Last Photoshoot

Hey everyone!
Got some pics for you...both new pics and some favorite pics from over the few months I've been blogging. I hope you enjoy them!! (:

 

 

All of us - minus Merida.. Tangled Fan wouldn't take her out of the box for a photoshoot. 

Rose and Lacey!  They're getting along a lot better.  (:

Allie, Hallie, Alexis, Jase, Flynn, and I.  (=

Anna and Elsa!  They're new, and they're great friends. 

Blondie

A custom Anna doll Tangled Fan did recently.  Her name is Pippa.

Rayne

 

I hope you enjoyed the pictures!  This is my final post on this blog.  Once more, I will leave this blog open so that if you want to re-read anything, you can. 
And once more, I'd like to thank all of you sooo, so much for sticking with me thru everything!  It's been an amazing 4 months, and thanks so much for reading and/or following this blog.  It means so much to me, and if I make it thru typing this without changing my mind a half a dozen times, rethinking closing this blog, or crying my eyes out, it will be a miracle! 

Yours truly, Rapunzel.  And Flynn.  =P 

Girl's weekend out

Hey everyone! 
So last night, Rose came up with the idea that, starting Saturday, we'd have a 'girl's weekend out'. 
"We'd explore all over the place, and watch movies or something, and ride Maximus, and maybe Merida could teach us how to shoot her bow, if she wants, and Rapunzel could show us the world of blogging...and we'll just get to know each other!  We'd be back Sunday night."  Rose explained. 
"All of us?  You, Rayne, me, Merida, Blondie, and Lacey?"  I asked, quirking my brow. 
"Yeah!  It'll be fun!" 
Merida glanced at me - she knew what I was thinking.  "What about the kiddos?"
"Well..Flynn could watch them," Blondie said.  "I think it's an awesome idea!" 
Flynn walked over.  "What are you girls scheming?  Or do I want to know?"  He joked, and I gave him a playful punch on the arm before I took him by the hand. 
"A girl's weekend out!"  Rose told him excitedly.  "Wait..you could watch the kids, couldn't you?" 
Flynn shrugged.  "How long is the weekend out?" 
"Tomorrow morning, bright and early, until Sunday night." 
I looked up at Flynn.  I wasn't sure I wanted to be away from my girls or my hubby for that long.  I mean, yeah, it's not that long, but still.  "I'll stay here and help with the kids - the rest of you can go!"  I offered. 
Please say yes, please say yes, please say-
"If I'm goin', yer goin', too."  Merida informed me. 
"I can watch the girls, that's no problem," Flynn said.  "They're not that bad - but I probably just jinxed myself, there." 
Everyone chuckled, and then I heaved a sigh.  "Maybe ALL of us could go.  Like literally all of us." 
"Then it wouldn't be a girl's weekend out."  Lacey pointed out. 
"It's not a problem for me to watch the girls.  It'll give me some good father/daughter time with Lexi and Jase."  My hubby said. 

I wasn't going to get out of this...was I. 
"Then it's all set!"  Rose clapped excitedly. "We'll get up at six tomorrow!" 
What was it with Rose and getting up at six?  She ALWAYS did...I don't know how the girl does it, but she does. 
Murmers of 'okay' scattered through our little group, and we parted ways to get ready for bed. 
After the girls were asleep, Flynn and I headed to bed. 

I didn't lay down, though.  I sat and pulled my knees to my chest, biting my lip.  I admit that I was really nervous about our weekend out thing.  What if something happened?  What if Flynn ended up with a migraine, didn't tell anyone, and it got really bad, and he had to keep the girls?  What if...what if...what if. 
"Hey...what's wrong?" Flynn had lain down and shut his eyes, but when he realized I wasn't beside him, he scooted over to me and sat up, putting an arm round my shoulders. 
"Just me being weird and paranoid," I shrugged, not wanting to admit my concerns. 
"Spit it out, dearest girl," he peered down at my face, a concerned look on his. 
"Just...I have my reservations about going with the girls.  I don't really want to stay away from you or the girls for that long.  And what if you end up with a bad migraine?  What if something happens to US?  I mean, seriously.  We're just twelve inch hunks of plastic.  Anything could happen.  And-"
He took my chin in his hand and pulled me into  a gentle kiss.  I put my arms around him and returned it.  When I pulled away, I leaned my head on his shoulder and stared up at him, not taking my arms from him.  He drew in a deep breath before pulling me onto his lap.  For once, I didn't grumble about it. 
"You can't worry about that.  And you can't just be a stick-in-the-mud.  So take risks, take chances...go have fun with life.  And don't worry about me, baby.  Worrying is silly.  If it makes you feel better, I'll be a nervous wreck, too." 
"Then I won't go!"  I exclaimed, pulling my head up from his shoulder and leaning back to look at him.  "If you're nervous, too, I just won't go!  Problem solved!" 
"By that, I meant that you're not weird or paranoid.  I didn't mean to give you an out," he said with a chuckle. 
I sighed and rolled my eyes.  "I suppose they won't let me stay back." 
"Probably not.  Merida's pretty convincing, and Rose is dead-set, to be frank."  Flynn told me.  I nodded, and he pulled me close again.  "It'll be fine.  Now, you need to go to sleep - early start for you, by the sounds of things.  I get to sleep in until the girls get up!" 
I shook my head, giggling to myself.  "You're mean." 
He chuckled and kissed my forehead.  "But it made you giggle, and that's what matters!" 
I gave him one last squeeze, and then laid down to go to sleep. 


Six A.M. came wayyyy too early.  When everyone else started moving around, I woke up as well. 
Flynn was still fast asleep, and I smiled at his peaceful face.  Wishing I could wait until him and the girls were up, so I could tell them bye, I sighed.  I carefully set the handkerchief over him and then crawled out from under the bench. 
"Oh, good!  You're up.  Here, help me carry this, and this, oh-and this, and these rubber bands.  Oh, and-" Rose promptly started handing things at me. 
"I can't carry anything else," I broke her off. 
"There isn't anything else.  I was going to ask if you were ready." 
"Oh, sorry!  Um...yeah, I'm ready," I cast a glance over my girls and then nodded. 
"They'll be fine - I'm sure Flynn will take excellent care of them."  Lacey said. 
"I know," I smiled, and then we left. 

First things first  - where were  we going to sleep?  Rose didn't want to go back to the dresser to sleep, so we had to scout out a safe location to sleep at. 
Merida led the way, and pretty soon, we'd found a pretty good spot to sleep at.  We left all the stuff there, and then we all turned to Rose. 
"What're we going to do first?" 
"Well...hmm.  We could watch movies?" 
"Let's save that for when we're tired," Merida suggested.  "Let's go see the 18 inchers." 
"18...inchers?"  Rose asked, quirking a brow.
"Yeah.  Dolls.  They're pretty cool!"  Merida explained, and I nodded in agreement. 

Merida, Rose, and I led the way, while Blondie, Rayne, and Lacey lagged behind.
We made quick work of climbing up the shelving unit, and then we went from shelf to shelf, talking with everyone. 
As always, Kailey was snooty towards us.
When I tried to include her in a conversation, she didn't even look at me. 
Finally, since Hailey was on the same shelf as Kailey, I walked over and whispered in her ear. 
"What's the deal with Kailey?" 
"Oh..." Hailey glanced towards her, and then whispered in my ear.  "She's shy because she's afraid you won't like her.  She's got hearing disabilities, so you have to speak up a bit around her, or let her read your lips.  And she doesn't like to talk because of it, too." 
I felt horrible.  Absolutely horrible.  "Oh my gosh...I-"
"It's fine.  Just keep that in mind," Hailey told me, and I nodded. 
"Thanks for...for informing me on that," I told her. 
I wanted to hug Kailey, or do something, but I knew it would only upset her, so I didn't. 
Pretty soon, we left that shelf, and moved onto the next, which was right beside the other one. 

We talked with them for a good long while, but finally, Rose got antsy and we left. 
Next, I suggested we ride Maximus, and then blog. 

We rode for quite a while, and Maximus was VERY well behaved. 
Rose fell in absolute, positive love with Max, and Lacey even showed some reserved affection towards him, which he was very pleased to recieve (:
Rayne, knowing of Max's shenanigans, was very concerned about riding him. 
"What if he bucks me off?  I do NOT want to get this dress-"
"He's fine.  I promise...if he would've been planning on acting up, he would have done so already."  I told her.
 "But I've never ridden before!"
"Everyone's gotta start somewhere.  But if you don't want to..." Merida trailed off. 
"Oh, fine..." she grumbled, accepting Merida's help up into the saddle. 
When she got off of him half an hour later, her eyes were shining. 
"I must admit that this is very fun!  Thanks, Maximus, for being a good boy!"  she leaned down to give him a hug around the neck before she reluctantly dismounted. 
Blondie went next, and then we headed off to blog. 

