*future story, all ages
This is a Sequel to All Of Our Dreams which is a sequel to Different Kinds of Mysteries
The Rest of Our Dreams
By Steph
Trixie and Jim returned from their honeymoon to settle into Sleepyside and into married life. Their honeymoon was wonderful but now was the time to start their marriage.
Everyone loved seeing them together and how happy they were and how much in love they were. They had always belonged together and while it had taken them awhile, longer than anyone had ever thought they would take, they were very happy and very much in love.
In April Hallie arrived to help Honey and Trixie with the agency and joined as an official partner and also Ned arrived a few weeks later to head the sports program at Jim’s school. The original timing had changed but they all thought it was perfect.
Hallie had been in Sleepyside on and off over the years and finally had agreed to become a part of the agency a few months earlier and now she was officially a part of it.
Honey had worried originally that she might wind up referring between Hallie and Trixie but she found to her delight that they got along well, were as close as sisters.
Soon everyone was fully involved in Brian and Honey’s wedding scheduled for the 4th of July weekend at Manor House.
Jim was to be the best man and Trixie was to be the matron of honor naturally. Mart hadn’t felt bad about not being asked to be Brian’s best man as was a traditional honor for a brother, knowing how close Brian and Jim were, and in fact planned to ask his best man, Dan to be his best man when the time came for him and Di in September.
Everyone was very happy for Dan in his new romance with Sandra and knew that they belonged together always already and were happy to see that Dan had finally found the true happiness that he had always looked for. He had even gone to Australia with her to meet her family and he was heartily approved of by her parents, brothers and sisters.
What Trixie and Jim loved most about being married was coming home at night to each other after long days at the school and agency.
They liked nothing more than to sit together on their couch, talking, doing work or watching TV, just loving being together and being in love.
Finally it was two days before Honey and Brian’s wedding and Honey, Trixie, Di, Hallie and Sandra had lunch with Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Lynch, Mrs. Belden, Aunt Marge and Hallie’s mother, Eleanor at Crabapple Farm.
It was to be a sort of shower girl talk session that with all the women in town they had all looked forward to so much since it was planned.
Hallie commented, "I feel a little strange since I am the only women here not engaged or married or in a serious relationship but at least I finally have a date for the wedding and you’ll never guess who it is! I think you’ll all be surprised but it’s someone you all know and like already."
Trixie said, "Ned Schulz. I’ve seen the two of you together and noticed something seems to be happening between you two and I couldn’t be happier. He really is a great guy."
Hallie blushed and admitted that Trixie was right but they were just going as friends nothing else just to have someone to go with.
Everyone just gave each other knowing looks. They had seen the attraction develop between the two and liked them together. They made a nice couple.
Aunt Marge said, "I never thought I’d be married until I met Andrew and we are so happy. Even though we will never have our own children we are looking forward to our grand nieces and nephews."
Trixie said, "You’ll have to wait a little while with Jim and me. We want to be married at least a year before starting our family."
Honey and Di said they both felt the same way with Brian and Mart.
Mrs. Belden said, "I can’t wait to become a grandmother but I want you all to go ahead when the time is right."
Mrs. Wheeler said, "Matthew is planning on semi retirement when grandchildren start arriving."
Mrs. Belden said, "Same with Peter."
The conversation was very lively as they discussed marriage and children and then Honey opened her gifts and found everything she still needed and wanted in the beautifully wrapped packages.
Afterwards they all joined the men at Manor House for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and had a wonderful time.
The next day they had the final wedding preparations and decorations and everyone enjoyed watching Brian and Honey on the verge of beginning their lives together.
Finally it was the day of the wedding and Honey was a beautiful bride as she walked down the stairs and then down the aisle on the arm of her father to where Brian was waiting and they were married in a beautiful traditional ceremony.
Then they had the reception in the big ballroom at Manor House which ended by everyone going outside to watch the 4th of July fireworks from Sleepyside before Honey and Brian headed for their honeymoon in Ireland and France.
Mart and Di were married in September in a beautiful ceremony at the Lynch mansion and then reception at Crabapple Farm.
The mansion looked beautiful and Di made an absolutely breathtakingly beautiful bride in her dress of white lace, choosing white over her usual lavender for her wedding day.
Dan and Hallie as Mart and Di’s best friends were best man and maid of honor. There was no weirdness there because Dan and Hallie had realized very young that they were meant to be just friends, Dan was happy with Sandra and Hallie was in a blossoming romance with Ned.
At the end of the reception Dan and Sandra became engaged officially even though everyone already knew that they were going to be married.
Neither of them were ever really conventional people so nobody was all that surprised when they announced that they were going to be married at exactly midnight on New Year’s Eve, 1999/2000 the heck with Y2K worries!
The New Year’s Eve wedding with Sandra’s family all in from Australia was beautiful and perfect and they were able to time everything so they were pronounced husband and wife exactly at midnight and walked down the aisle as everyone sang "Auld Lang Syne!"
To everyone’s relief all the Y2K worries were for naught and the New Year started without a hitch.
Or, as they all joked, the only hitch being that Dan and Sandra were now hitched to each other!
By that time, the love between Ned and Hallie was obvious to everyone who saw them but they said they were taking things very slowly and were just enjoying watching everyone else being so happy.
After the reception, Dan and Sandra were off to Australia for their honeymoon where they would also have a second wedding ceremony for her friends and family from there who had been unable to fly out for the wedding.
Everyone was looking forward to a wonderful new millenium for everyone!
On Valentine’s Day Trixie and Jim celebrated their first wedding anniversary and that day made their decision to start trying for a baby. They felt that it was the right time for it and they wanted to have two or three children and wanted to complete their family while they were still relatively young.
The next months seemed to fly by and Trixie and Jim tried but to no avail. They went to doctors and found out that nothing was wrong they would just have to be patient.
On their second anniversary Jim surprised Trixie with a trip to Ireland for their anniversary to take place in March. Hallie and Honey had agreed to run the agency for her on their own and Brian and Mart had agreed to watch the school with Ned and the others while they were gone.
During the party Ned and Hallie announced they were engaged and getting married in October. Everyone was very happy and also not very surprised. His family had come out from Iowa and loved her and her parents and brothers loved him.
Trixie and Jim’s trip to Ireland was very romantic and very special. They needed to have the time alone together to celebrate their love and marriage and they had a wonderful time. They loved nothing more than to take long walks, arm in arm and reveling in their love.
After one particularly night Trixie was convinced that they had conceived a baby because it was a very special romantic night and the next day bought a lace bib just in case. She actually even placed a few things on order while there for babies that she particularly liked just in case.
Trixie didn’t tell Jim that she was that seriously convinced because she didn’t want him to be disappointed if she was wrong but every instinct told her she was right.
