Names & Nudges Who: Rodrigo and Jade ( @jade-escobar ) What: Jade and Rodrigo have a nice talk and get a pleasant surprise!! Where: Rodrigo and Jade's casita When: 6/19/2024; evening.
JADE
Jade was sitting on one of the living room couches, having just finished checking on Pip and Kiwi. She had some unexpected sobbing moments when learning that it wasn't necessarily safe for her to handle her birds while she was pregnant. The most she could do was pass them long treats through the bars of their cage and talk to them from said cage. Miranda seemed to sense her melancholy and hopped onto the couch, nestling next to her thigh. She pressed her face to the side of Jade's growing belly, and then settled like she was preparing for a nice nap.
With a small sigh, Jade turned on the TV but hadn't found anything that was holding her interest. She took out her phone, letting a rerun of *Chopped* serve as background noise while she scrolled through her phone and idly pet Miranda behind her ears. She'd pulled up one of her more frequently visited websites of late and began scrolling where she left off, a small pout unintentionally formed on her bottom lip. Her eyes were on the phone screen though as she slid her thumb up and down the page, momentarily fixed on it more than her surroundings.
RODRIGO
Rodrigo had gone out to get a few things. He wanted to cheer his wife up a bit considering she seemed very upsent upon learning she wouldn't be able to handle their birds while pregnant. He picked up a few muffins and some other goodies that Jade liked along with necessities for the house. Rodrigo was planning on cooking them both dinner tonight. He has already learned so much from Jade and had gotten some recipes from his mother. Once he arrived at their home, he hung his keys on the hooks beside the door and left the mail he picked up there as well. "Hey, honey!" Rodrigo placed the groceries on their table.
He noticed that she still looked a little down so he kicked off his sneakers and then plopped himself right next to her, chuckling when Miranda began to nudge his leg with her head. "Hey....awww. Come here..." He let Miranda climb onto his lap but was referring to Jade and so he wrapped his arm aroud her and brought her close to him. "I got a bunch of goodies and I'm going to make dinner tonight. I was thinking tacos!" He kissed the top of her head. "Aaaannnddd I got two baby name books for us to look at." Hopefully looking at names would help.
JADE
Jade had heard Rodrigo come in and briefly looked up from her phone when he called out to her. "Hey," she called out, not meaning to sound so deflated in that one-word greeting. But she was wearing her disappointment on her face too apparently because of her husband's instant attention to her. Jade leaned into him as much as her rounded belly would allow and set her phone on her thigh so she could wrap her arms around him too. "I'm okay, really," Jade assured even though she *was* comforted by Rodrigo. "Tacos are fine for dinner. Can you make some of tortillas flat for tostadas?" She lowered a hand from around her husband to rest her hand on her bump and looked up to his face as she asked, "Are any of the groceries frozen? Do you need any help putting it away?" She smiled a little and reached for her phone to show him the screen--more specifically, the website she'd been on. "I've been looking at some names online, so it looks like we're thinking the same thing."
RODRIGO
Rodrigo hoped she was okay and massaged Jade's hair for a bit. "It's okay to be disappointed though. Just remember, it's not a permanent thing." He cuddled up next to her and gently placed a hand on her growing belly. Rodrigo leaned in to kiss here there and smiled. "Hi, littles. It's your daddy. I just got mommy some yummy treats so you're both going to be so excited." He nodded at Jade's question about the tostadas. "Anything my wife wants. I'll be sure to make a few for you." He looked over to the groceries and the one insulated bag. "I do have a few perishable things. Don't worry about that. I'll take care of it and you yell out what names have been popping at you." Rodrigo kissed her cheek a few times before standing up to jog toward the table to grab the insulated bag. "Okay, give it to me straight..." He grinned and walked toward the fridge to put away some veggies, fruits, milk and other perishable items he had purchased.
JADE
"You're right and I'm trying to make sure I remember that. It's an adjustment, even if it's only temporary," Jade said, rubbing the side of her bump. She watched Rodrigo talk to their babies and smiled. Rodrigo talking to the babies from inside her belly was one of her favorite things while being pregnant. And when he agreed to tostadas, she ran a set of fingers through his hair and leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, honey. Let me know if I can do anything to help, okay?" She had been napping on and off when trips to the bathroom weren't a necessity and was feeling a desire to be productive. When he asked about names, Jade turned her phone to herself and said, "Well, I still really love Ciel and Felix. Those are still my top choices." She scrolled a little on her screen, "I also like Mateo, Miles, and Nico for a boy. And for a girl? Renata, Marilyn and Zora." Sticking her phone in her pocket, Jade picked up Miranda to hold her while scooting off of the couch and getting to her feet. She cradled the young cat and gently rubber her head and back. "And I'd still love to include your mom as a namesake for a girl. Have you thought about names that you love?" Carefully, she set Miranda to the floor and lightly waddled to the sink to wash her hands. "Did you get a chance to look through the book before you bought it?"