By the time  we were done with that, night was falling and Rose was dead-set on creating a blog with Lacey. 
Lacey had her reservations, as she usually did, but I'm pretty sure that Rose will figure out how to talk her into it one way or another ;)
We got back to our 'camping' spot, and we all brushed out our hair and went to bed.  (Well, except for Rayne and Merida - they're the lucky ones to not have tons of hair to brush  out!) 
I tossed and turned a LOT.  I wasn't used to the unfamiliar surroundings, and for the first time in over 2 months, my hubby wasn't right there beside me.  I wondered how he'd fared with the four girls.  He was probably having a blast with Jase, and Lexi was probably going along with whatever Jase told her to do...and hopefully, the babies were being good. 
Either that, or Flynn was a nervous wreck, Jase and Lexi were fighting over something, and the babies were screaming their heads off. 
I curled up in a ball on my side, sighed, and FINALLY went to sleep. 


The next morning, we got up at nine.  Thank goodness - Rose had been tuckered out enough not to get us all up at six AM!  I was groggy from my un-restful night, and it seemed like everyone else was pretty foggy as well.  Merida stood up too quickly, and stumbled into me.  Laughing, I grabbed her arm and held her upright. 
"I did NOT sleep well," she moaned, rubbing at her eyes. 
"Me neither." 
"I miss my baby girl, too," she added in a whisper. 
"I miss my kids AND Flynn," I agreed.  "But we'll see them tonight!" 
"I can't wait," she said, and then we were off. 

First thing's first - we went to visit Punzie and her friend Addison. 
"Oh, Rapunzel!  How's Jase doing?" Punzie immediately asked me, a bright smile on her face. 
"Hi, Punzie!  Jase is doing great.  How are you?" 
"I've been good," she nodded.  "Who are your friends?  I recognize Merida, but.."
"Rose, Lacey, Rayne, and Blondie," I pointed each of them out.
'Nice to meet yous' murmered throughout our group, and then we  sat down for a good long chat.
It was probably around eleven before we finally got away.  Punzie was quite the talkative one! 
"Now...let the games begin.  Why don't we shoot?"  Merida asked. 
"Oh, great!"  Rose exclaimed. "I can't wait!" 

Merida, being the awesome archery teacher she is, demonstrated for everyone how to do it. 
Blondie sat out on this one, because of her arms, which lacked articulation....and, she added, she wanted to stay out of harm's way.  I can't say I blame her.  :P
Rose was surprisingly really good at shooting.  Lacey and Rayne...not so much.  And you all know me...I'm horrible. 
We got several good laughs over our combined lack of shooting capabilities...and we all marveled at Rose and Merida's obvious talent. 
"I didn't know you were a world-class archer, Rose!  I knew Merida was, but.." I joked. 
"Oh, well thank you, milady!"  Rose giggled, curtsying. 
I laughed, and Lacey slung an arm around her sister's shoulders.  "So, little sis...what'cha say?  Why don't you rub some of your awesome-ness onto me?" 
We all laughed harder, and I grinned, excited to see Lacey was starting to get along better with Rose.  Maybe this girls' weekend out had been just the thing for the two of them.  I really hoped so! 

After that, we showed Lacey and Rose around the room.  After we'd explored every nook and cranny, we sprawled out on the windowsill for awhile, enjoying the sunshine.  
"This view is amazing," Rose exclaimed, peering out the window. 
"Isn't it?  This is probably my favorite place to sit at," I said, and she grinned. 
"I can see why!" 
"The sun is hitting just perfectly on this window right now...it's nice and warm, but not so warm that it will make our  plastic all squishy."  Rayne said, closing her eyes and tipping her head up towards the sunlight. 
We all stuck around for awhile, and then in the afternoon, we got Tangled, Tangled Ever After, and Brave and watched it on Tangled Fan's laptop. 
Rose and Lacey had never seen Tangled; none of us had seen Tangled Ever After, and Brave was new to all of us. 
At the lantern scene in Tangled, I think just about all of us burst forth in song, except for Blondie and Merida xD  Lacey has a very clear and high singing voice, and her and Rose singing together?  They're beautiful!  Rayne's not too shabby either...and then there's me :P  And at the end, I think even Merida had to sniffle back a few tears.  Then came Tangled Ever After...we all laughed sooo hard!  It's only, like, six minutes long, but it's packed full of hilariousness!  :D  At the end, I couldn't help but have a little 'squee' moment, thinking back to my own marriage.  Which made me want to get back to the kiddos and Flynn even more so.. =]  And then we watched Brave. 
It had quite a few funny scenes, but it has a more dark theme than Tangled does.  Mor'du actually scared me the first time they showed him...I jumped all over and almost fell backwards.  And then everyone laughed at me :P  We were all getting pretty sniffly at the end, when Merida's trying to 'mend the bond torn by pride' with her mother...rather, Mum-Bear.  Merida's chin was wobbling, and Rose made me burst out laughing by whispering in my ear. 
"I'm not gonna cry.  I'm not gonna cry.  Are you gonna cry?  I'm not gonna cry."
When I laughed, everyone else turned to give me a 'what-on-earth?' expression. 
"Sorry...Rose started it," I giggled, and Rose gave me a playful shove. 

After the movies, it was growing dark, so we finally went back to our 'campsite' to gather our stuff, and we went back to the dresser. 
It was ten before we got back, and I was the very last one to fumble up onto the dresser in the dark. 
All was quiet, the kiddos were sleeping, and it seems to me that as soon  as everyone had crawled up onto the dresser, they'd promptly gone to bed.  I heard Merida, who was in line in front of me, flop down with a thud and a loud, tired yawn. 
I grinned to myself, but then I saw a silhouette staring at me, watching my every movement.  I gasped, putting a hand over my heart in immediate fear, but then as I peered through the darkness, I saw a certain grin on a certain somebody's face. 
I'd thought he had been asleep!  As soon as I realized it was my hubby, my heart fluttered and I hurried over towards him before launching myself into his waiting arms.  He chuckled to himself and lifted me off the ground, swung me in a quick circle, and then left my feet go back onto the floor.  I looked up at his face, a broad smile across my face as I was finally able to somewhat see one of the faces I'd missed so much this weekend...sappy, I know.  :D He gave me the same kind of smile, and I buried my face into his shoulder, tightening my arms around him; and then he nuzzled my hair for a  few seconds before he left go of me.  I reluctantly did the same, but then his hand slid down my arm to find my hand, and he grasped it tightly before leading me over to bed. 
I flopped down to face him, and he did the same, and I smiled. 
Brushing my hair from my face with a gentle hand before he set it on my waist, he whispered, "So, how was your weekend?" 
"Interesting.  Tiring"-I said as I stifled a yawn-"and funny.  We got archery lessons from Merida, rode, talked with the 18 inchers and Punzie...watched Tangled, Tangled Ever After, and Brave - you HAVE to watch Tangled Ever After with me.  It's so adorable and funny!  You should've heard Rayne, Rose, and Lacey sing during I See the Light.  Oh my goodness, their voices are gorgeous...and then there's me, warbling along and ruining everything, but singing it because I love it so much!  And we showed Lacey and Rose around the room.  Oh, and I introduced everyone to the Blogiverse." 
He chuckled.  "Well...I bet the archery lessons were really funny.  You'll have to tell me about them tomorrow!  It seems like you had a good time..I'm glad.  And I'd be pleased to watch it with you, anytime you want to, just let me know!  But wait.  You introduced ROSE to the Blogiverse?" 
"She says she's always wanted one," I said. 
"Those poor people if she begins a blog.  Her posts would be so long that the readers' eyes would fall out before they even got halfway through!" 
I stifled a giggle.  "Yeah...probably." 
He thought for a moment, and then spoke again.  "And what's this about you 'warbling along and ruining everything'?  Your voice is fine." 
"Oh, but you've never heard Rose sing.  She's positively stunning!  And her sister isn't bad, either.  They sound just as good as Mandy Moore!  I'm sorry you ended up with the single Rapunzel doll ever manufactured, who cannot sing her own songs to save her life...the girl who can't sing, yet likes to, to some extent." 
Pulling me close, he whispered in my ear, "But I wouldn't trade her for the world.  You're just fine.  In fact...I think you're perfect.  And  I love you...and I missed you this weekend!" 
I teared up at that.  Maybe it was because I was so tired, I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open.  Or maybe it was because I'm a complete and utter, sappy freak.  But regardless.  I buried my face into his chest and he held me until I got my teary eyes under control and then I pulled away from him.  He found my hand and held it loosely, and my heart squeezed. 
"I missed you, too.  Love you bunches," I gave him a smile and then quickly pulled my hand away to cover my mouth, yawning. 
He grinned, and then stroked my cheek with the back of his hand.  "Why don't we go for a walk tomorrow, and we can catch up then, okay?  Much as I'd like to stay up and talk, you're tired and you need to shut those gorgeous eyes of yours before too much longer." 
"Sounds like a great plan," I trailed off, and I heard him start to say something, but I was out before he was done. 

