Motherhood
On a normal day, Ruby Tannenbaum would be busy advising would-be adoptive parents through the process of taking in a child, settling custody disputes between divorcees, and sorting out how much alimony a partner would receive. But this was not a normal day. For Shannon Tannenbaum, Ruby's wife, she should also be busy counselling families on various matters such as early child development, behavioural abnormalities, or other issues such as bereavement or estrangement. But this was not a normal day. It had gone past mid-day, when both women got an urgent text from Benny. It said the following:
Luan is in hospital! The baby is coming!
When this message was read loud and clear, Ruby and Shannon were instantly in their car, racing to the hospital to await the arrival of their god-daughter. They had long looked forward to this day, ever since Luan and Benny asked them if they would take on the role of god-mothers at Ruby and Shannon's pre-wedding party. Indeed, they had planned for this day for the last few months. While it would be expected for Luan and Benny to take on the bulk of the parenting duties, Ruby and Shannon did offer to take the little tyke off their hands every now and then so they could get a break. After all, grand-parents couldn't be there all the time, and the Louds, as many as there are, had lives of their own. In Lori and Leni's cases, families of their own. Shannon was almost speeding towards the hospital, while Ruby was keeping an eye on her phone, waiting for an update.
"I still can't believe it's happening today," Ruby commented.
"She was due any day now, and Luan didn't have the luxury of choosing when her little one would make her debut," Shannon replied.
"You think they're up for it? Raising a child can be tough," Ruby asked.
"Oh please, Luan's had lots of practice with Lily when she was a baby, and they've both been taking parenting classes. Good money says they've got this," Shannon assured.
"Are we ready, Shans? God-motherhood is only one step away from the real deal," Ruby observed.
"Put it this way, Rubes. At least we'll have plenty of practice," Shannon joked.
"True enough. We're here. Let's find her," Ruby resolved. They parked up in the lot and raced to the maternity ward, where they found the Loud family, all eleven of them, plus Lori and Leni's children, Arthur Santiago and Sharna respectively. The Loud grand-parents Rita and Lynn Sr. were here as well, along with the Steins. They were all as nervous as anything.
"How long has it been?" Luna probed out of concern.
"From experience, this is how long labour usually lasts," Lori responded.
"I concur. There didn't seem to be anything wrong with either mother or baby when I last examined them, so we shouldn't have any cause for concern," Lisa chimed in.
"Mummy, is Aunt Luan gonna be OK?" Arthur asked.
"She'll be fine, sweetie. Your aunt is a tough lady. All of us are," Lori assured her son.
"Hear hear. She's rocking this," Lynn Jr. added.
"Did we miss her?" Shannon inquired.
"No. You made it just in time," Leni informed.
"Yes, in time to greet our third grand-child. Soon enough, we'll have a house full of them," Lynn Sr. mused.
"Don't forget the fourth on the way. Ronnie is only two months gone herself," Lincoln reminded.
"And we look forward to the day that little one comes into the world," Rita stated. Just then, Benny came into the waiting room from a set of double doors.
"She's here," Benny updated. Everyone piled in to see Luan tired and exhausted, but otherwise beaming at her newborn that she held in her arms while lying in a hospital bed. The baby girl was already using her fine set of lungs, crying out while Luan wrapped a blanket around her and gently soothed the baby. Benny took his place at her side, gazing down at the person he helped create. This truly was one of the happiest days of his life, one he will remember forever.
"She's beautiful," Lola gushed. Everyone present 'awww'ed' at the sight of this child. The Steins were over the moon at the sight of their first grand-child. The Loud family were picturing all the fun they would have with her, even Arthur and Sharna.
"She's so small," Sharna observed.
"She'll get bigger, you can count on that," Leni replied.
"Does she have a name?" Arthur inquired.
"We've thought about it, and we're going to name her Jasmine, or Jazz for short," Luan declared. Luna absolutely loved the musical reference.
"I love her already," Luna said in admiration.
"A worthy name for a Stein, and a Loud," Judge Stein, Benny's mother, complimented.
"There we have it, Shans. Our god-daughter Jasmine. She's truly adorable," Ruby said in adoration. Shannon, however, chose to speak to Jasmine herself. Even if she couldn't understand yet, Shannon felt like she had to.
"Hey there, Jazz. I'm your god-mother Shannon, and this is your other god-mother Ruby. It's nice to meet you at long last. We've been waiting for you, and we are so excited that you're here now. It's been a tough journey getting here, but seeing you makes it all worthwhile. We can't wait to watch you grow up and become truly amazing. Welcome to the world, to all our lives," Shannon greeted.
