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.