The Newcomers

We all slept in a little longer than normal...I know we probably did because of our exhausting, yet fun day yesterday, but I don't know what Merida, Rayne, and Blondie's excuses were :P  I woke up around ten, my face smooshed into the top of the dresser.  My arms were crossed above my head, and so I peered up over my elbow to see Flynn.  He was already up and watching me with a loving gaze.  He was on his back, and as soon as he saw my head come up, that loving gaze turned impish almost immediately. 
"Morning, honey...sleep hard?" 
"Uh...yeah?"  I said, quirking a brow.  "Why?  Did you?" 
"I slept well, thank you..but I think you slept really, really well."  He chuckled when I still didn't get  it.  "Your chin.  Wipe it, please." 
Wipe my...chin?  Why did I -
I wiped cautiously at my chin, and my hand came back wet. 
"Oh my gosh!"  I gasped.  "Was I seriously drooling?  Oh gosh...I..ew.  Wow..um..." I glanced around, horrified, before I wiped my hand on the hem of my skirt.  "Sorry!" 
"No harm done to me," he laughed. 
"Yeah...well, that's really attractive..." I grumbled to myself, embarrassed.  How could I get so embarrassed about drool?  Apparently, I could.  I started to sit, but he caught my arm and pulled me close. 
"Oh, c'mon.  Everyone drools once in awhile.  Besides, you looked cute as all getout, sleeping so hard, drool or no drool." 
"You're just disgusting," I grumbled, rolling my eyes and sitting up, trying to decide if I should be disgusted or laugh. 
He gave me a wink before he sat and grabbed me into a kiss.  It surprised me, and when he pulled away, I gave him a wide-eyed stare for a few moments before saying, "After seeing someone drooling, I don't think my first reaction would be to kiss them..but that's just me." 
Laughing, he gave me a quick hug before I heard Hallie start to cry. 
"Uh-oh...duty calls!"  I grinned and crawled out from under the bench. 
I scooped her up, and surveyed the quietness surrounding us like a thick blanket. 
Everyone was still asleep.  Merida's curls were strewn all across her face, and Blondie was wrapped up in her hair.  Rayne was curled up on her side.  Jase and Alexis were sleeping hard, and Allie was even still asleep. 
"Wow," I whispered, and Flynn nodded.  I bounced Hallie in my arms until she quieted, and then we just sat quietly. 
Until Tangled Fan came bursting through the door and woke EVERYONE up by haphazardly tossing an oblong box onto her bed and then rushing back out, shutting the door relatively hard. 

"What in the-" Merida growled, jumping up. 
Blondie got up, too, but she was still wrapped up in her hair, so when she took a step, she stumbled towards the edge of the dresser.  Flynn ran over and grabbed her, unwrapping the hair from around her so she wouldn't fall.  And then there was Rayne.  Rayne slowly unfurled her legs, then peeled one eye open; then the next, then she yawned and sat up, almost as if she were a robot or something.  The girls came racing over to me, and Allie started crying. 

"What IS that box?"  Merida asked, boldly stepping to the edge of the dresser to peer down at it. She bobbled terribly as she leaned towards the edge, and I snagged her elbow to keep her from falling. 

The box gave a few muffled thumps, and jostled slightly.
What in the WORLD?! 
"What IS that?"  I gasped, shocked.  I backpedaled, dragging Merida backwards with me and hoping I didn't bowl any of the girls over. 
Merida pulled away from me.  I stumbled over my own hair, and rammed into Flynn by accident. 
"Oof!  Sorry, hon!"  I exclaimed, looking up at him.  His eyes were about as wide as mine probably were, and he only looked at me for a moment before he resumed staring at the box. 
"Rapunzel, I bet'cha I know why Tangled Fan's been on eBay so much!  C'mon, everyone." 
"Why?"  I pressed up against Flynn.  I admit, I was terrified of whatever had made that box move and make noise.  I didn't even want to know. 
"Quit bein' so lily-livered an' help me out!"  Merida told me, gesturing towards the bed. 
I clutched at Flynn's hand.  "M-maybe I should stay here and watch the..the girls?" 
"Naw.  Blondie!"  Merida called to Blondie, and she looked up at her.  "Watch the kiddos while we do this?"
"Sure, my arms are useless anyhow, cause they won't bend."  Blondie said. 
"Thanks.  Rayne, c'mon!"  Merida called. 
I tried to back up another step, my heart thundering, but I couldn't, and Flynn wouldn't budge.  Finally, Merida, giving a grumble under her breath, grabbed my arm and hauled us BOTH over to the edge. 
Flynn finally came to his senses by the time he and everyone else had descended the dresser.  He held his hands out to me.  "Jump, I'll catch you.  Then you won't have to crawl through the pillows." 
"N-n-no, t-that's fine," I stuttered out, and he nodded silently towards the boxes. 
"Come on...jump!"  he gave me that grin.  "I'm nervous too, if that helps any." 
"No, actually..it doesn't," I grumbled, but I did jump. 
He caught me, and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before setting me down.  Then he took me by the hand and half dragged me over to the box, where everyone else was gathered. 

The box was extremely well-taped, so we all grabbed a corner ot the tape and started ripping at it until we got it off enough that we could pull the flaps open. 
I squeezed my eyes shut when I helped yank the flaps up, and I must admit that I was terrified. 
I opened them again to see everyone ducking to see what was in the box. 

Merida reached in, and I saw a hand come out.  Rayne grabbed the other hand and they started pulling with all their might; so Flynn gestured towards the other side of the box, and I hurried over to help him.  I clasped a cold, plastic hand about the same size as mine, and with a grunt, I started pulling as hard as I could.  Praying I didn't yank the hand right out of the wrist joint, that is!
They were dolls, apparently.  And they were very well crammed into the box, surrounded by packing material. 
With one last yank, Merida and Rayne managed to pull the one doll out, and once she was out, the other one - the one we were pulling on - came out so quickly that we all almost fell down. 
Flynn let go of her hand and backpedaled a few steps, managing to catch himself, but I fell flat on my back.  The doll slid to a stop right on my lap. 
I sat up and pulled my legs out from under her. 
Another - no, TWO more Rapunzel dolls. 
"Whew.  Thank you sooooo much!"  the doll laying beside me exclaimed.  "Thank you to both of you!" 
I stood, holding a hand out to her.  She gladly accepted it, and I pulled her up onto her feet. 

The other one was already standing, and she immediately ran to the other one and gave her an excited hug.  The other one stayed stiff as a board. 
"Sis!  I'm sooo glad we're outta there!"  She exclaimed.

I walked over to Flynn, and he put an arm around me.
We watched as the  other girl gasped, pulled away from her sister, and dove back into the box. 
When she came back out, she held two brushes, a paintbrush, and...was that a chameleon?...in her hands. 
She handed the chameleon to her sister, and her sister lovingly allowed it to climb up onto her shoulder. 
She smiled, and then she opened her mouth.  And never shut it.
"I'm Rose, and my sister is Lacey.  Oh, and this is my chameleon, Pascal!  Who are all of you?  I'm sooo thankful to be out of that box! It was hard to breathe in there.  Oh, Lacey tends to be really quiet, so don't mind her."  Rose chattered. 
We all murmered our names and welcomes, and Rose gave us all a broad smile. 
Lacey hung back close to her sister, peering awkwardly at us. 
"So...where do we live at?  Like..you know...where we're displayed at?"  Rose asked. 
"Right over here."  Rayne said with a warm smile, leading the way. 
I hung back with Flynn, but Lacey hung back behind us. 
Flynn helped me up, and then I held a hand out to Lacey. 
She gave me a small smile, but wouldn't meet my eyes.  She accepted my help, and climbed up onto the dresser. 
"Wow, this is a great place!  Look at this, Lacey!" 

I turned to look at Rose, and saw she was on TOP of the bench. 
How had she gotten up there?  I stared at her, wide-eyed. 
Lacey shook her head, and Rose rolled her eyes. 
The girls were up by now, and so I walked over to pick Hallie up. 
Alexis saw Rose and Lacey and immediately clung to my skirt. 
I knelt beside her and pulled her up into my lap.  "It's alright, sweetheart.  They're nice."  I kissed her hair and she cuddled up against me, burying her face into me.  I sat there, Hallie in one arm and Alexis in the other, until Alexis felt confident enough to move. 
Jase was already playing with Blondie. 
Rose walked over to me, and Alexis hurried off to find Jase. 
"Oh, these three are yours?" 

