The urge to pee wakes me up, as it often does these days. But now its light out, and I hear Josh and Mom chatting in the kitchen, so I guess it's really time to get up. After I take care of the basic needs, I join them.
"Good morning, baby." Josh rubs my belly as he kisses me. Then leans down. "Good morning, Lulu." She gives his hand a couple kicks and he grins. She really does respond to the sound of his voice.
"Scrambled Eggs?" He offers.
"Sure." I don't know why he even asks. At this point, I will literally eat anything he places before me.
"Morning, Mom." I greet Sylvia with a hug. I'm so glad she's staying here with us this weekend.
"How did you sleep, my darling?"
"Oh you know, I got up four or five times to go to the bathroom. But I can practically make it there and back without opening my eyes now." I chuckle a little.
"Well, it won't be long now."
"At least two more weeks," Josh pipes in. "38 weeks is considered full term." He grins at me- "That would be a great birthday present, you know."
"You don't like to celebrate your birthday!"
"I would if I shared it with Lulu."
"Well you'd better tell her, not me. I think she's the one calling the shots at this point."
"Oh I have. We've talked about it while you were asleep."
"Hey, it's fine with me. As soon as this baby shower's done, I'm ready to go! I know Helen's ready to get rid of me too. The Braxton-Hicks kind of freak her out."
"Her and me both." I hear Josh mumble to himself. There have been a couple incidences in the two weeks since Sam and Ainsley's wedding, but Dr. Andrews says it's a good sign. And now we've hit 36 weeks. So when they turn into real labor, it's showtime.
"When will your family be here?" Mom asks.
"They'll be here around 10. Josh is having a car pick them up from the airport and bring them here. Then we'll head over to the White House. Are you going to join us for the tour?" I wouldn't blame her if she wanted to spend as little as time as possible with my crazy family.
"Yes, I thought I would. It's been quite a while since I got a tour from Josh. I assume you're going into the office, darling?" she inquires.
"Yes, even though I'll be missing half of my senior staff." He teases as he puts a plate with scrambled eggs, toast and fruit in front of me. He turns around so he misses the look of astonishment that slides across his mother's face.
"Joshua, darling, you cook?"
"Yes, Ima. I have to take care of my family."
Sylvia beams at him, and then at me. I don't think she ever really thought he'd get to this point. Unfortunately, the sweet moment is interrupted by the door bell.
"Uncle Josh!" Carly throws her self at him.
"Hey short-stuff!" He hugs her back then measures her against his arm. "You've grown!" It has been 6 months since we've seen her. It's really not surprising.
"Did you get an A on your history report?"
"Yes! Thanks for your help. The teacher said I had a very interesting perspective on the Cold War."
"Hey kiddo." He hugs Anna, too. He's so good with them. I'm just over the moon at the man he's become.
"Hey Bella, Hey, uh, Lottie." He's still uncomfortable with what to call my Mom. Sometimes he goes for Mom, but I guess with his own mom in the room, it's just a too little weird.
"Hi Mom. Hi Bella." I give them each a half hug, then make my way over to the girls.
"Donna! You're not ready yet?" Bella looks exasperated. Doesn't she remember what it's like to lug a baby around inside?
"Leave her alone, Bella. The baby shower isn't until noon." Mom says, surprising me. She usually takes Bella's side in all things.
"Hi Carly. Hi Anna." I give them both a hug too. "Everybody, this is Josh's Mom, Sylvia Lyman." I gesture to Mom. "Mom, this is everyone."
I see my Mom's eyebrows go up when I refer to Sylvia as Mom. Oh well. I'm going to go take a shower, Josh can unruffle her feathers.
When I get back to the living room, Anna is describing her homecoming dress, in great detail, to Josh. He's nodding but his eyes are glazing over. They light up when he sees me.
"Ready to go?"
Josh and his Mom, and Anna, get into the town car. While I join my Mom, Bella and Carly in the SUV. I have to admit to myself that I completely enjoy the look of awe on my Mother and Bella's faces when we pulled up to the portico.
Carly looks a little disappointed in her generic visitor's pass. I bet Anna showed her the custom ones. Unfortunately, since it's the weekend, I'm not going to be able to get one for her. Maybe she can stay with us next summer.
I head towards the bull pen to start the tour, showing them the White House briefing room, my old cubicle, and Josh's old office. It always made me a little sad that my parents never took me up on an offer to give them a tour during the Bartlet Administration, but at least my Mom is here now.
From there we head towards Josh's office. I point out the Roosevelt Room on the way. When we get to Josh's office, I introduce everyone to Margaret.
