Hearing those words come out of Debbie's mouth made my 심장 race. I knew it wasn't a good idea to bring AJ to the hospital because I know it's going to be chaos. I ran up to Jeffrey and asked him "will 당신 watch AJ for me? Debbie's water just broke and I don't know how long I'll be at the hospital with her for." He said "of course I can Michael. I hope everything with the delivery goes well." I said "thank 당신 so much Jeffrey" and grabbed my car keys off of the countertop in the kitchen.
When I arrived at the hospital, Debbie was so happy to see me and she said "I'm not even close to having the baby anytime soon. I can't really complain too much because Alanna's delivery was so easy and quick. This is just the payback for the first time!" I sat down in the chair 다음 to her hospital 침대 and said "I don't care how long this takes; I'll be here to support you!" She said "I had the doctors give me an epidural because I just couldn't handle the pain anymore. I've been nauseous and I just wanted to warn 당신 because I will probably throw up at some point." I hugged her and said "just relax! I'm not going anywhere; even if 당신 throw up! That stuff doesn't bother me! Did 당신 forget that I have a two-year-old at home? Throwing up is nothing to me anymore Debbie!"
분 after I finish that sentence, she did end up getting sick in a bucket that she held in her hands. She looked embarrassed almost to the point of devastation. She said "I'm so sorry 당신 had to witness that Michael!" I said "you really don't need to worry about it; seriously Debbie! That doesn't bother me at all! I'm just glad that 당신 have better aim than AJ does because I've 로스트 count of how many times she's gotten sick all over me and that doesn't even bother me anymore!" After I said that she seemed to be at ease and we sat there finally able to catch up on what has been going on in each other's lives.
Debbie asked "how's AJ doing?" I said "you'll be happy to know that I threw away the baby bottles." She said "that's great. How is the bathroom situation with her going? I know 당신 were really struggling with that before!" I said "she's 100% trained during the 일 and it'll probably be a while before I'm comfortable working on nighttime with her because I'm going to be busy taking care of Prince in the middle of the night." Debbie asked "what about her oppositional defiance disorder and ADHD? Has that gotten any better?" I took a deep sigh and said "unfortunately no; if anything it's gotten worse! I've never seen a child that young with the anger that she has! I can’t imagine what it's going to be like when she is older! I know she's not broken but sometimes I just want to fix her in some way because I can see that she doesn't even want to act the way she does! I think she realizes what she does after the fact and feels remorseful; but she just doesn't want to admit it. She is so stubborn but; she has the potential to be so well behaved and I hope I'm doing everything in my power to help her get to that point!"
After almost 23 hours of labor, Debbie had almost delivered our son into the world and I was glad because I could tell that she was completely exhausted. She was cursing up a storm and I would try to come up with another word for her to use because I rarely ever swear! I only really swear when I'm extremely mad! Sometimes "hell" will slip out of my mouth here and there; but I don't really consider that a swear word because it's in the Bible. Anyway, I finally got to hold my son for the first time and it brought me back to all the times when AJ was that small! I of course thanked Debbie and was glad when they let me leave the hospital with him a few hours later. Debbie unfortunately has to stay at the hospital for a few days to monitor her health because the delivery lasted so long.
I got back to Neverland with Prince around 2 o'clock in the morning and Jeffrey was waiting for me. I let him go back to his servants’ quarters because he was pretty much sleeping when I walked through the door. After feeding my son and helping him get off to sleep, I walked across the hall into AJ's bedroom to see her peacefully sleeping with 만화 playing on her TV. I kissed her forehead and turned off the TV. I couldn't help but realize how much AJ has changed in almost 3 years’ time.
***
Okay, maybe I forgot how much work it is to take care of a newborn baby because it's been so long. Ever since I bought Prince 집 about six hours 이전 I've been exhausted and I'm about to get a lot 더 많이 tired because AJ should be up any 분 now. She still doesn't know that her brother is here because she was fast asleep when I got back to the ranch with him. Thank God Grace will be back tomorrow because I have feeling today is going to be very long 일 which will make me one very tired daddy.
