Ellen:
First thing first, I have to say that I am honored. I was a bit
confused when I was contacted. I thought I was on the list of options
for interviewers.
Nicki:
Nooooo. No, no, no. There was no list. I knew who I wanted. When I
realized that this project would be a go, I knew immediately. Like it might have been
creepy actually. I smiled, looked up, and said......
Ellen.
Ellen:
I love it. I am again very honored to be a part of this. I feel like
I deserve it.
Nicki:
Ellen, don't you start.
Ellen:
No, because I put in the work for this. All the gifts, the
invitations to my show. I mean you only accepted like three out of
thirty but I guess-
Nicki:
Ellen you did not invite me on your little show no thirty times.
Don't you-
Ellen:
I bought you all those gifts. I dressed as you for Halloween... and a
couple of other days for no reason but uh-
Nicki:
You know what, Ellen? You get on my nerves. You- you are- this is why
I chose YOU. This is why I wanted you. Don't toss me into boring
interviews. Don't trap me with someone that will make me be like you
know what? I'm done. It's over. Cut it short and figure it out. That
wouldn't have worked.
Ellen:
On a serious note, I had no idea that it was a full project. I
thought I would be doing a couple of interviews. An interview with
you all on a personal level and a fun interview in front of a live
audience. I had no clue that I would be packing up a week's worth of
clothes and going to boot camp- I mean your house.
Nicki:
I'm going to let you slide with that. Just for now though because
I'ma get you later. But you know, I thought this could be fun. This
could be interesting. This could be different. But only on my terms.
Only if we could do it my way and with who I wanted. That's the only
way this could work.
Ellen:
This will be different.
Nicki:
This will be another level. It all started at this meeting where
someone threw out the idea and I didn't like it at first. I didn't
like the approach of the idea. All I heard basically was reality
show. I don't want to be like every other celebrity. Even the shows
I've agreed to in the past, it wasn't like any other reality show
that's scripted and set out to be this drama filled show to bring in
ratings of the wrong attention. I'm open to sharing my world, but how
I want to. I want to show that I am real. I am more than a celebrity
to the world. I am a wife to someone, I am a mother to someone, I am
a daughter to someone, a sister to someone, a friend, I am a human
being. I have to balance my life just like anyone else.
Ellen:
And you're going to show us how you manage to do that.
Nicki:
Yes. They mentioned bringing cameras in my home and I was like ugh
bleh or whatever but after going home and thinking about it, I came
up with some strange idea to bring in someone I don't mind sharing
this part of my life with. I wanted to be comfortable with what was
going on. You're perfect for that. You're genuine with what you do.
So it turned into this whole project of interviews with myself, my
family, my friends, joining me in being a part of my everyday life
for a week, no scripts, nobody telling us what to do or say. Just
capture my world. It took a few meetings and a loooooot of changes
but finally it got to that point where they got a smile out of me and
I was like alright, deal. Let's do it.
Ellen:
And here we are.
Nicki:
Here we are.
Ellen:
Sharing your life with us. You ready?
Nicki:
I'm ready.
Ellen:
Alright, this post interview is my favorite part. You know I
requested this part, right?
Nicki:
Oh, word?
Ellen:
Yeah, this is how I'm going to test the waters and see what I'm
getting myself into. Judging by your answers, I have all rights to
tell them I'm done. I'm not going into this crazy lady's house for a
week. Here's your interview. I already cashed the check so you can't
get that back.
Nicki:
You know what Ellen?
Ellen:
I got to choose my own questions.
Nicki:
I did that but whatever.
Ellen:
I tossed in a few of my own after you approved them so yeah whatever.
Nicki:
Ohhhhhh
Ellen:
I know just how I want to start this. Positive you're ready?
Nicki:
100. Let's go.
Ellen:
How is your relationship with your mom and dad?
Nicki:
Awesome. I've always been a cling to mommy type of gal so it only
gets better. As far as my dad, growth is still playing its role. I'm
blessed for that.
Ellen:
What do you love about motherhood?
Nicki:
Everything about it. Every single thing. The good, the bad, the
stressful, the extravagant, the downfalls, the rising again. I love
it all.
Ellen:
Can we get into those?
Nicki:
Sure.
Ellen:
Okay, which one do you want to start with?
Nicki:
You choose. I'm following your lead, Ellen.
Ellen:
Let's just go with the order you threw out. The good.
Nicki:
The happiness it brings. You know what's funny is when I first found
out I was pregnant, I was afraid. I cried.
Ellen:
What was scary? Giving birth?
Nicki:
No, I knew there was about to be a lot of change. Having to adjust to
major changes scared me. I have to get things right. That's just how
I am. With everything in my life, I have to get it right. So I wasn't
afraid of birth or anything like that. It was just the thought of
this new spin that was about to shift things. Now when my baby boy
came along, it was pure happiness. I was so in love. It's the
greatest love of all. Someone is depending on you. You are the big
deal to this small little person. There's absolutely no better
feeling. Absolutely not.
Ellen:
So what's the bad?
Nicki:
The bad which isn't really bad but it comes with the territory. Kids
are kids. They get into things and you have to teach them, mold them,
and make sure they have good manners, morals, and you don't have to
worry too much when they're older. You did your part when they were
learning, and when they are older you have to let them go by what
they've been taught. So it hurts to come so hard at them while they
are young, but at the same time you have to teach them to understand
the whys and why nots. They act out at times. They have little nasty
attitudes at times. They get into things. In those moments, I have to
step up and be stern. It's bad when I'm the one to wash the smile off
my babies faces. But that's a part of giving the proper raising.
Ellen:
The stressful.
Nicki:
Nothing is more stressful than your baby being sick. As a parent, you
can only do so much. I still have to get used to that. I don't know
how to handle watching my baby sick. You have to depend on nature to
take it's course. There's the medicine, the remedies, the doctor
visits. It's just so- ugh, I can't stand it. I wish it was as easy as
kissing it away, but it takes much more.
Ellen:
You said extravagant. That's an interesting word. I never would have
guessed that would be one of the words in the description.
Nicki:
Yeah.
Ellen:
Let's get into that.
Nicki:
The parties, the sleepovers, the play dates, the camping, the
adventures. They are always so excited to have adventures. It's the
best, I swear. Watching them run around, using all of their energy
playing hard, and next thing you know they are sprawled out anywhere
they drop snoring like crazy.
Ellen:
Do you watch them sleep?
Nicki:
Yeah.
Ellen:
That's weird.
Nicki:
I'm weird, Ellen. But even they watch me sleep sometimes.
Ellen:
The kids watch you sleep?
Nicki:
Yeah, I wake up every now and then and they're right there staring.
Ellen:
Just right there?
Nicki:
Yup. Leaning on their little hands staring right at me.
Ellen:
They get that from you, I'm guessing.
Nicki:
Yeah, that's one of my things.
Ellen:
Would you mind having more kids?
Nicki: No. Not at all. I want
an old fashion family. I want to leave behind like a football team.
I'd definitely have more.
Ellen:
So you'd jump right into that?
Nicki:
Well with the right timing though.
