"Ella, it's time to get up," Addison said as she rubbed her daughter's back early Saturday morning three weeks after Bradyn was born.
"Can't I sleep in? You said last night I can sleep in," grumbled Ella, refusing to wake from her slumber.
Sighing, Addison knew this wouldn't be easy. "You can stay in your pajamas, but you need to go by Daddy and Lexie's. I have to go to work and Alex isn't home yet. You can go back to sleep as soon as you get upstairs. Don't you want to see your brother? I'm sure he misses you."
Ella rolled over and stretched her arms over her head. "Can you carry me upstairs?"
"I can't carry you, sweetie. You're too big for me to carry since I'm pregnant. Get your butt out of bed and I'll call Daddy and see if he can come down for you."
Addison had about twenty minutes until she needed to leave without risking being late for work. She didn't want to call Mark about coming down for his daughter, mainly because she didn't want to risk waking Bradyn, but she did and Mark agreed to pick up his daughter.
As Mark was waiting for the elevator with the almost seven-year-old in his arms, Ella asked, "Am I spending all day with you, or just until Alex comes home."
"I'm not sure, kiddo. Alex is probably gonna want to take a nap when he gets home, so you're gonna hang out with us for at least the morning. You're gonna have to sleep on the couch. Sofia slept over last night and she's in your bed since I put Bradyn before coming to get you."
Five hours later, Alex was knocking at Mark and Lexie's door. He got home from work a little while after Mark took Ella, but he decided to let her enjoy some time with her dad's family while he got a few hours of sleep before taking the girl back. He had promised her the day before that they would go shopping since Ella wanted to get something special for her little sister. She would then go back to Mark and Lexie's to spend the night.
Entering the apartment, Alex was greeted by a frazzled looking Lexie. "I can't wait until your kid is born so you know what this is like, having a newborn and a rambunctious six-year-old. She's been up and running around for a few hours, Mark just left to get some more diapers for both Bradyn and Sofia."
"I thought Bray was a really good baby, you know sleeps when he should and isn't too demanding. I feel like Evelyn is gonna be like Addison and Ella, demanding and definitely a Montgomery."
"Is Ella still spending the night tonight? I'll have Mark move the bassinet into our room for him so Ella isn't stuck on the couch again."
"That's the plan as far as I know. Ella wanted to get a present for Evelyn, so we're going shopping this afternoon. Addison's working late tonight, so I can pick up dinner for you and Mark before I drop Ella off for the night," offered Alex.
"Dinner would be wonderful. I'll talk to Mark and let you know what we decide."
At that moment, Ella realized Alex was there and came running over. "Hi, Alex! I have to get dressed and then we can go shopping still, right?"
"Yep, let's get you dressed and then we're shopping. Do you know what you want to get Evelyn?"
As Alex was pulling into a parking spot at the mall, his phone vibrated in his pocket. Climbing out, he opened the door for Ella as he looked at his phone and saw it was Addison. "It's your mom, kiddo," he told Ella as she unbuckled herself.
"Hi, Addie. What's up?"
"I need you to come to the hospital right away. Something's wrong, I'm in labor and it's too early and I'm really scared, Alex. Please hurry," pleaded Addison.
"We just got out of the car at the mall. Ella wanted to get something for Evey. Should I drop her back off by Mark or bring her with me?" Alex asked into the phone. "Ella, I know I promised we'd go shopping, but I have to go to the hospital. Evelyn might be born today," Alex said as he listened to Addison's response.
Alex sped through the streets of downtown Seattle, the whole time being very thankful that is was a Saturday in February and there wasn't much traffic. "Is Mommy and Evelyn okay? She isn't supposed to be born until right before my birthday."
"I don't know. That's why we're going to the hospital to find out what's going on. We're going to go see your mom and I'm going to talk to a few people and find someone to take you over to your dad's so you're not stuck here all day. Promise you'll be extra good, your mom's scared about Evelyn possibly coming today."
"I can do that, Alex. I'll show Mommy that I'm a big girl and that I'm a really good big sister," replied Ella as Alex carried her through the front doors of the hospital. He was in a hurry and carrying her was faster than letting her walk.