I was sitting on the 침상, 소파 in the living room with Prince in my arms and my eyes barely open when AJ yelled "I'm awake daddy" from upstairs. My eyes shot open and I walked upstairs with the baby still in my arms. I opened her bedroom door and quietly crept over to the bed. I whispered "do 당신 want to meet your baby brother?" I sat down 다음 to her on the 침대 and helped her hold Prince in her arms. She said "he's cute daddy." I said "I know." She said "I can't wait until he's a little bit older so I can teach him stuff!" I asked "did 당신 listen to Jeffrey while I was at the hospital?" She responded "yeah; but I missed 당신 and now I really have to go to the bathroom!" I chuckled and said "I don't understand why 당신 don't ever go when I'm not here. 당신 make me feel so bad for you." She dashed off to the bathroom while explaining "because I just can't go daddy." I rolled my eyes and said "whatever 당신 say AJ!"
AJ came downstairs with me a little while later and I was surprised 의해 how patient she was being with me because I had to spend so much time taking care of Prince. She actually wanted to be helpful to me and would go get me something that I needed if Prince started crying. I said "you're being such a good big sister AJ!" She looked down at Prince as he drank from the bottle I was feeding him and asked "daddy?" I responded "yes?" She asked "is that one of my bottles?" I said "it used to be a few months ago." She whispered "oh" and wrinkled her eyebrows. She stayed really quite after that and I don't really know why.
***
I was woken up this morning 의해 the doorbell ringing and grabbed Prince out of the 어린이 침대, 침대 that was set up in my bedroom so I could go answer it. When I opened the door Grace was standing on the other side and I was so happy to see her because she's been gone for the past six months taking care of her sister who unfortunately passed away. I said "it's so nice to have 당신 working for me again; so much has changed! AJ’s going to be three years old in a few weeks! This is my newborn son Prince Michael and you'll be taking care of him too. Luckily, I don't really have too much going on with my job right now because I'm in between legs on my tour and the final leg doesn't start until the week after AJ's birthday. There are only 15 shows left and then the tour is finally over! If 당신 can’t tell 의해 now, I hate being on tour! It absolutely exhausts me and I can't wait until I don't have to worry about it anymore! Until then, I'm just trying to enjoy as much quality time with the children as possible before we hit the road again." She said "well, I'll be here to help 당신 with anything 당신 need so that when 당신 get back to the hotel after a 음악회, 콘서트 당신 can just relax!" I said "I really appreciate that from 당신 because there would be no way that I would be able to watch both of the children on my own and do my job correctly. It was hard enough just watching AJ for those last few concerts when 당신 left to go tend to your sister. My manager was so irritated with me because I spent 더 많이 time worrying about Alanna then I did about preparing for the show. He stresses me out way too much! I'm not looking 앞으로 to having him breathing down my neck pretty much all 일 long. I definitely don't miss that part of my job."
AJ came scurrying down the stairs and I picked her up. I kissed her forehead and said "this is Grace; do 당신 remember her?" She started to act shy and asked "is she the lady who was here when 당신 put me in timeout for the first time daddy?" I smirked and said "yeah that's her." Grace said "your daddy looks like he needs a break." I said "actually; I was going to have 당신 watch the two of them while I go to my studio here on the ranch." AJ immediately started having separation anxiety; I can't really blame her because she hasn't really been away from me for the past six months.
She screamed "you can't leave me here daddy!" I asked "why not? I'm just going to be over at the studio a few miles away in the backyard munchkin." She refused to talk to me unless Grace left the room; so I had her feed Prince a baby bottle in the living room while AJ and I talked. I asked "what's the big deal AJ? I'm not going anywhere far away!” She said "I don't want to be away from you! I heard 당신 talking about how you're going to go back to work and be gone all 일 while I'm in a hotel!" She started crying uncontrollably and I couldn't help but feel bad because I don't like leaving either of the children for any amount of time; let alone all 일 for five days a week. We'll only be gone for a 월 and a half because I average about three shows a week and there's only 15 shows left on the tour.
