CH. 2: First Day With Daddy
XXXXXXXX
Danny tiptoed out of his bedroom the following morning, trying not to wake his sleeping child. Knowing the second she woke up she would want a bottle. He had
gotten very little sleep the night before, and now all he wanted was a hot shower and a cup of coffee. Noticing the bathroom was occupied, no doubt by his kid brother
who was getting ready for school, Danny decided to go down for a much needed cup of coffee. "Morning son," Mary set a plate of bacon and eggs in front
of him, the second he sat down with a cup of coffee. "How are you up so early and with breakfast cooked?" Danny knew she got a little more sleep than he did, but
not much. "I still have a child at home that needs a good breakfast before he goes off to school," Mary smiled. "Your school child is in the shower, hogging the
bathroom," Danny was sure to mention. "He isn't used to sharing it with you and Joe," Mary reminded him. "I can't wait to get moved in to your apartment," Joe said
walking into the kitchen. "Your kid sure knows how to keep a body up at night." "Your telling me," Danny agreed, yawning. "She was in my room after all." "It'll get
better," Mary reassured them. "Your father and I went through it with all four of you." "What did we go through with all four of them?" Frank asked joining them in the
kitchen. "Sleepless nights, because of a restless baby," Mary said. "I remember it well," Frank filled him a cup of coffee. "Where's Jamie?" Frank asked knowing he
needed to get him to school, so he could get to work. "Shower," Danny and Joe said simultaneously, both obviously waiting their turn. "But we would be more than
willing to haul him out of there for you," Danny was volunteering he and his brother's services. "That's okay Daniel, I can wait a few more minutes." Frank could only
imagine the amount of chaos that would erupt from two older brothers man-handling their kid brother. That was chaos he wasn't prepared to handle yet that morning,
after a long sleepless night. "Good morning everyone," Jamie walked into the kitchen, much more cheerful than anyone else had that morning. "Why are you so
cheerful this morning," Joe growled standing in the corner of the kitchen huddled over his coffee cup. "It's a beautiful day outside, I slept with earplugs last night, and
its Friday and I have plans this weekend with my friends," Jamie smiled. "Sorry Jamie, but I'm afraid those plans are cancelled," Frank straightened his tie. "What?
Why?" Jamie's good spirits were starting to disappear. "Were going to be moving Danny and Joes stuff, and it will probably take all weekend," Frank did feel bad about
cancelling his sons plans, but he knew he was going to need help, especially considering all the work that needed to be done in Erin's room to make it into a nursery.
"But Dad, why do I have to help? I've had these plans for the past two weeks," Jamie complained. "I understand that Jamie, but your brothers and I need help, and
family obligations come first," Frank left the room to get his gun and shield. "Yes Sir," Jamie mumbled. "Maybe you can visit with your friends next weekend," Mary
knew it wasn't a consolation, but she thought it might help. "Thanks Mom," Jamie to a swig from his orange juice glass, before grabbing his backpack and following
Frank out the door. Danny and Joe glanced at one another, before both running up the stairs. "I get the shower first!" "I'm older," Danny shoved his brother. "I'm
younger," Joe did the same. "I'm a cop and I can arrest you," Danny reached the top of the stairs. "For what?" Joe knew he was only in the academy, but he was
pretty sure fighting his brother for the bathroom wasn't illegal. "For disrespecting a police officer," Danny had just reached the bathroom ahead of his brother, when
Devon started crying. "Your baby wants you," Joe smiled mischievously at his brother. "Your loving this aren't you," Danny just glared at his brother as he walked out
of the bathroom. "Very much," Joe grinned. "Take it," Danny knew he was going to need to feed and change the baby. Danny walked into the kitchen a few minutes
later, Devon in his arms. "Is Grandmas big girl hungry?" Mary smiled at Devon handing Danny a bottle. "I think so," Danny said. "She's dry and she definitely got
more sleep than I did," Danny couldn't think of any other reason for her to be upset. "Are you going to take her to the hospital to get checked out?" Mary asked. "I
suppose so," Danny wasn't by any means looking forward to it. "Which hospital are you taking her to?" Mary was curious. "I guess St. Vic's," Danny shrugged. "That's
where the she was born, at least that's what the birth certificate said," he mentioned. "That's probably a good idea," Mary nodded. "Maybe you can get a little
information regarding her birth." "Do you want to come along?" "I'd love to," Mary didn't want to impose, but she had to admit, she wanted to go. "Let's try to get in
as soon as we can," Danny knew how long it could take at the hospital. "We need to get home so we can start working in the nursery," Mary was excited. "And I can't
find any of my stuff," Danny was dreading digging through the boxes Frank and his brothers brought home, and he knew they would be bringing home a lot more later
on. "I'll go start getting ready," Mary hurried up the stairs. "It looks like it's just me and you baby," Danny looked down at Devon who had just finished her bottle and
