Asher woke up in the middle of the night to see Allison sitting with her back to him on the edge of the bed, her posture told him right away she was nursing the baby but something was off.
"You okay," Asher asked.
"Just too tired," Allison said.
"What if you laid down to feed her," Asher suggested, "you do it in our bed at home."
"This bed is smaller," Allison said.
"I know our bed at home is a queen, this is a double," Asher said, "try to lay down again and see if it helps."
"I fall asleep like that," Allison said.
"You need sleep," Asher said.
"I just need to do the other side," Allison said.
"Just lay down with her," Asher coaxed.
"If I fall asleep," Allison said.
"I'll tuck her back in," Asher promised.
"I won't fall asleep if you keep talking," Allison said.
"Why are the kids awake," Teddy whispered, elbowing Owen.
"Which kids," Owen asked.
"I hear Allie and Ash talking," Teddy said.
"They got up with Everly," Owen said.
"Something feels wrong," Teddy said.
"You've been tossing and turning," Owen said.
"I'm worried about the afternoon," Teddy said, "his parents are driving up for the christening."
"Is his dad okay with David doing it," Owen asked.
"Not like they've been involved," Teddy said, "his dad hasn't seen Everly. And with the possibility of Cerebral Palsy ."
"His mom knows," Owen said, "I heard him telling her there's something wrong with her legs."
"Allison won't say it," Teddy whispered.
"I know," Owen said, "she needs to accept it."
"She's coming to terms with it but is blaming herself," Teddy said.
"I only hear his voice but don't know what he's saying," Owen said.
"She's told me she sometimes falls asleep with Ev in her arms during the 2 or 3 am feed," Teddy said, "he might be keeping Allie awake."
"She can't fall asleep with the baby in their bed," Owen said.
"We did it with her," Teddy said, "especially here."
"You would fall asleep with her and I'd wake you up or move Allie," Owen said.
"I know," Teddy said, "she's doing her best. Should I check on her?"
"They come get us if they need or want us," Owen said, "you need to sleep."
"I need tomorrow to go well for them," Teddy said.
"It will," Owen said, "your super moming again. Go to sleep. Teddy obsessing won't help anyone. Breathe and close your eyes."
"Does she seem to be feeding more," Allison whispered.
"Tonight has been bad," Asher agreed, "every couple hours."
"Growth spurt," Allison guessed, "I'll ask mom or Annie in the morning."
"How do you feel," Asher asked.
"Like a cow," Allison pouted, "my body has not belonged to me in a year."
"We could supplement," Asher said.
"I'd like to look at it when I go back to school," Allison said, "this is a lot but I know it's better for her."
"Is it good for you," Asher asked.
"Can we not do this now," Allison said, "she's almost done and I need sleep."
"Did you bring any bottles," Asher asked.
"In the fridge," Allison said.
"The next time she's hungry I'll give her one," Asher assured.
"I'd rather save that for when your parents are around," Allison said.
"You're stressing about it," Asher whispered, "is she picking up on it?"
"I don't know," Allison tried, "but shes almost asleep again."
The next morning Megan and Annie were making breakfast with Ellie, Catrina and Heather helping.
"Where's Allie," Megan asked.
"Still sleeping I hope," Annie said, "their room is next to ours and I heard them up a lot."
"Newborn still," Megan shrugged.
"She's doing well," Annie praised, "have you seen Mama?"
"She went for a run with Owen before you were up," Megan said.
"How much longer," Matt asked.
"20 minutes Matt," Annie smiled at her son.
"What is it," Matt asked.
"Turkey sausages, scrambled eggs and hash browns," Megan replied.
"Can I have pineapple," Matt asked.
"We have fruit salad with breakfast," Annie said, "you can have milk now buddy."
"I want juice," Matt said.
"Milk or water," Annie replied, "we have chocolate milk mix."
"Chocolate milk," Matt asked.
"It's our summer week up here it's a treat," Annie smiled.
"And fishing," Matt asked.
"We'll get lots of treats for fishing," Annie promised.
"Can I eat a whole crab," Matt asked.
