.
"Not today Allison," Teddy replied, "you have drawing paper, colouring books, markers and crayons you can reach."
"Please," Allison begged.
"Allison I said no," Teddy replied, "you can choose your art supplies you can reach or another toy."
"Playdough," Allison asked.
"Yes you can get it yourself," Teddy agreed.
"Yay," Allison yelled running down the stairs to the basement.
"Sorry we try to keep the toys in the basement playroom," Teddy said.
"We did the same with ours," Leslie said, "it keeps the worst of the mess contained."
"The stuffed animals and art supplies seem to end up in my kitchen and the living room," Teddy laughed.
"Art projects at the kitchen table are good memories with ours," Leslie said.
"They are," Teddy agreed, "Annie has done some cute ones with them when she babysits. Allison and Leo will miss her being around all the time. She's a big part of their lives."
"It sounds like it when she talks about them," Leslie agreed, "she loves them."
"She's a good big sister for them. It's created some interesting conversations because most of the little two's friends' parents are closer to Annie's age," Teddy said, "I'm the old mom at preschool."
"How do we make this work to share Annie, to share a grandchild," Leslie asked.
"We let Annie take the lead," Teddy said, "she's almost 30. It's not a child we're negotiating custody of. Annie will choose what is right for her family."
"We want her around," Leslie said.
"Then you have to do it her way," Teddy stated.
"I'm coming with Marie to the baby shower," Leslie said, "Annie wants us at the christening when they do that."
"Thats a good start," Teddy said, "you have to let her decide the timing and the pace. It works letting her decide."
"How did you get her trust at the beginning," Leslie asked.
"I let her come to me as much as she wanted to," Teddy said, "I spent time with her at UBC, at your house, went to dance competitions and performances, we skyped and face timed, I answered her emails and texts. That was all before I invited her down to come stay with me and learn. Marie and Doug call her, she texts with Marie. I know Marie is coming to the shower, she's called me about the colours for the nursery and Annie's favourite colours."
"You've seen the nursery," Leslie asked.
"No," Teddy replied, "their roommate moved out last weekend. The house was painted this week and they were going to start setting things up today."
"Do you know colours," Leslie asked.
"I do," Teddy replied, " periwinkle walls, dark wood furniture, grey and white accents. She loves white roses and hearts. She's gone really girly. Way more than we did with Allison."
"Annie's always liked girly things," Leslie said, "do you know what they still need?"
"She's looking for a bookshelf and a rocking chair," Teddy said, "they need a bassinet. I've told them they can use Allisons but actually have a new one for them."
"Dan has been building her a rocking chair when he's home," Leslie said, "it's something to do after work when he's home alone."
"We'll put her off," Teddy said.
"I'll ask Dan to do the bookshelf," Leslie said, "he can do those in a day or two. Do they have a stroller or car seat?"
"Yes," Teddy replied, "they're prepared except for the things on the baby registry. You have no idea what a pain it was to get her to do that?"
"Really," Leslie asked.
"She doesn't want the attention," Teddy said, "she'll get shy at the shower. It's just family and close friends a few political invites from the hospital all people she knows well."
"Does Meghan need any help," Leslie asked.
"I think she's okay," Teddy said.
"Are you sure Annie is okay," Leslie asked, "she doesn't come to me with stuff."
"She is," Teddy smiled, "getting tired and uncomfortable but that's to be expected. She's so petite that she's all baby now. And about seven weeks left."
"When is she off work," Leslie asked, "see if I can come down and spend time with her."
"On paper May 5th," Teddy said, "I'm hoping we can get her surgeries done sooner then I might call it. Or at least take her out of the OR and put her on scut."
"What's scut," Leslie asked.
"Paper work, charting, summarizing articles," Teddy said, "her and I have some research that should be ready to publish around her birthday so she can sit in the research library and do it quietly. She can keep teaching skills labs for interns, medical students and junior residents. There is a plan for when she tells me she's had enough. I need her to say it. If I push it she'll shut down on me and push herself harder. She has this drive to prove herself. When you're a second generation surgeon you get compared to your parents day in day out. Attitude, skills, intelligence and that we're in the same specialty is harder. She's chosen peds cardio because that's her path. Kids feel safe with her and connect in ways I've never seen any surgeon connect with them. Parents love her and she's still a resident but when families get sent to us they ask for her because kids love her."
