Chapter Text
“You’ve got the all clear.” Effie tells me at my 35-week appointment. Peeta has driven me in for my check-up after four weeks of bed rest. Effie wanted to monitor me for the month and if there was no progress I’d be allowed off of exclusive bed rest and allowed to do more with a few restrictions.
"That's great." I tell her with a relieved smile.
“I bet it is. You hadn’t had any contractions?”
“Just Braxton Hicks which I had the entire pregnancy with Addie.” I tell her. “But no contractions.” I tell her with a smile.
“That’s good.” She smiles and smiles at Peeta and Adeline who sit in the chair beside the exam table. “I assume you did everything?” She asks Peeta.
"Yep but it's Ok. It's for the health of both of them." He smiles. "She did manage to organize a lot though." He laughs.
"Most of my high-risk Mom's do." She laughs. "Let me guess, the nursery?"
“Yes.” I laugh. “And Addie’s birthday. I did a lot of online shopping.”
She laughs and places the gel on my belly to perform the ultrasound. "Hopefully some nice things for yourself too?"
“A few nice things.” I tell her. “Mostly stuff for Addie’s room and the nursery. It’s so hard to know what to buy for the baby though. I mean I have a few boy things in case it’s a boy to get started but we can recycle Addie’s things if it’s a girl.”
“That’s where you’re family and friend come in to help you out.” She smiles and grabs the wand moving it over my belly.
Our baby appears on the screen, fingers in mouth sitting like a budda. The heartbeat is steady and strong and Effie is happy with everything.
"Good heartbeat. I think Button just gave you a little scare but wasn't really ready to come out just yet. I think they realized how warm and cozy it was inside.”
“I hope so.”
“I still want you to be careful and limited in what you’re doing. Still no intercourse or long-distance travel. Just limit yourself. You have made it this far but I want you to get to at least 37 weeks."
I nod understanding where she's coming from and tell her I won't let her down. I also want Button in until 37 weeks at least.
We had planned before my pre-labor to go and visit Nancy and Dave around this time but with my strict bed rest and a travel ban, we put those plans on hold. But Nancy and Dave decided to come down and see us instead. They had been itching to see us and with a break in their schedule for about 6 weeks they decided to do a bit of family bonding and traveling around to see their family and close friends. They'd be arriving tomorrow and spending five days with us.
Effie lets us go with another pamphlet with some more info on my unrestricted bed rest and the dos and don’ts for the following few weeks.
“It’s going to make it nearly 4 months until we can have sex again.” I say to him as we drive home.
“I know.” He says sadly. I feel sorry for the unexpected dry spell but he’s being a trooper.
“Maybe we can break the rule if I reach 37 weeks. I’ve heard it’s a good way to bring on labor.” I suggest.
“What if Effie finds out.”
“She won’t.” I tell him. “We’re in the clear at 37 weeks and I’d be more than happy for baby to come out then.”
“Let’s just wait and see.” He says, a slight hint of a smile on his face.
He helps me inside, carrying Adeline on his hip and into the house. It’ll be nice to be able to do more now. I’m still not allowed to do housework, long walks, any lifting heavier than Adeline or anything too strenuous but can now walk down the stairs, play with Adeline, get her to bed and other things. Peeta was heading back to work for a couple of hours a day and working right up until the baby came where he’d be off on leave until the new year.
He goes to finish making up the spare room where Nancy and Dave will sleep. Jack and Liv would sleep in Adeline’s future room and Henry in with his parents or in with his siblings.
I was so excited to see the kids and hold them in my arms again. From our Facetime sessions, I knew they missed me and were excited to see me and meet Adeline and Peeta.
"Time to wake up sweet Addie." I coo to my 11-month-old who is dead to the world. She's overslept from her usual 11 hours and I know the later she wakes, the more her schedule will be pushed back today.
She stirs, rumbles and rolls away from me.
I laugh, touch my hand on her back and rub it softly. "Come on sweet girl."
She rolls back over, opening her eyes before she hides behind her hands, not yet ready to face the world.
In the past month, her hair has grown longer and darker. Her eyes bluer. She's grown up in front of my eyes so quickly and is slowly morphing into a toddler. Just over 3 and a half weeks and she'll be our big 1-year-old and soon a big sister.
I watch her wake up and wonder where she got the whole not a morning person thing.
