Welcome to the Family
Title: Welcome to the Family
Series: A Year in the Life
Date: Sept 12th - National Grandparent’s Day
author: cunningdeb
Rating: PG for language
Pairing: adam/kris
Summary: The Allen-Lamberts welcome the newest member of the family.
Disclaimer: Pure fiction.
Warning: loss of a child (reminiscence)
Part of my Allen-Lambert universe. Introducing two new characters. Read on to meet them. If you’re not already aware, I time travel with this family. Just because I’ve written this far into the future doesn’t mean there won’t be more with Hannah and Josh as kids.
Have tissues ready. My, how the years have flown by :`) *sighs*
--*--
The car screeched into the parking lot, circling frantically for a spot. Finally, after the worst parking job known to mankind, two men raced towards the hospital, dodging moving cars and people alike. Making a beeline to the elevator, they both pushed the ‘up’ button a couple hundred times and when the doors didn’t open within five seconds, they sprinted down the hallway until they found a stairwell. Adam and Kris stopped long enough to catch their breath and give each other a quick kiss before flying up six flights of stairs.
The floor was pretty quiet considering the circumstances. Adam had to stop and lean against the wall until his heart stopped pounding. He shoved Kris towards the nurses’ station.
“G-Go. Find out. I, I’ll be right there.”
Kris nodded like a bobblehead and did as his husband asked.
“Can I help you?” the on-duty nurse asked, all smiles.
How the hell can she be so calm? he asked himself. Doesn’t she know what’s happening?
“Sir? Are you okay?”
“What? Yes, sorry, I’m, we’re here to see someone.”
“Patient’s name?”
“Right, it’s ah…we’re, um, we’re here to see ah…oh my God, I can’t remember.”
Kris felt a comforting hand on the small of his back.
“Allen-Lambert,” Adam supplied.
“Allen-Lambert,” she said slowly, typing it into the computer. “Room 610. It’s to your left, third door on the right.”
“Thank you. Come on Kris, before it’s too late.”
Now that they were almost there, they slowed down, not wanting to be seen flustered. Today was going to be emotional and they need to be strong. Smiling and trying not to look scared to death, they walked into the room and stopped short. The bed was empty.
“Where….”
“Here Dad … Pop,” a shaky voice called out. Josh came out of the bathroom, pale as a ghost, wiping his face with a wet paper towel.
“Is she gone?” Kris asked, pulling his son into a hug.
“They just wheeled her in.”
“So why aren’t you there?” Adam asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“She doesn’t want me there.”
“Of course she does. You started this together and you’re going to see it through together.”
Josh let go of his Dad, joining his Pop on the bed. “She made it perfectly clear that she doesn’t want me with her.”
Kris sat beside his son. “Maybe you misunderstood. I know she wants you there. She’s going to need your support.”
“No, she doesn’t.” Josh looked at his clinched hands, twisting his gold band.
“What did she say?”
“She told me to go fuck myself and see how I liked it.”
Adam and Kris looked at each other over their son’s downcast head, swallowing their giggles. They clasped hands behind his back and pushed him up.
“Get your ass in there,” Adam sweetly ordered.
“But, but she doesn’t want me there!”
“It’s the pain talking. If you aren’t with her, both of you are going to regret it.”
Josh started pacing. “I don’t know.” He gazed at the door.
“Joshua, we weren’t given the opportunity to see you and your sister being born and I think I can say for both of us,” Kris looked at Adam, who nodded his agreement, “that’s one thing we regret.”
“Don’t you want to be the first person your child sees when they enter this world?” Adam added. “The first one who touches them with love? The first one they scream at?”
All three men laughed.
“I guess you’re right. I better hurry before I miss all the fun.” Josh gave his Dad and Pop big hugs. “I love you both so much.”
“We love you too Joshie Bear,” Kris said, pushing him towards the door. “Now get in that delivery room and don’t come back without our first grandchild.”
