And Baby Makes Three

So, it really was true! What all their parent friends had told them; a new baby, most especially your first, changes your life completely and utterly.

Not the sleepless nights, not the fear of doing something wrong, not the panic of the unexpected sneeze, cough, or raised temperature.  No, none of the negatives.  It was having someone so innocent and helpless and dependant on you smiling and gurgling with pleasure every time she saw you.

From the moment he first saw Debra, Carl knew, if nothing else, this was what he was destined to do, to nurture and raise a child.

He took his full share of paternity leave from his job at the lab, but even when he went back to work, Carl loved taking his turn at the night-time or early morning feeds.

And when he returned home after a day at 'the office', the first thing he did was check in with his beautiful daughter and give her a snuggle before he changed out of his work clothes.

Every evening telling her how his day had gone, how proud he was, and how she was going to fulfil all of her dreams.

While Carl was at work, Malia loved keeping Debra with her as she went about her daily chores and when she had time to relax with her favourite TV programmes, describing to her daughter what was happening on the screen and how she would grow up to do whatever she wished.

Malia was, however, frustrated that the winter weather had staying so long in Hidden Springs so she was unable to get out into her garden.  She had agreed to take a stall at the central park where she would sell her produce and was eager to get started.

Without the physical effort of tending the garden to keep her active, there were many days when Malia would feel quite tired and lethargic by the time Carl came home from work.

Thankfully Carl was never one to mope or idle time away and his enthusiasm for both Debra and Malia as well as whatever it was they were doing at the time would invariably lift her spirits.

And, of course, whenever you felt like resting Debra would need a feed, or a nappy change, or just cuddles and play.

Seeing the uncomplicated love and affection of their baby would put a shine on any otherwise dull day.



A few weeks after Debra was born, they received a parcel from one of Malia's more distant aunts, Bernice.

Neither of them had seen her in years, though they knew Malia's parents and some other family members had kept in touch with her so it wasn't entirely surprising to receive a letter or small gift to celebrate a new addition to the family.

The gift of a small soft doll was not unusual either, but there was something out of the ordinary about it, compounded by the mysterious 'secrets' alluded to in the accompanying note.

Either way, Malia was delighted to hear from Bernice, and Debra took an instant liking to her slightly odd looking toy, so everyone was happy.

Special Delivery

Knowing they were to be parents, some changes in their lives were inevitable.

For one thing they realised that they needed a little extra room in their modest home so that their child had space to play in and, also, so that they had somewhere to get a little peace should they need it.  As positive and optimistic as they were, they both knew that there would be times when one or other of them just needed to take break.



So Carl set about adding a small extension to their cottage and moving the bathroom to make way for a nursery.

While Carl was busy reshaping their home, Malia had to endure the peculiar stresses, strains, and cravings that were part and parcel of being pregnant.

Normally Malia was not a great fan of ice-cream (it was one of the few things about her that Carl could never understand ... after all, who doesn't love ice-cream?!)

But there were many nights Malia would wake up with an urgent desire for the smoothest and creamiest of ice-creams - though always the most unusual flavours she could find!

-- * --

The months passed, the due date grew nearer and nearer when Carl's boss, Liam O'Dourke, threw a last minute party for the expectant couple - Liam was a great fan of the 'last minute' in most everything he did!

Though hurriedly organised Liam promised a relaxed and chilled gathering with some of their friends and work colleagues.  Despite his imminent fatherhood though, Carl couldn't help himself when they arrived and went into full bro-dude mode as Liam welcomed them into his home.

Always embarrassed whenever he did this, Malia would forgive him this time, knowing that very soon he would soon be saying goodbye to several aspects of his youthfulness as he adapted to a new role, a father.

Liam was a great host, providing not just some lovely finger food but also great company.

Though Malia did wonder if one particular guest held a special attraction for the still single host...

As conversations moved easily from subject to subject, with everyone contributing, whether trivial, serious, or passionate it was clear to anyone who took the time to notice such things, as Malia did, that Liam always seemed that little bit more interested whenever Candace Roberts put across her viewpoint. 

Even in the most relaxed and comfortable environment, Malia still only had limited energy, so when Carl noticed the tell-take signs he quickly suggested that that they head for home.

Saying their farewells to the assembled guests, Malia mentioned how the little one was starting to get a little 'active'.  Which, strangely enough, he/she often did around this time of the evening.

Liam couldn't help asking if he could ...

As he gently touched Malia's belly he felt the baby push out; once, twice, three times.  "Well," he smiled, "I reckon you're going to have your hands full ... feels like baby  Slade is going to be a bit of a handful!"

-- * --

As it turned out, it was only a few days later when Malia felt that irresistible pressure.  It was clear that "the little one" wasn't planning on waiting around!

Rushed to the Rudolph Vanderburg Memorial Hospital, the delivery was surprisingly quick and straight-forward.  There were no complications, the doctor declared both mother and baby were healthy and recovery from the 'trauma' of birth progressing without any cause for concern.


In no time at all Malia emerged from the hospital delighted to introduce the world to Debra Slade.



With little Debra at home, both Carl and Malia felt suddenly empowered.  It was as if, after all the time they had spent travelling and exploring, they had finally realised what was truly important to them.

Their beautiful new daughter had given them a new and very "real" purpose.  One that would, for sure, be at times difficult and stressful but, nevertheless, be immensely rewarding and satisfying.

That night, the first as a complete family, they all three slept soundly, with a a sense of great relief, satisfaction, and anticipation for the next chapters in their lives.