“Come on sweet girl.”
I lift her out of her crib, change her diaper before taking her down to have breakfast and get ready for our guests to arrive.
I attended my first playgroup yesterday and they were all concerned, asking me how I was and helping me with Adeline.
And there was no Glimmer. Just Clove and her daughter
From what I’ve heard, the Nanny was caught with Clove’s husband one afternoon when he was supposed to be at work and Clove at the gym. Glimmer defended the husband, which brought on an argument and it came out that Glimmer had fooled around with Clove’s husband a couple of times which ended the friendship immediately. Clove kicked out her husband and she’s doing everything on her own and doing well. Without trying to keep up with Glimmer, she’s a different person, she’s friendly, funny, kind and caring. She’s a great mother and hands on. She invites the others around for play dates and asks those who are having a bad day to coffee or how they are going.
It’d have been nice to get rid of Glimmer before and have the real Clove for the last 9 months.
Adeline and I hang out for the morning. It’s a warm morning and we go out to the garden and get some fresh air. Adeline plays with the grass and the dirt and I sit and watch her take in the world. She was definitely going to be like me and enjoy the outdoors.
She watches a butterfly flutter by and goes silent and still as she watches the colorful creature fly around her. It lands on her nose and Adeline goes cross-eyed and giggles as she’s tickled by the butterfly’s wings.
“Is it tickling you?” I ask her.
She cries when the butterfly flutters away, landing somewhere else and makes a move to catch it.
I catch her attention with the bugs in the garden, snails, and ladybugs and she's happy looking at nature.
Birds chirp from high up in the trees and we chirp back, Adeline wanting to touch them but I convince her just to listen and watch.
I can't wait until its spring, my favorite season where we could sit in the backyard and watch the world come to life. Where we could go for hikes high up into the ranges and overlook our hometown and watch nature in a whole different aspect.
“Come on, Missy Moo.” I tell her when the birdsong has stopped and she starts to get a grumpy, ready for her mid-morning nap.
I sing her to sleep, watch her sleep soundly in her crib before I tear myself away from her side and exit the nursery with the baby monitor in hand and go and wait for our guests.
Nancy, Dave and the kids arrive just before midday.
"Hello, my favorite people." I greet them, swinging the door open.
Liv is the first person to move for a hug and I carefully embrace her.
“Hey, sweet girl.” I greet her. “I’ve missed you.”
“Me too.” She replies.
I greet Nancy and Dave next with a quick embrace and go to embrace the boys. Jack doesn’t want anything to do with me but obliges for an embrace. Henry embraces me but I notice the confused look on his face.
“Aunt Katniss, you still have the baby in your belly." He emphasizes the still and I wonder if he still thinks I'm pregnant with Adeline since I was around the same stage when I last left them.
"No Henry, this is a new baby." I tell him. "I'll show you, baby when she wakes up from her nap."
He’s not convinced but nods. I lead them through the house and the kids set up in the living room with their toys. They were so good at self-play and not needing their parents. They had patience and an understanding which was great for Nancy and Dave, especially with the traveling and movie sets the kids are always on. And Jack and Liv do a good job at entertaining Henry.
“How are you feeling now?” Nancy asks.
“Better.” I tell her as I boil the kettle. “It was scary at the beginning when I didn’t know what was going on but now I’m more relaxed.”
“I could imagine how scary it would have been.” Nancy says.
“I was so glad I’ve gotten to this far along without delivering.” I tell her, rubbing my belly. “35 weeks is better than 30 weeks.”
“But look at the advances in technology and how well preemies do now. Button would have been fine.”
“That’s what Peeta kept telling me.”
We catch up the three of us, Dave popping in and out to check on the kids and it’s just like old times.
Peeta comes home just as Adeline stirs and he chats and entertains while I get her from her crib, change her diaper and bring her downstairs. She’s a little shy at first and wants just me and then eventually Peeta, hiding her face in his neck.
“She’s grown so much.” Nancy frowns as Peeta holds her, offering her some fruit. Nancy had seen her at just a few months old when she stayed with us for a few days. Adeline loved her and was at that stage where she just giggled and smiled and mimicked us all.
“I know.” I tell her, frowning too because my baby won’t be my baby for much longer.
“She’ll always be your baby, even when she’s a big sister.” Nancy reminds me. “I just want to squeeze your cheeks though, Addie.” She coos and Adeline grins and buries her face into Peeta’s neck.