I smiled and stood. "Yup...the redhead is Alexis, the brunette is Jase, and this little one is Hallie." 
"May I hold her?"  Rose asked, holding her hands out and giving me a smile. 
"Sure," I handed Hallie to her and she gave her a huge grin.

"They're all so adorable!"  She exclaimed.  She gave her a cuddle before handing her back to me. 
"So...this is where ALL of you stay?" 
"Yeah...it gets interesting once in awhile, but it's nice."  I explained. 
"Where can we sleep at?  I don't want to invade everyone else's sleep spots." 
I explained where we all slept at, and she nodded, looking around. 
"Well, I suppose I'll sleep on top of that bench there...it's pretty cool.  Lacey can find somewhere to sleep...she'll probably never climb up on top of it." 
"Ahh," I nodded. 
"How long have you been married to your husband - what's his name again?" 
"Flynn," I smiled.  "We've been for two months - we got married on July 4th." 
"Aw...cool!"  She grinned.  "He's lucky to have you.  You're so sweet - and pretty!" 
"Oh...I dunno."  I felt my face heat up. 
"I know," Flynn strode over and gave me a hug from behind. 

I laughed and pulled away from him, self-concious.  Rose grinned at our antics, and Lacey watched from a safe distance. 
That's basically how the day went. 
Rose stuck to my side, chattering nearly incessantly.  Lacey kept at a safe distance, and so did Alexis.  The rest of us just went about our normal routine - or about as normal as we could. 

By evening, I thought my ears were going to fall off, from hearing and replying to Rose's chatter. 
And I knew it was bugging Flynn that he couldn't be around me as much as he was used to...because we didn't really feel comfortable around the two new girls. 
Finally, when Rose had taken a quick breather from chatting, I hurried over to Flynn, who was sitting on the wicker chair. 
I leaned over the back and whispered.  "Hey...you wanna go for a little walk?" 
He gave me a relieved smile.  "Sure, baby." 
I concealed a smile and then I walked over to Merida.  "Mind if you watch the girls for us for a bit?" 
"I can't blame ye.  Sure, I can watch 'em."  She whispered the first part. 
"Thanks so much," I grinned and turned back to Flynn. 
We hurried off of the dresser, and as soon as we hit the floor, Flynn took me by the hands.  "I thought you would never ask." 
I laughed, but then he grabbed me into a passionate kiss. 
When he pulled away, I took a deep breath and willed my heart to stop thundering. 
"I've been holding that in all day."  He gave me a wink, and I rolled my eyes.
I put my arms around him, and he pulled me close in return.  "How're you holding up?  Rose really took a shine to you." 
"Yeah...she's very, ah...talkative."  I mumbled, pressing my face against his shoulder. 
He chuckled.  "That she is...that she is.  And Lacey's so shy." 
"Yeah.  Alexis is really shy about it, too...we'll have to make sure to give her plenty of one-on-one time, so she doesn't feel left out or anything. We've come so far already; we can't let her go now." 
He kissed my hair and then pulled away to cup my face in his hands. 
"Yup...we'll make sure to."  he gave me that grin and I gave him a smile in return.  "I love you." 
"Love you too," I told him, and he pulled me close once more. 
We stayed that way, in complete and utter, beautiful silence, until we finally decided to go back to the dresser, put the kids to bed, and go to bed ourselves. 

Well, it's going to be interesting to see how tomorrow goes!  Rose is surely the talkative one....and Lacey's a polar opposite!  Hopefully, Alexis will start feeling more comfortable..I hate seeing her so uncomfortable in her own home! 

Flynn here...Alexis

Hey everyone....wow, I haven't posted here in forever.  Sorry, guys! 

As you may know by my wife's recent posts, Tangled Fan asked us if we'd adopt another girl, named Alexis...who is around Jase's age.  You may also know that Hallie has been crying and screaming lately.  A. LOT.  I wish my wife would allow me to get up with her once in awhile - it wouldn't kill me.  Even if I do end up with migraines, and Tangled Fan had said I was cured anyway.  But no...she about ran herself into the ground this week, staying up with her.  I'd offered several times to get up with her, but she wouldn't let me.  Regardless..
Tuesday night, she was really fussy...again. 
We went to bed at seven, because we knew it would be an early start tomorrow morning, but Hallie started crying an hour later. 
"I'll-"
"No, hon.  You get some sleep, and I'll quiet her down."
"But you need-"
"Huh-uh."  She shook her head and then left to get Hallie.
I did go back to sleep for awhile, but around one in the morning, I woke up and reached to pull my wife close to me...but my arm hit the top of the dresser, instead of her side.  I peeled my eyes open and felt around, but she wasn't in 'bed'. 
I stumbled out from under the bench and then stopped, blinking.  When I could halfways see in the darkness, I saw her.  She was laying on her side, curled in a ball with Hallie up against her.  Both were sleeping so soundly, I considered just leaving them there.  But when I saw how close to the edge of the dresser they were, I figured I'd best move them. 
I picked Hallie up and took her to sleep with Jase and Allie, praying she'd stay asleep the rest of  the night.  When I made sure she was going to stay asleep, I turned back to my wife.  I carefully scooped her up, hoping to not wake her up, either.
I set her on her back and pulled the handkerchief blanket up over her, looking down at her sleeping face.  I risked touching my lips to her forehead, and then laid down on my back, sighing and shutting my eyes. 
For a second, anyhow. 
Suddenly, I felt my shirt collar being pulled, and then my wife grabbed me into a kiss.  So much for being asleep.  My eyes flew open in surprise, but then I shut them again and enjoyed the kiss until she pulled away. 
"Did I wake you?"  I whispered when she pulled away.  She situated herself on her belly, propping herself up on her elbows. 
She shrugged, so while I waited for an answer, I pulled the handkerchief back up and then spread my arm out to invite her to curl up beside me. 
She quickly accepted, and my heart squeezed when she put her small hand on my chest and rested her head beside it.  And then she gave me a smile to boot. 
Trying to find something to say, I asked her if she was ready to meet Alexis. 
"I guess - anxious, but ready."  she told me, and I gave her shoulders a squeeze before telling her that she needed to get to sleep, adding that hopefully, Hallie would sleep the rest of the night. 
"That's for sure."  she told me, giving a little sigh and snuggling in a bit closer.  "Love you." 
A broad smile crossed my face when she said that, and my heart squeezed before I told her I loved her as well.  I reached to kiss her hair and within a few minutes, I was back in Sleep-Land. 

The next morning came a bit too soon.  My wife was still asleep, so I watched her blissful face for a couple minutes before I figured she needed to wake up 
"Wa-a-a-a-ake up, darling.  Rapunzel...wake up.  Rapunzel...hon.  Rapunzel...Rapunnnnzelll...dear, wake up....We need to get moving...wake up, Rapunzel....Rapunzel.  Ra-"
"I'm up, I'm up already!"  she fairly grumbled, peeling her eyes open. 
Okay...so maybe I overdid my annoying act a bit much.  "Good morning to you, too, my little sunshine."  I told her sarcastically, and she laughed. 
"Sorry."  she finally lifted her head off of my chest to look at me.  I grinned at her drowsy expression, and a smile teased her lips.  "What time's it?" 
"Tangled Fan will be back in..." I trailed off as I thought about the time.  "Probably a half an hour."
"Half an hour?!"  she moaned and let her head drop dramatically onto my chest.  "Can't we just stay here...and go back to sleep...while Hallie's actually not screaming?"
 Boy, didn't THAT sound like a good idea.  I chuckled, though.  "Tempting as it sounds, we need to get moving." 
She sighed, and started to push herself up and sit.   I impulsively snaked my hand out, grabbed her arm, and when she turned to give me a confused look, I took her chin in my other hand and pulled her close to kiss her. 
When I parted my lips from hers, she gave me a dazzled smile, so I gave her a grin back. 
Her face started growing red, and she looked down before leaving to brush her hair out. 