RODRIGO
"That's it! I think if you keep repeating that, you'll be okay, honey. As hard as it is." He smiled when she rubbed his hair. He affectionally tapped her belly and whispered a few things to the twins before sitting up again. "Of course. But right now, you're going to be a big help by telling me the names that have caught your interest." He chuckled and once in front of the fridge, he began to put things away. He washed the fruit before transferring them to their protective tupperwares and then put away any frozen items he had gotten like pregnancy pops to help Jade with her nausea and some ice cream. He had also purchased two frozen pizzas for lazy days when they both wanted to veg out. He listened to the names as he did this, a smile forming on his face that never left. "Well, I really like all of those choices. It's funny because I had my heart set on Felix too! Look at US twinning." He looked over his shoulder to blos her a kiss and then smiled when he saw Jade waddling to him. "Yeah, so as soon my eyes zeroed in on Felix, it was on the top of my list too. And I like Ciel. That's pretty and different. It's like Cielo. The other names you mentioned are nice. I've always liked Miles too. Renata is very pretty. I like Theodore too and Aurelia too!"
JADE
Jade lightly rolled her eyes at how she could be helpful and said, "Well thank you for putting all of the groceries away, honey. I promise I can be more helpful than that though. I'm feeling pretty good today. I could chop tomatoes or shred the lettuce or something." As she finished sharing the names she liked the most, she smiled at him saying that he was fond of Felix as well. "Does this mean we have a first name for our baby boy?" She washed her hands while listening to her husband and then took a seat on one of the bar stools near the kitchen. "Their meanings are similar. Ciel is French for 'Heaven'. And it just sounds so beautiful and less common than Heaven or Nevaeh. And Felix means 'happy' or 'lucky'. Both have really nice meanings and I can't stop going back to them for names." She watched Rodrigo and glanced at some of the groceries he'd put away, all theile listening to them. Theodore and Aurelia are nice. Aurelia is pretty, and you don't hear Theodore that often anymore." Idly rubbing her rounded stomach, she asked, "Were you wanting to do middle names? Or namesakes?"
RODRIGO
Rodrigo grinned, looking over to Jade as she rolled her eyes and then pressed a kiss against her forehead. "okay, let's get some veggies cut up, chop chop, Escobar!" He teased as he pulled their cutting board from one of the drawers and passed it to his wife. "I think we do! Felix is perfect! Ahh, I love it, honey." Rodrigo smiled as Jade explained the name Ciel and it's meaning. "I do love that. Ciel sounds so pretty and original. It fits our babies!" He nodded at the comment about Theodore. "You're right and I love the name Theo for short but I keep returning to Felix too," Rodrigo smirked at the middle name question. "You're not Mexican if you don't have a million names so yes to the middle names. "Maybe we can honor some important people in our life? Orrrr use one of the names we were considering. Wait, we just decided on two names, babe!" He beamed and turned to face Jade. "This is amazing! Felix and Ciel!"
JADE
When Rodrigo agreed tonher helping out, she smiled sincerely and picked out a knife to use. "You must be referring to yourself witj that hasty talk, *Escobar*," she teased right back. It made her even happier to hear that her husband really liked the two names. Jade chuckled at Rodrigo's middle names comment. "Don't forget, beloved, you're talking to someone who recently dropped one of her *three* middle names." She set the knife with the cutting board and decided to start with the lettuce, rinsing it off in the sink first. His idea of honoring important people in their lives had her thinking but she smiled while tearing off a paper towel to dry the lettuce leaves a bit. She grinned while sitting on the stool again. "Really? Thise are the names you want to give our babies too?" She was a bit giddy thinking about it, knowing that it could have taken them much longer to decide on what to name their children. Smiling still, she began rolling the lettuce leaves and thought aloud as she began chopping. "What do you think about honoring your mother? Ciel Emiliana? And we could go with Felix Theodore, maybe? Or include Theodore as a second middle name?" Outside of her siblings and Frankie, there wasn't anyone whom she knew before Rodrigo whom she would want to make a namesake to their children. "Ciel Emiliana Aurelia Escobar?" she posed, expertly chopping the last of the lettuce.
RODRIGO
Rodrigo laughed at Jade's teasing and then nodded at her response about the middle names. "Oh Lord, how can I forget?" He chuckled some more and pulled out the steak from the fridge along with the radishes, onions, and limes. He enjoyed cooking with Jade now that he's gotten into it. He was thankful for her and his mom who had taught him a lot over the last couple of months. He was able to fend for himself but being able to cook some cuisines made him happy. He'd be able to help his wife when she needed to rest both pre- and postpartum. "Yes! I love the names and I think it fits us and our future kids. I love the meanings of the names. They're perfect." Rodrigo began chopping up the radishes and smiled at the mention of honoring his mother. He listened intently, chopping away and when Jade said Ciel's future full name out loud, he paused. His smile was wide as ever. "That sounds beautiful. Felix Theordore sounds like he's going to be the best gentleman. Sounds like a Bridgerton character honestly. I love it. And Ciel Emiliana Aurelia Escobar? Are you kidding me? Our kids will be royalty. As they should be." He pointed at Jade with the knife and grinner. "I think we've got ourselves baby names!"