It becomes a game for a little while until she hears the kids in the living room.
“Uh-Uh.” She groans, fighting to be put down.
Peeta puts her down on the ground and she makes a quick move towards the kids. We follow her, watching her reaction and she freezes when she comes to the living room seeing three kids playing. Three that she has never met before in person.
She’s inquisitive and we all chuckle at her watching these strangers invading her personal space.
She sits up on her bottom and watches them intently. The kids haven’t noticed her and Adeline watches, narrowing her eyebrows and watching with such intensity.
Liv notices her first and smiles. "Hi, Addie." She greets her. Adeline looks at Liv and shuffles towards her, still leaving a distance between herself and the kids. Henry and Jack turn their attention to Adeline and smile at her.
Henry gets up and goes to her, handing over his dinosaur. Adeline snatches it off of him and smiles, dribbling like there’s no tomorrow.
“Ba.” She coos at him.
“Do you want to come play, Addie?” Jack asks her showing her more of the toys they have.
Adeline scoots quickly across the carpet and sits with the kids, happily joining in and the kids allowing her to terrorize their game.
I see Nancy smiling. “They’re going to be such good friends growing up.” She says.
“I hope they have a bond more like cousins.” Dave adds.
“I’m sure they’re going to have a strong bond.” Peeta smiles, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me closer to him.
“Uncle Peeta, can we make cookies please?” I hear Jack ask.
Adeline and Henry are both down for a sleep. Dave and Nancy have gone for a drive and to explore more of our hometown. They loved traveling away from LA and having the sense of freedom to be themselves within reason with no sneaky paps or crazy fans. But with the kids with us, they were more at ease in case they were asked for photographs.
And it makes my heart surge, hearing Jack calling him Uncle Peeta. They’d only just spent the day together and I can sense how comfortable the kids are.
“Would Mom allow it?”
“She says we can have them as a treat?” Jack says. “I just remember Mom saying how good your cookies were.”
“We can make them as a treat for afternoon tea.” Peeta agrees. “Alright, you can be my apprentice then Jack. Liv, do you want to help?”
Liv and I were doing some colouring in together.
She nods and leaves my side to go and make cookies. I watch the monitors and then get up slowly following the kids into the kitchen.
I find Peeta has quickly found aprons and chef hats and is tying them up for the kids. They were way too big but adorably cute for a photo opportunity and to show Nancy and Dave later.
I watch how naturally Peeta moves in the kitchen with the kids. I know his kids spent their whole childhood sitting on the kitchen bench watching him bake and found their love for baking from these moments. He taught them the basics and gave them his own tips and tricks, which kept the attention of the three of them.
I couldn’t wait until Adeline was old enough to be his assistant, sitting up on the bench and helping him measure out ingredients and creating something together. He usually sits Adeline up in her high chair if he’s cooking and she’s ready to get in and help but she’d be more of a hindrance than helpful.
Henry and Adeline eventually join me in the kitchen, Henry joining in on the baking and Adeline and I curled up together in the nook with the afternoon sun shining in on us. Adeline and I snack on fruit and crackers and I enjoy this. I know this is how I could spend my Sunday afternoons for the rest of my life. This is the life I want to live with my beautiful family bonding over baking, cuddles and lazy Sunday afternoons.
And I could actually consider having a big family, four kids and another on the way.
But that might be wishful thinking.
Peeta smiles up at me from across the room and I smile back at him. We silently decide this is how we’ll spend our Sundays from now on.
“Uncle Peeta?” Liv says.
"Yes, Livy?"
“Will you marry, Aunt Katniss?”
“Maybe one day, Liv." He tells her. "We're happy as we are. And we're a bit busy with Addie and the new baby. But maybe one-day Aunt Katniss might want to make me an honest man."
I laugh and the kids look confused at my outburst. “You wish I’d make you an honest man, Peeta Mellark.” I smirk. The look I give him drives him crazy and our no sex rule has him going crazy but he’s abiding. Just.
“Like I said, I’m happy living our unconditional life.” He smiles at me.
“Me too.”
With nearly a hundred cookies cooling, we decide on a walk to the park. The kids had cabin fever and were going a little crazy with the sugar. Nancy and Dave still weren’t back from their adventuring. And I knew the chance of the kids being recognized would be low with them hanging out with Peeta and me in a park 6 hours away from their hometown.