"What time are they coming," Leslie asked.
"Any time," Teddy said, "she texted they were on their way."
Dan had followed Owen into the kitchen.
"You both cook," Dan asked.
"We do," Owen replied, "tonight is just chicken and sausage lasagne. It's a family favourite."
"Do you do this often," Dan asked.
"Most weeks," Owen said, "whoever is off goes. Nathan won't be here tonight he's oncall cardio. Allison, Leo and Faroke need the routines and it's good for all of us to be a family without the hospital pressures."
Dan looked at his socks, he wasnt sure how to express his gratitude, over the years he had been jealous of Owen. That Owen was closer to Annie and who Annie went to when she needed a father. But after being here five almost six weeks he realized that the while Annie was very close to Teddy and Owen she still loved both families and wanted both families.
"Everything okay," Owen asked.
"Just thinking," Dan said, "Owen how did you just forget everything that happened and take care of Jessica."
"For Annie," Owen said, "it was a chance for Annie to have both sides of her family. Dan i'm not your enemy. We all want the same thing for Annie to be happy. That means having all of us in her life how she chooses."
"Thank you for taking care of Annie and supporting her when we couldn't be there," Dan said.
"Dan we're family we share a daughter," Owen said, "that is what family does. I'm sure if it ever came to you you would help and protect Allison or Leo."
"We would," Dan agreed, "how ten years ago did you just embrace Annie?"
"It wasn't a total surprise," Owen said, "Teddy always loved and missed her. She would talk to me about Annie when we sat up late a night waiting for patients to come in or watching our patients sleep. When Vancouver hosted the olympics we were able to watch a lot of it. Teddy made us sit front row with her to watch the opening and closing hoping to get a glimpse of Annie dancing. I had known about Annie for 6 years before they were in contact. When Annie wrote the first email Teddy called me to tell me, I was at UBC for the same conference when they saw each other face to face for the first time. I met Annie that day, it wasn't planned. I just ran into them in the library but I had never seen Teddy that happy. When Annie started to come visit they would spend time with me, go to my moms for Sunday dinner. The first time Annie held a retractor, your very first step as a surgeon in the OR she was 19 in my OR without Teddy. At first she was my best friend's daughter, then I got to know Annie and she became family. I know she's my step daughter and she was 25 when Teddy and I got married but I won't make that distinction. Annie is mine not through genetics or that we raised her but because she is Annie and part of our family."
"Thank you," Dan said again, "for being there for all three of them."
"Dan that's what family does," Owen said, "we help when we can and how we can. Help Jessica build her life, once her treatments are done help her find a fresh start, something that she's passionate about. Be proud of Annie and Chris. Chris has talent, I've flown with him and he is an incredible pilot."
There was a knock at the door then it swung open.
"Annie do you always let your self in to other peoples houses," Leslie asked.
"Here, Nana's, Auntie Meghan's," Annie replied, "they do the same at my house."
"She has a key," Teddy said, "she comes and goes as she needs to always has."
Teddy gave Annie a quick hug, "how was your day sweetheart?"
"We started the nursery," Annie smiled, "do you want to see?"
"Please," Leslie and Teddy said at the same time.
Annie pulled her phone out of the pocket of her jean jacket and showed them the pictures.
"You got a lot done today," Teddy praised.
"Josh did all the furniture set up," Annie replied, "I put all her toys and the little things away and started washing all of the onesies and baby clothes. I may have too many onesies."
"She'll live in those," Teddy said.
"I see them and they're cute so I end up buying them," Annie said, "I go to do other errands and I get sucked into the baby section."
"No more shopping until after your shower," Teddy scolded.
"You said no more of the items on the registry," Annie laughed, "why you even wanted me to do that I don't understand it feels greedy."
