Chapter Seventeen: These Are The Days.

Ainsley and Bob stayed on top of homework.  Ainsley continued to do very well and get top grades in school.  This was the result of a combination of some hard work and a good deal of natural talent.

 Bob's garden grew.  The fresh air and fresh produce made him very happy.

What failed to make Bob quite as happy was the old plumbing in their aging home.  It required a bit of maintenance and certain fixtures were still prone to break on a semi-regular basis.

As Addison outgrew the bassinet, she was moved to a cot and eventually her own bed; in Ainsley's room.  Ainsley complained a bit, but was kind enough to 'share' the nightlight and her large unicorn soft toy with her sister.

Addison was sweet, as long as she was getting her way.  She had the whole family wrapped around that little finger.  She was fussy about solids and prone to throw a new dish on the floor if she didn't like it.  Eliza learnt to maintain control of the food and insist on assisting Addison with her meals until this behaviour subsided, somewhat.

Addison was earlier to talk than Ainsley had been.  Once she started, she barely stopped until she talked herself to sleep at night.  On nights she got a bedtime story, Addison would settle long enough to fool Bob or Eliza into leaving the room; then she would carry on a conversation with Uni or Ainsley (if Ainsley happened to be in the room at the time) until she fell asleep between one word and the next.

Eliza had good news over French Toast one morning.  She'd been promoted and it came with a considerable pay rise.

Where Bob had had most of the rearing of Ainsley, the parenting was far more even with the Pancakes second child.  Eliza was rather more relaxed with Addison and much more keen to be involved.

Ainsley even helped on occasion.  She'd make up games to keep her little sister entertained or have a go at teaching her new words, using those funny flash cards that are so popular with a certain set.

Ainsley still spent plenty of time being a teenager.  She had a number of friends, some of whom were even her own age and a good influence.

The restaurant where Bob worked changed hands.  The new owner was only interested in the money and was not a professional chef.  Bob was retained; and put in charge as executive chef.  The years of hard work had paid off.  Bob was finally in charge of his own kitchen.

So once again, and for a while, things were very good in the Pancakes house.  Albeit with a pint-sized tyrant unofficially in charge.