Chapter 26 – Family of Four
Friday, June 30th, 2023
Gabi's POV
"You and Ronan got that hang of that so quickly!" The lactation consultant had been a godsend once she showed up in our room early on Thursday. She came to every single feeding yesterday and last night Ronan and I really got the hang of it. It wasn't easy, it didn't feel great, but we were both getting better. He was pooping and peeing and that reassured everybody that he was getting what he needed. I had the absolute best cheerleader in my corner with Troy. He moved mountains for me and made sure I was getting sleep at night already. The first night I nearly got seven hours of sleep. Last night I got about six. He was running on fumes I think but he only had a smile on his face. The love in his eyes. It was something I wanted to bottle up. That man was full of love.
We were going home this afternoon and Claire would be joining us tomorrow morning. She called three times yesterday to look at her brother and I didn't blame her. He was freaking cute. He was so snuggly, and I spent most of my day yesterday with him just laying on my chest as he was so content. He was happy and even when it was time to eat, he made the process so smooth. I appreciated it so much as a first-time mom. "I will let you two finish this feed. You have my cell phone number if you need anything once you go home." I gave Cindy another smile, "I appreciate it so much. Thank you." She nodded before waving to Troy and heading out.
Troy got up and he came over to sit closer to us and he kissed the top of my head. He left Ronan alone as he was suckling away. I had cried so much over the past two days, and everybody told me it was normal. My hormones were fluctuating a lot and then I had the cutest baby to snuggle. All of our friends and family were over the moon with excitement that we had a little boy. "I cannot wait to sleep in our bed," Troy said stretching out his arms and then closing his eyes for a moment. "You need to get sleep too," I told him, and his blue eyes popped open to look at me.
"I know and I plan on it when we get home, and you are in a more comfortable space. I want you to feel comfortable enough to sleep while we are here and if that was me holding him then so be it." I blinked my eyes again with the moisture – god, I was over the crying. "Thank you," I whispered because it was something I didn't know I needed. "This is your first baby and when we get home, I know you have every bell and whistle you want to keep an eye on him." I nodded my head as I did have an Owlet as I wanted that and then my nursing skills to check on him.
"I will take the first shift with him tonight though so you can get some sleep in your bed. After your first feed then we will both lay down. I'll be there with you the entire time." His fingers linked with mine and I truly don't think I could have done this with another person. Troy was by my side for everything, and I never had to ask. The fundal rubs, the moment they took him back to do his assessment and further checks – Troy did anything I needed. Troy kissed my hair again as I wiped away a few tears.
Ronan was falling asleep, and I gently stimmed him to keep eating because I didn't want him to lose that much weight. I didn't want to have something to stress over but I also knew it wasn't completely in my control. He had lost weight this morning, but they said it was normal and we would see our pediatrician on Monday. Sadly, that was easier said than done because the one Claire went to is up in Boston. Troy and I didn't know where we were going to go but we just had to pick one here for now. "Do you want me to change his diaper to wake him up a bit?" Troy asked as I was pretty sure he was taking notes on his phone with every lactation appointment we had.
My eyes peered down at Ronan as he was smiling as he ate sleepily. "No, he's okay. He's ate for almost fifteen minutes." Troy nodded as he finished packing up our hospital room. We tried to remain as hidden from the public as possible because we weren't ready to announce that we had our baby yet. I wanted to be home first. All the staff had to sign NDAs and our names we in as private patients. Even Ronan's wrist band didn't have his actual name. I kissed on his head once he was done. He snuggled into my chest, and I just held him.
I sniffed his tiny bald head that just had a dusting of hair as tears welled in my eyes. Troy turned at the wrong moment as the tears fell and his face fell, "El, what's wrong? Are you okay?" I just nodded as I kissed his head. "I just can't believe he's real. I'm sorry, I for some reason can't stop crying," Troy shook his head as he sat on the bed with me. "Shh, we don't apologize for happy tears." He whispered to me, and I couldn't stop if I tried. "He is our little miracle, and we get to take him home. Let him meet Ember. His big sister gets to finally meet him tomorrow."
"I can't wait," I smiled as Troy smiled back, "I can't wait either." Troy pushed a piece of hair behind my ear as I had taken a shower daily since having him and I couldn't wait to wash my hair at home. "After we get home and settled, and he eats again – can I take a long shower?" I asked him and I shouldn't have even asked because the look I got in response. "El, you do whatever you want to do. I will hold him the entire time. It's not a hardship," I laughed, and I looked down at Ronan again. "But if that is one of the things you want then let's do it."
"Thank you,"
Troy shook his head, "Do not thank me for being a dad,"
"But you've been more than that these past few days. You've been my rock. My calm. My everything in between. I want you to know that I am so appreciative of it all." He tilted my head back and kissed me, "Because I love you and I will do it every single time." I gave him a smile and he smiled back before I got another kiss. "Here let me change his diaper and put him in his outfit unless you want too," I nodded, "Yea, I do. You can change the diaper though," I teased, and Troy didn't flinch or care. He just took Ronan and put him in the bassinet to change his diaper. I got out of bed gingerly because I was sore, but I felt good. I had been walking around our room a lot to keep to ourselves and trying to remain active so that my body wasn't too sore.
