Happy birthday, Harry. Emily has drawn you a portrait on top of the breakfast in bed this morning. Elizabeth and Bernard are looking after her tonight though so we can celebrate the night for adults only after a dinner out. I was 99.9% sure you wouldn't mind.

The end of the year was coming up fast, but there were a few major bumps and events along the way. First, November and Thanksgiving and with that was the anniversary of Norman Osborn's death. I was already doing planning and making sure that it would go easily. It was the first big holiday that Emily would be exposed to, and of course, Thanksgiving and all the food that went along with it might possibly be a favorite of mine. A tradition I had with my parents was carving the pumpkins for outside and even if we weren't setting them out at the front door, Emily sure did have a blast playing with the pumpkin's insides while Harry and I carved in the face. But the pumpkin guts? That was where the fun was at, according to the seven month old in the room.

As for Thanksgiving, that was still a month away, but I was trying to go ahead and get a head start on the menu. It was a lot to prepare, after all. And I wanted it to be perfect.

Still, Halloween was just a few days away and we were still trying to decide what costume the baby should wear. Looking through the choices was hard considering the options were so adorable. You had your usual baby pumpkins, animals, princess and superhero outfits and all of those, but there were a couple that just made me laugh. Tootsie Roll baby, Marshmellow Peep baby, Pig in a Blanket baby, and then, well, of course the Billion Dollar baby. There were a lot of other cute choices though and we still had a few days to decide for sure.

I'd already put the baby to bed for the night a couple hours earlier, but after I was finished in the lab, I made my way back up to the nursery to check on a few things. When I arrived, I stopped dead in my tracks at the sight of my seven month old trying to crawl her way out of her crib. Except that was the thing. She didn't look like my infant daughter anymore.

"Emily?"

"Mommy, help!"

All I could do was stand in shock and just stare as the little girl in front of me succeeded in climbing over the top of the side of the crib and hopped down to the floor. This couldn't possibly be my baby girl. She was.. well, not a baby anymore. I walked over to the crib just to make sure and sure enough it was now empty. I'd seen babies turn into adults but in both cases there was a hell dimension involved or the "baby" was actually a demon trying to take over the world. My daughter wasn't a demon and if there were portals involved, I was going to rip everything a part until I figured out why and how. But she seemed... perfectly fine.

"Mommy? Can I have something to drink? I'm thirsty."

I had no idea what to say or do, so when she tugged on my hand I just nodded. We'd go get that glass of water, but I was pretty sure we'd be having to make a pit stop on the way to go see Daddy.

Life has never been better as far as Fred is concerned. She has the amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, a booming business that is about to embark on something no one has ever seen before in this time or any other. The enhancers have been a long time coming, but finally life has slowed down enough that they're able to really focus on the project again. Caring for a newborn baby is never slow or easy, but it seems that the little one as well as her parents have gotten into a well-developed routine and life is a little less hectic.

Fred is sitting in the baby's room feeding her a bottle and watching those sleepy eyelids get heavier and heavier. She'll be six months old in just over a week. It's a little unbelievable how fast time goes and Fred's in awe of just how fast Emily is growing up. That's what all new parents say, right? She doesn't want to stop her, though. To hear those first words start blabbing out of her daughter's mouth. She wonders what it'll be. Mama or Dada. Fred secretly hopes it's Mama. Watching that first step towards Daddy with her stubby little legs. It'll be heartbreaking but thrilling at the same time to watch her head off to kindergarten for her first day of school. Fred can't wait.

She's content now, though, to watch her baby girl fall asleep in her arms. Daddy is in his study giving his girls some alone time. The baby isn't drinking from her bottle anymore, but she still makes a movement or a baby noise every so often. The small television is on low in the background and the image of Spider-man flying across the screen catches Fred's attention. She remembers what life was like just a short year and a half or so ago. No babies and no quiet moments like these. Spider-man is still being displayed as the hero, and her eyes narrow at the screen at the new announcement. Spider-man will be getting a key to the city.

