Chapter 31

The gathering of the family for Taren's first birthday was quite a turnout. The entire Stevenson extended clan showed up all carrying bags and baggage of baby toys, clothes, books along with picnic side dishes to go along with the grilled burgers, hotdogs and chicken. Adam and Sue joined in as well.

Once again the men tended to congregate on the patio around the grill and watching the kids in the pool while the women tended to stay in the living room passing Taren around. The older children swirling around the two groups in and out then into the pool.

"Taren certainly is a quiet child, Gale," Pat said holding Taren on her lap. "With all the commotion going on you would think he would be more fussy."

"Having a quiet child is a blessing," Susan said. "Tyler was fussy, loud, needed ear muffs with that kid until he got into the talking stage… has not shut up since. Will be mighty surprised if he does not get into some line of work that has him talking incessantly."

"Be careful what you wish for- he might get into politics," Judy laughed.

"Junior was noisy, Sara was quiet so I got one of each," Mary said. "Lucky me. Taren does seem more quiet, but then we do not see him every day. Who knows, he may be a screamer when company isn't around."

"No, not a screamer at any time…. so far, anyway," Gale said. "All in all a very good and easy baby, especially with Walter."

"He also does not seem very active," Pat said. "Have you been taking him in for regular check-ups and they have no problems with his development so far?"

Gale glared at her older sister. "Yes, have not missed one doctor appointment since finding I was pregnant, Pat. Taren has not had any reasons for the doctors to be concerned. Taren is healthy and quite within the norm of development for his age. That he is quiet is not a concern as far as the doctors said."

Judy stepped in. "Let's not argue about a year old baby's development especially on his birthday." Taking Taren from Pat. "Let's see how he likes his new toys," carrying Taren to the sofa and coffee table loaded with baby toys. Picking up a rubber duck and squeezing it to make noise gaining Taren's attention.

Walter, sitting on the patio by the door and ever observant, noticed Gale's glare and set jaw talking to Pat. When Judy and the others took Taren to the sofa to explore the new toys Walter strolled in from the patio and approached Gale, "is there a problem?" He asked quietly. "The only cause for concern seems to be in here. All the men are on the patio watching kids in the pool and discussing grilling methodology. You seem tense."

"No, nothing is wrong," Gale said with a smile. "Just a person without kids picking away at how those with kids are tending to them. Nothing worth getting upset about. So how are you faring? Learning everything you ever wanted to know about grilling?"

"I do not understand the focus on such an activity," Walter said with a slight frown. "They remind me of the egghead conferences- fixated on one topic."

"Ah, like you when you are focused on a problem?" Gale asked with a glint in her eye wondering how Walter would rationalize a difference between him and them.

Glancing at Gale awaiting his answer, he said, "hmmm, besides topic of focus, no, no difference at all. Your mood is now improved?"

"Yes, my love, as it always is when you are close," Gale replied looking into his dark eyes.

"Then I shall return to the patio to learn more about the pro and con of charcoal or gas grills," Walter said quietly and went to the kitchen for some coffee before strolling back out to the patio.

Judy joined Gale. "You're right, he is quite observant, like you said. Don't take what Pat says to heart. Not having a child, she absorbs everything she can about babies. Never understood why she and Eric never adopted. However, as you well know, book learning, while valuable needs to be tempered with actual experience with the subject. Pat, bless her heart, never learned that and probably never will. You have an exceptional husband in Walter; stands to reason you would have an exceptional child. Have you been in touch with his parents? They are in Ireland, right?"

"Yes, I send them pictures, videos, long messages on a weekly basis." Gale said. "They really are lovely people, but as Walter's mother has said, they were totally at a loss with Walter when he was a child."

"Do they give you any insights on Walter's demeanor as a child, how he behaved. While every child is different, that may give you an idea of what kind of behavior to look for, trends on development and the like," Judy opined.