I grabbed the cream sleeper that we had picked out so long ago when this was all a dream. I held the soft fabric in my hand as I went over to stand next to Troy. Ronan grunted and cried as he was naked and not on my chest. I smiled as Troy stepped to the side to let me dress him for one of the first times. He had a little onesie on yesterday, but it was ditched because we were doing so much skin-to-skin. Troy did skin-to-skin with him for a long time yesterday as we watched TV together. I pulled his tiny arms through and then tucked his legs in the bottom. Once I zipped him up, I grinned at him.
"We did it," Troy murmured as we both stared at the cream zip-up. "We did and he's going to do big things," Troy smiled as I picked up Ronan. I kissed on him and loved on him but I needed to change myself so we could leave when Dr. Miller told us it was time. I gave Ronan to Troy, and he sat on the chair and just stared at his son. I had snapped plenty of pictures of the two but what was a handful more? I finally changed into a tank-top with a pair of biker shorts with a zip-up gray jacket. I still had a pooch of a belly that remained. Dr. Miller said it will go down with time and Troy nodded. It was weird that Troy had watched another woman give birth and watch her body change to know what to expect. It was the part nobody truly talked about when you marry a man with another child. Yet, I loved that he knew so much because it eased my nerves when he said it was normal. That it had happened with Eve.
I slid on a pair of Birkenstocks when the door opened with Dr. Miller. "I have your discharge paperwork already to go. All appointments have been set and you guys can get outta here." I smiled, "Thank you Dr. Miller,"
"Of course, I am so glad this all worked out and you call if you need anything. Okay? I know you are going back to Boston sooner than later but just know I am a phone call away." I thanked her again while she went over some stuff with Troy about what to watch for at home. "It's normal to have any sort of baby blues or postpartum depression. Troy will probably recognize them first." She said glancing at me. "This is normal, and we can do a video chat if your back in Boston or you can come back down here, or I can hook you up with somebody in Boston. Do not be afraid to reach out."
I just nodded and my eyes flickered over to Troy as he pulled his lip into his mouth before letting it go. "Troy if you see anything you can reach out." Troy just nodded as they finished the discharge stuff, and she took another peek at Ronan. "He is just the cutest. We will have security escort you out to the back," Troy again nodded as his car was already back there. Once Dr. Miller left the room Troy handed me Ronan and he stood up to grab the car seat. He took a load of stuff down earlier when he moved his car to the back. "Hey El," I looked up at him and he turned his head. "If you ever feel any type of way – sad, angry, upset, frustrated – will you just tell me? I want to be there for you and your mind is one place I can't just know until I start to see things. The first few weeks can be hard, and I just want to be in your corner."
I sat Ronan in the car seat and moved the buckles from around him before I turned and pressed myself into Troy's body. "I will," I whispered into his chest. "Thank you," he whispered back, and he kissed my head. I buckled Ronan in after that and tucked a little football blanket around him. I grabbed my bag and once we were ready, they had me sit in a wheelchair as Troy balanced Ronan in my lap. He covered his car seat with a blanket so nobody could see. "You good?" I nodded as Troy grabbed the final bags as we headed out.
Four security guards walked with us as we were drawing attention mostly because of them but we both kept our heads down. Troy's hat was tucked low, and I looked pale and less of myself. Once we made it to the backdoors, we didn't encounter too many people and Troy lifted Ronan off my lap and opened the car door. I smiled watching him as he was a hot dad. He was wearing gym shorts with a plain light gray t-shirt. It framed those muscles as I pushed off and the nurse smiled, "Good luck and congrats! He is adorable," I thanked her as the security guards remained.
Troy back out as Ronan was tucked behind the passenger side as I went to the driver's side to climb in. Troy squeezed my hand, "Are you good?" I nodded as I peeked over at Ronan who was sleeping soundly. "Yea, I am. Let's go home." Troy nodded with a grin before he leaned in to kiss me. "I love you, El."
"Love you," he grinned before shutting the door. I reached over to grab Ronan's hand and held it the entire drive. My eyes focused on him, but he was so sleepy from eating earlier that he barely noticed. Troy went over the bumps in the driveway and into the house. Once the garage door shut, we both looked in the rearview mirror, "Welcome home, buddy," I whispered to him, and Troy smiled. "Can't wait,"
Troy's POV
Gabi was in the shower and Ronan was surprisingly awake at the moment. I took the opportunity as I hadn't heard from Eve or Claire much today to Facetime them. Ronan was between my legs on our bed as we got home and stared at Ronan until he was ready to eat. We just sat in bed and stared at him as Ember was sniffing him from time to time. Once he ate and I burped and changed his diaper. Gabi said she wanted to take a shower and I didn't blame her. I couldn't wait to take my own shower but for now? I was on Ro duty.