Emily is gently placed in her crib and the tv is turned off. Fred says a soft goodnight to the sleeping baby girl and exits the nursery. On her way downstairs, she passes by Harry's office and glances in curiously, keeping out of sight. He's deep into some document on his desk so she moves on to downstairs and to the one place that used to be a place where she spent so much time working on things.

The secret lab door opens and Fred looks around the place. It had been a while since she paid the room a visit. It had been even longer since she dosed herself up with the drugs they're about to introduce to the world. She remembers the plans they had before their world got turned upside down in the best possible way. Life may be hectic now, but it was then as well. It's a different kind of busy.

A few keystrokes and the room lights up. The gliders are displayed on their stands and are ready to use. Fred smiles slightly at the memories of flying through the air so easily on hers and all over the city with Harry. The image of Spider-man again from the television causes her to tense and she looks around more closely this time. She never helped Harry finish what he sought out to do. Spider-man nearly destroyed Harry and in some ways, he did. He destroyed his father.

Fred lightly slid her hand across one of the gliders. Spider-man couldn't be trusted with her family. He was getting a key to the city. Too bad, Spider-man because New York was their city, hers and Harry's, and Spidey couldn't have it.

In a former life I was a lost little girl who sometimes didn't know up from down. Whether it was drawing all over a hotel room's walls or random mutterngs to myself because I was the only one there to listen, I look back on that girl that I used to be and wonder how things changed so quickly. I was there for five years and it hasn't even been that long since I've been back. Usually I thought it worked in reverse. How it was easy to get lost but finding your way back was always the hardest. Somehow I managed to get more comfortable faster than I thought I would.

I probably have friends to thank for that. I think about what if I'd gone back to Texas with my parents that day. A part of me wanted to. I wanted to go back and let my mom make chocolate chip pancakes and let Daddy kiss me goodnight and say everything was going to be alright from then on. Sometimes I wonder if I had gone back if I'd still be letting Mama make those pancakes and my dad would still be kissing me goodnight. It's weird to think about but somehow it almost seems like a possibility.

Staying in LA for the next year or two forced me to fend for myself. Sure, I'd been doing that for five years but this was different. I was doing for myself but it was in a completely different world. I grew up during those two years. I think that's what it boils down to really. Growing up. I'm not that lost little girl anymore. Oh, sometimes I have vivid reminders of her, but they're just memories no matter how scary.

Now I'm the one taking care of the little girl who needs me. Maybe I'm not making pancakes, but I'll make them when she's old enough. Now I've grown up just a little bit more.

Harry had made Fred's first Mother's Day memorable and Fred had no intention of doing any less for the new daddy. Downstairs there's the smell of breakfast cooking with a little baby girl dressed in an "I love my daddy" outfit. When Harry wakes up there are already five wrapped tie boxes by the bed for him to open with a note that reads,

"Every father needs a few extra ties. Was going to be four, but a little peanut insisted on the red one. Don't even think about getting out of bed yet. Breakfast will be served in bed soon. Love, Emily and Winifred.

Attached to one of the boxes there is a handmade card with hand and feet prints in bright pink paint pressed into the paper with a simple "I love my Daddy" written above them. After breakfast, Fred has made plans for a day at the park and then a dinner of all Harry's favorites afterwards.

Dear Harry,

I know you'll probably tell me to hush and if anyone needs thanking it's me, but I'd say the right thing back to you about yourself. The truth is, I have you to thank for where I am right now. Before I came to New York, I really didn't have one clue where I'd go from there. Things got so crazy in Los Angeles and it seemed pretty hopeless for the longest time. Maybe there's always some kind of hope in any situation, but I just wasn't seeing it there. I needed to get out and maybe try to find it somewhere else besides there. And you gave that to me by just the mere offer of job.