was now looking up at him. "Daddy's sorry, but I'm going to have to take you to the doctor today," Danny made his way up the stairs, feeling really bad, knowing she
was probably going to have to get a shot. "You know you could just call me Danny," Danny just couldn't keep from thinking about himself being referred to as a
daddy. "There are a lot of Dads out there that just let their kids call them by their first name. I mean Danny is just as easy to say as Daddy when you start talking,"
Danny figured. Devon cooed as she looked up at him, giving him a small smile, and Danny added. "Yeah, your right," he nodded. "Grandma would kill me if I let you
do that." Danny stopped by the bathroom where he attempted to brush his teeth with an infant in his arm. That deemed a little more difficult than he thought, so he
just tossed his toothbrush aside and drank a small amount of mouthwash. "Now I know you don't want to go to the doctor," Danny went back to the original
conversation he was having with his daughter regarding their morning plans as he walked into the nursery to find some of the clothes they had put away. "I don't
want to go either, but Grandma would get really mad at Daddy if we didn't go. I know Daddy has to make the decisions, but Grandma can be really scary when she
gets mad," Danny explained. "That being said what would you like to wear?" Danny held up a couple of different options. "Purple or yellow?"
XXXXXXXX
After spending almost thirty minutes trying to get the car seat in his car properly, Danny, Mary and Devon headed to St. Victors hospital. To Danny's surprise, they
didn't have to wait long, and that definitely came as a blessing when Devon started to cry wanting a bottle. "This kid is a bottomless pit," Danny looked at his mother
when they walked into the room, unable believe how often she wanted to eat. "She takes after her daddy," Mary teased him. She had just finished eating when a
pretty blonde nurse with the name tag Linda walked into the examination room. "Good morning," she greeted them with a smile. "Is this my little patient this
morning," Linda was grateful for the leisure morning she was going to get with taking care of a baby, rather than the fast pace her mornings usually held. "This is my
daughter Devon," Danny handed the baby over to her. "She's beautiful," Linda held her for a moment, before placing her on the examination table. After placing her
on the examination table, Linda started by removing her clothes so she could get a weight on her after measuring to see how much she had grown in length. "It's not
unusual for them to fluctuate with their weight at this age. But she may be a little underweight," Linda noticed, after looking at her birth records. "Her mother couldn't
afford to take care of her," Mary thought she should give the nurse a little background information on the infant. "She just gave up custody yesterday, leaving her with
her father," Mary nodded at Danny. "I'm sure you will see a change in her weight very soon then," Linda smiled. "She certainly ate like it last night," Danny
mentioned. "She woke me up every two to three hours." "That's a good sign, at least she isn't malnourished and is alert enough to let you know she's hungry." "Oh,
she let me know alright," Danny was tired just thinking about it. "One month old babies can cry up to three hours a day," Linda gave the new father a smile, knowing
that was the last thing he wanted to hear. "I believe it," Danny had a feeling she had cried for at least two hours the night before, and figured it was only a matter of
time before she went for three, just because she could. "That is her way of telling you that she's hungry and wants you to feed her, or her way to tell you I have a wet
diaper daddy change me, or her way of telling you she's really tired, or she may just cry because she wants you to hold and soothe her." "You seem to know a lot
about babies," Danny mentioned, knowing they weren't at a pediatrician's office. "I worked for a pediatrician for a time," Linda told him. "Which you will need to get
her setup with one soon," she advised. "Yes, we will," Mary reassured her. "I'll ask Erin to see who she takes Nicki too," Danny glanced at his mother. "Her breathing
is normal, and her hearing seems to be normal, she seems to be looking around a little bit," the doctor that came in did his part of the check-up before leaving the
rest to Linda. "Is she recognizing Daddy yet?" Linda looked at Danny, noticing she was awake. "She shouldn't recognize me just yet," Danny mentioned. "Oh, I'm
sorry," Linda remembered. "Its fine," Danny shook his head. "Just keep talking to her, and she will learn Daddy's voice soon enough," Linda was looking at the
precious infant, that didn't seem to care what she did with her. Linda was just about to take her diaper off to finish with the examination when Danny spoke up. "You
might want to be as quick as possible," Danny thought he should give her a warning. "She tends to go every time you take her diaper off. And you will end up having
to change that pad, a lot sooner than planned. I've had to change my sheets twice already, and I've only had her for 24 hours." "Little ones have a tendency to
do that quite often," Linda laughed. "She won't have any control for a while." "Lucky me," Danny gave a half smile. "The only thing left is her hepatitis B shot, most