The phone rang for a moment as I kept it on my face for now as Claire grinned answering, "Daddy!" I smiled, "Hi baby, how did you sleep last night?" I asked as I talked to her right before bed. "Good! It was hard to fall asleep because I am so excited to come meet baby Ronan tomorrow!" I gave her a grin as I turned the camera to face him as his brown eyes open and his tiny fists were clenched near his face. "Mommy! Look! Ronan!" I smiled as Eve's face popped into the screen. "He's cute, Bolton." I smiled, "Thanks Eve."
"Where is Gabi? I want to say hi." Claire pouted and I chuckled, "She is currently taking a shower."
"Ah the post birth showers at home were the best,"
"I told her to take as long as she needs. He just ate and is happy," I gave him my finger to hold, and I gave him a smile. "When will Grandma get here?" Claire asked impatiently and I laughed, "She will be at mommy's house at 9 in the morning. You will be at the beach house holding your brother by noon." She let out a big sigh and I gave her a smile as I flipped the camera back to me. "Gabi needs a night at home and then you will spend the next ten days with us, Claire bear." She nodded, "I can't wait to hug you," she told me, and I swallowed on the lump in my throat.
"I can't wait to hug you and I can't wait to see you meet your baby brother."
"Me, too," she said with a giggle. I let her watch Ronan for a bit longer before hanging up and telling her I would call again tonight. I scooped up Ronan as I went downstairs to grab a water for Gabi and some snacks. I let Ember out back and she peed really fast before coming back in. "What should we order for dinner because there is no way any of us are cooking tonight," I told Ember and she just panted looking up at me. I rubbed her head as I carried Ronan back to our room where Gabi was finding some clothes in the closet.
"How was your shower?" I asked and she tilted her head back with a smile, "So good. So, refreshing. I needed that." I let Ronan lay on my chest as Gabi turned and those brown eyes melted. "Fuck, you look good with a baby." I just chuckled as I went over so she could love on him. "Hi sweet baby, my shower was less than twenty minutes and I missed you the entire time." I knew Gabi was going to be a good mom and I couldn't wait to watch it all play out. "After you are comfy and ready for him, I am going to take my own shower and then go run to the grocery store."
"No, I have a drop off order at like five. It has stuff to make salad plus chicken breasts." I turned my head, "When did you do that?" Gabi laughed, "The morning I went into labor. I was guessing on a date, but it worked out. I was just going to have my mom come get the groceries if we weren't home yet."
"Smart lady,"
"It has some snacks, ice cream, and a fun thing to do with Claire next week. It'll give you some time with Ronan and I will get some time with Claire." I just gave her a soft smile of appreciation because I knew when Claire showed up, I was mainly on Claire duty while trying to help Gabi as much as I could. Claire was staying Saturday to the following Monday. It gave her time with Ronan, but it then gave us time together again. She would have one more trip down here after that before we were all going back to Boston.
Ronan snuggled up to me and I kissed on his tiny little head. Gabi pulled on a pair of shorts and a tank-top with a zip-up jacket. "I want to lounge on the couch and watch TV down there." I just nodded as I grabbed her water and took Ro down to the living room. Once Gabi was settled in, I gave her Ronan and she just smiled at him. I kissed her head, "I love him so much, Troy. I didn't know it was possible to love something this much." I chuckled, "See? I told you it was a little different than Claire and you."
Her brown eyes flashed to mine, "Don't take that the wrong way, I love Claire so much," I silenced her as I cupped her face with my hand, and I kissed her. "I know it's different, baby. It's so different. I know how much you love Claire and I know you will always treat her like your daughter but it's something a little deeper with your own. The one you carried for nine months. The one I watched you carry for nine months." I kissed her again, "I promise, I didn't mean to," I shook my head. "Gabi," she just let out a breath and nodded. "I love her,"
I tugged her bottom lip, "I love all of you." Her lip twitched and she smiled. "You spent nine months carrying him around. Praying for him. Waiting for him. Yea, you're going to love him a little differently. A little harder." She swallowed and nodded while stroking his face. "I am going to take my own shower. Can I get you anything?" she shook her head as I tipped her chin back. "I love you," she smiled. "I love you, too.," I left them both on the couch with Ember laying nearby, the remote, and water. I took a fairly quick shower as I got the hospital scent off. I shaved once I was out and slipped on a pair of shorts with a loyalist t-shirt.
My phone rang as my mom was calling and I smiled, "Hey," I answered. "Hi, is everything good for tomorrow?"
"Yea, thank you for going to get her. She is going to be amped." My mom laughed, "I bet. I am also excited that I am the one getting her so I can meet my grandson." I chuckled, "I know. It's been nice for Gabi and me. She's getting the hang of breastfeeding and we're both tired. Tomorrow morning is for you, Claire, and dad. After that her parents are coming over on Sunday to meet him. Lucas, Gigi, and her sisters are coming over on Monday afternoon. Then we are having all of you over on Tuesday for Fourth of July." We had assigned everybody a day that way there was no confusion on when and where.