They returned a couple of weeks later more in love than ever and ready with whatever happened next.
On April 30th, Trixie arrived late at the office telling Honey and Hallie that she hadn’t felt well that morning and Hallie said that the day before her birthday she was certainly entitled to be late.
That afternoon, Honey said "Trixie, can you check the date of that call that we made to Mr. Jones on the last case we were working on? I need it for our file for billing and I can’t find it. Do you have your Filofax with you?"
Trixie got out her filofax and started flipping through dates and then suddenly said "Oh my goodness. Honey it was April 19th. I’ll be back in a few minutes."
Trixie headed out to the drugstore and returned a few minutes later carrying a paper bag that she wouldn’t reveal the contents of.
A little later Honey got up and while getting something from Trixie’s desk knocked the paper bag over by accident and the contents, an at home pregnancy test spilled out.
Honey gasped and she and Hallie asked at the same time "Are you pregnant?"
Trixie said, "That’s what that test is meant to find out. I guess now is as good a time as ever to get the results. I am almost shaking with nerves."
Trixie disappeared into the private bathroom in their office and Hallie and Honey waited until she walked out, hand over her eyes and holding the test stick in the other saying "I can’t look, can you guys check for me?"
Honey and Hallie’s squeal of delight gave out the answer before Trixie even opened her eyes.
Trixie sat down in her chair with her hands on her abdomen in complete wonder and finally said "I have a baby inside of me. After more than a year of trying Jim and I are going to have a baby! Wow! Let me see the instructions they tell how to calculate the due date."
Trixie looked them over did some figuring and said "I guess the baby is due on Christmas Day then. That is so terrific. A Christmas baby! Now I have to figure out how to tell the rest of the family. First I will tell Jim tonight and then tomorrow I have lunch with Moms and then my birthday party that night. And the guys are going fishing. Honey and Hallie you’re going to be there tomorrow too, right along with Di? And don’t breathe a word to anyone!"
Honey said, "Yes we are. I’m so excited and happy for you and Jim. I know how much both of you want a baby and I hope that maybe Brian and I will provide him or her with a cousin soon afterwards."
Hallie said, "And I won’t mind a seven months pregnant bridesmaid at my wedding. Are you going to have Sandra as your obstetrician?"
Honey and Hallie both also said that they would keep their mouths shut until the big announcement was made.
Trixie said, "Naturally of course. In fact I’ll call her and see if we can get an appointment for next week."
She called Sandra’s office and made an appointment for the next week and swore her to secrecy. She said she was very happy for her and instructed her to get her mother’s history and everything if possible before the appointment.
Then Trixie said she wanted to go home and get ready for Jim’s arrival.
Hallie and Honey said that both didn’t mind at all of course and Trixie was feeling a little tired and queasy after all and they said they would see her the next day.
Trixie headed to Crimper's were she bought a huge teddy bear and then to a bookstore where she bought some books that Sandra had recommended during their phone call. Then she went to the grocery store where she bought steaks, potatoes, corn and beans knowing they were Jim’s favorite foods and this was a celebration. She also bought a bottle of sparkling grape juice.
They had started using sparkling grape juice for celebrations years earlier when they were teenagers and too young to drink legally and now because she was pregnant Trixie couldn’t have alcohol and they always loved the drink anyway.
She thought it was nice that on the night before her birthday she was giving him the greatest gift of all, the news they were having a baby.
Trixie headed home put the food in the freezer and then headed upstairs.
She was tired and after taking a shower got in bed with one of the books she had bought and started to read but after only a few more moments she fell asleep.
Jim came home a bit later surprised to see Trixie’s car in the driveway since he was usually home first. He walked into the house calling for her and headed upstairs.
When he walked into the bedroom he saw that she was sound asleep and saw the book and then the title "What to Expect when You’re Expecting"
His "Oh my goodness" woke Trixie up.
Jim asked, "Are we, are you, are we expecting?"
Trixie smiled at him and said, "We are! I took one of those home tests today and we see Sandra next week. I bought some food for a celebration but I got tired and fell asleep."
Jim picked her up and swung her around and then put her down worrying that he might hurt her or the baby. Trixie giggled and they kissed and then Jim said, "I’m going to go downstairs and make dinner. You just lay here and relax."
Trixie kissed him and said, "Thanks, that sounds wonderful. Maybe pregnancy is the reason I’ve been getting a bit queasy while cooking the last few days. Now suddenly I don’t mind that at all. It says in the book that morning sickness goes away after 12 weeks."
Jim said, "We can read it together while eating."
Jim hurried downstairs and made dinner while Trixie sat back in bed and read and a little while later, Jim came back upstairs carrying a tray with food for both of them and some flowers he had had delivered very quickly.
They were their favorite flower, both red and yellow roses and Jim put them in a vase of water and then got in bed next to her.
They ate while talking about the baby and also how they would tell everyone. Everyone would be at Crabapple Farm for her birthday the next night and they decided to tell everyone then.
"I may have a hard time keeping quiet tomorrow while out with our fathers and your brothers. But I will try my best!"
"I am really going to have a hard time hiding it from Moms. She can read me like a book. I saw her yesterday and am surprised that she hasn’t guessed already. A first grandchild! Everyone will be so happy!"
Jim assured her that if she wanted to tell her mother the next day it was fine with him but otherwise it would be fun to try and keep it a secret until the party.
They kissed and then when they were done eating they put their tray on the floor and went to reading part of the books.
After awhile, Jim put his head on Trixie’s stomach and said, "Hello in there! This is your Daddy and I want to tell you how happy I am that you are on your way. We have the rest of our lives ahead of us and we can’t wait until you are here. I love you, sweetheart."
Jim kissed Trixie’s abdomen and then they kissed and then fell asleep wrapped up in each other’s arms very content and unbelievably happy.
Next Day
Jim walked into his and Trixie’s bedroom to find her just coming out of their bathroom pale as a sheet."Happy birthday, sweetheart, are you okay?"
Trixie smiled. "Just a little morning sickness but that’s completely normal. Not sure if I can keep anything down right now and thank you for the happy birthday."
Jim set the tray down on the little table and Trixie saw there was a glass of milk, a glass of orange juice, cereal and toast and Trixie sat down and ate while they talked about the day ahead.
Jim said he wanted to stay home and take care of her but Trixie reminded him that she had her own plans with the ladies and he had the day planned with the men and she didn’t want to spoil that.
Jim reminded her of their decision to keep their news a secret until her birthday party that night and she promised that she would do her best and he said that he would admit that he might have a hard time hiding his Cheshire cat grin while out with their fathers and brothers.