“You sure you’re up for the walk?”
“I’m fine, I won’t break.”
“Just take it easy.”
“I’ll just push the stroller and sit on the bench.”
The walk exhausts me but I soldier on for the quick trip down the road. Peeta carries Henry on his shoulders, holding Jack’s hand while Liv walks with me, holding onto the stroller and chatting away to Adeline. The two older kids are happy running around, playing a make-believe game. Jack tags along, which turns into a chasing game of monsters and hide and seek and Peeta and Adeline join in as best as they can.
I happily snap the afternoon and take Adeline to push in the swing whilst the kids and Peeta play. She’s craning her neck and turning her whole body the entire time she’s on the swing to watch the shenanigans and I give up and let her crawl after them. She’s quick and catches them often and laughs when she tags them.
“Run, Addie, run.” Peeta encourages her, running to get her to chase him whilst the kids chase after Adeline slowly.
“We’re gonna get you, Addie.” Liv yells as they chase her, pretending to be monsters.
And I reiterate what I said before; this is how I want to spend my Sundays. A lazy day at home followed by some playtime at the park where we chase our children as the sun shines on their faces and their little minds grow and are nurtured by the earth.
I receive a text from Nancy, telling me they’ll be home shortly and I decide it’s time to head on home.
Henry rides in the stroller, half asleep and Adeline in her father’s arms. I push the stroller and Jack and Liv hold onto the sides as we walk home.
“What’d you do?” Nancy asks with a laugh as she notices how tired the kids are.
“Good old park fun.” I tell her as she lays Henry on the couch next to Liv and Jack who are quiet and sleepy. We put on a movie for them and they quietly watch a movie whilst we have an afternoon snack.
Adeline sits in her swing in the living room with the kids watching the movie and I knew she’d be asleep soon.
“How was your afternoon?”
"Relaxing." She tells us. "We just love if we can go somewhere and not be recognized for the entire day."
“I bet it’s a hard life especially up in LA?” Peeta says.
“It’s stressful some days. You just learn to deal with it but it’s unfair on the kids to be followed and have activities ruined because we’ve been followed or the paps show up.”
“That’s why we love getting out of town if we can and just enjoying ourselves.” Dave follows up.
“Well, our door is always opened.” I remind them.
“As is ours to you.” Nancy reiterates. “When you’ve had Button, you four should come for a visit when you’re ready. We’d love to have you and return the hospitality.”
“We’ll see how we go adjusting.” I laugh.
“You’ll be fine.”
My parents and Peeta’s kids come over for a Sunday roast and his kids meet the people I talk about so fondly.
Mom and Dad had met Nancy when she visited earlier this year but were yet to meet Dave. But it’s like they’ve known them forever and conversation never stops.
The kids happily take to Nolan, thinking he is goofy and silly. And he is, he’ll make a great father one day. Madge and Camille also win over the kids and they happily play games of go fish, Legos, monsters and hide and seek.
We eat dinner in the dining room, which is large enough for us all to fit with plenty of room for more. Peeta’s cooked enough for our whole family but it’s a nice evening.
Mom and Nancy go and get the kids into the bath, watching them and then getting them dry and dressed ready for bed. Adeline fights her bedtime and we don’t fight with her.
The three kids go to bed without a fight and Adeline sits up with us as well all chat and they share some wine amongst themselves.
Everyone starts to call it a night and I farewell my family, kissing and hugging them goodnight.
Nolan had moved out to live with his sister and I hate to admit it but the house feels quiet without him there. Without hearing his goofy jokes and swearing. He’s like his father, just a bit ruder and no filter what so ever but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s got a big heart and will do anything for his family.
When I was on bed rest he’d do his best to come over and entertain me. He’d show me funny videos, new Netflix shows and gossip about things he’s heard at work or open up telling me things he doesn't share often, like his insecurities, things that got him in trouble, crushes, dreams, and goals for the future.
He’s a wonderful boy and I’m so glad I can call him my stepson.
The other two were great as well, they’d come and paint my nails, do face masks and watch a movie with me. They’d do my hair when I was feeling like crap and focused a lot on self -love, and care.
The two opened up to me about their own secrets and insecurities and I feel like our relationship dynamic has shifted tighter together and we're like a real family.