Ellen:
Oh okay. So you won't be going home tonight and hitting the clock.
Nicki:
Noooo. Not tonight.
Ellen:
You got a favorite child?
Nicki:
Yup.
Ellen:
So honest. No one ever answers that but you just did and quickly.
Nicki:
My favorite child is whoever is doing something for me in that
moment. Munchkin let's me have some of his juice when I'm thirsty, my
favorite. Papa picks something up for me when I don't feel like
reaching, my favorite. Baby fixes me lunch when I've barricaded
myself in my office and lost track of time, my favorite. I don't
choose favorites. I just I don't know, I favor them all. If that
makes sense...
Ellen:
How was it being pregnant with the girl vs the boys?
Nicki:
The only difference to me is my first pregnancy really. It was new to
me so things were more intense. I was learning. The second and third,
I felt I had it down. I was good. Oh, you know what?! I did have
cravings while carrying India. I didn't do that with the boys. That's
strange.
Ellen:
Were you moody?
Nicki:
No, I don't think so. I can be moody anyway so it wasn't like I can
blame that on the pregnancy. If I was, that was just me.
Ellen:
What's the most challenging part about pregnancy?
Nicki:
Well I don't know. Nothing was really too challenging about the
pregnancy itself but if I can speak on a challenge during my
pregnancy, it would be breaking my little munchkin from his spoiled
ways. And when I say I spoiled him, I mean I spoiled him rotten!
Sheldon is the opposite of Caleb. Caleb was always so independent
even from the beginning. The only problem I ever had with him was
when he knew if mommy was going to the studio, she would be gone for
a while. He didn't like that. I felt bad for that too so when I had
Sheldon, I put work on hold. I didn't want to do that again. I tried
it. I didn't like it. I stayed home and played mommy so with Sheldon
I was always carrying him and doing stuff that Caleb was too
independent to let me do for him. It's like he wanted to be the one
to help me. Sheldon is my little shadow. So it was very hard to break
his spoil habits like walking under my legs, wanting me to carry him
or pick him up, and the most heartbreaking one was laying on my
chest. That really hurt me because I had to put a stop to our bonding
gestures because I was afraid that he didn't understand the
importance so he couldn't be careful with me. He couldn't just climb
on me and plop down on my chest like that anymore. He couldn't walk
limb to limb clinging to my leg anymore, you know? I couldn't risk
tripping up. It was hard but it had to be done.
Ellen:
So I'm listening to you talk about how you put work on hold when you
gave birth to Sheldon, how was that different from Caleb? What
brought on that change?
Nicki:
Oh my God, thing is I was still trying to work. I had to learn how to
work that out. When I look back on things, I didn't like the way I
went about trying to balance family and work. I think I did good but
I think I could have gone about it a better way. When I had Caleb, I
was still trying to hold my title as hottest hype in rap, doing
shows, recording, traveling. It was alright because I had help. I
have supportive people. It's just that I missed things that might not
be a big deal but it's a big deal to me. Just simple things. And I
hated not being there when he was at his prime. He was always so full
of life and excited about everything and I think that's why little
simple things were major in my eyes. It was so astonishing to him and
that made what was so huge in his little eyes huge in my eyes. It got
to the point where I would only hit the studios at night because I
know I'm not missing anything when he's asleep. He's not missing me
because he has no clue mommy isn't there. I would put him to bed, go
to the studio and hopefully get enough accomplished so that I am home
just in time to greet him because he's an early riser. I had to do
that because it's easy for me to get tied up in the studio.
Ellen:
So you worked around his sleeping?
Nicki:
Yeah. Yeah, most definitely. It wasn't like that in the beginning. I
had to switch things up. When he hit the mommy look, look mommy
phase, I knew I had to calm down with work. Because I already
experienced that, I changed the game plan when Sheldon came along. I
scooted music to the side and focused on other things. I'm not just a
rapper. I'm a business woman. I took to things that could be handled
at home or brief meetings. Things that didn't take so much from me
because though I am the face, I'm also behind the scenes. I didn't
have to step away from my babies much. If I wanted, I could bring
them along. This works better for me.
Ellen:
How long was it before you began missing music?
Nicki:
Oh, it wasn't long at all. That's just- that's my thing. That's what
I do. I missed putting music out there and watching my fans spazz.
That's who I did it for. They knew it was more to me though so it
wasn't so hard. Anything I do, they support me. So it's not like we
lost that bond. We just picked it up and bounced around with it. We
do it together. We conquer together.
Ellen:
Can we touch on your businesses? How does that work? Do you just
think of ideas on the spot or are these things that were on your mind
for a while? I always wonder about that when it comes to you because
you are kind of spur of the moment random.
Nicki:
Both, actually. They are things I may have thought about in the past
and it just turns into something else when I really sit down and
think on it. Ideas come from every direction and just form into this
big empire right before my eyes. I get with the right people, we
brainstorm, we get paper and pens, we sit down and we just go from
there.
Ellen:
How do you balance family and work? Is that hard? Because as I'm
listening to you, I'm getting it that you seem to have everything
under control.
Nicki:
I do, I really do and if I don't, please believe Safaree does. So it
all works out. I have a great, reliable partner and that's all it
comes down to in the end. Everything I touch, Safaree is my partner.
We're in this together whether it's family or work so it's always
good. Family first, home is where it all lies. You can't go out
trying to build anything if you don't even put in the effort in
holding down your home. We worry about home first and everything else
falls in behind that.
Ellen:
I like that.
Nicki:
It's the honest truth.
Ellen:
Talk to me about marriage.
Nicki:
Oh wow. Marriage is one of the strongest tests in life. I learned a
lot of lessons and I cherish every single one.
Ellen:
You remember how this particular relationship started? Oh look at
your eyes. They got kind of big there.
Nicki:
I bet they did.
Ellen:
I triggered some memories, huh?
Nicki.
Many. Many, many, many memories. But you know... it just happened.
It's crazy to even try to explain. You know how they say your lover
should be your best friend? I literally ended up with my best friend.
Ellen:
And it worked out.
Nicki.
Yes. It started off rocky, I'll admit that right now. It started very
rocky but we got it together.
Ellen:
Can I dig?
Nicki:
That's why we're here.
Ellen:
What is it that attracted you to Safaree?
Nicki:
Okay, this is going to sound very cliché... but it's the truth. The
very second his name rolled off of your tongue, I already had my
answer front and center. My attraction to Safaree came from him
always being there for me. Always. No matter what. It's been like
that since not too long after we met. We just had that click, that
connection, like we just synced to one another. Anything I was ever
going through, Safaree didn't just listen and nod and twist things
around about him. He listened and he uplifted. When I worry about
something that hasn't even happened yet, he listens and supports.
Whatever I want, need, gave more than a minute of thought towards
that appeared to be interest, he'll make it happen. Even if he
doesn't agree, he will go along with it because he knows it's
something I once wanted. Like even if I back down on it, he will be
the one to bring it back up. To have someone like that, it's a
blessing. I've learned that. That was one of my life lessons
actually. Someone like that cares. They care. He brings that out of
me. What he is for me, I want to be for him. So it's deep. It's
really really REALLY deep. I feel like he will never leave my side. I
love that man. That's the biggest attraction, I promise. It's knowing
that when it's all said and done, whatever, whenever, however, he
will be there for me. That's what makes me look at him everyday and
just be googly eyed.
