More Than a Soldier

Chapter 88 - Firsts

Y/n's POV:

6 weeks old

It's amazing how your lives adapt so much for a new baby and it's even more amazing how quickly it becomes normal routine. These last 6 weeks have been an incredible experience. The situation is completely different than when I had Ava and I wonder what it would have been like had I been with someone or, what I wish had happened, Scarlett was there too.

There was a part of me that worried that Scar might see Ava slightly differently to Leo. I feel guilty that I ever even entertained those thoughts. It's unfair to my wife who has never been anything but the best mama to Ava. Those thoughts didn't last long though. She made the effort to still dedicate time to Ava. We both made sure that Ava was still very much given the attention she deserved.

That is easier when Ava is completely in love with her brother. When we collect her from school, she instantly makes her way to the car to greet her brother before either of her parents. Then at home, she spends time playing with him, as best as you can with baby. The amount of family time that we spend together is great.

We made an extra special effort for her birthday. She wanted a big party with all her friends, so we hired out a small hall and invited all the friends that she wanted. We arranged for lots of food and planned games that they could play. With our family also attending, they were happy to take their turns in focusing on Leo, so we could make sure that Ava was the centre of attention.

She ended up having a great day and spent a lot of the first half an hour introducing Leo to all her friends. It's sweet how proud she is of her brother and how even on her birthday, she had him included.

On the actual day of her birthday, I may have cried a little at the thought of her turning 10. She's growing up so quickly, it's scaring me. Scarlett had to comfort me before we went to wake her up so we could have a celebratory breakfast before school. I thought she would laugh at me, but I think she feels the same, but my hormones are still trying to calm down again and crying is apparently a more common occurrence for me now.

This week, we plan to start bottle feeding Leo. We're going to do it slowly and ween him off the breast over time. I've started pumping, and I have to say I'm not a fan! It's much nicer when you're having a bonding moment with your child than having a machine make you feel like a cow. But it's all worth it to allow Scarlett the chance to be able to feed him.

I watch as Scarlett prepares a bottle for Leo, and I can see the excitement in her face as she concentrates on doing all the steps. She's muttering to herself and it's the cutest thing. "Your mama is adorable." I whisper to Leo in my arms. He gives his arms a little wiggle and I take that as his agreement. "Ok, bottle's ready." Scarlett turns and looks at me proudly.

We move into the living room and Scarlett takes Leo before sitting on the sofa. She gets comfortable and lifts the bottle. "Remember the midwife said he may not take to it straight away." I remind her just in case he outright refuses. "How did you do it with Ava?" She asks, looking from Leo to me. "I started with dripping a few drops of milk on her lips. She preferred that to start off with." I share and watch as Scarlett does the same with Leo.

His fussing settles a little and he purses his lips. "That's a good sign." I smile. "Shall I try now?" Scarlett asks, unsure of her actions. "Angel, you've got this. Trust your instincts." I encourage her. She nods and slowly moves the teat of the bottle and presses it against Leo's lips. He moves his head away, but it doesn't deter Scarlett as she drips a few more drops on his lips.

This goes on for a couple more times before Leo gives in and takes the bottle and starts to drink. "He's doing it!" Scarlett exclaims quietly, her eyes going wide and bright. I can't help the smile that sits on my face as I watch the moment together. I'm so happy that Scarlett finally gets to have these moments with Leo too. Not that their bond isn't strong already. This will just help it.