The easy two hour drive to the cabin had turned into a three and a half hour ordeal. Ellie had cried in the truck most of the drive and nothing they did could soothe the fussy baby. They had tried taking her for a walk, changing her, she only slept for 20 minutes after being fed.
Annie carried a fussing Ellie inside while Josh unloaded the truck.
"Someone's not happy," Teddy cooed at the baby.
"She fussed the whole way here," Annie said.
"Give me the baby and take five," Teddy directed.
"She might be hungry, she hasn't really eaten today," Annie replied.
"She can have five minutes with grandma," Teddy smiled.
"Okay Ellie Bug go see grandma," Annie said, passing the baby to Teddy.
"Hi Ellie," Teddy cooed, "are you making things hard for mommy and daddy? What's all the crying for baby girl?"
Ellie continued to fuss as Teddy held her and bounced her gently in her arms. Teddy tried to settle Ellie down but it wasn't working. Teddy could see Annie getting more and more anxious as the baby fussed.
"I'm going to take her to our room and try to feed her again," Annie said, "she's been eating for about two minutes then pulling off all day. I'm going to see if I can get her to actually eat."
"Do you need anything," Teddy asked.
"I'll grab water after," Annie replied.
"I can bring you a glass," Teddy offered.
"I'm fine. This work's better when I'm alone with Ellie," Annie snapped. She really just wanted to be alone and get Ellie calm.
Ellie ate for a few minutes then started fussing again. Not only was Ellie fussy, Annie was uncomfortable because the baby hadn't had a full feed all day.
"I think there's something up missy," Annie said, "let's ask mama or auntie Meghan."
Annie went back to the family room, "mama somethings not right she's not really feeding and she's super fussy this isn't Ellie."
Teddy took the baby, "she looks okay."
"Then why would she be doing this," Annie asked.
"Sometimes when they're growing they just do this," Evelyn said, "Meghan was the worst for it."
"How do I comfort her," Annie asked.
"Let's figure out why she's crying," Evelyn suggested.
"She could be hungry. I tried to feed her but she's not eating," Annie said.
"What have you been eating," Teddy asked.
"Nothing different than normal," Annie said, "I've had a coffee this morning which is a first since she was born. I was half asleep and forgot to ask for decaf."
"She could be reacting to the caffeine," Meghan said.
"Allison was really fussy when I had caffeine," Teddy said, "anything else new things you don't normally eat?"
"We bought a big thing of mango on Tuesday and I've been really enjoying that," Annie said.
"Caffeine and citrus," Teddy said, "maybe you're upsetting her tummy."
"Could that do it," Annie asked.
"It could," Teddy said, "cut them out for a few days and see if she does better. Allison hated when I had oranges or grapefruit."
"I finished the mango in the car," Annie said, "and no coffee is fine."
"She's eight weeks," Teddy said, "it could also be a growth spurt."
"That was last week," Annie said, "she cluster fed for four days."
"Let me take her for a bit," Teddy said, "you and Josh go for a walk. Take time for the two of you."
"I haven't left her without me in the same building," Annie said.
"Not even with Josh to get coffee with a friend," Meghan asked.
"Not yet," Annie said.
"You need to leave her with us and go for a walk with your husband," Teddy directed, "take an hour and be the two of you. Relax and reset."
"She's too little," Annie said, "she's hardly been away from me. We're always in the same room."
"Go for a walk," Teddy commanded, "get Josh and go."
"What are we doing," Josh asked, walking into the room.
"You and Annie are going for a walk," Teddy said, "it's almost been two years. Go to the meadow."
"Two years on Monday ," Annie smiled.
"Leave Ellie with me," Teddy said, "go for a bit."
"Are you sure," Annie asked.
"Really Teddy we can take her with us. She's been fussy," Josh said.
"You need time to be a couple," Teddy directed, "go walk. It's the first time Annie's going to be away from Ellie other than the board exams."
"She's almost asleep if we go now Ellie might sleep through it," Josh said.
Annie checked, "mama are you sure you're okay with Ellie?"
Teddy nodded, "Annie go. I'm here, Owen, Meghan, Nathan and Evelyn."
"Call us if she's too much," Annie said, "everything is in her diaper bag by the door in our room. There's a couple bottles in our cooler but she won't usually take them."
"How old," Teddy asked.
"Yesterday or the day before," Annie said, "before I ate all the mango."
"I'll try it if she seems hungry," Teddy replied, "now leave this gorgeous girl with me."
