Olivia cautiously got the carseat out of the back of her car.
"Olivia," Teddy asked.
"Hi Dr Altman," Olivia greeted.
"It's Teddy you've known me for how long," Teddy asked, "it's been a while."
"It has," Olivia agreed.
"Who is this," Teddy asked.
"My son Max," Olivia said.
"So coming to mom's night," Teddy asked.
"Allie invited me but I don't know," Olivia said, "this is her inner circle."
"Not really," Teddy said, "she's close to them and they've been through a lot together but the inner circle is Ava and Eden."
"I don't know," Olivia said.
"Tell me about Max while we walk back," Teddy said.
"He's almost four weeks," Olivia said.
"Still a newborn," Teddy smiled, "can I?"
"We're careful he has a heart condition," Olivia said.
"Tell me what it is," Teddy said.
"He has hypo plastic left heart syndrome," Olivia said, "he had surgery at 25 weeks and then again when he was born."
"Who did it," Teddy asked.
"Annie," Olivia said, "and Dr Robbins."
"Do you want me to talk to the chief of surgery," Teddy asked.
"Annie is doing her part pro bono," Olivia said, "which is way too much and I really appreciate it."
"She has federal funding for HLH," Teddy replied.
"I'm worried about him being out," Olivia said.
"Just be clear and kind in your expectations that they don't touch Max," Teddy replied.
"Annie said he could go out after yesterday's check up," Olivia said, "just be careful."
"And you are," Teddy assured, "you're outside in the sunshine. Do you have a baby carrier?"
"In the car why," Olivia asked.
"Annie and Allie would put their kids in carriers against their chests when they didn't want to play pass the baby," Teddy replied, "it keeps him right with you."
"I need my mom to get it on," Olivia replied.
"I'll help," Teddy promised, "I've helped both my girls with it."
"Okay," Olivia said, sounding unsure.
"It's okay," Teddy soothed, "I'll be inside if you need me. Olivia I'm home tonight, I just came out to see you."
"Do you want to see him," Olivia offered.
"I do," Teddy smiled, "can I take him out of his car seat?"
"Yes," Oliva replied.
"He looks good," Teddy said holding the baby boy, "his colour isn't too bad, he's not pink but I've seen way worse. What's been done so far?"
"The Yang - Robbins - Altman by Dr Robbins and Annie," Olivia said, "and a Norwood at 24 hours old. He'll need 3-4 more surgeries and wears a monitor on his foot all the time."
"He'll be okay," Teddy said, "Annie is the best on the west coast for this her and Christina Yang worked on HLH for years. Yang has stepped back on the peds side and does the adult work and Annie does the kids until about 16 when they do a transfer."
"Will he be okay," Olivia asked.
"It's not going to be easy but if you stay on top of his medical care yes," Teddy said, "he'll have limitations like Everly does but that's okay. You lean on the people around you. Make sure you have my number and you can always call or text me anytime. "
"Thank you," Olivia smiled.
Teddy helped Olivia with the baby carrier and led her to the back yard where the other girls were hanging out. Four year olds drew with chalk and blew bubbles on the patio. Teddy smiled seeing Everly in the middle of the action with her friends.
"Liv," Allison greeted walking over, "how's Max doing?"
"Asleep," Olivia replied.
"Liv come meet everyone," Allison said, "you remember Carmen then this is Eden, Alyssa and Ciena."
"Hi," Ciena greeted, "what's your baby's name?"
"His name is max," Olivia replied, "he's four weeks."
"Tiny tiny," Alyssa groaned, "I miss tiny tiny. I could do another."
"Boyfriend," Carmen teased.
"Allie's getting married," Alyssa said, "baby two for you and Asher?"
"Not until I'm done with school," Allison replied.
"But you graduated," Ciena said.
"I got in to UW for med school," Allison smiled, "with scholarships."
"Allie's going to be a doctor," Eden smiled, "and get too important and brilliant for us."
"Never," Allison gasped, "I need you guys too much. I'd miss you."
"We've been through a lot together," Alyssa said to Olivia.
"We have," Carmen agreed.
"But you graduate in January," Allison smiled, "with your RN."
"And Eden gets her teacher's next August," Carmen smiled, "Alyssa is almost done her accounting."
"Ciena has two years left on her comp sci degree," Alyssa pointed out, "girls we did it. We'll be professionals by the time the kids finish kindergarten."
"Not me," Allison said.
"How long is med school," Ciena asked.
"Four years then residency we're hoping I'm done when she's out of middle school," Allison replied.
"So this little guy," Eden asked peeking into the baby carrier.
"Hes 4 weeks," Olivia said, "we've only been home 10 days though."
"Is everything okay," Carmen asked.
"He has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome," Olivia said, "but he's being treated by Allie's sister Annie. She said he's doing okay and Allie's mom just looked at him in the driveway."
"Being a mom," Carmen asked.
