time

seven

two months old.
7lbs 3oz. Still loves being cuddled but is starting to enjoy tummy time. She is becoming more aware of her surroundings and responds to mommy's voice.

'Oh, baby girl... Mommy's got you.' Demi says softly as she attempt to wipe Pearl's mouth before giving up and lifting the little girl into her arms. Rubbing the little girl's back she sighs as she feels the sick soaking through her pyjama top.

'What's wrong?' Wilmer asks sleepily.

'She's been sick like everywhere.' Demi replies.

'Oh... Why don't you sort her out and I'll clean up the bassinet?' He suggests and she nods her head.

'Thank you.' She replies quietly. Slowly she leaves the room and makes her way through to the nursery, flicking on the lamp and placing Pearl on the changing mat.

'Oh my goodness, baby girl...' She says softly. She quickly unbuttons Pearl's sleepsuit and bodysuit as the little girl whimpers.

'I know, darling... Mommy's going as quick as she can.' Demi says pulling her top off and instantly lifting the little girl against her bare skin. She carefully takes the little girl's arms out of the sleepsuit and throws it down on the changing table.

'Are you poorly, my angel?' Demi asks as the little girl begins to settle. Keeping Pearl cradled against her chest she makes her way over to the rocking chair and sits down in it. She takes off Pearl's bodysuit and kisses the top of the little girl's head.

'She okay?' Wilmer asks peeking his head around the door with the bassinet sheets in his hand.

'I think so.' Demi replies.

'I'm going to put these in the hamper... Do you want me to grab you some water or anything?' He asks grabbing the dirty sleepsuit from the changing mat.

'Could you make me a coffee?' She asks.

'Of course I can.' He replies smiling. He leaves the room and she glances back down at Pearl who's eyelids are beginning to flutter shut as her head rests against Demi's chest.

'Maybe we should go downstairs and check your temperature.' Demi says softly. Keeping Pearl cradled against her chest, she stands up and makes her way downstairs.

****

'I thought you might be cold.' Wilmer says softly as he passes Demi one of his black t-shirts causing her to smile slightly.

'Thank you.' She replies glancing down at Pearl who is curled into her chest swaddled in a light pink muslin blanket.

'How's our little bird doing?' He asks as she moves slightly and pulls the t-shirt over her chest.

'Okay, I think. She's not been sick again which is good but she's definitely not herself; I phoned Dr Robbins and she said to just keep an eye on her and make sure her temperature doesn't go above 100.4.' She replies as he sits down at the edge of the sofa.

'Okay, do you need anything?' He asks and she shakes her head.

'No, thank you. Don't you have to be getting to work?' She says glancing at the clock.

'I phoned and said I wouldn't be in; I'm not going to leave you two when she's poorly and you've had barely any sleep, Dems.' He replies.

'So you're not going in at all today?' She asks and he shakes his head.

'Nope.' He replies causing her to smile.

'Can we go upstairs and cuddle then? I'm exhausted.' She admits and he nods his head.

'Of course we can. Go on up, I'll bring your coffee up.' He says smiling slightly. Making her way upstairs she climbs into bed with Pearl still curled up on her chest as Wilmer makes his way into the room after her.

'Why don't I take her for a bit and you can try get some sleep?' He suggests and she nods her head.

'Yeah.' She says quietly. She passes the infant to him and smiles as Pearl instantly curls up on his chest. He puts his arm out and pulls Demi into her side so her head is resting beside Pearl.

'Sleep, nena... I've got you both.' He says softly.

****

'Where's Pearl?' Demi asks, her voice full of panic as she pushes herself off Wilmer's chest and sits up.

'Hey, she's right here... She's fine.' Wilmer replies softly as he gestures to where the little girl is lying next to him safely tucked up in her dock-a-tot. Sitting up he places his hand on her back as she attempts to calm her breathing.

'Sorry...' She almost whispers and he shakes his head.

'Don't apologise; you're both fine. I gave Pearl a bottle about an hour ago and she's not been sick so I think the worst of whatever she had has passed.' He says as she relaxes back against him.

'That's good.' She replies quietly.

'How long did I sleep for?' She asks and he glances at the clock.

'Like three hours or so? You needed sleep, Dems. You were up with her for most of the night.' He replies.

'I love you.' She says tilting her head to glance up at him as he pushes her hair out of her face.

'I love you too.' He replies smiling.

'I want to start going back to the gym; I adore spending all this time at home with Pearl in our own little bubble but I think I need to work on me.' She admits.

'Okay.' He says softly.

'Okay? You're not going to tell me I don't need to go to the gym or I should take time to recover more?' She asks raising her eyebrows at him.

'I know the gym is good for you and I know how much you enjoy it. If you want we can work your workout schedule around my work schedule so we don't have to find someone to watch Pearl?' He suggests causing her to smile.

'I was actually considering just taking her with me. I'll just go when I know she's going to sleep and she can be in her stroller... Thank you though.' She says softly.

'Anything for you, my love.' He replies.