You know, I probably would have left and come here if you hadn't made the job as big as it actually was. You basically put me in charge of research and the enhancer project based on one little resume and file you had gotten on me. There were holes and secrets in the file, but you didn't care. I'd been living in a hotel doing nothing related to the project you were hiring me for and you still took that chance and offered me the job. I know you say there were other reasons for hiring me, but you also say I was the best one suited for the job.

Coming to New York, I never expected in a million years to be where I am now. I honestly didn't expect to enjoy the job as much as I did when I first arrived and part of that was you making me feel so comfortable here. I didn't expect to see someone more than a boss or a friend in you. I didn't expect to fall in love. I didn't expect to be married within a year and definitely didn't expect to have given birth to a child within two. I wasn't expecting you, but I'm thankful I got you. Cause I'm kind fond of you now.

Thank you for taking a chance on me, Harry Michael Osborn. You and Emily are the most precious things in my life now. I love you.

Love,
Fred

I came to New York on a whim. Sure, I'd heard of OsCorp industries and I'd sent out my application all over. But the decision to come to New York was made a lot quicker than any other decision I ever would have made about anything else. At first I wondered if I'd made the right choice. Like, on the plane ride over I wondered if I should have given Los Angeles and the things there a little more time. Crazy things had gone down and I didn't really see how any of us were still left standing after that. Maybe that's why I knew I needed to leave fast and I didn't hesitate to take the job for Harry Osborn. Because I didn't want to wake up and everything really be over.

Ever since I arrived, my life has been so much different in the best possible way. From landing an amazing job at such a prestigious company like OsCorp, to dating and then marrying its CEO. My life became like this fairytale and I think I've been pinching myself ever since to make sure I'm not sleeping.

Sure, we had some rough bumps along the way maybe but every princess has her pea, right? It doesn't compare to the other things that have happened here with us. Harry and I just had a baby. She's beautiful and I couldn't imagine my life any other way than the way it is right now. It makes the rest that came before all worth it because I wouldn't be here without it.

Baby's two week check-up was today. Everything's okay and normal. No, my being on the enhancers during the beginning of my pregnancy didn't cause any harm. Month check-up in a couple more weeks and the doctor said she would be getting shots. Harry's staying in the room while I go to the lobby and pretend I don't hear my daughter screaming and wondering why I let the man hurt her. Yes, whether you like it or not.

Also, speakng of two weeks, why am I still in maternity clothes.

April 16, 2008

She's starting to wonder if the thing inside of her is ever going to make her grand appearance. For as much of a Burkle this child may be, she is still an Osborn and Osborns need to make their appearances memorable, after all. They do things on their own time and it seems the newest Osborn is no different. A couple times, Fred thinks she was just teasing her parents. She'd make both of them believe she was coming this time, but, no, not really. Just making sure they're ready, that's all.

Don't you worry about it, Mama, I'll come when I'm good and ready.

Harry is up in his office somewhere while Fred waddles her way down to the kitchen. She'd ask Elizabeth or Harry himself to fetch something for her, but she'd probably change her mind again once they were halfway up the stairs to the room. So, she's rummaging through the kitchen trying to find something that suits her. Lately, it's been those hot and spicy Doritos. The doctor did say to try out spicy foods, after all. Fred figures Doritos are as good as anything else.

She's munching on an open bag while looking through the fridge when the baby decides to make herself known. Wincing a little, Fred holds her hand against the counter and concentrates on breathing. One, two, three, four. Count and breathe. The pain passes after a few long seconds and so she decides it's safe to continue searching for food. Small contractions had been going in and out all day but the doctor said those were completely normal. This one was just a little on the stronger side. Several minutes later, when she's making her way into the parlor, another hits. Leaning forward on a table, Fred closes her eyes and tries to concentrate on counting again.

Are you paying attention now, Mama?

She sets down the chips and glass of water and manages to make her way up to their room to grab the bag that had been packed weeks ago. Fred put the bag together initially, but she's positive Harry added a few things here and there over the last couple of weeks. Bag in hand, she appears in the doorway to her husband's office and gives him a raised brow.