"Mama can I hold Ellie," Allison begged.
"Come sit on the couch and wait me," Teddy said. She knew Annie had let Allison and Leo hold Ellie when they sat with Annie or Josh.
Annie bent to kiss the baby, "mommy and daddy will be back soon Ellie bug. I love you baby girl."
Josh kissed Ellie's cheek, "bye baby bug we'll be back soon."
Annie and Josh walked out of the cabin hand in hand heading towards the meadow.
"We may have figured out why Ellie is fussy," Annie said.
"Why," Josh asked.
"I've had regular coffee and all that mango, the caffeine or citrus could be upsetting her stomach," Annie said.
"So what do we do," Josh asked.
"Back to no coffee," Annie said, "and lay off the citrus for a while or at least limit it."
"You can do that," Josh said.
"I can but it has to get out of my system so she's comfortable ," Annie said.
"We'll do that," Josh said, "I don't even really miss coffee anymore."
"I appreciate the gesture but you don't have to," Annie said, "I don't care if you have coffee. It's fine."
"You've been incredible though all this," Josh said, "yes I cuddle, play and change diapers but she's still dependent on you for food and to stay alive. Annie you amaze me."
Annie cut him off, "I'm the one that should be thanking you. You've been my rock and strength and my favorite person through all of this. I know I put you through hell this year. I didn't make that easy on you. The days I wanted to give up and wallow you were there you held me together every time I fell apart. I don't know how you didn't walk away from me. Thank you for being there and being you. I love you."
"Look where we are," Josh said pointing to the cedar trees.
"The last time we were here was Easter," Annie smiled, "I was massive and it was the slowest walk to the meadow ever."
"You were gorgeous," Josh said.
"Admit it I was a fat, hormonal, pain in the ass," Annie laughed, "you can say it now."
"B yes," Josh laughed, "but I'm going to give you a break on that because it was the week Jessica went home."
"Leslie still hasn't asked to see Ellie," Annie said, "I told her to let me know when she wanted to come down."
"Forget about it for today. You tried," Josh said, "but this is our spot."
"Two years," Annie smiled.
"It's been a whirlwind," Josh said, "but the best two years of my life."
"It's been amazing," Annie agreed, giving Josh a passionate kiss pressing close to him.
Josh returned the kiss holding her close. They sat on the log by the trees and watched the river dance over the rocks. They watched the water flowing and talked not about work or family stress or Ellie; they just talked about anything else. For the first time since Ellie was born Annie felt normal.
At the cabin Ellie would not settle.
"Mama why is Ellie crying," Allison asked.
"I think she misses Annie and Josh," Teddy said, "can you go to their room and see if there's one of Annie's sweaters in there you could grab?"
Allison bounced down the hall and came back with the plaid shirt Annie had on when they arrived.
"Is this okay," Allison asked, "Nee had this on not a sweater when they got her. Mama why does Nee always wear a sweater?"
"It is," Teddy said, "let's try wrapping Ellie in it. Annie likes her shoulders covered when she's out to hide the scar on her back."
Teddy wrapped Ellie tightly in Annie's shirt, the baby stopped crying.
"How did that work mama," Allison asked.
"Each person has their own special smell and we don't always notice because we get used to it. But babies don't see well yet and so Ellie would know Annie and Josh's smells," Teddy said.
"Like your pillow and daddy's pillow smell different," Allison asked.
"Exactly. Annie's shirt is going to smell like her," Teddy said.
Allison sniffed the shirt, "it smells kinda like oranges."
Teddy laughed, "Annie's perfume smells like oranges. But look Ellie is calming down."
The baby while still wiggling and moving her fists had stopped whining.
"Why was she crying mama," Allison asked, "Ellie only cries if she wants Annie to feed her."
"Sometimes babies just cry," Teddy said.
"Can I give her a bottle like my doll if she cries again," Allison asked.
"Maybe," Teddy replied, "Ellie doesn't usually have a bottle, she doesn't like them. You didn't either when you were this little."
Ellie started to fuss again and Teddy sighed.
"Why is Ellie like that," Owen asked.
"She's really fussy, Annie was about to snap so I sent her and Josh for a walk," Teddy said, "we're not sure if Annie has eaten something she doesn't like or there's something else."
"There was the day Allison wouldn't stop screaming," Owen said, "and my mom found a thread from her sock wrapped around her toe."