JADE
"I'm sure you'll end up saying all of them to me sometime when I'm in trouble with you, huh?" Jade teased. She watched Rodrigo take out various ingredients and smiled proudly at him and his culinary prowess. Her smile lingered and even brightened from him loving the names for their babies. "You like them both? You don't think that Felix should have a second middle name like his sister, do you?" She wasn't sure if Fletcher would be a namesake that Rodrigo would want, or if his own name would be one he would want. "He could be Felix Theodore Fletcher, or Felix Theodore Rodrigo Escobar?" She mulled them both over in her mind while waiting to hear her husband's thoughts. And after she finished chopping the lettuces into shredded strips, she got off of the stool to get a bowl for it and then move on to the tomatoes. "I do love Ciel's name, completely. And I would love Felix's if he had one middle name or two."
RODRIGO
"You know me too well." He chuckled as he looked for their frying pan to sit to the side. Rodrigo put some seasonings on the side and reached for the Adobo and Sazon. He listened to his wife and began to season the steak. "I do like them both. Rodrigo mused over Jade's question for a bit and the more he thought about it, the more it made sense to give Felix another middle name like Ciel. When Fletcher's name was mentioned it made Rodrigo smile as he imagined the look on his best friend's face when finds out he named his first son after him. Felix Theodore Fletcher does sound very strong, right?" He smiled even wider as he poured some olive oil onto the pan. "Fletcher is going to freak out...Felix...do you hear that mijo? What do you think about that?" He let the steak simmer for a bit before washing his hands thoroughly and turning around to face Jade. "I love their names, honey."
JADE
"I hope so, beloved husband," Jade smiled. She'd then given a second middle name possibility for their son and mused a couple of ideas aloud, even adding a third, "Would it feel unoriginal to make Emiliano a contender? Felix Theodore Emiliano Escobar?" She was adding the last bits of lettuce to the bowl and walked over to the sink to rinse the cutting board off while listening to her husband. "Felix Theodore Fletcher Escobar does sound strong." Standing at the counter for a while as she lined up the tomatoes, she chuckled at herself and gave him a guilty smile, "I'm sorry I'm being so indecisive. It's just... it's our babies' *names*." Her cheeks were warm as she said, "Okay! Felix Theodore Fletcher Escobar." She smiled, lowering a hand to her belly as Rodrigo spoke to their son. "How long do you think we can keep their full names a surpr--" Jade cut herself off abruptly and went still. She wasn't sure if she imagined it or if, for the first time, she was feeling kicks on the outside and not just movement from within. "Rodrigo, come here!" she whispered for no sensible reason, setting the knife down and stepping back from the counter. "Let me see your hand," she said, not wanting to move her one hand from the spot where she was feeling one of the babies moving around until she could replace it with Rodrigo's.
RODRIGO
Rodrigo was all smiles as he listened to Jade’s suggestions for names. There was a peace about her that he couldn’t quite convey into words. After everything his wife’s has been through, to see her this happy and full of love made Rodrigo feel like at that moment, there was no better feeling. It was like he wished he could stop time to properly take it all in. “Don’t apologize for that. It’s a big deal …” he watched her with love in his gaze and when she began to pose the next question, Rodrigo already knew his answer but Jade had stopped mid-question. “Hey, are you alright?” He immediately pushed himself off the counter and walked to his wife. At her request, Rodrigo gave her his hand and then placed it over hers. Arching a brow, he positioned himself so that he replaced Jade’s hand and then with his free hand, he held on to the other side of Jade’s belly. He was looking down at first but the moment he felt the little flutter against Jade’s stomach, Rodrigo gasped and looked up at her with a giant smile. “Is that? Is that them??” His voice practically cracked before he let a soft chuckle fall from his lips. “Oh my God…”
JADE
"It is, but.." She chuckled again, "I guess I'm just so used to being more decisive than this." It was one of the conditioned behaviors of hers, but talking about their son's name had her tossing a few ideas her husband's way. Still, she had felt an abundance of happiness while talking about names with Rodrigo and helping him with dinner. Her question about sharing the names was interrupted by the persistent nudges low on her rounded bump. She was surprised to feel it from the outside, and immediately eager for Rodrigo to feel it too. Nodding quickly to assure him she was alright, she let his hand replace hers and she grinned at his reaction. "Yes! I don't know if it's a hand or a foot...or if it's Felix or Ciel but it's definitely one of them." She laughed a little, looking up to Rodrigo’s face. "Maybe they're celebrating them having names now."
RODRIGO
“I know but it’s cute and endearing and I love how excited you are and how much you’re glowing. You’re already the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You just keep getting more beautiful.” He wasn’t over exaggerating. Rodrigo had instantly felt gravitated towards Jade and it only had grown over time. Seeing her like this, carrying their children, ignited something else in him. Rodrigo was on the brink of tears as he felt the nudges become stronger. “Oh my God!” He couldn’t believe it. They were told they’d feel kicks soon but to actually experience them was a whole other level of amazing. “Maybe that’s Felix’s way of responding to liking his name. You guys… hiiii it’s your daddy. The annoying voice you hear everyday because we all know mommy’s voice is top tier.” Rodrigo smiled at his wife and pressed a kiss against her lips. When he felt yet another kick, his eyes widened like a child in a toy store and he felt his tears fall as he laughed from the excitement. “Oh I love you guys so much. The three of you.” Rodrigo smiled. “You guys having a party in there or something?”
