After having a bite of lunch with his father at his parents' house and talked to him a little more in depth about the expansion on the cottage, Ethan flooed home. He wasn't sure if Minerva was back yet, but he was eager to talk to her about the plans for the house. Seemed like some construction would be necessary, but that would be aided by some expansion charms which would definitely help in making their home more accommodating to their growing needs.

The 19 year old stepped out of his fireplace into the living room, green eyes taking a sweeping glance of the empty room. Maybe the kitchen then.. He headed in that direction, not that he was too hungry having just had lunch not that long ago, but he certainly wouldn't be opposed to any peanut butter cookies. Were there any left?

Minerva had just come out of the bedroom and was headed into the living room when she saw a shadow headed into the kitchen. Tilting her head she waddled cautiously that way until she saw who was searching the kitchen. "Cookies are in the owl jar if that's what you are looking for. Just made some more not that long ago." She grinned and headed towards the fridge.

"How did it go with your dad?" She gave a little yawn as she pulled a water pitcher out and summonsed two glasses. "Water?" She could get him something else if he wanted, but she was in need of water. Finding a seat at the table she sipped her drink. "I was thinking about figuring out the bedroom later if you want to help. I set up the dresser and put his clothes in, but I'm just not sure where to put it or the changing table." It seemed time was flying now and they didn't have to much more time to get things ready.

Green eyes searched the counter for any sign of recent baking when a voice from behind made him turn. "Hey," he grinned. "Oh, perfect.. I was hoping there'd be some around." Ethan took the few steps towards the cookie jar and lifted the lid. "Getting kind of hungry again.." He pulled out one of the peanut butter ones and stuck most of it in his mouth.

Ethan looked up and nodded. He could use a glass of water, though that reminded him that he had wanted to make some more iced tea so he went to the cupboard to pull out a few tea bags. But water would do for now. "It was encouraging," he said, pulling the small notebook from his pocket to hand to her so she could see some of the notes he had made. "I don't think it will be too much manual work actually. We can employ some expansion charms as well." He grabbed another cookie before taking a seat at the table.

The 19 year old gave another nod, thinking over Minerva's words as she spoke. "Alright, yeah.. we can work on that. Maybe we should work on some of these plans before he gets here to make that room bigger at least." Did they have time? He thought they might be able to accomplish that with just an expansion charm so it might not be too much trouble then they'd be able to fit the baby stuff in. "Mum was asking about decorating a wall in the room for him too.."

Shaking her head Min couldn't help but laugh, "I thought you were eating lunch with your dad?" Maybe they had changed their mind or something not big deal though she could easily fix something. "Want me to make you something?" It wasn't that hard to please Ethan with food, he was never picky. She pulled herself up off the chair to go to the counter to figure out what to make if he wanted a snack. "You know they say the husbands gain weight during pregnancy too. Better be careful hot keeper boy." She laughed and gave him a kiss on the cheek jokingly.

Handing him his own water she listened to how the house would be changed and looked about not that the kitchen would be but it was her way of visualizing the difference. She took the notes and flipped through them a bit. "These look good and with expansion charms it shouldn't take too long either." Which was a good thing. Even though they had plenty of time for the extra room since the bassinet would stay in their room for awhile and then if needed the crib could easily be there as well.

She stole the extra cookie in his hand and grinned taking a bite out of it. "This was for me right?" chuckling "Yeah making our bedroom a bit bigger would probably help." Putting her arms around him she hugged him lightly. "Less than two months can you believe it?" It just didn't seem like it should be this soon already, but it was and she was excited and terrified all together. Placing a hand on her belly she grinned at him, "That would be a good idea what was she thinking?" Min wasn't sure what she would want to do with the wall.

Ethan gave Minerva a sheepish grin, hearing the amusement in her words. "Oh.. I did," he chuckled. "That was a little while ago, wanted a snack." She could understand that, right? He was always hungry and lately she seemed to be too. "No, these cookies will hold me over till dinner. Thanks though." He leaned closer to her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She always took such good care of him. What? His smile faltered a little as he glanced down at his belly and gave it a poke with his finger. Was he getting too flabby? He lifted his eyes to her and laughed a little. He did love that nickname and intended to keep it. "Don't worry, I'll always be your Hot Keeper Boy." Maybe he should start jogging again though.

He sipped a little at his water as he watched his wife look through the notes about the house. He nodded his agreement to her words. "Yeah, that's what I thought too," he said, sliding the notebook back across the table towards him. "It all fell together fairly well. Looks like it will be a lot easier than I thought." Which was good. He knew with the magic involved that it shouldn't be difficult but it worried him a bit all the same. It could have been more complicated than it looked like it was going to end up.

