Avery sat on the couch, cradling baby Elliot in her arms. The tiny newborn was swaddled snugly in a light blue blanket, his sleepy face the picture of innocence. Sunny, their golden retriever, lay at her feet, wagging her tail lazily as she watched the baby.
Ryan walked in from the kitchen, holding a bottle of water and a snack for Avery. “Here you go, Mama Bear,” he said, placing the items on the coffee table. “Keeping you hydrated and fed so you don’t pass out on me.”
Avery smiled, her exhaustion showing in her eyes. “Thanks, Daddy Bear. I need all the help I can get.”
“You’re doing amazing,” Ryan said, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “Now, what’s next on the agenda? Diaper change? Feeding? Attempting to figure out why he’s crying for the fifth time in an hour?”
“Diaper change,” Avery replied, smirking. “And it’s all yours. I handled the last three.”
Ryan groaned but couldn’t hide the grin on his face. “Alright, Elliot, let’s do this.”
Ryan carried Elliot to the changing table, expertly unwrapping the swaddle and placing him on the soft pad.
“Okay, little man,” Ryan said, his tone playful. “Let’s see what kind of masterpiece you’ve created for me this time.”
Avery called out from the couch, “Don’t forget to grab the wipes first! Last time you didn’t, and you ended up in a mess.”
“I’ve got this!” Ryan replied confidently, opening the diaper.
As soon as he did, Elliot let out a tiny grunt—and then chaos ensued.
“Oh, no, no, no!” Ryan shouted as a sudden spray hit him square in the chest.
Avery burst into laughter from the living room, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “Did he just—?”
“Yes!” Ryan said, holding Elliot’s legs in the air with one hand and grabbing wipes with the other. “Your son just peed on me. And I mean on me. It’s in my shirt, Avery!”
Avery couldn’t stop laughing, tears streaming down her face. “Welcome to parenthood, Hayes. No one’s safe.”
Ryan glared at her, though his lips twitched with amusement. “Glad you’re enjoying this.”
“I’m enjoying it a lot,” Avery admitted, still giggling.
That evening, after a long day of adjusting to life with a newborn, Avery and Ryan finally settled into bed. Elliot had just fallen asleep in his bassinet, and the house was blessedly quiet.
“Do you think he’ll stay asleep for more than two hours this time?” Avery whispered, her head resting on Ryan’s shoulder.
“Let’s not jinx it,” Ryan replied, closing his eyes.
But just as they started to drift off, Elliot’s cries pierced the silence.
Avery groaned, sitting up. “Your turn.”
“Of course it is,” Ryan muttered, swinging his legs out of bed. “Alright, buddy, I’m coming.”
Ryan picked up the crying baby and rocked him gently. “What’s wrong, little man? Are you hungry? Gassy? Or are you just mad at the world?”
Avery watched from the bed, a small smile on her face despite her exhaustion. “You’re good at that,” she said softly.
“Yeah, well, he hasn’t puked on me yet tonight, so I’m still winning,” Ryan joked, earning a laugh from Avery.
The next day, Avery was feeding Elliot in the nursery when Ryan walked in, holding a cup of coffee.
“How’s it going in here?” he asked, sitting on the arm of the rocking chair.
“Messy,” Avery said, adjusting the bottle. “He keeps spitting out half of it. I think we need to try a different bottle.”
Ryan frowned, taking the bottle from her to inspect it. “I thought this one was supposed to be the best for colic.”
“Apparently, Elliot doesn’t care about online reviews,” Avery said with a sigh.
“Figures,” Ryan said, shaking his head. “Alright, I’ll go to the store and get a couple of other options. Any requests while I’m out?”
“Sleep,” Avery said, smiling tiredly.
“Can’t buy that, but I’ll grab chocolate,” Ryan replied, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “You’re doing great, Aves.”
That afternoon, Elliot finally fell asleep, and Avery and Ryan collapsed onto the couch together.
“I love him, but I am so tired,” Avery admitted, resting her head on Ryan’s shoulder.
“Same,” Ryan said, wrapping an arm around her. “But, man, isn’t he worth it?”
Avery smiled, her heart swelling with love. “He is. Even when he’s pooping on you.”
Ryan groaned. “You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”
“Not a chance,” Avery said, laughing softly.