Teddy thought, "what if we took her down to her diaper and checked? Made sure there was nothing poking or scratching her?"
"We could," Owen replied.
Teddy carefully unswaddled the baby and laid her on the coffee table to undress her, "I know Ellie you're not happy right now. Let's see if grandma and grandpa can help you."
Teddy slid the onesie down and saw it, "the thread it's wrapped around her finger."
"I'll unwrap it," Owen said, "hey little Ellie let grandpa help you with that."
With the thread unwrapped the baby settled.
"Owen can you grab Ellie another onesie," Teddy asked, "I don't want to put this one with it's loose thread back on her."
"Where would they be," Owen asked.
"Try the diaper bag Annie dropped it in their room," Teddy said.
"I'll look, Bean, do you want to pick it out," Owen asked.
"I'll do it daddy," Allison replied, skipping down the hall to Annie and Josh's room.
Owen followed and they came back with a little purple onesie with sunflowers on it. Teddy smiled in thanks and gently redressed the baby. She snuggled Ellie against her chest so Ellie could hear Teddy's heart beat. Ellie began to move her head against Teddy. Ellie was looking for food and was used to Annie snuggling her.
"Let's try your bottle," Teddy said, "your mommy will be back soon."
"Where would the bottle be," Owen asked.
"Their cooler," Teddy said, "not too hot."
"Teddy I know," Owen said, "we only did this four years ago."
"That's so weird to think of," Teddy said.
"Yes well a 25 year age gap is to blame," Owen said.
"Best things I've ever done," Teddy smiled, "our kids."
"Best thing we've ever done," Owen agreed. He found the bottle and poured warm water from the kettle into a bowl to warm it. By now Ellie was crying.
"Ellie it's okay baby girl," Teddy soothed, "grandmas right here and grandpa is heating your bottle."
"Teds," Owen said, passing her the bottle.
"Thanks," Teddy replied, "here you go Ellie bug."
Ellie turned her head away from the bottle and kept looking for Annie.
"Owen, Annie's plaid shirt is on the coffee table," Teddy said.
"The use mama's shirt to distract trick," Owen chuckled, "I used your sweater, pajamas, scrub top and lab coat to distract Allison."
Teddy wrapped Ellie in Annie's shirt so she could smell her mommy.
"Come on baby girl," Teddy coaxed, "it's the same stuff you get from mommy. Just let grandma get this in your mouth."
Teddy brushed the tip of the bottle across Ellie's lips and the baby took it after a few tries. The crying stopped and they heard the sound of sucking.
"Mama can I help," Allison asked.
"Come sit beside me and you can help me hold the bottle," Teddy replied.
Allison jumped on the couch beside Teddy and grabbed the bottle, "I'll do it."
"Allison it has to be held in the right spot so Ellie doesn't get air in her tummy," Teddy said, "let me help you get it in the right spot."
Allison helped Teddy give Ellie her bottle. When the bottle was finished the baby fell asleep. Seeing the baby sleeping Allison ran back outside to play.
"Should we let her sleep," Owen asked.
"I would," Teddy replied, "Annie said she hasn't napped all day. One little thread making her so upset."
"Do you want me to take her Teds," Owen asked.
"I'm happy to hold her," Teddy said, "we don't get enough time with her. But we've really gone soft."
"What would the guys think," Owen teased, "Major Altman cuddling her granddaughter. willingly being called grandma."
"Hunt begging for a turn with the same baby," Teddy teased, "Hunt, Major Diamond, happy being grandpa."
"She's a sweet baby," Owen said.
"She is," Teddy replied, "Leslie still hasn't asked to come down."
"Annie doesn't need that stress," Owen said, "she put too much pressure on her."
"She does," Teddy agreed.
Owen stroked Ellie's cheek with one finger. This tiny girl was perfect.
"I wonder if this is what Annie was like," Teddy said.
Owen replied, " maybe."
Teddy said, " you have no idea how much I missed her. All those changes my body went through after Allison and no baby. Owen I had milk for her and no Annie. I didn't get it then but it was hard it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. All the post baby hormones don't disappear when there's no baby. Then to be here almost 30 years later holding her baby. She's 30 this year."
"You've never told me that," Owen said, kissing the top of her head.
"I've only realized it seeing Annie with Ellie," Teddy said.
Annie and Josh walked in.
"How did you get her to stop," Annie asked.
"There was a thread from her onesie wrapped around her finger," Owen explained.