His mouth dropped a bit as he turned amused eyes towards her. "Sure, sweetness, I got that cookie for you," he said with a chuckle. Not that it was really his intention but he certainly didn't mind. He knew that was one of her favorites as of late anyway. And he could go get another just as easily. Ethan wrapped his arms around her loosely, leaning against her just a bit as she hugged him. "It.. just.. seems so soon." All at once it was far away and yet so near. Were they actually ready? He wasn't sure, but he also couldn't wait. "Oh, I don't know really. She was asking about a theme and wanted to know if we had things already. Asking about colors and talking about the shower." Some of that overwhelmed him a bit and he ended up tuning things out without really meaning to.

So just a snack, well that was alright she’d be starting dinner in a few hours so if he was fine with waiting it gave her more time to relax before starting. “Oh that’s alright, I get it. It’s all I do.” She laughed with her hand on her belly. She really did always snack anymore. Hopefully she wasn’t gaining too much weight with the pregnancy. She laughed as he poked his own belly she didn’t mean to offend him he wasn’t looking any different really. Still has adorably hot as ever. “Oh I know you will be.” A grin played on her lips. The butterflies were still there when she looked at him at times even after three and a half years.

She was glad the plans looked easy and that it seemed they knew what they were doing, because she really didn’t want the house a mess and full of construction with an infant. “That’s great. I’m so glad it seems like an easy process. It had me worried with things being so close.” Not that they needed the extra bedroom right now, but they would at some point. For now peanut would be staying in their room where he was nice and close.

Eating the rest of the cookie she gave him a quick smile, she loved that nickname she always had. There was something about it that just made her heart jump. “I just knew it was. You can read my mind knowing I want them.” She laughed joking knowing wasn’t at all hers. She sighed a bit in his arms as he hugged her back. “It does, but we’ll be ready. It will be nice once he’s here.” She could wait out the two months, but she was excited to finally meet her little kicker. Oh colors, themes. They weren’t really having a nursery so did they really need a theme and colors. “Well I guess blue since you know boy, but theme. I don’t really know. I guess I didn’t think about it with his bed in our room and stuff. Just left it to what our room looked like, but I guess we could do something for him in there.” She had no clue what she would want though. The shower? Hmm she had no clue why they would need a theme for a baby shower, but his mother knew more about that stuff than she did.

Did she have amazing timing or what? Mariel had only been in Germany a few hours when she received word that her new great nephew would be arriving soon, ultimately being born the next day. It was obvious he was waiting for her arrival to make his, or at least that was what she would tell herself.

And though part of her reason for visiting Germany was to see the new baby, she had also wanted to spend some time with her sister and her family, which she felt she got to do quite a bit this visit. The brunette would have to visit more often, work permitting. Having not seen Ethan, Minerva, and Gunnar in a day or so, having gone to a musical with Meloria the night before after a day of solo shopping, Mariel wanted to stop at their house again before she had to go back to England the next day.

They were expecting her, right? Carrying a gift bag filled with presents for the new baby, Mariel stepped through her sister's fireplace and flooed to the new family's house.


Ethan took advantage of the quiet while Gunnar was a sleep in his bassinet to make a snack. He was kind of dragging today with as little sleep as the baby had during the night affecting his own sleep, though he knew it was probably worse for Min. While in the kitchen, he opened up the cookie jar and peeked inside, frowning a bit as he saw only one inside along with a bunch of crumbs. Still, he pulled it out and shoved it in his mouth while he looked around the kitchen for something else to make. He felt like he had forgotten a meal or something.

A sandwich or something maybe.. He opened a few cupboard doors before deciding BLTs sounded good. They always sounded good. He walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out some of the necessary ingredients. Once the bacon started cooking, he began slicing up the tomato, then looked up as he thought he heard something from the living room.

Gunnar was napping in his bassinet so Minerva thought she'd lay down on the couch. She laid there thinking about the last week. She couldn't believe her baby was already a week old. She had been a mommy for a week, it was crazy, exciting, amazing, exhausting, and she was loving every minute of it. She truly had no clue how amazing this journey was going to be until he was in her arms. Nothing else seemed to matter anymore. A smile crossed her face as she thought about how blessed she was and soon Min fell into a deep sleep.

Hearing a noise she stirred thinking it was Gunnar, but when she opened her blue eyes she sat up a little quicker. "Mariel.. Hi" How long had she been asleep? Rubbing her eyes and yawning she sat up to give room for her husband's aunt to sit. "Sit.. sit.. I'm sorry I fell asleep." She glanced around not even sure where Ethan was. "E.. E Mariel's here." Was he around or had he popped out to the greenhouse. "Would you like anything to drink? A snack?" Did they even have food in the house? She wasn't sure since she really hadn't left the house since having the baby.

Mariel's eyes snapped to the sound of a voice, smiling then chuckling a bit as she saw Minerva on the couch. "Oh.. I didn't wake you did I?" She thought she had mentioned stopping over but maybe not. She took a few steps towards the couch and took the seat offered to her before glancing around a bit. "Where's Gunnar.. asleep?" She did want to see the baby, but she wouldn't have them wake him, sure they probably weren't getting a whole lot of sleep as it were.

