time

twelve

seven months old.
13lbs 10oz. She can sit up on her own and loves to sleep on her stomach. Has started teething and loves nothing more than cuddling on the sofa with mommy!

Sighing Demi throws the used pregnancy test in the bin and washes her hands before making her way back to the bedroom where Pearl is lying in her crib staring out the bars.

'No baby sister or brother this month, Pearl.' Demi says softly leaning over the crib and lifting the little girl into her arms. Making her way downstairs she smiles as she sees Wilmer in the kitchen making scrambled eggs.

'Well?' He asks turning to face her and she shakes her head.

'Not this month but then the doctor did say it might take a few weeks or months until the birth control is completely out of my system.' She replies placing Pearl in her highchair.

'That's true. What's your plans for today then?' Wilmer asks dividing the scrambled eggs up onto two plates and a little bowl as Demi sits down at the breakfast bar.

'I don't really know. Would it be really ridiculous of me to start shopping for her birthday?' Demi says causing Wilmer to smile.

'Not really... Her birthday is so close to Christmas that starting to plan her birthday now would probably benefit us later on.' He replies and she nods her head.

'That's what I was thinking. If I get most of her presents in now we can just store them in the spare room and then when it gets to December we've only got her Christmas presents to get in... I'm not going to get her any clothes though because she's so tiny so I don't know what size she'll be.' She says smiling as he places a plate of toast and scrambled egg in front of her.

'Thanks, babe.' She says softly.

_______

'So today daddy needs to sort out mommy's birthday presents... We're going to meet Uncle Joe and Auntie Sophie so that you have someone to occupy you while daddy shops, okay?' Wilmer says softly as he glances down at Pearl who's happily sitting in her stroller with her pacifier and little pink stuffed bunny. Making his way over to the entrance of the mall, he smiles slightly as he sees Joe and Sophie leaning against the wall outside.

'Hey...' Joe says smiling.

'Hi. Thank you so much for meeting me.' Wilmer replies and Joe shakes his head.

'It's no problem. We were thinking that Sophie could take Pearl for a wander and we could do some shopping for Demi? I need to get her something as well and it would be great to catch up.' Joe suggests and Wilmer smiles.

'Sounds like a plan. Are you sure that's okay with you though, Sophie?' Wilmer asks and she nods her head.

'Of course.' Sophie replies smiling.

'Okay well there's some bottles in the bag and diapers but she should be fine for an hour or so.' Wilmer says grabbing his wallet out of the diaper bag before letting Sophie take the stroller.

'Hi, sweetpea...' Sophie says softly as Pearl instantly grins and reaches her arms towards the woman.

'We'll see you in a little while.' Sophie says glancing between Joe and Wilmer who both nod their head.

****

'I can't believe you're starting birthday shopping already!' Matthew says as he makes his way into Toys R Us with Demi.

'Well her birthday is so near Christmas that I just want to be prepared, you know? I want to make sure we've got everything we need.' Demi replies causing him to smile as she grabs a cart.

'Yeah, I get that. Any idea what you're going to get her?' Matthew asks.

'I've seen this little pram push a long thing that I really want to get her. Apparently it really helps her learn to walk and I don't know, it's cute.' Demi replies smiling.

'That sounds good. I can't believe she's nearly one. Don't you find that crazy?' He asks and Demi sighs.

'I know it's like five months away but I feel so emotional about the whole thing. Like this time last year I was actually pregnant; she was actually still growing in my stomach and that's the craziest thought.' She replies.

'I know. I still remember the day you told me you were pregnant; I knew you and Wilmer would make the most amazing parents and you have. Pearl is so lucky to have you both.' He says causing her to smile.

****

'How was she?' Wilmer asks as Sophie makes her way towards them with the stroller.

'She was great... You may have gained a new family member though.' Sophie replies smiling as she turns the stroller slightly to reveal Pearl clinging onto a large stuffed Winnie the Pooh.

'Oh my goodness...' Wilmer says.

'She was so cute reaching for it that I couldn't just leave the shop without buying her it... I hope you don't mind.' Sophie replies biting her bottom lip.

'Of course not I just- She's a very lucky girl to have so many amazing people around her.' Wilmer says smiling.