Flutterby's Flitterings: Life with Peppercini

If Thistle thought that she was happy with Strawkiwi, she had no idea how much happier that they would both be with Peppercini "Pepper" in their lives. Sometimes she would tuck him into bed for the night and just think about what a miracle he was. She had even saved up enough money to redo the nursery to be an "under-the-sea" theme.

Time passed by quickly with a newborn in the house and before they knew it, the Tea family was celebrating a very important birthday.

And in front of their eyes, Pepper grew into a cute little toddler.

He has Daddy's skintone but everything else looks like Mommy

Having spent so much time inside with just her and Peppercini, Thistle began to go a little stir-crazy.

Thistle: Nehner-nehner *blows raspberry*

Thistle: Pew, pew *shoots at self in mirror* Ahhh...look out, martian men attacking from the left...pew pew.

Strawkiwi, fearing for his wife's sanity decided to accept a part-time position at the bookstore so that he could stay home with Peppercini more often and left Thistle go back to work.

Back at work at the bistro, Thistle continued to move up the ladder and was soon promoted to Pastry Chef. This thrilled Thistle because she loved to bake cobbler, angel food cake and her all time favorite--key lime pie!

However, at the end of each day, Thistle couldn't wait to get home to see little Pepper.

She couldn't wait to hold him in her arms.

Thistle: Do you know how much mommy loves you little one?

Pepper: Mom-mom-mom *squeals and giggles*

Each day while Thistle was at work, Strawkiwi spent most of his time playing with Pepper and less time with his writing. He loved to teach Pepper new things like counting and most importantly learning to walk!

Strawkiwi: You can do it buddy, come to daddy!

Strawkiwi: *thinks to himself "I miss Thistle being home and I love my kiddo but I'd really like to get back to writing!"*

Thistle on the other hand was beginning to want to be back home again and missed Peppercini, looking forward to her days off so that she could be with him and Strawkiwi.

Thistle and Strawkiwi stole kisses here and there but hadn't had much time together with a toddler and work on their hands. One day in the nursery after putting Pepper down for a nap, Thistle felt those familiar strong arms around her. She turned and Strawkiwi kissed her hard.

Strawkiwi: I've missed you being home so much Thistle. I was hoping this afternoon or tonight we could have a little alone time to ourselves...

Thistle: I'd love that...*gives him a come-hither smile*

The two hired a babysitter and spent the whole afternoon together...finally spending a very romantic evening together.

Following their couple therapy as Strawkiwi joking refered to it, Thistle began to feel a little strange. She started to dread work everyday and longed to be close to her little one. Pepper loved all the extra attention. One day in the nursery Thistle felt a little nauseous and all of a sudden knew what was going on....