"I think it's smart. You both need time to get to know each other as a family. If you need any help with Claire, you know I won't mind spending a day with her." I nodded as I went downstairs and smiled as Ronan and Gabi were asleep on the couch. The TV was never even turned on. Gabi had him tucked on her chest and an arm firmly around him. "Monday morning? Ronan has a pediatrician appointment in the morning, and it would be nice to just take Ro."
"Yea, I can treat her to breakfast, and we can go do something together before I bring her back."
"Thanks, Ma. We might find another day later in the week too. I know I have to balance Claire and Gabi this week."
"It'll get better." She told me, "I know how much you want to support Gabi." I glanced over at her, and I smiled, "I do. She is doing so good, ma,"
"I know she is. I'll let you go but just send me the details." I agreed and smiled watching those two together.
Saturday, July 1st, 2023
Troy's POV
I cooked breakfast as it was almost eleven, but we all were sleeping this morning, so nobody wanted to get up. Ronan had a decent night. I stayed up with him until eleven when he was ready to eat again. I woke up Gabi as I sat up with her as she fed Ronan. Once they were done, I got him changed, swaddled, and back to sleep before we both crashed until about three in the morning when he was ready to eat. We stayed up laughing and staring at him after he ate. He was awake for a while, and we just laid in bed and watched him.
Once he went back to bed around five after he ate again, we both crashed until almost eight-thirty. Gabi went back to sleep after that feed, and I let her as I rolled out of bed. I showered, took Ronan out of the room, and got him all settled in. I knew he was going to want to eat soon so I tried to finish breakfast to let her eat before she had to feed him. He was still sleeping, and I went down the hall to our room to see Gabi scrolling on her phone. "You stole my baby," she pouted as I chuckled. "I did. He is sleeping in the living room. I made breakfast if you want to go eat before you have to feed him."
She tilted her head back, "And I Door Dashed coffee."
"Bless you," I bent over as I kissed her, "Come eat, please," I whispered to her because if there was anything I knew from my time with Eve – she went all focus on the baby and forgot to take care of herself. I wasn't letting that happen with Gabi. I didn't know better the first time, but I knew better this time. She nodded and I helped her up. Once she was on her feet, I circled my arms around her so tight. "I love you," I murmured in her ear. "After you feed him if you wanna get ready – maybe we can go for a walk later today?"
"We need to announce him so that we can leave the house without fear of people spotting us with a stroller." We both chuckled as we had time to announce since her due date wasn't for a bit. "Monday after everybody important meets him." I tucked hair behind her ear. "Plus, Claire will be here, and we need to see how all of that goes." I agreed as I walked downstairs with her as she went to peek at Ronan who was lounging in the swing down here that wasn't moving since he was sleeping. She smiled at him and took a picture before following the smells of breakfast. Ember was waiting for her as I went to the front porch to get our iced coffees.
I delivered one to her as I ate next to her while I kept my eyes on Ronan. My mom was texting me all morning that she had Claire and they should be landing anytime. I couldn't wait to hug her and hold her. Ronan started to move around and scrunch his face. I took one last bite of my food as I was nearly done anyways. Gabi took a sip of her coffee as she watched me move to grab Ronan. He let out a little cry as I tucked him into my arm, "Good morning, buddy," I murmured to him. I went to sit next to Gabi as she just smiled at him. "Oh, that's a cute outfit," she said as she tugged on the deep blue sleeper.
"Loyalist colors," I flexed, and Gabi laughed as we had newborn photos on the fifth here. He started to wiggle around more as he kicked his legs and those brown eyes looked right back at me. They were lighter than Gabi's eyes but not by much. "You get to meet your big sister today and she is going to absolutely love you." I murmured to him. Ronan cried again as I stood up to bounce him, "I can take him. I know he's hungry." I shook my head, "Finish. He'll be okay for a few more minutes," I told her, and she hesitated but looked at her plate to know she only had a few bites left.
Gabi finished her breakfast and took her coffee and water to the couch as she got comfy. I handed him to her, and she just smiled at him, "Hi Ronan, are you hungry?" he cried, and Gabi just laughed as she got them both in a good position to nurse him. They were both getting a little bit better each day but sometimes it took multiple times to get it. This was one of those times as he was frustrated and hungry. Gabi was patient and practiced all the things our lactation consultant told us. Once he latched, she let out a sigh of relief.
"I'm going to clean the kitchen. Claire should be here right before noon." Gabi glanced at the clock and smiled, "Perfect. She'll be here right after he's done eating." I cleaned up the kitchen and wiped down the counters when I got another text. I checked my phone to see they were ten minutes away. My eyes glanced over at Gabi who was still nursing him, but I knew I was going to get a minute with her first. I shut down the kitchen lights as the natural beach light filtered through the house. "Hi, Ronan, was that good?" my eyes glanced back over at Gabi who was smiling down at our son.
He burped on her shoulder as his eyes were heavy again. My eyes peeled back out front as I saw my dad's car and I grinned, "I'll be back with a big sister," Gabi just smiled over at me as I went to the front door and the moment my dad parked his SUV, I was yanking open the back passenger door where Claire typically sat. "Daddy!" she squealed, and I laughed as I unbuckled her seatbelt, and she latched her arms around my neck. I closed my eyes as I held her so tightly to me. "I missed you so much," I whispered to her and that tiny squeeze of her arms around me made my heart flutter.
