Today was the day of Riley's birthday party, his 3rd birthday. The first with his full family. Kim had gotten up early to start breakfast. She fed Tiger but couldn't clean up the litter box with being pregnant but knew Allie would be up shortly. Kim decided to make pancakes since it was a special occasion. She knew Riley loved pancakes so this was something just for him. Letting him know how special he was. She made the batter setting it aside before cutting up the fruit. The whole family loved eating fruit so she always made sure they had plenty at all times. As she worked she heard an Adam coming down the stairs. It could only be him with the sound of the weight on the steps. "Good morning darling." Adam wrapped his arms around her holding her tight. "Good morning my love." Kim held on to his arms swaying a little.
"Pancakes? Riley is going to love this. Thank you darling." He kissed the side of her head as he helped her work. "Well he is special to us so this is what we do as a family." Kim smiled knowing this was going to be a great day. "Let's get this started." Adam commented as the couple started to work on making breakfast for their family. Kim set the table as Adam started the pancakes. When she finished she headed up the stairs to get the kids moving. Allie was up and moving already as Kim walked in. "Good morning my sweetheart!" Kim was happy seeing her daughter up and moving already. "Good morning mommy!" Allie ran to get a hug. "Sweetheart are you ready for breakfast?" Kim,asked knowing she was always hungry first thing. "I'm starving!" She was dramatic for sure about it. "Alright well head on down. Daddy Adam is making pancakes. And Tiger has been fed but needs his box cleaned out still." Kim watched her run for the stairs.
Kim headed to Riley's room next. "Good morning my sweet boy! Happy Birthday!" Kim whispered rubbing his back. She watched him roll over smiling sleepily. "Mommy." He snuggled deeper into her side. "Oh my sweet boy. How you ready to get up and go potty before heading downstairs for some pancakes?" Kim asked softly snugging with him. "Pancakes? Let's go!" He jumped up heading to the bathroom. Kim laughed watching him go. Kim,waited outside the bathroom giving him time before helping him wash his hands. They headed down the stairs after knowing breakfast should be ready. As he entered the room he heard his father and sister yelling happy birthday. He smiled happily laughing loving the exit attention.
"Riley give me a hug! My birthday boy!" Adam opened his arms ready for his son running towards him. Adam scooped him up spinning him around above his head, Riley giggling the whole time. Kim watched loving the bond they shared. It was beautiful to watch. "Are you ready to eat?" He asked sitting Riley on his hip. "So hungry!" He sighed dramatically. "Oh no he's picking up on Allie's sassiness!" Kim laughed knowing this was going to be rough in a few years. "I've been afraid of that." Adam groaned. "I hear ya. But let's eat while it's still hot." Kim knew the kids needed to eat and truthfully she was hungry too. Growing a Ruzek boy made her very hungry. "Great idea darling!" Adam settled the kids at the table so they could start to eat. The small family sat around the table happily eating their breakfast together talking about the plans for the day ahead.
Both kids were excited to see the whole family again. They loved having such a large family and having so many people to play with. Both kids loved knowing they could get someone to play with them one on one always. They were never bored and never left behind with the whole family around. It also meant both kids would crash hard later. After the kids were finished eating they were taken upstairs to get washed up and ready for the day. Adam handled the party equipment rental getting the bounce house set up for the kids. He also set up the splash pad and sprinklers to help keep the kids cool but also occupied during the party. The kids were dressed and brought downstairs again to play while Kim put the decorations. It was a very easy set up and the kids were beyond excited.
They were all surprised when the door bell rang. Adam headed over to see who was that early. They were surprised to see it was Eric with his brother Mark and sister in law Devon. "Hey guys! Come on in." While shocked he knew the kids would be thrilled. "Hey we figured we could help set up. Or keep the kids busy so they aren't in the way." Devin offered knowing it was difficult to put parties together. "The kids will be thrilled to see you all. Not sure what Kim needs help with but thank you." Adam was pleased to see them all. "Hey! Thanks for coming!" Kim came over excited to see them all. "We are excited to be here. We hear there is a new fur baby?" Mark asked having heard all about it from Allie. "Oh yes. Let me grab him now." Kim left to find the cat bringing back sitting on her hip.