Ellen:
That's so sweet. Speaking of sweet, what's one thing that annoys you
about him?
Nicki:
Oh my God, most definitely when he is stingy with his pillow.
Ellen:
His pillow?!
Nicki:
Yeeeees. I be sleeping so good then goes and breaks my sleep when he
pulls it away.
Ellen:
Well Nicki it's kinda... his pillow.
Nicki:
I know, I know. But I don't know.
Ellen:
You know but you don't know?
Nicki:
I just somehow always end up on his pillow. I think it's because I
roll over to sleep under him and if he's turned the other way, I will
just find myself scooting.
Ellen:
So you just scoot right over to his side.
Nicki:
Yeah, I'll scoot til I'm on him and that's how I end up all over his
pillow. It kind of turned into something else. Now I just have this
habit of sharing his pillow. Is that wrong?
Ellen:
I don't think so.
Nicki:
I don't think so either. I don't think it's wrong to want to sleep so
close to him. He said something bout it?
Ellen:
What?! Huh?
Nicki:
The look on your face.
Ellen:
Maybe.
Nicki:
I just want to be close to him and be at ease while I'm sleeping. But
you know what? Now I see how the kids feel. That's how Caleb is. It
doesn't matter if we're on the floor, couch, bed, or whatever it may
be, this little boy has to be close to you. He's one of those feely
sleepers. He has to feel you and if you make one swift movement, he's
following you. Sleep and all. He has this thing where his feet are on
you. I used to be like move now. Because I couldn’t make a move or
else I'd break his sleep and he wouldn't properly get his nap in. But
I get it now. I had to get over it and just deal so whatever Faree
said, bleh. Get over it and deal.
Ellen: When's
the last time you bought some sexy lingerie?
Nicki:
Last week. I couldn't resist. It was really sexy.
Ellen:
I was expecting a throwback.
Nicki:
I still have my spunk, Ellen.
Ellen:
Well now we know.
Nicki:
Yeah.
Ellen:
I'm sorry I was mistaken.
Nicki:
You should be.
Ellen:
Was it fun making the kids?
Nicki: Always.
Ellen:
Sounds nice.
Nicki: Do you have fun?
Ellen: Oh, look.
The next question is a good one. What's the last thing you did when
it comes to relaxation?
Nicki: I had girls day.
Ellen:
Do you have those often?
Nicki: Yes, my ladies always kidnap
me. I'm just fortunate to have people in my life that look out for
me. When I'm pushing it, I have people that take it upon themselves
to take control and force me to have a break.
Ellen: Its great
having the right people surrounding you.
Nicki: Definitely. So
do you?
Ellen: What?
Nicki: You didn't answer. Do you
have fun?
Ellen: I thought I got away with that.
Nicki:
Nah. It's getting good now.
Ellen: I'll say it's fun.
Nicki:
Yeah?
Ellen: Yeah.
Nicki: Cause you know I'll ask. You
dodge me, I'ma take it straight to the source. Come on now, Ellen.
We're digging here.
Ellen: Well since we're back on this
topic, I can get back to that following question. What's the craziest
place you two have... you know?
Nicki:
I know?
Ellen:
Yeah, you know.
Nicki: The craziest? Hmm...
Ellen: You
have to think on it?
Nicki: Yup.
Ellen: You have that
many places?
Nicki: We have soooo many places. You get
creative when there are kids in the house. We have plenty of hideouts
but the craziest... ima go with the shelter. That's the most secure
place.
Ellen: Storm shelter?
Nicki: Yup. We create the
storms.
Ellen: You go to the storm shelter and come out
looking like you just barely escaped a tornado.
Nicki: Sounds
about right. But like it's the last place the kids would think to go.
Only Safaree and I would hike down the stairs to the very last floor
and take that trip. It's not that far, but what reason would they
have to go down there? So it's just our favorite place when we don't
want to rush or worry about getting caught.
Ellen:
How do you dress around the house? Do you get the chance to walk
around in something sexy or are you just oversized shirt and jogger
pants mama?
Nicki:
I do dress down a lot but it's not as bad as you made it sound.
Ellen:
So you're not walking around in the granny panties and rollers in
your head?
Nicki:
Noooo.
Ellen:
Do you dress up sometimes just to feel sexy even though you aren't
leaving the house?
Nicki:
Yes, I do. I can't even lie. I really do that. I like to feel sexy
for no reason from time to time.
Ellen:
Anything like it used to be? No bra... no shirt...
Nicki:
I don't have those days anymore.
Ellen:
Not even to leave an impression like the times you came to my
show?
Nicki: Nooo. I stopped that a long time ago. You know I
used to not care but I have babies now. I don't want my sons to see
that. I don't want my daughters to do that. It comes times in your
life when you have to check yourself, and I had to check myself on
that.
Ellen: Yeah things change when you have kids.
Nicki:
Most definitely.
Ellen: So talk to me about discipline. Do you
have to discipline a lot?
Nicki: My voice is pretty much the
main discipline next to taking away toys. We don't have to be hands
on much though. The kids have soft feelings. I don't think they feel
spankings. I whoop them and they're teary eyed for 15 seconds. I yell
and they're sobbing for 15 minutes. They don't like having their
feelings hurt so usually a stern voice is all that's needed.
Ellen:
They get into trouble a lot?
Nicki: They're average
kids.
Ellen: What's some of the things they do that will get
them in trouble?
Nicki: See we are doing this thing now where
we find movies that are in series. So if it's multiple movies and I
don't find it crazy or whatever, I let the boys have at it. I'm
telling you about that because Baby got them the Peter Pan movies.
Actually I think she got it for herself but whatever. Anyway one time
I heard all this ruckus in the hallway. I get in the hallway and here
they are parading around. Caleb has his underwear on his head and
Sheldon has socks on his ears. I mean they are parading in circles
chanting the song and blowing whistles Faree got them.
Ellen:
So they thought they were the lost boys.
Nicki: Yeah.
Ellen:
Did you join in? You could have been Tinker bell.
Nicki: I
didn't.
Ellen: All you needed was a wand to be a
fairy.
Nicki: My wand was a switch.
Ellen: You whooped
them?!
Nicki: Sure did.
Ellen: You whooped them for
having an imagination?!
Nicki: I whooped them for having an
imagination while India was napping. They know to be quiet.
Ellen:
Who gets in trouble more out of the kids?
Nicki:
Your little buddy.
Ellen:
Caleb?!
Nicki:
His little hyper butt is always running and jumping around. He moves
faster than himself.
Ellen:
How is that possible?
Nicki:
Exactly.
Ellen:
I'll always defend him.
Nicki:
That's why y’all are buddies.
Ellen:
One of my favorite things is hearing you tell me stories about the
kids. What's a time where the kids embarrassed you?