She glanced up at the doorway to the kitchen and gave her nephew a smile and wave as she saw him poke his head out, then turned to Minerva again. "No, no.. I'm fine. I just wanted to bring a gift and see you all again for a bit before I have to go home." She set the gift bag down on the coffee table. "This isn't a bad time?" Even if it wasn't the most convenient time, she was sure they wouldn't be opposed to a visit from her.

Voices. Ethan took a few steps towards the living room before he heard his wife calling his name. So they did have company. Ethan stuck his head out of the doorway and smiled. "Hey, Aunt Mariel.. I'll be out in a minute," he told them both before heading back into the kitchen. The bacon was almost done.

He finished working on and assembling a few sandwiches while allowing the women to talk, then glanced at the doorway, wondering if he should have offered sandwiches to anyone else. That could be easily remedied though. He cut the sandwiches into quartered sandwiches, poking a toothpick into each portion to make little finger sandwiches and put them on a plate.

Carrying the plate of little sandwiches into the living room, he set them on the table before taking one for himself, his eye catching the gift bag also set there as he took a seat in the chair. A gift for the baby most likely and nothing for him. "So.." he smiled up at them both. "What's going on?"

Minerva was still trying to focus from waking as Mariel sat down. "No.. no you're fine. I really didn't mean to fall asleep. I just sat down for a second and I guess dozed off." She was kind of embarrassed about it really. Oh Gunnar.. Yes he was napping, still? She glanced towards the bedroom before getting up, "Oh he's in his bassinet let me go check and see if he's awake." Yes he probably would want to eat soon. This two to three hour feeding stuff was exhausting, but she wouldn't have it any other way really.

"Oh no not at all you are always welcome over here. I really hope you visit more often. I always enjoy your visit. I'm actually glad you stopped." She looked at the gift, "Mariel you didn't need to get him more things. So cute though thank you." Her little man was going to be so spoiled. She loved how much everyone enjoyed him. He was certainly her little prince.

Speaking of her guys, she saw Ethan coming out with some food and smiled, "I'll be right back I'm going to get Gunnar." She headed back to the bedroom and saw him still sleeping. Picking him up she smiled, "Peanut your Auntie is here to visit." Letting him cuddle against her as he headed back out to the living room.

"Here he is. I think he's still sleeping, but he loves the cuddles." She walked over to hand him to Mariel.

Mariel smiled warmly at Minerva from her seat. "You must not be getting a lot of sleep these days," she said, figuring that was the way with new parents and not minding at all the fact that she had dozed off. In fact, she probably wouldn't care much if she ended up feeling her eyelids too heavy. Though she didn't really know if she wasn't getting sleep, but that was what she had heard about newborns, yeah? "Oh, alright," she said lightly as Minerva mentioned checking on Gunnar. She certainly wouldn't want her to wake the baby for her, though secretly she might. She did come to see that precious boy before she had to leave probably until at least Christmas.

"Oh I'd really like to come more often," she agreed with a bigger smile, then nodded to Ethan as he sat down to join them. Of course it seemed like she had taken a lot of time off of work lately, she might need to be a little prudent there. Mariel laughed a bit as Min looked over the gift. "Of course I'm going to bring something, these were just too cute to pass up, and he needs to have everything he'd ever want." Now.. where was her great-nephew?

"These look great, Ethan, thanks," she smiled at her nephew before reaching over to grab one of the mini sandwiches after Minerva left the room. They were for everyone, weren't they? Looked that way. She took a bite before saying, "Just wanted to bring something by before I left tomorrow. So how are things? How's parenthood treating you?" She glanced up again as Minerva returned, smiling widely as she saw the baby in her arms. "Oh there he is," she beamed as she stood from her seat. Mariel took Gunnar from his mother, he stirred a bit in her arms then cuddled back to sleep in the crook of her elbow as she carefully resumed her seat.

One little sandwich finished, Ethan took another to snack on as he nodded at Minerva who was getting up to get Gunnar. Then he glanced over at his aunt as he chewed thoughtfully upon hearing her question. "Oh things are great," he smiled. "I mean, we're still figuring things out and not getting a lot of sleep.." Especially Minerva who had to take on feeding him so often nearly all by herself. "But he's really amazing, you know? I took a couple weeks off from work so I could be home and help out with him."

He glanced over to the gifts that she had brought, reaching for the wagon handle. "So what did you bring?" he asked, pulling the wagon back and forth a little. "This is cute," he said with a chuckle. He missed his auntie gifts, but something for his son was great. Gunnar was going to be one spoiled boy. Ethan looked up again as Minerva returned with their sleeping baby, smiling affectionately at both. "I'm sure he won't be asleep for long," he grinned as Mariel took the boy to cuddle him. Though it seemed like he spent much of his time asleep, it was never for very long at a time.

