Pt 2 of them (continued ver)

Chapter 230

It was a typical Sunday morning, and Colby had decided to spend the day with all the kids while Malia took a much-needed break. The day started off well, with everyone in high spirits. Carter, for once, was well-behaved—playing with his toys, nibbling on his teething ring, and enjoying his breakfast.

Morning Activities

Colby made a hearty breakfast for the family, with pancakes, eggs, and fruit. Caitlyn and Colleen sat neatly at the table, eating quietly, while Liam insisted on cutting his pancakes himself, making a syrupy mess.

Carter, in his high chair, happily munched on soft pieces of pancake and sipped from his bottle. "Good job, buddy," Colby praised, ruffling his hair.

After breakfast, Colby played a round of hide-and-seek with the older kids while Carter toddled around the living room, giggling at their antics.

"Daddy, look! I'm hiding!" Liam shouted, crouching behind the couch—not-so-hidden.

Colby grinned but noticed Carter tugging at his pant leg, holding up his arms to be carried. "Alright, let's pick you up," Colby said, balancing Carter on his hip as he continued the game with the other kids.

Midday Chaos

By lunchtime, things were getting busier. Caitlyn and Colleen wanted Colby to help them with their craft project, Liam demanded a grilled cheese sandwich "right now," and Carter started fussing, rubbing his eyes.

"Okay, one thing at a time," Colby muttered, trying to juggle everyone's needs. He set Carter in his playpen with a few toys, hoping it would keep him entertained long enough to get lunch sorted.

But Carter wasn't having it. He threw the toys aside and started whining, his frustration building.

"Hang on, Carter," Colby said, rushing to cut Liam's sandwich.

"Daddy, can you help me glue this?" Caitlyn asked, holding up a piece of paper dripping with glitter glue.

"Daddy, he's crying again!" Colleen pointed out.

Colby sighed, grabbed Carter from the playpen, and balanced him on his hip while trying to help Caitlyn and keep Liam from spilling his juice.

Afternoon Meltdown

By the afternoon, Carter was clearly overtired, having missed his usual nap. At first, he seemed okay, chewing on his teething ring and sitting in Colby's lap while the family watched a movie.

But soon, his mood shifted. He started squirming, pushing the teething ring away, and whining loudly.

"What's wrong, buddy?" Colby asked, bouncing him gently. Carter responded with a frustrated cry, burying his face in Colby's chest.

Liam, seeing Carter's frustration, started poking him. "Why's he so mad?"

"Liam, stop," Colby warned, but it was too late. Carter swatted at Liam, letting out a shrill cry.

Colby stood up, carrying Carter to the nursery to calm him down. "You just need some quiet time," he said softly, rocking him back and forth.

Carter, still fussy, eventually calmed enough to lay down in his crib with his bottle. As his eyes grew heavy, Colby let out a sigh of relief and returned to the living room, where the other kids were still buzzing with energy.

Evening Reflection

By the end of the day, Colby was exhausted but proud of himself for managing the chaos. Carter had woken up from his nap in a much better mood, giggling as Colby played peek-a-boo with him during dinner.

"Daddy, you did good today," Caitlyn said sweetly, giving him a hug before bed.

Colby smiled, glancing at Carter, who was cuddled up with his dinosaur plush, finally at peace. "Thanks, sweetheart. Let's hope tomorrow's just as good."