Nicki: Oh
my God, let me tell you who is the master of that there. Caleb will
always find a way to embarrass anyone. The most embarrassing thing he
does though... well I don't think he does this on purpose. I just
think his daddy molds him into this little coon. We will go to a
restaurant and Caleb has this thing where he orders kool-aid for
beverage.
Ellen:
Maybe that's his favorite beverage.
Nicki:
Ellen, don't you start defending him.
Ellen: Okay, I'll just
move on to India. What is India like?
Nicki:
India... my little ladybug. She's a very interesting character. Very
nosy. Any movement, any noise, believe me, she is on it.
Ellen:
Is she a mini Nicki?
Nicki:
You know what? Sadly, she isn't. She's a daddy's girl. She acts funny
with me. I actually believe she will be more like Baby than me.
Ellen:
How's that?
Nicki:
She makes these faces Baby makes. It's crazy.
Ellen:
But you make a lot of faces. Does she mock you?
Nicki:
No, it's not like she's mocking. She does that with me. I make faces
and she will be amused. But with Baby, her reactions are the same as
Baby's reactions. Like if I call Baby's name, she will slowly lean
her head back and squint her eyes as she turns her head to look at
me. India squints her eyes when you call her name.
Ellen:
Wow. Already being like her big sister.
Nicki:
Yeah, she humps her shoulders at random like Baby. She will turn her
head slow which is abnormal because like I said, she is nosy. I used
to think she was going to break her little neck the way she swings it
back and forth. She has slowed down on that. She will just do this
weird slow motion exorcist turn that Baby does like whatever has her
attention is so hard to take her attention from it to answer us.
Ellen:
What's the latest habit she's picked up from Baby? Is there anything
new?
Nicki:
You know what's funny!? Oh my God, and I can't believe it sometimes.
It's the funniest thing. Like what reason would a 8 month old be
doing this, but she balls her little fist up and puts it on her chin.
Ellen:
Like she's contemplating.
Nicki:
Yeeeees. And I just think it's the cutest thing. She will just see
you doing something a lot and she does it. She's a fast learner.
Ellen:
She's going to be smart.
Nicki:
Yeah.
Ellen:
What is she afraid of? You mention that she is nosy, does noise scare
her?
Nicki:
Oh, she's fearless! She scares me. Stuff I'm afraid of now doesn't
phase her. Like she will crawl to the edge of the bed and look over.
No! That scares me!
Ellen:
So she's not afraid of heights like you?
Nicki:
Right! That only makes me more afraid of heights. She hears a loud
noise when someone slams a door or drop something, she doesn't jump
like you would think a baby would. She'll turn and look trying to
figure out what's going on. And she's bossy. Oh my God. Don't be
holding something she wants, she's gonna push up and just take it.
Just like that.
Ellen:
Just like that?
Nicki:
Like that. I love it though.
Ellen:
So she is kind of a mini Nicki.
Nicki:
Yeah, I guess she is. She is this mixture of everybody in the house.
Ellen:
She'll be quite an interesting person.
Nicki:
Yeah, she already is.
Ellen:
An interesting daddy's girl.
Nicki:
Yeah, it seems to be that way. Sucks but whatever.
Ellen:
Jealous?
Nicki:
He ain't all that.
Ellen:
Which one of your children do you think will be the most like you?
Nicki:
You know... I think that they all will take something from me. I
think that's how that will go. I believe that they will be one of a
kind of their self but have a little similarities from Faree and I
but for the most part, they will be whoever they aspire to be.
Ellen:
I'm excited to meet them. Well I've already met them, but I'm excited
to get to know them more.
Nicki:
I'm excited for you to do so. You ready to hang with us? Think you
can keep up?
Ellen:
Yeah, this should be interesting.
–
Nicki
softly knocked on the door before leaning on it once again. Hearing
no movement, she inched it open and slowly walked in. She walked
across the room and made her way up to a sleeping Ellen.
“Ellen.”
She
paused then leaned forward to get closer.
“Ellen.”
She spoke while tapping Ellen's arm. She smiled softly when Ellen
finally opened her eyes. “Day 1.”
“It's
daytime?” Ellen asked in surprise while looking at the darkness
still coming through the window.
“Early
bird gets the worm.” Nicki patted the bedspread and walked away.
“I
don't even have birds.” Ellen sleepily spoke to Nicki, obviously
speaking half sleep confusion. Nicki snickered as she made her way to
the door.
“I'll
be waiting at the kitchen when you are ready. I don't mean to rush or
anything, but asap.”
Nicki
pulled the door up behind her and left Ellen staring at the clock.
--
“Do
you like blueberry pancakes?”
“Love
them.”
“Good
because they're on today's menu.”
Nicki
sat the blueberries on the island.
“Oh
you make them?” Ellen pointed. “I just... you know... buy them
already there and pop them in the toaster.”
Nicki
and Ellen shared a quick chuckle.
“On
my late days, I might do that. I don't have too many late starts
though.”
“Yeah,
I see.” Ellen spoke up in reference to practically being dragged
out of the bed by Nicki. “So what do you need me to do?”
“You
know what, Ellen? You're just going to have to move around me a
little and help out because I'm not used to this. So... I might run
you over a little bit but only a little bit.”
“Do
I need armor?”
Nicki's
laugh was full of life despite her beating the sun.
“Okay.
Blueberry pancakes.” Ellen clapped her hands and looked around to
see where to start.
“Only
four blueberry.”
“Wait.
Huh?” Ellen paused where she stood.
“I
only need four blueberry pancakes and five plain. How many do you
want?”
“Wait,
I haven't even gotten started yet and this is already crazy.”
Nicki
moved around the kitchen sitting everything in an order that always
helped her stay on track and time. She pulled up two bowls and poured
flour into one bowl. Ellen stepped up beside her to take the bag and
began pouring in the second bowl. She eased up on pouring and Nicki
tilted the bottom of the bag up more.
“A
little more.” Nicki removed her finger and Ellen went to sit the
bag down. “How many did you say you wanted?”
Ellen
looked over to see Nicki reaching for the bag again.
“Uh,
let's just go with two.”
She
watched Nicki pour using no measurements then slide the bag back on
the island. Ellen leaned onto the island and watched Nicki jump from
one ingredient to the next pouring sugar, salt, and baking powder
into the bowl.
“I
can't help but notice you haven't used measurements yet.”
“Ellen,
I do this.”
“Oh
okay. I'll just be quiet and stay off to the side while you... do
that.”
She
continued watching and tilted her head to the side as she got caught
up in Nicki doing a smaller amount of everything in the second bowl.
Nicki picked up an egg and hit the side of the bowl before quickly
hovering the shell over the bowl. The upper half of the broken shell
slid down the side and into the lower shell as the yolk poured into
the bowl.
“Wait.
Whoa.” Ellen threw her hands up. “That! I have to try. I'm sorry.
I just have to.”
Ellen
hurriedly picked up an egg and tried her best attempt at positioning
the same as Nicki then hit the side of the bowl. The shell cracked
but didn't break. Ellen poked it with her finger and quickly put it
over the bowl. “Well that wasn't the same.”