“We always wanted Dad to find someone who complimented him and let him be himself. We’re glad he’s finally found someone like you who lets him express himself and just be him after years of hiding what he loved and who he was to the world.”
It’s just easy with him and I find him supportive of who I am and who I stand for. He’s just a wonderful human I’m so glad I can share my life with.
“So, what are we doing today?” Nancy asks. They still had two more days here before heading back home.
“I’m thinking girls’ day.” I tell her, feeding Adeline. “Peeta said he’d take the boys out and do something that excites them and we can have a girls’ day.”
“Can I come?” Liv asks from the bench.
“Of course you can.” I tell her with a smile. “Do you want to get your nails painted?”
She nods with a smile. I used to take her out all the time when I lived in LA. Usually to give her a break from two brother’s. She could be a tomboy, not afraid to get her hands dirty or play outside games of football and soccer but she liked to wear her dresses, and play princess and have tea parties. I liked to let her express her feminine side as I had found growing up that I enjoyed the pampering as much as I enjoyed the outdoors.
“And can we have sushi?” She asks.
“I’m sure we can find a sushi place or maybe somewhere else.” Nancy suggests.
Once the kids are wrangled and dressed I drive Nancy, Liv, and Adeline downtown to the mall. Peeta would take Dave and the boys to trampoline world to burn off some energy and then maybe to go fishing, bowling or go for a walk around some of our favorite trails.
Nancy and I decide on some retail therapy first. I had a few bits and pieces to get for Halloween and Adeline’s birthday.
“What else do you need for the baby?” Nancy asks as we walk the aisles of the department store.
“Not a lot. I think we’ll just play it by year.” I tell her. “We’ve been so spoilt by everyone.”
“I bet.” She smiles. “Have you got a car seat for Addie? Cause I forgot to do that when Liv was born.” She laughs. “Dave had to go out and get another car seat installed because we just forgot.”
“Nope, we’re prepared.” I tell her. “Peeta is installing them this weekend.”
I pay for the few items I’ve found and we head on down to the day spa to have our nails done. Liv looks like she’s at home up in the salon chair with her feet in the foot bath. Adeline sits on my lap and we both get out feet massaged and our toes painted. I chose a soft purple and the beautician paints Adeline's toes the same color.
“Peeta better start saving his money cause his little girl is going to want manicures and pedicures all her life.”
“She’ll probably have a steady hand to paint her own nails.” I laugh. “She might be able to start doing mine.”
Adeline is so good during our pampering. She happily sits on my lap and gets her nails painted and hands and feet massaged.
I get my eyebrows done the same time, shaped and tidied, as I knew I was running out of time before the birth. I had an appointment next week to get my hair done as well. Peeta making sure I was treating myself to some R&R before the baby came.
“Oh, I need a dress for my maternity shoot.” I tell Nancy.
“When is it?”
“Wednesday morning when you guys leave.”
“We’ll find you something.”
“And Addie.” I add.
“And Addie.” She laughs.
She’s a good shopper, finding me something for my shoot. We were gifted a maternity shoot and newborn shoot at my baby shower and Peeta booked it for us as something to look on and do. I never was one to be this flaunting but I decided it’d be nice to look back on these photos when I was older and remember the time.
We were so old-fashioned in our pregnancy announcement, that we didn't actually announce it. A photo from 4th of July confirmed it for everyone with one Peeta put up of the three of us in our attire and my belly noticeable. Everyone questioned and we then announced it afterward with a photograph of Adeline smiling and a onesie that read future big sister to stop with the messages and questions.
I didn’t officially announce I was pregnant with Adeline either. I was mostly embarrassed that I was pregnant after a one-night stand. And my announcement was a photograph of Adeline at a week old telling, everyone, she'd been my best-kept secret. I tagged Peeta in the photograph so his family and friends knew as well that he'd become a father again.
There were many questions about our relationship and a photograph of us at Christmas, kissing in front of the tree with our 6-week-old daughter confirmed our status for them all and a simple caption of ‘My perfect Christmas'. We didn't strut our lives for the world to see, it was mostly photographs for our family and close friends that informed the world of our doings.
I might be a bit more active with the doings of Adeline and Button but I’d probably forget and just spend my time and energy on the two of them.
She finds me a dress, one that I could wear in our newborn shoot and something cute for Adeline. It semi matches me and her chubby legs look adorable in the romper suit.
