protect my heart

31

c h r i s t i a n

Moving day was finally here and all I can say is...Thank. God.

I was thrilled to get out of Milwaukee. I couldn't wait to get back into California and see my family and friends. Of course I was going to miss my friends out here, but California is my home. That's where Nadia and I grew up, and that's where I want my kids to grow up.

We were being ballsy and driving out to California with the car packed up. A lot of our stuff had already been shipped to California and was waiting at the house for us. We just decided we were going to get some new furniture for the house except for the bedroom furniture and some of the televisions. The one that was in the living room had to come with us, that's my special sports watching television.

We got the kids loaded into the car and did one last double check to make sure we had everything we needed before setting off down highway 43 to California. I knew we were going to have to stop to sleep somewhere and stop a couple of times for bathroom breaks and so Nadia could feed Jaxson because he was going to become a cranky baby if he didn't get his lunch and dinner. I wasn't too worried about Wyatt and Willow, however, they've never done a trip like this before. This was going to be something...

***

The first couple of hours into the trip were fine. Jaxson slept a lot and Wyatt and Willow were entertained with their tablets. Driving through some of these states were honestly boring. Especially Iowa; that shit is boring.

Nadia reached her hand over, putting hers over mine. "Whenever you wanna stop and maybe get something to eat or just stretch out, I'm fine with. I'm sure the kiddos want to get out and stretch too.." She said, grabbing my hand and kissing it.

I shrugged, "I'm fine right now. I was gonna drive like one more hour and then stop. I'm sure Jaxson will be hungry or be awake by then."

"He's been sleeping pretty good, I'm surprised." Nadia commented.

"Fine with me," I chuckled, "And the other two are glued to their screens. No bickering? Amazing."

She laughed, "I agree. Haven't heard a whine or anything." She looked out the window then back at me, "Whenever you want to switch and have me drive, I'm fine with it."

I nodded, "I can still go a couple more hours, honestly." I tell her, "I'm waiting for one of the kids to start to get antsy before stopping."

Nadia nodded, "Fair enough. Just didn't want you getting too tired or anything.." She said as she ran her fingers through my hair.

***

We had stopped in Colorado for the night and I was exhausted. We got Jaxson's Pack N' Play set up and let the two kids have the other bed that was in our hotel room. I was too tired to even change out of my jeans and I just laid down on the bed.

Nadia looked at me and smiled, "Not changing?"

I looked up at her and shook my head, "Too lazy. Too tired." I replied, "Unless you wanna take them off for me."

She shrugged, "Not the ideal situation I would want to be taking your pants off in, but, kids are around and I know you're exhausted," she giggled and walked over by me, hovering over me and unbuttoned my jeans. "Want your sweatpants or something?"

I shook my head again, "Nah, I'm fine in my boxers."

"Okay, baby." She smiled and pulled my jeans off and then climbed in bed next to me. "I can drive tomorrow morning. You did all the driving today, I feel bad."

I shrug, "I really didn't have a problem with it. Until Willow started whining and Wyatt said he had to go to bathroom five million times." I laughed, pulling Nads closer to me. "But, if you want to, I'm fine with it. I can entertain the kids for a little bit."

"I'm fine with whatever, babe." She said, kissing my cheek. "I just can't wait to get back home."

***

Nadia did the rest of the driving back to California while I kept the kids entertained. They did great this entire roadtrip, I was really surprised. Jaxson slept a lot and wasn't fussy, and the other two didn't argue? It was honestly ideal.

Our family was kind enough to get the furniture that we had sent to our home all settled. It made our lives much easier as we had a car full of things and then we had a trailer behind us full of things that we had to unpack. Knowing that we didn't have to worry about getting any big furniture situated was amazing.

When we got to our home, the kids started getting super excited. I helped get them out and let them run around. I carried Jaxson's carseat inside and looked over at Nadia, "We're home."

Nadia smiled at me, "We're home." She said, unbuckling Jax from his seat and held him. "We're home, buddy! I bet you need a diaper change, huh?" She kissed his forehead as they walked into the kitchen.

"His room should be set up with the changing table and whatnot if you want to go in there.." I tell her, walking behind her.

"Oh, yeah!" She laughed and walked into Jaxson's room, laying him down on his changing table. She got him all changed and picked him back up, looking at me, "Just gotta get his clothes and stuff all unpacked and put away and his room is perfect." She says, "I'm so glad our families got all the big furniture taken care of."

I nodded, "Me too. Helps us out a lot." I pulled my phone out of my pocket and texted my mom, "Should probably let them know that we're here, huh?" I chuckled.

Wyatt and Willow came running in the house. "Daddy! The backyard is so big! And we have a pool!" Wyatt exclaimed, sounding out of breath.

"Yeah? Have you seen your room yet?" I asked him and he quickly shook his head and darted off.

"Where is it, daddy? Which one mine?" He asked, running in the hall. I pointed towards his door, opening it for him and heard him gasp. "My bed already here!?"

I nodded, "Yeah, your bed and stuff is already here! We just have to unpack your clothes and toys! How cool?"

Willow tugged on my shirt, "Daddy, where my room?"

"This way, Willow bug." I say, grabbing her hand and walked her into her room. "Right here, baby."

She smiled big, "Oh, daddy! I love it!" She crawled up on the bed. "I got new blankies!"

"You did! Gramma picked those out for you! What do you think?" I asked. My mom had gone out and gotten the kids new bedding; Willow got a pretty pink one.

"It's pink! My favorite color!" She said, looking at me. "Where my toys?"

"They're in the car, baby! We still have to bring all the boxes in and get everything unpacked!" I told her, "Do you want to help me and momma when we do that?"

She nodded, "Yes please!"

Nadia walked in, wrapping her arms around my torso from behind. "I got the little guy down for a nap." She says as I turn to face her. "They like their rooms so far?"

"Willow is in awe with her new bedding. She said she's going to help us unpack her things." I smile, "My mom said she'll be over within the next hour or so."

"Perfect." Nadia says as she kisses my cheek. "I'm just glad we're finally home."

Me too...