The Journal of Penny Grant - May 4 - Family Party and Pregnancy

Nick's been fascinated by my pregnancy.

"Honey, can I feel your tummy?"

"I'm surprised that you can't just watch. I think he wants to kick his way out."

He carefully placed one hand on the baby bulge. "Wow, that baby is a strong kicker."

"Tell me about it." I stroked my tummy. "I don't think there's much question about how healthy this baby is."

"You need a distraction. I think I have just the thing."



"Nick, what are you thinking about?"

"Oh, just thinking about tickling you till you surrender." He put the words into action.

"You silly man. If you want me to head for bed, you could try asking."

"Well then?"

"Good thing we're already in the right room. It's taking me longer to get anywhere these days."

When I checked the mail, I found our first set of bills and another round of wedding gifts. Nick's parents sent one, my cousin Jerod, a few of the other guests.

So it was time for another round of thank you notes. I do appreciate that the guests sent presents, and they seem to appreciate that we send back little notes.

"Nick?"

"Yes, honey?"

"I've been thinking..."

"You dangerous woman! Thinking!"

"Don't be so silly." I giggled. "I think we should have a small party. You know, the family."

Nick looked a bit uncomfortable. "You know I don't know your family that well." Nick's not much of one for hanging out with people he doesn't know.

"I'll invite your parents. And if I ask Stephen, I have to ask your sister Abbey. It will be fine, Nick."

So, I invited Mom and Dad, Vincent, Stephen and Abbey, Ronnie, Bradley and Emerald. Nice little family gathering.

So who was the first to arrive? Nick's ex girlfriend, Hayley. Did Nick invite his old girlfriend because I surely didn't. Hayley and I haven't gotten along since I 'stole' Nick from her.

It wasn't stealing. He came back to me willing enough.

Worst mistake I ever made, deciding to date other guys as a teen. When I found that Hayley snapped Nick up, I realised exactly what he meant to me. Which was, well, everything.

I was glad that the other guests arrived soon after Hayley. It's awkward hosting a party where you are enemies with the only guest.

Poor Abbey still seems to have problems with losing weight after the baby is born. She and Stephen have two boys now. I think my second nephew is called Shane.

Nick's mom visited just long enough to say hi and zipped away again. What was the point of that? She could have just phoned and saved some fuel. At least Bradley stayed for the party.

Dad and Mom made it as well.

I'm glad, it will give me a chance to mention their new grandchild to be. Though I may not have to say much, I think that they'll notice on their own.

Our other gate crasher was my cousin Elmer.

I'm glad he came, his mom just passed away and it's been a bit rough on both Elmer and his twin sister Rocio. I don't think that Jerod was as affected by it, he was never quite as close to his parents as far as we know.

"Hey, Elmer."

"Hi Penny."

"You doing ok?"

"Not really. Not yet. I mean, we knew mom was getting frail but you still never expect it."

At this point, I was doing my best not to look at my mom. As much as I hate to think about it, I'll be in this position sometime. "I know. It doesn't help but at least she will be reunited with your dad."

"True, after my dad died, mom was so lost. They hadn't been apart for more than a day since they got married."

"I'm glad you came. Let us know if there's anything we can do to help."

"Jeffrey's been saying the same thing." Jeffrey? Oh, right, Elmer's husband.

Nick may not have been keen on the idea of talking to my family, but he is making the effort. Of course, Stephen is twice over his brother-in-law since he's married to Abbey.

I'm hoping that Nick will eventually like hanging around with my family. Because they are important to me. I was hoping to chat to Emerald but maybe next time.

As dusk fell, Nick decided to tell a ghost story.

Man, can Nick tell a scary story or what? I had no idea that he was that good. It was the spooky tale of a headless ghost and how he haunted the guy who cut off his head.

After the story, the guests left. It was a great party but it was also great to have the house to ourselves again.

"And did my little bud enjoy the party?"

"I was lucky. He didn't try to dance to the music all night. Now that everyone is gone, would you like to look at the stars?"

"Yes, Penny, let's look at the stars."

I love it when I have a chance to hold Nick's hand.

Nick decided to tell me some of his family gossip. Like his uncle Travis just told the family that he and his wife are expecting a baby. I thought his uncle Travis was the oldest? His wife went to school with Vincent though so maybe she was the one that wanted a baby.

I got up in the morning to find my husband quietly studying in the corner of the room.

"Nick, isn't the sofa in the main room more comfortable?"

"Just wanted to keep an eye on you, honey."

"Nick, I'm pregnant, not sick."

"And I wanted to say good morning to you and the baby."

Nick put down the book and came over.

"Good morning little bud. I hope to see you soon. Because there's been no candy for me to steal around here."

"Nick!"

"Just kidding...well, mostly kidding."

Ok, what will I do if Nick steals candy from our baby? I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.