Minerva found herself a seat next to Ethan after giving Mariel the baby. Making herself more comfortable she threw her leg up under her. Trying to get back into the conversation she had found herself having trouble with that even before the baby, but this conversation was about that sweet little boy, so easy to jump back in. Though she gave both a defensive look. "We are getting sleep. He just needs to eat a lot. It's not like I'm at work or anything while I recover so I can sleep during the day too." She really didn't mind the no sleep. It was worth it and all the baby cuddles was something she highly enjoyed.

"Ethan taking off has been a great help as well. I'm not going to like when he has to go back. He's so great at this stuff." He was such a great dad, things seemed to come so natural at times, but then so overwhelming at others. It was such a great feeling. "Gunnar seems to be pretty comfortable in your arms Mariel. You look good with a baby." She joked and chuckled a bit. Not that she was saying Mariel should, goodness no. Min was the younger and really shouldn't have one herself, but she so glad she did. Gunnar was her life and she couldn't see any moments without him now. Funny how attached she was in just a weeks time.

Taking one of the little sandwiches she gave her husband a smile, "Thanks for these." She figured he had only been making himself the snack, but he was always one to take care of her and anyone else. Such a great man, she was so lucky to have him as hers. Something she had considered a blessing for almost four years now.

Looking back to Mariel she watched for a few moments quietly before speaking, "So you go back today? It was really nice of them to give you the time off to come be here. " She loved having Mariel here. Min had always felt a little more connected to Ethan's Aunt than the others. She wasn't sure if it was their shared school experiences or what, but she always enjoyed her time with the woman. "I hope you haven't been going through too much trouble at E's parents with questions. We were not upset thta you didn't come for the shower. It was really fine." No Minerva wasn't upset, she was more curious to know who she had went with and what was going on.

Mariel glanced curiously from Ethan who agreed that they weren't getting much sleep to Minerva who said that they were fine with that. She didn't know a whole lot about having babies though she figured Minerva was obviously correct in saying he needed to eat a whole lot which meant that he had to be sleeping in smaller spurts... or something like that. She didn't know. But she nodded to them both all the same. "Oh that's good then," she said with a small smile as Minerva alluded to possibly taking naps during the day. She couldn't imagine how people had very young babies and worked too, and her thoughts soon drifted to her friend Victoria, with two small babies.

She smiled down at the sleeping baby in her arms as he stirred a bit, then looked up with a light smile at the two new parents. "Well, that's nice," she nodded as they said Ethan had taken time off. Her eyes fell over Ethan for a moment, really having a hard time believing her nephew was a father now. "I guess it's necessary to take time off, really, to help you get into some sort of routine, maybe." Yeah, she didn't really know, but that's what she would think. Green eyes soon snapped up to Minerva upon hearing her words and she gave her something of a wary look as she chuckled. "Oh he loves his auntie, but that's as far as it goes." Aunt. Not mother. No. She was not having any babies any time soon. Maybe not ever.

"Tomorrow, actually," she said, glancing down as Gunnar started waking up. "But I wanted to make sure I had enough time to visit, it might get a little rushed tomorrow." Just in case any last minute things or packing took a little longer than expected or if something just came up. She wasn't planning on staying all that late tomorrow. She didn't say much about the time off, knowing she sort of came and went as she pleased lately, though what were they going to do? Mariel did her job and did it well even with the time off, they wouldn't fire her.

Green eyes snapped up as Minerva alluded to her absence at her recent baby shower, wondering how much her sister told her. She smiled lightly at the memory of why she wasn't in attendance, though those thoughts couldn't help but to be mixed with recent revelations and wondering if he was really trying to figure out what he wanted. Not to mention her own trying to figure out what she wanted as she discussed things with Meloria. "Yes, well, I am still sorry about that.. I should have at least let everyone know that I wouldn't be able to make it. It was.. very spur of the moment though." She certainly wasn't sorry she had gone, though maybe it was rude of her not to cancel and just not not show up. "Don't worry," she grinned. "I can handle my sister."

"I like being off too," Ethan grinned as he took his eyes from his aunt and son to look at Minerva as he ate another mini sandwich. Sure, he actually liked his job, or at least most aspects of it, but he really enjoyed being home with his little family and wasn't looking forward to having to go back in a week. He figured that's when he'd really be tired with no more being able to sleep whenever. He smiled and nodded happily at in as she took one of the little sandwiches too. BLTs probably weren't a big deal, but they were one of the first things he really felt like he could make and one of the first things he cooked for her himself if he recalled correctly.

He leaned back on the couch as he listened a little to Min and Mariel talk, deciding to just eat more than really try to break into the conversation. Until Min mentioned the baby shower. And he couldn't help but to roll his eyes a little. Not because she brought it up or because he even cared if Mariel had been there, but it was all he heard from his mother for the longest time. He listened to Mariel's vague explanation, then added, "Well, I hope Mum's not mad anymore. That was her favorite topic for a while.."