“Here,
you have to put a little more force into it and don't tilt it. Just
hit it right on the side.”
Nicki
took a second egg and demonstrated. Ellen watched the same action
play out again then went for her second egg.
“Alright.
Here goes.” She hit the egg on the side of the bowl then threw her
left hand under the egg that splattered yolk out of the shell. Nicki
clapped while stumbling back a couple of steps.
“You
know what? Obviously you're a pro. You do this. I give up.” Ellen
shook her head from left to right.
“You
can't give up that easily.” Nicki spoke while watching Ellen walk
over to the sink. She went back to finishing up with the last few
ingredients while Ellen cleaned up her hands. “Can you pass me the
milk, please?”
Ellen
dried her hands and went into the refrigerator. “Whoa.” She
stared at the products aligned like a grocery store setting. She
grabbed a gallon of milk and held it up to look at it then glanced at
the next gallon behind it. “Well you have lucky neighbors.”
She
walked over handing Nicki the milk and began cleaning the spilled
yolk off of the island. When she finished wiping, Nicki was handing
the jug of milk back to her. Ellen made her way back toward the
refrigerator then looked inside a couple of cabinets as she made her
way back to Nicki.
“Okay,
so what's the thing with the half blueberry, half plain? Does pancake
day have it's own routine?”
“I
cook four blueberry and five plain. One plain pancake for Munchkin.
He loves food but he doesn't eat what looks funny to him. Absolutely
refuses. Caleb on the other hand loves blueberry pancakes. Different
flavor syrups but he will only eat a plain or blueberry pancake. So
one plain for Munchkin and one blueberry for Caleb. One of each for
Baby. Plain on the bottom, blueberry on the top. Two blueberry
pancakes for Safaree and one plain one in the middle. He layers it
like it's some kind of sandwich. Then I have a plain pancake for
India to play over. Some times she will get through half of it if
she's in a good mood. Some days she will just make a toy out of it. I
feed her grits anyway.”
“Okay,
the fifth pancake.”
“I
usually sit a plain pancake to the side because the boys will
question why I'm not eating and I will just eat on that to ease their
little minds. Majority of the time, I don't eat.”
“Seems
you have a lot to keep up with.”
Ellen
moved over when Nicki began messing with something else.
“Five
sausages and seven strips of bacon. Three of each for Faree. I keep
him fed good. A strip of bacon for Munchkin. Two sausage links for
Caleb. Three strips of bacon for Baby. She'll only eat two and half
of the last.”
“So
what you just break her last one in half and eat it? Cus I'll take
her other half.”
“Doesn't
work that way.” Nicki laughed at Ellen. “She won't eat it then.
It's gotta be three. She's gonna eat half of the last one. Nothing
less, nothing more. Always the same. Eat half, leave the other half
on the plate but Caleb will get it on his way out. I promise you,
it's always the same. You'll see.”
“I
don't think I can even try to remember more of just one breakfast but
I'm sure there's more.”
“Eggs
with cheese for Safaree and only a spoon for Caleb. He's still into
the I want to try what daddy tries phase. A spoon without cheese for
Sheldon.”
“Nothing
that looks funny to him.”
“Exactly.
A hash brown for Munchkin and a bowl of fruit for Baby. Now some
times I'll eat fruit.”
“Oh
so you'll eat that.”
“Yeah,
I'll eat that. Just a little something.”
“Baby's
a milk drinker. Glass of milk for Baby, bottle of milk for India,
apple juice for Munchkin, orange juice for Caleb and Faree, and a
redbull for me.”
“How
else would you be supermom?” Ellen tossed at the end of Nicki's
joke.
“Trust
me, Ellen. The noise isn't enough to keep me going. It plays a big
part in keeping me awake but when I crash next to India for a quick
nap while she's down, it's over.”
“You
always nap when she naps?”
“No,
half the time I use it to my advantage of getting something done and
not worrying about having to balance her in my arms and move around.
She's a good baby but she's nosy. She has to be around to witness
what's going on so she doesn't have to be in your arms as a spoiled
baby. She's just in your arms to make sure she sees everything that's
going on. Sometimes I will go to sleep but that's only if I've had a
lot going on and I need to get a little energy boost real quick.”
“You
don't really need my help, do you?”
“Honestly...”
“Honestly.”
“You'll
be in my way more than helping.”
“Okay!
So I'll just sit over here and observe.”
Ellen
sat on the stool and watched Nicki move around the kitchen as if she
knew every inch. She backed up and glided around, missing still
objects that Ellen thought she would bump. She move things around and
tossed things, not missing a target without looking.
“What's
amusing, Ellen?”
“Huh?”
“Are
you awake now? You're smiling.”
“Oh,
I'm just taking notes. It's interesting seeing this side of you.”
“You've
seen me behind the scenes before, Ellen.”
“Yeah,
but it was really quick. Just a quick hello and catch up then I was
on my way. And you were working. Like you were getting your hair and
makeup touched up. This is totally different. This is every aspect.”
“Well
I've fully invited you into my life, Ellen. Only you so you know I
love you. Enjoy it all.”
“I
plan to. I'll become one of the family.”
“Great.
You can start by doing me a favor.”
Ellen
scooted off of the stool. “Don't spare me. Treat me like one of
your own.”
“Can
you go to Baby's room and wake her up for me?”
“Just
her.”
“Yes
ma'am. Just her.”
Nicki
started on her finishing touches as she watched Ellen exit the
kitchen. She glanced at the time while making her way to the stove.
She listened to the familiar sounds of her cooking as her pace picked
up remaining true to it's routine. She sensed Ellen's presence as she
walked back into the kitchen.
“She's
up already. I guess she's an early bird just like you.”
“She
isn't.”
“She
wasn't in the bed.”
“Was
her bedspread on the bed?”
Nicki
glanced back at Ellen who was silent as she pondered her memory.
“She's
on the side of the bed.”
“Huh?”
Ellen pushed away from the island confused and walked away again.
Nicki sat the meat to the side then picked up the bowl to begin the
pancakes. She glanced at the clock once again when she heard India's
cry. Flipping the pancakes, she met eyes with Ellen as she walked
back into the kitchen.
“I
guess a mother knows, huh? She was laying on the floor.”
“Yeah,
that's her little trick. She will move to the floor so that you see
an empty bed and assume that she is up already. She's always trying
to find a way around something.”
“Did
you want me to-” Ellen pointed towards the hall. Nicki shook her
head from left to right as she listened to India's cry grow louder.
“No.
She'll wake Safaree. Did Baby get her butt up?”
“I
told her you sent me to wake her.”
“She
roll over to face the other way or ball up?”
“Rolled
over. Is that another trick?”
“Not
if she didn't ball up.”
“I
don't recall her balling up.”
Ellen
looked towards the hall again as India's cry softened then ceased
altogether. She smiled then looked towards Nicki.
“Day
1, I'm impressed already.”
Nicki
shook her head yes when Ellen pointed at the cups. Ellen got up and
headed for the refrigerator. She pulled out the milk and orange
juice. She went to close the door when Nicki spoke up.