"It's hard," Olivia admitted.
"It is," Alyssa agreed, "it doesn't have to be easy and all fun like people put on social media. Here we can talk about anything."
"I'm pretty sure that's how weve made it this far," Eden said, "talking to eachother. Nothing is off limits. Kids understand more now so we watch for little ears but you can ask us and share anything."
"Do you have help," Carmen asked.
"My parents," Olivia said.
"His father," Ciena asked.
"Not involved," Allison covered for Olivia.
"Your the only one who had the dad stick around," Ciena said, "I don't even know his last name. It's okay Courtney is doing well."
"She's pretty chatty today," Allison smiled, "hows the new speech path going?"
"I really like her," Ciena said, "she's finally moving us beyond the needs and wants communication. I like her approach, we went for a walk with her yesterday in the park by the office and talked about what we were seeing. She doesn't think it's understanding it's more articulation and word retrieval."
"How can we help they have a playdate here friday night for your date," Allison said.
"Get her talking," Ciena said, "make her talk and answer you. No yes or no questions."
"I can do that," Allison smiled, "the guy?"
"I met him online he knows about Courtney," Ciena said, "I'm nervous."
"You'll have fun," Eden promised, "go for dinner. With Jonah it was dinner, coffee, walks and board games for over a year."
"You two just got engaged," Carmen teased.
"We're celebrating that and Max's arrival today," Allison said.
"Mommy I'm hungry," Everly yelled.
"Soon princess," Allison said, "you can come have some berries and grapes if you want something now."
Upstairs Owen found Teddy going through the jewellery box she kept hidden on the top shelf of the closet.
"What are you looking for," Owen sked.
"It's my mom and my grandma's jewellery," Teddy said, "it's time I pull the pieces for Allison's wedding and get them cleaned."
"What does Annie have," Owen asked.
"She has the earrings my dad gave my mom when I was born, the pearl set my grandma gave my mom when she got married," Teddy replied, "I have the pearls my grandma got for her wedding for Allison, I know they're old fashioned but she's fretting over needing something old and was going to borrow Annie's pearl earrings."
"Annie has a set from your side," Owen said.
"My moms," Teddy replied, "these are my grandmas. I'll give Allison the necklace that goes with them. Annie has the one that was my moms but I think she's only worn it a couple times. One day when Leo is ready to propose to the right girl I want to give him my mom's rings. I love that I have the Hunt one and that your mom held on to it for me."
"Charlotte," Owen asked.
"No," Teddy replied, "I think she's his Beth."
"I agree," Owen said, " I haven't seen a lot of this."
"It was my moms and both grandmas," Teddy replied, "I don't wear it but I want our kids and grandkids to have it."
She pointed, "that's for Ellie when she finishes college, Allison got hers already and so did Annie, this one is for Heather and that's Everly's."
"There's others," Owen said.
"We don't know about Leo having kids or if Allie will have more," Teddy said, "I gave Leo my dad's fancy watch for finishing college and the ones from my grandpas are for Matt and Henry."
"I have my dad's and grandpas," Owen replied, "if we have more grandsons."
"I know who I want to get what and when I want to give it to them," Teddy said, "weddings, first babies, college graduation. Milestones."
"Do you have a list," Owen said.
"No," Teddy replied, "why?"
"If anything ever happened I want to know," Owen said, "maybe put it in bags with the person's name and the milestone?"
"I'm not that old," Teddy argued.
"Freak MVC, sky diving accident," Owen said.
"I see what you mean," Teddy replied, "if you go get the baggies and a sharpie from the kitchen I'll do it."
"You have it all memorised," Owen asked.
"As it stands now, yes," Teddy replied, "it might have to be revised later depending on grandchildren."
"This one," Owen asked, pointing to a necklace with a bird charm.
"Henry gave that to me for my birthday when I turned 42," Teddy replied, "that will go to Annie when we're not here anymore. She's the only one that met him and had a relationship with Henry. She still has her first otter cap you picked out tucked away and her orcas from Henry."
"Her otter one must be thread bare," Owen said.
"The first one is," Teddy smiled, "she found the same pattern in a catalogue. She has that and her sail boat one she wears."
"Her sail boats," Owen asked.
"Dan when she finished her fellowship," Teddy answered.
"How will you know when it's time to give Leo the rings," Owen asked.
"I talked to your mom about it and she said she just knew," Teddy replied, "you were yourself and relaxed and we could tease and joke around. When I see that for Leo that he can be 100% himself then I will give him the rings for her. He doesn't know. I don't tell the kids that I have this for them until the time is right. I know when I want them to have it."
"My mom has it all put away and labelled," Owen said, "other than your engagement ring."
"My grandma did that," Teddy replied, "but I like to see them use it for it to become part of the special occasion jewlery."
"Annie wears some a lot," Owen said.
