..later that day

Bette wandered through the house and into the kitchen looking to see what her girls were up to and just stopped herself from saying the cliqued words Honey Im home which had popped into her head as she came through the front door. She stopped when she walked into the kitchen and found Tina sitting at the table What are you doing T?

Looking at catalogues said Tina.

Why? Bette said tentatively. She walked over and bent to kiss Tina hello.

Weve got such an eclectic mix of stuff for Rosie; Im trying to decide what else we need. Do you know how much stuff they have? Tina indicated the huge pile of catalogues stacked up beside her I dont even know what some of its for.

Bettes curiosity was piqued Like what?

Tina burrowed through the pile of catalogues and flipped through one in which shed bent over a few page corners. She stopped and held up a page Like this for instance Tina pointed to a pink, oddly shaped item.

Ouch said Bette and winced it looks painful

Tina playfully hit her Its not for internal use she laughed and then she frowned at least I dont think it is. She looked at it more closely and mouthed the word Ow when she thought about where it might need to be inserted.

Bette looked carefully at her wife. After all the planning theyd done for Tinas first pregnancy Tina had been afraid, almost superstitious, about them planning or shopping while shed been pregnant with Rosie. Shed even refused to make over the second bedroom for Rosie insisting that it would be better if Rosie was with them at least until she was no longer breast feeding her.

Bette had admittedly gone a little wild when Tina was in hospital and had done some serious damage to her credit card – hence the eclectic mix of stuff that Tina had referred to, but was it possible that Tina was starting to accept that Rosie was here to stay? Was she starting to relax and let go a little? Why are you doing this T Bette said again tentatively, hoping to hear – she wasnt sure what – just something positive.

Tina looked up at Bette, she was slightly flushed Its time Rosie had her own room.

Shes leaving the nest already? Bette joked then she became more serious. She sat down at the table with Tina and took her hand You love having her nearby. Why now?

Tina looked into Bettes eyes and spoke quietly. It was obvious shed given this a lot of thought Its not fair on you. You have such long hours at the CAC and when Rosies awake she wakes you too. At least I have more flexible hours and can catch up on some sleep.

Bette squeezed Tinas hand Will you be OK with this?

Tina was silent for a few moments Yeah she said as she let out the breath shed been holding ..I will.

GreatIll get in this decorator Ive heard about and well create a special room for Rosie Bette smiled.

Tina looked daggers at her No she said firmly.

Bette stopped in mid-thought a little confused No?

No..youre not writing a cheque..were doing this ourselves.. Tina said.

But that would mean.. Bette shuddered.

Yes.. manual labour..paintingpaperingwhatever Tina smiled broadly and patted Bettes cheek.

Yuk Bette pulled a face.

Tina stroked the frown lines between Bettes eyes Poor baby..youll get over it..itll be fun. Well ask the girls to help..

Bette knew this would not be fun by her definition but she was happy that Tina was happy so she gave in. She pulled over Tinas list of items and started to read them out loud Cot, high chair her chequebook-signing fingers started to itch as she continued to read Whats this? she pointed at the next item on the list.

Its safety stuff.. You cant be too careful Tina said matter-of-factly.

But Rosie cant crawl yet Bette said, a little perplexed.

Well have to start moving stuff higher up and putting a gate in so she cant get into the pool Tina rattled on not aware that Bette had frozen.

Whoastop Bette said holding up her hand SHE ..CANT EVEN .. CRAWL..YET she said slowly and carefully.

But we need to plan .. Tina continued.

BUT SHE CANT EVEN CRAWL YET Bette said again slowly and loudly unable to get past this point. She was aware that their beautiful house would need a lot of child-proofing but she really wanted to put off facing it as long as possible unsure once Rosie started to crawl whether their collected treasures would ever be safe again.

Tina held out her hands and shrugged indicating she wasnt sure what Bette wanted her to say.

Bette didnt know what else to say either, she thought shed made her point very clear. Would stating it once again make it any clearer? She thought about how happy Tina seemed to be and how good it was that she was starting to move forward, she sighed OK..well buy this stuff..but were not installing it until Rosie can crawldeal?

Tina frowned at Bette, thought carefully about what shed said OK.. she said finally but you know well have to move everything valuable once she starts walking and climbing..

Bette sighed Yeah.. I know..but surely we have a few more months..

Bette watched as Tina continued to flip through the catalogues and add items to her list. It seemed Tina was truly starting to accept that Rosie would be with them for a long time. Lets have a party for Rosie she said suddenly I know you didnt want a baby shower ..so let have a.. Bette searched for a suitable phrase Welcome to the world party

No.. Tina said firmly then when she saw Bettes face crumple Yes.. she frowned No.. then she thought about Rosie. It was time to celebrate her life Oh..OK she said finally embracing Bettes idea. Maybe it would help put her superstitions to rest But how about we make it a naming ceremony?

Bette waited for a moment and when Tina didnt change her mind again she said GreatI love the idea of a naming ceremony..Ill get in a caterer she looked at Tina Please she pleaded with her we dont have to do this ourselves as well do we?

Tina laughed OK.. then she thought for a moment I guess Ill ring Mom, see if she can change her plans and come on the Saturday..

Bette nodded agreement and was just about to speak when she suddenly put her hand over her mouth and yawned.

Tina said Dont do that youll make me .. and she yawned as well. See this is why Rosie needs her own room. Now help me decide which of these themes we should go with..

TBC.