"You can try," Annie smiled.
"Is granddude coming today," Matt asked.
"He is just for the day," Annie replied, "He's going to head to Cloverdale tomorrow and start getting things ready to go fishing with his brothers."
"Is he going granddude is old," Matt said.
"He's 80 buddy but dad is getting older," Annie said, "but you're not going to worry. Granddude is healthy."
"Where's dad's dad," Matt asked.
"He passed when I was pregnant with you," Annie replied, "Ian would have loved you. He loved having us around."
"But you have two dads," Matt said.
"I do, Granddude and Grandpa," Annie smiled, "I'm lucky."
"Do you have two moms," Matt asked.
"I did," Annie replied, "but we don't see Leslie, she's Chris's mom two."
"You don't talk to your mom," Matt said.
"I'll explain when you're older," Annie said, "but we have grandma here and she is awesome."
"Why do you have two moms and two dads," Matt asked.
"Because when I was born grandma wasn't ready to be a mom," Annie said, "Granddude and Leslie adopted me the day I was born. So I had three parents that loved me. But I lived with Granddude and Leslie, Uncle Chris and Auntie Jessica."
"Auntie Jessica," Matt said, "your other sister."
"Yes," Annie said, "she would have liked you."
"Where is she," Matt asked.
"She passed before you were born," Annie said, "she never got to grow up."
"Do you miss her," Matt asked.
"Sometimes I do," Annie said, "so I focus on the good memories and talk to Grandude and Chris about her."
There was a knock at the door and Henry opened it.
"Granddude," Henry yelled.
"Hey buddy," Dan greeted.
"Dad," Annie smiled coming to the door.
"Hi bear," Dan smiled, "good trip?"
"Yes," Annie smiled, "much needed. Then Rivers in a couple weeks. Time with my kids."
Allison came out of her room in pajamas, "uncle Dan!"
"Allison," Dan beamed, "how are you?"
"Good," Allison smiled, 'thanks for coming."
"Allie bean go eat," Annie directed.
"Is breakfast ready," Allison asked, "I smell food."
"Almost," Annie said, "coffee is ready. You can have one. I heard you up all night."
"Sorry," Allison said.
"No, don't apologize I've been there with newborns," Annie smiled, "where is she?"
"Asher is cuddling her," Allison said.
"Allison, can I meet her," Dan asked.
"Yes," Allison agreed, "you'll have to be really careful with her. There's something going on with her legs."
"What," Dan asked, "will she be okay?"
"We hope so," Allison said, "they don't know yet."
"Allie," Asher said joining them with Everly in his arms.
"Uncle Dan you've met Asher," Allison said, "and this is our daughter Everly."
"May I," Dan asked.
Asher hesitated.
"Asher," Dan said in his principal voice," I have 3 children and 6 grandchildren I'm excited to meet her."
"It's okay Ash," Allison said.
Dan carefully took the baby girl and held her, "your eyes look just like your auntie Annie's did as a baby."
"Uncle Dan if something is wrong with her legs will she still be able to go to normal school," Allison asked.
"Whats the diagnosis," Dan asked.
"Cerebral Palsy," Asher said, "they think she's too young to know for sure."
"I taught and was a principal in BC it's a bit different but times are changing for the better," Dan assured, "when I retired 10 years ago she would have an IEP an individual education plan, that adapted for her needs, whether it was mobility supports, physical needs or the curriculum. She most likely would be in the same classes you two just finished, she would take the classes in grade 11 and 12 that interested her. She might get supports like a lap top or ipad in class to do her work instead of paper and pencil if that's what she needs. But she will get the same education as every other kid, they put supports in place so she can have the same education."
"Will she get a normal education," Asher asked, "no special classes?"
"No," Dan said, "unless she needs a low incidence program she'll be in the main stream program."
"If she can't walk," Allison asked.
"She's too young to know Allison," Dan assured, "how about her social milestones? Her cognitive ones?"
"She looks at people and smiles now," Allison said, "she giggles and makes happy sounds. She fusses when Ash or I leave the room and relaxes as soon as she sees us. She sucks on her hands now and puts her fingers in her mouth. That's this week's new trick."