JADE
Jade blushed under Rodrigo's compliments and observations of her. "I've been saying it a lot lately, but I'm so happy. I'm happily married to the best man in the universe, and we have healthy babies growing and getting more and more ready to meet us with each day." Jade had never known love like this or any degree of what love had been expressed to her before Rodrigo. He was her friend, her lover, her advocate, her partner and her husband. And now, he was going to be the father to the two little ones growing inside of her. How could she *not* be radiant when she had someone so amazing by her side? Even as he was feeling the kicks and taking in the moment, she was feeling new waves of love for him wash over her. She tilted her chin up to meet his lips and smiled at him again, and then looked down as Rodrigo spoke to the twins. Shaking her head, she chimed in, "That's not true. We love to hear Daddy's voice, don't we?" Shd rested her hands along the back of her hips until she felt some movement higher up on her bump. Placing one hand there, it felt as though the other baby was stretching from the slow push under her palm. "I think one of them woke the other one up." She grinned and guided Rodrigo's free hand to the second spot on her bump so that he could catch the less active but still obvious pushes from within her womb. And with his hands occupied, Jade reached up to wipe his eyes. "We love you too, honey. Always, always, always."
RODRIGO
"I can tell..." He couldn't help but feel touched by his wife's words. Even if he'd heard the same ones before, it was always nice hearing how happy she was to marry him and think he was the best man in the universe. It gave him a purpose, it gave him something to live up to. He always wanted to be the best man for her. And now they had so much to live for, so much to feel happy about, and to see Jade feeling all of those positive feelings made him even happier. It only continued to solidify the fact that they belonged together and Rodrigo knew that the moment she walked into his life. Somehow, he knew that Jade would be his future wife. "Ehhh..." He grinned and then his eyes widened some more as Jade explained that there was more movement. " He followed her hand to the second spot and he grinned along with Jade. "I can't believe it. Are you guys telling us you love your names? I bet that's what it is." He smiled at Jade's gesture of wiping his eyes and still keeping his hands on her belly, he pressed another kiss against her lips. "Thank you for keeping them healthy and happy in there and for all that you do. You're already an incredible mommy."
JADE
Jade was thoroughly jubilant, beaming at Rodrigo. Even when his gave an "Ehhh" reply about her and their children loving his voice, she was still smiling as she lovingly swatted his arm. "It’s true!" she insisted. And while Rodrigo had his hands positioned to feel both babies kicking, she wiped his eyes and then rested her hands along the back of her hips, eyes looking up at her husband's face. "So, we're decided then? Ciel Emiliana Aurelia and Felix Theodore... Fletcher or Emiliano?" She met his lips when he bent to kiss hers, and then she was back to smiling again. "Thank *you* for all of your help with our babies being happy and healthy." She'd traded her runs and jogs for brisk walks, managed to eat more than she normally would during the day while still keeping things healthy (except when cravings took over), rested when she was truly tired, took it easy when her nausea got the better of her, and overall was listening to her body more. Not only was Jade touched by Rodrigo's gratitude but being called 'mommy' very nearly had her tear up a little. "I love you," she told Rodrigo, gazing up into his eyes.
RODRIGO
He chuckled at the swat on his arm. "That's three since the wedding! Keeping count." He grinned teasingly and then kissed Jade again. "We're decided. The babies have said the final word. And..Fletcher. I have a feeling he's going to be a menace just like his uncle anyway." Rodrigo didn't know that but he figured if Felix would grow up to be anything like his brother, he'd be lucky as hell. "I'm doing the bare minimum my love. You're doing all the work and I'm so proud of you. But you are so welcome." He couldn't believe everything that had happened over the last couple of minutes. Rodrigo then gasped softly, remembering the steak and laughing. "This is why you're the chef." he skipped back to the stove and flipped the meat over. "Well done is better anyway for you." he chuckled and waited for the other side to cook before he could cut it up for their tacos and Jade's tostadas. "Felix and Ciel are going to be so loved. I'm going to make sure they know how wanted they are. I promise."
JADE
"And how many before then?" She asked teasingly. She returned Rodrigo's kisses and listened as he finalized their babies' names. His comments about Fletcher made her smile all over again. But she shook her head, "I'm still grateful no matter how little you think you're doing. She couldn't imagine doing it all alone and knew Rodrigo would never put her in that position. But she watched him hurry back to the steak and pulled a face, "Well done is..." She knew he was right so she trailed off but it didn't stop her from showing her displeasure on her face for a moment, returning to the tomatoes to dice. But talking about their babies with names, identities made her grimace dissolve into another smile. "I know you will, honey. We both will make sure they never go a day in their lives without knowing how much we love them, and that they have more family who love them than they'll know what to do with." She picked up the ends of the tomatoes and threw them on the food waste bin, and then took out another bowl for what she had diced up. "Is there anything else I can help with?"