--*--
Adam and Kris were far too busy to be nervous at the moment. Dialing with lightning speed they called friends and family to let them know the baby was coming. They didn’t talk long except for a few exceptions ~ the soon-to-be great-grandparents, their brothers and their families, an anxious Hannah stationed in Germany, Mrs. Willowby in England and the other set of brand new grandparents across the country in New Hampshire. Adam and Kris promised they’d be the first ones they called back when the little one arrived.
Josh and Jenn had been married just over a year. They met in New York at Julliard when they were students and got married five years later. Adam and Kris had been thrilled when they moved back to Los Angeles. Jenn was a full-time violinist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Josh was a music teacher. They set up a teaching and recording studio in their new home. During the day, Joshua Allen-Lambert taught piano, guitar, bass and vocals and at night he performed at various venues, sometimes as a soloist. sometimes with his rock band, and he also developed new talent by helping them record demos.
Adam and Kris had been the first to find out about the new arrival since they were the only family the kids had nearby. They’d been invited over for dinner ~ Jenn was a gourmet cook as well ~ and afterwards, over iced tea on the patio, they sprung the news. The future grandfathers were thrilled and so were the young parents. Over the next nine months, Adam and Kris watched from afar, not wanting to make pests of themselves, but they kept in touch and were there when needed.
Much to Adam’s chagrin, Josh and Jenn didn’t want to know the sex of the baby. Adam pleaded to at least let him find out from the doctor ~ after all, how was he going to buy clothes for his grandchild if he didn’t know what to get? He’d seen this adorable leather and lace dress and bought it anyway, just in case.
After all the calls were made, they sat there together but alone in their thoughts. Both of them were thinking about the same things.
As Kris had reminded Josh, they hadn’t been present for the birth of their children. Hannah had been adopted at age two, and Joshua had already been born by the time they found out he’d entered the world. Besides, at that time, he was the son of Lori, Hannah’s first nanny, and her husband. She’d died in childbirth and they adopted him when his birthfather decided couldn’t handle being a single parent.
The most emotional memory - and most painful - had been the death of their son Jonathon. They’d used a surrogate and both men had donated sperm. Though they didn’t know whose biological son he had been, he was their flesh and blood. Jonathon had been still born and the tragedy nearly broke them.
Adam and Kris reached out hands to each other, holding on as time slowly passed. This time would be different. Jenn had carried to term, both her and the baby were healthy and they’d made sure she had the best care money could buy.
“Dad? Papa?”
They looked up. Josh was standing in the doorway, still wearing his plastic hair cap and sterile robe.
“Josh? How … are … is everyone okay?” Adam and Kris slowly got to their feet.
Their son nodded and laughed and cried, “It’s a boy! It’s a perfect little boy! Oh … my …God … I have a son! I’m a daddypapafather!”
Hugs and kisses and back patting and tears - everything good in the world filled the circle created by the happy trio. Once they’d let it all out, they calmed down and Josh took his parents to see their daughter-in-law and meet their grandson.
“Adam! Kris! Come meet JJ.”
Adam and Kris kissed Jenn on the cheek, telling her how beautiful she looked. Jenn laughed and told them they needed glasses in their old age. She lovingly opened up the blue blanket covering the bundle in her arms and they set eyes on the most handsome baby in the world. His hair was dark but they couldn’t tell what color his eyes were yet since he had them squeezed shut. His little mouth was puckering and a tiny pink tongue poked out between rosy lips. JJ’s fists pumped the air as he gurgled and cooed.
Adam’s thumb lightly brushed the tiny fingers. “What does JJ stand for? Joshua Jennifer?” he laughed.
“Why not?” Kris replied, petting the soft downy hair. “John Wayne’s real first name was Marion.”
“Actually,” Joshua replied, sitting down beside his family and wrapping an arm around her, “it stands for Johnny Jr.”
Both men were speechless as tears welled in their eyes.