"Sleeping," Dan asked.
"Not for long the last few days she's always hungry," Allison said.
"All four of mine did the same around the same age," Annie said.
"Annie didn't sleep," Dan said, "I think she was nearly 2 before she slept through the night every night. "
"Dad do you want breakfast," Annie asked, "we made tons. It's Meg and I cooking."
"Dad," Asher whispered to Allison.
"That's Annie's dad," Allison said, "her and Chris."
"Is Ev okay," Asher asked.
"Dan is good with kids," Allison said, "he's retired but he was a highschool principal. He's nice."
"Uncle," Asher asked.
"It's a respect thing like Annie calls dad Uncle Owen," Allison said.
"So your mom and him," Asher whispered.
"No," Allison said, "remeber mom gave Annie up for adoption. Dan adopted Annie."
"Grandude," Ellie shouted seeing Dan.
"Hi bug," Dan said.
"When we go fishing can I drive your boat," Ellie asked, "am I old enough?"
"14 you are," Dan smiled, "your mom was your age when she learned to drive the boats."
"Can we go to Hakkai pass," Ellie asked, "the big springs?"
"If the weather cooperates," Dan said, "the Wall, Bull, Cow, Calvert, we pick hogs there. We'll get you some springs and you'll jigg hallies with me?"
"Always," Ellie smiled, "can we listen to the Beatles?"
"Always," Dan said, "and your chocolate milk."
"How does this work," Asher asked.
"Annie wants both mom and Dan around," Allison said, "she needs both."
"She has another mom," Asher asked.
"Her and Leslie are estranged," Allison said.
"Allison I'll give you your daughter back," Dan said giving the baby a final snuggle, "she is beautiful. She's going to be a smart one."
"Thank you," Allison said taking Everly who chose that moment to wake up, "are you looking at mommy?"
"She's a smart baby," Annie smiled.
"Allie are you okay if I get dressed," Asher asked.
"Eat first," Annie said, 'it's hot now."
"Are we just in time," Teddy asked coming in.
"Good run mom," Allison asked.
"Ya," Teddy said catching her breath.
"Breakfast is ready," Megan said, "Dan's here we just need the Blouins and Nate is coming for the day, he got Pierce to cover him."
"Come eat," Josh bellowed.
The whole family gathered to eat breakfast spreading between the kitchen and the living room to all have seats.
"Ash, can you take her? I'm going to shower," Allison said walking towards the bathroom.
"I was going to shower," Asher said.
"I'll take her," Annie said, "there's two bathrooms both of you shower. I already have so has Meg."
"You two go," Teddy said, "then Dad and I need a shower."
"We'll get this cleaned up," Josh said.
They all got ready for the day.
"Mom, do we have to wear buttons," Henry asked.
"Yes," Annie said, "Opa is christening Everly today so yes."
After lunch there was a knock at the door and Teddy went to answer it.
"Mark, Michelle," Owen greeted.
"We're having the christening here and not in a church," Mark said.
"Mark," David said, "we're doing it in the same spot I baptized Allison, it's what she wants. Just the family."
"Dad," Asher said, coming out of the bedroom.
"Where's your child and her mother," Mark asked.
"Allison is just feeding Everly they'll be out soon," Asher said, he knew Allison was slightly afraid of his parents and had ducked into their room to wake and feed Everly to avoid them.
"Dad, Mom have you met everyone," Asher asked.
"No," Mark said.
"I'm Megan Hunt, Allison's aunt," Megan introduced herself, "this is my daughter Catrina and my son Faroke."
"Your husband," Michelle asked.
"Nathan is on his way; he was in surgery overnight," Megan replied.
"Surgery is he alright," Michelle asked.
"He's a surgeon, most of us are," Megan said.
Annie rescued the situation, "I'm Annie, Allison's older sister, this is my husband Josh and our kids Ellie, Matt, Henry and Heather. It;s good to see you."
After introductions and some forced small talk Allison came out of her room with the baby.
