A Starling's Awakening

Family Matters

We arrived at Robert and Helen's at about noon on Saturday. Charles and Audry were already there. Bret was carrying the diaper bag, and I was carrying Paul. It's amazing how much stuff is required for taking a baby to someone else's home.

Paul was the center of attention. Helen and Audrey both wanted to hold him. I let Audrey hold him first.

"Our first great-grandchild. Charles, I think we're getting old."

"Getting old? Honey, we are old." They both laughed. They were smiling at my son, and talking to him in baby talk.

Once again, Bret and Josh were on their best behavior. After forty-five minutes I couldn't take it anymore.

"Bret, why are you and Josh not giving each other a hard time?"

"Aunt Helen warned us not to cause any trouble. She's afraid we'd get carried away, and upset Paul."

"Well it's upsetting me that you two are not picking on each other. I mean, it doesn't feel normal."

Josh said, "I'm sorry Elise. You know, for an old dog, Bret sure produced a cute puppy."

Bret replied, "Hey! Watch it, monkey boy. That's my son you are insulting."

Josh tried to say "Woof!" but his voice really cracked. I attempted to hide my laughter.

Helen insisted in a loud whisper, "Boys! take it outside!" They walked out onto the back deck. I watched through the sliding glass door. They were both smiling and laughing. Josh pushed Bret, and took off running into the woods. Bret gave chase. They returned a few minutes later. They were both laughing hysterically. They simmered down before reentering the house.

Helen asked, "Did you get it out of your system?"

"Yes, Mom. At least for now.

Lunch was a beef pot roast. After lunch we visited for several hours. I felt as loved as I ever had. I was beginning to experience the postpartum depression Helen had warned me about. It was a mild case of the blues. She asked me about it.

"Elise, are you feeling okay?"

"Fine. Why?"

"You look a little down."

"I'm just tired."

"Are you sure you are not feeling depressed?"

"Maybe a little. but I'm so loved, I'll get over it quickly."

"If it gets any worse, reach out. We are all here for you." I nodded. Paul woke up and started to cry. Audrey changed him.

The following Saturday was sunny, so we took Paul out to meet Robert and Helen's elderly neighbors. Ophelia Richardson encouraged us to have more babies.