I asked "do 당신 want to go down to the studio with me then; since 당신 don't want me to leave 당신 here with Grace?" She said "yes" and calmed herself down. I walked into the living room and said "you don't need to worry about watching AJ because she's going to the studio with me. We'll be back in about an hour; check the backyard if 당신 need me." Grace said "no need to worry; are 당신 sure 당신 don't want me to watch AJ for you?" I responded "no; that's all right. If 당신 can't tell 의해 now; AJ is extremely attached to me!"
I 사랑 my personal recording studio that I had built on the ranch because it has a living room that AJ has a play area set up in. I held her hand as we walked through the front door of the studio and I brought her to the living room. She asked "daddy; will 당신 play with me?" I felt really bad because I haven't really been able to spend much time with her in the past two days because of Prince needing so much of my time and attention. I lay down on my stomach on the living area floor and said "sure; since there's not many things in here, why don't we just talk instead?" She said "okay daddy." I asked "do 당신 like being a big sister AJ?" She said "yeah; but I wish 당신 could spend 더 많이 time with me because I kind of miss when it was just me and you! I really 사랑 Prince; but I can't have 당신 all to myself anymore!" I said sympathetically "I know; in a few 더 많이 months Prince won't need me to take care of him quite so often and then we can do things that 당신 like to do. That actually reminds me; what did 당신 want to do for your birthday this year?" She said "I want to have a Spiderman party daddy!!!" I chuckled and sarcastically said "I didn't see that coming! Do 당신 want your uncles, grandma, and aunts to come to the party?" She said "no; grandma and Aunt Latoya can come over; but that's it!" I asked curiously "why don't 당신 want everyone else to come?" She said "because they are mean to 당신 and make 당신 sad."
***
Last 년 I was rehearsing for my tour when AJ's birthday rolled around; so I really didn't have the time to set up anything special for her. That's why I want this birthday to make up for the last one. Plus, this is the first birthday that I think she will remember years from now and I want it to be a memorable 일 for her! I walked upstairs and into AJ's bedroom to see if she was awake yet. I was surprised to see that she was still sleeping because it was almost 9 o'clock and she usually wakes up around eight. I walked up to her and pulled the covers away. She slowly opened her eyes and I said "good morning sleepyhead. Are 당신 excited that your birthday is only a few days away?" She said "I'm so excited daddy!" I said "good because I'm going to do my best to make this the coolest party ever!"
She jumped on my back and I carried her downstairs. I let her down and she sat on the couch. I put 만화 on the TV and walked up to Grace in the 부엌, 주방 and asked in whispered tones "will 당신 watch AJ as well as Prince while I go shopping for her party?" She responded "of course I can Michael." I said "I have to stop 의해 a few other places too; so I may be a couple of hours." She said "that's not problem Michael; take as long as 당신 need!" While AJ was mesmerized 의해 the TV, I quickly snuck out of the house before she noticed because I knew she would have separation anxiety if she knew that I went somewhere without her.
After going to the store with my bodyguard Jeffrey, I decided to stop 의해 Havenhurst to check in on my mother because I haven't seen her in a few weeks. I knocked on the door and Majestic answered it. Majestic was the magician I hired to entertain me while I was still living with mother and Joseph; but now he just stays at Havenhurst free of charge because I didn't want my mother's been lonely here 의해 herself. I greeted Majestic and he said "it's about time 당신 come to visit me!" I chuckled and said "I'm actually here to see mother." He jokingly said "oh… I see how it is Michael!" I walked into the living room to see mother sitting there in a chair. She looked up and said "there's my little Michael!" I rolled my eyes and smiled as I said "I'm not so little anymore mother! I'm going to be 34." I sat down in the chair 다음 to her and she said "you'll always be my little Michael!"
She asked "so, what brings 당신 here today?" I said "I just finished shopping for Alanna's birthday party and wanted to stop 의해 to invite 당신 to come on Saturday." She said "of course I'll be there! Can –." I cut her off and said "please don't even ask that mother! I'm not inviting my brothers, Janet, Rebbie, and especially not Joseph! I've tried three times in a row to invite them over to the ranch and it never ends positively! I want this to be good birthday for AJ and even she realizes that being around any of them makes me tense! She told me all on her own that she doesn't want them to come!" Mother said "that's fine Michael; it was just a suggestion." I got up from my 좌석 and said "okay mother; I 사랑 당신 and I'll see 당신 in a few days at the ranch for the party." She hugged me and said "I can't wait; I miss my grandbabies!"
