The Perfect Family

Chapter 2: Emilie

As I look at the clock, which reads 8:05am and assume that Jack should be back with Maddox soon, I hear Kyson fussing in his swing. I pick him up to change and feed him as he appears wet and hungry. Just as I head up to the bedroom to do so, I hear the door open and Jack and Maddox enter.

"Em? Where are you?" Jack calls out.

"In here", I call from the living room.

"Hey, we're back and Maddox is out like a light. I think I'm gonna put him down for his nap before I go", Jack says.

"Good idea. That way it'll be easier for you to get out of here. I've gotta change Kyson anyway, I'll come with you" I reply as we head upstairs. Between the two of us, Maddox is more attached to his father, so getting out the door in itself is a hassle for Jack. When he leaves for work, Maddox has a huge meltdown. The only way we have been able to prevent such an ocurrence lately is by putting Curious George on TV.

"Sleep well, little man", I whisper as I place a kiss on our toddler son's forehead.

"I'll be back soon. Don't you worry, Maddox Lincoln Donovan Alexander" Jack whispers as he adores our son, deep in slumber. Ever since day one Jack has called our children by their full names when they drift off to sleep. Even though I have never figured out why, I think its really sweet. I guess its because he likes the way they sound, as if they are stances of poetry. I should know by now what comes with having an author for a husband.

"See you later, Emilie Kathleen Donovan Alexander. By the way did I ever tell you what a beautiful name you have?" Jack inquires as part of a routined joke.

"About a thousand times, Jack Wesley Alexander. Now, you better go if you're going to make it to work on time" I respond, now holding a freshly changed Kyson in my arms. 

"Alright, Be a good boy for Mama, Kyson Dallas Donovan Alexander" Jack says as Kyson grabs his father's index  finger with his little fist.

"Bye, bye, Papa" I say on Kyson's behalf. As I open the door for Jack, he kisses me goodbye and walks out to the car, brief case in hand.

I can never express how fortunate I am to have Jack for a husband. I love him unconditionally. Even if he were still paraplegic and unable to do the things he can now. He has come a long way since we first met in high school. Despite what he went through in his entire life, he has never let anything discourage him. I have never known a truer fighter than him.  He is truly an inspiration to people everywhere. There is no doubt in my mind that his strength will be an incredible influence on the lives of our four young children.

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It is approximately 12:55pm, I have just put Kyson down for a nap and Maddox is sitting contently in front of the television eating some grapes and watching Disney's Tarzan. While Maddox is distracted, I head upstairs, check on Kyson, and pick out the clothes Maddox is wearing to his occupational therapy session which is at 1:20pm.

As I rummage through the clothes, I select a plain white t-shirt and a blue and white checkered polo shirt with a monkey in sunglasses on it, and a pair of blue jeans.

When I look to the side and notice that Kyson is still sound asleep, I decide to take advantage of the time and attempt to get Maddox dressed. He has been in his pajamas all day.

"Maddox, come here. Look, we need to get dressed. We've gotta go bye bye" I say as I  attempt catch his attention by showing him his clothes, but to no avail. He is still completely taken by the movie.

"Maddox Lincoln, I promise you that we can keep watching, you just have to get dressed while it keeps playing" I say. Unlike Jack who does it for fun, I tend to use my kids' full names when something really has to get done, when they are in need of comfort or whenever I praise them.