Today is going to be a busy yet fun, joyous day. It’s the day of the BBQ and we have so much to do. The hardest part I think was yesterday. Rosy came home yesterday afternoon and watching her and Max struggle trying to take it all in was difficult. There is not only having to work with Rosy’s limited strength, but they had to soak in as much of the babies’ schedule as they could. Their likes, dislikes, personalities, special things each of them needs and don’t need. The extra snuggles Dale needs or the fact that Selena is allergic to nuts and nut products as well as certain preservatives.
Of course, Jace and I didn’t leave them. We stayed and are still here today to help, but as of tonight they are on their own. Max had to move their bedroom downstairs into the guest room, because Rosy cannot maneuver the stairs. I suggested they move the bassinets into their room for the time being, so she doesn’t have to move as far in the middle of the night. It was great seeing Rosy awake and moving around, but hard to see this vibrant, energetic woman so tired, and limited.
After rolling over and getting my morning started with a kiss and a snuggle from my man, we both get up and get the ball rolling. Taking our shower together, which is my favorite time of the day and get dressed. Upon walking downstairs, I see Rosy sitting in the chair trying to feed Selena her special cereal and the baby is crying her protest. Immediately I see why she is not happy, but I am not sure if I should interfere or not. Until Rosy turns to face me and I see she has clearly been crying.
“Hey now. What’s wrong Rosy?”
“I feel like such a bad mom. I know she is hungry, but I am obviously doing something wrong or missing a step, because she is clearly in distress and not happy. I cannot begin to know where to start.”
Her tears are breaking my heart. I look around for Jace or Max, but they are outside with the boys. Jace is showing Max how Dale likes to be held and wrapped in his baby hugger, strapped to a chest. I am on my own with this.
“Rosy stop it. You have been through a lot in the past few months and no one, I mean no one, thinks less of you. Knowing you would have given anything to be here bonding and growing with your babies. So, let’s stop this and focus on getting to that point. OK?”
She looks at me, smiles a little, wipes her face, and says, “Ok. I’m sorry. I have been very emotional since I woke up. The doctors say my body is finally recognizing the change in hormones from delivering, now that everything has woken up it’s to be expected. I say, this shit sucks. Because I have never been a crier and fuck if I want to start now.”
I laugh because I totally get it. I hate crying and I will be so pissed if suddenly I start crying like a fucking baby.
“Ok. Little miss Selena likes her cereal more like soup. She can totally handle it a little thicker, but I think before I came Jace spoiled the shit out of all of them. Now she has gotten a bit prissy and doesn’t like to have to do much of the work. If you add a little more of A2 milk to her cereal, you will see a complete change in compliance. Go on. Give it a shot.” I encourage.
I watch as she does what I suggest, mixes it a bit more and voila, a happy little princess. Rosy beams at me and the baby, seemingly happy she has made some type of progress and learned something else. Which brings me to my next thought.
“You know after the BBQ, Jace and I are leaving. But please do not hesitate to call or ask anything you need to know. This will be a process and we are all here for you.”
“Thank you, Penny. So much for stepping in and helping Jace. You totally didn’t have to, but I know it was for the best. But I have to ask are you two…” She wiggles her eyebrows around. I laugh so loud little missy jumps but leave it to Rosy to jump to the fun stuff.
I have been turning my engagement ring around when around others, so no one can notice it until tonight. I am not surprised she doesn’t know. Although I have to say, since Deb was here for one of our PDA moments, I am shocked she hasn’t said anything. Unless of course she still isn’t sure about me. Well hopefully tonight changes all that.
The rest of the day goes pretty much the same. People are coming and going dropping stuff off in anticipation. Erik and Loki Jorgenson stop by to drop off the food from their restaurant we requested. Erika Jorgensen, Erik’s twin stops by to drop off a couple of bouquets and balloons from her flower shop.
Apparently, there are seven of them and they all own some type of business in town. I find them all quite fascinating because they are built like Norse Gods. It is said that they are direct descendants of Vikings and this would make sense for several reasons. One, Minnesota is where the Vikings settled and forged their history and two, all the boys are like over six feet tall. Ham and the guys are not lacking in height, but man do the Jorgensen boys make them look like dwarfs. It will take quite a woman to tame them.
By one, everything is prepped, kids are bathed, and the adults are ready to party. The first to arrive is Ava and Hamm and my two favorite little people; followed by Kennedy and Sterling and their two little Princesses. Quick on their heels is Deb and Ham Sr. and El and Kitty. I notice they didn’t bring Carrie, but I hope that doesn’t mean she is not going to show.
I really felt a connection to her and would love for her to find her spot amongst us ladies. Kennedy’s mom Jacquie finally shows up with Greta and Mr. Sherwood, Kennedy and Rosy’s Grandpa.
The next people to arrive are Miles and Dexter with their little brother Chip. The final attendees are ALL the Jorgensen’s. I quickly notice that only two of the brothers are married. Pastor Bill is married to Elaine who takes being the first lady of the local church very seriously. And Erik (Brick), Erika’s twin is married to Lanie who is the very pregnant personal assistant to El. The rest of them are single and from the looks they are giving Carrie Ann who came in through the back, they are ready to mingle.
The party is in full swing and everyone is having a good time. Rosy is justly being slathered in attention and praise for being brave and recovering so well. All the babies are in heaven, because there is no lack of arms for them and I am simply exhausted. Thinking I can maybe sneak away for a nap, I start to head towards the stairs when I feel the arms of my soon to be husband wrap around me.
“You ready baby?” He asks me while kissing my neck.
“Mmmm…if you’re asking if I am ready to go upstairs and finish what you are trying to start, the answer is always yes.” I say to him as I turn in his arms and kiss him. I cannot take the kiss as far as I would like to because there is a house full of people but knowing what is waiting for me is just as good. I look him in the eye and tell him let’s do it. We walk into the back yard and Jace calls for everyone’s attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for coming to welcome my sister Rosy home. I am so proud of her for overcoming all of this, for keeping her children, and husband in the forefront of her mind as she made this recovery. I would like to thank you all for the support you have not only given to Max and Rosy, but also to me while I was wading single unclehood these past few months. It means a lot to me and us.”
“However, I would also like to invite you all to celebrate with me as I announce, Penny has agreed to be my wife and we are having a baby in a few months. Of course, you are all invited to the wedding, which if you know my brothers then I am sure you guessed, it is not too far out.” He says with a laugh which makes everyone in the room also erupt in laughter with agreement.
Afterwards, I am bombarded by all the ladies asking to see my ring, wanting to know how far along I am, when is the due date, and anything else you can think of. It’s all so overwhelming, but in the best of ways.
The BBQ pretty much goes off the same. Talk of the wedding, babies, worksites, and anything else. Although, I did see something I am not sure anyone else noticed. For a while it seemed Torran was making a move on Carrie and I thought although she didn’t seem super interested, she was reciprocating, until Dex walks over holding a very sleepy DJ and pushes Torran; while gesturing towards Carrie and DJ, and then pulling her toward the house. I mean to and intervene, until I see the smirk and wink she throws me. Now more than anything, I am pretty, damn intrigued.
What the hell was that about?