"One thing, Shannon, Ruby. Even though we've already named her, we do plan on having a formal naming ceremony at the synagogue. As her god-mothers, we'd really like you to be there. Will you join us?" Benny requested.
"It would be our honour," Ruby accepted the invitation.
"Two god-mothers that are married to each other? If Rabbi Stone found out, he'd have a fit, and that would be fun to see. I never really liked him that much, anyway," Judge Stein surmised.
"He's not a Rabbi anymore. Ever since he intimidated the other Rabbis out of blessing Ruby and Shannon's union, he's been kicked out of the synagogue, and no others would take him," Benny recollected.
"Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy," Shannon remarked. Everyone then laughed in merriment and joy as they celebrated the newest addition to their ever-growing family.
Eight days after Jasmine was born, Luan and Benny took her to the synagogue, where the B'rit Bat, or to use the English translation, 'covenant of the daughter' would be held. A female Rabbi, who liked to be called Rabbi Edgeson, presided over the ceremony. She took over from Stone when he was ousted. Unlike her predecessor, Edgeson was more than happy to have two married women in her synagogue. Ever since she took on the role, she gave every fiber of her being to ensuring the synagogue was as inclusive as it could be, something Benny and Shannon were very grateful for.
"We are gathered here today to formally name this child and welcome them into our family. To this child, I say, welcome in the name of the Creator," Rabbi Edgeson started things off. She then motioned for Luan to take the stage. Benny made it a point to educate Luan on what to say during this ceremony both just before and after Jasmine was born. With her daughter in her arms, Luan recited her portion.
"We praise you, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: You hallow us with Your Mitzvot (commandments), and command us to bring our daughter into the Covenant of Life," Luan stated. Once that was done, it was Benny's turn.
"We praise you, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: You hallow us with Your Mitzvot, and command us to sanctify our life," Benny said. Then Luan and Benny spoke together.
"We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season. May we lead our daughter in the way of righteousness. Teach us to guide and instruct her, that she may grow up to be loyal to Judaism and a worthy member of the Jewish community," Luan and Benny wished. The next passage formalised their daughter's name in the eyes of the synagogue.
"Now in the presence of loved ones, we give to you the name Jasmine. Let it become a name honoured and respected for wisdom and good deeds. Jasmine, we commit ourselves to the unfolding of your promise, may you walk the path of goodness, beauty, and truth. Do justly, love mercy and be humble before the mystery of life and the grandeur of the universe into which you have been born. May God's blessing rest on you now and always," Luan and Benny concluded. Once the congregation said 'Amen', Rabbi Edgeson took the stage once again.
"May God bless you and keep you. May God look kindly upon you and be gracious to you. May God reach out to you in tenderness and give you peace. We praise you, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine," Rabbi Edgeson praised. Another 'Amen' later, a few drops of grape juice were given to Jasmine, and when she had her fill, Luan and Benny finished off what remained. Finally, the part everyone present had been looking forward to; the festive meal had been served on a buffet line. Rabbi Edgeson then approached Ruby and Shannon.
"Hi. Glad you could make it, Shannon, Ruby. It's truly a privilege to meet the women who destroyed the Right Path. I can't believe your grandparents were running that awful place without us knowing," Rabbi Edgeson extoled. Sensing that Shannon was feeling some discomfort, Ruby stepped in.
"Yeah, well, they're burning in hell now. No sense dwelling on the past," Ruby interjected. While Shannon was proud to have played a role in bringing down the network of conversion camps her grandparents helped set up, it was a topic she still didn't feel comfortable talking about, and Ruby knew it. Shannon didn't even show up to Jacob and Rhea's funeral. No-one in her family did. She wasn't even sure there was a service for them. Shannon didn't feel a thing when she got the news that they had died in prison. She just brushed it off like it was nothing.
"Yes, I suppose you're right. You two will make fine god-mothers to Jasmine, I'm sure," Rabbi Edgeson complimented.
"It's why we chose them," Luan came over, with Jasmine in her arms. Shannon immediately embraced the pair, and to her surprise, Jasmine reached out for more. "I think someone wants you to hold her," Luan added. She then handed Jasmine over to Shannon. God-mother and god-daughter's eyes met, until Jasmine rested her head on Shannon and fell asleep.
"Little snoozer, isn't she?" Shannon observed.
"Yeah, apparently she likes to deprive us of sleep while taking regular power naps herself. When I told Lori this, she just said 'welcome to parenthood'," Luan joked.