"Oh wow I can't believe he likes that. That was P's favorite." Eric petted the cat's head. "Yeah I swear they are communicating somehow. This one even pulled my hair the other day. It's crazy how similar they are. But we love him." Kim kissed Tiger handing him to Eric knowing Eric liked cats but Mark and Devon not so much. The group moved into the living room seeing the kids playing. "Kiddos look who's here?" Adam called out seeing the kids whip around excitedly. The kids ran cheering to see their Aunt and Uncle. It suddenly got very loud in the house. "How about we take the kids downstairs for a bit?" Eric offered to Kim knowing she needed the kids busy and the house quiet for a bit. "That would be lovely. Tons of toys down there for them both. Have fun." Kim laughed as she returned to the kitchen.
"That was very nice of them to come early and to help out. That's huge." Adam smiled loving how that part of the family was trying. "Is it weird they didn't mention the baby?" Adam asked confused by that. "Um they had a miscarriage a few years back. Tons of infertility issues. So maybe it's just for them. Or maybe they know Eric isn't thrilled about it. I don't know. I'm not too worried about it. They could have also not wanted to take attention away from Riley, since it's his day." Kim shrugged a bit. "Oh wow. That's horrible for them. I can see them having a hard time being here. I feel bad now." He had no idea about that and was crushed for them. "Yeah it was rough for them. Still is. I don't blame them if this is hard for them." Kim,rubbed her belly a bit as she moved around the kitchen.
"Alright let's get the kids down for a nap before the party starts at 2. They need some sleep first." Kim knew it would be hell otherwise. "Alright I will round up the kids. Just try to rest a bit." He watched Kim laughed but he needed her to slow down some. The kids were brought up and carried to bed while the other adults helped to decorate outside. Mark got the coolers set and labeled. Devon got the tables set up with chairs. Eric hung decorations. Adam got the presents to the gift table while Kim set up the snacks for the party. It was all very simple. Kims mom was bringing the cake which was a big help for the couple. They all worked to get set up when the door rang once more. "I will grab it." Eric stated as he was closest. "Can I help you?" Eric wasn't sure who this was. "Ah yeah I'm looking for Adam Ruzek. Is he home?" The man asked. "Um yeah. Could you wait here please?" Eric watched while the man nodded. He closed the door before calling for Adam.
"Hey Adam. Some guy at the door for you. I don't know who it is." Eric stated unsure after the last time someone showed up looking for him. "Okay thanks." He walked to the door shocked when he opened it. "What are you doing here Roman?" Adam was down right shocked. "Um I needed to talk to you. Look I know things aren't good between us and with Kim. But I really just wanted to thank you for saving my life. I ah really appreciate it. The doctors said if you hadn't acted so fast I wouldn't be here. I can never repay you for that." Roman wasn't cocky. He was humbled by the horrific experience. "Well like I told your parents. I'm a cop first. I would never let my personal feelings get in the way of saving a life." Adam shook his head for a moment. "Look you are welcome. And you don't have to repay me for it. Just do yourself a favor. Take a long hard look at your life. Fix it. Be a better person, a better partner, a better man. That's how you repay the situation. Don't mess up this second chance for yourself." Adam didn't mince words but he wasn't rude either.
"You are probably very right. I will do that. I ah will let you be. I just wanted to thank you in person. You were owed that." He offered a hand shake and left. Adam watched him leave stunned by what just happened. "Baby who was at the door?" Kim asked looking for him since he had been gone a while. "Um it was Roman. He thanked me for saving his life. I told him to fix his life and better a better partner and man was how he could repay it. He seemed to take it to heart." He pulled Kim in for a hug. He needed to feel her close in that moment. "I'm so proud of you. You really are a beautiful man inside and out." She kissed him softly knowing they had company. "Thank you but you inspire me to be a better cop, better man, better partner and better human every day. Because you have the biggest heart and soul." He kissed her back before just holding her again. They both needed a moment.
"I hate to break this hold but we need to get the kids up. The party is starting soon." Kim really hated to break the hold but knew people would be arriving soon. And they really did need to wake the kids. "I know. Let me get the kids. I love you." Adam kissed her head still holding her tight. "Love you too baby!" Kim smiled allowing him leave to the kids moving again. Kim moved into the kitchen needing to get everything open and ready for their guests. Adam was back downstairs just as the guests started to arrive. Kim and Adam greeted the guests allowing them inside. The kids were excited to see each person. Loving all the hugs and attention they received. The kids were ushered outside to run around in the yard. A bunch of adults followed chasing the kids around.