When I opened the front door to the main house on the ranch, I saw that AJ was sobbing uncontrollably on the other side of the door. I picked her up and asked "what's wrong?" She said "I was watching TV and when I looked around later on, 당신 were gone!!!!!!!!!!!!" I rubbed her back as tears flowed from her eyes and said "you couldn't come with me because I had to get your party stuff. I came back; didn't I?" Grace came into the room and said "see; I told 당신 daddy would be back! She had a complete meltdown once she realized 당신 were gone Michael!" I said "she's become very clingy in this past few months that we've been back home. I don't know what's gotten into her! 당신 know I would never leave 당신 forever AJ; I always come back!" She said while rubbing her eyes "next time, please take me with 당신 daddy!"
***
I ran into AJ's room and shouted "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" at the 상단, 맨 위로 of my lungs. She jumped out of 침대 and said "yay; it's time for my party!" I chuckled and said "whoa; slow down! It's only 8 o'clock in the morning! We still have a while to go before grandma and Aunt Latoya come over! I called Aunt Elizabeth (Taylor) and she is coming too." She quietly walked downstairs and I said "remember, Prince is sleeping so we can't be too loud! Grace was upstairs with the baby so I could spend some much overdue quality time with AJ. While I slowly began to get the things out of the 부엌, 주방 so I could make French 토스트 for breakfast.
The phone started ringing as I stood there putting the syrup on the French 토스트 that I had just made for breakfast. I answered the phone and the person on the other end said "hello; is this Mr. Jackson?" I said "yes; may I ask whose calling?" The person said "this is your party planner Deana and I have some unfortunate news for 당신 Michael. The person that 당신 hired to come to the party dressed as Spiderman canceled about 20 분 ago." I whispered angrily "what do 당신 mean they canceled? They can't do that! That was supposed to be the best part of AJ's birthday party!" She responded "I'm sorry Michael; is there any other superhero that your daughter would want to come to her party?" I said irritated "no; that's why I specifically asked for Spiderman! Why don't 당신 have one of the people that dresses up in costume wear the Spiderman one instead?" She said "because the other staff members aren't crazy enough to put on that costume because it's extremely hot and makes them sweat. The person that was supposed to wear the costume today was my 16-year-old nephew and the only reason he agreed to wear it was because I was going to let him borrow my car so he could go to the prom with his girlfriend. Then out of nowhere he called me and told me that he wouldn't need the car anymore because they are just going to ride in a limo with a group of their friends. I'm sorry Michael; but there's nothing I can do about it at this point because it's such short notice that I wouldn't be able to find someone and time." I was getting very aggravated at this point and said "you know what, just bring the costume over to me and I'll wear the freaking thing! I mean this is totally unacceptable and I won't be using your services again after today! 당신 should be ashamed of yourself and I hope you'll be happy when I spread the word around to all my other celebrity 프렌즈 about how ridiculous this is for me to have to deal with right now! All I can say is that the birthday cake I had 당신 make better be amazing!"
I slammed the phone down on the 표, 테이블 and shook my head in disbelief. I went into the living room and saw AJ sitting on the 침상, 소파 watching cartoons. I sat 다음 to her and she said "I can't wait for my party daddy! Is it almost time?" I chuckled and said "you just got up 10 분 이전 and I told 당신 the party isn't going to be for a while." She said "it's taking too long!" I said "you're still in your pajamas and we haven't even had anything to eat yet!" She asked "are 당신 making something for breakfast daddy?" I said "of course I am; I have French 토스트 started right now. It should be done in a few 더 많이 minutes!"