"It is often said that if a baby falls asleep in your arms, it shows that they are comfortable with you, and place their trust in you. This is a good sign. Jasmine truly has a loving family," Rabbi Edgeson mused.
"And we love her too, and always will, with everything we have. Mazel tov, Luan. May your days be blessed, Jasmine Stein," Shannon declared. Ruby then snuck in a hug of her own, with her wife and god-daughter, further signifying the bond they all share.
One year later
It was a bright and sunny day in Royal Woods, Michigan. All perfectly normal. The streets were bustling with pedestrians, the roads active with traffic, and everyone was going about their daily lives without a worry in the world. For Ruby and Shannon Tannenbaum, woman and wife, this was an important day indeed. The married couple were in the toy store, looking over the merchandise and scouting out the perfect birthday gift. Next week, their god-daughter Jasmine Stein, the daughter of Luan and Benjamin Stein, their friends since high school, would be having her first birthday, and as the doting god-mothers they were, Ruby and Shannon wanted to find a gift Jasmine would treasure, even if she couldn't remember receiving it.
Of course, finding the perfect gift would be difficult because they also had to come to terms with how much time has passed since their drama club days in high school. It seemed only yesterday that Luan and Benny got married. Now they had a daughter together that they adored with every fibre of their being. Indeed, it wasn't that long ago that Ruby and Shannon said their vows, and now here they are, gift-shopping for their god-daughter. Ruby then came across a gift idea she thought was genius.
"Hey, Shans, what about this?" Ruby then held up one of those animal wheels that spoke, telling you what noise the animal made. She then pulled the cord, and the toy said 'The duck goes quack'.
"No small parts, so choking won't be a problem," Shannon observed.
"Yes, I remember what Luan said," Ruby recalled. When Ruby and Shannon made their intentions to get a gift for Jasmine known, Luan told them not to get anything that Jasmine was likely to put in her mouth, especially since she had started teething. Shannon then spotted something she liked the look of.
"What about this, Rubes?" Shannon then held up one of those games where you had to fit shapes like stars, crescent moons, and squares into their respective holes.
"I like that, too. So much to choose from, and how do we know that Jasmine's army of aunts hadn't already thought of all these?" Ruby commented. While Benny was an only child, Luan had many sisters, and one brother, which meant Jasmine had a lot of aunts and an uncle that were more than willing to spoil her on her special day.
"Well, we know Luna will get her a toy instrument, so that's out. Lynn will probably get her a ball to roll around the house. Leni will knit her a sweater or something. As for the others, I really hope Lana doesn't get her an exotic pet," Shannon surmised.
"If she did that, Luan would murder her," Ruby dismissed. Ruby then swapped tactics and went for the kiddie book section. "Maybe get her something that's unique to us. I could get her this story about the beautiful Princess Panchali, who befriends a monkey and leads all the other monkeys to freedom," Ruby suggested.
"An Indian folktale? That's great for you, but what can I get her that Benny hasn't already? We're both Jewish, so we're sure to have clashes," Shannon replied. The store clerk then noticed the two women and had a suggestion of his own.
"You could always get her a Speak'n'Spell," Albert, the toy store owner and clerk, proposed.
"Nice idea, Albert. I loved those when I was a kid," Shannon recollected.
"I never knew shopping for a baby was so hard. Can't we just get her some candy?" Ruby asked.
"Joseph has a special birthday package for youngsters if you ask at the desk," Albert replied. Shannon smirked knowingly.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to get us to buy from both stores," Shannon teased.
"It's just my way of returning the favour. Joseph has been very kind since I moved here from England," Albert deflected. Ruby and Shannon weren't convinced.
"Rrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiight," Ruby and Shannon responded in a sarcastic tone.
"Yes, and him showing you around Royal Woods is just him being nice," Shannon added.
"It was!" Albert insisted.
"Suuuuuurrrrrrreeee it was," Ruby and Shannon derided.
"Don't you two have a birthday party to prepare for?" Albert brought the conversation back to topic.
"OK, fine, we'll take the Princess Panchali book and the Speak'n'Spell. We will also buy the birthday candy package from your 'friend' Joseph on the day itself," Ruby concluded.
"Only on the condition that you tell us how your 'hang-out session' goes," Shannon teased.
"I should charge extra, but since I know you, it'll be standard price," Albert hinted. Once the purchase was made, Ruby and Shannon bagged up the toys and left.
"Have fun, you two," Ruby called back.
"Don't stay out until curfew," Shannon added.
"What am I going to do with them?" Albert inquired to himself as the two women left the toy store.
