Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Henry was fast asleep in the car when his dad carefully changed his diaper without waking him up. Four grown men stood around, watching and learning. "Andre, how long did it take you to get this good?" one of them asked as the baby stayed soundly asleep. Andre smiled at his peacefully sleeping son. "No practice needed. When you have your own kid, you'll pick it up quickly. Trust me, it's all about heart."

When Henry woke up, he found himself nestled in his mother's warm arms. He snuggled closer, seeking comfort.

"There, there, my little one. Mommy's here. Go back to sleep, my boy," Mia cooed softly.

Mia had just finished her exams when she got the call and rushed home. She walked into a living room cluttered with toys, clothes, and baby formula. "Did you guys move an entire baby store in here?" She took Henry to the bathroom for a quick wipe-down before coming back out.

Reflecting on the day's events, the four men looked sheepish. "We had no idea shopping could be so addictive. We forgot he might be hungry and needed his diaper changed. He didn't get a change of clothes until a store clerk helped us out after he cried his heart out. And we even ended up at the police station with him."

Mia, always thoughtful of others' feelings, reassured them, "It's okay. My son is good practice. My husband and I treated him like a toy at first, too. And yes, he's been to the police station with me before when he was much younger."

Now that he's grown, the officers hardly recognize him.

Andre, looking at his now awake and chubby son, asked, "Henry, are you happy with so many godfathers loving you?"

"Goo goo gah gah, daddy daddy," Henry babbled back.

It's amazing how kids can look so messy in their fathers' arms, with tear streaks and all, but become so clean and adorable once in their moms' hands.

By morning, Henry was back to his clean, refreshed self. Well-rested and fed, he no longer cried when held by his godfathers. After a day of bonding, he was familiar with them all.

Sitting in their laps, he even tried to make conversation with his little "o" mouth.

During dinner, everyone was sweet to Henry again.

Later, Mia came up with a little rhyme. "My son is like this: miss him when you can't see him, noisy when you do. Cute to look at, but a handful to raise, cries and fusses, bringing the whole house down. Sweet for three minutes, charming for five, any more than ten minutes of love, you're strong."

for another spoonful of puree, his little

Mia, playing tour guide, showed her husband's friends

seemed to have no

had bought another seven or eight

worn yet; the tags are still on. If any of you have a son, I'll pack these up for you, brand

asked, "Why doesn't he

more clothes than his aunt. He can't wear them all in a day.

up at his new

four friends left. As they did, they hugged Henry.

unafraid of strangers, hugged Teddy

Mia, "You and the little one sleep. I'll see

go ahead,"

her son, "Remember the 'bye-bye' gesture mommy

wait to be taught, waving his little hand at the

learned to wave goodbye. That's a

they waved goodbye, each

sending his friends off, Andre didn't return

Your mom wasn't even

her son's sleeping face, boasted, "Of course, he has to

"And you're proud?"

of

Mia suddenly said, "Honey, after my exams, let's go

few days. After weaning, we'll get your vaccinations

husband was referring to the vaccinations

another exam tomorrow, a two-day