Sydney
“Goodmorning, Munchkins,” Colin’s voice croons softly through the monitor, and my post-orgasmic bliss turns into a warm, fuzzy glow as I settle into the pillow and listen to the sweetest man greet our babies.
“What’s that lip for? I’m here. Let’s get you changed, buddy. Are you ready for nummies?”
Carter gives out happy squeals as I hear Colin ‘nom nom nom’ on his little cheeks before a drawer opens and closes.
“You’re next, Princess. Daddy won’t forget you.
Yeah, there’s my sweet, smiley girl.” Wrenley babbles and lets out strings of da-da-das that I know Colin is grinning ear to ear listening to.
Carter blurts out a ‘no-no’, probably pointing towards sissy and letting her know who’s got Daddy’s attention right now.
He’s going to tell her how it is. Colin chuckles low.
I stretch out of bed and walk to the bathroom to get semi-ready for the morning. A quick wash down in the shower, hair day will be tomorrow, and some clothes sound like a good start. By the time I’m walking into the kitchen, Daddy’s got babes in their high chairs and plates on the counter.
“Goodmorning, Munchies!” I grin, watching their little fingers drop yogurt bites as they reach for me, toothy grins melting my heart. I bend to give each of them nose kisses, soaking up the way the sun is starting to streak through the big windows and splash across their tiny faces.
“Come on, Ames, you gotta potty?” Colin asks a patiently waiting Amy by the back French doors.
Her tail wags before coming into the kitchen.
She rushes into the room and licks Carter across the cheek, almost getting slobber in the dark blond locks that match mine, and he throws out his finger with warning, telling Amy ‘no-no’ while hoarding his yogurt bites.
Smart kid. Amy would try to nab them, but he doesn’t look mad.
That kid smiles, giggling at Amy as she follows behind Colin, watching in interest and shoving another bite into his mouth as she scampers out the door.
Bitsy stretches in the windowsill, coming down from her high place to rub around my ankles.
“Do you have a few minutes to yourself or something?” I ask my furball, bending to give her morning scratches.
She trills at me, and Wrenley babbles out a ‘kiki’ as she points to Bitsy.
This is Wrenley’s bud. Colin might have been replaced.
Bitsy stretches to sniff Wrenley’s outstretched fingers, and Wren shrieks, her dark brown locks bouncing around her shoulders, effectively ending that inquiry and sending Bitsy scurrying into the living room where she jumps up into the bay window to watch Amy run outside.
Colin tosses a ball a few times before leading the beautiful chocolate lab back in.
A happy sigh leaves my husband as he shuts the door and walks over to the food dishes to feed Amy and Bitsy.
The minute the sound of kibble is heard, orange and white fluff scatters beneath my feet, tearing ass through the kitchen before Amy tries to steal her food.
She makes happy sounds as she hastily chomps on her meal, Amy watching with interest. I see it before it happens.
Amy barks at Bitsy, practically saying good morning and simultaneously letting her know she wants to play.
Bitsy hisses her disdain, puffing up before warily continuing her meal.
Amy eats, but I know the shenanigans are just beginning.
Their back and forth never ceases to tickle me.
Colin pats Amy’s side before coming to give me a kiss on the cheek.
“Editing today?”
“Yeah, that’s part of the plan. I got a big ol’ list of suggestions and tasks last night.”
“You’ve got this. It’s going to be great.”
“Thanks, hun.”
“You bet. I’m going to go hop in the shower.”
After Daddy throws himself together, gets loves from us, and grabs his breakfast shake on the way out the door for the clinic, I sit back down at the island in between my two little miracles.
This past year has been a whirlwind of crazy, and there’s still some hard days, but all the love brings me back when I fight getting lost to the dark thoughts I’ve worked so hard to overcome.
Therapy has been good, and my writing has also been my place of serenity.
As much as I would’ve loved another baby someday, I’ve come to accept what this crazy life has given me, and these two little faces bring me all the joy and comfort that God’s plan for us, no matter the ups and downs, will be possible. I have everything I could ever need.
I check the time on my phone, grinning at the picture of all the babes, the new bestie squad, laid out in a circle on a blanket in order of birthdays.
Charlotte, Carter, Wrenley, Beckett, Luca, and Olivia.
Mark was ecstatic to have a little man, while Trystan proudly put on the pink shirt.
He says he’s ready for all the glitter. Brynleigh assures Mark that as uncle, his toenail polishing days are coming.
He swears it won’t touch his manly toes, but we all know, he and Trystan are going to be primped to the nines on future playdates.
I blow out a breath and look out the French doors, feeling Nana Mabel in the sunshine while watching the waves crash against the shore.
Today will be a great day to stroll along the beach with the wagon.
We’ll send Daddy pictures of our shell hunt and little toes being lapped at by the sea.
My forever stares up at me with all the love in the world, and our forever looks to be full of possibilities.
You guys! The idea that this series has come to its end had me reeling.
Thank you so much for coming along this journey with me!