"It gives people ideas of what you need so they can be purposeful," Teddy said.
"Its for your baby," Leslie said.
"But we're her parents," Annie replied.
"Just enjoy it," Teddy said, "we know keep it simple. Now let's grab a drink and have a seat Owen is cooking."
"Lasagne," Annie asked, "Josh was putting the salad in the kitchen."
"Your dad is in there two," Leslie smiled, "are you feeling okay?"
"I'm good," Annie said, "she's determined to break my ribs but that's okay."
"Not too tired," Leslie asked.
"No we had a good day," Annie smiled, "Josh did all the heavy lifting."
"He should," Teddy said.
"We're not done," Annie replied.
"You have a few weeks," Teddy said, "take your time. Do it how you want."
"I just want it all ready and my house put back together," Annie said.
Leslie laughed, "we're nesting."
"Badly," Annie agreed, "the only room that's not being totally redone is our bedroom."
"Still my house," Teddy laughed.
"We have a very forgiving landlord," Annie smiled.
"Will you look for your own place," Leslie asked.
"It's home," Annie replied, "we're not in a rush."
Teddy winked at Annie, they had talked about Annie and Josh buying the little house from her when they got their housing allowances on their Fellowships. Teddy hadn't told Annie yet but her and Owen had discussed selling the cottage to them for what Teddy had paid for it 10 years before, it was worth more now but it was something they wanted to do for Annie and Josh. Teddy and Owen agreed they didn't need the money from the sale and keeping it lower would help Annie and Josh start their family without a massive mortgage.
"Fellowships are two or three years," Teddy replied, "a lot of surgeons don't buy until after they finish that because you don't know if you'll get an attending position in the same city or hospital."
"Peds cardio you'll want to keep me," Annie said.
"That's my plan," Teddy replied, "it's such a niche specialty we need you. Josh may be harder to have four trauma attendings. But your house is close to three other hospitals in town. It would work."
"We'll figure it out when he's done his fellowship," Annie said.
"Any local hospital will want a trauma suregon trained by Owen and Meg," Teddy smiled.
Annie found a seat in the living room, "where are Ali and Leo?"
"Playroom," Teddy replied, "I'll call them when dinner is ready."
Teddy let Meghan, Faroke, Evelyn and David in.
"Seems funny the men are in the kitchen and were in here," Evelyn laughed, she quickly hugged Annie and Teddy, "you okay today Annie?"
"Nana no fussing," Annie laughed, "I'm just the size of a hippo but it's okay. I feel good. I'm not a china doll."
"You're not," Evelyn said, "but I worry, I have a couple little sweaters and hats for you."
"Nana it's too much," Annie said.
"I enjoy it darling," Evelyn said.
"Nana," Annie asked, "do you think David would be open to christening the baby?"
"Darling he would be honoured," Evelyn smiled, "you and Josh just need to ask. Isn't he baptizing Josh next weekend. Did you want to be?"
"He is," Annie replied, "I was baptized when I was 13. I made that choice then."
"13 is young," Meghan commented, "I was 16 and Owen must have been 18, it was the same day."
"Different churches do it differently," Teddy replied, "my parents had me baptized as a baby. We're leaving the choice to Ali and Leo when they're older."
"Faroke still has lots of questions," Meghan said.
"Everyone will do it when the time is right for them," Evelyn said.
The family gathered around the table for dinner and the conversation continued to flow, they talked about books and music, summer plans they kept conversation light on purpose always steering it away from heavier topics. After dinner they all sat in the living room with tea and brownies continuing to talk about favourite trips and places they wanted to travel.
"We've got an early morning," Dan said, "we should go."
"We'll all be there in the morning to say goodbye," Annie replied.
"See you tomorrow Annie," Leslie said.
"See you in the morning," Annie replied as the door closed behind them.
"Now they go back and we wait and see," Annie replied, "hopefully we made some progress."
"I think you have," Teddy smiled.
"We'll see," Annie replied, "they can do it when theyre in town but I still need them to show me they can do it when Jessica isn't here. I need them to come for me."
"I know sweetheart," Teddy agreed.