"It's easy during the day when he wants to sleep as well, but harder to want to lie down alone when you have such a cute little baby to cuddle." She chuckled knowing that most of her days and nights were spent cuddling Gunnar so he could sleep better, but it was so worth it to her. She wasn't going to complain one bit. More laughter with the mention of a routine. "If he ever let's us find a routine I'll let you know." Their schedule was all over the place the last week. She wasn't sure what he was going to do next and everything she had read was to just let them be for the time being. Not that she minded his schedule no she'd enjoy it that's for sure.

She couldn't help leaning against Ethan as he spoke about being off, "I like you being here." She leaned up kissing his cheek. "He's such a great dad. I knew he would be though. He's taken care of me for almost four years now." She had put him through many things and every time he was there to take care of her. "I'm really going to hate when he goes back to work, but I guess one of us has to go." She laughed, she knew she'd go back one day, but it wasn't happening anytime soon. Her time with Gunnar was much more important.

Minerva's eyes snapped up to Mariel and she laughed, "Oh I wouldn't say just Aunt if I were you. The first thing you come to find after you say something like that is it comes to bite you in the behind." Her words exactly the summer before this past that she was getting married and giving up her healer dreams for the time being to become a mom.

"It was so great that you got to visit though. I hope you come back sooner rather than later this time." but Christmas was just around the corner so she knew she'd be seeing E's aunt again soon. "Spur of the moment can be fun though, so don't even think anymore about it. Plus you were here for the birth that was more important then some shower." Or at least in Min's eyes it was much more important to be there when the baby came instead of playing silly games and eating finger foods. She turned her eyes quickly on Ethan, "E.. you don't have to tell her it was." She couldn't believe he had just said that. Though it really was his mothers favorite topic for awhile. She was certainly more upset than Minerva had been.

Mariel looked up at Minerva as she spoke and couldn't help but to laugh a little. "I guess that is the dilemma." Gunnar was awfully precious, especially while he slept like a perfect little angel. She supposed it would be hard to put him down, though also figured she would manage if she was sleep deprived. She raised an amused eyebrow as Minerva laughed more. No routine yet? "I suppose it takes time for everyone to get used to things," she added with a smile and gentle shrug. One would think anyway.. a baby would be a big change to everyone's life.

She gave Minerva a very pointed look as she continued. "Don't you dare say that," she said, laughing a little. "I'm nowhere near ready for that type of change in my life. Aunt will do just fine." She loved being an aunt, loved he nieces and nephews, but that's about as far as it went for now. She could be their favorite aunt, spoil them a bit, then send them back home to their parents... though most of them were getting older that she could be friends with them too in a way.

"Christmas is coming up soon," she said, thinking of the next time she'd come to visit. After that, she wasn't sure, but it wouldn't be as if she'd stay away all that long. At the very latest, summer.. but she was sure it would be before that depending on other things. She couldn't help the smile that appeared as she thought about her spur of the moment reason for not attending the shower. Even if she wasn't sure what was going on between them now, she did have to admit she had an amazing time. Mariel was about to comment on that when her green eyes snapped to Ethan and she couldn't help but to laugh. "Oh it was, was it?" she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Don't you worry, I can handle your mother. We've had several discussions about that. I'm sure if she had the chance to run off to Spain for a few days, she would have taken it too." Jealous was all she was, Mariel was sure of it, though she knew she had been concerned as well. Not to mention Meloria had thought that she had been rude, which she had admitted to but she should have gotten over that part by now. "We're all better now," she added with a smile. That's what sisters did, fought then made up.

Ethan smiled as Min kissed his cheek, then put his arm along the back of the couch behind her as he sat a little closer to her. He beamed a little more as she began complimenting him. "I'm just doing my best," he shrugged. If doing what he could for the ones he loved made him great, then he guessed it did, but he was really too modest to go on about it. "I'm glad I was able to take a couple weeks though.. and at least work is close. I can come home for lunch sometimes or you and Gunnar could visit me." Yes, he thought he liked that second option, well both of them really. But he supposed it helped that his dad had a decent position with the Ministry and he felt like he could get a special favor there once in a while. Not that he would take advantage of it.

He couldn't help but to laugh a little as Min implied something about his aunt having her own baby. Ethan wasn't so sure he could picture it though he knew Min was right about things happening whether you plan for them or not. Of course he didn't know much about her personal life either. His eyes snapped to Minerva's. "What..? It was.." He was pretty sick of hearing his mum complaining about it, thankful that she seemed to be over it now. But he looked up at Mariel as she spoke, chuckling a little. He had been a witness to a few of their discussions in the past, though it just seemed to be their way at times, making playful little jabs at each other. And they never seemed to be mad for long. "Glad you're friends again." Though he did wonder why Spain was so spur of the moment that she couldn't come out here, not that he went to the shower either.

