Love(2)

Shrugging, I fingered a cute baseball outfit. “I thought I was. I’m taking some online summer courses and working at transposing songs for the music department, so it’s not like I do anything to physically get tired. But lately it seems like I keep misplacing and forgetting things.”

“Like what?”

“My car keys. I always hang them on a hook by the door to the garage, but lately they’re never there and I find them all over the place, even though I swear I made a special point to hang them up. And the other day, Dylan came home from work and asked why I’d parked out on the street. I never park on the street. I’d gone to the grocery store earlier, but I don’t remember parking there. He says I move things of his around, too.” I laughed, feeling like an idiot. “I guess I’ve finally gone nuts. It was bound to happen someday.”

Giving me a quick hug around the shoulders, she leaned her head against mine. “I don’t think you’re nuts, at all. I think you’re excited for this baby to get here and he is preoccupying most of your thoughts. That’s a good thing.”

Running a hand over my baby bump, I smiled. “I never thought it was possible to love someone so much. I mean, I haven’t even met him and already he’s such a part of me. I can’t wait to hold him and nuzzle all his tiny features.” Immediately, I started tearing up, again. “But then it all seems so unreal at other times, as if he will never really get here.”

“Spoken like a true expectant mother. Be patient and enjoy your pregnancy– and the rest you’re getting now. After this little guy is born, neither Dylan nor you will be getting much sleep.”

“Great. Now I’ll have two boys keeping me awake at night,” I grumbled, jokingly.

Mom laughed and shook her head. “I’m afraid you’re right. I don’t think that husband of yours will leave you alone much, kids or not—not that it’s a bad thing. Shall we check out now?”

Smiling, I nodded. “Yes, I think we have enough for three nurseries in our cart now, and that’s not counting the baby furniture being delivered.”

“Well, let’s go put this all together and then you’ll have something to surprise my son-in-law with.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I hooked my arm in hers, happy for the time we’d been able to spend together, as the two of us made our way to the front of the store.

***

“Surprise!” I threw the door to the nursery open and watched Dylan’s face light up. “Didn’t it turn out great?”

“Honey! This is awesome! I can’t believe you and your mom got all this done today. I hope you didn’t wear yourself out.”

“I’m tired, but I love this room. I don’t want to leave it.” I slid my hand across the pale yellow walls. “I think you painted it the perfect color. It’ll work well for a boy, and any girls we might have in the future.”

“Your idea of the having the zoo animals fits perfectly in here.”

“It does. You have to sit in the nursing rocker/recliner we bought. It’s so comfy, and it’s in easy reach of the changing table or anything I might need on the shelves.” I ushered him over to the chair and pushed him into it.

He laughed, but looked pleasantly surprised. “Oh, that is nice.” Smiling, he sank further into the chair, laying his head back.

“But that’s not the best thing. Look at this!” I opened the closet and drawers to show him the full wardrobe of clothes, baby blankets, teething toys and other paraphernalia.

“Good grief! Did you go a little crazy with the shopping today?”

“Mom bought it all! She was like a kid in a candy store, going berserk over everything. I think it’s pretty safe to say this baby is going to be spoiled rotten.”

Dylan stood and moved behind me, reaching around to place his hands on my belly. Instantly, I felt the baby flutter inside me.

“He moved! Did you feel it?”

“I did,” he replied with a smile as he kissed my neck. Turning me to face him, he knelt in front of me lifting my shirt so he could continue stroking my bare stomach. “Hey, Peanut. Daddy’s home, now.” He kissed my belly and was rewarded with another kick. Soft laughter erupted from him. “I hope that means you’re happy I’m here.” He kissed the spot again. “I sure love you and your mommy.”

“Of course he’s happy. He always moves more when you’re around. I think he gets excited to hear your voice.”

Dylan stood and pulled me against him. “Then he must be like his daddy. I get excited when I hear your voice.”