"I missed you, daddy, I don't like not seeing you." I closed my eyes as I just held her tight. "You are here for so many days. We're going to have fun," I reminded her, and she just gave a grin as I carried her inside. I hugged my mom and dad who were both grinning from ear to ear. "You ready to meet your baby brother?" I asked her and she squealed with a nod. "He just ate so this is probably the best time." My mom squeezed my arm as we walked inside as I walked into the living room with Claire. Gabi looked up with the biggest smile on her face. "Gabi!" she wiggled down and went to greet Gabi who was holding Ronan. Claire glued herself to Gabi's side as Gabi kissed her head.
"Claire, meet your baby brother," Gabi whispered to her as I grabbed my phone and watched her fall in love with Ro. "Ronan," she reached out to touch his cheek and he tilted his head towards her. She giggled as she looked at Gabi, "Can I hold him?" Gabi nodded, "Of course you can," I sat my phone down as I went to help situate Claire. "Remember holding Jackson as a baby?" I asked her and she nodded her head, "Yea, mommy always told me I had to watch his head." I nodded as I put a pillow on that side. "You do. He can't control it yet. We have to help him," I told her, and she nodded her head with a serious look on her face. Once Claire was comfy, I helped move Ronan from Gabi to Claire.
Claire held him just like we told her too and he nestled into his big sister and Claire looked at me with those blue eyes full of tears, "Daddy, he's really cute." I laughed as my own tears filled my eyes watching them. "He is pretty cute, huh?" she nodded her head as she let a tear fall holding him. "I love him so much," I swallowed on the lump as I felt Gabi's hand on my shoulder as I watched my two kids interact for the first time. I reached up for her hand as I slid our fingers together. Claire stared at him with absolute fascination as I couldn't stop staring at both of them. Somehow – they both were the light of my life with Gabi right there.
"How about a family picture?" my mom said and I kinda forgot they were even there. I just nodded as Gabi sat next to Claire and I sat on the other side as we grinned. All of us towards the camera with Ronan in the middle. "The first picture of a family of four," I felt the pride in my chest with my family all here as my mom was taking peeks of Ronan as Claire held him. "This was better than I imagined," Gabi whispered, and I nodded, "I agree. I didn't know how it was going to feel but I love it." Gabi kissed my cheek and sat on my lap as we let Claire hold Ronan for as long as she wanted.
We took several pictures of her with him and when he started to get restless, she looked at my mom. "Grandma Sara do you want to hold Ronan?" my mom beamed but nodded as Gabi eased Ronan out of Claire's arms before handing him to my mom. "Oh, this precious baby," my mom sat down with him as Claire quickly crawled into my lap. I squeezed on her and kissed her hair, "Can we keep him?" I asked and she giggled with a nod, "We can. I like him a lot. I did really want a sister though." I smiled, "Hopefully one day but right now we have a brother for you."
"Can we go swimming later?" she asked, and I hesitated for only a beat because I could feel Gabi's stare from here. I knew what she wanted me to say without even looking at her. "Yes, we can." She threw her arms around me as I just held her tight. "I love you Claire bear," she smiled, "I love you more daddy,"
"Not possible." I whispered.
Gabi's POV
Watching Troy get choked up over watching his daughter hold our son? It made me cry. I tried not to let him see and it was easier than normal because he was so engrossed in the two of them. After Troy's parents got to meet Ronan and love on him, I took him upstairs to feed him while Troy got Claire lunch and got her ready for an afternoon of swimming. I put his Owlet on his foot and turned on the baby monitor for the first time as I was going to go outside and enjoy some fresh air with the both of them. I tucked him in his bassinet before I double checked all was working before heading out.
I heard Claire's giggle from a mile away as I went out to see she was riding on Troy's shoulders while he pretended to throw her off. Her giggles were wild, and Troy had his own beaming smile. He had to feel whole having all four of us under the same roof for the first time. His heart wasn't separated, and it wasn't yearning for more. We were all right here together. I slid the door shut as Ember looked up at me and I smiled as Troy glanced over. "You need anything?" he asked automatically, and I shook my head. "Nope. I am out here to enjoy some fresh air. Ro is sleeping and I want to hang out with you guys,"
Claire smiled wide just like her dad's smile. "You should get in!" Troy pulled her off his shoulders and kissed her cheek, "She can't go swimming for a few weeks," Troy told her as he tossed her into the water causing her to squeal. I laughed as she resurfaced, "Why not?" she pouted, and I pouted right back. "After having a baby, you have to stay out of the water for a little bit. It won't be too long though." I promised as once we got back to Boston, we would be close to me being able to lounge in the pool again.