“Nah no dilemma, cosleeping is the solution I’ve found. He sleeps better that way anyway.” She smiled at both of them. She wasn’t afraid to admit that she liked the fact her son needed her for comfort. It was a nice feeling to have from him. “Once he can go longer between feedings then maybe a routine, but for now we will manage, plus with me just being home all the time it doesn’t really matter.” She really had no plans to go back to work at the moment so just doing what they were doing was fine with her. Healing had become the last thing on her mind. The only thing she was worried about now was taking the best care of that little boy as she could.

Smiling at Ethan as he moved closer she took the opportunity to lean against him. Mariel wouldn’t mind them being that close, right? Plus he was her husband after all she was allowed to lean against him. “Well your best is fantastic.” She really meant it, he never complained if she asked for help, she knew it was all so new to both of them, but he was really trying to be hands on which was wonderful. “Oh we can come visit whenever you want. Your dad might like that too when he’s there.” He could be all proud grandpa and stuff with his coworkers and what grandpa didn’t like to do that. Though the thought did cross her mind that maybe he wouldn’t want to be at the work place, since he was quite a younger grandpa. Shrugging the thought away she didn’t care, who couldn’t be proud of that adorable little face.

Shaking her head and laughing she couldn’t believe Mariel would even try to pull that card. “I’ll say what I want Mariel, do you think I was anywhere near this type of change? I’m eighteen and should be a uni studying to be a healer.” HELLO!!! Not that she cared about doing any of that right now. No she loved the mommy title and wouldn’t have changed it for the world, but still this was not the card she would have handed herself before it all happened. “You never know what path you are going to have to go down.” and that was all she would say about that.

“Yes, but you don’t have to bluntly say it.” She grinned at Ethan. Honestly she thought he blunt honesty was always from her. Maybe she was rubbing off on him a little too much. Min couldn’t help but be curious about the trip. “So what did you do in Spain, if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve never been there, was it nice?” She had really never thought of going either, so this was a chance to find out if it was even worth going. Her smile didn’t leave with Mariel saying she could handle Ethan’s mother and feeling glad that she had never been on that side of things, even that one summer that she could have very easily have been, Ethan took most of that fall. His mom just didn’t seem to be one you wanted on her bad side.

Mariel nodded a bit as Minerva spoke about co-sleeping and staying home. She wasn't so sure she could handle parenthood right now with work being at the forefront of her mind. Good thing it wasn't anything she saw in the near future she guessed. But being an aunt was a good way to experience the joys of a new baby without much of the responsibility. She had felt Gunnar stirring a little while she was holding him, then looked down again as she heard a few fussy noises. Maybe better to hand him over before he really started crying. "It's alright, angel," she smiled down at him, rocking her arm gently, before kissing his head as he began getting fussier. "Hungry, maybe?" She looked up hopefully at Min as she rose from her seat then reached the baby to her. Obviously mother would know best, right?

She shook her head a bit as Min continued on with her line of thinking. She really was going to jinx her or something and she just could not have that right now. Though it was amusing to see the girl argue the point so much. Was she really that eager for her to have a baby too? "Well, of course we don't always know exactly where life is going to take us," she began with a knowing smile. That was really true about any aspect, unexpected pregnancies or not. "Though it seems as if motherhood would suit you better," she added with a wink. "I can tell you're really enjoying it already." Trying to steer that little topic away from herself.. could they drop it already?

Mariel shrugged off the bluntness bit. She really didn't mind that it had been brought up, but did find it rather funny that Meloria had to bring these two into it as well. "Oh it really was beautiful," she replied with a smile as Minerva asked about Spain. "I went with a friend actually. He's from there and was going to visit his family. I had never been there myself and he offered to take me along." Simple as that, wasn't it? Though of course she thought of Jorge as more than just a friend, but they didn't need to know details, especially as she wasn't quite sure what he was to her at this point or what she was going to return home to. But after this past week away, she felt like she had worked out what she wanted and expected that he did the same.

Ethan was rather thankful that Minerva was planning on staying home with Gunnar awhile because, even though he knew that the baby wouldn't be up all the time during the night forever, he couldn't imagine going to work on the little sleep they were getting now. Of course he wanted to help out the best he could, but once he started back at work, he wasn't so sure he could manage nighttime feedings. Though really, Min took care of those anyway. And the co-sleeping he didn't really mind. He could cuddle both of them though he did sometimes get worried that he was going to roll over on top of Gunnar or something.

"Glad you think so," Ethan grinned before kissing her cheek as she leaned against him. "I'm sure Dad wouldn't mind seeing you both, especially if you're bringing lunch too," he added with a chuckle. Not that lunch needed to be a reason, but he knew his wife was a good cook and even his coworkers appreciated the cookies he sometimes brought in. But he was sure Dad would love to show off his grandson a bit as well. Glancing up as he heard the baby fussing a little, he watched as Mariel offered him back to Min, then couldn't fight the chuckle as they continued talking about unexpected changes. Yeah, he wasn't going to touch that.

