The weeks that followed were messy, exhausting, and full of practical decisions that photographs never show in happy family announcements.
Chloe met with her attorney, continued the parentage process, and arranged support from friends instead of relying on Julian's unstable promises.
I attended my own medical appointments, rested when I could, and learned that helping someone didn't require sacrificing every boundary.
Mara brought Sadie to our first planned visit with Noah, carrying a cardboard box that contained a homemade eclipse demonstration.
Sadie explained the planets with the authority of a professor, while Noah asked questions so quickly that she finally requested a snack break.
Afterward, she admitted that she had never known how much fun having cousins could be, then quickly pretended to study the ceiling.
Chloe visited with Iris the following afternoon, after Mara and Sadie agreed that a quiet introduction would be more comfortable.
Sadie washed her hands, sat beside her mother, and held the baby only after Chloe showed her how to support Iris's head.