So I stayed under the bench with my eyes shut, thinking about my wife.
Suddenly, though, I heard her say, "Watch this."  to someone..so I figured I'd just keep my eyes shut.  If she was going to try sneaking up on me, she'd get a good surprise - how could I pass that up?!! 
I felt her finger trail lightly across my cheek, and I resisted twitching. 
Then, I heard her draw in a breath, inches away from my face. 
Perfect opportunity. 
My eyes flashed open, I grabbed her arms, and I yelled "Boo!" at the same time.  Who says men can't multitask?  They can multitask when it comes to teasing, anyway. 
She screamed, doing a weird yanking away/slapping at my hands dance, and then smacked her head off of the bench. 
That was classic. 
I started laughing, and sat up.  I could hear Merida laughing her head off as well. 
She rubbed at her head and looked in my direction.  I couldn't keep from laughing.  I pressed my lips together, but that didn't help.  My wife wandered over towards me, and I figured I'd give her a quick kiss to show I didn't exactlyyyy mean to laugh at her expense.  She came in close to me, and I was just about to kiss her, when she planted a hand on my chest and shoved me down onto my back. 
"Hey, no fair!"  I laughed.  She giggled at me and shook her head. 
Merida finally stopped laughing, and Rapunzel stuck around.  She held a hand out to me, grinning, and I cautiously took her hand, expecting her to either be nice and help me up, or pick at me and do something un-helpful.  She decided to be helpful. 

A little while later, we were standing in front of a certain little girl by the name of Alexis. 
She had curly red hair and greenish-blue eyes, and her appearance reminded me loosely of Merida. 
She was shy, and terrified of me. 
She was also formerly adopted by Ray and HB.
After some quiet discussion, we decided we'd try fostering her.  I was a bit unsure that she'd ever learn to trust me - I mean, she'd totally flip if I'd as much as look at her cross-eyed.  But I wouldn't give up on a chance to show her I wasn't going to hurt her, either. 

So that's how we ended up about an hour later, back on our dresser and trying to get acquainted with Alexis. 
We found out that Jase and Alexis had been adopted at the same time by HB and Ray.  We also found out (sorry about the off-the-wall random moment) found out Merida is REALLY as bad a singer as she said she was! 
The majority of the day went pretty well. 
Jase, on several occassions, tried to get Alexis, or "Lexi", to warm up to me - all of which failed.  The shy little girl kept close on my wife's lap, beside Hallie. 
Speaking of Hallie, she was very good all day long.  She only really cried once or so.  Anyway...
The day went by pretty quickly.  All too soon, we were heading to bed ourselves, after we put the babies to bed. 
We gave Jase hugs, kisses, and exchanged I love yous with her, and then I watched as my wife reached to pull Alexis into a hug.  She gave her a kiss on her cheek, but Alexis remained blank-faced and unaffected by Rapunzel's tenderness. 
I reached to give Alexis a hug and kiss goodnight, but she grabbed onto Rapunzel's neck so tightly I thought she'd choke her.  She buried her face in Rapunzel's shoulder. 
"Good night, Alexis.  Love you,"
Her little head jerked up from my wife's shoulder, and she gave me a silent, wide-eyed stare until Rapunzel set her down and Jase hauled her over to where they'd sleep. 

When we went to bed, Rapunzel promptly flopped down on her back and heaved a huge sigh.  I laid down beside her and she turned her head to look at me.  "Was this a good idea?"
For a few seconds, I wondered what in the world she was talking about.  But then I remembered - gee, how could I forget?  "She just needs time.  She's just scared, shy, and no wonder; if Ray had her.  I'll get her to warm up to me, I'm sure." 
"You're right.  And that's true as well..you're good at getting people to warm up to you!" 
She flopped onto her belly and gave me a smile, propping herself up on her elbows. 
"She just needs time...it IS a lot different from when we started fostering Jase, though.  Anyway...we should probably get some rest."
She nodded, and I met her eyes for a moment before I reached to kiss her. 
And then Hallie started to cry. 
We froze, and then she pulled away with a sheepish glance towards me.  "Night, honey...I'll be back whenever I can be back."  With a sigh, she left. 
I tried to go to sleep, but I couldn't, so I just listened for her to come back to 'bed'. 
Pretty soon - I was surprised that she'd gotten her quieted down so quickly - she came back in, curled up nearby, and she must've thought I was asleep. 
I turned onto my side and whispered in her ear, asking if Hallie had gone to sleep. 
She rolled onto her belly and propped herself up.  "Yup...for now.  The big girls are asleep, too."  (Jase & Alexis). 
"That's good..." I told her, studying her pretty face. 
"I didn't wake-"
"No, you didn't."  I told her. "C'mere."  I held a hand out to her, and she quirked a brow and gave me a 'what in the world' look, but she took it.  I reached up and pulled her into a kiss.  When I started to pull away, she gave me a sweet kiss back.  It ended all too soon and so I brushed the hair from her face, giving her a grin even though I'm sure she couldn't see. 
I told her good night, and that I would get up with Hallie through the night, so she could get some rest. 
"Thanks, hon...but I can get up with her.  No big"- she paused to muffle a yawn-"no big deal."
  Really?  "Tangled Fan said I was supposedly cured of migraines....why not put it to the test?  Then you don't have to obsess about me getting eight hours of sleep, and I can be a Daddy to Hallie and if either of the other girls gets up through the night.  And you don't have to run yourself down.  It's a win-win-win!"
She laughed through her nose and sat up, looking at me. 
"I'd prefer not to put it to the test, though.  I don't want to risk you-"
At that, I sat up and pulled her into a kiss to break off her sentence. 
She shook her head.  "I don't want to risk you getting-"
I broke her off again, with a mischievous grin.  "Do I have to do it again?" 
"Oh, shush up!"  she said, unable to hide the silly grin on her face and the fact that she was holding back a laugh.  "I'm...being serious here."
I leaned close to whisper in her ear.  "Then why do you have that goofy grin on your face, if you're being Miss Serious?" 
She almost burst out laughing, but caught herself and just snorted. 
"Oh, why do I even bother...!" she groaned at me as she let herself fall facefirst onto the dresser. 
I laughed through my nose at her and rubbed her back for a few seconds before I flopped down as well. 
"Night, hon.  Love you so much."  At least, that's what I thought she said.  It was kind of hard to hear her when her face was pressed into the dresser top. 
But regardless.  "Love you too, dear girl."  I mumbled before I went to sleep. 

Meeting Alexis

Hey everyone...sorry I haven't posted in awhile.  Hallie's STILL been fussy off and on, but we've been managing...barely ;)  The good part is that I can listen to my hubby sing quietly to her.  I'm serious, she'll quiet down if you sing to her!  It's weird, but hey...get to hear my hubby's awesome voice a lot!  (: Anyway...
Last night, Hallie was particularly fussy.  We had set a time that we would go to meet the girl, Alexis, and it just happened to be early tomorrow morning.  Of course. 
We all went to bed around 7, and Hallie was sleeping peacefully.   We covered up the kids with a small doll blanket Tangled Fan had given us, and then Flynn and I used one of the two handkerchiefs Tangled Fan had given us as well...the nights were beginning to cool off.
I was optimistic and excited for a good night's sleep.  For about an hour. 
When she started wailing, I got up with her, telling Flynn to get plenty of sleep. 
I got her up and wandered around for awhile, quieted her down, and then laid her back down.  The second she left my arms, she started huffing and her face crumpled. 
I scooped her back up and she quieted. 
"Sweetie pie...you need to go to sleep, baby."  I whispered to her and she grinned.  "I dunno why you think you need to be with Momma or Daddy every second, but that's okay too.  Will you sleep for me if I take you back to snooze with me and Daddy?" 
She started to whimper again.  Well, there's the answer to THAT question. 
"Okay, okay.  We won't go to bed with Daddy."  I whispered, humming quietly to her for a few seconds.  She stopped, and after awhile, her eyes closed.  I tried to lay her back down...but nope. 
So I sat with her and held her until I don't know when. 

Sometime through the night, I woke up to feel two arms gently scooping me up.  I couldn't even open my eyes, I was so tired.  I didn't hear Hallie, but I could tell she wasn't in my arms anymore.  So by process of elimination, Flynn had likely woken up, realized I was still out here, found me asleep, taken Hallie and lain her down with Allie and Jase...and so now he was taking me back to bed.  I started to open my mouth in protest, but instead, I just buried my head in the crook of his neck. 
I felt myself being lowered onto my back and then the handkerchief being carefully spread across me.  His lips touched my forehead in a careful kiss, and then  I heard him flop down beside me, loosing a tired sigh, and I randomly thought about how lucky I was to be married to him.  So in one deft movement, I rolled over and pulled him into a kiss.  When I pulled away, I managed to peel my eyes open again - but just barely.  I could hardly see through the darkness, anyway. 
"Did I wake you?"  he whispered. 
I shrugged, propping myself up on my elbows.  His eyes flicked down and he reached to pull the handkerchief back up, and then he spread his arm away from him. 
I accepted the silent offer and rolled over to face him, cuddling up as close as I could get.  I rested my head and my hand on his chest and rolled my eyes up towards him, giving him a smile. 
"Ya ready to go meet Alexis later?"  he whispered, apparently not ready to go back to sleep.
Well...I was really nervous, but at the same time, I felt ready.  "I guess...anxious, but ready."  I finally said, and he put his arm around my shoulders and hugged me tight. 
"You should get to sleep, sweetie, and so should I...we'll see what the morning brings and hopefully, Hallie will sleep through the night."
"That's for sure...love you."
I could hear his smile when he answered me.  "Love you too." 
He plopped a kiss in my hair and I was out like a light. 