“I never told you two this but I used to go visit his grave every week and talk to him. He was the first one I told about applying to Julliard and when I was in New York, I’d talk to him at night, especially when I needed advice. Once we moved back here to LA, I took Jenn to meet him and I began visiting him again. He’s my big brother and I … we … felt it was right to honor him this way. If it’s too painful, we can call him Joshua Jennifer and send you his therapy bills.”
Chuckles joined the tears. Kris hugged his son and kissed his temple. “I think it’s perfect. Adam?”
Jenn reached out her free hand and Adam took it. He was still speechless. Jenn gently drew him in until he was sitting beside her. “Adam? What do you think? Is it alright?”
He just smiled and nodded.
Kris could see Adam was holding his emotions back by the way he clenched his jaw and how his blue eyes were glistening. “I think we have some phone calls to make. There’s anxious family around the globe waiting to hear about JJ. Besides, you three need some alone time. We’ll come back in a while.”
Hugs and kisses were passed around once more and then the boys left. Kris took Adam by the hand and led him into an empty room. The minute the door closed, Adam was enfolded in Kris’ arms and they sobbed.
--*--
Nearly thirty years. That’s how long it had been since they’d buried their first born and while the sorrow was still there, it was a dull ache rather than a stabbing pain. Adam and Kris sat on the grass in front of the grave marker.
“Are you sure you’re really okay with this? If it hurts too much, I’m sure the kids wouldn’t mind changing his name,” Kris asked softly, hand on his husband’s knee.
“It’s his name now; I don’t want to take that away from him. Besides, I like the idea that Jonathon is living on in his nephew.” Adam pulled up some blades of grass, tossing them. “Kris?”
“Yes lover.”
“JJ … does he, it that what … does he look like Johnny?”
Kris knew what Adam met. When their baby died, Kris had held the still little body, looked upon his sleeping face, and said goodbye. He knew what their son had looked like. Adam had been so distraught he couldn’t bring himself to say a proper goodbye. Kris knew Adam had regretted that ever since. At the time, he said he didn’t want to remember his dead son’s face but as a result, Adam had no visual memory of him at all.
“Does he?”
Adam’s question drew Kris out of the past. He could have said all newborns look the same or that they didn’t share any DNA but Kris knew the right answer was not necessarily the correct answer.
Resting his head on Adam’s shoulder, Kris replied, “Yeah, he does. Johnny’s spirit is all around him, like a guardian angel.”
Adam laid his head atop his husband’s shoulder. “I like that - his guardian angel.”
They sat together for a while longer before getting up. Kris was on his feet first, stretching and cringing. “I’m getting too old for this,” he muttered, rubbing his butt.
Adam sprung to his feet. “Well old timer, better kick the vitamins up a notch and hit the gym cause we have a little one to keep up with again. Are you ready to go back to the hospital?”
Kris wrapped an arm around his husband’s waist. “Yeah, but I need to stop at the house first; I have to get something.”
--*--
When the boys returned to the hospital, they found an exhausted Jenn sound asleep and their son sitting in a rocking chair trying to soothe his son. The little fella was fussy, making bursts of noise that threatened to overflow into a full out scream. Josh was rocking him and talking softly, trying to prevent the inevitable.
Adam and Kris knelt down on either side of the chair, trying to calm their grandson as well. Kris brought forth his secret weapon. He held up the teddy bear, making it dance like a goof and inventing a deep voice. “Well hullo dere JJ, happy birthday!”
JJ’s eyes grew huge and he was mesmerized. Kris slowly moved the stuffy forward so they bopped noses. JJ scrunched his face up and whined.
Josh looked at the old bear. “That’s Jonathon’s isn’t it?”
“He’s been sitting on a shelf too long; this critter was bought to be loved by a little boy.”
Adam leaned over it and sniffed. “Eww, I think he needs a dry cleaning before JJ gets too attached.”
The bear only worked for so long then JJ got fussy again. All three men were trying desperately to keep him quiet so Mommy could sleep.
“How about a lullaby?” Adam suggested.