"Like when I had my boo-boo?" she asked and I nodded, "A little like that. I have inside boo-boos that need to heal." She nodded in understanding as her previous check in late May went really well. Dr. Rich was impressed by how well she was doing, and he had little to no concerns. She had another follow-up in August to see how she was doing. Troy was getting better with each appointment as I think his anxiety towards it was better the further, we got from the diagnosis. She was doing well, and I loved watching her play.
Troy chased her in the pool as I looked out to see the beach full of people as it was Fourth of July weekend. We were having our families over to celebrate but we were just going to watch from here as we didn't want Ronan around all of those loud noises yet. I gave a smile towards Troy as he winked over at me. I checked on Ronan and the sun felt so fucking good. I let my eyes shut for what felt like just a moment.
"El, baby," Troy's voice was quiet, and I blinked open my eyes as I grabbed the monitor to see that Ronan was still sleeping. Troy was changed out of his trunks and his hair was so much blonder in the summer. "Hey, wanna take this nap inside? I hated to wake you because you looked so comfortable." I laughed as I was in the shade on our lounger, but I just nodded, "I need to be productive anyways," Troy shook his head as he kissed my cheek. "You just had a baby like four days ago. Give yourself grace, baby."
"How long did I nap for?"
"About an hour. Claire was finally done swimming and she wanted to go watch TV for a little bit. I kept checking on Ronan while you slept." I nudged towards the umbrella and Troy laughed, "Yea, that, too. I didn't want you sunburned. The sun did feel good, and I am glad you got some sun today." I reached up to hug him and he lifted me up. "Wanna go lay down next to Ronan?" he murmured, and I shook my head. "No, I want to lay on the couch with you guys. You can bring Ronan to the living room. I do wanna hold my baby."
Troy took me to the couch where Claire was watching Bluey. He went to our bedroom and came back with Ronan who was fussing in his arms, but Troy was so gentle with him. "Did you have a good nap?" he stopped and changed his diaper on the floor like an expert diaper changer and I swallowed on the lump watching him. He was such a fucking good dad, and I was so lucky to have nabbed him. To have his babies. Ronan cried as Claire looked down as Troy was zipping his sleeper back up. "Daddy, why is he mad?" her eyebrows scrunched together and Troy gave her an easy smile, "Babies don't like to be cold and when we unzip him and take off his diaper he gets cold. He'll warm up soon though," I took him from Troy as Ronan laid on my chest and almost instantly calmed down.
Troy kissed the back of his head and then my forehead before sitting next to Claire. He had to be running off fumes as neither of us slept that much last night. He got up earlier than me today and he had played with Claire. Once Claire was engrossed in the show again, I nudged him with my foot. "Sleep tonight," I told him, and he started to shake his head, "I'm okay," I turned my head, "Troy, you have to be exhausted. I'll hang out with him tonight and once we get into bed after eleven you can get up with us during the feed, but I want you to get some sleep."
He tried to object but I nudged him a little harder with my foot, "We both need to sleep. Plus, I know you need to get back to your workout schedule." He frowned at the mention of work as we were both enjoying the bubble we were in at the moment. Just us. No work. No football. No outside pressure. "I have one tomorrow like at nine. Do you want me to change it?" he pulled his lip in nervous for my answer, but I shook my head. "No, you need to work out. You can't be out of shape showing up to training camp."
He released his lip and he exhaled, "I can take Claire," Claire whined at that, and I chuckled, "We'll be okay. Claire is going to be my big helper, isn't she?" Claire nodded her head and looked over at me. "Yea! Daddy I will help Gabi with Ronan." I gave Troy a pointed look and he just sighed. "I'll be home before noon. I'll bring back lunch before you parents come over." I just nodded in agreement as we could do this. I scrolled my phone as I had my new editors making the TikTok for Ronan's birth. We had filmed some segments here and there, but my favorite was the one where Troy just had his phone recording the sound facing the ceiling. You could hear him cry and then my own cry of relief.
Troy's announcement of being a boy and I just grinned as I couldn't wait to share it with the world on Monday. I had Sara record the whole meeting Ronan with Claire and I just sent those videos off to be edited, too. I couldn't wait to share this part of our lives. I wasn't going to share the kids too much as I wanted the content to be about me – as a mom. Not about my kids. But they were too cute to not share every now and then. "Gabi," Claire whispered, and I looked over at her as I smiled. Troy was fast asleep on the couch with Claire snuggled in his arms. "Daddy is sleeping," she whispered, and I nodded, "Let him, baby. He's been so helpful to me and Ronan. He needs some rest."
She just nodded and went back to watching the show as I snapped a picture of those two and then of Ronan napping on my chest. He was going to need to eat soon, and I was nervous to do it in front of Claire. I don't think Eve ever breastfed, but it was also something that I was going to have to do. Once Ronan started to wake up, I pulled my zipper on my jacket down and I helped him latch. Thankfully, he took to it pretty quick this feed. I relaxed into the couch as this was something I was enjoying more than I thought I would. Watching him nurse and knowing that my body was providing the nutrition that he needed? It made me happy.