This morning, I woke up hearing my name being repeated an annoying amount of times. 
"Waaaake up, darling...Rapunzel...wake up...Rapunzel....hon....Rapunzel..."  and so on and so forth. 
"I'm up, I'm up, already..." I grumbled, working at peeling my eyes open. 
"Good morning to you, too, my little sunshine."  Flynn said sarcastically, and despite myself, I laughed. 
"Sorry."  I chuckled and lifted my head to look at him.  He gave me that grin, and my heart squeezed.  "What time's it?" 
"Tangled Fan will be back in...probably a half an hour." 
"Half an hour?"  I moaned and let my head flop back down dramatically onto his chest.  "Can't we just stay here..and go back to sleep....while Hallie's actually not screaming?" 
He chuckled.  "Tempting as it sounds, we need to get moving." 
I sighed reluctantly.  I felt like a zombie or something...I mean, I'd been getting about six hours of sleep per night, interrupted periodically by Hallie. Flynn could always get up with her, too, but I didn't want him getting migraines.  Anyway...I'm rambling.  "I suppose you're right." 
I started to sit up, but he suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me close to give me a gentle kiss.  When he pulled away, I gave him a grin, my heart fluttering. 
He matched it and then I looked down, my face slightly warm.  "I need to go braid my hair, I suppose...don't want to scare the poor girl." 
"You won't," he laughed. 

After I'd brushed and braided my hair, I went back to peek under the bench.  Everyone else was up, but Flynn wasn't out there.  I bent to look in on him. 
Was he seriously sleeping?!  Looked like it to me. 
So of course, how could I pass this opportunity up? 
I started to creep in, but Merida stopped me. 
"What are ye doin'?"  she whispered.
"Watch this."  I nodded towards him, and a sneaky grin lit up her face. 
She stood back, and I crept towards him.  I carefully trailed my finger down his cheek in an attempt to simulate something crawling across it, but when that didn't work, I leaned down to say 'boo'. 
Just as my lips were forming the word, I quickly found out he was NOT sleeping. 
He yelled 'boo' and grabbed my arms at the same time.  I screamed and yanked away in surprise, smacking my head off of the bench. 
Laughing, he sat up.  I heard Merida cackling in the background, and I glanced around to look at her.  She was bent over, and her face was about as red as her hair, from laughing.  I absently rubbed at my throbbing head,  then glanced over at my husband. He tried to press his lips together and stop laughing, but he took one look at me and started to shake all over, until he finally gave into the laughter.
I rolled my eyes and went over to him.  He must've thought he could kiss me after doing that, but I had a little surprise up my sleeve.  When he reached up to pull me into a kiss, I leaned in towards him as if to accept the kiss..but then I gave him a shove on the chest, pushing him back down. 
"Hey, no fair!"  he said, laughing, and I finally started to giggle.  By now, Merida had tears streaking her cheeks. 
I was nice and stuck around to help him up.  When he was up and we were out from under the bench, he kissed my forehead.  "You alright?"
"Never better."  I chuckled.  "It only hurt for a couple minutes." 
He snorted, trying to suppress more laughter. 

After that, Tangled Fan came in and after we said bye to Jase and Hallie, we were off.  Before we left, though, she presented us with a nice little blanket for the babies...great!  Anyway, that was a lil off topic.. :D  Anyway. 

When we got to where we were going, she plopped us down near Alexis, and then stood back and waited.


I glanced at Flynn, swallowing hard.  Alexis glanced at us with a scared expression on her face. 
"She's shy," Tangled Fan told us.
I nodded silently and then walked slowly towards her, not sure of what to do or say.
"Hey, Alexis..." I finally managed, crouching down by her. 
This was so different from when we met Jase.  Jase had practically thrown herself at us, babbling a hundred miles per hour. 
"Hi."  she glanced at me, eyebrows furrowed. 
"Did Tangled Fan tell you we were going to come see you?"
She nodded.  "I-I'm glad to meet you." 

I gave her a smile and scooped her up, standing.  "Do you want to tell us something about yourself?" 
"I'm six.  I need a new home, I've been tossed around a lot.  The last couple that had me were really mean.  And I want a little sister." 
"That's good...we have two little girls already - one's right around your age, so you can play together," I told her, and a spark of interest finally glimmered in her eyes. 
Until Flynn made a move to scoop her up out of my arms.  She gasped and clung frantically to my neck, and started breathing heavily. 
"It's alright...he's really nice.  Why are you so scared of him, sweetie?"  I asked her. 
She stared warily at Flynn until he backed off a few steps.  "The last couple that had me was really mean and the guy was especially." 
I thought furiously.  Had she been with Ray and HB before?  "Ray and HB?"  I asked her. 
She nodded. 
"Oh, I'm so sorry.  You don't ever have to worry about him being mean to you."
She squirmed to be put down, and I walked over to Flynn. 
He pulled me close to his side and whispered in my ear. "Well...are we gonna foster her?"
I reached up onto my tiptoes and whispered back. "I dunno..she's just so scared. But I'm sure if we show her we're not like Ray and HB - yeah. They had her for awhile too. Anyway, I'm sure she'll come around."
"Okay. Then let's do it," he said, giving me a quick peck on the cheek before turning me to face Tangled Fan.

After about a half an hour, we were back home with Alexis.
She clung to me like nobody's business. I had to work her arms from around my neck before I could set her down on top of the dresser.
I introduced her to everyone, and she promptly went over to Jase.
"Jase?" she asked, peering at her.
Jase's face brightened, and she grabbed her into a hug. "Lexi!"
"You know Alexis, Jase?" I asked, smiling at their big grins.
"Yeah! We were both.." Jase's smile vanished. "We were both with HB and Ray at the same time."
"Ooh," I nodded understandingly.
Jase parted from Alexis and bounced over to Flynn, who had just sat down. She plopped herself down on his lap and gave him a cute little grin that even made ME smile!
"C'mon, Lexi! Daddy's awesome. He won't hurt you."
"That's okay...I'll stay with her," she said, backing up against my legs. I scooped up Hallie and put a hand behind Alexis' head.
"It's alright, honey. He won't hurt you, you know that, right?"
She shrugged, and I just left it at that. I couldn't really blame her for being so flighty, though, if she'd been with Ray and HB.
"How was miss Hallie today?" I turned towards Merida and sat down, pulling Alexis onto my lap as well.
"She was pretty good...she cried a little bit but when she heard my gosh-awful raspy singing voice, she decided she'd quiet down just so she wouldn't have to hear me anymore!" she laughed.
"Oh, I'm sure it's not that bad." I chuckled.
So she decided to give us a quick little serenade.
I was wrong.
"O-oh," I said, wide-eyed.
"Wow." Flynn said, and I glanced over. He wore the same expression as I probably did.
"Told ya!" She laughed and scooped up Allie.

We spent the day getting acquainted with Alexis, and the day flew by.
In the blink of an eye, we were getting the babies ready for bed.
When the babies were sleeping soundly and covered all up, we turned towards the 'big girls'. Jase gave both of us enthusiastic hugs and kisses goodnight, and exchanging I love yous, but Alexis hung back. Finally, I pulled her into a hug and kissed her cheek, telling her good night. She just stayed like a board - stiff.
Flynn went to give her a hug, and she grabbed onto my neck and buried her face into my shoulder.
So he just told her. "Good night, Alexis...love you."
She glanced up towards him, wide-eyed. Had she ever heard someone tell her they loved her? Surely...
I set her down, and Jase took her by the hand and fairly dragged her over to their new designated 'bed'.
I checked one last time that Hallie was asleep, and then we headed to bed ourselves.
"Was this a good idea?" I whispered when we got to bed, turning my head to look at him.
"She just needs time. She's just scared, shy, and no wonder, if Ray had her. I'll get her to warm up to me, I'm sure."
"You're right. And that's true as well...you're good at getting people to warm up to you!" I gave him a smile and rolled over onto my belly so I wouldn't get a crick in my neck. I propped myself up on my elbows and looked down at his face, slightly mesmerized by his deep brown eyes.
"She just needs time..it is a lot different from when we started fostering Jase, though. Anyway...we should probably get some rest."
I nodded, and he finally met my eyes before reaching to slowly pull my chin down towards him. Our lips just started to meet for a sweet, goodnight kiss...when...you guessed it. Hallie decided she wasn't sleepy anymore!
We both froze, and I looked sideways as I listened. When she didn't quiet down after a few seconds, I pulled away with an apologetic glance towards him.
"Night, honey. I'll be back whenever I can be back." I sighed and left to see what was up with Hallie. As was the new normal.