“Why not … um, any suggestions?” Josh asked, looking back and forth between his parents.
“How about that one we used to sing to you and Hannah when you were little?”
Josh nodded. “Yeah yeah, I remember … how’s it go?” He thought for a minute. “I just remember the beginning. Can you guys sing it?”
“Oh no you don’t. You’re the Daddy now. JJ wants to hear your voice, not some old rock stars,” Kris said.
“Oh puleeze, you two are never gonna be old. Okay, I’ll start but feel free to jump in whenever.”
The baby was readjusted so he could see his Daddy and Josh began, his voice soft and full of love. “Hush a bye / Don't you cry / Go to sleep my little baby / When you wake / You shall have / All the pretty little ponies….”
Tears of unbelievable joy streaked down Josh’s cheeks and his voice faltered. Adam and Kris joined in, singing harmony like they used to when they sang for their children. Their support bolstered Josh and they continued:
“In your bed / Daddy said / Baby's riding off to dreamland / One by one / They've begun / Dance and prance for little baby / … Blacks and bays, dapples and grays / Running in the night / When you wake / You shall have / All the pretty little ponies…”
A small audience gathered outside the door but the Allen-Lambert trio didn’t notice.
“Can you see the little ponies / Dance before your eyes / All the pretty little ponies / Will be there when you arise…
“Hush a bye / Don't you cry / Go to sleep my little baby / When you wake / You shall have / All the pretty little ponies / All the pretty little ponies / All the pretty little ponies…”
JJ fell asleep. Josh kissed him on the forehead and whispered, “Welcome the family Johnny Jr … you’re in for one hell of a ride.”
--*--
Give this a listen, really. Sung by Kenny Loggins with male backup singers providing harmony. “All the Pretty Little Ponies” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L7hKiIeLxQ
NOTE: In case you missed it and are interested, here is the story that tells the tale of Jonathon Allen-Lambert and the adoption of Hannah. I haven’t written the tale of Josh’s birth/adoption yet but I will at some point: http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/14459.html
Series: A Year in the Life
Date: Sept 12th - National Grandparent’s Day
author: cunningdeb
Rating: PG for language
Pairing: adam/kris
Summary: The Allen-Lamberts welcome the newest member of the family.
Disclaimer: Pure fiction.
Warning: loss of a child (reminiscence)
Part of my Allen-Lambert universe. Introducing two new characters. Read on to meet them. If you’re not already aware, I time travel with this family. Just because I’ve written this far into the future doesn’t mean there won’t be more with Hannah and Josh as kids.
Have tissues ready. My, how the years have flown by :`) *sighs*
--*--
The car screeched into the parking lot, circling frantically for a spot. Finally, after the worst parking job known to mankind, two men raced towards the hospital, dodging moving cars and people alike. Making a beeline to the elevator, they both pushed the ‘up’ button a couple hundred times and when the doors didn’t open within five seconds, they sprinted down the hallway until they found a stairwell. Adam and Kris stopped long enough to catch their breath and give each other a quick kiss before flying up six flights of stairs.
The floor was pretty quiet considering the circumstances. Adam had to stop and lean against the wall until his heart stopped pounding. He shoved Kris towards the nurses’ station.
“G-Go. Find out. I, I’ll be right there.”
Kris nodded like a bobblehead and did as his husband asked.
“Can I help you?” the on-duty nurse asked, all smiles.
How the hell can she be so calm? he asked himself. Doesn’t she know what’s happening?
“Sir? Are you okay?”
“What? Yes, sorry, I’m, we’re here to see someone.”
“Patient’s name?”
“Right, it’s ah…we’re, um, we’re here to see ah…oh my God, I can’t remember.”
Kris felt a comforting hand on the small of his back.
“Allen-Lambert,” Adam supplied.
“Allen-Lambert,” she said slowly, typing it into the computer. “Room 610. It’s to your left, third door on the right.”
“Thank you. Come on Kris, before it’s too late.”