RODRIGO
"Who knows!" He chuckled, teasing his wife because he enjoyed when she played with him like this. "He'll probably go and have another kid just so he can name it after me." Rodrigo smirked at the thought. "Thank you, my love. You deserve it all more and all the good things coming your way." Rodrigo grinned when Jade commented on the steak. "I know, I know. After the babies I'll make sure to give you all the steak." He watched the steak and then used tongs to pull it onto a plate to cut up into strips for their meal. He continued smiling as he listened to his wife agreeing with everything she was saying. "Hmm, Can you cut up some limes?" He added the cut up radishes and onions to the counter and then moves to heat up the tortillas, mindful to keep a couple on longer to make tostadas for Jade. "We should be ready to eat in a couple of minutes! Did you want something else? I can make some rice if you want?"
JADE
Jade giggled at her husband's response and then some more at what he said Fletcher might do. She loved the relationship between Rodrigo and Fletcher, knowing it was truly special. And she blushed from her husband's continued kind acknowledgements to her. Her thoughts on well done steak weren't lost on him, clearly but she chuckled, "You don't have to do that. It's not like I eat steak all the time. But I *would* be very happy to have sushi for my first post-pregnancy meal." While he cut the steak for them, Jade went to get the limes and rinsed them off before settling herself in front of the cutting board again. She eyed the radishes and onions and asked, "Can you sautée the radishes a bit for me, honey? I read online that raw radish isn't good for the babies." Between the books and online articles, there had been an overwhelming amount of information out there, but whether conscious or not, she ended up a little hyperfocused on the content around foods. She quartered the limes into wedges and then moved to get a small bowl to put them in, setting them next to the bowls she'd set the lettuce and tomatoes in, and then took the cutting board and knife to the sink for rinsing off. "Hmm... no, thank you. Rice sounds tempting but you don't have to make some if you're going to make it for me. I know I'll fill up on it."
After putting the items in the dishwasher and dampening the dish cloth to wipe down the unoccupied counter space, she rinsed the cloth, wrang it out and returned it folded and draped between the 2 halves of the sink. "Okay," she blew out with a slightly sheepish smile and touched her husband's shoulder affectionately passing. "Since one of both of our children decided to settle down right on my bladder, I'm going to use the bathroom and then go sit down."
RODRIGO
"I will absolutely remember that. I'll make sure I order it and everything, get you a little platter of all your faves." He smirked and he knew that Jade knew he wasn't lying about that. Rodrigo would be ready with a platter of sushi for his wife once she's settled after giving birth. It's the least he could do for going through it all. He nodded at her request to sautee the onions and grabbed a small frying pan to do so. "You got it." Once they were flipped over and cooked, he had everything in separate bowls and plates. He figured it would be easier to for them to pick and choose their toppings. Rodrigo enjoyed an onions and radishes with lime taco just as much as a fully loaded. "Um, excuse me? Your husband is a genius. I got some quick rice too. It's really good. I've got cilantro lime and plain white. Which one? it'll be done in like 10 minutes top." He then placed the plates and bowls in front of Jade and kissed her temple.
He chuckled at Jade's words and kissed her quickly again as she waddled toward the bathroom. "Okay, honey! When you return, your tostadas will be ready, nice and crispy." He flipped the now hardened tortilla and waited until his wife returned."
JADE
"Thank you," she said, already looking forward to it even though she still had plenty of time before she could enjoy sushi. She watched Rodrigo sautee the onions and opened her mouth to say something but closed it, deciding not to worry about the radishes since everything was being kept in separate containers. It would also make for easy cleanup later, which she was happy about. She raised both brows at him only to settle her features and smile at him, "You, my love, are brilliant. Cilantro lime then, please? And thank you." She kissed his shoulder after he kissed her temple, already looking forward to the flavorful rice.
"Thank you, we'll be back soon." She made her way to the downstairs half-bath and after using the toilet, washing her hands and pumping some lotion in her hands, she walked back out, rubbing it into her hands and a bit on her wrists too. "My skin has been so dry lately." She walked over to the kitchen again and said, "It smells great in here by the way. Should I fix my plate or go sit down?" she asked, reaching to take a couple of dinner plates out of the cabinet for the two of them.
RODRIGO
Rodrigo smiled at the gratitude. He would be sure to do anything and everything so that Jade could have a smooth pregnancy and delivery. He wanted to spoil her as much as possible post pregnancy too. "Cilantro lime it is." He smiled as Jade went off to the bathroom, remembering to also sautee the radishes. He added a couple to the now clean pan and cooked them for his wife.
When she was back, everything was ready. "Oh yeah? Is that because of the pregnancy? do you need me to pick up some CeraVe? And thank you! Like I said before, I've had an incredible mentor AKA beautiful wife. " He shook his head. "I'll bring everything over and we can make our tacos and tostadas." What do you want to drink?" Rodrigo started to bring the sides to the table as well as the newly cooked rice. He made sure he got everything they needed and took a seat. "Provecho." It was the Spanish version of Bon Appetit. "Enjoy! You too Ciel and Felix."