Once the French 토스트 was finished, I sat down 다음 to AJ at the 표, 테이블 and meticulously cut her 음식 into the smallest bite-size pieces possible. Grace came downstairs with Prince in her arms and sat down 다음 to me at the table. She said "happy birthday AJ." I looked over at AJ as she shoveled so much French 토스트 in her mouth that she couldn't even respond. I said "AJ; 당신 know better than that. It may be your birthday, but that doesn't mean 당신 get to break the rules." She swallowed her 음식 and softly said "sorry" under her breath. I said "I just don't want 당신 to choke because I would feel awful." she asked "daddy; since it's my birthday, can I pick out what clothes I'm going to wear?" I said "I don't have a problem with that."
One of the maids helped clean the house while Grace and I started setting up the decorations for the party. Grace said "wow Michael; 당신 really went all out for AJ's party this year!" I said "I really wanted this birthday to be special because this is the last 년 that I think I can get away with calling Alanna a baby. I have a feeling that this 년 is going to be really hard on me in particular because I'm finishing up a tour and trying to successfully raise two kids. I'm realizing now that I've spent so much time with Prince that I don't want AJ to think he's 더 많이 important then she is to me! It's easy for a three-year-old to perceive things in that way. I want her to know that just because she isn't my one and only priority anymore doesn't mean I've forgotten about her!"
After we had set up the entire first floor of the house with Spiderman themed party decorations, AJ came downstairs and I couldn't wait to see what she had picked out for clothes. I turned around to see that she was wearing a tank 상단, 맨 위로 over a sweatshirt, one blue sock, one yellow sock, and a pair of Spiderman 복서, 복 서 shorts. I had to try my absolute hardest not to laugh and she asked "do 당신 like my outfit daddy?" I crossed my arms and said "it's original; that's for sure! Just out of curiosity; do 당신 need my help picking out pants to wear?" She said "no; I'm just going to stay like this!" I chuckled and said "stay like that! 당신 can't stay like that AJ!" She asked "why not daddy?" Grace started cracking up and I said "because AJ; you're just in your undies! 당신 don't want everyone to see your undies; right?" She said "but daddy –!" I said "no 'but daddy’s’ 당신 have to put on jeans 또는 something! I'll compromise with you; if 당신 want to wear Spiderman pajama pants 당신 can!" She said "okay daddy; I like your plan better" and ran upstairs.
I laughed and said "okay; maybe letting AJ pick out her own clothes wasn't such a good idea after all! I kind of forgot about her obsession with the Spiderman boxers" the doorbell rang and I let my mother, Latoya, and Elizabeth inside. AJ ran into my arms and I said "there; 당신 look much better now! 당신 didn't have to change your 셔츠 though!" She said "I know; but I wanted to match!" Latoya took AJ out of my arms and asked "do 당신 want to see your birthday cake? Auntie just picked it up on the way over here!" AJ shook her head "yes" and Latoya showed her the blue and red cake with Spiderman's face on it. I breathed a sigh of relief because I was so worried that the party planner would mess up the cake. I whispered "did 당신 get the costume from the lady?" She put AJ down on the floor and pulled me into another room.
Latoya said "yes I did Michael; but are 당신 sure 당신 want to wear this? The fabric is really thick!" I said "yes I'm sure! I don't want AJ to ever forget this birthday!" I snuck upstairs to go put the costume on and immediately started sweating. The weather outside was already in the high 80s and I don't know how long I'm going to be able to handle this for! I quickly slipped the mask over my head and went downstairs.
I walked into the dining room just as Latoya was lighting the candles on the cake and tapped AJ on the shoulder. She turned around and her face was priceless. She was absolutely speechless and then she forced out of the words "how did 당신 get here Spiderman?" I said in my normal tone of voice "I swung on my 거미 webs!" Latoya nudged me with her elbow and whispered "deeper voice Michael!" I cleared my throat and said "so; I could tell 의해 my Spidey senses that today is your third birthday!" AJ said "whoa; I can't believe 당신 knew that!" Latoya could see I was sweating like crazy in the costume; so she said "listen AJ; Spiderman has to leave." Latoya took a picture of us together and AJ said "wait Spiderman; I think my daddy is upstairs and if 당신 see him please tell him how he can get big muscles like 당신 have!" I chuckled at the irony of what she just said to me and said "I'll make sure I let him in on all my secrets!"