infants get that on their one month old check-up," Linda advised, before asking if they wanted her to get her vaccinations. "If she needs it," Danny didn't know too
much about vaccinations, aside the fact that Erin had Nicki get them, and he and his siblings always got them when they were growing up. "I'll get it ready then,"
Linda left to get the injection ready, while Mary dressed her little squirming granddaughter. "You think your squirming now," Danny looked at his little girl
sympathetically. "Just wait till she brings the shot in here." "Daniel?" Mary just looked at him. "That's not very reassuring." "What else do you want me to say?" Danny
shrugged. "I mean I'm not thrilled that the first time I ever taker her to the doctor, along with the first full day that I'm a daddy, I have to take her to get a shot. But
there isn't exactly anything I can do about it." Danny was trying to let his tough exterior show, considering he had a feeling that persona wouldn't last long, especially
after his baby started crying because of something he made her get. Yeah that feeling was definitely about to dissipate Danny thought after Linda returned
with the shot. "I'll let you hold her, while I give her the shot, she may be a little more comfortable with you." "Or she might think that I did it to her," Danny couldn't
believe how guilty he was feeling. Her Daddy was about to be responsible for causing her pain. Danny glanced from the needle to Devon, and sighed. "I'm really
sorry about this," he held her securely against his chest, so he could keep her from moving, and make the whole thing worse. Devon let out a loud wail, and screamed
for almost five minutes until Danny managed to get her to calm down enough to just give a normal cry. Mary pulled a container of Vicks from the diaper bag and
massaged a little on her little hip around the area where she received the injection. Linda left the room for a moment to get all the paperwork they would need for
Devon's pediatrician regarding the infant's checkup, while Danny placed his cheek gently on his daughter's head. "I am so sorry Devon." Danny refused to let his own
tears fall. "I'm a terrible father. The first full day I have my child and I make her get a shot." "You did it for her own good Danny," Mary placed a hand on her son's
shoulder reassuringly. "There are going to be a lot of times like this, that you will have to deal with while she's growing up. Things that neither one of you will like, but
things you will do just because you know it's good for her, and it has to be done." "This parenting thing is really hard," Danny regained his composure, just as Linda
walked back in. "It's normal for them to run a low-grade fever after getting vaccinations," Linda didn't want him to worry as the day went on. "Shots can also be very
exhausting on their bodies, so she may be a little fussy and want you to hold her most of the day to comfort her. But if you do your best to keep her content, she
should be back to normal in no time." "I can do that," Danny couldn't explain it, but it seemed like he had already developed a small relationship with the infant.
XXXXXXXX
"The nurse that took care of Devon was sweet," Mary mentioned as Danny drove home. "She was," Danny agreed, "it made the whole thing not so bad." "She was
pretty too," Mary didn't want to pry or even suggest who her son should try to get to know, but she really couldn't help herself in this instance. "Really mom?" Danny
didn't know what else to say, it wasn't hard for him to catch on to the hint she was making. "She could be a serial killer for all we know." "Really Daniel, working at
the hospital and taking such good care of our little Devon," Mary was wishing that at least one time in her sons adult life, he wouldn't think like a cop. Then again,
what did she expect, it was in his blood, and he took after his father and grandfather in that respect. "Well you never know," Danny drove the rest of the way home in
silence. Sure, his mother had a point, the nurse was beautiful, yet at the same he was in no position to start getting interested in having a relationship, he was too
busy trying to start a relationship with his daughter, and get his life in order, namely in becoming a detective. Yep, there was definitely no time for anything else,
Danny made up his mind. "At least she's finally sleeping," Mary ignored her sons comment, as she glanced in the backseat at her sleeping granddaughter. "She
probably exhausted herself out from all that screaming," Danny never wanted to hear his little girl scream like that again, for as long as he lived. "Just wait until next
month and she has to get her first series of immunizations," Mary remembered those days all too well. "That's when she will have to get 3 shots," Mary thought it best
if she told the new daddy now so he would have plenty of time to prepare. "I think I'm going to let you and dad take her for that check-up," Danny was by no means
looking forward to that check-up. "This time was hard enough." "Sorry son, but she's all yours, your Dad and I have already gone through our turn." Sure, Mary
wanted to do all she could to help, and she knew her husband felt the same way, yet she knew there were a lot of things that needed to be left to Daddy, she was his
child after all, and he was going to be the one raising her.