"Anyone in there?"
"Just Josh, Sam and POTUS. He said just come in when you get here."
"POTUS?" My Mom echoes, looking confused.
"President of the United States, dear." Sylvia answers with a little smirk that looks exactly like Josh's.
"The President is in there?" My Mom stammers out.
"Yes." I answer matter of factly.
"Come on Grandma, he's really nice." Anna encourages her. "But if the President stands up, you should stand up. Don't sit down until he asks you to."
I tap lightly on Josh's door as I open it, hoping everyone will follow me. At least I know that with Sylvia bringing up the rear, we should be okay.
"Donna! My favorite Chief of Staff!" Matt greets me with a hug as Josh rolls his eyes. Matt is wearing jeans and an old Air Force Academy hoodie. I guess he's not working today. Sam is also even more casual than usual.
"Anna! It's good to see you." Bella looks surprised that the President knows her daughter. I'm confused, surely Bella told her about her visit.
"And I see you brought a new junior staffer with you today. What's your name young lady?"
"I'm Carly Moss, sir." Carly answers bravely. I'm very proud of her.
"Do you like school Carly?"
"Yes."
"Do you think that it would be a good idea to extend the school year, so that you have more time to learn?"
"NO! I really like summer vacation."
My Mother, Bella and Anna look embarrassed, but Matt just laughs. "Well thank you for being honest with me Carly."
"Mrs. Lyman, so good to see you again, I'm sorry I didn't see you when you were here for Passover."
"Good to see you again too, Mr. President. Is Josh behaving himself?" Josh blushes and rolls his eyes again.
"Yes, now that he's got Donna to keep him in line, we really aren't having any more problems."
I look between the three of them sensing a story. But Josh shoots me a pleading look so I decide not to ask. Right now, that is.
"Mr. President, I'd like to introduce my Mother, Carlotta Moss, and my sister Isabella Anderson. Bella is Anna's mother."
"Ladies, it's so nice to meet you. Donna is such a treasure. I'm sure you are very proud of all she's done for our country."
Mom and Bella look a little taken back. But then look at me and nod.
"I'm going to show them the oval, then we're going to go over to the Residence."
"Of course, Donna, you know your way around." Matt gestures toward the door.
Josh stands up and gives me a kiss on the cheek before I go. His Mom pats his cheek as she goes by, and he stops her and gives her a kiss as well.
As soon as we are all through the door into the Oval Office, Anna announces. "Uncle Josh has walk in privileges. That means he can come in here anytime he wants, he doesn't have to wait to be announced. And he's in almost every meeting that happens here. Uncle Josh is REALLY important, but wait until you see Aunt Donna's office!"
My Mom and Bella appear to be overwhelmed to be standing in the Oval Office. Carly is looking around at everything. She stops at Matt's desk and stares at the photos. "That's Peter and Miranda Santos." She says in awe. "I'm going to get to meet them."
Next, I give them a quick tour of the First Lady's offices. Bella deems my office "nice." I probably should have showed them BEFORE taking them to the Oval.
On our way to the Residence, Anna gives Carly all the details. "There's a movie theatre and a bowling alley and an outdoor swimming pool, too!" But Carly isn't really interested in seeing anything but Peter Santos. I think she might have a little celebrity crush.
I'm really glad we've arrived at the Residence a little bit early.
"Tia Donna!" Miranda squeals as soon as we reach the second floor, running up and hugging. "Hello, Lulu!" She says to my belly.
Carly watches her with a mixture of awe and annoyance. I'd better introduce them right away. I'm hoping they become fast friends.
"Carly, this is Miranda Santos. Miranda, this is my niece Carly."
"I'm 6 now!" Miranda announces.
"I'm 11." Carly responds.
"Peter is 11 too! Should we go find him?" Miranda suggests. And instantly, she's made friends with Carly.
"Can we?" She looks at me with pleading eyes.
"Sure, go ahead. I'm going to finish the tour for everyone else."
"Do you want to come Anna?" Miranda asks.
"Sure, squirt. I've already had the tour."
As we head down the Hall, Helen comes out of the Yellow Room.
"Oh Donna! I'm glad you're here. We're almost ready. 10 more minutes!"
"Helen, I'd like to introduce my Mother, Lottie Moss and my sister Bella Anderson. Of course, you already know Josh's Mom."
"Oh yes, Mrs. Lyman, the miracle worker. How nice to see you again." Okay, clearly there is a story here, I raise my brow at Mom. I'll be patient but someone's going to have to spill before the night is over.