Now that they were almost there, they slowed down, not wanting to be seen flustered. Today was going to be emotional and they need to be strong. Smiling and trying not to look scared to death, they walked into the room and stopped short. The bed was empty.
“Where….”
“Here Dad … Pop,” a shaky voice called out. Josh came out of the bathroom, pale as a ghost, wiping his face with a wet paper towel.
“Is she gone?” Kris asked, pulling his son into a hug.
“They just wheeled her in.”
“So why aren’t you there?” Adam asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“She doesn’t want me there.”
“Of course she does. You started this together and you’re going to see it through together.”
Josh let go of his Dad, joining his Pop on the bed. “She made it perfectly clear that she doesn’t want me with her.”
Kris sat beside his son. “Maybe you misunderstood. I know she wants you there. She’s going to need your support.”
“No, she doesn’t.” Josh looked at his clinched hands, twisting his gold band.
“What did she say?”
“She told me to go fuck myself and see how I liked it.”
Adam and Kris looked at each other over their son’s downcast head, swallowing their giggles. They clasped hands behind his back and pushed him up.
“Get your ass in there,” Adam sweetly ordered.
“But, but she doesn’t want me there!”
“It’s the pain talking. If you aren’t with her, both of you are going to regret it.”
Josh started pacing. “I don’t know.” He gazed at the door.
“Joshua, we weren’t given the opportunity to see you and your sister being born and I think I can say for both of us,” Kris looked at Adam, who nodded his agreement, “that’s one thing we regret.”
“Don’t you want to be the first person your child sees when they enter this world?” Adam added. “The first one who touches them with love? The first one they scream at?”
All three men laughed.
“I guess you’re right. I better hurry before I miss all the fun.” Josh gave his Dad and Pop big hugs. “I love you both so much.”
“We love you too Joshie Bear,” Kris said, pushing him towards the door. “Now get in that delivery room and don’t come back without our first grandchild.”
--*--
Adam and Kris were far too busy to be nervous at the moment. Dialing with lightning speed they called friends and family to let them know the baby was coming. They didn’t talk long except for a few exceptions ~ the soon-to-be great-grandparents, their brothers and their families, an anxious Hannah stationed in Germany, Mrs. Willowby in England and the other set of brand new grandparents across the country in New Hampshire. Adam and Kris promised they’d be the first ones they called back when the little one arrived.
Josh and Jenn had been married just over a year. They met in New York at Julliard when they were students and got married five years later. Adam and Kris had been thrilled when they moved back to Los Angeles. Jenn was a full-time violinist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Josh was a music teacher. They set up a teaching and recording studio in their new home. During the day, Joshua Allen-Lambert taught piano, guitar, bass and vocals and at night he performed at various venues, sometimes as a soloist. sometimes with his rock band, and he also developed new talent by helping them record demos.
Adam and Kris had been the first to find out about the new arrival since they were the only family the kids had nearby. They’d been invited over for dinner ~ Jenn was a gourmet cook as well ~ and afterwards, over iced tea on the patio, they sprung the news. The future grandfathers were thrilled and so were the young parents. Over the next nine months, Adam and Kris watched from afar, not wanting to make pests of themselves, but they kept in touch and were there when needed.
Much to Adam’s chagrin, Josh and Jenn didn’t want to know the sex of the baby. Adam pleaded to at least let him find out from the doctor ~ after all, how was he going to buy clothes for his grandchild if he didn’t know what to get? He’d seen this adorable leather and lace dress and bought it anyway, just in case.
After all the calls were made, they sat there together but alone in their thoughts. Both of them were thinking about the same things.
As Kris had reminded Josh, they hadn’t been present for the birth of their children. Hannah had been adopted at age two, and Joshua had already been born by the time they found out he’d entered the world. Besides, at that time, he was the son of Lori, Hannah’s first nanny, and her husband. She’d died in childbirth and they adopted him when his birthfather decided couldn’t handle being a single parent.
