Team8s and Counting Onwards

It was a lovely Sunday morning. Donut was handing all the kids some plates to bring upstairs, as he and Coiny were planning a fun surprise for the rest of the adults.

"Why are we doing this?" Dimey asked.

Donut handed Dimey a plate full of breakfast. "Because we want to show all your mommies how much we all love them."

Dimey raised an eyebrow. "Even when they make us do chores?"

Coiny laughed as he came around the corner carrying a tray of orange juice cups. "Yes, especially when they make us do chores. That means they care."

Sprinkle tilted his head. "Isn't it supposed to be Mother's Day soon?"

"It is today," Thread said with a wink. "That's why we're surprising them with breakfast in bed."

"Ohhhh!" Bladey lit up, clutching her plate like it was treasure. "That's why we made pancakes shaped like flowers!"

"And hearts!" Sack added, his own plate wobbling slightly as he carried it up the first step.

"Careful, buddy," Coiny said gently. "No one wants syrup in their socks."

All the kids giggled as they tiptoed up the stairs, following Donut's lead. The house smelled of maple syrup, strawberries, and warm toast. They stopped at the top of the stairs and huddled quietly in the hallway.

"Okay," Donut whispered. "Everyone go to your mom's door and knock. When they open it, shout 'Happy Mother's Day!' Got it?"

All five kids nodded, barely holding in their excitement. Donut and Coiny exchanged amused looks, then nodded.

"One, two, three... go!"

Doors swung open one by one, and the hallway lit up with a chorus of little voices shouting:

"Happy Mother's Day!"

Barf Bag blinked sleepily at Sprinkle and Sack standing proudly at her door with a plate of waffles shaped like stars. Her face lit up. "Oh, you two," she murmured, hugging them both as they ran up to her bed. "Thank you so much!"

"Dad thought you'd like these!" Sprinkle exclaimed, handing Barf Bag the plate.

Barf Bag cut a piece of the waffle, and ate it proudly. "Mmmm, good job guys!" Barf Bag enjoyed her waffle, grateful for the surprise they all planned.

"Do you like being a mommy?" Sack asked.

Barf Bag looked right into Sack's eyes. "I love being a mommy, especially to you guys.

"Even when you have to give me my shots?" Sprinkle asked with big eyes.

Barf Bag smiled, trying not to cry. "Of course, Sprinkle. Giving you your shots doesn't mean I love you any less. In fact, it's because I love you that I do it. I want you to grow up healthy and strong—even if it means I have to do the hard stuff sometimes."

"Being a mommy sounds like a lot of work." Sack said.

Barf Bag chuckled softly, setting her plate down on the nightstand so she could wrap an arm around each of them. "It is a lot of work," she said, pressing a kiss to Sack's head. "But it's also the most important work I'll ever do. And you two make it worth every second."

Sack beamed, snuggling closer. "Even when we make messes?"

"Especially then," Barf Bag laughed. "Because that means you're learning and trying. And that's all I could ever want."

Across the hall, Pin and Needle were still yawning as they sat up, their trays resting on their laps. Thread was proudly pointing out each item she and Dimey had helped with. "Daddy even taught me how to use the stove so I could make you all scrambled eggs!" Thread said proudly.