I scooped her up and wandered around a bit. Hallie quieted down pretty quickly, but I held her to make sure she fell asleep and stayed asleep. I checked to make sure Jase and Alexis were still sleeping soundly, and they were. Then I just hummed until she seemed like she was going to sleep for awhile.
I laid her carefully down under their new blanket and kept a hand on her arm until I knew she was still asleep. Then, I quietly crept back to bed, for however long that would be!
I curled up on my side, away from Flynn, and was just allowing my eyes to go shut when he turned and whispered in my ear. "She asleep?"
I rolled onto my stomach and propped myself up. "Yup...for now. The 'big girls' are asleep, too."
"That's good..." he said, and I could feel him studying my face in the darkness.
I hoped I hadn't woken him up. "I didn't wake-"
"No, you didn't. C'mere." He held a hand up, and I quirked a brow.
What on earth? I took it, though, and he set it back down beside him. That was all fine and everything, but that was going to be uncomfortable as-
Then, he pulled me into a kiss that was somehow gentle and passionate at the same time. How did he even do that? My heart pounded, and I shut my eyes, enjoying every last second of it before I returned it. When I pulled away, I once more propped myself up to look at him. He let go of my hand and reached to brush the hair from my face. I could see his sweet grin through the darkness, and my heart squeezed. I wanted to kiss him again, but I didn't want to seem weird. I'd already kissed him once just a few seconds ago, anyway. So I just bit my lip and gave him a smile back.
"Good night, my sweet, dear girl. Get recharged - I know the past week or so has been pretty rough and sleepless for you, so I'll get up with Hallie tonight."
How could I not just melt at THAT - an endearment AND a wonderfully awesome offer... that I knew I'd have to turn down anyway because of his migraines??
"Thanks, hon, but I can get up with her. No big-" I broke off to yawn, covering my mouth. "No big deal."
"Tangled Fan said I was supposedly cured of migraines. Why not put it to the test? Then you don't have to obsess about me getting eight hours of sleep, and I can be a Daddy to Hallie and if either of the other girls gets up through the night. And you don't have to run yourself down. It's a win-win..win!"
I laughed through my nose, sitting up to look at him as I pulled the handkerchief up to cover my legs. "I'd prefer not to put it to the test, though. I don't want to risk you-"
He broke me off by sitting up abruptly and pulling me into another kiss.
When he pulled away, I shook my head. "I don't want to risk you getting-"
"Do I have to do it again?" he gave me a mischievous grin.
"Oh, shush up." I told him. "I'm...being serious here." I had to conceal a laugh, though.
"Then why do you have that goofy grin on your face, if you're being Miss Serious?" he leaned close to whisper that in my ear, and I snorted, catching my laugh just in time.
"Oh, why do I even bother..." I groaned, flopping and doing a faceplant.
He laughed through his nose, and I felt him rub his hand on my back for a few seconds before he must've laid down as well.
"Night, hon. Love you so much."
If he answered, I didn't notice, because I was out like a light.

 

Month and...four week anniversary :D

Hey everyone! (: 
Today is our month and four-week anniversary :D  I cannot believe that on September 4th, we'll have been married for two months already!!  (:  I guess that time flies when you're having fun....and getting injured right and left, having crazy Barbies trying to take your children, and a host of other things.  Anyway. 

Thursday morning, I woke at eight, just as the open window was beginning to allow the humid-ness of the outside to leak indoors.   The cold streak from last week was long gone; quickly replaced by more summery weather.  
I glanced up at Flynn and saw he was already awake as well.  Laying on his back, he smiled over at me.  I returned it, and then rolled over to face him. 
"Morning, my beautiful lost princess."  he said, a grin teasing the corners of his mouth. 
He'd been calling me his 'lost princess' since we'd watched the movie.  I quite honestly hoped that this phase would end soon, because it sounded weird and I am definitely not princess-like..but I still got a laugh out of it. 
I rolled my eyes and propped myself up on one of my elbows to look at him.  He reached over and gently pushed the hair away from my face and tucked it behind my shoulders, and when his warm hand lingered on my cheek, I took a hold of it and held it there, grinning at him. 
Then, I put a hand on his chest and leaned over to give him a kiss.  When I pulled away, he gave me a surprised, yet pleased grin.  "Morning, hon," I added with a quiet laugh. 
My hubby put an arm around my shoulders and gave them a squeeze, so  I rested my head on his chest and enjoyed a few minutes of quietness.  He broke the silence first, though.
"So...I've got a few things planned for today," he told me. 
"Oh?"  I flopped over onto my back and turned to look at him. "And what's that?" 
"You'll see,"
I shook my head.  "You're impossible." 
"Impossible, yet you still love me."
"Oh, I dunno..." I teased, trailing off and tapping my lip with my finger as if I was actually considering otherwise.  He laughed through his nose, cupped my chin in his hand, and was just starting to give me a slow, tender kiss, when I heard a small cry. 
With slight reluctance, I pulled away from him and raised my eyebrows, waiting to see if Hallie would go back to sleep or if she was up for the morning.  And then a more demanding whimper came, so I turned and crawled out.  Flynn followed me and when I scooped Hallie up, I didn't realize he was right behind me.  I turned to walk back and forth, to calm Hallie, and bumped into him with a thump.
"Oops-sorry!"  I exclaimed quietly.  He pantomined falling backwards, and I laughed...loudly, by accident. 
That woke Rayne.  And Jase. 
My face grew hot with embarrassment, and I apologized.  "Sorry, guys!" 
Rayne chuckled and said it was fine, but Jase just gave me a dirty look and went back to bed. Alrighty then! 
"You guys can head on out to do something, if you've got plans.  I can watch the kiddos when they get up."  Rayne offered, taking Hallie from me. 
"How'd you know-"
"It's Thursday, dear," Rayne laughed.  "You two always do something on Thursday!" 
"I suppose so.  But-"
"We'll wait till-" Flynn started to overlap me.
"Go!"  Rayne exclaimed, giving us both gentle shoves towards the edge of the bookshelf. 
"The queen of the dresser has spoken."  Flynn joked, straight-faced, and then dodged her joking attempt to swat him.  "Better go before she beats us up." 
I laughed and gave him a playful punch on the shoulder, hopping down onto the bed. 
He followed me and we made our way to the trunk.  We jumped down onto the trunk, and then Flynn hopped to the floor from there, holding his hands up to me. 
"I can make the jump, Flynn," I told him. 
"Yeah, but I can catch you as well." 
I rolled my eyes, but I knew there was no budging him on said issue...so I jumped. 
He caught me, and whirled me around in a quick half-circle until he was facing the other way, and then he put me down, giving me that grin. 
I giggled and then turned away to start walking.  He followed along beside for a few minutes, and then he snagged my hand. 
I turned to face him.  "What?"
And then I heard the music come on.  I glanced up and saw he'd sneaked Tangled Fan's iPod out of the drawer without me noticing.  Either that or he'd done it before I'd woken up. 
I laughed.  "You..."
He gave me a wink, and I slung my arms around his neck comfortably.  He settled his hands around my waist and we slow-danced our way through Taylor Swift's "Enchanted".  Then, I heard her new song, "Red", come on...I love that song and can't help but start jammin' out when I hear it... :D 
I started doing some odd jig to accomodate the beat of the music.  Flynn let go of me, and I laughed, juking back and forth and bobbing my head to the music.  After watching my antics, Flynn finally caught my hands and we danced along together to the song.  After that song, the "I See the Light" song from "Tangled" came on.  And I must admit, after hearing it the other day, I LOVE it!  (:  Flynn drew me close again and I rested my head on his shoulder as we slowly stepped back and forth to the rhythm. 
"I love this song," I whispered. 
"Well, it is the song in the movie when we both basically admit our love for one another."
"Yeah, but we've already done that." 
"True." 
When the last notes of 'now that I see you' were fading, Flynn suddenly took my chin in his hand and brought my face up to look at him.  When I looked up at his face, I realized he was giving me the most loving, tender gaze.  I gave him a smile, and he leaned down to give me a passionate kiss.  My heart thundered.  When had my heart really thundered over him? It had been awhile, I think.  But maybe not.  Or maybe I was just getting so used to the feeling that I didn't even notice it anymore.  But anyway.  When he finally pulled away, the next song was just coming on. 
He stroked the pad of his thumb on my one cheek and he still held my chin in his hand.  I gave him another smile and reached up to give him a peck on the cheek.  My heart could seriously stop racing anytime now....I got a little embarrassed, wondering if he could even hear my heart pounding.  I glanced down and fumbled for something to say, but nothing came out, which embarrassed me even worse.  You'd think that after almost two months of being married to this guy, I wouldn't get embarrassed around him over much of anything...but obviously, I still do.  He finally let my chin go and I released a breath I didn't even realize I'd been holding. 
"What?"  he asked, peering down into my face with a mildly concerned expression. 
Geesh, had I been that obvious?  "Oh, nothing.  Just thinking, I suppose."  Thinking about how weird I was to still get embarrassed around him if he as much as gave me a kiss.  Which is a normal thing for husband and wife to do.  But no...I have to go be -
"About what?" 
Oh, crumbs. 
"Nothing..ah.., I um, just really appreciate that you still like to...to dance, and go for walks, and..stuff." 
He chuckled and gently loosened his arm that was around my waist.  After that, since the other song was half over, we just stopped it and quit dancing..since that had been the last song on the playlist. 
When we'd shut the iPod off, he turned towards me.  "So, what do you want to do now?"
I shrugged.  "Whatever you want to do, hon." 
With a sigh, Flynn slung his arm around my shoulders and gave me a squeeze.  "Love you," 
I decided to tease.  "Well, I pretty much figured that." 
"Oh, really now?"  He asked, turning away to set the iPod up off of the floor.  "Are you so sure of that?" 
My sarcastic streak came out a bit, jokingly.  "Well, we're kind of married, and-"
Next thing I know, he's grabbed me up and started tickling.  I shrieked with surprise and wrestled away from him, slipping under his arms and taking off running. 
I turned to run backwards as I saw what he was doing.  He was chasing after me, and I laughed at his goofy face. 
"Hey, watch-"
"Yeah, yeah...you'll tell me to watch out for something, but-"
THUD. 
Half of me rammed into one of Tangled Fan's bins.  With an 'oof', I stumbled sideways and fell down on my backside. 
Flynn came jogging the rest of the way over, and I couldn't tell if he was worried or if he was trying to keep from  laughing. 
"You alright?"  He asked, holding a hand out to me. 
I shoved the hair from my face.  "I'm fine." 
"See...and you thought I was trying to trick you."  he said, and I could see the grin creeping up on the corners of his lips. 
"Yup.  You're mainly why I have trust issues!"  I joked, taking his hand and standing up. 
"Oh, c'mon...I didn't do anything when I offered you my hand." 
"Oh, but I bet you were thinking of things to do."
"Well...I won't say I didn't think of something, but I had enough self-control not to do it," he gave me a funny, almost soulful expression, and I giggled. 
"It's good to know that you at least know what self-control is."  I gave him a push and he grinned. 
Coming back over, he gave me a playful shove right back, and even though I only stumbled a couple steps, I gasped.  "Hey!" 
He took my hand loosely in his and spun me around.  "Want to go sit up on the window?"
"Sure,"  I smiled at him and led the way. 

