Chenford discovering love

Daddy day care - uh oh!

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains as Lucy stirred awake. She stretched her arms, glancing at the clock on the bedside table. It read 6:45 a.m., and she realized she had just enough time to get ready before her workday began at 9 a.m. Beside her, Tim was still asleep, his face relaxed, one arm draped protectively over Liv, who had snuck into their bed sometime during the night. Liv was curled up against him, her little chest rising and falling in a deep, peaceful slumber.

Lucy smiled at the sight of them before quietly slipping out of bed, careful not to wake either of them. She moved through the room silently, grabbing her clothes for the day and heading into the bathroom. Once she was dressed and her hair was neatly tied back, she applied a touch of makeup, glancing at her reflection. Satisfied, she grabbed her coffee from the kitchen and sipped it while enjoying a few moments of peace before the house fully woke up.

It wasn't long before her thoughts turned to Harry. She set her mug down and headed to his nursery, eager to check on her little boy. When she peeked into his room, she found him stirring in his crib, his tiny fists rubbing at his eyes as he made soft, sleepy babbling noises.

"Good morning, my little love," Lucy said softly, walking over to the crib. Harry blinked up at her, his blue eyes catching the morning light as he smiled sleepily. "Ready to start the day?" she cooed, reaching down to scoop him up.

Harry let out a little squeal, his chubby hands reaching for her face. Lucy kissed his forehead and carried him over to the changing table, chatting to him as she went. "Let's get you all freshened up, huh? Mama's got work, but you're going to have a fun day with Daddy and Liv."

Harry babbled in response, his voice cheerful as Lucy changed his nappy and picked out a little outfit for him—a soft blue onesie with tiny white stars. "You look so handsome, Harry," she said, smiling as she buttoned it up. "Let's go see if Daddy and Liv are awake yet."

As she carried Harry down the hallway, she glanced into her bedroom to find Tim still fast asleep, his arm now resting where Liv had been. Liv, however, had moved to lie sprawled across Tim's pillow, her curls a wild halo around her head. Lucy chuckled softly at the sight.

"Looks like we're the only ones awake," she whispered to Harry, bouncing him gently as he nestled against her shoulder. "Let's go get breakfast started. Maybe the smell of coffee will wake them up."

With Harry in her arms, Lucy headed to the kitchen, savoring the quiet moments of the morning as the house slowly came to life.

Lucy carried Harry into the kitchen, humming softly to him as she prepared to get breakfast started. She gently placed him in his high chair, fastening the straps securely. As soon as his bottom touched the seat, Harry grumbled, his little face scrunching up in protest.

"Oh, come on, love," Lucy said with a soft laugh, crouching down to his level. "You were perfectly fine two seconds ago." She handed him his favorite teething ring, but Harry pushed it away with a pout.

"I see how it is. You're not a fan of mornings, huh?" she teased, brushing a curl off his forehead. He reached for her with grabby hands, a determined look in his eyes.

Lucy sighed playfully, picking him up again. "Alright, alright. You win. Mummy will hold you for a bit longer." She kissed his chubby cheek, and he immediately calmed, nestling into her shoulder with a contented sigh.

She grabbed her coffee from the counter with her free hand and took a sip. "You know, Harry, this clingy phase won't last forever. I'll miss it when you're too cool for cuddles."

Harry babbled in response, his little voice brightening as if agreeing with her. Lucy chuckled. "You're too cute for your own good, you know that?"

As she rocked him gently, she heard footsteps padding down the hallway. Liv appeared in the doorway, her curls even messier than earlier, and her eyes half-closed. "Mummy?" she mumbled sleepily, rubbing her eyes.