Joey, photo credit: http://caraleecasephotography.com/cake-smash/trycen-idaho-falls-child-photographer-2/
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5
Josh's POV
I woke up the next morning to a cold bed. I sighed and got up, making my way to the kitchen. I was surprised when I reached the bottom of the stairs, there was music playing in the kitchen.
I peeked my head around the corner to see Hayley dancing around as she cooked what smelled like pancakes. I entered the kitchen cautiously. I was expecting Hayley to still be upset with me, not dancing around everywhere?
When she noticed me, she smiled and turned the radio down. She walked right up to me, placing her arms around my neck and kissing my cheek. Okay, seriously, what is happening here?
"Goodmorning, honey!" Hayley said, cheerfully.
"Goodmorning." I replied back, slowly.
Hayley pouted, "what's wrong?"
I sighed, bringing my arms around her waist, "I'm sorry about last night, I didn't mean to snap on you."
Hayley smiled and shook her head, "it's okay, I shouldn't be pushing you anyways."
After that she quickly kissed me, then turned back to the stove, pouring some more pancake batter in the pan. I tilted my head to the side in confusion, that's it? No apology needed?
"So, that's it then?" I voiced my confusion.
Hayley nodded without looking back at me, "that's it," she responded.
"Are you sure because I-"
"Josh, really, it's fine." She interrupted me. "Now, can you please get the kids up and tell them it's breakfast time?" She added.
I simply nodded and went upstairs to get the kids. I walked into Stevie's room quietly, sitting myself on the edge of her bed. For a second, I let myself be boggled by how fast she's growing up, and how beautiful she's becoming.
"Sweetie, wake up." I whispered, gently shaking her shoulder.
She groaned and rolled away from me. I chuckled at how much this reminded me of Hayley. Back when we first started out and had to get up early for interviews and such, Hayley would roll as far away from you as possible in an attempt to stop you from waking her up anymore. It was just another adorable thing she did.
Stevie sat up and looked at me through tired eyes.
"C'mon, kiddo, mom has pancakes downstairs for you guys."
I left and went to Neil's room. He was awake, playing with some of his toy cars on the floor.
"Breakfast is ready, bud." I said.
He immediately looked up at me. He got up, dusting himself off, and ran right past me, out the door. I laughed at his actions. I can only ever imagine being that excited over pancakes.
I walked into to Joey's room, he was also awake, and standing in his crib.
"Daddy!" He squealed, reaching his little arms out for me.
I picked him up and pressed a kiss to his cheek. He giggled and squealed with happiness.
"Goodmorning JoJo!" I said to him in my baby voice.
I carried him downstairs and into the kitchen, sitting him in his highchair. Stevie and Neil were dressed, and eating, and Hayley was still dancing around the kitchen. I had to smile when I looked at all of them. My family.