The most emotional memory - and most painful - had been the death of their son Jonathon. They’d used a surrogate and both men had donated sperm. Though they didn’t know whose biological son he had been, he was their flesh and blood. Jonathon had been still born and the tragedy nearly broke them.
Adam and Kris reached out hands to each other, holding on as time slowly passed. This time would be different. Jenn had carried to term, both her and the baby were healthy and they’d made sure she had the best care money could buy.
“Dad? Papa?”
They looked up. Josh was standing in the doorway, still wearing his plastic hair cap and sterile robe.
“Josh? How … are … is everyone okay?” Adam and Kris slowly got to their feet.
Their son nodded and laughed and cried, “It’s a boy! It’s a perfect little boy! Oh … my …God … I have a son! I’m a daddypapafather!”
Hugs and kisses and back patting and tears - everything good in the world filled the circle created by the happy trio. Once they’d let it all out, they calmed down and Josh took his parents to see their daughter-in-law and meet their grandson.
“Adam! Kris! Come meet JJ.”
Adam and Kris kissed Jenn on the cheek, telling her how beautiful she looked. Jenn laughed and told them they needed glasses in their old age. She lovingly opened up the blue blanket covering the bundle in her arms and they set eyes on the most handsome baby in the world. His hair was dark but they couldn’t tell what color his eyes were yet since he had them squeezed shut. His little mouth was puckering and a tiny pink tongue poked out between rosy lips. JJ’s fists pumped the air as he gurgled and cooed.
Adam’s thumb lightly brushed the tiny fingers. “What does JJ stand for? Joshua Jennifer?” he laughed.
“Why not?” Kris replied, petting the soft downy hair. “John Wayne’s real first name was Marion.”
“Actually,” Joshua replied, sitting down beside his family and wrapping an arm around her, “it stands for Johnny Jr.”
Both men were speechless as tears welled in their eyes.
“I never told you two this but I used to go visit his grave every week and talk to him. He was the first one I told about applying to Julliard and when I was in New York, I’d talk to him at night, especially when I needed advice. Once we moved back here to LA, I took Jenn to meet him and I began visiting him again. He’s my big brother and I … we … felt it was right to honor him this way. If it’s too painful, we can call him Joshua Jennifer and send you his therapy bills.”
Chuckles joined the tears. Kris hugged his son and kissed his temple. “I think it’s perfect. Adam?”
Jenn reached out her free hand and Adam took it. He was still speechless. Jenn gently drew him in until he was sitting beside her. “Adam? What do you think? Is it alright?”
He just smiled and nodded.
Kris could see Adam was holding his emotions back by the way he clenched his jaw and how his blue eyes were glistening. “I think we have some phone calls to make. There’s anxious family around the globe waiting to hear about JJ. Besides, you three need some alone time. We’ll come back in a while.”
Hugs and kisses were passed around once more and then the boys left. Kris took Adam by the hand and led him into an empty room. The minute the door closed, Adam was enfolded in Kris’ arms and they sobbed.
--*--
Nearly thirty years. That’s how long it had been since they’d buried their first born and while the sorrow was still there, it was a dull ache rather than a stabbing pain. Adam and Kris sat on the grass in front of the grave marker.
“Are you sure you’re really okay with this? If it hurts too much, I’m sure the kids wouldn’t mind changing his name,” Kris asked softly, hand on his husband’s knee.
“It’s his name now; I don’t want to take that away from him. Besides, I like the idea that Jonathon is living on in his nephew.” Adam pulled up some blades of grass, tossing them. “Kris?”
“Yes lover.”
“JJ … does he, it that what … does he look like Johnny?”
Kris knew what Adam met. When their baby died, Kris had held the still little body, looked upon his sleeping face, and said goodbye. He knew what their son had looked like. Adam had been so distraught he couldn’t bring himself to say a proper goodbye. Kris knew Adam had regretted that ever since. At the time, he said he didn’t want to remember his dead son’s face but as a result, Adam had no visual memory of him at all.