"She had a bottle and has been out about 45 minutes," Teddy smiled, "how was your walk."
"Good we needed that," Annie smiled, "why don't I get her bassinet and we can take her outside they're starting to play soccer."
"Are you going to play," Teddy asked.
"Maybe. Today's success was last summer's shorts," Annie said, "a little snug but they do up."
Teddy smiled, "how much have you been working out?"
"Just long walks with Ellie in the carrier," Annie said, "Carina gave me the clear for normal activity two weeks ago. Josh and I have done a few hikes. I've been back to yoga but not what I was doing before I found out, I'll run soon not sold on swimming again just yet. How is she almost nine weeks?"
"When do you come back to work," Meghan asked walking in.
"September first," Annie replied, "I really don't want to leave her."
"She'll be okay," Evelyn promised, "you'll be in the same building."
"And you go get her from daycare when you have breaks, you see her to feed or if she needs cuddles," Teddy said, "she took the bottle today."
Seeing it was only women in the room Annie replied, "which means I'm going to our room to pump. Mama can you keep an eye on her?"
"I'm happy to," Meghan offered, "Teddy is being a baby hog."
"Can the two of you watch her," Annie asked, "she might sleep a bit more. If she wakes up before I'm back she loves tummy time."
"We can do it," Teddy smiled.
"I'll be back as soon as I'm done," Annie replied. She wished Teddy had waited to feed Ellie. With the baby hardly eating most of the day Annie was uncomfortable luckily this was a solution. Her family all wanted turns to feed the baby a bottle but if she was honest Annie didn't like sharing her time to snuggle and bond with Ellie. The rest of the family could play with and snuggle or change diapers but feeding was Annie's time with the little girl. Annie hated pumping; she felt like a farm animal.
"Mama come play soccer," Leo called.
"Let me give Ellie back to Annie and I'll be there," Teddy called.
"I'll take her," Evelyn said, "I don't get enough time with her. Where did Annie go?"
"Their room for a few minutes," Teddy said, "they've had a hard day with Ellie. Let her have some space and time."
"She's done well," Evelyn said.
"She is," Teddy replied, "but she's overwhelmed today. It's their anniversary Monday. I'm going to offer to babysit so they can have a night just the two of them. Annie hasn't been out without Ellie since she was born."
"It will be good for her. She looked more relaxed after their walk," Evelyn said.
"She did. I think she's still fighting her anxiety," Teddy said.
"Get her to play soccer with you," Evelyn suggested, "she's always happiest when she's moving."
"I'll send Leo," Teddy suggested, "she can't say no to him."
"Mama, let's go," Leo yelled.
"Coming buddy," Teddy replied, "can you go knock on Annie's door and ask if she wants to play?"
"Annie can play again," Leo asked.
"If she wants to," Teddy said, "nana can watch Ellie sleep."
Leo ran to Annie's door and pounded on it, "Annie come play soccer. You haven't played since last summer please."
"I'll be there in 10. Leo can you wait for me," Annie asked.
"Now," Leo yelled.
"I need a few more minutes. I'll be out in ten," Annie said, "tell Josh to wait for me."
"I will," Leo yelled running outside.
"Josh did you bring the stroller," Evelyn asked.
"Still in the truck," Josh replied.
"Let's lay Ellie in it so we can all be outside," Evelyn suggested, "I'll sit with her so you can both play soccer."
"Does Annie want to," Josh asked.
"Leo asked her to," Evelyn replied.
"Does she really want to," Josh asked.
"Let her come out and decide," Teddy said, "she knows what she can manage."
"Where is she," Josh asked, "Ellie is with Owen."
"She needed a few minutes in your room," Teddy replied.
"I'll see if she needs anything," Josh said, "she hasn't ate or drank much today."
Josh went inside grabbing a bottle of water from the cooler as he went.
"Annie do you want some water," Josh asked at their door.
"Almost done just wait there for me," Annie replied, "I'll put this in the fridge then we can head outside."
"Okay," Josh agreed.
Annie came out of the room carrying the bottle to put in the fridge, "some one will want to give it to her. It's one thing if I'm not around or you want to feed her so I can sleep but I hate when people take over."
"Tell them," Josh said, "they mean well but you have to tell them."
"I will," Annie said, "but it's hard."
"You need to find your voice again," Josh said, "you use it with me. Tell them what you need. Tell me what you need."
"A hug and a proper kiss," Annie admitted, "I don't feel like me."
