GEN I: Chapter 20

**Look at that belly**





In the morning Kenya decided she wanted waffles and ice cream for breakfast. She had already had the waffles, now its time for the ice cream. The house was quiet, everyone seemed to be asleep.
They weren't though. Hayden was up and in his shower, Chase had already left for work that day, Alan and Jenni were upstairs in their room talking and Damien was already taken care of and playing in the laundry room. Kenya was the one who had woken up late.

Once she finished her very odd breakfast, Kenya decided to go out and tend the garden. She hadn't in a few days and missed it. She wanted to dig in the dirt. After doing all that needed to be done to the beloved plants, she went back inside to take another shower.

As she went inside she passed Hayden out there paying the bills. He looked a little worried.

As Hayden went through all the bills and added the totals his worry increased. They may have enough this time, but he wasn't so sure about next time. The bills were §998! That is as high as they have ever been. He wrote out the checks for this month and sent them in right away.

He stepped in the door and saw Kenya, not wanting to tell his dad about the amount he spoke with Kenya.

"The bills this time were §998," he complained "I'm not sure how long we can keep this up unless everyone gets a job."
"Well, I'd love to contribute," Kenya countered "but I have been placed on maternity leave. As soon as I can though I'll be getting a new job that pays more."

Just then Chase walked in the door, nearly knocking Hayden over. They both laughed and Chase apologized. He kissed his wife hello and actually went straight to the bathroom to practice his speaking skills.

Also right about that time, Hayden heard his father dialing his cell phone. Alan was calling work, to retire.

Everyone gathered around the new retiree to throw confetti and cheer for him, he reached the top of his career and he deserved to retire. They were happy for him. They didn't know about the bills.

Hayden stood in the back with his hand on his hip thinking "Perfect timing dad.. now we are one short on the workers. I'll get a job too, but it won't pay much." He never mentioned his feelings, everyone seemed to happy. Hayden was also proud of his father for reaching the top, and didn't want to ruin the retirement party.

It was getting late, but there was still one more party to attend. A small one, just a family get together. Even though it was dark Jenni set it up out front so everyone would have room to gather.

It was Damien's child hood birthday! They did the little celebration outside and then Jenni brought the cake inside for everyone to share.



In passing the bathroom, Damien stopped in front of the mirror to get a better look at himself. During his toddler years, playing with those toys he seemed to become more artistic. When he played with the blocks, he was always building things.


**Half of Hayden's birthday gift**

For his gifts, he got and easel and his bedroom set. He loved both of them dearly. The bedroom was painted his favorite color!

The whole family sat down to enjoy a slice of cake each. Most of them had finished their cake, or didn't want any more when...

Kenya quickly got up from her chair, and started groaning in pain. She was in labor, the baby was coming! Everyone, even the brave guys, started to freak out. They weren't sure what to do. Chase calmed down long enough to remember she wanted a hospital birth. He escorted her out and they rushed to the emergency room.

After six grueling hours of labor pains and screaming, baby Crystal Renee was born. The first name was chosen by her mom, but her middle was given in honor of her great grandmother. Kenya was so happy to have a little girl. Crystal was born a little neurotic. She also seemed to be somewhat clumsy in her movements, she always missed her mouth when she attempted to suck her thumb.



When the new parents and new baby reached home, they walked into an quiet house. Everyone worked or went to school the next day, so could not wait up. Even Crystal was already tired. Chase watched lovingly as Kenya held his daughter, snuggled her and fed Crystal her first bottle. He was a proud father. The little princess had entered the world healthy as could be and Chase nor Kenya could ever be happier.

Kenya snuggled her baby one more time for good measure, and tucked her into the crib. Jenni had put out new sheets for the baby while they were still at the hospital. Kenya loved the butterflies.

She was a little nervous to sleep a room away, but she wasn't that far. She also had the baby monitor right by her bed so she would hear every noise. Kenya and Chase watched their little girl fall asleep before tucking themselves in for the night as well.