"Is this," Mark asked.
"Dad this is Everly Alexandra Grace Blouin," Asher introduced.
"She's cute," Mark said.
"Mr Blouin do you want to hold her," Allison offered.
Mark paused.
"I'll take her Allison," Michelle said.
Allison let Michelle take Everly, thankful for the long christening gown that had been in the Hunt family for generations hiding her legs.
"Hi pretty girl," Michelle smiled, "are you looking at granny?"
"She's awake for now," Allison said.
"How's she doing," Michelle asked.
"Always hungry," Allison said.
"8 week growth spurt," Michelle said, "how are you sweetheart?"
"I'm good," Allison smiled, "she's good."
"Son," Mark said, "a word."
Asher followed Mark on to the porch.
"When are you going to propose," Mark asked, "you're sleeping with her you both came out of the same bedroom."
"I gave Allie a promise ring a week ago," Asher said, "that's all we're ready for. And there's not a lot of space to spread out here so yes Allie and I are in a room with our daughter."
"In Seattle," Mark asked.
"We still have separate rooms but I'm up to help with overnight care," Asher said.
"Do the right thing," Mark said.
"Allison and I have decided together what we want to do and what works for us," Asher said.
David joined them, "Mark, Asher everything okay?"
"Yes sir," Asher replied.
"Mark what do you think of your granddaughter," David asked.
"Dad you haven't held her yet," Asher said.
"Is she okay," Mark asked, "your mom said she might have."
"Cerebral Palsy," Asher finished, "we've asked her doctors, holding her and playing with her is good for her. Shes meeting most of her milestones; it looks like it's only her legs affected. Dad, can you pray for her?"
"I will," Mark said, "your mom said something about her heart."
"Annie gave it the all clear for now," Asher said, "we'll watch it as she grows."
"Are we almost ready," Owen asked, helping Evelyn onto the porch, "I'm going to drive mom and David over."
They made their way to the river side where the Christening would take place, Allison had been baptized in the same spot a few years before and David was waiting for Catrina and Ellie to ask him to do it. Allison and Asher walked head with the other kids, Asher pushing Everly in the stroller.
"Whats the plan," Michelle asked Teddy.
"Today they christen their daughter," Teddy smiled.
"For them," Michelle asked, the two mothers had been in touch for months, Michelle trying to support as much as she could behind her very controlling husband's back.
"He gave her a promise ring about a week ago," Teddy said, "for their age it's the right step."
"And the fall," Michelle asked.
"He's going to stay in Leo's room for a bit," Teddy said, "we're going to keep going with the transition to independence plan I told you about."
"Where are they at right now," Michelle asked.
"Sole responsibility for Everly," Teddy replied, "still making dinner twice a week because Leo is home so he does one night. Once Leo goes back to school they are responsible for three dinners a week and Owen and I will do three. Sundays are rotating family dinners and they now have to contribute to the potluck. Their using the basement living room as their space more and more with Everly."
"House work, Laundry," Michelle asked.
"They do their own laundry and keep their rooms, the nursery and their bathrooms clean as well as the common areas in the basement because they use them most," Teddy said, "I've done the odd load of laundry for them here and there when he's working over time and Allie is totally overwhelmed with an infant but no more then I would have done for Annie with her kids."
"September," Michelle asked, "what is Allison doing?"
"She's doing 4 courses at UW," Teddy said, "part of the deal with them is he has to be making progress on his apprenticeship and she has to be pursuing her education towards a career that she can support her self. Michelle our goal is independence but they are still 18 they need our guidance. We are putting a kitchen into the basement so when they're ready they can move down into a suite. It'll be December before it's finished and she's 19 in January. We think we'll slowly transition them then. I don't make breakfast or lunch for them most days. If Asher is up and leaving when Owen or I are, which is a lot of mornings we'll put toast on for him but if Allison isn't up yet she does her own breakfast."
'The thing with Everly's legs," Michelle asked.
"Still being investigated," Teddy said, "we'll keep following up. But I've spoken to my chiefs of Neuro, Ortho and Peds and they all say the outcome looks good."
