June 16 2019
The moonlight filtered through gauzy curtains in the master bedroom. The baby monitor buzzed softly, a light hum filling the otherwise still room. AJ lay on her side, facing the crib just a few feet away. Her eyes, though heavy with exhaustion, never left Mateo.
Dave entered quietly, carrying a warm bottle and a fresh blanket. He walked barefoot across the room and looked into the crib.
Mateo was wide awake, eyes open and quietly observing the world around him, as if studying everything without a single sound.
Dave (whispering)-He's just... staring. Like he knows too much already.
AJ (smiling sleepily)-He's plotting something. Probably how to make us fall even more in love with him.
Dave leaned down and gently scooped Mateo into his arms. The baby let out a little hum—more curiosity than complaint—but didn't cry.
Dave (softly)- Hey little man, you hungry?
He sat down on the edge of the bed and fed him the bottle. Mateo suckled slowly, one hand gripping Dave's finger.
AJ (watching)- He's so calm. Like, I keep waiting for the screaming and the chaos everyone warns you about...
Dave (grinning)- Maybe he knows his mama and papa need a little grace tonight.He's got your chill. Not my fire.
AJ- that's crazy
Dave (looking at her)-He's got your strength. You brought him here. You fought for him.
After feeding, Dave gently burped Mateo and swaddled him again. He paced the room once, rocking their son lightly, before placing him back in the crib.
Mateo's eyes fluttered, then slowly closed. He settled in, peaceful.
AJ (whispering)-He trusts us already.
Dave (sitting beside her)-We got this. One day at a time.
They both lay back, AJ curling into Dave's side. The soft sounds of the baby's breathing filled the room like music.
AJ (half-asleep)- I love you.
Dave-I love you more. I love both of you.
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**Hours Later...**
The clock read 3:27 a.m. Dave stirred first. He sat up, checked the monitor, then looked at the crib. Mateo was still asleep, hands up near his face, looking like a tiny boxer in peaceful retreat.
Dave (in awe)- Still out.
AJ (groggy)-Do you think we're... doing this right?
Dave-He's fed. He's warm. He's loved. That's all he needs right now.
AJ- We're lucky.
Dave reached over and brushed a hand gently down her back.
Dave-We're blessed.
As the world outside slept, inside that room, the quiet hum of love—steady, real, and peaceful—wrapped around them like a blanket. Their little family had made it through the first day, and the first night.
And it was beautiful.