Mama, you should tell Daddy he needs to hurry up 'cause I don't have all day.

It's six or seven hours, ten centimeters, and eight insults or death threats later at the hospital and a room which was filled with yells is now full of quiet awe. She's exhausted, as is Harry, but they're both more alert now than they've ever been. Emily seems properly worn out as well. Her screams are long gone, she's been cleaned up and the doctor walks over to the bed with a tiny baby in his arms.

"I'd like you both to meet someone," he says with a smile. As if this is the first time he's ever done this. The first time he's ever introduced parents to their newborn baby.

A single tear falls from her eye as the baby girl is gently placed in Fred's arms. "Hi," she says quietly and then beams up at Harry who's watching his daughter so closely. Fred leans in to place a soft kiss on the baby's pink forehead and sighs contently.

I'm here, Mama. Now what?

You're always collecting property, so I took a gamble in hoping you didn't already have several acres here.

Happy birthday, Harry. You're amazing for putting up with my crazy self these past several months. I love you.

There are tons of books out there that talk about how babies in the womb can hear what's going on outside and around them. Some people think it's ridiculous, but there are enough people who say that they can, so I've decided to take that into consideration. Hopefully, she won't recognize my voice as only harsh, loud, and always yelling since I've done quite a lot of that during this pregnancy. You know, I always said I wanted a lot of kids but that was before I was ever actually pregnant. I don't mind the whole process exactly, but dear god it's not safe for people around me.

Anyway, so I've been trying to keep my voice not so scary and even have done the music thing for a while. There are those studies that say kids who listen to classical music will turn out smarter than others, so I've played Chopin to Tchaikovsky to Mozart while I'm working or laying around the house. I don't entirely believe the whole classical music deal because hi, this kid's parents are already both pretty damn smart in the first place but it couldn't hurt, right?

Harry sings to her sometimes. Or I'll be waking up from a nap and find him talking to the big lump that is my stomach.

There are a pair of headphones by the bed that I use and I have another pair at the office. I'm not always in the mood to listen to music or may be doing something that music is a distraction, so that's where the headphones come in. They're made for someone with an extra large head of course, but they stretch out fit right on my stomach quite nicely.

Only it's not Chopin or Mozart that she gets to hear when I use the headphones. Oh no. This child is going to come out playing a banjo because as much as she kicks during Goodbye Earl sometimes, it stays on repeat for hours.

Dear Angel,

It's really strange how long it's been since we've talked. I've been in New York for over a year now and all that's happened is a little harder to grasp. Kind of like living a year in Los Angeles I guess, huh? I moved across the country, took on a job that I love but was a little surprised to actually get, got married to a billionaire, and now I'm just a few months more away from having a baby. Life is crazy and insane and kinda funny at times.

When I left LA, I know things were as bad as they could get. People were missing, in comas, and dropping like flies and I guess a part of me feels a little guilty for leaving like I did. I'll never think it was the wrong decision, but basically you were left in that hotel with nothing but your brooding thoughts to keep you company for a while. I do miss seeing you and everyone. Cordy was here for a while and it felt nice to have a little reminder of Los Angeles. I never thought I'd call anywhere but the Hyperion home, and it took me a few good months for that status to change to a place like New York, but you'll always be a part of my family. And, of course, no matter what happens, you'll always by my hero.

I'd say you could come and visit, but I know you have things going on back in LA or where ever that keep you from getting away. Hey, I'd love to come back and spend a couple weeks at the hotel, but that's gonna be a little hard right now. Timing just isn't right for anyone, huh?

Anyway, there hasn't been a big flashing point to this letter but I guess I just wanted to say that I do miss you. No matter how much I love where I am and what I do here, I'll always miss helping you catch the demon of the week. Or, hey, saving the world wasn't so bad either every now and then.