"Yes, Walter's parents say they see Walter in Taren, and I don't mean just the looks. Same quiet, same looking at things, not the looking around, the looking AT something for a while then moving on to something else. What is really striking is how much Taren zeros in on Walter when he walks around carrying the baby. As he walks he talks, his voice seems to mesmerize Taren when all he is doing is talking mathematics, formulas, logic and scientific methods. I know, Pat goes on about fairy tales, myths, and fantasy stories to get the imagination fired up, but at a year of age, what is being spoken I do not think is as important as just the interaction. Walter is fascinated with the baby- he had never been around an infant, and Taren certainly seems to be fascinated with Walter…. they make quite a pair, and I can't get enough of watching them together."

"Sounds like quite a family dynamic you have going here. I am so glad all is going well with you," Judy said. "I must admit at first I was rather puzzled by Walter, his reticence, mannerisms, speech patterns, lack of jumping into conversations as people usually do. But, he has obviously made you happy, is certainly taking good care of you and the baby… you have yourself a good man, and I am happy for you."

"Yes, he is the best thing that ever happened to me," Gale said. "You have no idea how really wonderful Walter is- unusual, different, but wonderful."

"Let's see how the grilling is going, don't know about you, but I am hungry." Judy said, "the mother, daughter conversation centers around whether you are happy or not, and you are, so good to go. You do know you can always talk to me about anything, including when or if Pat gets too much into interfering."

"CHOW TIME EVERYONE," Tom yelled through the patio door. Everyone trooped out to sit at the patio tables to enjoy a picnic. Gale holding Taren on her lap, give him a chicken leg bone to gum, Walter by her side. "So tell me Walter, what was the final outcome- is gas or charcoal better?"

"There never was a general consensus, even after all the discussion between them. Then John came out with information on some new super-hot electric grill that, he said 'sears to hold in juices' and takes but three minutes to get to temperature. To be very honest, I ended up very confused and decided I will leave the grilling to Sue and Adam here, one of your relatives when they visit, or just go to a restaurant. If you need to depend on me for your sustenance, you will be very thin."

"Walter, you never cease to keep me entertained." Gale said laughing. "Was that the doorbell?"

"I will go check."

Walter returned with Ralph. "Hey Gale, can I hold the birthday boy? I will bounce him on my knee as I never have any idea what to get a baby." Ralph said. "Wow, he is looking more and more like Walter every day, huh? Sure has Gale's big, happy, ear to ear grin, though. Happy birthday, baby."

"I will take him off your hands so you can get something to eat," Walter said. "Well, my son, a year old and growing well." Walter turned to Gale, "has everyone made a big fuss over Taren? Is everyone happy with how he is growing?"

"Well, some say he is too quiet, some say he isn't active enough, some say he is doing just fine, everyone has a different opinion which is why it is good to ignore them all and listen to the doctors, and parents," Gale said. "Pat in particular is quite opinionated, but like mom said Pat is full of book knowledge not tempered by experience so basically take whatever she says with a grain of salt."

"She thinks he is not growing well?" Walter asked while holding Taren in the crook of his arm, the baby staring at him.

"Like I said, too quiet, not active enough, while Susan said Tyler never shut up, and Mary had one quiet another noisy. It all comes down to every baby is different, and I think Taren is just fine. He is healthy, attentive, interested in his surroundings, likes to play, and smiles a lot- what more could one ask of a year old baby?"

"We are going to have to get another toy box for all the stuff everyone brings every time they visit," Walter said in Gale's ear causing her to laugh. "I think one of the dogs made off with a squeaker bathtub toy."

"Look at that, Walter, Taren fell asleep." Walter looked down and sure enough, Taren was asleep even with all the noise, splashing, conversations going on.

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"I don't know about you, but, while I enjoy the get-togethers, I do love the peace and quiet when everyone leaves." Gale said to Walter as they were putting all the new baby stuff away. "Think you are right, a second toy box will be on the agenda….. Taren could open his own toy store and work on his first million before he is in first grade," Gale said closing the lid of the toy box. "Think he is down for the night."

"It is amazing how family gatherings are supposed to be relaxing, but don't really seem to be…. or is it just me?" Walter asked. "I find it rather stressful."