JADE
"I think so. But no, no. There's lotion in all of the bathrooms, and my toiletry bag, and my purses. And I have some Vaseline in my toiletry bag and our bathroom. I just..." She bit her lip a little and admitted, "I might need help with my feet soon." It was getting harder to put on socks and shoes as her belly continued to expand. She had already switched fully to wearing crocks at work and wore house slippers with a grip on the soles whenever she wasn't barefoot at home. Rodrigo's compliment to her cooking skills and teaching had her smiling all over again. "You're a natural in the kitchen. Look at all this delicious food that you prepared for us!" Hearing his suggestion, Jade nodded, "That sounds like a great idea. And do we still have some Gatorade?" She set their plates down and then took a seat across from her husband. "*Gracias mi amor*," she replied, smiling and going for the rice first. Hearing the twins' names from Rodrigo some more just made her smile all over again. "Tell us how your day was," she requested, setting the serving spoon back into the rice and then picking up two of the crispy tostadas to prepare for herself.
RODRIGO
"Of course! I'll help with your feet and anything else you need. You don't have to ever worry about any of that, okay?" Rodrigo flashed Jade a smile as he finished bringing all the bowls and plates. He stopped at her compliment and kissed the top of her head. "Thank you! Gatorade. Got it." Rodrigo reached for two glasses, filled them with ice in case Jade wanted her Gatorade cold, and brought their beverages. He opted for a root beer he had in the fridge. He placed them on the table and then sat beside his wife. "De nada, querida." He grinned at her Spanish and reached for some steak pieces to build his taco. "Today wasn't so bad. I can't believe how quickly time is going. I'll probably be working two weeks of Summer camp to make some extra money and then take the rest of the summer off into my paternity leave. The babies coming at the tail end of summer couldn't be more perfect. I'll end up missing the first quarter or at least most of it but that's not bad. The school wants me to start working with the sub so that they know how to pick right up. How about your day?" Rodrigo felt satisfied with his bulky taco and took a generous bite.
JADE
"Thank you," Jade told him. She knew Rodrigo would help her if asked or needed it but Jade was still adjusting along the way with the pregnancy and needing help with simple or everyday tasks that she normally had no problem with. But she had absolute gratitude to her husband. While she finished making the tostadas for herself, she thanked Rodrigo for the Gatorade and ice, and listened to him share about his day. "Oh is it a summer day camp at the school or another location?" she wondered while also liking the sound of his plan. "Can you believe Leo, Henry and the twins will be eighth graders? They're sure to miss you in the classroom at the start of the year if they still have you for a teacher. Do you know whomyour students will be yet?" She spooned some rice from her plate and ate it while thinking about how her day had gone. Once her mouth was clear, she answered him. "Mine was good! With things getting set up in our new shop space, it's still a bit challenging to fulfill orders from the old space at the same time. Melissa has been managing a lot there while I've been overseeing things at our new location."
RODRIGO
"Mm..." He wiped his mouth and nodded. "Yep, we're doing summer camp on site but they're going to offer some sleepaway options too as they did in the Spring. So that'll be nice to have the choice." Rodrigo would be able to get some extra pay out of that which would be helpful for all the upcoming life events he and Jade had. "And nope. Don't get me started. I met Leo so young and no he's going to be in 8th grade. The twins have been amazing in middle school and Henry too. They're such a cute group of friends. The good thing is if their parents enroll them in our high school after they graduate next year, the campus is across from ours so I'll still see them and Winter can keep an eye on them all. I'll still be their English teacher so I'll see them after paternity leave is up. Also, the headmistress wants to talk to me about taking up that Dean position. It's great money and I'll still get to teach and help the kids as well." He smiled. "I got a look at my roster for my 1st and 3rd period class and most of the same, some new kids. Enrollment ends in the summer so I'm sure it'll multiply." Rodrigo then took another bite of his taco, smiling as he watched Jade build her tostada. It was nice watching her eat. He nodded as she spoke and glanced over at her. "Do you need help with anything? I'd be happy to help."
JADE
Jade continued to eat the rice as she listened to Rodrigo. She always liked hearing him talk about his career and his students. The way he talked about them and showed how much he cared for them had been a big sign for Jade that he would make a great father someday. As she set her spoon down and broke off a piece of her tortilla to munch on, she asked him, "Do you want to take the dean position? I know you love to teach, but it sounds like she sees this opportunity as being fitting for you." She ate a little more and took her Gatorade to open, pouring some in the glass of ice. "It also sounds like you're more interested in it now. Is that true?" She smiled a bit, hearing that he would have a lot of the same kids to teach for the upcoming school year, and after a few sips of her drink, she told him, "I hope you don't get any kids who are too challenging. You're well-liked but I know there are some kids who like to push buttons just for the sake of testing boundaries, or getting attention they don't get at home." She had seen it herself back when she was in school, and doubted that much had changed in that regard now. When talking about her own day and Rodrigo asking to help, she hummed a little around the bite of steak in her mouth and then swallowed before answering. "I think we're okay right now but I would like some help with my office when the time comes, which should be in the next week. For right now, I just have the computer and printer set up so that orders and contracts can still be handled. But now that I have a more permanent and official office, I'd like to customize it some more."