A little later, Mr. Belden arrived to pick Jim up and kissed Trixie and said "Happy birthday, sweetheart" and gave her a nice bouquet of flowers and noticed that she seemed a little pale although green around the gills as the expression went.
He thought for a moment and remembered seeing that look on his own wife in the mornings sometimes, in fact four specific period of times and thought to himself maybe there was some very happy news coming and he was happy about that.
He really wanted to ask but just smiled at his daughter and son in law and realized that if there was news to tell they would tell it when they were ready.
Jim kissed Trixie and was off with her father for the day.
Peter saw the tender look that passed between them and smiled. They were so obviously more and more in love with each other every day.
Trixie finished cleaning up the kitchen and then showered and changed for the day. She wore a light airy sundress and light flats. She was glad that she never wore high heels because she was hardly going to start wearing them now!
Finally Trixie was finished and headed over to Crabapple Farm where she found her mother busy in the kitchen preparing the lunch they would share with Honey, Hallie and Di.
Mrs. Belden said, "Happy birthday, sweetheart. You are the first to arrive. What a beautiful day, it always seems to be beautiful on your birthday. The day was absolutely perfect the day you were born in fact. Spring is a wonderful time to be born."
Trixie asked,"What about winter? Bobby was born in the winter and Brian in the fall."
"Winter is fine although you have to worry about snow and sleet and ice and all that while you’re trying to keep your balance. Trixie, can you get the casserole out for me?"
Trixie was overwhelmed with a bit of queasiness when she opened the oven door and smelled the cooking food, even though it really did look and smell delicious, and had to hurry to the bathroom.
Mrs. Belden walked over and said, "Come out and lay down on the couch for a few minutes and I’ll bring in a wet washcloth."
Trixie came out and walked over and lay down on the couch and Mrs. Belden walked over and wiped her face with the washcloth and then put it on her forehead and finally asked, "So when are you due?"
Trixie smiled and said "Christmas Day as far as I can figure and how did you guess?"
Mrs. Belden laughed. "Mother’s instinct and the fact that I’ve had four babies myself. Have you seen the doctor yet? Is everything okay? How is Jim reacting although I have the feeling he is absolutely over the moon?"
Trixie said, "I see Sandra next Wednesday for my first checkup. I took one of those at home tests. And Jim is absolutely wonderful. He actually put his head on my stomach last night and talked to the baby. Honey and Hallie are the only other people who know so far besides Jim, me and Sandra and now you, and we’re planning on telling everyone else tonight so you won’t have to keep it a secret too long. And we need to talk about your own history too. Sandra wants to know."
Mrs. Belden hugged her. "Lay down until the rest of the guests arrive and I’ll finish lunch. Rest while you can believe me after Junior arrives you won’t sit down for awhile! We’ll have lunch Monday and discuss everything you might need."
"I really think I’m going to need you a lot over the next nine months and then for the next 21 years!"
Mrs. Belden smiled. "I don’t plan on going anywhere. I’ll always be there for you through everything and am always just a phone call away."
Soon the others arrived, and they had a wonderful afternoon talking about marriage and Hallie’s wedding plans with Ned for the following October.
Mrs. Belden said, "Whenever I talk to Eleanor she is always saying how much she and Harold love Ned and how happy they are that the two of you are so happy. I told her that in my experience there is nothing more wonderful than seeing your grown children happy."
Meanwhile, a few miles outside of Sleepyside
Matthew Wheeler looked over at the lake where his best friend, Peter Belden stood with his son, Jim and the Belden boys and thought about all the happiness in his life.
His son married so happily and also his daughter. Him and his wife being married for almost thirty wonderful years and planning a second honeymoon in January.
Now the only thing missing was grandchildren and his semi-retirement which he planned to do as soon as they started arriving.
He had decided that he was going to make up for all that lost time with his own children while building his business empire with his own grandchildren.
Peter Belden walked over and said, "Isn’t this the greatest? I think this was a great idea with all the women getting together today for a confab. Only Ned and Dan couldn’t join us. Have you noticed anything about your son?"
Matthew said, "He just seems to be walking on air today and gets this silly smile when I mentioned grandchildren earlier. Do you suppose something might be going on? I remember that they mentioned they’re trying for a baby."
"I hope so, well maybe we’ll find out tonight." He didn’t want to relay his own suspicions from that morning in case he was wrong, although seeing the way Jim was acting all day, he pretty much now knew for sure he was probably right.
He was planning his own semi-retirement for the arrival of grandchildren so he really hoped it was true.
The rest of the afternoon went great and soon they were off to shower and join the others for a nice dinner party for Trixie’s birthday.
Trixie’s Birthday Party
Soon everyone was gathered at Crabapple Farm for Trixie’s birthday even though the guest of honor seemed to be to everyone a little under the weather.
They also noticed that Jim seemed to be hovering over her more than ever and wondered what was going on and those that did know stayed mum but smiling.
Sandra walked over to Trixie. "I see you're already following the books. Sparkling grape juice is not only delicious, but non-alcoholic. How are you feeling?"
Trixie said, "With the exception of a touch of morning sickness and a dizzy spell or two, I’ve been feeling terrific!"
Sandra said, "That’s good and very normal. We’ll talk more next Wednesday. For now this is a great party. Happy birthday!"
After dinner they went into the living room again where Trixie and Jim asked for everyone’s attention since they had to share some very special news.
Watching Trixie, most that didn’t know had a guess, but still they wondered what they were going to say.
Everyone gathered around and finally Trixie said, "I am very happy to announce that Jim and I are going to have a baby at Christmas!"
Everyone surrounded and congratulated them everyone talking at once, hugging Trixie, shaking hands with Jim, making sure Trixie was able to sit down right away, her assuring them everything was fine and she wasn’t going to break and everyone having a good time.
Brian said, "We’re going to be uncles" as he and Mart did a high five.
Bobby said, "If it’s a girl we’ll be aunts! Does anyone need me to boil water?"
Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Belden slapped each other on the back saying "Grandpa!"
There was a lot of general commotion until finally everyone settled down and Mr. Belden asked if everyone had their champagne or grape juice ready.
Then he said "To the next generation of our families. And to all the beginnings which the new generation brings with little baby Frayne!"
The rest of the party was a lot of fun but Trixie and Jim had to leave early because she was feeling very tired and a little queasy.
Monday
Trixie was late arriving at the country club dining room to find her mother sitting at their usual table.
They hugged and Trixie said, "Sorry I’m late. Got tied up at the office. Was late this morning because I wasn’t feeling well."
Mrs. Belden said, "I fully understand. Remember I’ve done this four times. So your first appointment is Wednesday right? Are you nervous at all? It is actually very routine and easy the first time just a little nerve wracking."