“Apple
juice.”
Ellen
sat the milk down and reached for the apple juice. She aligned the
cups and poured according to Nicki's instructions. She placed each
jug back into the refrigerator and leaned against the door.
“So
when do you get Caleb and Sheldon?”
“Baby
wakes them before she gets ready. They'll come strolling in after she
gets their teeth brushed and faces washed.”
“So
you have help around here.”
“If
they do their parts.”
“Do
they always do their parts?”
“Sometimes.”
“Who
slacks the most?”
“Safaree.
He sleeps weird when it comes to noise. Doesn't really annoy him
easily. Heard how long it took him to get India?”
“Yeah,
I noticed. That would have gotten me right up.”
“Me
too. It takes a minute for his pea brain to process. Even then he
will roll over thinking she's in the bed already and she just needs
some comfort. One time, he actually rolled over and put his hand on
my damn back.”
Ellen
leaned over the island laughing at the visual. She followed Nicki's
trail to the table and sat down the cups according to Nicki's plate
order.
“So
did he notice it was you and not India?”
“No!
Not until I cursed him out telling him to get his ass up and get my
damn baby.”
“So
he's the hardest to wake up.”
“Not
at all. It just takes him a minute. It'll take Baby a lifetime. If
she isn't strolling in by the time I'm done setting the table, it
means I have to go pry her off the floor. One time, she was tightly
tucked into her spread so I couldn't snatch it off of her. Safaree
rolled the foot of the spread up good and dragged her into the
hallway. She was holding us all up.”
“Teamwork.”
“It's
the key to holding this house down, Ellen.” Nicki winked then
smiled over at Munchkin walking into the kitchen while glancing back
every other step. “Good morning, my heart. C'mon.”
Sheldon
began running toward the kitchen and collided into Nicki's legs. She
bent over to kiss his head while he hugged her legs. “Good
morning.” She pulled away to look at him while speaking again. He
looked around sleepily. “Good morning.”
“Where's
the other part of my heart?” Nicki questioned while picking
Munchkin up. Caleb finally turned into the kitchen. “There he is.”
She
smiled at the way he bounced with every step. She sat Munchkin down
in his seat and held out her arms for Caleb. He climbed into his
chair and stood up. Nicki gave him a peck on the cheek then broke the
hug, patting on his butt. He took the cue and climbed down off the
chair to take his seat. He smiled at Ellen while watching Nicki
finish setting the table.
“You
like sleepovers with us?” Caleb leaned on the table and rested his
chin on the edge while looking up at Ellen. Ellen took a seat across
from him.
“Yeah,
I like it. You don't mind me sleeping over?”
Caleb
shook his head just before shrugging his shoulders. “I just always
get new sisters. You like your room?”
Nicki
chuckled at the many questions kick off.
“Yes,
it's nice. I really like my bed.”
“It's
comfable?”
Ellen
looked over at Nicki and laughed. “Yeah, it's very comfortable. I
slept like a baby.”
“Like
India?”
“I
don't know. Does India sleep good?”
“She
takes a looooot of naps.”
“Sleepy
head.” Sheldon joined the conversation.
“She's
a sleepy head?” Ellen asked Sheldon. He nodded his head. Nicki
scooted his seat closer and pulled his plate up. She smiled at Baby
finally making an entrance. She mumbled her greeting as she made her
way to the table. Nicki made her way out of the kitchen and followed
the hallway. Heading to her bedroom, she scanned her mind to remember
today's schedule. She ran her fingers through her hair and released a
small yawn as she entered the bedroom. She walked up behind Safaree
just as he finishing up with India. She leaned into his back and he
looked over and down. Nicki kissed his arm.
“Good
morning, babe.”
“Good
morning.” He smirked before moving out of the way. Nicki picked
India up and laughed when she buried her face in between her breast.
“Wake up, sleepy head.”
India
moved her head around seeking comfort before she rested still again
still buried in Nicki's breast. “You gonna eat breakfast for mommy?
Hmm?” Nicki spoke softly to India while walking out of the bedroom,
leaving Safaree to get himself together. She stopped in the doorway.
“Babe,
how long you think you'll be? When do you want me to fix your eggs?”
“Go
ahead.”
“Sure?”
“Yeah,
I'll be quick.”
--
“So
does everyone usually go their own way after breakfast?” Ellen
asked Nicki as they made their way through the house.
“Yeah,
everyone usually splits and take little me time to wrap their minds
around today. It won't be too long til things get started around
here. They're just going to ponder on what they want to get into
today.”
“Do
you have work today?”
“Just
going over some stuff. Nothing really. Emails and stuff. The part of
work I hate. Sherika comes over for all of that. It's one way I will
get that done.”
Nicki
paused to look into the doorway she was passing. She threw her arm
out and reached behind her when Sheldon's small body bumped her. He
bounced off of her leg then looked up. She began walking again and
looked down at her nails. Glancing back at Sheldon, she followed the
hallway as he moved closely to keep up.
Stopping at the end of
the hall, Nicki reached over to grab a set of keys. The keys clamped
with another set that hit the floor. She took a step forward and bent
down to pick up the keys. She quickly stood up straight when Sheldon
bumped her butt.
"Here, babe." She placed her hand
on his head and guided him around her. She placed the keys in his
hands and bent down to pick up the other set. "You lead,
okay?"
"Kay." He spoke softly as he gripped the
keys in his hands. Nicki placed the other set back on the key rack
and guided him in front of her again. He took a couple of steps then
stopped to look back.
"I'm right behind you." She
assured him as he turned to take a few more steps before repeating
his actions. He stopped at the door and stood patiently as Nicki
unlocked and opened it. Sticking to his routine, he lifted an arm up
and Nicki took his hand.
“Is
this a part of his daily routine?"
“Yup.
He lives for this.”
Nicki
and Sheldon held hands as they walked out of the door and he slowly
stepped down the porch step while clinging to her leg for balance.
Ellen smiled as she pulled the door up behind them and followed
suit.
"It feels good outside, huh Munch?"
"Yes."
"You
wanna sit outside for a little?"
"And play?"
"Uh
huh." Nicki released his hand and not a second later his arms
were swinging from side to side as he ran.
"Be careful,
babe."
He slowed down and power walked. Nicki smiled
softly while watching him on a mission. He came to the mailbox then
swung around to see Nicki right behind him. He held the keys up and
Nicki took over. She placed an arm underneath him and boosted him up.
Guiding his fingers, she helped him unlock the mailbox. He clapped as
she opened the box.
Reaching in, he fought to keep a hold on
all of the mail. Nicki reached in to give him a hand and he stared at
it as she released him. He stood next to her and looked up at her
locking the mailbox.
"Look
Munch! Who is that?!"
Munchkin looked around her and
looked at the car pulling up. He went to rush to the car but Nicki
caught him. He picked up the mail he dropped and grinned at the
car.
"Who is that?"
"Aunty."
Sherika
pulled further in and parked the car then Nicki let go of Sheldon. He
took off running towards the car and Sherika hyped him up as she
slammed her door and ran around the car shouting out to him. He
rushed into her arms and she picked him up.
