birds // hs

5. All About James

fun fact: the picture of the baby attached is a real baby on Instagram and I follow the family so every pic is like the baby growing up and I'm so pumped bc it's real!!!! yes

The first week was full of long nights and lots and lots of stinky diapers, but I was more than blissful. Sure I hadn't showered in a while and sure, I hadn't left the house in an unhealthy amount of time but I had never been happier.

James was a dream. He loved to snuggle and be held all the time, even right after you put him down. And he really loved my dad. Whenever he would hear my dad's voice, he would get the biggest smile on his little face.

Speaking of my father, he had visited almost every day since James came into the world. He and my mom would come over and do all the laundry, restock the fridge, cook us huge delicious meals that guaranteed leftovers, and even help change diapers if I was passed out.

Since he had stuck to his medication religiously and been to regular therapist sessions, my dad was released from the mental facility and had moved back in with my mom. That made me very happy.

My parents had just cleared out when Gemma and Ridge came in, Avery sleeping soundly in his arms.

"Harry is asleep in the bedroom," I told Ridge with a smile. "You can put Avery in there with him. I'm sure he'll cuddle right up to her and keep her warm."

Gemma laughed and Ridge took my suggestion, then returned empty-handed a few minutes later.

"He's so beautiful," Gemma whispered, stroking his little head as he snored softly on her lap. "Look at those lips...they have to be Harry's."

"I know," I laughed as I took my first bite of real food all day. "I thought that too."

"So what's his full name again?"

"James Archer."

She looked up at me. "Why James? I mean it's perfect for him but how did you come up with it?"

"It was my brother's name."

"That's so amazing," she smiled widely. "I'm sure he would be very honored."

I nodded and sat back on the couch, just enjoying my macaroni and the break from constantly looking after little James.

"And the boys? They've been by?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, like every day. They're all obsessed with him."

"I could have guessed that. You know Liam and Savannah are trying to get pregnant."

"What? No, I didn't know!"

"Yep. I think it's been like two months or so."

"I hope someone has a baby soon," I confessed as she handed him back to me and I cradled him to my chest. "I just want a friend close to James' age so they can grow up together."

"Well," she shrugged slightly. "I could have another if you want, but it would be about a nine month wait."

We both laughed and Ridge was mid-complaint when James woke up and began to scream in the loudest way. But by now I knew that scream- he was tired.

"Do you need to put him down?" Gemma asked with a knowing look. I nodded. "Okay, well I'll get little Aves and we'll let you guys get some rest. We just wanted to pop in and check on you."

I stood up and gave her a tight hug and then volunteered to help her get Avery in case Harry was nude or something (which wouldn't surprise me).

"Harry," I sang softly, my body still swaying as little James continued to cry. "Time to wake up, daddy."