Several adults even changed in swim wear to run through the sprinklers with the kids. It was almost July and hot outside so it was refreshing. Kim smiled hearing all the laughter outside. Adam took lots of photos of his son with all their friends and family. Honestly it was the best birthday since everyone was all together. The first year they didn't have separate birthday parties. Kim was bringing more things outside to the ice bath tray to keep the veggies cool. She added some salsas and dips but made sure ice was packed around them. Chips and pretzels in bowls on the table as well. "Kim darling. Please sit and relax a bit." Adam begged knowing she needed to slow down. "Okay but only for a bit. I have to host." Kim was never good at relaxing but during a party was particularly hard for her. "You don't have to host. I will. You need to start slowing down. Doctor's orders." He watched her nod a bit. He knew she hated it though.
By the time everyone had arrived Kim was on the deck resting with a drink in hand. "Kim wow you are resting." Kim's mother was shocked. "Doctor's orders I need to slow down. Between the 2 kids, being pregnant and a full time I need to slow down. I know I still have 5 months but I need to slow it down." Kim knew her mother would make remarks. She had filter and didn't even realize when she was being rude. "Well you could stop working. That would help." Her mother had no clue how to be subtle and supportive. "Yeah no. Kim can keep working till she can't but she just needs to slow down. It's a process and we will manage." Adam stepped in to calm the situation. "Yeah Kim's on desk duty already and we took away her radio so the stress level has come way down already." Voight commented knowing he was needed in the moment.
"Thanks boss!" Adam was thrilled he stepped in at that exact moment. "We all know she's pretty tactless so I figured I would help out. They all smiled as Kim moved to the yard to play with the kids who were soaked but having a blast. Kim even ran through the sprinklers a bit to cool off some. The best part was Riley's laughter as Kevin chased him around the yard. As the time passed by Adam just sat back hosting letting Kim relax. As the pizza arrived everyone moved to the deck to dig in. Kim helped the kids get situated with food only after they were wrapped in towels since they were dripping wet. After the kids were settled with food Kim helped herself staying close in case the kids needed something. Adam watched in awe of full momma bear mode happening before him. He loved watching his family.
"So Kim did you find out the sex of the baby?" Her father asked. "We did. But today is all about Riley. And we don't want to take away from his day." Kim didn't want Riley to feel slighted so she was happy to keep the baby a secret. "I think that's lovely Kim! Thank you for that!" Adams mom was very pleased with that answer. "Ry are you having fun today?" Adam asked watching his son eating. "Yes! So much fun!" Riley yelled out happily. "I'm so happy buddy! After pizza do you want to open your gifts?" He asked watching Riley's face light up. "I think that's a yes!" Kim laughed kissing his cheek. After everyone was finished eating Riley settled on Adam's lap as he opened all his presents. He happily hugged each person who got him a gift. He was really such a loving child.
After all the presents were open the cake was served. The whole group singing happy birthday as Riley giggled happily. The cake was eaten, the kids returned to playing. The laughter was definitely over the top but Kim wouldn't have it any other way. She loved this so much. Around 5 people started to leave but the team and family stayed to keep playing. Adam even noticed that Kim was in the bounce house with the kids laughing hysterically. "Um guys! Look at the bounce house." Adam pointed showing them all Kim was jumping. Everyone was cracking up watching her. She was having a great time with all the kids bouncing around. Adam took videos to show her later. It wasn't long before Erin and Jay joined as well. Voight cracked up seeing his daughter and son in law in the bounce house,
"Successful day huh?" Eric commented as he moved towards Adam. "Yeah it's been a good day. All I wanted was for the kids to be happy and for Kim to be relaxed." He watched as she exited the bounce house. She moved towards the deck but was a little unsteady. "Kim you okay?" Adam yelled out. "Yeah just a little dizzy from jumping around so much. Just need to get used to solid ground again." Kim was fine, really just needed a moment. As she got closer Adam sat her down right away and grabbed her a water. "Just sit for a bit. Bring the pressure back down." He watched her close her eyes and rest. "You want some more fruit?" He watched her nod a bit. "Okay be right back. Here's your water." Adam made sure she had a good grip on it before he headed for the fruit. Eric stayed close by just in case but she was good.