Trixie said, "I know what to expect since I already talked to Sandra about it. She also said that I need to know your history since that might point to anything she needs to watch out for and everything. Also, she says that I can have another supporter in the delivery room along with Jim and would like to have you there if you don’t mind."
Mrs. Belden said, "It would be an honor and be the first person besides the two of you to hold the baby is also the greatest honor. As far as my history nothing remarkable. Four full term perfectly normal pregnancies with perfectly healthy babies. Nothing in either my family history or your father’s to indicate anything to worry about but we already went through all that when you and Jim decided to start trying. And I will be there every step of the way for you."
Trixie said, "I think I will need more advice after the delivery than before it!"
"No matter what I’ll be there. I know how tough the first one can be. Every little cry you think they’re very ill, every little sniffle is pneumonia, I remember it very well."
They had a wonderful lunch and Trixie left promising to call her mother if there were any questions she had and returned to her office feeling better than ever.
Meanwhile at Crimper’s Toy Section
Peter Belden was thoroughly scanning the toy shelves, putting everything in a basket, when his best friend, Matthew Wheeler stopped by.
Matthew said, "Great minds think alike I see! Unless you are confused and think that Bobby is suddenly a baby again you must be buying for our little grandchild!"
Peter said, "Guilty as charged. I can’t believe how excited I am already about this and still a little less than 8 months to go."
"I’ll make you a deal. You buy out the right half of the toy section and I’ll buy out the left half and the baby will have everything he or she needs!"
Peter laughed. "I got a better idea. How about lunch on me in the dining room?"
Matthew said he thought that was a great idea and they both bought a few things and then headed to the dining room.
There they talked about their plans for semi-retirement. Mr. Belden said he was very happy he had recently become quite well off and could afford it. His investments had finally fully paid off and he and Mrs. Belden were not exactly rolling in money but they were quite comfortable.
The men had become better and better friends over the years as their children had grown up and now married each other. Their wives had also become close. They were also close to Ed Lynch but not as much so.
Then they had a discussion about "dividing up time with their grandchildren" and how much each of them would get to spoil them rotten.
Peter said, "Between Trixie and Jim and Brian and Honey, we’ll probably have many in common. I can’t wait but most importantly they’re all so blissfully happy. I have never seen anyone as happy as Trixie has been in this marriage, and Brian and Honey are so happy too, as are Mart and Di."
Matthew said, "That’s what we strive for, happy and healthy children who are great adults when they grow up. Then we get to wait for grandkids and spoil them rotten!"
They decided to go golfing and play hooky from the office for the rest of the afternoon saying they were practicing for their retirements.
Wednesday
Trixie and Jim arrived nervously at Sandra’s office and were checked in by her nurse, Nancy and then sat in the waiting room.
Trixie held Jim’s hand tightly sensing he was as nervous as she was.
Finally Nancy let them into Sandra’s conference room where she joined them and said, "Hi, Trixie and Jim. First thing Trixie, I’m going to take you to the examining room and check you and this little one out and Jim wait out here and when we come back I’ll go over everything with both of you. First thing though the sample you brought in was positive so the hospital test confirms it, you are most definitely pregnant! Congratulations again!"
Trixie and Sandra disappeared into her office while Jim sat nervously in her office reading some information that was there waiting for their return.
In the examining room Trixie changed into the little paper gown and then Sandra came back in and said, "I’m going to give you a full examination today to check everything and also take your weight and blood pressure and everything. I went over your medical history and also the notes you gave me from your mother and everything should go fine."
Trixie said, "I’ll do anything I need to do to make sure this baby is born healthy you just tell me."
"I think you won’t have any problems and I’ll keep an eye on you very closely."
She examined her and then wrote some notes and asked her some questions then told her to change back into her clothes and join her and Jim in the office.
Finally Trixie came out and sat next to Jim and they held hands and asked Sandra how everything checked out.
Sandra said, "Everything checks out absolutely fine except for Trixie, your blood pressure is a little above normal. Not shockingly or dangerously so yet but enough to keep an eye on you for. As long as you take good care of yourself nothing should go wrong. I know you bought the books I recommended and now I’m going to give you a diet and exercise program to follow. From the information you gave me your guess on a Christmas Day due date is correct. That means you probably conceived him or her while you were in Ireland. How romantic, on your second honeymoon! Any questions?"
Trixie and Jim asked her a few questions and she answered them and then at the end said, "You have both my numbers in case anything happens or you need to ask me anything. This is going to be a privilege delivering this baby. I know how happy both your families are and you are too!"
She had been the one to run the fertility tests on them and had been relieved almost as much as they were when the results showed no problems.
They were grateful to her for the way she had sat down with them after the results came back and told them that they should relax and wait, there was no obvious reason that they couldn’t conceive but promised to be there for them if they needed to talk.
That night Trixie and Jim had gone out for dinner and had decided to stop being so methodical about everything and just take it as it came and that had been in January and a few months later they were expecting!
Trixie and Jim left armed with more books and pamphlets, filled her vitamin prescription and then went to lunch together.
After they sat down, Jim took Trixie’s hand in hers and said, "I’m so glad Sandra is going to be our doctor. She is such a great person and is an excellent doctor. Are you as nervous and scared as I am?"
Trixie smiled. "I think even more so but this should be routine. Am glad you agree on me on waiting until the baby arrives to find out if we’re having a boy or a girl."
Jim said that life held so few surprises sometimes so it would be nice if the sex of their baby was a surprise too.
They had a very nice lunch before returning to work where Trixie told Hallie and Honey that everything was okay and she was glad to have the first appointment over with.
At Trixie’s second appointment they were both amazed and in complete awe as they heard their baby’s heartbeat for the first time. Trixie said she would never forget the sound as long as she lived and Jim said neither would he.
Sandra gave them a little audiotape of the sound of the heartbeat for them to have and they even played it for their parents who were very proud and excited grandparents to be.
After that they called Brian and Honey and asked them to join them for dinner, just the four of them at the country club.
After they were settled down, Jim said, "After everything I went through when I was a young teen this is a very important thing we want to ask you."
Trixie said, "We would like you two to not only be the baby’s Godparents but also in case something happens to us, we would like to name you in our wills as his or her legal guardian"
Brian and Honey accepted right away saying it was an honor and a privilege to be asked for both and also that they gladly accepted.
At the end of June, Trixie and Jim invited the rest of the old Bob-Whites for a fun reunion. They hadn’t been all together like old times in ages and Trixie and Jim thought it would be fun to have a barbecue on the Wheelers lake.
Sandra was invited of course even though she wasn’t an original Bob-White of course and Ned and Hallie were invited to since they were all part of the group as adults.
As they all sat on the deck, Mart asked Trixie and Jim if they had chosen names yet.