"Your," Michelle asked.
"I'm chief of surgery," Teddy replied, "I run the surgical departments anything remotely surgical answers to me."
"As a woman," Michelle asked.
"It's 2033," Teddy said, "Allison was about 3 when I took it. I have lots of powerful women around there."
"Your husband," Michelle asked.
"Owen encouraged me to take it," Teddy replied, "but Owen and I didn't meet in the most orthodox way either."
"How did you meet," Michelle asked.
"In an army camp in Iraq," Teddy said, "we worked together. I was incharge of the cardiac surgeons and he ran the trauma ones. We ran a platoon together."
"Your oldest," Megan asked.
"Was with her dad," Teddy said, not giving away her past to this woman who would use it against her. That Annie was with her father was not a lie, it just wasn't the full story. They kept details back. Annie was with Dan at the time.
"That was okay," Michelle said.
"Annie thrived," Teddy replied, "I came home when she was 19."
Megan and Nathan were walking with Catrina and Faroke.
"What happens to Cat," Faroke asked.
"She stays home and dad and I are roommates," Megan said, "your only in the cottage anyway not far."
"I like the cottage,' Faroke said, "Nisha is moving in."
"Did you clear that with your land lords," Nathan asked.
"Josh said okay," Faroke shrugged, "they lived there together before they got married. We lived there with them during the pandemic."
"That was insane," Megan said, "how many of you in that house?"
"Me and Cat, Leo, Allie, Ellie, Matt and then Henry part way through," Faroke said, "I think we lived there through Annie's whole pregnancy with Henry. I watched the little kids while they were at the hospital for her to have him. Me and Nana. They didn't even stay overnight after he was born."
"They did," Megan said, "he was born around 9pm and she was discharged 12 hours later. Third baby they knew what they were doing."
"That was my junior year of college," Faroke said.
"I know mr third year resident," Megan said, 'specilty?"
"Don't hate me mom," Faroke said.
"What," Megan asked.
"I'm transferring to Grey Sloan from Seattle Pres," Faroke said, "to work with Jackson Avery."
"Plastics," Megan replied.
"I really want to do the reconstructive side," Faroke said, "cleft palates, burns, birth defects, serious injuries. I'm thinking of the kids we saw so injured in Iraq before we came home."
"It sounds like your in it for the right reasons," Nathan said.
"Jackson is a great teacher and mentor," Megan said, "his heart is in the right place. Why didn't you tell me? When do you move?"
"August first," Faroke said, "I wanted to have it all lined up first and I didn't want you or Auntie Teddy pulling strings."
"So Nisha," Nathan asked.
"She's moving as to work with Dr Deluca," Faroke said.
"I'm happy you're moving," Megan said, "you'll do some of your trauma time with me and Uncle Owen."
"I want my kid time with Annie and Josh," Faroke said.
"I'm sure your cousins will help you," Megan replied, "but she's moving in."
"She is," Faroke said, "I want to marry her."
"Then propose," Nathan said.
"I need a ring," Faroke said, 'I've looked but nothing I see is Nisha."
"Keep looking," Megan replied, "I like her Faroke. She gets you, she gets our story."
"She does," Faroke agreed, "are you okay if I ask her to marry me. I still have to see her dad."
"When can you do that," Nathan asked.
"We go see them in September," Faroke replied.
"Do that then ask her," Megan said, "I'm happy for you buddy."
"Thanks mom," Faroke replied.
They reached the spot on the river bank and formed a semi circle around David, Allison and Asher.
"Today we are here as a family to celebrate new life," David began, "to welcome the newest member into our fold. I have been honoured to christen six of the young ones in this family and baptize four others. When Jesus went to see John the Baptist they did not meet in a church or a temple but on the banks of a river. It was in a river that John baptized Jesus. Today we gather by our own river to celebrate a new life and a new beginning. We are here to rejoice at the birth of Everly Alexandra Grace Blouin and celebrate the gift that is her life. She is a blessing from god and a blessing to our family. Allison, Asher can you join me?"
Allison and Asher walked towards David, Allison holding Everly.