"Mrs. Moss, Mrs. Anderson. It's very nice to meet you. May I call you Lottie and Bella?"
"Yes, Ma'am, of course." My mother quickly responds.
"Oh please, call me Helen! I've finally got Donna to do it when we are in the Residence and I don't want to lose any ground."
"I'm going to show them the third floor. We'll be back in a few minutes."
"Okay, like I said, we should be ready in about 10 minutes. You know your way around."
I take Mom and Bella up the stairs to the third floor. I'm definitely getting my exercise today. Dr. Andrews will be very happy. I show them the solarium and green room, as well as the game room, workout room and music room. I point out the Nannies' bedrooms, and then I show them the COS bedroom.
"So you and Josh have a bedroom, here, at the White House?" Bella asks me in somewhat of a daze.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Well there are times when the Chief of Staff has to advise the President on a developing situation throughout the night. It's much more convenient to be able to get a little bit of sleep here. We keep clothes here instead of wasting time going home on days like that." I show her the closet with Josh's spare suit, and my dress.
"You've stayed here?" My Mom still doesn't seem to get it.
"Yes, several times. Although, the night of the Inauguration we stayed in the Lincoln Bedroom."
"I thought you were kidding about that!"
"No. I wasn't."
The way they are acting so surprised by everything. I'm starting to wonder if they thought that I've been lying about working in the White House. I would have thought that having my picture in the paper, and the secret service agents at Easter would have already cleared this up. I guess they needed to see it to believe it.
We are on our way back downstairs when Miranda come bounding up them.
"Oh good! Mommy said to find you and tell you we're ready when you are."
"Okay sweetie. Please tell her we are on the way."
"Oh!" I'm stunned. The Yellow Room has been turned into a story book. Literally. Helen refused to let me do any work on the shower, so this is a complete suprise. It's delightful. There are framed prints from "If You Give Mouse A Cookie" on each table. And of course, each place has some adorable mouse shaped cookies.
Abbey and Zoey Bartlet are here, along with all the "White House" ladies: Margaret, Ginger, Annabeth, Karen, Angela, Lou, Edie, Ainsley. Even Amy is here. I'm glad to see Andy too. Everyone claps as I walk into the room.
Helen stands and everyone stands up quiets down. "Oh sit down, everyone!" she laughs. "Thank you all for coming. I know we are all anxiously waiting for little miss Lyman to make her debut. But hopefully not for 4 more weeks, since I have November 7 on the baby pool." Everyone laughs at that.
"I'm sure Donna's ready to eat, and the food is ready. So, brunch is served." She's right, I am ready to eat. The only problem is all this food looks really good, and lately I've discovered I don't have much room. I'll just eat a little bit, then be hungry again in an hour.
After I've eaten, I move over to the other table, and spend some time chatting with the staff. It's so nice to just sit around and relax together.
"Donna, I've got tomorrow in the pool. Any chance of that?" Andy teases me.
"I don't know. I haven't had any contractions today. I'd say it's not looking too promising."
After a few more minutes, I go back to the table with Abbey and Zoey, Helen and my family. As I sit down, I realize the conversation is whether or not I should go back to work after the baby is born. Seriously? Who do they think they are?
"Syliva, you didn't work while Josh was growing up, did you?" My Mother throws out.
"I was very active in politics and I served on the boards of several non-profits."
"But you didn't dump Josh in daycare, right? You were home."
"Enough, Mother." I grit out between my teeth. Why doesn't she understand that I need to work, that Lulu will be better off if I feel like I have a purpose and I'm accomplishing something?
"Josh and Donna aren't dumping the baby in daycare. I'm going to watch the baby!" Helen blurts out.
"Josh and I are still discussing that, Ma'am. You know how he feels about the optics."
"Well, I'm not taking no for an answer, Donna. So tell Josh to get on board."
"Yes, Ma'am." Josh and I have talked about it. We are going to hire a Nanny. But when I come back to work, if Helen is serious about this, then we will have the Nanny and Lulu come to work and they can spend their days on the third floor. And if Helen wants to spend time with Lulu, that's fine too.
"Anyway." Helen goes on, "Every mother is different. Some are like Abbey Bartlet here. And some are like me. I think our kids are turning out just fine. The main thing isn't whether or not a Mom works outside of the home. It's whether she loves her children, and whether she's true to herself. Children, especially daughters, need to see that both having a career and home-making are worthwhile pursuits."
"Hear, hear." Abbey says, raising her glass in salute.
"Hear, hear." I echo.