“And you two can wear that for the newborn session.” She tells me. “Who’s doing your hair and makeup?”
“Camille was going to come and help me.”
“Oh, you’ve got everything sorted.”
She pays for the clothes, shooing me away as I try to pay with my card. “Don’t be silly.”
We head for lunch. A Mexican place taking Liv’s fancy and we sit in a booth together and enjoy our nachos and tacos and ask Liv what she wants to do next.
“Um.” She says and looks at her mother.
“Anything, Liv.” Nancy encourages her. The kids were spoilt but had a good head on their shoulders. They knew when things were treats and that they had to work for certain things. Nancy had reminded her they were on holidays and anything they got was a treat. They weren’t needy kids either. They could be entertained by a coloring book and the outdoors.
“Can we go to the big play center?"
She must have seen the play center on the way here. It’s huge and you can’t miss it.
“How about on the way home?” Nancy suggests. “There are a few things I just need to have a look for before we leave if that's ok?"
Liv nods with a happy smile and finishes her nachos. Nancy finds herself in little boutique shops, finding little gifts and treasures.
“Word of advice.” She whispers to me. “Start Christmas shopping as early as possible.”
“Got it.” I reply with a smirk.
She leaves with a handful of bags and Liv points out a photo booth.
“Just like old times, Katniss.”
“Come on, let’s jump in.”
The four of us squeeze inside the booth and pose with silly faces and goofy smiles, each of us getting a copy each.
“Look at you there, Liv. You look like a monkey.” I laugh, tickling her sides.
She makes Adeline laugh with the monkey noises she makes and I’m glad I have goofy Liv in my life. That Adeline has a ‘cousin’ like Liv to show her it’s good to be silly and expressive.
We finish up in the mall and head on to the indoor play center where the boys meet us all. Adeline wakes when we enter the center and Peeta takes her to the infant’s area despite Adeline wanting to go on the big slides with the kids.
“Not for a few years yet.” Peeta tells her with a smile.
We wear the kids out, watch them race on plastic bikes and cars. Adeline is completely smitten with the Crazy Coupe Car. She’s pushed around in it by Jack. She also falls for the plastic trike that Peeta helps her ride around in.
“Guess what she’s getting for her birthday.” Nancy laughs.
“That’s a good thing she likes the car cause Prim is buying her one.” I laugh. “What a relief.
“Prim can be the one who pushes her around then until she learns how to use her feet?”
“Yes.” I laugh. “But she’s cute she’ll convince anyone to push her around.”
We finish up when Adeline is in the midst of a tantrum having fallen over and I know she’s ready for her afternoon nap.
“You can stay here, I’ll take her home.” I tell Nancy and Dave.
“We might stay for a little longer, maybe take the kids for a look around.”
“We’ll see you at the house then.” I smile at them.
“Dave, can you go and get Liv’s car seat?” Nancy asks him.
He nods, follows us out to the car and takes the car seat to put in their SUV. I nurse Adeline before we leave and get her settled in the car before we head home, Peeta stopping at the grocery store first and then the bakery.
We have a quiet afternoon, I snooze on the lounge whilst Peeta prepares dinner and does some work.
Nancy and Dave and their tribe arrive home just before dinner with arms full of gifts.
“What’s this?” I ask them.
“A thank you and a treat.” Nancy tells us, placing the bags on the floor of the living room.
“You didn’t have to.”
“We know but we thought why not.” She shrugs her shoulders and I embrace her to thank her, trying to not cry.
There are a few things for Adeline. Gifts that they are given to her as an early birthday gift.
There's a ride-on trike like the one she played on at the indoor play center that Dave gets to task in building. A baby doll of her own with a few accessories like a stroller and some clothes. Some books and clothes.
“Thank you.”
Adeline is taken to the baby doll and carries her around in her arms as she shuffles around the house. She tries her best to sit in the stroller but we have to keep lifting her out.
“Like this.” Liv says, showing her what to do.
But Adeline goes to sit in the front and makes us all laugh.
“She’ll get the hang of it eventually.” Nancy assures Liv with a smile.