Trixie said, "We have some ideas of course but are always open to suggestions from everyone. So far James the third and Kathleen are heading the list."
Mart said, "I think Frederick Farnsworth Frayne would be a nice name for a boy or Felicity Francesca Frayne for a girl.""
Trixie said that she might have to get a restraining order against him from being anywhere near the registrar’s office when the baby arrived.
Di said that she was really worried he might get weird ideas like that when their own children arrived and she said that she would tell Sandra that when the time came she was going to be the one who gave the official name to be registered.
They all laughed and smiled when they saw how Trixie and Jim glowed when they were together and how often they just looked at each other and held hands.
Fourth of July
As was the new family custom, they celebrated Brian and Honey’s anniversary and the 4th of July at a big party at Manor House where everyone was invited in the evening.
Earlier in the day everyone had gone to the big party in downtown Sleepyside and Trixie had enjoyed watching Jim ride the rides but hadn’t gone on them. She didn’t mind the restrictions of pregnancy too much but had always enjoyed the rides.
Trixie and Jim were among the last to arrive at Manor House. Her morning sickness troubles were all but over but they had been walking as part of her prenatal exercises after the Sleepyside party and lost track of time.
They had also spent time at the school with the kids there for a small picnic with dinner being served.
They walked over to Brian and Honey and gave them their anniversary present and Trixie noticed the familiar to her look on Honey’s face.
So it wasn’t a surprise to Trixie or to anyone else who had seen Honey up close that day when Brian and Honey announced they were expecting their own first baby in late February.
They all agreed that cousins that close in age would be great and maybe a new generation of the Bob-Whites being born!
Trixie and Honey knew that they would probably be talking and giggling more than ever but Trixie said that she was the lucky one, she got to experience everything first and warn Honey in advance and Honey said that she would have the benefit of knowing.
Sandra, of course, would deliver Honey and Brian’s baby, too.
A few weeks later, Trixie and Jim went to another appointment with Sandra this one being extra special because they were having their first sonogram.
Trixie felt like she was floating and was decidedly uncomfortable after having drunk 64 ounces of water in preparation.
They were waiting together in the sonogram room when Sandra and the technician came in and Trixie said, "Is this early torture in preparation for delivery pain or something? Nobody should have to hold that much water for so long!"
Sandra smiled."It's because the baby is still so small. Later sonograms don’t require you to drink the Atlantic Ocean dry."
Trixie lifted up her blouse and the technician put some gel on her stomach and then the technician moved the transducer around till he found the right spot and they flicked a switch and suddenly Trixie and Jim were completely speechless as their baby appeared on the screen.
Sandra pointed everything out being very careful knowing that Trixie and Jim had told her that they wanted to be surprised in the delivery room so although she could tell the sex she didn’t say so.
She said, "Everything is perfectly normal and we can confirm that December 25th due date. Here’s a picture and Jeff Paxson, the tech here will give you the videotape in a few seconds. I can tell you the sex if you want."
Trixie and Jim looked at each other and shook their heads and told Sandra no again they wanted to wait and she said that was fine and she could tell them later if they changed their minds.
The next day they had dinner at Manor House with both sets of parents and gave them each a copy of the sonogram picture and also showed them the videotape.
It seemed to both Trixie and Jim that their parents were looking forward to the arrival of their grandchild as much as they were almost. And of course there was Brian and Honey’s baby two months after theirs to look forward to also.
On August 12th everyone gathered at the Sleepyside Country club for the big party celebrating Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler’s 30th wedding anniversary.
Friends and family had flown in from all over the world to help them celebrate.
First with Honey and Jim as their matron of honor and best man they renewed their wedding vows to each other in a quiet and beautiful ceremony which moved everyone to have tears at least in their eyes if not rolling down their cheeks.
Then everyone settled into the party. Later, Trixie and Jim were dancing when Trixie stopped on the dance floor and gasped.
Jim was startled and she grabbed his hand and placed it on her abdomen so he could feel what she just had, the baby’s first kicks.
When everyone heard the reason for her gasp they wanted to feel it too but Trixie limited it to grandparents and uncles and aunts the first time.
The party was wonderful and Trixie and Jim even stayed the entire time. She had gotten an incredible burst of energy during her second trimester and looked beautiful in her soft blue dress of lace and silk one of her first maternity dresses.
During her first trimester Trixie had been very tired and not feeling too well a lot and had to skip out early from parties and gatherings often but now she could really get involved and celebrate at parties.
On August 20th they all gathered at Crabapple Farm to celebrate Helen Belden’s 50th birthday even though he insisted that knowing 2 grandchildren were on their way was enough present for her.
Mart and Di quickly announced that he had another present on the way as they were expecting their first in mid April.
Mr. and Mrs. Lynch said that they were delighted at joining in the expectant grandparent club. They had been admittedly envious of the Beldens and the Wheelers.
Mrs. Belden said that it was the most wonderful thing in the world, watching your children excitedly anticipate becoming parents for the first time.
Trixie and Jim and Honey and Brian had both given Mrs. Belden gifts from their babies and so had Mart and Di. Mrs. Belden said that she was very excited to receive these first gifts from her grandchildren.
They gave her beautiful books called "My grandchildren" saying that they planned to give her plenty of pictures and eventually many grandchildren to fill them with.
On Labor Day everyone gathered at the school for a big open house barbecue that the women all got together to put on for the kids and the whole town was invited to drop in and see the school and see the kids and everything Jim and the others had accomplished.
A couple of weeks later Ned and Hallie had their big engagement party at the Sleepyside Country club, just a little over a month before their wedding.
They felt a little left behind with the other couples all being married and 2 of the other couples already expecting but hoped to catch up soon.
Dan and Sandra also were hoping to be expecting soon but Sandra joked that she worried who would deliver their baby since she was delivering everyone else's!
Hallie’s parents and brothers were in from Idaho and said that they were happy to see so settled and happy in their hometown. Harold and Eleanor had met in high school and married during college then moved to Idaho for Harold to start his mining business. Cap and Knut were settled in Idaho with their wives helping their father with his business.
The Schulzes also came in from Iowa and they announced that they were moving to White Plains to be near their only child and see their grandchildren eventually.
On October 30th, Ned and Hallie were married in a beautiful and elegant ceremony at the Sleepyside Community Church with everyone attending and the choir made up of kids from the school.
Afterwards they had a wonderful reception at the country club and soon Ned and Hallie were off to England for their honeymoon and the beginning of their married life together.
On Halloween Trixie and Jim threw a big party for the kids at the school and everyone was in attendance except for Ned and Hallie.
Trixie at 32 weeks pregnant was radiantly beautiful. She just positively glowed in her costume as a pumpkin, taking full advantage of her very pregnant state. Jim was dressed as a farmer and they as always made a beautiful couple.
