Settling Down

Chapter 7: Parenthood

To many married couples, parenthood is one of the hardest challenges for them, especially when young. With Ed and Winry being only 23, it was quite a difficult challenge for them. Mainly the random wake ups in the middle of the night when Jackson started crying. Currently, the two are at the dining table drinking some coffee to get themselves awake.

"Gee, I knew it was hard being parents, but this was not what I expected" Ed sighed.

"I guess that's why some people told us that we were a bit young to be parents" Winry added while feeding Jackson.

"While I do understand what they mean, we have matured pretty quickly so I'm ready to take the challenge as long as you are too" Ed exclaimed.

"Same here" Winry replied.

Throughout the year, the couple were able to overcome most of these challenges. They adapted quickly when scheduling feeding, nappy (diaper) changing, bathing and resting times. Ed did learn that his brother and Mei have been trying for a baby, or more specifically Mei forcing Al to do so. So far, they haven't been lucky, but they will eventually get there. In the meantime, the two have been helpful by coming around to provide support and take care of Jackson when the two were away.

"And make sure that he's asleep by 7 this time, we don't want another situation to happen again" Winry explained.

"Will do, there won't be another broken jar this time" Al replied.

Currently, Ed and Winry were going out together for some time alone. They hadn't been able to after a while because they couldn't get a hold of anyone at the time. Now that there was someone available, the two went off together. There wasn't too much in Resembool with it being a rural area so the two would just walk with each other and have a packed dinner or lunch when needed. The two had been walking for a couple of hours talking before deciding to lay down by the meadow. They looked above at the stars and watched as the night sky was brightened.

"Hey Ed, I have been wondering" Winry started.

"Wondering about what?" Ed questioned.

"I know we are still young parents but, how would you feel if we had another baby about a year after?" Winry asked.

"While it will be a challenge for us, I will always be there to support you and our kids" Ed happily answered.

"Oh Ed" Winry said before pulling him into a kiss. The two stayed like that for just a few minutes before Ed broke it off.

"Is there a reason you asked this?" He asked.

"Well, I was thinking of having another go at a baby because I really want to have more than 1 kid to be honest" Winry explained.

"Like I have said before, 3 is my limit" Ed exclaimed, "So I'll happily have another kid for us to take care of"

"Thank you, Ed" She thanked. The two of them got up and made there way back to their home. Upon entering, they found the younger Elric and his Xingese princess snoring away on the couch. The couple decided to leave the two alone and let them stay for a bit. They both headed off upstairs to get ready for bed.

Roughly 4 months later

Winry was once again in the bathroom throwing up as Ed held her hair up. He was having a bit of déjà vu in this current situation but just to be sure, they went to the hospital. They both made their way to their destination and waited for the results. Al and Mei were also there because they wanted to know as well. While sitting in the office, the doctor walked in.

"You are having another baby Mr. and Mrs. Elric, congratulations" The doctor told them.

"Alright" Ed cheered.

"That's great news" Winry exclaimed.

"Gee big brother, you couldn't keep it in your pants" Al commented.

"Shut up Al, Winry and I both wanted another kid" Ed sneered.

"At least they have kids, Al" Mei pointed out which led Al to abruptly stop teasing.

As the couple went back home, both Ed and Winry couldn't wait for their next baby. They were hoping that they would have a daughter because they already have Jackson. When it came to deciding names, Ed suggested Nina because of his memories of Nina Tucker. When Winry learned about her, she agreed immediately.

A few months later

Saying that Ed was experiencing hell would be an understatement. Not only is he trying to take care of his 1-year-old son, but he's also trying to do things for his pregnant wife. Luckily, Jaden was able to give him some simple parenting tips as he was a father himself and had experienced the same thing in multiple occasions. So this time it was easier than before to say the least. Currently, he's preparing some milk and another craving sandwich until he heard Winry yell.

"ED, WHERE'S MY SANDWICH!!!!" She screamed which Al and Mei probably heard next door.

"I'm coming" Ed replied, rushing up the stairs to give her the sandwich. While it is a challenge, Ed felt that he was always willing to take any challenge.

6 months later

After 6 months have passed and Winry gave birth to their second child, a daughter, thankfully, they were currently having a family photo. They decided to invite Paninya and Garfiel along because Winry felt like they were family as well. Mei was in fact pregnant but it was only the start so she wasn't really showing. The photographer came and set the camera up with Ed holding up Jackson and Winry holding Nina. This will be a memory that they will never forget.