"What can I do," Josh asked.
"Monday can we go out just us, see if mama or Meg can babysit," Annie asked.
"We can," Josh said, taking her into his arms, "a date and a baby free evening."
"Please," Annie whispered. She leaned her head on his shoulder and relaxed against him. She missed being them sometimes. If she was being totally honest she missed the physical side of their relationship but she was still hesitant for Josh to see her without clothes.
"What's going on in that head of yours," Josh asked.
"I miss you," Annie said, "I miss being us and feeling attractive."
Josh tilted her chin up to look at him, "Annie. I love you. You are the most beautiful woman on this planet. You are absolutely perfect. You said you weren't ready and I haven't wanted to push you. Annie I love you. I don't think I've ever been more in love with you."
Annie had tears in her eyes, "I love you too. Maybe when we get home?"
"Whenever you're ready. I love you," Josh said before kissing her passionately.
"We should get out there," Annie said, "where are my runners?"
"Your sneakers are still in the bag of shoes in the truck," Josh replied.
"Keys," Annie said, holding out her hand.
"Here," Josh said, taking the keys from his pocket.
"Remember I'm really out of shape," Annie said, "go easy on me."
"Today only," Josh laughed, "you ran this week."
"Pushing a stroller it's different," Annie said, "but she likes mommy and me yoga."
"Get your shoes," Josh said.
"I'm going," Annie said. She walked to the truck and changed her shoes.
"Let's go Nee's finally ready," Leo yelled.
"Baby, stroller, diaper bag," Annie said, looking around and realizing she didn't have the diaper bag.
"I'll get the bag and catch up," Josh said, "it's in our room?"
"It is," Annie said, "Ellie, are you ready to go see the field and maybe we can take you to the meadow and the cedar trees where mommy and daddy got married. Mommy and daddy have been married for two years now."
"Together nine," Teddy said, "but neither of you would admit it for the first few."
"Like you can talk," Annie said.
"What I really can't believe is that you're almost 30," Teddy said. She smiled at Annie pushing the stroller towards the field.
"It's been almost 9 years since I left," Annie said, "other than Chris and Dan I don't want to go back. She still won't come see Ellie."
"What about the christening in a couple weeks," Teddy asked.
"No reply but Jessica is still getting IL2," Annie said, "so it's a challenge. I was hoping she'd have some more good days so Leslie could come. But she's not really returning my calls or texts so it's not surprising."
"Still," Teddy said.
"It's okay," Annie said, "we were so good for years without them. Ellie has grandma, grandpa, granddude, papa Ian, nana, uncle Nathan and auntie Meghan. It's okay. I'd rather Leslie not flit in and out of Ellie's life."
"Are you okay with that," Teddy asked.
"Honesty mama Leslie stresses me out," Annie said, "I'm calmer without her around."
"I know you are," Teddy replied, "have been since you were 19."
"I know," Annie said, "next Monday night are you off?"
"We're both home Monday night," Teddy said, "what's going on?"
"It's our anniversary," Annie said, "could you babysit for a couple hours so we can go for a baby free dinner?"
"I've been waiting for you to ask me to babysit," Teddy said, "we owe you a ton of babysitting."
"I feel bad leaving her," Annie said, "like I'm a bad mom."
Teddy shook her head, "you can't be a good mom unless you take care of yourself. Go for a real date with Josh and enjoy a night with your husband. Do you want us to keep her overnight? Owen is off Tuesday and you know how much he loves her."
"I don't know," Annie said, "can I talk to Josh about that. I don't know about overnight. She's up every few hours. She still sleeps in her bassinet right beside me."
"How long does she sleep," Teddy asked.
"Three and a half at night we did four last night and it was great it's slowly stretching out," Annie said, "but we have a bedtime routine now."
"What's this routine," Teddy asked.
"It's simple bath time with Josh, story and a feed and snuggle then wrap her up tight and put her in her bed," Annie said, "lights off and the door slightly open."
"She sleeps," Teddy said.
"We put her down around 7:30 so she eats again about 10:30 when I go to bed. Sometimes she makes it to 2:30 if I'm lucky," Annie said, "we're up for the day around 5:30. She wants to be fed at 5:30 but I'll cuddle her in bed before we get up about 6:15."
"What time does Josh leave," Teddy asked.
"6:30 for 7:30 rounds," Annie said, "so we're all up together in the morning. Josh Iikes baby cuddles before work, he gets her dressed for the day and plays with her in the morning and it lets me shower."
