It's Time

Growing Pains

Olivia's POV

"I'm sorry, kiddo. I know you want to see daddy's game, but you have school tomorrow, and it's almost your bedtime." I try to reason with my completely distraught toddler.

"Please, mommy. PLEASE." He sobs.

Spencer finally has a night game, and I don't think he or Jace are taking it particularly well. The game starts at 7:20, and we usually put Jace to bed by 7:30 on school nights, but I'm dangerously close to allowing him to stay up until 8.

"You have to promise to be the best little guy ever at school tomorrow if I let you stay up for a little while longer," I negotiate.

"Promesa." He holds out his pinky to me, and I wrap my own around his tiny extended finger, sealing our pinky promise. He even responded in Spanish. I guess the insane amount we pay in tuition for that school is worth it.

I ordered sandwiches from Spencer's favorite place for dinner, but I'll never tell him I'm now equally as obsessed as he is. In all fairness, I think his mini slowly growing in my stomach is responsible for my new unrelenting desire for those sandwiches. I'm officially 15 weeks pregnant tomorrow, which feels like such a huge milestone. My mom and Ms. Grace call every day, which I appreciate, but it also gets a little annoying.

"Be right back, mommy." Jace's voice snaps me out of my thoughts as he takes off, running past me, Bentley right on his heels.

I don't have the energy to investigate what that little boy is up to. To say I'm still pretty early on in the pregnancy, I feel completely drained. It's probably because I can hardly hold anything down. Not to mention, with the Bears already locked into the playoffs, Spencer's schedule is keeping him away from home more.

I hear tiny feet running back down the stairs, but this time he heads straight to my room. A few moments later, he reappears with my 'Mrs. James' jersey in hand. He, of course, has on his daddy's jersey. To my surprise, he also managed to get Bentley in the Chicago Bears jersey we got him. I'll be sure to take it off as soon as Jace is sleeping. My poor puppy hates that thing.

Jace climbs up on the couch and pats at the empty spot next to him. "Come on, mommy. It's starting!" He smiles from ear to ear. I take my place next to him, and we snuggle under the blanket as Jace lays his head on my stomach, kissing it.

"Okay, baby sister, it's time for daddy to play football." He speaks lowly.

I really hope this baby is a girl, or Jace might wind up in therapy right next to Spencer and me. The other morning I asked him about a brother, and he told me, "as long as I get my sister first," which effectively ended that conversation.

The game starts, and the Bears get the ball first, capping off their opening drive with a pass to Spencer in the back of the end zone. It turns out to be the only score of the first quarter, and Jace is fast asleep in my arms. I'm too lazy to carry him upstairs, so I tuck him in my bed instead, opting to finish the rest of the game in my room.

Three and a half hours later, I stare at the screen, stunned as the Ravens return the kickoff 98 yards scoring the game-winning touchdown. The Bear's hopes of an undefeated season are officially squashed. I'm glad the team is staying in Baltimore tonight because Spencer is very grumpy when he loses. I send him a quick text letting him know I'm sorry they lost, but I'm proud of him, and I love him. By the time I place my phone on the nightstand, it's already vibrating, and I'm surprised at how quickly he was able to respond. Only, it isn't him.

Gabriel: Tough game for our Bears! Spencer had an incredible game, per usual!

Gabriel is the dad of Jace's new best friend, Alana. They both started at the Montessori school at the same time and have apparently been helping each other adjust. Her mom is some high-powered attorney, while Gabriel has a tech job that allows him to be more available to the kids.