“You should be, we brought a delicious creamy chicken lemon rice casserole for you,” Alexis said, leaning forward and kissing Julia’s cheek. They couldn’t hug since they both had their arms full with their babies—and in Alexis’s case, also the bag that held the casserole.
“Oh, you’re a doll. That’s great—we’ve just run out of the casseroles Mom made us.”
“I heard.” Alexis chuckled. “She didn’t have time to make you more today, but she let me know you’d probably be in need of another one.”
Julia shook her head. “This family is a marvel,” she said.
“Hey, you brought me plenty of casseroles when Cash was first born,” Alexis said. “I definitely owe you.” She set her baby down on the floor, where he proceeded to crawl eagerly toward the living room.
“I think he thinksFinding Nemois going to be playing in there like it was the last time we were here,” Alexis said with a laugh. “Watch him for a second, would you? I’m going to put this casserole in your refrigerator.”
“Thank you. Sorry it’s such a mess in there.”
Alexis turned and gave Julia a look. “Julia. You just had a baby. Your kitchen is allowed to be messy.”
Julia chuckled. “Okay. You’re right.”
Julia kept a watchful eye on Cash while Alexis bustled around in the kitchen. Judging by the sounds of splashing water, she was also rinsing off a few dishes to put into the dishwasher, and Julia smiled, grateful for her help. She set Quinn down in the little bassinet they kept in the living room and rocked her a little as she watched over her nephew.
A few minutes later Alexis returned, bearing a couple of cups of tea on a tray that also held garlic rosemary crackers and cheese spread.
“I thought we could snack while we talk,” Alexis said. “Snacking during the early stages of motherhood is very important. You’ve got to keep that energy up.”
“Especially when I’m not getting sleep,” Julia agreed gratefully, accepting the mug of tea as Alexis handed it to her. It was clear from the refreshing smell that there was a pepperminttea bag in the mug, and Julia breathed deeply of the fragrance, which made her think of pine trees on summer nights, and of Christmastime.
“So…” Alexis picked up a cracker and dipped it into the cheese spread. She leaned forward conspiratorially. “Tell me all about how you’re doing. Have you fallen asleep sitting up yet?”
Julia threw her head back on a laugh. “Oh no! I have that to look forward to?”
Alexis popped the cracker into her mouth. “Not necessarily.”
“Well, no falling asleep sitting up yet—but it’s early days, maybe I just need to give it time.” Julia shook her head, chuckling. “I have to admit, motherhood is harder than I expected. I knew it would be hard, but it’s more emotionally draining than I thought it would be. Like, I have all this new love in my heart for someone who needs almost constant care. I feel like I’m on alert all the time.”
“I hear that. But you’ll settle into a groove soon enough. Anything totally new is always hard. It takes a while for us to adjust to new circumstances, especially if they’re major.”
“You’re right. And I know that—but I wonder how long it will be before I’m used to this new way of living. I love Quinn and Macey more than anything, but it’s definitely a challenge to try to care for both of them at once.”
“I can only imagine. But on the bright side, Macey will be able to take care of herself more soon—and eventually they’ll both be old enough to help around the house, and help you cook—it’ll be like having two little helpers all the time.”
Julia laughed. “Don’t talk about them growing up! I don’t want that yet, no matter how helpful they might be. And I know you’re right, but it’s not just about how much time it takes to look after them. I was so sure that we would have plenty of room in the house for the new baby, but I’m realizing that there’s less space than I thought there would be, since everything Quinnneeds is coming out of boxes. Everything feels cluttered and cramped in the kitchen and in the nursery, and I hate it when things feel out of order.”
Alexis patted her sister’s shoulder in a commiserating fashion. “I definitely hear you there. But just give it a little time. I’m sure you’ll figure out something clever. You’ll get used to everything little by little, and things will fall into place. Eventually you’re going to get settled into a routine and have both your actions and your supplies organized the way you want them. Kids are always unpredictable, but for the most part you can help them get settled into a routine with you. I think that makes it easier on everybody. You’ll get used to every aspect of this new chapter soon—in the meantime, try not to be too hard on yourself. Like, no more apologizing for not doing your dishes soon enough.”
“Mm, you’re right. Thanks, Alexis.” Julia leaned to the side and rested her head against Alexis’s shoulder. She let out a major yawn. “I’m glad you’re here to talk me out of my perfectionism. I’ll just take this one day at a time.”
“It’s all you can do. The problems that go along with parenting change all the time as the kiddos get older. Right now, you’re worried about diapers and naptime, and before you know it, you’ll have the predicament that Hazel just found herself in.”
Julia sat up, her brow furrowing in confusion. “What predicament?”
“You didn’t hear?”
“No.” Julia pulled her legs up onto the couch and turned to face Alexis, sitting cross-legged. “What happened?”
“It seems,” Alexis said, drawing her words out for dramatic effect, “that Samantha has gotten her first boyfriend.” She grinned.
Julia covered her face, laughing and burying her head against the couch cushions. “Please don’t even mention thingslike that—I’m still trying to get this pacifiers and diapers stage right. I can’t even process the idea of Macey or Quinn getting boyfriends.”
“But that’s what I’m saying.” Alexis’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “You just need to take everything one day at a time.”