Starting this week, I wanted to pump some to have a supply. I knew I wasn't going to be able to be with him all the time. I wanted to go on dates with my husband. I wanted to have a night away. I needed milk for those moments, and I wanted Troy and Claire to be able to feed him a bottle. I watched Ronan when I felt Claire move. I glanced up as she moved out of her dad's arms, and he just tucked his arm closer to him and never even woke up. "Gabi what is Ronan doing?" she peered at him, and I smiled as I patted the spot next to me. "He's eating," I told her.
Claire scrunched her eyebrows together and turned her head to look at him. "How?"
"When you become a mommy your breasts, so these," I pointed to mine for reference, "Starts to produce milk for the baby. The babies latch on and can suck out the milk. It's pretty cool if you think about it." Claire stared down at her own chest and then back to mine. "Will it happen before I become a mommy?" I shook my head, "Nope. Only after. The human body is pretty freaking cool. It knows how to produce milk for the baby, and it has all the good things babies need in them." Claire turned her head and smiled, "That is cool. Jackson had a bottle."
"I think starting soon Ronan will have a bottle, too. They make devices to help get all of the milk out. That way you and your daddy can feed him." She grinned, "I can?" I nodded, "You sure can." I couldn't stop my smile as she leaned into my side, and she held onto Ronan's foot as he ate. Luckily that didn't distract him as he ate for a while before he pulled off. I covered back up and I burped him, "Can I hold him again?" she asked, and I nodded, "Of course," I got them both situated as Claire told him about each of the characters in Bluey. I smiled watching them. The tears were hard to stop as I felt so lucky. To have him. To have her. I shook my head as I wiped a few tears away.
Once Claire was done holding Ronan, I put him in his swing, and I ordered in dinner. It was one of our favorites and once it showed up, I made sure Claire was eating. I looked at Troy still sleeping, and I didn't want to wake him, but I knew he was probably starving. "Hey," he took a breath and his blue eyes popped open. "Fuck, I didn't mean to fall asleep." I just laughed, "You needed it. You didn't miss anything besides well I had to explain breastfeeding to your daughter. Sorry if that causes any questions," Troy just chuckled as he pulled me down onto him. I snuggled up with him. "She was going to find out eventually."
"Yea, I could go back to sleep like this," he murmured in my ear, and I kissed his chest. "I had dinner ordered in. If you want to eat if not then get some more sleep," Troy nodded, "I am hungry. Let's eat," I pushed off of him and he sat up and then got off the couch. Claire was happy to see him, and he sat with her as they ate dinner. I grabbed my dinner to sit across from the two of them. My eyes constantly checking on Ronan as he was asleep and safe. Troy reached across for my hand as he threaded his fingers through mine while we ate dinner. This was the best.
Sunday, July 2nd, 2023
Troy's POV
My shirt was drenched with sweat as this workout has been brutal. It had been since Wednesday that I had a work-out and I felt it – everywhere. "How is the baby?" Elliott asked as I ran out of here when Gabi called me. "So good. Gabi is in love with him, and Claire is just as smitten. I hated leaving them this morning." Elliott chuckled, "I bet. Those first handful of days are the best." I nodded in agreement because they were the best. Sleep was a bit better last night. I went to bed first because Gabi made me, but I did need the sleep.
I got up with her at eleven and then again at three. He went to bed a hell of a lot faster, so we all went to bed faster. He woke up again at six and Gabi fed him as I got up to get the day started. She went back to bed while I made sure Claire had something for breakfast. She woke up around seven thirty and she sat on the couch with me until Ronan cried around eight. Gabi came downstairs to nurse him as I fielded questions about breastfeeding from Claire. Claire ate her breakfast as I had a protein shake and pre-workout before leaving.
Gabi promised she would call if she needed anything and so far, my phone was silent. "Couple more things and you can get out of here." I nodded as we went through another series of workouts. I nearly collapsed after the last one. Elliott just chuckled, "Fun times," I just waved my middle finger at him. I sat up on the turf and I reached for my outdoor shoes and put away my turf shoes. I grabbed my cell phone to see a picture from Gabi. It was of Ronan sleeping on her chest and Claire coloring. I hearted it and stretched out before getting up.
"Thanks, Elliott. Tomorrow at six?" I questioned and he nodded, "Yea, do you want to do six from now on?" I just nodded, "Yea, that way I can be at home while Claire is awake." Elliott just nodded as I waved and headed out. I grabbed lunch for all of us and then grabbed coffee for Gabi and me. I text her parents to come over whenever so they could meet their second grandchild. I pulled into the garage as I headed inside. "Daddy!" Claire squealed and I smiled as it never got old to get that greeting. "Hi, did you help Gabi?" I asked her and she nodded her head, "I did. She showed me how to change a diaper and I got to help burp him."
I gave her a high-five, "Good job," I kissed her temple before setting her up with lunch. Gabi walked over with empty arms, and I pouted, "Where is Ronan?" she laughed, "Sleeping. I want a hug," I couldn't deny it as I pulled her into my arms. "How was it?" I asked her and she smiled, "Good. Claire was great and Ronan slept and ate. It wasn't bad, I promise," she patted my chest, and I captured her hand. I kissed her palm, "Your parents will be here in a little bit. I am going to jump in the shower before I eat. Elliott and I moved my workouts to six."