"You've found routines," Teddy said.
"We have," Annie replied, "took a few weeks but I feel so much better with having routines."
"Always have," Teddy laughed.
"Where's the shade," Annie said.
"Just park the stroller by the bench," Evelyn said, "do you want her to sleep there or can I play with her."
"It's 4 and we start getting ready for bed at 7 so she could play for a bit," Annie said, "nana do you want to play with her?"
"What does she like," Evelyn asked.
"Her giraffe is her favorite. It's in the diaper bag," Annie said, "there's a blanket in the stroller basket for tummy time. I have some cloth books in the diaper bag as well that she likes."
"She'll sit with me in the shade and you go play," Evelyn said, "Annie you need to run and move. You know your happiest when you're moving."
"This year has been a lot of sitting," Annie said.
"Go she's not even out of your sight," Evelyn said.
"Nee come on," Leo called.
"I'm coming but I'm out of shape," Annie called back as she slowly jogged over.
They played soccer for over an hour before Annie had enough.
"I'm done," Annie panted, "that's enough of a work out for today."
"I've almost had enough two sweetheart," Teddy said, "Ali and Leo want to go to the playground. Do you want to bring Ellie over?"
"We could go to the playground," Annie agreed. She picked Ellie up out of her stroller and walked with her to the playground. Annie sat on one of the swings with the baby on her shoulder she slowly moved the swing back and forth letting Ellie feel the motion. Teddy took the swing beside Annie's and pushed off with her toes letting the swing sway slowly. Ellie began to fuss and move her head against Annie's shoulder.
"She's hungry but it's a bit early for dinner," Annie said, "she's off today."
"I didn't feed her that long ago," Teddy said.
"She does this sometimes in the afternoon where she eats a lot," Annie said, "it's good, hopefully it'll get her to sleep longer. I'm sorry if she wakes all of you tonight."
"Don't be," Teddy said, "we did the same with Allison. She cries, you feed and change her and she'll sleep."
"She will," Annie said, "she's getting louder though."
"We're all parents," Teddy promised, "we understand. Evelyn's done it twice, Owen and I have done it. It's okay. You take care of your baby and don't worry about us."
"It's her first cabin trip," Annie said.
"It is," Teddy smiled, "you have help here. Annie you don't need to be supermom. Let us help and give you and Josh some downtime. Ellie is fine with others for a while and out of your sight."
"Just not feeding," Annie said, "I'd rather feed her than feel like a cow. But I need to feed her before she cries."
"Did you bring a bottle," Teddy asked.
"No, I'll grab her blanket and join Nana on the bench," Annie said, "I know it's not a big deal but I worry about the littles and Faroke seeing."
Teddy walked back to the bench with Annie so she could keep an eye on Leo and Allison from there, "it's a natural process. When does this family ever hide things about the human body?"
"Never," Annie said.
"Exactly," Teddy said, "just be discreet. I had Allison nursing in a staff meeting and the only way people knew was the blanket and baby feet. I fed her in the lecture hall during grand rounds, with a blanket."
"What," Annie said.
"It's all medical professionals. They can handle a mother feeding her child," Teddy said, "you were like 5 seats down and didn't notice. Only Owen and Meghan who were on either side of me knew."
"Mama, Nana do you mind if I feed Ellie," Annie asked, "I didn't bring a bottle. I didn't think I'm sorry."
"Go for it," Teddy said.
"Feed you baby," Evelyn said, "nothing your mama and I haven't done."
"Thanks," Annie replied before feeding Ellie. There were some strange looks from people passing by.
"Nee come play," Allison called.
"When Ellie finishes her snack maybe mama can hold her," Annie said.
"I'll hold her," Meghan offered, "I haven't had any baby cuddles this week."
"You two work it out. Rock paper scissors, flip a coin," Annie said. Teddy and Meghan often argued about holding the baby, always joking but calling each other a baby hog anyway.
"Annie you have to decide," Evelyn said.
"Well mama got a long cuddle and to give her a bottle earlier so it should be auntie Meghan's turn," Annie said.
"I want more cuddles before her bed time," Teddy said.
"She's in her bed at 7:30," Annie said, "I'll read to all three at once today. Four if Faroke doesn't think he's too cool."
"He's too cool," Meghan said, "especially with a buddy around."
"Too bad," Annie said, "he'd like this story."
"What did you bring," Teddy asked.