"Do you promise to do your very best to raise your daughter to know and love god," David asked.
"We do," the young couple responded together.
"Do you promise to raise her to know Jesus," David asked.
"We do," they said together.
"Does the family promise to support them in raising Everly to love and follow god," David asked.
"We do," the family replied.
David took the baby from Allison, "Everly you are part of a very special family one here that will always love and support you and a bigger family around the globe. I'd like Mark to join me in praying for Allison and her parents."
Mark joined them and led the prayer with David. Annie and Josh joined them as the chosen godparents for the baby girl.
When the christening was finished Teddy announced, "we brought everything for a picnic to celebrate."
They spent the afternoon enjoying the picnic and games on the river bank, Everly passed from relative to relative to be played with and cuddled only returned to her parents to be fed.
That night Teddy found Allison on the porch swing with the baby, just the two of them.
"Today went well," Teddy said taking a seat.
"It did," Allison smiled, "she did well with all the commotion and being off her routine."
"She did," Teddy smiled, "so did you."
"I'm exhausted though," Allison said, "Mark actually talked to us."
"He did," Teddy said, "seeing her I think he's coming around."
"I hope so for Ash," Allison said, "I think the promise ring got him to back off a bit. Ash and I have talked about it mom but we're not ready. Its not never its a not now."
"I think it's wise," Teddy said, "you're so young see what happens in the next couple years."
"I know," Allison replied, "we both do."
Allison shifted a bit to lean against Teddy.
"Hows our princess," Teddy asked.
"Awake," Allison said, "but it's loud and busy in there it's just too much for us right now."
"It's a lot," Teddy agreed.
"We came here so I can hear my thoughts," Allison said, "I talked to Dan about the Cerebral Palsy thing and school."
"What did Dan say," Teddy asked.
"He said she should get a normal education but will get help where she needs it like any kid," Allison replied, "mom if it is that what do we do?"
"You get every therapy and program in place as soon as possible," Teddy said, "you'll catch it early."
"Is it my fault," Allison asked.
"No," Teddy promised, hugging her youngest, "it's just something that happens and Everly will be okay and so loved."
"I think I can do it," Allison said.
"I know you can," Teddy replied, "what did Opa tell you yesterday about it?"
"God knows what he's doing and has a plan for all of us," Allison said, "I'm trying to trust it."
"You'll be okay," Teddy said, "it looks like this little one is almost ready for a feed and to go to bed."
"She is," Allison said, 'I'll go in and feed her in a minute. It's peaceful here."
"You could feed her here she's in her jammies," Teddy said.
"I want to do her routine," Allison said, "story, feed, hug from daddy then to bed."
"Go get your baby ready for bed then come play games with us," Teddy encouraged.
"I'm going," Allison said standing up.
Allison and Asher got Everly ready for bed then tucked her in to her bassinet.
"What are we playing," Allison asked, joining everyone in the living room.
"Caveman poetry or Settlers," Josh said.
"Caveman poetry," Allison said, joining the group at the coffee table.
"Juice Allie," Ellie offered getting up.
"My water bottle is in the kitchen," Allison replied, "do you mind grabbing it?"
"Water Ellie," Annie said, "you've had juice and pop today."
"Soda mom," Ellie said.
Annie chuckled, "pop Ellie you're half Canadian."
"You're half, I'm only a quarter," Ellie said.
"I grew up in Canada," Annie said.
"You did," Asher asked.
"Cloverdale BC," Annie replied, "an hour east of Vancouver."
"But your dad," Asher said.
"Dad is Canadian,' Annie said, "so is Chris. We just live here now and have for 20 years."
"Would you ever go back," Faroke asked.
"No," Annie said, "now that healthcare is improving. I've thought of it but with tax payer funded health care coming in the next 5 years. I can hold out."
"You really grew up in BC with mounties and everything," Asher said.
"When Everly is a bit bigger we'll go to Dad's family's place in whistler," Annie said.
"I've never been to Canada," Asher said.
"We'll take you," Henry offered.
"One day bud," Asher agreed.