"Here you go darling." She opened her eyes smiling wide seeing all the fruit on the plate. Bob sat with them asking questions about the job. He knew it was a safe subject for the most part. Kim just munched away watching everyone running around with the kids still. Everyone would crash hard later that was for sure. Most people probably didn't even notice Adams hand was on Kim's wrist allowing him to feel her pulse as she ate and relaxed. He was happy to feel it slowing down again. He knew activity would increase it but she stumbled and that scared him. But she seemed to be doing better now. It was getting later in the night and many people had left including Mark and Devon. The Halstead's had left as Drew was crashing hard for the night. Voight and Al left as it was getting later and they were tired. Antonio had to get his kids so he had left but the family mostly remained. Kim felt like they were waiting till Riley was in bed so they could find out about the baby but she kind of hoped not.
The bounce house was picked up right before it got dark. The sprinklers turned off and splash pad picked up as the kids crashed out. Riley was laying on Kim enjoying the snuggle time and Allie was crashed on Eric. She didn't get this often so she was taking advantage of it. The group started to chuckle as Riley started to snore around 7:30. "You want me to take him up?" Adam asked knowing she was having a hard time carrying him. "I don't want to wake him but I can't carry him and the two foot child." Kim chuckled lightly. "Alright let me move him." Adam moved closer watching Kim kiss his cheek and whisper an I love you before he took Ry up to bed.
"Kim are you guys wanting a baby shower?" Kevin asked. "Um we really don't need much. We have so much from Allie and Riley. But maybe something small? Because Adam didn't get that the first time around. I really am trying to give him as many firsts as possible." Kim leaned back a bit more. "That's a good idea. I think he would like that. I know he has loved every minute of this pregnancy including the moments you freaked out. Leave that to us. We will plan something low key and small but perfect." Kevin gave her a side hug happy for his friends. "Thanks Kev!" Kim rested her head on his shoulder. Adam found her resting her head on Kevin smiling fondly. "Darling do you want to head to bed?" He wasn't sure if she was awake. "I'm good I'm just resting. Wild child is swirling right now." She never opened her eyes but she knew he was beaming.
"So Adam did we hear Kim say she's carrying a two foot child?" His mother had been confused by that. "Oh yeah. At our last appointment the determined that the baby will be most likely 9 pounds and 22 inches long based on current growth." Adam smiled wide settling next to Kim holding her belly. "Daddy Adam when with Chris be here?" Allie asked as the group gasped. "Well sweetheart Christoper will be here at the beginning of November most likely. I doubt mom will make it to the 15th." Adam answered smiling wide. "So it's a boy?" Kim's mother asked just to be sure. "Yup! And he's a giant!" Kim laughed. "How did you guys come up with the name?" Kim's father asked. "Well as we all know Kim and I met in North Carolina in July 2009. We both stayed on the same street. It felt like perfect name for our child. For our love story." He explained still smiling. "That's really sweet. Have you decided when you are getting married?" Bob asked.
"Yeah we decided May next year. After the baby weight is gone. Plus gives us tons of time to plan." Kim looked over towards her daughter who was now asleep as well. "Eric are your arms dead yet?" Kim laughed seeing her daughter sprawled out. "Um yeah the one is but it's not too bad yet. I'm gonna take her up before it gets worse." He lifted her up carrying her to her room. Kim got quiet again. "Alright let's break this up. Kim needs sleep so let's clean up and head out." Kim mother got the message loud and clear. Kim was exhausted and needed sleep. Everyone worked to clean up the house before leaving for the night. Adam pretty much had to carry Kim to bed. Not that he minded. "Darling I'm just gonna get you undressed quick. Can you stand for a minute?" He was fairly confident that she could but he wasn't sure if she was too asleep just yet.
"Yeah that's fine. Just tired from a busy day." She yawned again. "I know darling. Just two more minutes." He stripped her quickly just leaving her in panties and a shirt. He helped her get comfortable before heading to the bathroom to wash up. He returned to find her sound asleep with her hand resting on her belly. It was sweet and adorable to watch. He laid next to them with his arm wrapped around her waist. With one last kiss he fell asleep next to her. He loved his family. He loved how the day had gone. It has been a perfect day for both children. That was all he ever wanted for his family. His perfect family.