“Does he?”
Adam’s question drew Kris out of the past. He could have said all newborns look the same or that they didn’t share any DNA but Kris knew the right answer was not necessarily the correct answer.
Resting his head on Adam’s shoulder, Kris replied, “Yeah, he does. Johnny’s spirit is all around him, like a guardian angel.”
Adam laid his head atop his husband’s shoulder. “I like that - his guardian angel.”
They sat together for a while longer before getting up. Kris was on his feet first, stretching and cringing. “I’m getting too old for this,” he muttered, rubbing his butt.
Adam sprung to his feet. “Well old timer, better kick the vitamins up a notch and hit the gym cause we have a little one to keep up with again. Are you ready to go back to the hospital?”
Kris wrapped an arm around his husband’s waist. “Yeah, but I need to stop at the house first; I have to get something.”
--*--
When the boys returned to the hospital, they found an exhausted Jenn sound asleep and their son sitting in a rocking chair trying to soothe his son. The little fella was fussy, making bursts of noise that threatened to overflow into a full out scream. Josh was rocking him and talking softly, trying to prevent the inevitable.
Adam and Kris knelt down on either side of the chair, trying to calm their grandson as well. Kris brought forth his secret weapon. He held up the teddy bear, making it dance like a goof and inventing a deep voice. “Well hullo dere JJ, happy birthday!”
JJ’s eyes grew huge and he was mesmerized. Kris slowly moved the stuffy forward so they bopped noses. JJ scrunched his face up and whined.
Josh looked at the old bear. “That’s Jonathon’s isn’t it?”
“He’s been sitting on a shelf too long; this critter was bought to be loved by a little boy.”
Adam leaned over it and sniffed. “Eww, I think he needs a dry cleaning before JJ gets too attached.”
The bear only worked for so long then JJ got fussy again. All three men were trying desperately to keep him quiet so Mommy could sleep.
“How about a lullaby?” Adam suggested.
“Why not … um, any suggestions?” Josh asked, looking back and forth between his parents.
“How about that one we used to sing to you and Hannah when you were little?”
Josh nodded. “Yeah yeah, I remember … how’s it go?” He thought for a minute. “I just remember the beginning. Can you guys sing it?”
“Oh no you don’t. You’re the Daddy now. JJ wants to hear your voice, not some old rock stars,” Kris said.
“Oh puleeze, you two are never gonna be old. Okay, I’ll start but feel free to jump in whenever.”
The baby was readjusted so he could see his Daddy and Josh began, his voice soft and full of love. “Hush a bye / Don't you cry / Go to sleep my little baby / When you wake / You shall have / All the pretty little ponies….”
Tears of unbelievable joy streaked down Josh’s cheeks and his voice faltered. Adam and Kris joined in, singing harmony like they used to when they sang for their children. Their support bolstered Josh and they continued:
“In your bed / Daddy said / Baby's riding off to dreamland / One by one / They've begun / Dance and prance for little baby / … Blacks and bays, dapples and grays / Running in the night / When you wake / You shall have / All the pretty little ponies…”
A small audience gathered outside the door but the Allen-Lambert trio didn’t notice.
“Can you see the little ponies / Dance before your eyes / All the pretty little ponies / Will be there when you arise…
“Hush a bye / Don't you cry / Go to sleep my little baby / When you wake / You shall have / All the pretty little ponies / All the pretty little ponies / All the pretty little ponies…”
JJ fell asleep. Josh kissed him on the forehead and whispered, “Welcome the family Johnny Jr … you’re in for one hell of a ride.”
--*--
Give this a listen, really. Sung by Kenny Loggins with male backup singers providing harmony. “All the Pretty Little Ponies” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L7hKiIeLxQ
NOTE: In case you missed it and are interested, here is the story that tells the tale of Jonathon Allen-Lambert and the adoption of Hannah. I haven’t written the tale of Josh’s birth/adoption yet but I will at some point: http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/14459.html