4) Speaking of heart-melting, watching Arthur do any of the following: change a diaper, rock a baby to sleep, feed one of the babies a bottle, soothe a crying baby, talk to them when he thinks I'm not there.
5) Having room for my lungs and bladder again.
6) Overwhelming feeling of love for my husband and babies.
7) The power to totally soothe a crying baby using only my breast. Rather superhero-ish when you really think about it.
8) Having so many wonderful family members (including Nikki and Xav) who are always willing to help out and give us a break when we need one.
9) Adorably tiny, irresistible baby feet, hands, and cheeks that require constant kisses.
10) Knowing I get to watch these two little miracles grow into adult human beings who, with any luck, will remain healthy, learn to be responsible and compassionate, and will not resemble Joffrey fromGame of Thronesor Snow White’s wicked stepmother in any way, shape, or form.
***
IT IS SATURDAY NIGHTat 11 o’clock. Arthur has signed on to provide an entire night's sleep for me, meaning he will be in the nursery, catnapping on a mattress we've had brought in while I try to get a solid six hours of sleep with the baby monitor turned off. I should be asleep by now. I'm utterly exhausted, having been up every hour for the past four weeks, but I find myself lying awake, listening for baby sounds.
I text Arthur:You okay? Do you need anything before I go to sleep?
Arthur:Go to sleep, Tessa. We’re fine. The bottles are prepared and even though a lesser man might struggle, I’m not just any man. #I’vegotthiscovered
Me:Wake me if you need me. I promise I won’t mind. #It’sOKifyouneedhelp
Arthur:Sleep. #loveyou
I close my eyes, feeling the warmth of my cozy bed and realize I really am very sleepy.
***
IWAKE UP WITH A START. The sun is up, and the first thing I notice is how completely full of milk I am. Glancing at the clock, I’m shocked to see that it's after seven in the morning, meaning I've actually slept for eight hours. I hurry to the washroom, brush my teeth, and go in search of Arthur and the babies.
When I get to the living room, I have to stifle a laugh. Arthur is fast asleep on the couch with James on his chest, and Xavier is asleep in the armchair with Flora in his arms. Grabbing my camera, I snap a few shots—the ones of Xavier and Flora for Nikki's private collection. Arthur stirs and slowly sits up, careful not to wake James.
He whispers, "Did we make it?"
I nod, then whisper back, "I see you got a little help."
Arthur follows me to the kitchen so we can talk without waking Xavier. "Things got a little out of hand around 3 AM, and he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
“Which was?”
“To help with the babies,” he says. “Xav's really quite tremendous with them, isn’t he? I actually think he’s missed his calling."
I finally had a talk with Arthur about Xavier and his past last week. Since then, he’s softened up on the idea of letting him into our family a bit. Smiling at Arthur, I say, “Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Arthur nods. "Do you mind if I’m the one to ask him?"
***
ON MONDAY MORNING,Xavier arrives for his shift at exactly 7 AM, on time as usual. Arthur opens the door and ushers him inside.
"Good morning, Your Highness, how was the night?" Xavier asks as he makes a beeline for Flora, who is in her swing. He crouches down and starts making little smiley faces.
"It was all right, thanks,” Arthur says. “That new swaddle you showed us worked wonders for James."
"It's all about making them feel secure," Xavier says in a high-pitched voice as he tickles Flora’s chubby cheek. "Isn't it, James? Babies love to be swaddled."
Arthur clears his throat. "There's something I've been wanting to talk to you about, Xavier.”
