The Nurse's Newborn Gift by Wendy S. Marcus Page B

things. And just because it’s not the same as your way doesn’t mean it’s the wrong way.”
    Kira stared down at the table, looking deep in thought.
    â€œWhen I was younger? You didn’t like the way I was doing something so you took over and started doing it yourself? Fine, it was easier to let you do it than fight about it.” She leaned down to catch her sister’s eyes. “But I’m an adult now. It has to stop.”
    â€œI am not trying to take over. I’m only trying to help.”
    â€œBy buying me milk I don’t drink and cheese I don’t eat.”
    â€œYou’re breastfeeding. You need to eat and drink healthy food. Last time I was here all you had in your refrigerator was ketchup, mayonnaise and yogurt.”
    â€œI’m only one person. I like yogurt. And when I need food I’ll run to the store to get it. Or I’ll order it.”
    Kira looked ready to argue so Krissy set her hand on Kira’s forearm. “You work all day then you run to the store then you come here for a visit. Then you run home, make dinner, and spend some quiet time with Derrick before heading downstairs to Mom’s apartment to check in on her. You’re running yourself ragged. I know you’re exhausted and more often than not, queasy. I was just recently pregnant myself, remember? I know how awful the first three months can be. And yet you’re still pushing yourself. My point is, I don’t want you running yourself ragged because of me. I love seeing you, but we don’t have to see each other every day and you don’t always have to come here. I can come to you. You don’t have to make a special trip to the store for me. I’m fine. J.J.’s fine. I won’t let either of us starve. I will always have a clean diaper available.” And if she didn’t, she’d improvise. “And if there is ever a time when we really do need something, I will call you and ask for your help.” She placed her hand over her heart. “I promise.”
    Kira let out a weary breath. “I’m sorry. All I ever wanted to do was make your life easier than mine was.”
    â€œYou have.” Even if Krissy had never asked her to and she sometimes threw it back in Krissy’s face. “And I love you for it. But you can stop now. I’m all grown up.”
    â€œYes you are.” Kira leaned in to hug her. “I’m so proud of the independent, competent, and hard-working person you’ve become.”
    Those words, coming from Kira, meant so much. “Thank you.” Krissy hugged her back. “When you have your baby, I’m going to be there for you like you’ve been here for me. Every day for the first two weeks. I’m going to cook for you, shop for you, and drive you absolutely crazy with all my suggestions. Because I will finally know more about two things than you do, actual hands on taking care of a newborn and breastfeeding.”
    â€œI look forward to it.”
    â€œWe’ll see.”
    â€œHow’s it going, the breastfeeding?”
    Krissy tried not to think about her cracked, sore nipples. “Let’s just say it’s not as natural or as easy as you’d think.”
    â€œYou could...” Kira started then stopped even though Krissy could tell she really wanted to continue.
    â€œThank you for your restraint.” Krissy smiled. “I have an appointment with a lactation consultant tomorrow.”
    â€œGood. You’ll tell me how it goes?”
    â€œSure.” Krissy glanced at the clock on the microwave. J.J. would be waking up for his next feeding any minute. “You can take back the diaper pail and baby bathtub you dropped off after I got home. I don’t need them.” She stood. “They’re unused so you can save them for your baby. But I’m keeping the long-sleeve onesies and sleepers and the towel set.”
    Kira looked confused. “I