Chapter 1.3: Exponential Growth
Tara's pregnancy seemed to go on forever. She was two weeks past her due date when she finally went into labor. Luke was alarmed by her water breaking and wanted to take Tara to the hospital, but she was adamant. Their baby would be born at home.
After several hours, Tara was wondering if maybe a hospital birth might be a good idea next time. Labor hurt.
It was all worth it when Tara welcomed her son into the world. She named him Nikolas.
Luke was in awe. He was a father!
Now that Tara was no longer pregnant, her transformations returned. She was beginning to enjoy her time as a werewolf, as she was getting better at controlling her changes.
She still couldn't control everything. Hunger was a huge weakness.
Little Nikolas closely resembled his mother in every way but one.
Nikolas was a human, just like his father.
This was an immense relief to both parents. Neither had any idea what raising a werewolf child would entail, when transformation would start, or how much control the child would have. Tara and Luke were first time parents. That was trying enough without throwing a werewolf baby into the mix.
Nikolas was a bright child. His potty training took no time at all. Luke was over the moon. He despised diapers.
Nikolas was also on a schedule. He always slept through the night. So did his parents.
He had his bottle at 8 a.m.
Much of the rest of the day was spent playing with his little xylophone. The tinkling of the keys was irritating when Luke wanted to write, but it was often accompanied by laughter. Luke decided to take that over screams.
Since her son was able to entertain himself, Tara had time to tend to her garden. The quality of her plants was slowly increasing. Between what she sold her produce for and Luke's royalties, the small family was able to get along comfortably.
One evening Luke and Tara decided it was high time they got married. They had a small ceremony in their front lawn, just the two of them and their son. Tara kept her last name, as did Luke. They decided the children would have Tara's surname.
Nikolas went to bed soon afterwards.
Having a toddler who slept soundly gave Tara and Nikolas time to celebrate. They both desperately wanted another child, and had started trying not long after Nikolas was born. They did not want their children to be too far apart in age. Unfortunately Tara was having trouble conceiving.
Time passed. Luke published another book. Tara had no luck getting pregnant.
Nikolas often read to himself, making up the words to books his parents read him.
Soon Tara began to have nausea. She did not let her hopes up. There was no proof that it was morning sickness. She hadn't had any at all with Nikolas.
In the morning after Tara gardened she helped Nikolas learn new words.
At night Luke and his son played games to help him walk better. Nikolas was an easy baby, but he was clumsy.
Tara's frequent vomiting led to an equally frequently clogged toilet.
All too soon, it was Nikolas' birthday. He was so excited to start school and get a real big boy bed.
His parents bought him an easel for his birthday.
Nikolas looked just like his mother, though Luke was careful never to say it in front of him. Little boys did not seem to like being told they look like their mother.
After Nikolas' birthday, the Lupins had to have some work done on the house.
Tara was finally pregnant again.