"Have no fear, it isn't just you. If you talked to Mary, John, and Eric who married INTO the family they also have feelings of stress due to being 'apart' from the main clan. You are just the newest 'new member' so not yet at ease because everyone else is finding out about you and your ways." Gale explained. "Family dynamic. Most important thing- mom likes you, she noticed your observation when I got a bit miffed with Pat. She remarked on it and said you are taking good care of me and Taren, so she is happy with you, the rest will fall in line or hear about it from her, and dad likes you, so you need not worry about family dynamics- you 'passed muster' as they say. But, to be very honest, I do not care what any of them say, if they like you or not- I love you, and that is ALL that counts. With all the excitement of today, Taren will be zonked out for the night, so shall we go have some cozy time just the two of us?" Gale said. "I am tired, but not sleepy, and want to snuggle with you, sound like a plan you can go with?"

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"Gale, come watch your son- he pulled himself up to a standing position- wobbly, but upright." Walter called to Gale. "He is going to be up and mobile under his own power before you know it."

"Yup, once they start moving up from the crawling it is off and running." Gale said. "Think I will put some plastic stuff in a bottom kitchen drawer for him, and another in the den. Bet he would like that. Think it might be best to put locks on the rest of your drawers or flash drives and hard drives will be all over the floor and in his mouth. One of your desk bottom drawers will be his favorite, I bet. He watches you closely so will probably want to be in the den with you."

"What is funny- I hear him babbling in his crib- working speech patterns, but he really doesn't babble much with us." Gale said. "I will have to ask the doctor about that next visit. It is like he does not want to say anything to us before he has it right. I put a potty for the little man in his bathroom, the hall bath, as well as in ours. It is early, yet, but never know when he will start to be uncomfortable with diapers, be aware of when he needs to wiz or poo." Gale said. "I remember my mom saying babies are not fully civilized humans until they are walking, talking and hitting the head themselves….. but, with four, I guess she had a point. Was probably pretty happy when the last of her diaper changing days came to an end."

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The weekly messaging to Walter's parents-

Hi Sean and Louise- do you remember Walter's first attempts at talking? Taren babbles in the morning in his crib, and when alone but not when being held by either Walter or me. He is starting to walk along tables for support and enjoys building blocks and then knocking them down again. Has been surprisingly neat as he seems to get a kick out of seeing how much of his stuff he can put in his toy box. Walter brought it to my attention the other day that Taren will throw everything he can in his toy box, and when the lid does not close all the way- he stood for a bit and took some stuff out and placed things in the box neater, not all jumbled up so the lid closed completely. Can see the little wheels in his brain functioning and, as Walter said, considering the 'cause and effect' of his actions. Walter is quite fascinated with Taren in his development from day to day, and I have never seen a baby so fixated on a person as Taren is with Walter. They make quite a pair.

Hope all is going well with you both- Gale

Louise wrote-

Gale, nice hearing from you as always. Walter babbled some, but generally was quite quiet, never really made noises, then popped out with full words and in short order sentences. Family actually thought he was deficient as he spoke so much later than other toddlers and would just stare at things or people- to the point of making people rather uncomfortable wondering what he was staring at them for. Walter was not your average baby, and it may be that Taren is following in Walters footsteps, if so, hope you handle it better. At least you have a better idea of what is going on than we did back then. Here on the farm, lambing going on. All the ewes have lambed without problems- we got lucky this year. Tell Walter we be thinking of him and hope everything is going well with you all- Louise

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"Walter, I told you his favorite would be the drawer in your desk. He certainly is daddy's boy." Gale said watching Taren pull open the bottom drawer of Walter's desk. "That wood frame for putting the squares and round pegs through- he has that all figured out already- think he is bored with it."

"Yes, appears so. I went through the books your sister Pat dropped off. The big numbers and letters- think he enjoyed that, but lost interest the third time around," Walter said. "He is chugging around pretty good now- did not take long to get through the crawl, walk, and on to running stage."