RODRIGO
He nodded as he finished off the last of his second taco. "I do. It's a great opportunity. I'll be able to do more outreach to the kids and still get the chance to teach. And the salary is pretty good which would be great for our family." He smiled as he began building another taco. "Yeah, me too. I've had a couple here and there that were not easy but ended up being great kids. A lot of these children are just looking for attention and someone to speak to. They don't get a lot of that at home. Sadly, we don't get too many involved parents since they're all busy with work or their lives. It bothers me a lot. Maybe I can help with parent engagement if I take up the dean position. *when* I take up the dean position." He grinned at the thought. " What do you think? Should I do it?" He nodded as he listened. "Hey, I'd be glad to help but also, you should consider hiring an intern. Maybe a teenager who wants something to do over the summer and want the office experience. It would be a great opportunity for the right kid!" He remembered how taking up the groundskeeping assistant's job had helped him in high school. "Something to consider! And with customization, what are some ideas you have so far?"
JADE
Jade continued to listen and slowly eat her food as she did so. When he echoed what she'd said about some students looking for attention that they didn't get at home, she just nodded and broke off another piece of crispy tortilla. She'd tried that once and never did it again, due to the repercussions that came her way after her mother had been notified and they were back home. And when he asked her what her thoughts were, Jade smiled a little. "I think you already know that I wholeheartedly support you. If you remained a full time teacher, you would still be amazing, but I believe that you could do some great things in a new capacity as a dean. Parent and family engagement is a perfect example of that." Jade then sipped some more Gatorade and took a break from eating and casually rubbed a hand across her rounded stomach. "An intern might not be a bad idea. Or maybe just a summer hire to help on and off while everything is still in transition. My office alone wouldn't be all that labor-intensive--not enough to hire more help. But having someone to help Melissa with boxing and labeling equipment in the old location and unpacking at our new location would be great. And promoting the grand re-opening around town would be great once we're ready for it..." Her mind was turning over other potential tasks while she went to pick up another spoonful of rice to eat. "Thank you for this idea. But for my office, I want to keep the color light and simple. There's a filing cabinet that I need to finish putting together and installed, a desk and two guest chairs that I ordered need to be assembled, and I'd like to make it inviting for any consultations."
RODRIGO
He finished off his third taco, deciding to take a small break and leaned back into his chair. Rodrigo smiled at Jade’s words, glad that she was supportive of him taking on a new role at the school. There were so many benefits that made it a no brainer and having his wife on board made the decision that much easier. “I’ll let you know how my meeting with the headmistress goes. Dean Escobar does have a nice ring to it. Now I just have to make sure that whoever subs for me for September is good for the class.” He was sure they would be but Rodrigo had a tendency of being protective when it came to his classmates. He was glad that Jade liked the idea of an intern. “At whatever capacity an intern can help, it would be good to have that set up for everyone’s benefit. You, Melissa, etc. and it’ll be one less thing to worry about. You’re welcome, honey.” Rodrigo kissed Jade’s temple and then gathered some rice on his bowl as he continued listening to Jade. “That all sounds nice and I can help you set those things up once they’ve all arrived so don’t worry about that. Are you full, my love?”
JADE
Jade was slowly eating the toppings/fillings of her tostadas with her spoon and breaking off pieces of the tortilla in between. She smiled at Rodrigo saying 'Dean Escobar' aloud and said, "They'll have to give you a name plate for your desk, or your office door." She knew Rodrigo worked hard and was passionate about his work, which was what made her happy--seeing him happy from merely talking about his career. "You know, I haven't heard you talk about your book in a while. How is it coming along?" She finished the bit of rice that she'd originally put on her plate and then drank some more Gatorade. "I've no doubt that whoever substitutes your classes will be very prepared thanks to you." She smiled and broke off another bit of tortilla, making it her last bit of dinner while listening to her husband. "You're right. It wasn't something I'd considered before since it's just been my team and me. But the added help and providing someone with early work experience really does sound like a great idea. And I always appreciate your help, honey." Her eyes shut while he kissed her temple and when he asked her if she was full, Jade placed a hand across her bump and said, "I think so. It was a really nice dinner, thank you." She looked at her mostly finished plate while thinking about how earlier in her pregnancy, she couldn't always eat much even when she wanted to eat something. But as time went on, her appetite returned and was increasing, even with the occasional bouts of nausea or heartburn. As she scooted her chair back and made to stand, she said, "I'm just going to finish my Gatorade, but I'll get some containers to store the leftovers in." She didn't want Rodrigo to feel rushed and figured she could help out with getting the container and loading the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Jade found smaller containers for the lettuce, tomatoes and radishes, and a slightly bigger one for the rice, steak and onions to go into. She then began loading the dishwasher.
RODRIGO
He sat up with his chest slightly puffed and a smile on his face. "A name plate? Like a gold one? Oh, that's fancy." The thought made him smiled even more. The question about his book did make him sigh a bit. "It's...met some sort of dead end," He admitted and frowned a bit. "I mean, it's not that I'm putting it off completely but I'm missing something. Can't figure out what it is yet. I'll revisit soon, I promise." Rodrigo had to fit it into his schedule. The book meant a lot to him and to his mother. And it would be something nice to have for his children and wife. He smiled when she mentioned the help it would be to have an intern. He looked over his shoulder as Jade stood to get some leftovers into containers and he finished off his last taco. "Do you want to watch a movie tonight? Or catch up on a show maybe?" He was glad it was the weekend and they'd both get some downtime with one another. "Maybe Felix and Ciel will give us a few more hellos before bed." He was hopeful, standing up with his plate and whatever was left over on the table so he could help Jade clean the kitchen. He the placed his hands on her shoulders and dropped a kiss on her left one. "Your turn to pick something to watch."
