Second Chance

Hanging Out

I've been able to keep them safe at home for the last few days. Only Sam's been by. He finished up the playroom for Brooklyn. We also had him change out the cupboards in the kitchen for Dylan. He wanted things moved around so Brooklyn wouldn't get hurt when she started walking. We had to move the pots and pans which is why we now have a pot rack over the island. And why the bottom cupboards now only have plastic tupperware and plastic utensils Dylan no longer uses.

We also had Sam baby-proof the downstairs and her bathroom. There was a lot more to do than the books said. Things like replacing the glass in our entertainment center with plexiglass, rounding off the corners of our tables, replacing them if we can't, nonslip strips for her bath tub and step stool in her bathroom. He also showed us this rug tape that keeps the few rugs and mats we have from slipping when she crawls over it. I'm glad Sam has kids of his own. I wouldn't have ever thought of any of things he's mention. Baby books haven't either. I makes me wonder who exactly are writing parenting books if not parents.

We've been spending time with her in her new playroom. She seems to like crawling backwards into corners more than playing with anything in the room. She's been commanding our attention nonstop. Working harder than ever to talk with us. I know it's because she's finally settling in. She enjoys when we hold her hands so she can stand up. She likes bouncing up and down. I say she's trying to workout like me but Dylan swears it's due to her wanting to walk. She loves grabbing anything she can get her chubby little fingers on and stuffing them into her mouth.

It worries me every time she does. There could be germs and any other number of things on them. Dylan swears it's fine and wouldn't let me stop her. Says 'Mouthing objects is one of the wacky yet wonderful ways she learns about the world around her'. Only Dylan could turn something as simple as 'It's what babies do' into something that sounds like some whimsical thing. Still don't have to like regardless of the wording. The books do says it's normal however and that the fact that she's teething adds to something she would be doing otherwise. The books say she should have a fever and diarrhea, neither of which she has. It tells us to make sure she has plenty of safe toys to chew on. Dylan even stuck a few of them in the freezer. Cold is suppose to help. Still don't like her sticking things in her mouth.

The point is that at least at home I know what she's doing and what's she's exposed to. Whereas here, at this ridiculous party, it can be anything. She's been passed around a lot more than I would have liked and it makes me nervous. I settle some when Lissa gets her and she seems to like her. Lissa did manage to raise Scotty and he's about as accident prone as Dylan and they both survived so I know Brooklyn's safe for now. Dylan told me I had to leave her be and let her meet everyone. Doesn't mean I have to like it. Just a few more hours and I get her all to myself. Him too for the matter. I don't know why but it feels like someone is watching us every time we step foot out of the house. I want to believe I'm just being paranoid but I can't shake it.

She's playing with her Daddy and Grandpa by the time we get everything cleaned up and put away. The sounds of her laughter is the best sound in the world. I just stand back and watch them playing while I drink a cup of coffee. I don't want to interrupt them. It's starting to get late and Brooklyn needs a nap however.

Walking over to them I squat down behind my husband. I give him a kiss and reach out to run a hand over her hair. "So I heard you wanted to meet up with a couple of guys at the bar. Why don't I take her home and you go out and have some fun."

"You can leave her here and both of you go out. I can watch her."

"That's great Dad but I don't think Steve's ready for that. We can both head home babe." He turns just enough to kiss my cheek. He knows me so well. I would love to kept them both home with me but I know he needs time with his friends too.