ONE HEART

Chapter 38 Aria.

How old is she? asked Nick holding his new granddaughter. Err, I think the adoption agency said three months. Tessa looked at Mariah for confirmation. Mariah nodded at Tessa and her dad. Once everyone had gone home, they enjoyed just curling up on the sofa with Aria. Well, our lives have changed forever said Tessa. We now have six weeks to work out a routine with Aria and also think about how we are going to get her looked after, when we both go back to work. Mariah looked at Tessa with sad eyes. I don't think I could ever leave her said Mariah. Looking down on Aria. Maybe I need to rethink my job so that I can work from home. As wonderful as that might be said Tessa. You love your job. And most importantly, you are very good at it. I think after a while, you would resent being at home all the time. Mariah looked up from Aria again—you're right. I do love my job, you are right. But I also love this little bundle of joy too said Mariah. All I want to do is protect her. And we will do that said Tessa  But, both our parents brought us up while they were still working. Let's have a chat to all of them. And see how they did it!

That's a great idea said Mariah because I'm going to struggle to get my head around it otherwise. Anyway, this little thing is plumb-tuckered out. Let's set up the monitors, and take her up to the nursery and lie her down. Luckily we did change her about ten minutes ago, before she dropped off to sleep. We also had the sense, to put her in her PJs and sleep sack. Yeah, she looks very toasty in there said Tessa. They laid her down gently, so as not to wake her. They then retreated to their bedroom, with the monitors in hand. Tessa put one on her side of the bed, and Mariah did the same with hers. Is this a bit overkill? asked Tessa. I don't think we really need two by the bed. No, I think you're right said Mariah. We can leave one of them charging up downstairs so that we can keep one up here for when she's sleeping. Some people even keep the baby in their bedroom. Do they? said, Tessa. We did read that somewhere if you were breastfeeding to make it easier. Especially when they are firstborn. But the adoption agency said that Aria had been used to a crib in a dark room. So our nursery is just right for her. 

The nurses did say, that if she sleeps well, she might not need feeding or changing until around six in the morning. We have a lot to think about said Mariah. We do, but we will get into a proper routine you'll see said Tessa reassuring Mariah. Aria, spent the night fast asleep. Tessa couldn't believe it when she woke at six thirty. She looked at the monitor. Is she still alive? she thought. She's not moving! Tessa shot out of bed and rushed into Aria's room. She looked over the side of the crib. And she sighed with relief when she saw Aria's little tummy going up and down. Thank god, she's alive! Tessa said to herself. Mariah was standing in the doorway, as Tessa turned around. Glad I'm not the only one said Mariah with a grin. I checked on her twice through the night, because she wasn't moving. They both laughed. Is she ok? asked Mariah quietly. She seems to be for now said Tessa. I don't think she even needs changing. Let's go back to bed, for a while. About half an hour later, Aria was beginning to wake up. She then started to cry. Tessa went straight to the nursery, got her out of the crib and changed her. While Mariah, went downstairs to get the formula ready for her.

Tessa brought her into their bedroom, where Mariah was waiting with the bottle. Tessa placed Aria into Mariah's arms. Aria eagerly latched onto the bottle. The milk soon disappeared, and she fell back to sleep again. Well, that was short and sweet said Tessa. We did read, that they do a lot of sleeping, pooing and feeding in the first few months said Mariah. This is very true said Tessa. Take her from me, and lie her down in between us said Mariah. Won't we quash her? asked Tessa. Mariah laughed at her. If you're afraid that we will do that said Mariah. Get those two long pillows, that we put on the bed to make it look pretty. There over there. She pointed to the sofa that was over the other side of the room. It was their old sofa bed from the shoebox. What are we going to do with them? queered Tessa. We'll lay them down alongside her, so it will stop us quashing her said Mariah. Also, we need to put her back in her sleep sack so that she stays warm. Okay, you do the pillows. Tessa handed them to Mariah. While she headed for the nursery to find the sleep sack.