The Perfect Family

Chapter 9: Jack

"Hey, Mads, thanks for what you did today. I really wanted to make Em happy and I know this was something she really wanted. More importantly, its what she deserves" I say as I slip Maddison twenty-five bucks.

"Don't worry about it. I think its safe to say that this was my favourite session" Maddison responds.

"Life can get pretty hectic, and I'm so sorry you had to see Maddox in that state. We've been trying so hard to keep it all under control" I say.

"Again, don't worry about it. You guys are doing your best. As long as that sweet boy and the rest of your children know they are loved they won't have to worry about anything" Maddison replies.

"Thanks" I blush.

"By the way, keep your money. This one is on me. Consider it a gift" Maddison says as she hands me back the money.

"Well, I guess this is it" I say.

"Sure is. Remember, if you guys need anything, don't be afraid to call" Maddison says.

"Absolutely" I say as we hug goodbye one last time.

"Let's go", I say as I place a hand on Emilie's shoulder and we make our way back to the parking lot.

"Bye, Maddison" Lucy and Julia say as they take each of Emilie's and I have Maddox and Kyson's carseat in tow.

"Bye, angels. I'll see you again soon" Maddison responds.

"Don't forget about that story" Julia adds.

"I won't. I promise" Maddison says just before we are completely out of sight.

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As we make our way to the parking lot, Emilie looks at me and breaths a sigh of relief and sheer delight. "Thank you for what you did today" she says.

"I would do anything for you. I never want you to forget that. Let's go home, relax and wait for Maddison to send the photos" I respond.

"Okay" Emilie smiles.

It seems to be a peaceful and stress-free ride home. All four kids are asleep. Normally, I would rush to call it a perfect ride home. However, keeping in mind how unpredictable life can be, I know that anythng can happen. In a matter of 5 minutes, I discover what anything means.

Maddox wakes up and looks for his snack cup, which he learned to properly ask for less than a month ago at his speech and occupational therapy sessions. "Nak, nak, nak!" he screams.

"Do you know where his bag is?" Emilie whispers.

"I think its in the back. When we stop for gas in a second I'll get it" I respond.

"Just hold on, baby. We'll get it soon" Emilie says in an attempt to provide Maddox with some reassurance.

"The gas station is just around the corner" I add as we make a U-turn and stop. As I get out of the van, I head to the trunk and grab Maddox's snack cup, juice and blanket.

"Here you go, bud. See, there is no need to get frightened" I say as I hand him his blanket and place the snack cup and juice into either one of the cup holders on his car seat. As I do so, he still seems dissatisfied.

"Ah, my, my..." Maddox cries as he gestures towards Julia holding the iPad. I swing my head to the side to tell Emilie to talk to Julia while I get the gas tank filled.

"Okay" Emilie mouths as she makes her way to the back of the car to join the kids.

"Hey, jewel bug. What are you doing?" Emilie asks.

"Watching Fantastic Mr. Fox" Julia answers as she tilts the screen to show her mother.

"After 10 minutes, can we give Maddox a turn?" Emilie smiles.

"Okay" Julia agrees.

"Thank you, Jules" Emilie responds as she places a kiss on the precocious 4 year old's cheek.

"Mine! Mine!" Maddox continues to scream.

"It's going to be okay, honey. Julia is just watching something right now. But you'll get it soon" Emilie assures him.

I peer into the car and it appears that no progress is being made. I think to stop what I am doing and step in to lend a hand. Emilie has enough trouble managing him alone at home. But after a few minutes, she gives me the signal to say that everything is getting a bit better.

"All ready to go" I anounce as I get back behind the wheel.

"Great" Emilie responds.

"Here you go, Maddox" Julia says as she pauses the movie, closes the tab, and hands the iPad to her brother.

"Thank you, Jules" Emilie responds on Maddox's behalf. Just as we leave the gas station, Kyson begins to get a little fussy. 

"I'll get him and then we can go" Emilie says as she heads into the back to get Kyson.

"I think he should stay up with you" I wink as Emilie returns to the front with a stressed out infant. 

"Its looks like a good idea" Emilie says as she takes out his giraffe Nuk bottle and begins to feed him.

We are finally able to drive home in peace. The kids are content and that just tells me that we can say that today was a success.