A week later, the day came when Jasmine would turn one. Luan and Benny had brought Jasmine to the Loud House to celebrate her special day. Ruby and Shannon would be in attendance as her god-mothers. Benny's family would be there as well, and all of Jasmine's aunts and her uncle Lincoln would come down for the big shebang. The Loud family's partners would be there also. Bobby Santiago and Ronnie Anne Loud, Sam Sharp, Gavin, Francisco, Margo, Clyde and Sid McBride, all of them. Even Arthur Santiago, Lori and Bobby's son, and Sharna, Leni and Gavin's daughter, made an appearance. Sharna had just started kindergarten, whereas Arthur was tackling first grade like a champ. Shannon could recall from her last therapy session with the Louds that some were still adjusting to Lynn and Lincoln's polyamorous lifestyles, but the worst of the storm had passed, and the Loud family bond had been repaired. Once they rang the doorbell, and it miraculously didn't shock them, Ruby and Shannon were led inside, where they saw a stack of presents in the corner of the living room.
"Thanks for coming, guys. You can put yours with the others," Luan said gratefully. Whilst Ruby and Shannon lay their gifts with the rest, Shannon noted that Lincoln and Clyde were holding blanketed bundles of their own.
"Are these the new additions?" Shannon probed.
"Yep. Say hello to Rose Loud and Jim McBride," Lincoln introduced Ruby and Shannon to his daughter and Clyde's son respectively. Both were only a couple months old but were both capable of depriving their parents of sleep whenever possible. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne decided to name their daughter after Ronnie Anne and Bobby's late Abuela Rosa. She had Ronnie Anne's features, but Lincoln's signature white hair, while Clyde and Sid's son was the spitting image of his father, except for his skin tone, which he inherited from his mother.
"They're coming along nicely," Shannon complimented.
"They sure are. This big family keeps getting bigger," Lincoln mused.
"Yeah, and speaking of getting bigger, Lucy and Rocky have set a wedding date, Lana announced her and Adelaide's engagement a few weeks ago, and they're doubling up with Lola and Winston, just as we did with Clyde and Sid," Ronnie Anne recalled.
"Twins that grow up together, marry together," Lincoln quipped.
"Hahaha, let's hope our Rose-bud gets her sense of humour from me," Ronnie Anne teased. Speaking of humour, Benny came down the stairs holding Jasmine in his arms, the latter having just woken up from her mid-morning nap. Jasmine was as cute as a button in everyone's eyes. In the year since she was born, she had gotten her father's looks, but her mother's eyes, as well as her hair colour.
"Here she is, the birthday girl," Benny announced. The proud grand-parents Rita and Lynn Sr, as well as the Steins, all ushered them forwards for the whole family to see. Arthur and Sharna were very enthusiastic to see their baby cousin.
"Happy birthday, Jazz," Arthur and Sharna greeted simultaneously and gave Jazz a warm hug. Every family member wanted their turn with her.
"See that, Jazz? They're all here for you. This is your special day today, yes it is," Benny spoke to Jasmine directly. Jasmine could only smile and laugh as a response. "She hasn't spoken any words yet, but she's thanking us for being here. Either that, or she's thinking about lunch. One or the other," Benny joked. With the merriment underway, it was time to open presents. Each aunt got Jasmine a gift that she received fondly. Lori got her a stuffed toy fox (nothing like Fenton, to Luan and Benny's relief), Leni knitted her a cute, pink sweater. Luna got her a toy xylophone which Jasmine loved the sound of. Lynn got her a medium-sized ball to roll around. Lincoln got her a scarf, though he thought it was an Ace Savvy cape. Lucy went with the personal touch and wrote her a book detailing her adventures in the Boiling Isles, toned down for appropriate audiences. Lana got her a stuffed toy snake that Jasmine liked to wrap around herself. Lola got her a baby dress. Lisa wanted to pass down the chemistry set she played with when she was her age, but Luan and Benny said no, so Lisa settled for playdough. Last, but not least, Lily got her a bubble-making machine. Luan then emerged from the kitchen carrying the thing everyone had been craving.
"Here we go. Jasmine's first birthday cake. My thanks to dear hubby Benny for all those baking lessons," Luan presented the chocolate cake with cream filling, topped with icing and a single candle in the middle. Luna then led everyone into a sing-along of 'Happy Birthday' and when it was over, Jasmine, after some coaxing from Luan and Benny, blew out the candle. Jasmine had a lot of fun playing with all the toys she got. Ruby read her the story of Princess Panchali and the monkeys. Shannon seemed convinced that she had taught Jasmine how to spell with her gift, until Benny pointed out that Jazz was probably enticed by the sounds the Speak 'n Spell made. Both god-mothers then spotted Jasmine sitting by her stuffed animal collection and warmly hugged her.
