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Things got better with Nevaeh’s sleep pattern once we made it past the first two months. Having Paisley offer sage advice and tips as both a nurse and mother helped immensely with a newborn.
Being a parent is a gift, and I am already hoping we can love more children in the future.
Once Nevaeh finishes her bottle, I turn her over and burp her, then remove the bib from around her neck. If you want to keep a fresh outfit pristine, then have a towel or bib handy.
I kiss my daughter and snuggle her against me. “Let’s go see what fun Rory is having with Auntie Alice and Uncle Matty.”
We make our way outside, walking to the eggshell-colored tiny house that Matty and Alice now call home. We currently only have three tiny houses for guests to book.
Tucker and the MacDougalls moved it closer to our home on the left side for more privacy. With Jensen’s skills, we added a much bigger decking. A white picket fence surrounds the house and garden, blooming with sunflowers. I love this time in June when Sunflowers are standing tall in the wine country fields and now, here on the property. Tucker was adamant I sowed seeds to enjoy the flowers that bring me joy, so we have our own small field of them that I can cut and load vases up around the house and sell to locals, donating the proceeds to the local animal shelters and food banks. I buy bunches from florists who import them when they aren’t in season here.
I knock and wait.
Teagan knew Alice didn’t want to be far from Matty, so she rented a place and moved her sister in with her until we thought of this solution, and they moved onto the property a year ago.
We installed personal alarm buttons in the bathroom, bedroom, beside the couch, and in the kitchen, in case they need help from us or have a medical reason. They know to push that button any time of the day or night—no matter what.
The door swings open, revealing Matty beaming a smile. “Hello, Ophelia and Nevaeh. Welcome to our home.” He stands aside to allow me past to walk in.
“Why, thank you, good sir.” He is a proper gentleman and so proud of their independence.
I spy Alice with Rory, playing with building blocks and dinosaurs on the floor.
I wave to my wonderful sister-in-law. “Hi, Alice—”
“Mama,” our three-year-old adopted Down syndrome son calls out, getting up slowly and walking toward me, grabbing hold of my leg. He came into our hearts and home eighteen months ago. We were his foster care parents until we could make it official.
“Roreee,” I reply, matching his enthusiasm, reaching my hand to cradle the side of his head while he hugs my leg.
Meanwhile, Matty has helped Alice up from the floor to sit on the couch. Her arms were already in position before she spoke. “Let me take Nevaeh for you while you love Rory.” Alice adores spending time with Nev and holding her.
“That will be a great help, honey.”
Matty holds his hands out and carefully takes Nevaeh from me, making sure her head is supported and walks the short distance to the couch before sitting and placing Nev in Alice’s waiting arms.
We make sure they get time with Rory every day to do activities with him. Matty still works with his father at the garage, but he gets a generous amount of time off during his working week.
I crouch down to give my son squishy hugs with sound effects and soft kisses, which always get him giggling. His curly blond hair tickles my face. Our son is our cherub. “Hello, beautiful boy. Mummy missed you, but wow, look at the fun you have been having with Auntie Alice and Uncle Matty.” He’s so cute in his navy shorts and dinosaur T-shirt. Rory loves dinosaurs.
“Blocks.”
“Let’s sit down and make something together.”
He nods.
I stand, taking Rory’s hand, and look over at Alice and Matty, who are mesmerized by Nevaeh as much as she is by them. We walk to the blocks on the floor and sit on the cushions and get busy building.
I love my life.
Tucker
After pulling into the garage, I set the rest of my plan in motion.
Tucker:Shamus?
Shamus:I am at Alice and Matty’s house with the wee ones and coaxed Ophelia to have her swim fifteen minutes ago
Shamus:Matty has confirmed she is face down in the water doing her thing
