We're All Mad Here

My parents still have this thing about the rocking chair.

They both want to rock in it, and they don’t care whether they have a baby with them or not.

I could just get another one, but I refuse to give in.

And did I mention that Franklin is sweet? And smart?

He’s just so good at amusing himself. So long as someone feeds him and cleans his potty, he’s good to go.

I’ve been able to take it easy while I’m gestating.

And at last the day has arrived for my littlest boy!

William insisted on doing the honors this time.

Hey, is it a little hot in here?

Sometimes William is such a showoff.

He really resented it when we were more interested in the baby than we were in him.

And here’s Gideon!

This birthday certainly made me hungry, and cake doesn’t look so good. Pardon me while I eat a baby watermelon.

After I got Gideon settled in his playpen, I headed over to the market square to check the alchemical consignment shop for some ingredients in need.

They had a few items for horrible prices, but beggars can’t be choosers. I don’t have the time or interest to start a garden.

And hey, look what they have here. What witch can resist a crystal ball?

I wonder what the future holds for me?

Whee! Something good! I knew it would.

Something VERY good, I see. Get a load of this fellow. Yum.

He wanted to know if I would read his fortune. How cute!

So, what does the future hold for him? And how long can I keep him here, looking at me like that?

Not very long. There’s his girlfriend.

Ah well. It was a nice fantasy. Now to head home to my devoted husband.

When I got home, all heck had broken loose — if  you can pardon my language.

Mama reported that Peanut’s time had come. I couldn’t tell if she was miserable or delighted. Maybe both. Mama can be hard to read sometimes.

Peanut had a good life. We’ll miss him, but I think he knew we loved him.

And to my surprise, I found that Grim was still around, cackling a the refrigerator.

I wanted to get onto good terms with this Grim as soon as possible.

He seemed pretty cheerful and nonthreatening. He said he’d love to stay to dinner the next time someone in our family died.

I can’t say the prospect was thrilling, but at least he wasn’t threatening.

That’s all good for you, little one. We’re going to protect you.

———-

Gideon is a witch, but not a vampire. And he clearly has the Anjali nose :). I looked up his traits recently, and I STILL can’t remember them. Argh. I know he’s a Savvy Sculptor.

He looks like he got a lot of looks from Erin — possibly too many. But we’ll have to wait until he’s a teen to know.

New baby with the next post!