Too-Cute Names

Too-Cute Names

“Can we go see Miss Chrissy's babies? Huh? Can we, can we?

“May we? 'Can' asks 'are you capable' which I believe you are. But the question should be 'do we have permission' to see the babies. So you need to use the word 'may' instead.”

“Well, may we? May we go see the new babies?”

“Yes, Carson. Miss Chrissy has invited us to visit her and Mister Kool to meet the new babies. But it will be at the hospital. The babies are too little to come home yet. And we can't hold them. They have to get stronger. Even Miss Chrissy will be in a hospital bed for a couple more days.”

“Thanks, Mom. I was beginning to believe they would never get here. It's been so-o-o-o long. Like forever and ever! Even before I was in first grade. And that has been ...a long time.”

“It is very exciting. I'm sure Miss Chrissy has felt like it has been forever and forever, also. Poor dear hasn't been able to get out of bed for weeks. Before that she could only do limited activity. Had to give up teaching for now and couldn't climb stairs.”

“I remember when we went for Thanksgiving dinner at their house Miss Chrissy couldn't help cook or serve or clean up. I tried to do some of the cleaning up but her Nana and you wouldn't let me do more than bring you the dirty dishes. Couldn't even dry any dishes like I'm doing for you now.”

“That part was very helpful, Young Man. And it proved you are thoughtful and care about other people. Most of the time the men folks only want to watch football after dinner. So thank you again.”

“Well, she looked gigantic, humongous and, and...”

“Very uncomfortable.”

“Were you that big when I was growing in your belly, Mommy?”

“I'm sure I felt like it but there was only you. It's not easy carrying twins.”

“Anyway. They're born now. Does that mean she won't be fat anymore and can be a teacher again?”

“She'll need some time to recover from the surgery.”

“Surgery? Isn't that when doctors cut you open? I thought.. .Actually, I didn't think much at all. Some books like Dumbo say Mr. Stork brings the babies. Where do babies come from, Mommy?”

“I believe you have a basic understanding. Someday your father can explain more to you. Right now we have finished the dishes and can get on the road to go visit these brand new little miracles.”

“Am I a little miracle? Like Jesus did?

“Why, in fact you are. Anytime a baby comes into this world it is a miracle performed by our almighty Father in heaven. And a blessing. We are so blessed to have you. I thank God for you every day. Now, please go get your father while I text Mr. Kool to let them know we are on our way.”

@@@@@

“Hello, Anna. So good to see you again and Mr. Grant. What a pleasure.”

“Pleased you could make it, Nora and Douglas, and, of course, Carson. Come give Nana a hug. You are getting to be such a big boy. You must have grown fifteen feet since you were here at Thanksgiving.”

“No, I still only have two feet. Not fifteen. Ha, ha.”

“Glad you can take a little joke.”

“I want to see the babies. You think they will want to make snow angels with me and Mr. Kool?”

“I am sure they will someday but right now they have a lot of growing to do. They are very tiny even for newborns so they have to stay in incubators at the hospital until they are strong enough to come home.”

“And how is Chrissy doing, Anna?”

“She is weak and tired but getting stronger. Hard to keep her down. She'll be released in a couple of days but won't be fully recovered from the surgery for a few weeks. They will remain downstairs for the time being. And, of course, she'll want to spend most of her time at the hospital until the twins come home. That may take as long as two months. That's why we decided to let you come see all of them as soon as possible. I know you would be worried about her otherwise, Nora. You've become her best friend after all.

“Come in for a cup of tea and warm up before we head over to the hospital. It is probably Chrissy's nap time anyway.”

“We can't wait to meet these precious babies. Have they picked out names for them.”

“Oh, my. Not yet, Douglas. You should hear them going round and round about that.”

“I can imagine, Mr. Grant. I can imagine.”

“You really must call me 'Andrew'. I feel like part of this family.”

“We know the feeling. Don't we, Nora?”

“Indeed we do. We will never forget what they did for us last Christmas. Can you believe it was a year ago already? Carson got stranded alone and Chrissy stepped in to save the day.”

“Mr. Kool helped, too.”

“Yes, and I think you were the catalyst that started their relationship, Carson. Now their family has grown.”

“May we go? May we go now, Daddy? I can't wait to see these twins. Will they look exactly alike?”

“Well, they are identical so it will always be hard to tell them apart.”

“You three go ahead. We don't want to overwhelm them all at once. Come back here for a snack when you are done there.”

@@@@@

“Chrissy, you have visitors.”

“Oh, you made it. So glad you could take some time out of your busy schedules.”

“We couldn't miss this and it is the holidays. The publishing world can wait for us. Carson couldn't wait another minute to see these babies. He thinks of them as his brothers.”

“Come on, Carson. I'll introduce them to you. Chrissy, we'll be back shortly. The babies have to stay in their special beds.”

“Wow, Mr. Kool. They are so tiny. Are they real?”

“Sure they are. They have a lot of growing to do. They ran out of space in their mommy's womb. One day, they'll be big enough to go sledding with us but for now we need to take extra special care of them.”

“Mommy says they are little miracles just like me.”

“Yes, they are, Carson. Yes, you are.'

“What are their names?”