"I got
mail!"
"You do?"
He shoved it in her
face.
"Give her all the bills, Munch."
"Y'all
can keep all that. I shoulda brought mine over here and dropped them
off."
“You
wanna see them in action on their playground?” Nicki asked Ellen as
if she was really in for a sight.
“Sounds
adventurous. Sure.”
“Munch,
let's go see if daddy wants to play outside with us.” Nicki spoke
catching Sheldon's attention as he and Sherika went back and forth
pushing the mail in his hand to each other.
--
"License
and registration, please."
Safaree stepped back and
squinted through his shades.
"Yes sir!" Caleb
shouted while tugging on the compartment in his car. He finally got
it to unlatch then quickly snatched up the envelope. "Here,
sir."
He held it out and giggled when Safaree snatched it
from him. Safaree pulled a piece of paper out of the envelope and
looked over Caleb's name scribbled sloppily across the car's
instruction manual sheet. He pulled the photo out of the envelope and
looked at the smiling boy. Looking up at Caleb, he tilted his shades
revealing his squint at Caleb who was smiling big like he was in the
picture.
"Alright. I guess I'll let you off with a
warning this time."
"Thanks, sir."
Safaree
stuffed the paper back in the envelope and handed it to him. He
stepped back away from the car watching Caleb put it back in the
compartment then ride off til his car was straight on the track. He
looked to the right and saw Sheldon handing his cup of juice to
Nicki. She leaned over taking the cup then watched him struggle to
turn car around.
Safaree
pushed his shades back up right and stood in position as Sheldon got
help from Nicki turning before he made his way in his direction. He
held his hand out signaling Sheldon to slow down and pull over.
"Nooooooo"
Sheldon kept straight and attempted to drive right pass his dad.
Nicki
laughed from her bench as she watched Safaree walk side by side with
the car as Sheldon attempted a high speed chase.
"Really?"
Safaree asked while literally walking the same speed as the car. "So
you refusing to pull over? Hey. Hey!" Safaree leaped forward and
jumped onto the car. Sheldon screamed as his dad smushed him into the
steering wheel.
"You gon pull this car over."
Safaree turned the steering wheel in the opposite direction Sheldon
was turning. The car swerved from side to side and slowed down
because of the heavy weight. The car slowly drove into the bushes and
Sheldon climbed under Safaree's arm to get out of the car. Safaree
pushed up off the car to see Caleb had stopped and turned to watch
the action.
He could hear different laughs coming from
everyone. Safaree stood up and turned to see Sheldon running down the
track towards Nicki. He crashed into his mother's lap while laughing
uncontrollably.
"We ride to the little trees."
"I
see." Nicki looked up at Safaree walking their way and Caleb
driving their way to keep up.
"Boy, you gon just run like
a real criminal in training? Ellen, I think we need to take them to
boot camp."
“I
don't have to go. I had my license.” Caleb spoke up as he stood up
in his car. He bent down then jumped over the door instead of opening
it.
“That
lands you some time, mister.” Ellen pointed at Caleb.
“Right!”
Safaree agreed. “To the jungle gym!”
“Don't
have them crawling on the ground, Safaree."
He
whipped around at Nicki's request. Holding his arms out, he screwed
his face up as he fought back against her.
“But
it's boot camp.”
“Okay
well be ready to bathe them before you let them loose around the
house then.”
He
smacked his lips and looked over at Ellen before waving Nicki off.
Ellen laughed at the look on Nicki's face as she pretended to toss
the toy she had just taken out of India's hand. India sat up straight
and used Baby's legs to push up. Nicki handed back over the toy.
--
"Everybody
covered up?" Safaree asked while leaning back to take a look at
the boys. "Here, Caleb."
He reached out for Caleb
and turned him to the side. He took the towel and soaped down the
blind spots.
"I need more." Sheldon spoke up. He
took a quick step toward Safaree when he motioned for him. Safaree
spun Sheldon around as he soaped him down covering him from his neck
to his feet.
"Feet." He demanded and Sheldon grabbed
his arm to hold balance while Safaree swiped at the bottom of his
foot.
"It's tickles, daddy."
"It
tickle?"
"Yes." Sheldon's laugh got louder as
he got his other foot washed. On cue, Caleb lifted a foot and laughed
along with Sheldon. Safaree gripped Caleb when he slipped while
lifting his other foot.
"Alright, ready?"
"Ready!"
Caleb shouted speaking for them both.
Safaree sat the towel to
the side and stood up. The boys watched him adjust the shower head
then he pointed to a certain spot. Both boys moved up and stood side
by side. Safaree stepped back and pulled the shower door up just a
little. He snatched a towel off of the towel rack and dropped it on
the floor. He kicked at it then leaned back in the shower and turned
on the water.
Caleb giggled when the water shot towards his
body. Sheldon squealed and turned his back to the water while looking
up at Caleb. Safaree laughed at them both move around blinking the
water out of their eyes.
"Make sure you turn around. Get
all the soap off."
"Next time I ask you to give the
boys a bath, why don't you just take them to the backyard with the
water hose." Nicki's voice got the attention of all three males
in the bathroom.
"We got this." Safaree held a hand
out at her before pointing at the boys. "Arms up."
Both
boys lifted their arms and the laughs got louder as the water hit
their underarms. Safaree looked down as Nicki approached him and
leaned into him. He shifted over as she stretched a leg out to scoot
the towel up closer to the tub catching the water that wasn't
shielded by the shower curtain that was pushed back far enough for
Safaree to keep an eye on the boys.
“I'm
bringing India in here while I fix lunch.”
“Where
Sherika?”
“She's
not your nanny, Safaree.”
“I
was just asking.”
“She's
my assistant.”
“I'm
leaving right now. I will not take this treatment.” Sherika's voice
came from behind Ellen as she walked pass the door. They both laughed
as Sherika's voice transcended as she made her way down the hall.
“I
know your show is coming on. Send the boys my way. You take India.
Fair trade. I got the busy ones.” Nicki stated while backing up as
Safaree turned the water off. He held up one of the two towels and
picked Sheldon up. He stood him in front of him while sitting on the
toilet.
“Alright,
time to dry off.” Safaree tucked one end of the towel in Sheldon's
arm and held the other end out. “Go.”
On
cue, Sheldon started laughing as he spun around in circles, tangling
himself in the towel. Nicki rolled her eyes at the lazy technique of
wrapping them up.
“You
see this? This is what I have to deal with when I ask him to do
something.” Nicki looked over at Ellen who was in the doorway.
Nicki stood still for a few seconds and watched them slide around as
the water smacked soap off their bodies. Shaking her head, she walked
away from the shower. Ellen stepped back and walked into the hallway
to follow Nicki.
“It's
always something."
Ellen
laughed. “I've heard that before. So how's lunch? Same schedule
everyday?”
“Almost.”
Nicki answered. “Most of the time, yeah. I start preparing when
Faree's show comes on and I'm usually ready by the time he is done
watching it unless there's back to back episodes.”