XXXXXXXX
By the time, they got home from the doctor, it was nearly lunch time. Danny was grateful that Devon managed to stay asleep when he carried her in from the car, so
it would give him time to at least make himself a sandwich and maybe if he was lucky take a shower, before he had to tend to her. He was just coming out of the
bathroom when he heard her start crying. "What's wrong baby?" Danny hurried into Erin's old room, that they were hoping to eventually turn into a nursery. "Does
Devon not feel good?" Danny couldn't believe how only 24 hours of being a Daddy could totally change his vocabulary. "She cried the whole time you were in the
shower," Mary was walking up and down the floor, trying to get her to stop crying. "Must be fussy from the shot," Danny took the baby from her. Devon stopped
crying as soon as Danny took her, and Danny just smiled at is mother. "At least she loves me." "This is so wrong," Mary shook her head. "I'm Grandma, Grandma is
who you will be calling when Daddy gets overbearing and you need a break," Mary tried explaining to the infant that was no longer crying, while Danny wiped her
tears away. "Oh no," Danny's eyes went wide in fear. "She's going to grow up to be a teenager." "That's a long time from now Danny," Mary tried reassuring him,
"You will grow as a parent the same as Devon will grow." "You mean she will grow to be a smart ass like her Daddy," Danny didn't sound like he was looking forward
to the future." "You should be worried," Mary nodded, remembering Danny's teenage years. "You were always in trouble. Oh well, have fun." Mary walked away to find
the list of groceries she made, that she needed to go pick up at the grocery store. Knowing that she was going to need to pick up a lot more things since Danny was
moving back in and was always hungry. "You're not going to be just like me, are you?" Danny was worried as he carried her down the stairs so he could give her a
bath, hoping it would help her relax, and feel a little better. "I need to run a few errands," Mary walked into the kitchen where she found Danny cleaning up the sink
so he could give Devon a bath. "Do you think you can handle Devon alone for a couple hours?" I'm going to have to be," Danny knew that he was going to have to
learn to take care of her on his own, knowing they couldn't live with his parents forever. "Call me if you need me," she kissed both her son and granddaughter before
walking out the door and over to the car. "Looks like it's just going to be Daddy and Devon," Danny looked at the infant that was laying in the bassinet, kind of
surprised she wasn't screaming at him, considering she had been fussy ever since she got the vaccine. "You think were going be okay?" Devon made some sort of
fussy noise and Danny chuckled. "Your right, you should be worried, I know nothing about babies." Danny ran a small amount of warm water before running up the
stairs to find the baby shampoo, a baby towel and washcloth, along with a clean diaper and outfit. After placing the items on the cabinet next to the sink, Danny
removed her yellow outfit and tossed it aside. "Okay," Danny looked down at her. "Now before I take your diaper off, I need you to promise you won't pee all over
Daddy when I carry you over to the sink. You see, Daddy just took a shower, and he really doesn't want to have to take another one," Danny explained. Devon didn't
react, then again what did he expect she was only a month old. "Good idea," Danny pulled his NYPD t-shirt off before removing her diaper and carrying her over to the
sink, just in case she had an accident. "Daddy appreciates it," Danny placed her in the sink, grateful his arm and chest were dry. Danny kept a hand on her the whole
time he had her in the sink, too afraid something might happen, despite the fact he knew he had very little water inside. "You certainly don't have much hair," Danny
noticed. "But that's okay. According to Grandma, Daddy didn't have much either when he was born. The question is though," Danny looked at her intently. "How do I
wash your head without drowning you?" This is harder than I thought, Danny thought, beginning to regret the whole bath idea. Settling on a wet washcloth, Danny
gently wiped the soft washcloth over the infants head and face. Devon started to cry and Danny hurried with the shampoo. "I know you don't like it, but I'm being
careful." Devon continued to cry and Danny said, "You know this could be a lot worse." Danny ran the washcloth over her. Washing everything but her privates Danny
started up again with an explanation. "I really have no idea how to take care of a girl. Wait," Danny stopped and thought about it for a minute. "I don't guess that's
entirely true. I made you after all, so I think it's obvious I know a little about girls. But you don't need to know that," Danny couldn't believe the things he was saying
to the baby. "Needless to say, I'm going to give this my best shot," Danny proceeded. Devon started to cry, and Danny just shook his head. "I don't know why your
crying, I'm the one that should be crying." Danny held her up so he could wash her soft bottom. Devon started to cry again, just as soon as she stopped when Danny
lifted her just a little out of the water. "Hey I don't like washing you down there anymore than you like it, but it has to be done considering you keep stinking it up."