On November 3rd, Trixie was rushed to the hospital with what she was worried was premature almost 8 weeks early labor.
Jim rushed her to the hospital where Sandra and Brian joined them and after a couple of hours, Sandra came into Trixie’s room and sat down.
She said, "We were able to stop your labor and the baby is fine but you’re going to have to relax and be quiet for the next few weeks because we want you go to at least 3 more weeks. We think it’s just the excitement and stress of the office that’s causing this. I am not confining you to bed exactly but recommend it as much as possible and I want to see you twice a week until delivery too. I also recommend you think about taking your maternity leave now."
Trixie said she’d do anything Sandra suggested and called Honey and told her that she was going to take her leave immediately and they would tell Hallie when she and Ned came back from their honeymoon and they knew she’d understand.
Trixie spent 2 days in the hospital being monitored until Sandra was 100 percent sure that she and the baby were completely out of the woods and then she went home to settle into the bedroom she and Jim shared so she could prepare to give birth in 7 weeks or so.
Sandra arranged for a nurse to come to the house and work with Trixie and Jim and Mrs. Belden to teach Lamaze breathing and exercises. Sandra had agreed that Mrs. Belden was an excellent choice to be with them in the delivery room.
On Thanksgiving everyone gathered at the school for a big Thanksgiving party. Trixie was one month from her delivery date and it was safe for her to be up and around all the time even though they didn’t let her help prepare anything just let her sit and relax and said that they would take care of the rest.
The kids all loved her and were happy for Mr. and Mrs. Frayne that they were having a baby. They absolutely adored Jim. To all of them he was their hero.
The next day Jim had to go out of town for a meeting and arranged for Trixie to spend the few days at Crabapple Farm to be with her parents in case anything happened.
After Jim left for the airport Trixie went out to the now enclosed back porch where she sat on the swing with a glass of milk and cookies and she was sitting there rocking back and forth eating and drinking when her mother came out and sat next to her.
Trixie said, "I hope you can find room. I think Junior and I take up most of the swing."
Mrs. Belden laughed, "I remember being in that final month. While I was pregnant with Brian I was, truly I think, as big as a house, but you look fantastic. And so very happy. And Jim is just over the moon. You two remind me so much of your father and me when we were expecting Brian and then all of you."
Trixie said, "What we love most is late at night before we go to sleep Jim lies with his head and hand on my stomach and talks to the baby. Family means so much to both of us but especially to him because of his own situation but sometimes he really does drive me a little nuts with all his worrying and obsessing over every little thing."
Mrs. Belden said, "It is understandable and they do mellow after the first one. Your father drove me absolutely nuts with Brian but by the time Bobby came everything was so routine he could have driven blindfolded to the hospital. I also think he could have delivered Bobby and from everything Jim has learned he probably could deliver this one."
Trixie laughed. "He thinks so at least. He reads even more than I do and I have read I think over 20 books on the subject from everything from the slightest detail on pregnancy to the proper diaper bag. We may be the most prepared parents to be in history!"
The next day Mrs. Belden went with Trixie to her checkup with Sandra and everything checked out completely fine. Mrs. Belden was even able to see the latest sonogram and was stunned speechless by the sight of her first grandchild on the little screen, almost all done as they were saying.
Sandra told them that everything was fine, right on schedule with about four weeks to go. She was very happy that Trixie has chosen Mrs. Belden to be with her and Jim in the delivery room saying it was the perfect choice.
Trixie had a wonderful few days back home with her parents and Bobby and had a real chance to relax before the rush of the last few weeks happened.
She had many talks with both her parents. She had always felt that she had the most wonderful parents in the world and couldn’t wait to present them with their first grandchild and hoped that she and Jim would be even half as good as them as parents.
When Jim picked her up they had dinner with her parents and Bobby and it was a lively affair just like old times.
Mr. and Mrs. Belden loved seeing how happy their daughter was and how she and Jim just liked holding hands and looking at each other. They were so obviously in love and so happily "infanticipating" as the saying went.
They did truly remind them of themselves in the last few weeks before Brian’s birth.
On December 4th, 3 weeks before the baby was due Honey and Mrs. Belden got together to throw Trixie a baby shower at Crabapple Farm.
Trixie was genuinely surprised to walk into the living room at Crabapple Farm and everyone jumped up and yelled "Surprise!"
She was led to the seat of honor in the middle of the living room and she sat in the waiting chair of honor next to the huge pile of presents next to her.
"Thank you, everyone! This is so wonderful. A shower with only 3 weeks to go. There are so many things that Jim and I still need for this little one."
Mrs. Belden said, "We saw your baby gift registry lists at the various stores. But I think you won’t be needing anything more after this shower!"
First they ate from the delicious buffet that had been set up in the dining room. Mrs. Belden had once again outdone herself with the delicious food she had prepared.
Then they went back to the living room where first Mrs. Belden presented Trixie with a special book that all her friends and family had written in with advice words of encouragement and words of love for the baby she would soon have.
Then she received the rest of her wonderful presents and she loved every single one of them. She did receive everything she still needed.
After that they decided to do the wedding ring on a string test but everyone couldn’t agree on which way meant which on deciding the sex of the baby.
Honey and Di, both very happily and obviously pregnant both said that couldn’t wait for those last few weeks to come and their own baby showers.
Di had found out to her relief that she was only having one baby having worried about twins with such a history in hers.
At the end of the party Mr. Belden came into the living room carrying a rather large bundle covered with a sheet and set it down in front of Trixie.
Mr. Belden said, "This is the cradle that you and your brothers all slept in when we first brought you home from the hospital for those first 6 weeks or so so when the baby is done with it, it will be time for Brian and Honey’s baby and then Mart and Di’s baby. It would be wonderful if all the grandchildren came home to it as a family tradition."
Trixie pulled off the sheet and found a beautiful cradle of brass with beautiful bedding and she announced that they would keep it next to their bed in their bedroom for those first few weeks when the baby was getting up in the night a lot.
After the party Jim came to pick up Trixie and they had to make four trips back and forth to the house to bring everything home.
A few days later Trixie invited her mother, mother in law and the other girls to their home to see the finished nursery and everyone agreed that it was like stepping into an enchanted wonderland. Trixie and Jim had spent a lot of time planning and deciding and the final product was perfect.
The room was done in the neutral shades of a soft blue and yellow. They would get more gender specific when they knew what sex the baby was. There was a beautiful crib in the corner and a changing table, a rocking chair Jim had made for Trixie with nice cushions. The bedding was in a Noah’s Ark theme along with a wall hanging and the border around the room. There was a chest of drawers already filled with baby things and a small sink for washing the baby in. They also had a baby swing in there and everything else that they needed.