Peeta and I are spoilt with gifts as well. There are gift vouchers that are quite high in price. Some little goodies like bath oils, candles, and pampering packs. Some cooking utensils for Peeta. Ones to update the aging appliances that he hates to throw out but is causing him more grief than anything. And then a two-night stay for two weeks time at the six-star resort that is about 45 minutes from here. Nancy schemed with my mother and father to watch Adeline for the two nights whilst we get treated to a beautiful view, luxurious food packages and couple massages and everything else. This retails in the thousands but they tell us we deserve it and they know some people down there.
“You always do this to me.” I tell her.
“I know but you deserve it. You both do.”
“I have to repay you.”
“No.” She stops me. “It’s a gift. Enjoy it.” She smiles. “And you helped Dave and me out so much when you lived with us that this is our way of showing our appreciation."
“Thank you.” I embrace her. There’s another gift she tells me to open in the privacy of my bedroom without the kids watching and tells me to take it away.
We eat another homemade meal, eat apple pie for dessert and get the kids bathed and to bed.
I'm beat after today and call it an early night, saying goodnight to everyone before I drag myself up to bed. I open the gift Nancy told me to in my bedroom and it's a beautiful sunset colored lingerie. A matching bra and panty set. There's also a forest green teddy and matching panties.
I set the lingerie pieces back into the box and lift up the note.
Even if you think you look like a beached whale, Peeta still thinks you’re beautiful.
I recall a conversation we had a few ago where I expressed my doubts of feeling unsexy and beached whale like especially the further along my pregnancy went and she told me that it was just my own self-doubt. She obviously had asked Peeta what he thought of me and we always told me I looked beautiful. He thought the whole nurturing a child made me look even more beautiful and would be sad when I wasn’t pregnant anymore.
I place the box on my side of the wardrobe, hiding them from Peeta and go and grab my things for a shower.
Peeta finds me in bed, later on, his arms searching for me and pulling me to his body.
“They are too good to us.” He whispers with a slight smile.
“I know. They have the biggest hearts and so much love to give to everyone in their lives.” I tell him. “They spoil their friends endlessly and also generously to charities all the time.” I exhale a deep breath. “Liv donated her pocket money today to a charity. She didn’t have to but she went up, put her $50 in a tin for a local boy and went about it like it wasn’t anything. Do you know how proud that made me? Nancy had the biggest smile on her face that she’s teaching her children all about being generous to those who don’t have a lot or need a helping hand. She’s taught the kids that it might be them one day that needs the help.”
Peeta smiles against my shoulder.
“I was in tears when I saw Liv just hand her money over and told the collector that she hopes he gets better soon. I lost it.” I laugh slightly. “These pregnancy hormones are making me go crazy.”
He laughs, kisses my shoulder and pulls me tighter to his body. “Can you promise me we’ll teach our kids to be generous?”
“I promise you we will.”
“Thank you.”
I’m holding Nancy tightly on Wednesday morning. I don’t want her to leave.
“We’ll see each other as soon as can.” She reminds me.
I nod into the crook of her shoulder and she holds me tighter. We'll organize it between their schedules and our lives.
“And we’ve got Facetime and texting.” She reminds me.
“It’s still not the same.”
"You'll be fine, I'm leaving you in Peeta's capable hands." She laughs. "Promise me you'll take it slow these next few weeks and keep Button in until at least 37 weeks."
“I promise.”
“Keep me updated.”
“We will.” I tell her. “You’ll be one of the first to know.”
She kisses my cheek and rubs my belly. “Be nice to Mommy, Button. I can’t wait to meet you little one.”
I hug Dave goodbye, and then the three kids who hold me tightly in their arms and each kiss my belly.
“We’ll meet you soon, Button.”
They kiss Adeline goodbye and then Peeta. Holding him just as tightly as me and kissing his cheek.
“Thanks for everything.” Jack says to him.
I’m so glad the kids gave him their approval and they see him as an Uncle to them all.
“I miss you already.” I tell the three of them. “We’ll try and visit when Button is born.” I tell them. “How does that sound?”
They all nod with a smile on their faces, say goodbye to Adeline again and wish her an early 1st birthday before leaving for the car.
Nancy hugs me again and kisses Adeline on the nose before she leaves us.
The kids are strapped into their SUV and they beep as they drive off, waving to us out the windows of their car.
And I want to cry but Peeta holds me in his arms and kisses me.
“We’ll see them sooner than later.” He tells me. “Come on, we’ve got a photo session to get ready for.”
