When Pattie arrived, Anastasia was absolutely thrilled. Pattie had brought along a picture she''d drawn as a gift. Pointing at the figures on the paper, she enthusiastically exined, "This is mommy, this is daddy, here''s me, and these are my little brother and sister. It''s our family portrait!" "Wow, that''s fantastic," Anastasia praised warmly, "My little artist is getting so talented. You''ve made mommy look so beautiful."


    Pattie beamed with pride. "Mommy is the most beautiful mommy in the world."


    Herman chuckled, "And what about me, Pattie?"


    Without missing a beat, Pattie replied, "Daddy, you''re the handsomest."


    Pattie loved both her mommy and daddy equally, no favorites there.


    Salma, always caring, asked, "Ana, how are you feeling?"


    "I''m feeling great, actually. Look, I''ve even put on some weight, and myplexion is glowing," Anastasia said, pinching her cheeks and waist to prove her point.


    Herman chimed in from the side, "A little extra weight looks good."


    Anastasia caught on immediately and shot Herman a yful re. Teasing her in front of the elders, how cheeky!


    Men did seem to prefer women with a bit more to love, finding the touch more appealing. Anastasia had also noticed that Herman enjoyed cuddling up at night, often affectionately squeezing her. Post-pregnancy, Anastasia had indeed gone up a cup size, a change she hadn''t overlooked.


    Reassured by Anastasia''s recovery, Salma smiled, "Your dad called. He said he''de visit after you''re done with the postpartum period, during the baby''s full month celebration."


    This reminded Anastasia she hadn''t sent an invite to Tavon yet.


    She turned to Herman, "Did your mom send an invite to my dad?"


    The baby''s full month celebration was all being handled by Katelyn.


    Herman nodded, "Yes, she did. We''ve gone through the guest list thoroughly, wouldn''t miss inviting your father."


    Katelyn was meticulous in her nning. Though Anastasia and Tavon hadn''t had a formal recognition ceremony, he was her father, and it was only right to invite him.


    As they chatted, Katelyn arrived with the kids. Seeing Salma there too, she greeted her warmly, "Oh, Ana''s mom, you''re here too!"


    "Just got here," Salma replied, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the baby, "Let me hold the little one."


    Knowing Katelyn''s preferences, Salma conscientiously used some hand sanitizer before reaching for the baby.


    Katelyn, seeing this, smiled in approval.


    Anastasia, noticing Salma''s meticulousness,ughed, "Mom, you don''t have to sanitize. It''s not that big of a deal." Unbeknownst to Anastasia, Pattie had been stopped by Katelyn for wanting to touch the baby without sanitizing first. Salma exined, "It''s necessary. Babies have weak immune systems; we need to be careful."


    Salma''s words were meant to please Katelyn, going along with her wishes.


    Salma was well aware that having no significant background, Anastasia marrying into a wealthy family meant adhering to the inws'' customs.


    Katelyn added, "I''ve said the same before. With babies being so vulnerable, sanitization is a must. We can''t be careless with children."


    Anastasia now understood why Salma had insisted on sanitizing.


    Not wanting to make a fuss, Anastasia let it slide as a minor issue.


    Holding her granddaughter Emmie, Salma, too joyful to think much, blurted out, "She''s changed so much in just over a fortnight, getting so fair and chubby. And those double eyelids, so beautiful."


    This made Anastasia realize it had been quite a while since Salmast saw the baby.


    The baby was at the Salstrom Manor, and if Salma wished to visit, a driver could easily take her there. Anastasia never doubted Salma''s love for the babies. She must have had her reasons for not visiting.


    Remembering Monica''s earlier advice, Anastasia sensed her mother was keeping something from her.


    Anastasia, maintaining a light tone, said, "Mom, once I go back in a few days and bring the baby to South Gate, you''ll be seeing her every day. You might even start finding it too much, losing all your free time with two little grandkids clinging to you." Salma, understanding it was a yful remark, responded, "How could I ever get tired of them? I could watch them every day and never get enough."


    Katelyn, joining in the conversation, said with a smile, "And don''t forget about me. Ana''s mom, if you''re busy, let me take care of them. It''s no trouble at all."