On the ceiling they had pasted glow in the dark stars to make a glow in the dark universe above the baby’s head. Elsewhere in the house they had everything else set up including an elaborate baby monitor system with little devices everywhere. That had been a gift from Mart and Di. Mart was a huge technogeek and loved buying everyone technological wizardry. And of course there was the family cradle in Trixie and Jim’s room to top everything else off.
The next few weeks were full of Christmas preparations. Jim went out and bought a huge tree and he and Trixie decorated it in the living room both thinking of the baby who would be almost a year old probably at the next Christmas. Trixie was finding it harder and harder to move around easily but wanted to help put up the tree.
On the 22nd Trixie, Honey and Di went to lunch with their mothers; a new Christmas tradition.
Trixie said, "With only three days before my due date I am definitely ready to give birth. This has seemed like forever since the day I found out this baby was on his or her way. I can’t wait to meet him or her."
Mrs. Belden asked, "Do you have any sixth sense as to whether it’s a boy or a girl? I always did with you four and I was right every time."
Trixie said, "I think it’s a boy."
Honey and Di said that both were convinced that they were carrying boys. They all thought it would be great if they all had either boys or girls because the kids would be so close in age.
On the 23rd Trixie and Jim went to a checkup with Sandra who examined her and then said, "Trixie, you’re 2 centimeters dilated and 20 percent effaced. I think you might go into labor any day now. Maybe you’ll even deliver on your due date, Christmas Day. Wouldn’t that be nice. Just keep my number handy at all times and we’ll all be waiting."
The next day Trixie and Jim held the Christmas party for the kids at the school and when they went home Trixie announced that she wanted to make sure everything was clean and she and Jim cleaned their house a bit even though Trixie complained of a backache but wouldn’t just sit and relax like Jim was trying to get her to.
In the early evening they went to the party at Crabapple Farm despite the fact that there was the beginnings of a snowstorm outside.
When they arrived Trixie immediately had to sit down because her backache was getting worse and Jim was concerned about her and talked to Sandra when she and Dan arrived.
Sandra walked over to Trixie. "Are you feeling okay? You look a little peaked to tell you the truth. Are you getting enough sleep?"
Trixie smiled. "Just a little backache and you did say the baby is almost ready to be born. Maybe I’m just your standard run of the mill nine months pregnant worn out. I think I’m all right. Sometimes it’s been a little hard to get much sleep with this future soccer star kicking me all night."
Sandra asked, "Have you been having any contractions? You’re carrying very low, the baby has dropped. I have never seen a woman carrying so low that wasn’t in active labor."
Trixie said, "A few but not regularly or anything. I’ll just relax and enjoy the party. It looks like we’re having a white Christmas, it’s really coming down out there!"
The snowstorm had turned into a full-fledged blizzard enough so that Mr. and Mrs. Belden were preparing and expecting to have overnight Christmas guests.
After the delicious dinner Trixie announced that she was going to go upstairs to her old room and get a little rest and everyone said that they would wait to open presents until she came back downstairs.
About 45 minutes later, Jim said that he was worried about Trixie and decided to go upstairs to check on her and when he arrived he found her frantic.
Trixie said, "Jim get Sandra right away! My water has broken and these contractions are fast and furious!"
Jim took the steps two at a time running to Sandra.
When Jim arrived in the living room, he said, "Trixie’s water has broken and the baby is coming!"
Sandra and Mrs. Belden and Brian followed him up the stairs and when Sandra saw Trixie she rushed over and examined her and said, "Trixie, you’re already 10 centimeters dilated! That backache must have been labor. You’re ready for delivery. Helen, go get some warm towels and some scissors and any other baby things you have handy. Jim go get some pillows and some ice for Trixie and Trixie, relax I think this is going to be very quick."
Sandra thanked God that Trixie had had a relatively normal pregnancy with only the threatened pre-term labor the only problem the entire time. Home births weren’t the best option in her opinion but with a raging snowstorm they didn't have a choice.
Mrs.Belden ran around getting what she had ready. She had plenty of baby things in the house for when her grandchildren came over, seemingly almost as much as Trixie and Jim had. She stopped in the living room to tell everyone that the baby would be here any second.
Soon Jim and Mrs. Belden were back in the room and found Trixie frantic but somewhat calmed down, and Jim went to sit next to her to giver her some ice chips and Trixie told him to take those chips and well she didn’t know what he should do with them but she didn’t want them.
Then she said, "And furthermore if you ever even think of touching me again you’re going to be singing soprano in the church choir next Christmas!"
Sandra smiled because she knew that this probably meant Trixie was in transition and told her that she could push on the next contraction.
Mrs. Belden was at Trixie’s other side and a few minutes later with her husband and mother at her side, Trixie gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy with a very strong set of lungs.
Downstairs everyone heard the baby’s cry and cheered. They had all been wearing tracks in the floor pacing and now sat down to wait for news.
Sandra placed the baby on Trixie’s stomach as she cleaned them both up with help from Mrs. Belden and said, "Congratulations. He looks perfect. Brian you can do the honors of examining your nephew. Trixie, this wasn’t a traditional birth but you did a wonderful job."
Trixie and Jim just held and examined every inch of their son, with tears of joy streaming down their cheeks. Jim cut the chord and they handed him to Mrs. Belden who also had tears in her eyes as she held her grandson and said "He’s perfect" and she kissed both Trixie and Jim.
She handed the baby to Brian. "I think I better head downstairs to let everyone know it’s a boy and Brian if you think it’s all right, we can bring him down so everyone can see him in a few minutes."
Brian had the baby on the scale Mrs. Belden had brought in and said, "7 pounds, 9 ounces, 20 inches long and an Apgar of 10. Yes, as soon as I finish my examination and wrap him up, I can bring him downstairs so everyone can see him and Sandra can finish up with Trixie before they come up here."
Mrs. Belden hurried down to the living room where everyone jumped up when she walked in and announced "It’s a beautiful and healthy baby boy!" and everyone whooped it up and she added "He’s 7 pounds 9 ounces, 20 inches long and mother and son are doing fine. Brian will be down with him in a few minutes."
Meanwhile upstairs Brian finished checking the baby out as Sandra helped Trixie clean up a bit and then Brian headed downstairs with the baby.
When he walked into the living room everyone surrounded him and wanted to hold him at once and Brian decided that his father should have the honors.
Mr. Belden took his grandson in his arms and was overwhelmed a little at the incredible rush that it was and then everyone got a chance to briefly hold him and then Brian said, "I’m going to take him back upstairs to Trixie and Jim. You can all come up in a little bit in groups of 2 or 3 to see Trixie and Jim when Sandra says it’s okay."