Camille makes me look beautiful, curling my hair and enhancing more my natural beauty. She doesn’t go over the top and I thank her. I’d get dressed at the studio where we’d take some indoor photos and then head outside to get some photographs outside if the weather behaved.
Adeline sleeps for the beginning of it and the photographer works with ease and quickly. Cressida has known Peeta for a little while as a customer of the bakery and they joke and laugh trying to relax the atmosphere. Adeline soon joins us and despite her persistence to be in her dad's arms, Peeta makes it work. We soon forget Cressida is there and act like ourselves. Outside, I shine even more before we come back inside for a few more shots of more in natural form with my bare stomach and our bodies covered in sheets but it's my body and it’s an artwork to Peeta. He loves every curve and always describes my body like it’s an artwork if I criticise myself. He turns coal into diamonds the way he speaks and I’m appreciative of such a caring and beautiful partner.
“Beautiful.” Cressida compliments after our final photograph. “I’ll let you get dressed and I’ll show you some of them.”
I quickly get back in my jeans, Peeta’s sweater I’ve stolen and my boots and come and look through the photographs she’s taken of us. It’s almost a mini family session rather than a maternity. And I can see so many of these photographs hanging up in our home. Cressida’s style was authentic and intimate and I couldn’t wait for the newborn shoot.
“Thanks so much for today.” I thank her.
“No worries, Katniss. It was nice to finally meet you.” She smiles at me. “You have a wonderful family.”
“Thank you.”
“And I can really tell you all relaxed.” She smiles. “Peeta rang when you were put on bedrest to say we might have to cancel and I knew he was stressed, even after he confirmed you’d still be in. I think it’s something nice to look forward to and celebrate your family before the new addition.”
I smile because she’s right. These things we’re doing now together as a family are celebrating our impending arrival and celebrating Adeline as our baby but soon to be big sister.
"I'll be seeing you at the end of next month."
I nod. Thanking her again and taking Adeline from Peeta as he wheels the stroller out, thanking Cressida and handing her over her favourite bread and a package of his goat cheese and chive cheese buns.
Adeline waves goodbye to Cressida. Cressida was also due in the coming weeks and I mentally add her to our mother’s group and ask Peeta to offer her an invitation for Friday to meet the mother’s. Peeta and my newborn shoot would be her last for a number of months and I’m happy we’ll be the last.
“She’s amazing.” I comment.
“She’s one of the best.” He tells me. “I always tell her she could be a director as well. She’s good at giving orders.”
I laugh. "I can't wait to see them. I'm thinking that one outside with Adeline blowing a raspberry on my belly we should get that on a canvas. And then the newborn shoot, we can give our family a picture book for Christmas and maybe a canvas of our favorite photo."
“I like the sound of that.” He smiles and reaches over, squeezing my knee. “Not long to go now.”
I shake my head, smiling. “I’m ready to be a family of four.” I tell him. “I mean, 7.” He smiles widely realizing I've included his children in my counting. They’re my kid's, blood or not.
“I was getting the idea when you were baking with the kids that we could handle our own big brood of like five but that might be a bit over realistic.”
“Jesus, a father of 8.” I can sense he’s almost having a heart attack until he smiles. “I always wanted my own baseball team.”
“It’s a little ambitious but I’d be happy with 3.” I remind him.
“We’ll see where nature takes us, I mean, I’m not getting any younger and I’m getting closer to 50 each passing day.”
“I know. We’ll just see where nature leads us and what we’ve gifted with.”
He kisses the back of my hand. “I’d love to have a dozen of our children running around.” He smiles.
"It's alright, we'll probably end up with grandchildren to fill that void of wanting a baseball team." I laugh. "Jesus, I'm going to be a grandmother when I'm in my 30's." I realize.
“Reality is a bitch, isn’t it?”
I laugh because really, we're living such an unconventional way, raising grandkids the same time as our children just seems natural and we'll be gifted with two rounds of grandchildren raring. The three oldest and then our children.
“I love our life.” I remind. “Even how unconventional it is. We’ve got a good tribe and will all be there to support each other no matter what stages of life we’re all reaching.”
“Did I tell you how much I love you?”
“All the time.” I remind him with a big smile. “Just don’t bring up grandkids until it actually happens because I feel like I’ve just aged 20 years.”
“Noted.” He laughs. “Let’s go and get some hot chocolate.”