Maia places the birthday girl in her high chair to enjoy her first piece of birthday cake. Tami stares at it as if the cake is part of some trick. She eventually grabs a handful, examines it as it squishes between her fingers, and finally places it in her mouth. It’s love at first bite, and Tami finishes the slice while surprisingly barely making a mess.
The party moves back into the living room. Tami plays with her new toys as we adults chat about everything from global warming to politics. Just as the party is winding down, I hear the doorbell ring. I head downstairs to see who it is, hoping it’s not our tenants complaining about something else. But it’s not.
It’s Dad. I hurry and open the door.
Kai: Hey Dub.
Wade: Dad! What are you doing here? I thought you and Ma wouldn’t make it to the party.
Kai: We decided that at least one of us should be here on our only granddaughter’s 1st birthday.
Wade: How long are you staying?
Kai: I’ll be heading back tonight.
I almost can’t believe Dad came all this way to see Tami. The grandparent bond must be strong.
Kai: This is a nice place. Are you going to let me in?
Wade: Oh, my Watcher! I’m sorry, Dad. I’m just so surprised to see you. Come in; Tami is upstairs.
I lead the way up the stairs while Dad follows, repeating several more times how nice the place is.
Dad’s face lights up as soon as he sees Tami.
Kai: There she is! There’s my beautiful granddaughter. I’m your Pop-Pop!
Tambara: Pop, pop, pop!
Kai: *smiles* That’s right!
I’m sure Tami is too young to remember my parents, but that doesn’t stop her from giving Dad the biggest hug ever. She doesn’t even protest when he picks her up, which further convinces me that there’s an innate bond between babies and their grandparents.
It’s close to Tami’s bedtime, reminding me to convert her crib to a toddler bed. I’m sure none of us would get any sleep if we attempted to keep her closed up in a baby crib. I take down the railings and complete the task without too many mishaps, noting that I’m getting good at this handyman thing.
Dad can’t stay long, but he’s determined to squeeze in as much quality time with Tami as possible before he has to walk back out the door. When he hears that it’s bedtime, he insists on reading Tami a story, just like he used to do for me and my brothers when we were young. Tami seems to enjoy it as much as we did.
Dad reads and rereads the story twice as if repeating it will help Tami remember this moment. Maybe it will. But he eventually comes to the end and realizes it’s time for him to go.
Kai: Pop-Pop will be back with your gran very soon.
Tambara: Pop, pop, pop?
Kai: Yeah, pop, pop, pop and gran
Dad’s expression reveals his reluctance to leave. But he walks over and gives me a goodbye hug anyway.
Kai: *whispers* I’m proud of you, son.
I’ll never get used to hearing that.
Dad’s cell alerts him to a text. He pulls out his phone and reads.
Kai: That’s your Ma, reminding me not to miss my flight.
Wade: You could always stay the night and catch an early flight in the morning.
Kai: I wish I could, but I have to interview a potential new gardener tomorrow.
Wade: I thought that was Mase’s job now.
Kai: I’ll be retiring and leaving it all in Mase’s hands soon enough. But for now, duty calls.
We say our goodbyes while Maia leads Tami into her bedroom for a diaper change.
Bedtime is still Tami’s least favorite moment of the day, and she reminds Maia of that after being picked up and placed on the changing table for a diaper change.
Maia: Time for your PJs now. Stand still for Mommy!
Tambara: No!
Maia: It’s time for big birthday girls to go to bed.
Tambara: No, no, no!
Despite the resistance that Tami is putting up, Maia gets her into her pajamas.
Maia: it’s okay. I know bedtime is no fun, but you’ll feel better in the morning.
The hard part is over. Maia has tucked Tami into bed, and when I return from seeing Dad out the door, Tami lies there with droopy, heavy eyes. We’ll have to see if she stays in bed after realizing the railings are gone.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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