Brian headed back upstairs to where Sandra was saying "Trixie, everything looks fine. Brian is now here with the baby and we’ll leave the three of you alone for a little while before the crowd arrives."
Sandra said, "Everything is perfect although I do think we should take you both over to the hospital for a complete checkup once the storm clears maybe tomorrow afternoon. I do think they’ll just check you out and release you both immediately. Trixie, if you need help with nursing let me know. You both seemed to take right to it a few minutes ago."
Brian and Sandra left and then Trixie and Jim were finally alone with their baby.
Jim kissed Trixie. "I have never been more in love with you than I am right now and the three of us have a wonderful future together. How about another one?"
Trixie kissed him and said, "Not tonight, Jim. Let’s wait a few months. He’s so perfect. What should we name him?"
"I think the name we agreed on last week is perfect. I like the idea of honoring both my adoptive and my birth families with our first son’s name, and also naming him after me without him being a third. So James Wheeler Frayne it is?"
Trixie said, "That’s perfect. We can call him Jimmy or Jamie or J.W. We also wanted to leave naming after my father to Brian and Honey or Mart and Di since they are the sons, especially Brian as first son. What do you think sweetie?"
James Wheeler just looked at both his parents and let out a yawn.
Jim said, "I have a feeling both mommy and baby are very tired. Once everyone has had a chance to stop in I think you both need to get some sleep."
Trixie admitted that she was very tired but also completely exhilarated
Finally everyone came upstairs and were let in in pairs to the bedroom as they congratulated Trixie and Jim and admired the baby.
Mr. Wheeler had tears in his eyes when they told him the baby’s name. He hugged them both fiercely. Everyone else also thought the name was wonderful.
The visits were all kept quite short so they wouldn’t tire Trixie out even more and finally the last person was out and they were alone again.
Mrs. Belden had brought in a crib and Brian and Sandra had told them that they didn’t need to check them out anymore or anything but they should call if they needed them at all. Everyone would stay at the farm that night, the blizzard wasn’t really letting up at all.
Jim said, "Trixie, as much as I would love to stay up all night talking, you’re worn out. I think you better get some sleep and J.W. is asleep already right there in your arms. I’ll put him in the crib and let you sleep and go downstairs for a bit."
They kissed and Jim put their son in the little crib and kissed Trixie again before she finally fell asleep and he headed downstairs.
Everyone was talking about the storm and the baby and Mrs. Belden was setting everyone up with places to sleep for the night and they asked Jim how Trixie was.
Jim said, "She finally is asleep and very tired. I think I’ll sleep up there tonight. While this was hardly traditional, this was a perfect birth."
Everyone agreed and soon afterwards everyone was asleep in the accommodations that had been made.
Christmas Day
Jim woke up to find his wife already sitting up in the rocking chair in the room nursing their son.
He walked over and kissed them both and said, "Good morning! How are we today?"
Trixie said, "Sandra and Brian have already been in here when they heard him cry this morning. Everything is fine and the storm is letting up a bit so after lunch we’re going to go over to the hospital to be checked out. This little one takes after his Uncle Mart, a bottomless stomach! I’m doing fine. Sandra even let me take a shower. A little sore but she said I need to get up and around."
Jim kissed her again. "You look so beautiful sitting there nursing our son. So natural and so happy. I can’t wait to bring you both home."
Mrs. Belden knocked on the door and said, "Brunch is ready downstairs. Merry Christmas, by the way. Trixie, do you want me to bring you a tray?"
Trixie said, "No, Sandra wants me to get up and around so as soon as little James finishes and is asleep, I’ll come downstairs and join all of you for brunch. I’m famished!"
J.W. fell asleep right after he finished eating and Trixie and Jim carefully laid him in the crib and Trixie put on the robe she had left when visiting a few weeks earlier and they headed downstairs.
Everyone was surprised and happy to see her as she slowly and a bit painfully made her way to the seat at the dining room table that Mrs. Belden had waiting for her.
She assured everyone that she was fine and as they ate everyone talked about the baby and the storm which was finally let up enough to where Brian said he thought they should head over to the hospital after eating and Trixie and Jim agreed.
Before they were finished eating, Mr. Belden stood up and proposed a toast.
Everyone lifted their glasses of orange juice and Mr. Belden said, "Last night was the beginning of a whole new generation in our families and we all couldn’t be happier. So here’s to the future and James Wheeler Frayne and the great and wonderful future we all have ahead"
Everyone joined in and cheered.
After brunch they gave everyone one last chance to hold and admire the baby and then headed straight over to Sleepyside Hospital where upon further examination, it was confirmed that Trixie and the baby were fine and they were released to go home.
They headed over to their house where Jim opened the door and let Trixie and the baby inside and they headed straight upstairs since J.W. was sound asleep after another feeding.
They put him in the cradle and then called the farm to say that everything had checked out fine and wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas again.
After dinner they sat in bed with their son while Trixie fed him and Jim said, "We have a date for the best times of our lives, starting right now."
The weeks seemed to fly by. On New Year’s Eve Trixie and Jim just stayed a home with their baby and watched the ball drop in Time’s Square on their bedroom TV.
On February 3rd James Wheeler Frayne was christened at the Sleepyside Community Church with Brian and a very pregnant Honey serving as Godparents. Bob and Barbara Hubbell had come in from Iowa and sang "What A Wonderful World".
On Valentine’s Day Trixie and Jim celebrated their third anniversary with a small party at their home for just their family and friends.
On February 20th Honey and Brian became the proud parents of Peter Matthew Belden, 8 pounds 3 ounces and 21 inches long and he had a conventional hospital birth. They thought it was wonderful that Peter and J.W. would grow up together and couldn’t wait for Mart and Di’s baby to join them.
Mart and Di became proud parents of Edward Peter Belden on April 21st and that night Sandra and Dan and Ned and Hallie all announced that they were expecting their first babies in December.
On December 22nd, Sandra and Dan welcomed Daniel William Mangan into the world and the next day Ned and Hallie welcomed Nicholas Harold Schulz into the world.
Over the years Trixie and Jim welcomed Kathleen Helen Frayne when J.W. was 2 and a half and 3 years after that they completed their family with twins, Winthrop Matthew and Elizabeth Madeleine Frayne. Honey and Brian added two daughters and two sons to their family and Mart and Di had 3 more sons and 2 more daughters. Ned and Hallie had a daughter after that and Dan and Sandra had 2 more sons and a daughter.
As could be expected, the five boys, all born within a year of each other, grew up very close, and eventually all the children formed a new generation of the Bob-Whites of the Glen. They even refurbished the old clubhouse on the Manor House grounds.
And they all lived happily ever after.
The End