"I know- kid poops me out, but settles shortly before you come home- like he anticipates your return. Have you noticed the stuff he is bored with he puts in the toy box- the other books you haven't gone over with him are in your desk drawer. We need some interactive toys to keep his interest- just wish he would show some interest in speaking." Gale said. "The doctor is getting concerned he has not spoken any full words yet at twenty months."

"You hear him in his room- maybe he has nothing to say as yet," Walter said. "Still experimenting with sounds- maybe he will be a musician. I think I will pick up one of those electronic keyboards- think you could put up with the noise? The drumming on pots and pans did not last long. Glad that got boring pretty quick."

"I have to leave early tomorrow- doing some testing on components in the lab tomorrow and want to get a look at the results while test is on-going," Walter told Gale. "Plus the eggheads want to discuss the suggestions I sent in on the environmental building- the moon and Mars landers and robotics. Ralph has really zeroed in on the robotics, so he may be there, too. Ralph has been doing very well, and his work has helped his college buddy Wayne. Anyway, tomorrow may be a long day- early there and attend an egghead conference then discuss with Ralph afterwards, but should not be but twenty or thirty minutes later than usual getting home."

"Hi, Sue, Adam isn't back from the vet yet?"

"Nope, just a routine check-up but probably got caught up in traffic. Much prefer the early morning appointments, but had to take a late afternoon one this time," Sue said sitting at the kitchen counter. "Both dogs remain in the best of health, but Adam likes to take them in regularly."

"Yeah," Gale laughed. "Like I take Taren in regularly for check-ups."

"Well, we never had kids, so Adam takes his responsibility for the dogs seriously. As much as he fusses over them it is probably a good thing we didn't have kids- would have made him a basket case with worry."

"Adam knows to come over for dinner when he gets back, right?" Gale asked. "But then if not, you can bellow for him like he does us when we are supposed to be over there. Walter always gets a kick out of that- says all Adam has to do is send a message as the laptop lets Walter know and he checks immediately when it signals new mail."

"Well, getting Adam to NOT bellow would be hard. He is too used to bellowing to keep the lungs up to Marine standard," Sue chuckled. "As is said, once a Marine; always a Marine."

"Walter said he would be a little late this evening- testing components, egghead conference and discussion with Ralph after," Gale said. "The meatloaf is just about ready, want to start preparing the salad and I will get to mashing the spuds."

"That sounds like Adam in the truck with the dogs, so should be a bellow soon," Sue said.

"SUE!"

"See, told you. Back in a minute." Sue went out the kitchen door into the garage as the garage door was open for Walter to drive in when he gets home. Adam was unloading the dogs from the truck bed carriers. "You forget dinner over here this evening?"

"No, I remembered, just like to bellow and see you. The vet said everyone is in the peak of good health, shots up to date, teeth nice and clean," Adam reported with a big grin. "Good and healthy puppies. Walter isn't home yet?"

"Come on in and sit in the kitchen, everything is almost ready to go, Gale was mashing spuds and I am getting the salad ready."

Sue and Adam entered the kitchen to see Gale looking at Taren with a frown. The baby was sitting on the floor but had put the toys he was playing with back in the drawer.

"Gale, is something wrong?" Sue asked.

Gale turned to Sue and put her finger to her lips to signal quiet then continued to watch Taren while making the motions of mashing spuds. Sue and Adam sat on stools at the bar and watched Taren while glancing at Gale. It was now at least twenty minutes later than Walter would normally be home and Taren was sitting on the floor watching the door. Two more minutes passed then the Fararri could be heard making the turn into the driveway…. "WALTER," Taren yelled. "Gale, Walter home!"

"Holy shitski, that is the first that kid has spoken?" Adam asked. "Full sentence and perfectly enunciated?"

Walter walked into the kitchen from the garage to see Gale laughing, Sue and Adam with big grins, and Taren standing with his arms up to be picked up. He picked Taren up to cradle him in his arms and said, "so what is going on?"

"Walter, you son just spoke his first words," Gale said. "He said 'Walter. Gale Walter home.' So you are right, he just needed something important for him to say."

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