I return to the rental as a married man, which, honestly, I never would have predicted would be the case when we first arrived yesterday morning. The place seems different, almost brighter somehow. It’s incredible what happens to one’s entire outlook when the things you wish so hard for suddenly come true. I feel like a new man.
Maia walks in behind me, holding Desiree, and Tambara stumbles in a few minutes behind her. While I’m glad Tami held it together for the rest of our vow exchange, I can see she’s over the rest of the evening as soon as she enters through the door. I walk over to carry her to one of the high chairs, although she’s looking at me like, ‘Don’t you dare.’
Wade: You’re getting carried today, little princess.
She’s already upset, so it can’t get any worse.
Maia has already put Desi in the second high chair, and I can already tell she has Luca’s relaxed demeanor, or maybe it’s Sophia’s. I don’t know. But although she has to be as tired as Tami, she’s all smiles and giggles as I give them both a sippy cup full of apple juice. Meanwhile, Tami looks like she’s about to go into a total rage at any minute. Divas will be divas, so I chalk it up to that as I escape the room with the excuse of converting the crib upstairs to a toddler bed for Desi to sleep in. Tami is screaming her head off before I make it to the stairs. I feel bad leaving Maia there to deal with it alone.
Maia finishes warming up chicken nuggets for Desi and is doing her best to get something ready for Tami, but first, she must stop the screaming.
Maia: *To Tami* Hey, little tadpole. I know you’re tired, but I need you to use your words and tell mommy what’s wrong. Do you want anything to eat?
Tami sniffles to calm down before finally speaking.
Tambara: No, I go see daddy.
Maia: Daddy is upstairs. Is that where you want to go?
Tami nods her head.
Tambara: mm hmm
Maia: Okay, I’ll let you out, and you can go.
Maia pulls Tami out of the high chair, giving her what she wants while she finishes tending to Desi.
Tami slowly climbs the stairs one at a time–sniffling and whining the entire way. Meanwhile, Desi, still in her high chair, has decided that playing with chicken nuggets is a lot more fun than eating them. Luna is on standby, hoping that Desi accidentally drops one.
Desi eventually eats one or two nuggets, but Maia can see that she can barely keep her eyes open. She pulls her out of the chair and carries her to the stairs.
Maia: You are just the sweetest little tadpole, aren’t you?
When Maia walks in, I’m sitting in the big bear chair, feeling stiff and uncomfortable in my suit.
Maia: Let’s get you changed and ready for bed.
For a moment, I perk up, thinking she’s talking to me, until she picks Desi up and changes her out of her dress.
Desi is still smiling and happy despite her exhaustion. I need to ask Luca his secret to keeping her so calm. While Desi is being taken care of, I leave to change into something more comfortable to help Maia with the rest of the bedtime routine.
When I return, Maia goes into the bathroom to check on Tami, only to find the poor baby asleep on the floor. I grab a book from the shelf that I know Tami loves, hoping Desi will like it too.
Wade: Okay, Desi, I guess it’s just you and me for story time. This one is called ‘Princess Plumbob’s Castle.’
I read a few pages, but by this time, Desi is swaying on her feet and can barely listen between yawns. I pick her up and carry her to her bed.
Wade: Maybe we should continue this after you’re all tucked in.
After Desi is in her bed, I continue reading.
Wade: *reading* We’re looking for the Princess Castle, but where can it be? Maybe behind the barn, or maybe behind the tree!
Tami comes out of the bathroom, almost offended that I’m reading her favorite story to another little girl.
Tambara: That’s my story, Daddy.
Wade: I know, but sharing it with a friend is nice when you’re too tired to listen. I’ll read it to you tomorrow.
Maia tucks Tami into bed, and we dim the lights and tip-toe out of the room, leaving the two sleeping princesses.
Maia: I don’t think we’ll hear a peep out of them for the rest of the night.
Wade: Not at all.
The night is relatively young, but Maia and I know we should probably stay within listening distance of the girls if one wakes in the middle of the night. We go next door to our room and open the game on the table.
Maia: Which one should we play?
Wade: Thumbs up, I guess.
Maia pulls out a card and holds it in front of her forehead. My job is to give her clues to help her guess what’s on the card. It’s a picture of someone vomiting.
Wade: It’s what happens when you feel sick.
Maia: You go to sleep.
Wade: No—when you are sick to your stomach.
Maia: Throw up
Wade: Yep
I hold a card up next.
Maia: How we feel when Tami throws a tantrum…
Wade: Over it
Maia: Close enough
She pulls out another card, and I quickly conclude that this must be the family-friendly version of the game—not exactly what we were looking for. She holds up another card.
Wade: Maybe we should play the adult version of the game.
Maia: Or we can skip the game and go to bed.
Even better…
We’re on babysitting duty, so going to bed will only involve cuddling, which is perfectly fine. We climb under the covers, and I pull my bride closer.
Wade: Goodnight, wifey.
I’ve been waiting a long time to say that.
Maia: Goodnight, hubby – I love you!
Wade: I love you too.
I kiss her forehead, squeeze her tighter, and go to sleep with a smile.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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