"Shans, I want one of these," Ruby stated. The two women had talked about having kids of their own ever since Jasmine was born, though both were busy with their careers to give it much thought. Ruby had guided many a client through the adoption process, so she would be well-equipped to navigate those hoops herself. Shannon, too, coached parents in early child development. By all accounts, both of them would've been prepared to be parents to their own progeny, even without Jasmine staying over at their place at least once a month.
"So do I," Shannon agreed.
"Well, you can't have this one. She's ours," Benny quipped.
"True, but would you be willing to be our character witnesses for adoption?" Ruby requested.
"Are you kidding? We'd love to give you references. I mean, you're already awesome god-mothers. What child wouldn't want you to look after them. But haven't you tried sperm donation?" Luan asked.
"We did interview some, and there were good candidates, but it's the artificial insemination procedure that put us off. We both found it too invasive. Plus that Chandler guy you warned us about is using aliases. A chance best not taken. If I were carrying his seed, I would go straight to the abortion clinic and get tested while I was at it," Ruby answered.
"Point taken. You'll have our references soon," Luan promised. When Jasmine started to doze off again, Ruby and Shannon took this as their cue to leave.
"This has been so fun. Thanks so much for helping us out, and for inviting us to the big day. See you soon, Jazz," Ruby said gratefully.
"Bye Jazz. We'll come by and play again soon," Shannon added as everyone filed out of the house.
Once Ruby and Shannon got home, Ruby went straight to her study to fill out an application for adoption. Being familiar with how the process went, Ruby was done in about five minutes. All that was left was to arrange a visit from a social worker to inspect the house and see if it suitable for a child to live in. Since Jasmine stayed over at their place once a month, Ruby and Shannon had already taken the necessary precautions and baby-proofed the entire house. They had put the cleaning supplies under lock and key, installed a safety gate at the top of the stairs, and insulated all the wall-mounted plug sockets. That part would be a cinch, and with Luan and Benny's references, Ruby was sure any application would be a success. Ruby had called every single one of her contacts, and eventually one social worker agreed to come and look at the house the very next week. By the time Ruby was done, it was well into the evening. Shannon was standing outside her study in her dressing gown.
"You're serious about this, aren't you?" Shannon assumed.
"Sure am. Aren't you?" Ruby replied.
"Most definitely, but no need to work yourself ragged when any child we do get will do that anyway. Come to bed, Rubes," Shannon enticed flirtatiously.
"If Luan and Benny are anything to go by, kids do make it hard to be romantic. Guess I should get my fill while I can," Ruby responded in kind.
"That's my sweet little poppadom," Shannon sweet-talked, and she and Ruby climbed into bed, but before the 'proceedings' could get underway, the doorbell rang.
"Bloody kids! I would've thought getting the doorbell camera would scare them off pulling crap like this," Ruby complained.
"Oh well, we do what we always do; show the parents the footage. I'll pull it up," Shannon then left to get the video footage from their doorbell camera, only what Shannon saw instead wasn't your typical ding-dong-ditcher, but an adult, leaving behind what looked like a hamper. Shannon couldn't make out who it was that left the hamper, as they were wearing a long, dark overcoat. "Little late for mail, buddy," Shannon commented. She checked outside and saw that the hamper was still there, its contents obscured by a blanket. When Shannon lifted the blanket to see what the hamper contained, she got the shock of her life. It wasn't your average fruit basket. Inside the hamper was a baby boy, no more than half a year old by the looks of him. When he started to cry out due to the cold, Shannon's maternal instincts took over and she brought the boy inside, holding him closely to help warm him up. When Ruby started to get worried, she came down to see what was going on.
"Shans, just save the footage and we'll bust….. what is that?" Ruby inquired upon seeing her wife holding a baby unknown to both of them.
"Yes, who would leave you on a stranger's doorstep?" Shannon asked the boy, knowing she wouldn't get any answers.
Author's note: This is my second Sharuby Saga story idea for 2024, and it will cover how Ruby and Shannon adopted their first child. Oh, how far they've come since Grace and I first embarked on this combined effort of ours. I particularly wanted to get this chapter out the door before my niece's fifth birthday this week. Somehow, my sister's daughter turning that milestone year motivated me to start this story, as I've had it in my head for a while, and I have the outline all mapped out. The usual disclaimers, I own nothing. All properties belong to their respective owners. Enjoy.