Ethan shrugged and chuckled at Min. "She's family. Who else can you be blunt with if not your family?" And Mariel didn't care, did she? He didn't think so. But he did lift his green eyes to his aunt's when she spoke a little bit about where she went, eyeing her carefully, before stealing a glance at his wife. A he friend, hm? He did wonder what that was about, but he wouldn't be surprised if someone else asked. "Sounds nice. I've never been there either." Maybe a vacation sometime.

She was dressed and pacing, but pacing was only making her dizzy and more nauseous. Ugh not a feeling she missed, Minerva went to the cabinet and got the potion out. Her emotions were every where and she just wasn't even sure how to tell Ethan any of it. She knew something was off a few weeks ago, but pushed it away as stress with Gunnar not sleeping and teething. Her system wasn't even back in check yet let alone hitting there again.

She knew for sure yesterday though when she awoke to that horrible feeling. She knew right away what that feeling was, but had to make sure before saying anything. Dropping Gunnar off earlier with her mother in law an going to see the healer she knew for sure now. Gunnar, she smiled thinking about last summer and all the worries and fears she had. He was seven months now, seven month. Where was the time going, but this. This was completely crazy, but the crazier part was she couldn't stop smiling about it.

But how would Ethan take the news. She wasn't sure. When she brought up more kids before he shut her down quickly, so fear was in her to tell him. She sighed and sat resting hands on her lap. He'd be home soon an they were going out for their anniversary, but she had an extra present it seemed that she must give him before they did anything else.. So she would sit and wait, her blue eyes on the fire place biting her lip from the nerves building. She just hoped he wouldn't be late.

Dealing with a plant emergency wasn't exactly the way Ethan wanted to spend his Sunday, least of all when it was his first wedding anniversary, but being the low man on the totem pole at work, he didn't have much choice when he was asked to go out. Normally he enjoyed working with plants, but after putting in a full week at the Ministry, he kind of wanted to relax before he and in went out for the evening. But thankfully she understood and it was only for a few hours, not to mention the overtime he'd receive.

It had taken him slightly longer than he anticipated but he soon dropped off the necessary paperwork at the Ministry, then flooed back home. Stepping out of the fireplace, he spotted Min sitting on the couch. "Hey.." he started with a smile. "Sorry.. I tried to get done as fast as I could." He took a seat next to her on the couch. She looked like she was ready to go, so he figured he should probably change after he sat down a minute.

She saw him the minute he walked out of the fire place, but of course she did she had been sitting there watching and waiting. Her heart raced and stopped at the same time seeing him. It had been four years that they had been together, four years, a year of marriage, and a baby later she was still having these heart things and stomach flutters when she saw him. He was so handsome and at times she couldn’t help but just not believe her life turned out the way that it had, she had found such an amazing person that made her always feel like this, though right now she knew her news had to do with some of her stomach and heart things as well.

She moved a bit, but soon stopped her smile faltering a bit as she felt the nauseous coming back. A few quick deep breaths she hoped he didn’t notice. “Hi” her smile back on her face, but she felt like her voice was different. She needed to calm down. Fidgeting a bit she chewed on her lip for a moment. “Oh no.. no don’t apologize at all. I know your job is a priority. If you didn’t work so hard and have such a good job I couldn’t just be here. So don’t apologize at all. Did everything work out, with the um plant?” She was half listening this morning when he told her that was why he had to go in right? “Plus it gave me a change to run a few important errands and take Gunnar to your mom.” Yes the important errands had to happen so she could fully be able to say what she needed.

“Happy Anniversary again” she smiled and leaned giving him a kiss trying to ignore the feelings in her stomach. It was feeling like déjà vu sitting on this couch having something life changing to tell him, but this time at least it wasn’t as scary and she wasn’t crying at least not yet. Though she was afraid her shaky voice was not helping her show calm towards him. He was going to be excited about this wasn’t he? It wasn’t like it was going to alter their lives too much. They already had one, but it would be financially troubling for them. Without realizing she was chewing on her lip again a million miles away, but soon let her blue eyes look up at him again. “E.. umm before we go I need to talk to you about something. Something pretty great I hope.”

She hoped he would feel the same way. “I love you so much and I love everything you have done for us this past year. You amaze meee.” It seemed nerves were going to rule out potions and in a second she had stopped talking with an “Oh no” jumped from her seat and ran into the bathroom.

Sitting next to her on the couch, Ethan began to put his arm around Minerva, pausing a moment as she seemed to fidget uncomfortably. But obviously it was nothing as she seemed fine a second later and he settled his arm in over her shoulders. Listening to her words, he shrugged a bit. He was happy to have this job, doing something he loved and making decent money to take care of his family, but today of all days he'd appreciate having the day off as he normally would.

"Yeah, it went okay," he said with a small smile, shaking his head as he remembered the job. He'd rather not go into too much detail about it, knowing how she felt about some of the more dangerous plants, though this one wasn't as bad as some of the others. "Just something unregistered that someone had let grow wild outside.. was out of hand and becoming a nuisance. It's all good now." But it was good that she wasn't too upset about his absence and was quite understanding. They'd have their time together now anyway.

