Thurs Nov 21 2019

By Thursday it was clear that Maddy was starting to fit in around the motel. She charmed the kitchen and dining room staff completely and Mark was already making her favourite sweets. Mink offered to babysit anytime and insisted they go visit Chase who was responding well to his chemo. Mink and Chase were living at Chase’s renovated home now and Bobbie was interested to see the new house so she agreed to bring Maddy for a visit that afternoon after tea.

In the mean time she planned to take Maddy over to Charlies, where a pregnant June and cousin Suzy would be home. Maybe the nanny Joanne would be there too. She wasn’t sure.

Bobbie went into her office, where her sewing machine was and took a little dress off the table. It was made from an old pair of jeans, a felted blue sweater and a light blue plaid shirt. She went to the closet where she had the first version of the dress made with the jeans, and a green sweater and shirt. She made the blue one for Maddy last night but she would take the green one for Suzy when they visited.

Maddy was a little cranky in the morning so Bobbie gave her breakfast and took her around the motel for a quick visit and now she was having a rare morning nap. Maybe she wasn’t sleeping well thought Bobbie. Around 11:30 Bobbie heated a little meatloaf and macaroni and went in to wake her up. “Hey Maddy are you ready to wake up? I made a little lunch for us and then we can go visit your cousin.” It was a little manipulative because Bobbie knew Maddy really wanted to meet her cousins so she’d get up right away.

Maddy rubbed her eyes. “I need potty.”

Bobbie picked her up and carried her to the bathroom and put her on the big toilet. Maddy leaned over her shoulder and held her around the neck. When she was done, she smiled. “I’m a big girl.”

“You are; come get some lunch and then I have a new dress for you to try. I made it especially for you.”

Maddy just smiled and nodded and trailed Bobbie into the kitchen. Her highchair was pushed up to the island and Bobbie lifted her in and placed the small porcelain bunny dish in front of her. She ate the meat and then the macaroni and Bobbie fed her some mashed carrots; she never fed her boys baby food. She just used real food that was nice and soft. Maddy was old enough for regular food anyway.

They got cleaned up and Maddy was in her room playing when Bobbie brought in her dress. It was a mock pinafore made of denim with light knitted sleeves, from a thrifted sweater, sewn right on. Maddy had light, lose, footless tights and socks Bobbie made, that matched the dress. She looked adorable and seemed to like wearing the dress too.

Bobbie showed her the other dress. “This one is for Suzy; you will match.”

Maddy nodded. “Match,” she said it a couple of times and ended up saying it in a sing songy voice, under her breath as they got ready to leave.

Bobbie smiled and they went to the car and Maddy got buckled in. On the way Maddy was quiet and she still didn’t say anything when they got to the house. Suzy was kneeling on the couch in front of the window waiting for them. They came in and were taking off their boots and coats. Suzy carefully climbed off the couch and ran over to them; and stood there.

Bobbie didn’t know what to expect they looked at each other and Maddy, who was an experienced daycare kid, said, “Hi.”

Suzy giggled and said, “Hi.”

June came over and hugged Bobbie and knelt down to hug Maddy. Suzy leaned against her mother, joining in the hug.

The nanny Joanne came downstairs. “Suzy Q be careful not to knock your mother over. Is this your new cousin Maddy? Hi Maddy Cakes, I’m Joanne and I’m pleased to meet you.”

Maddy giggled. “Maddy Cakes.”

“That is such a pretty dress Maddy, did your Gramma make it?”

Maddy nodded and looked at Suzy and said, “We match.”

Suzy looked confused and Bobbie showed Suzy her new dress and Joanne took it, then took both girls’ hands and started up the stairs. “Come on girls let’s go get Suzy changed into her new dress.

June came over to Bobbie. “My god Bobbie, that child is beautiful. How are you making out with her?”

“Well, I’m doing pretty well but she seems to take all my attention. I have great independent staff but they will need me sometime. How are you anyway? You are positively glowing.”

“Thanks, I feel so much better. All my nausea is gone and I’m gaining weight. The baby is due in January so maybe I’ll have a new year’s baby. You’ve only had Maddy with you a couple of days. You will get into a routine soon enough and will feel more comfortable; and you can always bring Maddy here. I have Joanne helping me.”

“Thanks June, I don’t want you to think I’m using you like a daycare…”

“Don’t be silly Bobbie, you practically bought us this house. Charlie and I don’t want you to pay someone for daycare when we can look after Maddy. We want to help you.”

“You let me know if I’m taking advantage of you.”

June just shook her head and looked at the stairs. Joanne helped the small girls down the stairs and the two of them stood in front of June and Bobbie and Suzy said, ‘We match.” Bobbie snapped a couple pictures and then they went to go work on a big puzzle.

Joanne came over. “I’m going to make a snack for them. Does Maddy like apples and cheese?”

Bobbie just nodded and when Joanne went towards the kitchen she turned to June. “I don’t even know if Maddy likes apples.”

June smiled and reassured her; clearly pleased that she could finally help the mother-in-law that was almost too helpful.

Joanne came back with an empty plate. “They ate it up. I think I need to take Suzy for her afternoon nap. Are you staying long enough for Maddy to nap here too.”

It dawned on Bobbie that afternoons actually had to be planed around nap schedules when kids were little. She had a lot to remember about parenting a toddler. “She had a short morning nap but could probably go down. If you don’t mind, June.”

“Of course, Bobbie. Why don’t we get a cup of tea and you can tell us how you made those dresses.”

Joanne looked over her shoulder. “Yes, I was hoping you had a pattern or something for them.”

Bobbie got out her phone and sent a picture of the two girls, with a message to Mink. “Apparently, it’s time for a nap for these two and when we’re all sorted it will be too late for our visit; we’ll have to visit another day.”

Mink immediately texted back. “Adorable! Yazz, the girls need their beauty sleep. Maybe tomorrow, we have the grownup housewarming on Saturday evening that you have to attend.”

Bobbie answered. “I’ll find a babysitter.” Then she turned to June. “All the cousins will be home from school when the girls wake up. Maddy gets to meet them all.”