Love,
Fred

Let your tears come. Let them water your soul.

Right. So, that whole thing about me thinking my mood swings were a little more under control? Was a load of crap. Maybe I'm not breaking as many priceless valuables around the penthouse anymore, but frankly I'd take that over what I'm going through now. Fine, Harry might disagree, but whatever.

I never really was a crier. Maybe smething would catch me off guard and it would get the better of me emotionally, but for a female I'd say I'm pretty tough as we come. To a degree anyway. It's not like emotionless. Hah. Emotionless. Just saying that word and my name in the same sentence lately would be a laugh.

For example --

Harry and I went to the doctor together a week or more ago for an ultrasound. It's not like I don't know what a baby looks like as it's growing inside the womb. It's not the first ultrasound I've seen or had and I know they're not baby-formed, okay. Well, when we were looking at the sonogram, I just let it loose. Both the doctor and Harry had no idea what was going on because I just started bawling. Tears streaming down my face and I couldn't get them to stop. Harry took my hand and tried to get me to tell him what was wrong. The doctor just looked a little disturbed.

My baby looked like an elephant.

I'm not kidding. She looked so much like an elephant that we might as well start calling her Dumbo Osborn. I couldn't help it, you know? Who wants their child to come out looking like an elephant? My luck, she'd be all hairy and we could call her Snuffleupagus instead. Not that I could tell just from the picture on the monitor if she was hairy.

Through my sobs and tears, I finally got out to Harry why I was so upset. Our baby looked like an elephant. She had these huge ears come out the sides of her head and ugh, I don't know. I just saw those and lost it completely. Harry asked why I thought our baby looked like an elephant and I pointed the gigantic ears out to him. Apparently, he thought she looked completely normal for a fetus because he had no idea where I was getting this whole elephant theory from at all.

He laughed.

My crying stopped. One... two... three..

Once he realized his mistake in laughing (it wasn't a terrible laugh, but he laughed), he shook his head and pointed to the monitor. I'd been looking at the picture wrong. The ears were her legs and the cord came out looking like a snout from how she was positioned.

Some freaking scientist I am.

1 question...
1 chance...
1 honest answer...

That's all you get. Ask me one question. Any one question, anything, no matter how crazy it is. An honest answer. No catch.

Well, okay, there's just one. All comments will be screened so your question stays private between you and me, and only you will get to see my answer to your question. But I dare you to repost this and see what people ask you.

ooc: well, not really screened since that whole not being able to respond to screened comments irks me, but let's pretend they are all screened, mmkay?

( and lots of other questions that you probably could care less about but here you go anyway )

My parents always told me I had this imagination that they'd never seen in anyone. I could make up stories to make the best fairytale writers jealous. Me and my friends would come up with these games that no one else could dream about figuring out and then we'd all laugh about it. Most of the time, people say that a child's imagination weakens as you get older and they're probably right. Some adults don't have any imagination whatsoever. It's kind of sad, really.

I might have lost some of it, but god knows I never lost it completely. I still have these daydreams that only the best minds would be able to figure out. Well, actually some of the best minds would be the last people to figure them out. Maybe that's why science comes easily to me. Kind of a weird combination I guess, but when you have so many possibilities rolling around in your head, it has to come out and become useful somewhere. I see something that might happen and I want to make it true on paper.

Though, I guess that always didn't work out so great in chem lab. Certain things just aren't supposed to happen but instead go boom.

Lately, I've imagined what my little girl is going to be like. Yeah, we found out we're having a girl. I wonder who's smile she'll have or what kind of complextion. If she'll have Harry's curls or let it grow long and straight. I have all these mental pictures in my head of what she'll be like and what kind of little girl she'll be. Of who she'll grow up to be. Some people have a set picture of who they think they're child is going to be, but I guess that's where my imagination comes into play. Every time I think of her, I have a different picture. And, somehow, I think once she's here, she'll surprise me and be completely different. She'll be perfect.