"Robert Munsch," Annie said, "Mortimer and Mud Puddle. Two of my favorites as a kid."
They walked back to the cabin and began preparing dinner. They decided to keep it simple, just burgers on the BBQ, salad and chips.
After dinner Annie and Josh carried Ellie inside.
"Bath time baby bug," Josh said, "where can we have your bath?"
"Kitchen sink," Annie suggested, "or the bathtub but the sink is smaller."
"I'll get her stuff, you fill up the sink," Josh said.
Annie filled the sink with just enough warm water to wash the baby. Ellie liked bath time.
Allison dragged a chair over to the sink, "Nee can I help?"
"Ask Josh he does bath time but you can watch," Annie said. Josh did baths on nights he was home he loved the time to bond with Ellie.
"Josh can I help give Ellie her bath," Allison bellowed.
"Not if you yell," Josh said, "you're almost as loud as your dad like that."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Owen said, grabbing a beer from the fridge.
"It's not," Annie teased.
"Please can I help," Allison begged standing on the chair.
"How about you stand there and I'll tell you what you can do. She's so little we have to be really careful," Josh said.
"I'll be gentle," Allison promised.
"Annie come sit with us," Teddy said, "you don't need to hover."
Annie grabbed a bottle of water and shoved her feet in her flip flops.
"Allison is helping with bath time." Annie said as she took a seat.
"She loves helping with Ellie," Teddy said.
"She does. How is summer already half over," Annie said.
"I know," Meghan said, "tenth grade. Starting to look at college."
"What's going on with him and Kira," Annie asked.
"I don't know. She's training for Cowl," Meghan replied.
"That's hard and busy. You have to be the best of the best," Annie acknowledged, "I should check in."
"He still says they're just friends," Meghan replied.
"Sure," Annie said, rolling her eyes.
"Just because you and your mother fall in love with your best friend and take forever to admit it," Meghan teased.
"Hey," Teddy laughed, "we're smart."
"Cautious," Meghan relied, "too cautious."
"I had a few hurdles," Teddy said, "Annie I can't explain."
"Cautious there was so much else going on I wanted my best friend. I couldn't risk not having my best friend," Annie said.
"I get both of you but I like to tease," Meghan said, "camp fire tonight?"
"We'll come sit once Ellie is in bed," Annie said, "we're going to try to keep her bed time the same while we're here. We just got settled on the schedule."
"Where is she," Meghan asked.
"Josh is giving her her bath then he'll bring her out here in her jammies for story time. I'll take her in and give her a snack then we'll put her to bed," Annie said.
"Dillon noticed earlier," Meghan said.
"At the park. They were playing soccer," Annie said, "I'll keep it in our room so he's not uncomfortable."
"Up to you," Meghan replied, "since it's just the three of us can we talk about something. Mom to mom?"
Teddy looked concerned, "Meghan what's going on?"
"We're adopting. A mom chose us, she's only a couple months older than Faroke," Meghan said, "we don't want to say too much yet. Not until we have the baby in our arms."
"That's exciting," Annie said, "when?"
"She's due August 26th," Meghan said, "it's a baby girl."
"I can save things Ellie out grows for you," Annie offered, "there's a few things she only wore once before she outgrew it."
"I'd appreciate that," Meghan said, "but the newborn phase how did you do it?"
"Lots of tears," Annie admitted, "crying to Josh and mama. Hormones were all over the place which didn't help. The hardest part for me was the nursing every hour and a half or two hours for the first month. She's at three and a half ish and it's glorious to get three hours of sleep. But you'll use formula and those babies are supposed to sleep longer."
"We have a lot of research to do on the best formula," Meghan said, "the research on it is so biased."
"I know. I was a formula baby and I'm just fine," Annie said. She was wondering if it would be possible to give some pumped milk to them for their baby even if it was only a few bottles a week just for the antibodies.
"Better than fine," Teddy said, "Meg you have me, Annie, your mom we're going to help you out."
"Your baby and Ellie will only be 3 months apart so they can play together. My cousin Cat and I were 6 months apart and super close until we finished high school," Annie said.
"What about Faroke," Meghan asked.
"Just don't tell him by saying no to your favorite wine then ranting about being careful sharing a room with your best friend before blurting your pregnant to your 24 year old," Annie said.
"I was going to tell Owen first then sit down and tell you," Teddy said, "the rant and blurt wasn't my plan. But you were about to open the bottle of wine. My plan had actually been to make you brownies and sit you down hopefully with Owen and tell you."