When we got up to the windowsill, though...it was sopping wet.  It was raining, and the window was open a bit. 
Just as we were descending back down, Tangled Fan came blasting through the room and slammed the window shut.  I don't think she even noticed us :D 
When she was gone, I looked at Flynn...and Flynn looked at me...and I laughed.  "Well, she was in a hurry about that!" 
"Guess so," Flynn chuckled. 
"Soo...what do we do now?" 
"I say we work on drafts for that month in review thing..for a little bit, anyway?" 
"That could work," I agreed. 


We worked on that for a good while, and when we got back to the dresser, Hallie was wailing like nobody's business. 
"She's been this way ALL day long."  Merida, looking pretty frazzled, told me as soon as we got up there. 
"Ohh my goodness, my poor girl!  What's the matter, sweetie?"  I asked Hallie, taking her from Merida.  Looking up at Merida, I added, "I'm so, so sorry you guys had to watch her today, if she was crying like this!" 
"It's fine.  I just don't get why she's been fussy.  She's like this if someone holds her, but if someone isn't holding her?  Uhhh...you don't want to know.  She hasn't taken any naps today, either, so that can't help matters.  Jase was a good girl, though...she tried to help out with her little sis."  Merida cast a glance towards Jase, who was crashed on the wicker chair, sleeping. 
"Ahh," I said over Hallie's crying.  I looked down at her and bounced her in my arms, but she still kept up her red-faced squalling. 
Flynn gently took her from my arms and asked Hallie what the matter was.  When she still didn't quiet down, he carefully tossed her in the air a couple inches, and then caught her; which usually gets a giggle out of her;  and then tried the 'airplane' method of distraction.  Nooope.  Definitely not.  She started screaming even louder. 
"Flynn, honey.  I don't think she likes any of that...at all...it's doing more bad than good right now."  I said, touching his arm and reaching to say it in his ear, since nobody could be heard over her. 
"What do you think caused her to be so fussy all of a sudden?  She's been sooo good lately." Flynn asked. 
"I have no clue.  She just started crying, and wouldn't quiet down.  Allie got all shaken up after awhile, too, and it was like Screaming War 1 up here - who could scream the loudest?  I think Hallie won - and then...just whew."
"Do you think if we take her for a walk it'll-"
"Blondie took her for a quick walk down on the bed, and it didn't help."  Rayne tossed in. 
"Oh boy."  I sighed.  "Hopefully, she'll calm down.  I bet she'll go to sleep soon and sleep hard tonight, though; if she hasn't slept at ALL today." 
Hah.  Famous last words. 

At ten, we went to bed.  Hallie was still whimpering at a pretty decent, loud rate.  I had tried to get her to sleep by walking back and forth...and back and forth...and back and forth...but she still wouldn't.  Finally, I just took her back to bed with me when Flynn went. 
"What should we do with Miss Cries-A-Lot, hon?'  I asked him, sitting down with Hallie in my arms. 
"I dunno..see if she'll sleep with us."  he told me, stroking the hair from my face.  I was quite sure my hair was disheveled, because I hadn't braided it this morning and hadn't brushed it since. 
"Okay, but I'll probably go out to sleep on the whicker chair with her, if she doesn't quiet down soon." 
"Why?"
"She'll keep you up," I explained. 
"Oh, good grief.  I can hear her just as well out there as I can in here, so you might as well be a little more comfortable, sweetie.  She'll go to sleep soon, I bet." 
I gave him a skeptical smile and yawned. 
"I'll take her for awhile if you want to grab a quick power nap."  he offered. 
"Nope..I can handle her," I said, bouncing her in my arms. 
"Sure?"
"Positive.  Thanks for the offer," I said. 
I went to crawl out from under the dresser, to resume my 'go to sleep, baby' pacing, but before I could leave, Flynn pulled me into a gentle kiss.  "You've come a long way, hon.  About two months ago, you had a nervous breakdown because they were crying." 
I grinned and started to lean over to kiss him back,  but then she gave an extra-loud squeal.  "Okay, okay, honey...I hear ya.  We've all been hearing ya for several hours, baby girl..."
I walked back and forth with her until I thought for sure my legs would fall off.  Her cries started to get a little quieter.....progress, right??  So I decided to fumble my way down to the bed.  Tangled Fan still hadn't come in to bed, so I could walk on it.
I wandered around on it and then sung quietly to her, trying to calm her down. 
I sang 'I See the Light', just because it seemed to be a good, quiet, slow song.  And I sung a couple rounds of 'Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star' as well. 
FINALLY, around midnight or one-ish, I headed back to the dresser.  Hallie was silent and sleeping soundly. 
I laid her down beside Allie and Jase, and prayed that she wouldn't wake up. 
Success!  She took a shuddery breath, but then she went right back to sleep. 
I backed away slowly, and then crept to bed, so as to not wake anyone.  If anyone had been ABLE to go to sleep. 

I quietly laid down on my side, facing Flynn, and assumed he was sleeping.  But he wasn't.
He propped himself up on his elbow and gave me a smile through the darkness.  "Did she finally go to sleep?"
"Yes...knock on wood."  I laughed through my nose when he tapped on the bench we were under.  "Annd here's to hoping she stays asleep!"  I added. 
"I heard you singing to her," he whispered, stroking my hair. 
"Was I that loud?  Sorry-"
"No, it's fine.  You weren't very loud at all.  I was actually going to compliment you on your singing."
"Oh, I'm not that good." 
"Yes, you are."  he said, pulling me close and kissing my forehead. 
I sighed, my eyelids drooping, and he rolled over onto his back, still keeping an arm round my shoulders; pulling me closer to him.  I set a hand on his chest and managed to keep my eyes open long enough to give him a smile, glad to have such a sweet hubby.  I allowed my eyes to go shut, as I mumbled a good-night.