Ethan grinned as she leaned towards him and he put his free hand at the side of her face before he kissed her. "Happy Anniversary.. hard to believe it's been a whole year already." Their lives really changed in that span of time, hadn't it? But at the same time, it went so fast. Then he looked at her a bit curiously. Something she needed to talk about.. sounded serious, but then she said it was pretty great.. so..

Ethan gave her a smile, then nodded a bit, encouraging her to continue. "Of course.. you can tell me anything." He gave her his full attention as she began, smiling a bit bigger at her words.. a smile that soon faltered as she suddenly jumped up and ran off. "Min..?" He looked after her retreating figure a moment, confusion etched on his face. He soon got up and headed down the hallway towards the bathroom. "Min.. you alright?"

Minerva stayed in the bathroom for awhile. This was not how she wanted this to go. Stupid nerves why didn't the potion over power them. She moved towards the sink, "I'm fine be right out." Had he heard her being sick. Oh she hoped not, but knew better. So much for making the news special or sugar coating it for him not to be fully blind sided.

Disappointed in the way this was going she splashed some water on face and quickly brushed her teeth. Though the toothpaste. Ugh maybe not the best idea. She hurried through and was happy to be done setting her toothbrush back down. Looking in the mirror she fixed her make up a bit and took a deep breath before opening the door. Looking up at Ethan she gave a small smile, "Sorry about that." She put her arms around him and gave him a hug before taking his hand and moving back to the couch.

Sitting down she turned to him. "I'm not really sick don't worry." She figured she'd get that out of the way now before he worried. "Ethan.. I." Words weren't coming now they needed to come. She bit at her lip for a second, "I love you and Gunnar so much and everyday is such a blessing and I know it's been crazy lately with you working many hours, and Gunnar teething and being fussy, but well. I umm we are going to be adding a new member to the family. " Was that clear enough or should she go on. Feeling rambling mode kicking in she continued, "I know it's not something you were wanting for awhile like a few years while and I was kind of hoping to get back to working a day or two, but I think this is great or will be great and I hope you think so too. I had been feeling off and when you left today I went and saw the healer and got it confirmed before telling you." She finally trailed off and just looked up at him not sure of the reaction she was going to get.

Ethan furrowed his brow as he stared at the closed bathroom door. Was she getting sick? It sounded like maybe, but he wasn't sure. He was about to say that they could go out another time when he heard her voice. "Oh.. alright.. if you're sure.." Hm, he wasn't sure what was going on or if she was just covering for him because she didn't want to cancel, but it wasn't much longer until she came out.

His eyes searched her face as she neared him and he gave her a small smile as he hugged her back. "You sure you're ok?" Ethan followed her to the couch and he watched her carefully. She said she was fine, but then what was it? Sensing her hesitation, he kept silent and tried to keep his focus on her to figure out what she was trying to say. Min was rambling and not making a whole lot of sense so it took him a minute before anything really registered.

"Wait.." he started, shaking his head slightly almost as if to clear his confusion. "What are you.. ?" he stopped and looked at her for clarification. "Are you.. are you pregnant?" That's what she was trying to say, wasn't it? He looked down and was quiet for a minute as his mind tried to process this information. Gunnar wasn't even a year old yet. Was it going to be really hard to have two babies? Two babies. That was really hard to fathom... but he supposed he thought the same before Gunnar was born and he couldn't imagine his life without him now. He knew it would probably be like that with another baby too. "Wow.." he finally managed, though he looked up with a small smile. "We're really going to have another baby?" he asked, his eyebrows knitted in a questioning look.

Minerva sat quietly after all her rambling and just watched his face. Watched him try to process things. She knew it was going to be a shock, but what she didn’t know was how he was going to react. She nodded to his question, “Yeah six weeks actually. I dropped Gunnar off to your mother right after you left and went to see the healer.” She had been proud of herself up until this point there had been no tears, but they were hitting her eyes now. She reached up and wiped them away.

He wasn’t talking was that a good thing or a bad? She wasn’t sure, but soon he had said one word, wow, “Yeah that’s what I said at first too.” taking his hand and squeezing it she matched his small smile and nodded, “Yes looks like we are.” Her smile grew thinking about it and more tears formed. “I know it’s not at all what we said and I know you said a few years, but it will be good for them. So close in age I mean.” She smiled more at the thought of them. Their little family growing made her more excited and happy than anything else.

“I know it’s not good financially but we’ll figure it out. We always figure things out.” That’s what they had always been so good with. There was no obstacle they couldn’t get past together. “I know it’s a shock, but I really do think it’s a great thing.” She leaned kissing him, but placed a hand at his arm steading herself a bit. “Though I did not miss this feeling.” She shut her eyes a bit and let it pass.