Finishing, Danny set her back in the water so he could rinse her off. "This is my first time you know," Danny said lifting her out of the tub, content he rinsed her off
well enough. "You know I think I did a pretty good job, even if I do say so myself. Danny dried her off before hurrying to get a diaper on her before she soaked the
towel. Danny was just about to dress her when she started crying for a bottle. "Daddy isn't wearing a shirt, Danny shrugged. "I don't guess you need one either."
Danny decided to forgo the clothing so he could get her a bottle ready a little sooner, considering he had only dressed her once since he got her, he knew he wasn't
exactly all that fast with the process, and that was when she wasn't screaming like she was doing now. "Daddy's hurrying baby," Danny was mixing the formula with
the right amount of water. "But Devon's fussy and doesn't have much patience. Now I'm willing to overlook it this time, since you had to get a shot and are fussy, but
don't get used to screaming at daddy okay?" Devon stopped screaming just as soon as Danny picked her up. "That's much better," Danny carried her into the living
room and settled into his father's favorite chairs. About thirty minutes later, and both daddy and daughter were fast asleep, Devon content to be resting on her
Daddy's chest.
XXXXXXXX
"Looks like you lost your chair Dad," Jamie laughed, looking up at Frank when he, Joe, Frank and Mary walked into the living room and saw Devon and Danny still fast
asleep. "I don't mind," Frank smiled. "Babies take a lot out of you, and this is just the beginning, your brother needs as much sleep as he can get." "So let me get this
straight," Jamie looked at his parents and brother. "We're working in his apartment, and he's sitting here sleeping." "Leave your brother alone Jamison," Mary
chastised. "He hardly got any sleep last night. Then he had to take Devon to the doctor and she had to get a shot. And then she was fussy the rest of the day, and all
she wanted was for him to hold her." "Do you really think she knows?" Joe wondered aloud, looking at his parents. "Knows what?" Jamie was confused. "That Danny is
her Daddy," Joe clarified. "I mean she's only spent a short time with him." "It's possible," Mary glanced at Frank. "When a parent provides constant care to an infant,
it doesn't take them long to come to know that person as a person of comfort. And he has spent every waking moment with her since he met her yesterday, and
considering neither one of them slept much, they've had some time to get to know one another." "Its sweet," Frank spoke up. "I'm glad they have started to form a
relationship. Fathers need to have special relationships with each of his children. The same as I do with each of you." Joe and Jamie smiled at him and Mary thought
she had better start work in Erin's old room. "Jamie, you should go get started on your homework," Mary started for the stairs. "But Mom its Friday," Jamie
complained, following her up the stairs. "I know that Jamie, but we will be working all weekend on trying to get everyone settled," Mary knew that Jamie normally did
his homework on Sunday. "Fine," Jamie grumbled, still not thrilled with his weekends change of plans. "You can either do that, or you can help Joe pack some of
things," Mary gave him another option. "Come on squirt, give me a hand," Joe knew which one he wanted Jamie to choose. With the rest of his family upstairs, Frank
took a seat in the vacant chair next to his son and granddaughter. Danny stirred, and opened his eyes, trying not to move around too much as to not awaken the
sleeping infant on his chest, afraid she may start crying again. "Get any sleep?" Frank smiled at him, when he stirred. "Not enough to make up for last night," Danny
yawned. "But some," he clarified. "Mom said Devon got a good repot at the doctors today," Frank mentioned. "She did," Danny nodded. "And aside from the shot, she
did really good." Devon this time started to stir, and Danny shifted her, so she could fit better in his arms and look around. "Of course, she did, she is a