JADE
"Yes, like a gold one with your name and title engraved on it. If they don't give you one, I would certainly like to." Jade was smiling until she saw Rodrigo frown, which in turn made her own face fall. She reached across the table to lovingly hold his wrist. "You don't have to promise that to me. I'm sorry to hear that it's at a halt right now. When you figure out what's missing, I know that you'll have something great to keep you going." When she got up from the table, she kissed the side of his head in passing. "Hmm, a movie sounds nice. I could watch a good historical drama or a biopic." She smiled at Rodrigo again at the mention of their babies kicking around enough for him to feel some more. "I bet they will, especially after their daddy made us such a great dinner tonight." She rinsed off the dishes that were used for cooking and loaded them one-by-one into the dishwasher. His kiss to her shoulder warmer her from the inside. "Hmmm, how about *Belle*? It's a historical drama and a biopic? And has a bit of a love story included."
RODRIGO
“That sounds amazing and you’re the best wife for even thinking about doing that for me.” Rodrigo looked down at Jade holding his wrist and placed one of his hands over hers. Her support meant the world to him. “Thanks, honey. I know the block will lift at some point.” He smiled at her kiss as he helped clean up. Hearing that the twins may give Jade a little nudge again made him incredibly overjoyed. Rodrigo wiped down the counters all the while listening to Jade and nodded as she spoke. “That sounds like a great choice. I love a good historical drama.” After he cleaned the table, he moved to their living room to prep the firestick and search for the movie. “Don’t worry about anything else ,my love. Come and sit. “ Miranda circled his ankles and he chuckled before picking her up into her arms. “Want to watch a movie with mom and dad?”
JADE
"Well, I love you and I think you should be recognized for your accomplishments--small and big." Jade was happy that Rodrigo wasn't giving up on his book altogether and had faith in him completing it someday. She finished loading the dishes from prep and then went to the table to put the leftovers in containers and add the bowls and plates to the dishwasher too. After putting the leftovers in the fridge and picking up her Gatorade, she guiltily admitted, "I couldn't help it. I didn't want to leave everything out or for you to put away when you cooked for us." She joined him in the living room, holding the plastic bottle in one hand and her bump in another as she eased herself beside Rodrigo and Miranda. Letting out a content sigh from being off her feet, she leaned in to rest against Rodrigo's shoulder. "Have you seen this before?" Jade asked and then casually reached for Rodrigo's hand to place at the front of her bump where one of the babies was stretching a limb against the area.
RODRIGO
Rodrigo was the luckiest man in the world and he knew it to be true. Having the chance to be married to the loveliest, most nurturing and supportive woman made him so happy. "Thank you, my love. And I feel the same way about you." The way they held each other up in their professional life was important to him. He wanted to support her in her business and her future plans and was proud of how much she has already accomplished especially now without Jeanette getting in the way. He smiled at her admission and shook his head. "Well, thank you for that." He was happy to have his wife join his side and he placed his arm around her shoulder when she rested against his. "I haven't actually so don't spoil it!" He teased and grinned when Jade placed his hand over her belly. "There they are again...incredible." Rodrigo kept his hand there, a giant smile appearing on his face. He looked over to Jade. "This has been one of the best days." He then looked down at her bump. "You guys better let mommy sleep tonight and not party all night." He chuckled softly. "streeetchhh!" Rodrigo was so incredibly happy.
JADE
"You've always been wonderful at supporting me. It's one of the reasons why I fell in love with you in the first place." Whether it was her job, her turmoil with her family--her parents in particular--her eating disorder and relationship with food, her conditioned tendencies around perfection and organization, or any small day-to-day decisions, Rodrigo was always supporting her. She could count on 1 hand the number of people who were in her corner to that degree, and that included her husband. Settled on the couch, she smiled and chuckled, "I won't spoil it, I promise! But I'm excited to see what you end up thinking of it." She glanced up at her husband's face and grinned when he did. "There they are," she echoed and then glanced back down at his hand on her stomach. "I'm trying to keep a journal of my pregnancy. I've definitely got to write about tonight in it." She then softly giggled, "I have a feeling that they're going to be pretty rebellious towards you already. Theyre bound to have several late night parties in there until they're here." She craned her neck and tilted her chin to kiss Rodrigo's jaw, and then she situated herself to watch the movie once he got it started. "I love you," she happily sighed.
RODRIGO
"I love the idea of a journal. Will I be able to take a look someday?" Rodrigo kept his wife close and started the movie for them to enjoy. "I can't believe these two are already plotting against me. Curfew is midnight, kids. That's as far as I go. Don't turn me into a pushover." He smiled at Jade's kiss and then leaned in quickly to kiss her belly before leaving more kisses against her cheek. "I love you more. shhh can't argue with me, the movie is starting." He smirked, rubbing Jade's shoulder as he focused on the movie. In the back of his head, all Rodrigo could really think about was how they had figured out their twin's names and he had felt them move for the first time. Rodrigo loved his life with Jade and now, with the addition of their two children, he couldn't have asked for anything better.