–
Nicki
leaned on her elbow and stared at India sprawled out across her dad's
chest. Safaree looked down at India who was staring at her wiggling
fingers that rested on his chest. Nicki wanted so badly to capture a
photo of the moment but knew that India's nosy way would ruin it as
soon as she made any movement. Safaree looked back at the
television.
Reaching out, Nicki tapped India's toes to get her
attention. India's head stayed in place but she allowed her eyes to
dart over. Nicki reached out for her foot again when India's foot
moved up, dodging her touch. Nicki reached again but missed as India
hiked her leg up higher. Nicki paused and stared at India. She
reached out quickly for her foot and giggled when India's leg hiked
up higher.
Nicki observed that she wouldn't be able to move it
up higher so she reached out and grabbed India's toes. India lifted
her head and stared up at Safaree's face.
"Oh what you
snitching now?" Nicki grasped her foot and shook it. "He
gon do something bout it? Huh, lil funny acting?"
Without
warning, Safaree's arm shot out knocking Nicki's arm off balance. Her
head hit the bed and she felt a nudge on her side as Safaree pushed
her, causing her to roll over. Nicki cut the roll short and turned on
her back to see India's head slowly take it's place back on Safaree's
chest as she reverted her attention back to her wiggling fingers.
Nicki scooted closer and India's head shot up. Once again, she looked
up at her dad. Nicki laughed while rolling over on her stomach and
throwing up an arm to block Safaree's arm that was headed her way.
“Don't.”
“Well
leave her alone.”
“Whatever.”
Nicki made a face at India. India slammed her face into Safaree's
chest while giggling. She looked up again and slammed her face again
when Nicki made another face.
“Anyway,
the boys want you to play games with them while we have lunch.”
“They
want you to do it. You just want me to do it.”
“You
know me so well. Come to me when your little show goes off.” She
patted his arm and pushed up on the bed. “Come on, Bug. Let's go
play with your brothers until daddy is ready.”
–
"It's
peanut butter jelly time!" Caleb held his hands up then balled
his fist and dropped his arms in a boxing stance. He began swaying
from left to right while chanting. "Peanut butter jelly. Peanut
butter jelly."
Sheldon danced in place while joining in
the end of the chant right on cue. "Jelly. Jelly. Jelly."
India
stuck a finger in her mouth while holding a wide grin. Her laughed
ceased as she turned her attention to the crawling toy puppy. She
placed a hand on the puppy's back and whipped her head back towards
her brothers when Caleb shouted again.
"It's peanut
butter jelly time!"
She pushed up on the puppy and
bounced back, landing on her bottom while laughing
uncontrollably. She bounced her right hand up and down as the
boys sang. She looked over at Nicki laughing at her amusement. Nicki
swiped her fingers out of her mouth and India's grin turned into a
dropped jaw as Sheldon began clapping. She slammed her hands
together. Nicki watched her world come to a stand still as if she had
just discovered power in her hands.
Adjusting on the blanket,
Nicki rolled on her back and clapped. India peered at her hands until
she clapped again. India looked back at her hands and clapped. Claps
sounded off in the room as an encouragement and celebration of
India's newfound amusement. She began clapping faster and Nicki
laughed at her excitement showing as she hopped up bouncing until she
crashed into Nicki's breast while laughing.
"You're
tickled, bug?" Nicki picked India up and hovered her over her
puckered lips. "Can mommy get love?"
She lowered her
then lifted her making her fall out in giggles. Puckering her lips,
she lowered her again. India reached for Nicki's face then giggled
again when Nicki lifted her once again.
"I just wanna
love you, mommy. Let me love you." Nicki cooed as she lifted
India up and down. "Let me love you, mommy."
She
finally lowered India down enough to meet her lips. India's wet grin
slammed into Nicki's lips as she clasped her hands on Nicki's face
while giving what she thought was a kiss.
"Oh the mommy
just got the love. The mommy just got the best love." Nicki
cooed while rolling over and smothering India in kisses. A giggling
India laid under Nicki laughing louder with every kiss.
--
"I
win." Caleb picked up the three cards and sat them in front of
him. Ellen looked around confused as she placed another card
down.
"I win." Sheldon spoke while snatching up the
cards then putting one down. Caleb sat a card down and looked over at
Ellen. Ellen placed a card on top.
"I win." Caleb
picked up the cards and dropped a new card. He took his time stacking
the cards to the side then turned his attention back to the cards in
the center. Sheldon dropped a card and Ellen shrugged before sitting
down any card.
"I win." She said while reaching for
the cards.
"Let me see!" Caleb reached for her hand.
She paused to hold out the cards. "Okay!"
He fell
back on his butt and both boys stared at Ellen. She placed a card
down and looked over at Nicki who was shaking her head at the made up
game.
"What's up?" Safaree walked in the room.
"The
boys have your cards again." Nicki announced while leaning her
head back as India rested on her chest sleeping. Safaree stood over
them watching the game continue with made up rules.
Okay so this was everything!!! The whole thing is perfect, starting with the length. The interview felt like I was actually reading nicki's responses. And I like the idea of ellen staying and observing them first hand. They're little family is too cute and I'm stuck on the fact that after awhile I really thought I was reading a real interview o_o.. I'm pretty sure you know you're a great writer and your stories are always on point and so realistic
ReplyDeleteLol the cutest family ever!!!!!! It was hilarious. Dead at me reading this and smiling like its real tho. Lmao at her waking up at the ass crack of dawn! Ellen was like well shit! Wth they playin the card game from big daddy called I win lol! Ellen sitting there playin like wtf. Then they had the nerve to check ha cards to see if she won hilarious!
ReplyDeleteThis was everything !! From start, to finish it was genuine, amusing, and ingenious.
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhhh I loved it!
ReplyDeleteThis was mad cute I like the idea of having Ellen come into the house & observe what goes on in their daily routine.. Post soon!
ReplyDeleteThis was truly EVERYTHING! The interview at the beginning to everything else after that was fab!!!! Thanks bewski!
ReplyDeleteAre u like a fly on the wall in the future? Do you have a time machine??? This was so vivid and adorable. India & Nickis lil bonding at the end was soooooo cute! And the interview was perfect & detailed. LOVED IT LOVED IT!!
ReplyDeleteI loved every moment of this. You capture everyone's personalities so well and the vivid details make it so real. How do you manage to write lengthy pieces and keep it interesting all the way through? It's always worth the wait with your stories! Ellen was dead on like...well... Ellen. I loved this.
ReplyDeleteAaaww look at my favorite fictional family :') lol everything about this was adorable
ReplyDeleteYOU'RE THE GOAT! Nicki's dialog is always so realistic. Like, i can always picture her saying or doing what you write! Lmao crying @ Munch trying to go on a high speed chase. 😂😂😂 Everything was good!!!!!
ReplyDeletecrystalminaj_xo: you're the best writer EVERRR omg and you're so descriptive i love it!! this whole story felt so real, please post again!!
ReplyDeleteThis was so freaking cute, from start to finish. I love them, I hope this comes true in the future!
ReplyDelete-trice
YAS. YAS. YASSSSSS
ReplyDeleteMULAN YES. YEAS. YUP.