Reagan after all," Frank smiled at her. Danny shifted, trying to get a little more comfortable, just as Devon did the same. "I think I'm going to make some coffee, and
get Devon a bottle. Do you want some?" Danny stood. "Sure," Frank volunteered to take his granddaughter. A few minutes later and Danny came back into the room,
two cups of coffee in hand, and a baby bottle sticking out of his pocket. "Oh sure, she will let you hold her without crying," Mary looked at Frank when she came down
the stairs, and saw Frank feeding Devon. "How's the nursery coming?" Danny asked his mother. "Slow," Mary hinted. "I could use some help." "Point taken Mom, and
I'll be in as soon as I get Devon settled." "I'll keep her," Frank volunteered, wanting to spend a little time with his new granddaughter. "Oh, and my parents are
coming over tomorrow morning to help out," Frank remembered. "Oh no," Danny looked at his parents, his eyes wide. "I have been so busy with Devon, that I
haven't even thought about calling Grandma and Grandpa. Grandmas going to kill me, when she finds out she hasn't been able to meet her yet." Mary laughed,
knowing Danny was probably right, and Frank spoke up. "I told called them yesterday. Jamie and I stopped by their house on our way to your apartment." "Oh, thank
God," was all Danny could think to say. "And thank you for thinking about telling them," he added. "I figured you had a little too much on your plate to think about it,"
Frank knew how hard everything had been on his son so far. "What did they say?" Danny was a little afraid to ask, but he figured it better he know something, so he
would know how to prepare. "They were surprised," Frank told the truth. "I bet they were," Danny mumbled. "But they wanted me to tell you they are both very
supportive of you in this, and they can't wait to meet her." "Whew," Danny let out a long breath, he didn't realize he was holding. "They wanted to come see her this
evening," Frank added. "But I told them it might be best if they waited until tomorrow since she had to get shots today." "Thank you," Danny was grateful his
father knew what it was like to raise kids, considering Devon was fussy anytime she was awake, and all she wanted was for him to hold her for the most part. "I'm
going to take a few things over to the apartment," Joe announced coming down the stairs, overloaded with boxes. Jamie following shortly behind him, overloaded with
his own set of boxes. "And I'm taking the squirt with me." "That's really getting old Joe," Jamie was getting annoyed. "If it isn't you calling me squirt, and Danny
calling me kid, or just about anything else," he added. "I mean you guys do know I have a name, right?" "Jamie," Danny looked at him with a strange look. "You are a
kid." "That doesn't mean you have to call me that," Jamie tried making a point. "Don't listen to your Uncle Jamie, Devon," Joe leaned over to make eye contact with
his niece. "He's a little grumpy this weekend." "Do you want to have to unload this stuff on your own?" Jamie was more than willing to back out of helping. "I can just
stay here and do my homework." "Let's go squirt," Joe pushed him towards the door. "Oh, and Danny, your junk is in Dads car," Joe remembered. "My stuff is not
junk," Danny pointed at his brother. "Oh, and you live like a slob," Joe added. "Your apartment was a mess." "I do not live like a slob," Danny argued. "Good luck
Devon, your Daddy is messy, and you are going to have to live with him for the next several years," Joe returned to the baby talk. "I work a full-time job Joseph, and
when I wasn't there I was having a social life, needless to say I wasn't there all that much," Danny picked up for himself. "That social life of yours is certainly coming
to an end," Joe mentioned. "So is the living like a slob," Mary added. "I'm going to be spending my time looking after your child, not being your maid. But when you
get home from work, she is going to be Daddy's girl." Devon started to fuss and Frank handed her over to her father. "Good bye social life, hello responsibility," Danny
mumbled.
Hope you all enjoyed the chapter, I really enjoyed writing it, it kept making me smile... Thanks for all the follows, favorites, and reviews... JusticeStandsTRUE