Mia checked the time. "How about we swing by tomorrow when we're free? The poor little guy got a haircut today and cried so much, the whole block probably knows Andre's kid is a crybaby."
As we chatted, the little munchkin started fussing again, about to cry.
Andre scooped up his son from our arms, comforting the little guy.
It was getting late, so after a brief chat, we all headed off to bed.
Andre still had bits of his son's hair on him. Without a bib during his haircut, the little one was uncomfortable from the hair clippings.
But bathing him was another battle. He resisted every step of the way, bursting into tears the moment he touched the water, like a little crybaby.
Yet, he calmed down once held.
After Andre showered away the hair clippings, he picked up his little bundle and stepped under the shower again.
Soon, Mia joined, tiptoeing to grab the showerhead, adjusting the water pressure before gently starting to bathe the naked little tyke.
The little one nestled in his dad's arms, blissfully letting mom wash his face, back, and belly.
"Honey, lift his chin up, clean his neck," Mia instructed.
Andre pinched those chubby cheeks, tilting his son's face up to reveal the hidden neck folds.
Bathing in dad's arms was far more comforting than the water alone.
After the bath, Mia was soaked. She let the father and son leave to dry off as she began her own nightly routine.
When she finished and came out, she couldn't find their "ah-ah" sounding son. "Honey, where's the baby?"
"He's with my dad; he said he'd watch him for the night. Gives us time to discuss what your kisses mean to me."
Mia was speechless, knowing full well their son had napped plenty that evening and could wake at any moment during the night.
In Hansen's bedroom,
The old man gazed at his grandson under the covers, pinching his plump little body. "Henry, grandpa's missed you."
"Ah-ya-ah."
"Missed grandpa too, huh? My dear boy." Love filled Hansen's eyes.
Two hours later,
Hansen fought to keep his eyes open. "Buddy, can we sleep now? No more babble; grandpa can't understand a word. Let's close our eyes."
Another hour passed before Hansen, with the baby in tow, decided to return him.
At 1 a.m.,
When Hansen knocked, Andre, shirtless, answered. "Dad?"
The baby immediately turned to find his father.
Frustrated, Hansen pushed the child towards Andre. "You made him, you deal with him!"
With that, he stormed off.
Andre chuckled, looking down at his little bundle.
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