"That's what we always did the first night," Annie said, "two bottles of wine and a lot of catching up and juicy details."
"How do we parent a newborn," Meghan asked
"Love, snuggles," Teddy said.
"Stories, just spend time with your baby," Evelyn said, "I'm so happy for you sweetheart."
"How much do we involve the girl," Meghan asked, "Farokes bio parents passed away that's why I took him in at first, then I couldn't give him up he was four when I started to care for him but six months later he was mine."
"When the baby starts asking, tell them her name, have a picture of her, know what she does. If you write to her let them help, let the child choose what they want her to know," Annie said.
"My biggest regret with Annie is that I didn't have more contact. That time we were in Vancouver for the Nutcracker that was her dancing. I should have phoned Leslie and Dan. I have no idea what would have happened but I should have tried," Teddy said, "I wish it had been more open. Maybe a phone call a couple times a year. Having Annie involved when she wanted to be and not giving it a set date."
"I started really questioning at 15," Annie said, "I waited four years to get an email address. I found mama's name when I was 17. I googled she didn't exist online. When I got sick and started asking I wish they would have told me something. I knew Leslie and Dan were writing to her and talked to mama on the phone when they were figuring out my hashimotos. I wanted to be part of that conversation just to hear her voice. They let me question and wonder for too long when they knew how to contact mama. I was ready to reach out at 15 or 16. I wish it had been my choice when to make contact. There was a letter mama gave me the day of the shower well two in one envelope. One that she had written the day I was born and one for my 19th birthday."
"If I hadn't heard by her 20th I was going to send them," Teddy explained.
"How long did it take to hear from her," Meghan asked.
"Six days," Annie said, "I wrote multiple drafts then panicked so Cassie and Alice helped me pick and Alice actually pressed send so I couldn't chicken out. You know this baby is for life. You don't get to walk away if you don't understand them or they don't fit your mold."
"We know," Meghan replied, "we've seen what it's done to you how it's hurt you."
"Does Faroke know," Teddy asked, "and 14 years is a way easier gap than 25."
"Sort of," Meghan said, "we got the official call just before Dillon was dropped off."
"We still babysit," Annie said.
"We can trade," Meghan agreed.
"We'll all trade," Teddy agreed, "I owe both of you a ton of babysitting."
"It's what family does," Meghan said, "do you think we can do this? I'm 45."
"I was 46 when Allison was born," Teddy said, "Meghan you'll be amazing with your baby."
"Have you thought of names," Annie asked.
"Too soon," Meghan said, "I'm thinking Evelyn as a possible middle name or Danielle."
"Leo's real name is Daniel," Teddy reminded, "he's Daniel Robert, we changed it but kept calling him Leo when we adopted him."
"Robert is for dad," Meghan said, "Daniel where did you get that?"
"My dad was also Robert," Teddy replied, "Daniel after Dan Mooney. The person who introduced Owen and I and encouraged our friendship. The first person to see that we belonged together. Allison is for my best friend who was in the second tower and she has Eloise as her middle name for her Auntie Meghan."
"Do you know where Annie came from," Meghan asked.
"Annabeth was the female lead in Dan's all time favourite book," Annie said, "Grace was my middle name because mama called me baby Grace when she said goodbye to me. It's her middle name and Ellie's."
"Can we do this," Meghan asked, "we've talked about it and we have 24 days to be ready."
"You can," Annie said.
"You had nine months," Meghan said.
"We'll all help," Annie replied, "what are you off this week? Ellie and I will come shopping with you."
"Two babies at holidays," Evelyn smiled, "don't worry Meghan I'll help."
"We have to clean out the guest room," Meghan said.
"It'll be fine," Teddy smiled, "they stay in your room for a while anyway."
"Ellie will stay in our room until she's ready," Annie said, "she still wakes up for food at night and it's easier if she's right there."
"I have to get up, make and warm a bottle," Meghan said.
"This is why Josh attempts a bottle for the first meal of the day," Annie said, "I roll over grab Ellie and the lights don't even have to turn on."
"No lights at night," Teddy said, "it confuses them."
"Baby care by night vision goggles," Meghan asked.
"I just use the light from my phone if I need light," Annie said, "this is exciting. A cousin for Ellie to play with."
"Congratulations," Teddy said hugging Meghan.
"This is exciting," Annie smiled, joining the group hug.