She balked, "Troy," I shook my head, "That way I can just get them over with. I can spend all day here with both of you and it isn't hanging over me." Gabi let out a sigh and she pulled on her hair, "I invited all of our siblings over tonight." She said and I raised an eyebrow, "I hate not being able to go anywhere with him because we haven't said anything. That way they all meet him and then we can just announce it. I want to go on walks, and I want to get out of the house with him." I cupped her face, "Sounds like a plan to me. I just didn't want you to feel bombard with people."
"I appreciate that," she whispered to me, "But I need out of this house." I chuckled as I kissed her. "Tomorrow, we have his appointment at nine and then we can get Claire. Go for a walk or something." Gabi nodded as I kissed her one more time as she found her lunch while I went to our bathroom to take a quick shower. I glanced at my tattoo of Claire's footprints on my body, and I couldn't wait to add Ronan's. I had an idea for his and I couldn't wait. I had the hospital do a special one for me and they turned out amazing.
When I went downstairs, I smiled as Ruthie and Danny Montez were holding their second grandchild. Their smiles beaming as they looked at Ronan. Danny came over and clapped my back as I shook his hand. "Thank you for taking care of her." He told me and I gave him a smile, "I wouldn't have it any other way. She was a rockstar in there," Danny just gave a smile, "I bet. She seems to be doing well." I nodded, "She is. I am making sure she is getting sleep and food. She is absolutely smitten with him." Danny smiled as we both looked at Gabi. She was sitting next to her mom as they both were staring at Ronan.
"How is it with two?" he asked, and I smiled, "So good. I didn't know how my heart was going to expand but it did, and he is right there. Watch Claire hold him was like a dream come true that I didn't know I had." Danny chuckled, "I know. With all four of them it just kept getting better and better." I went over as I hugged Ruthie, "You did good, Bolton." I chuckled, "He looks like his mom. I'm not sure what I did." Ruthie balked, "He looks like the both of you." I smiled as I squeezed Gabi's shoulder as I made sure Claire was doing okay before sitting with them. They both took a turn meeting their grandson.
It wasn't long before all of her sisters were here. Fawning and oohing over Ronan. He wasn't put down for the longest time and when it was time to eat Scarlett sat with Gabi on the couch. She gave her some tips and I hung out with Layla, Sophie, and her parents. Claire was perched on my lap when Lucas walked in with Bethany. "Bethany!" Claire grinned jumping down as Claire grabbed her hand and drug her to meet Ronan. Lucas gave me a smile and he smiled at Sophie, too. She nodded towards him, and he exhaled before coming over.
"How are you doing?" he asked with a pat on my back. "Good. Gabi is doing great, Claire is loving it, and I am just happy." Lucas chuckled. "Good. I'm glad. I told everybody you were off the clock for now." I took a drink of my water, "Good, because going to a workout every day is going to be hard enough." Gabi came back into the kitchen with Ronan as Lucas grinned, "Look at him, might make him sign a contract now for my representation." I laughed as did Layla. Gabi's parents hugged all of the girl's good-bye and told us to let them know if we needed anything.
Lucas held his nephew and we both shared a knowing smile that it was what I needed. Gigi came flying through the door and she nearly knocked Lucas over. "Give me him," I just laughed as I went over, and I hugged on Gabi. "You doing, okay?" she nodded with a smile, "This is what I always dreamed of. Our families meeting him. Getting to bond over him." I nodded as I kissed her cheek. She leaned back into me as everybody got a turn to hold him and as the sun dipped down and pizza was delivered, we were all laughing. I could see how tired Gabi was and I knew most of the family around the table could see it, too.
They all kissed Gabi's cheek and made dates to come back. Daxon was holding Auggie, and we took a picture of the two cousins. "I can't believe he is going to be that big one day." We both just shared a laugh and once our house was quiet, Gabi fed Ronan while I got Claire ready for bed. "Can I spend the night with Bethany tomorrow?"
"I'll talk to Uncle Lucas," I told her as I pulled the blankets up on her. "I love you," I told her, she smiled, "Love you, too. I had a fun day,"
"Yea?"
"Yea," I smiled as I kissed her cheek before heading back to our room. Gabi was just letting Ronan lay on her chest as they were both naked and Gabi smiled. It was still only eight pm, but we all knew it was bedtime. "I'm posting it," I just nodded as I would share it on my page as she watched it. The tears welled in her eyes, and I kissed her temple. "They are going to love him," she just nodded as she wiped away a tear and pressed post.
I went to my page and quickly reshared it.
The caption she chose.
Finally, a family of four.
I just smiled before kissing her and then kissing Ronan's head. "I love you," she swaddled Ronan and then wrapped her arms around me after laying him down. Her head pressing into my neck. "I have never felt so full and happy in my life." I just chuckled, "I know what you mean."
Happy (Late) Sunday! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!
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Next Update: April 6th