"She wears the pearl earrings a lot," Teddy agreed, "a bit old fashioned on her but the simplicity goes with her style. The lady like dresses and shoes. It's elegant and understated."
"She's always liked it and dressed well," Owen said.
"That's Beverly and Marie's influence," Teddy said, "I think I only saw Marie in pants up fishing."
"It's rubbed off on Allison and Ellie," Owen said.
"Our girls are girly," Teddy agreed, "I like dresses and feeling pretty. It's just not always practical."
"You're wearing one now," Owen said.
"It's old but I like it," Teddy shrugged.
Outside Allison and the other girls got their children settled at the child sized picnic table with their waffles.
"More cream please," Everly asked.
"No you have enough," Allison replied, "if you finish that waffle you can have another with more whipped cream."
"Can I have more sausage," Joshua asked.
"You have two," Eden replied, "eat your plate first."
"Is it always like that," Olivia asked.
"They'll settle down and eat," Alyssa said, "Matthias use your fork please."
"Okay we still have a bouncy seat for some reason," Allison said, "Liv I'll help you get Max out of the carrier and we'll put him beside you in the seat so you can eat."
"He'll need to eat soon," Olivia said, "I brought a bottle."
"I'll get warm water to heat it," Allison assured, " if you want you can take him in and sit on our couch, stay here whatever you're comfortable with. We're all here to support you Liv."
Owen looked out the window as he came down the stairs, "is that Olivia K?"
"Yes," Teddy said, "her little guy is 4 weeks. He has HLH poor little buddy."
"Treatment," Owen asked.
"Annie's doing it," Teddy said, "I just found out today but Olivia said she took it from the peds cardio pro bono budget."
"Six months and birth to 18 is covered," Owen said.
"It's a start," Teddy said, "prenatal care will be covered two. It's time. Seniors over 75 are covered 6 months after that."
"So it's just 18-74 that's not," Owen said, "it's improving."
"It shouldn't have taken this long," Teddy said, "most of Europe got health care in the 50s Canada in the 60s. It's a human right."
"I know you've always felt this way," Owen said, "how much time have you spent and energy do you still put into getting free surgery days and pro Bono programs."
"Healthcare is a human right," Teddy said, "if we're going to fix this country and this world it's education and health care."
The young women settled around the patio table with their food giggling and chatting.
"So dating," Alyssa said.
"We can," Carmen replied, "it's just the time. And how do I know who to trust with Taylor? She's so sensitive."
"Slowly," Eden replied, "I just took it slow with Jonah and Joshua."
"Who does your son call dad," Olivia asked.
"Jonah is daddy," Eden said, "we see Joshua's bio dad once or twice a year. But we live with Jonah. Jonah goes to soccer and skating lessons and wrestles."
"Jonah Nuefeld," Olivia asked, "I can't picture him as a dad."
"He's a good one," Allison said, "the six of us spend a lot of time together. The kids get along well it's comfortable for Asher and Jonah."
"We all kinda pair off a bit," Alyssa replied, "we do this every other week or every three weeks if it's a busy time of year but Ciena and I live a block apart."
"Then I see a lot of Eden and Allie at school," Carmen replied.
"Daycare," Olivia asked.
"Next year she's in full day pre k and we'll do before and after care at school," Allison replied, "she's ready. But my mom is only working two days a week and will do the school pick up and drop off when she's off."
"I've always used daycare while Jonah and I go to school or work," Eden replied, "we have a good one that takes subsidy."
"You live closer to here," Carmen asked.
"Yea like two blocks," Olivia answered.
"Our daycare takes from six months," Carmen said, "does subsidy. Look at Wee Wonders. I went there as a kid. It's been around like 40 years. Non profit. They've been wonderful with Taylor. She loves her teachers. But she's going to pre k in September."
"I can't believe we were talking about pre k and reall school," Allison groaned.
"I know," Ciena said, "the first one of these they were all under six months and in our arms."
"We put them all on a blanket on the grass and took them in the pool in just swim diapers," Allison remembered.
"After dinner swim," Eden proposed.
"We can," Allison said, "I thought we might. Liv?"
"Can I sit in the edge and put my feet in," Olivia asked, "I'm still."
"Olivia I didn't think," Eden gasped, "I'm so sorry."
"I'll just put my feet in," Olivia said, "max and I will dip our toes. But does anyone know how to feel good in a bikini again?"
"Nope," Allison replied, "one piece or tank all the way. And Ev grabs onto me in the water when we're playing so no halter necks either."
"I do," Alyssa said, "I just wear one but don't do halter neck either I like more of a sports bra type top. Just wear it."
"I've always had curves," Carmen said, "I do a one piece but that doesn't mean you can't be cute and look hot."
"Should we get ready," Allison asked.
"Sure," Alyssa replied.
They quickly got ready and made sure the kids were in swim wear before heading back outside and getting in the pool. Olivia sat on the side and let her feet dangle in the water.