After changing back into my regular clothes, I went downstairs to 가입하기 the party. Surprisingly, AJ didn't have too much to say about meeting "Spiderman" and I think that was because she was still in shock from the whole experience. She didn't even say a single word to me afterwards about it.
It was time for AJ to go to 침대 and I was giving her a piggyback ride up the stairs. I gently dropped her onto her 침대 and when I leaned in to give her a 키스 good night, she asked "daddy; did 당신 see Spiderman?" I smiled and said "yes I did." She asked "did he tell 당신 how to get big muscles like him?" I said "he did; but why do 당신 think that my muscles need to be bigger than they already are?" She said "because I want 당신 to be able to beat up bad guys and monsters that can hurt me!" I said "trust me AJ; I will protect 당신 from any bad guys! I'll beat up anybody that wants to hurt you!" She seemed unconvinced as she stared at me with her eyebrows wrinkled and said "I don't think so daddy; some of those bad guys are really strong!" I said "AJ; when it comes to someone hurting 당신 I'm stronger than Spiderman is! No one will ever hurt 당신 as long as daddy's around to hurt them first!" I shut off the light after finally getting my good night 키스 and just as I was about to leave the room, AJ said "thank 당신 for the best birthday ever daddy! I 사랑 당신 so much!" I said "I 사랑 당신 more! You're welcome; sleep well!"
***
I said "AJ; 당신 have to be patient because I'm taking care of Prince right now! Grace will help you!" She shouted back "no; I want you!" I sighed and said "just come in here then!" She said "NO; I don't want to!" I rolled my eyes and said "you're about to find yourself in the corner for three 분 if 당신 keep this up!" She said "you're being stupid daddy!" I couldn't believe my ears at first because I had never said that word around AJ before. I passed Prince to Grace and went into the play room to investigate.
I sat down on the 침상, 소파 다음 to her and asked "where did 당신 hear that word AJ?" She responded "Uncle Tito calls 당신 that when he's mad at you!" I said "well; I don't like that word at all because it's a bad word and I don't want to ever hear 당신 say that again; do 당신 understand?" Of course AJ being as stubborn as she is, looked me straight in my eyes and said "stupid, stupid, stupid!" I picked AJ up and sat her in the corner of the living room; so I could keep an eye on her and finish feeding Prince a bottle.
AJ got out of the corner and walked up to me as I said "you better get over there AJ!" She whined "daddy those are my bottles; I don't want Prince to use them!" Grace said "I think someone's a little jealous of her little brother Michael." I said "AJ; 당신 don't need these anymore remember? 당신 have your Spiderman cups now!" She said "I don't want to be a big kid anymore! It's awful!" I asked "what 당신 mean 당신 don't want to be a big kid anymore? Don't 당신 like being a big sister?" Grace looked at me and I said "I think 당신 may be right when 당신 say she's jealous!" I looked back at AJ still waiting for an answer from the 질문 I had just asked her and she said "I'm going to wet my pants." I said "you better not because I know it won't be an accident!" I could tell that she was contemplating it; so I gave her my "I'm dead serious" daddy look and she immediately went back to the corner. Grace said "I 사랑 when 당신 make that face Michael; that's the only time I've ever seen 당신 one hundred percent serious!"
I called her out of the corner and said calmly but sternly "sit down; right now." AJ slumped down in the spot 다음 to me on the 침상, 소파 and I said "that was completely unacceptable AJ! First of all, 당신 don't need to be calling me bad words. Secondly, I realize that Prince has been around for a about a 월 now; but 당신 need to understand that 당신 can't have me all to yourself anymore. Lastly, 당신 need to act like a big kid." She said "fine; then I don’t want to wear the diapers at night anymore!" I hesitated and stopped myself because I realized that I was holding AJ back again. I said "okay, okay, I guess we'll start that tonight."
Grace could tell that as it got darker outside I grew 더 많이 paranoid. After I read AJ a bedtime story, I asked "are 당신 sure 당신 don't need to go to the bathroom again? She said "stop asking me that she daddy!" I waited all night long for the inevitable screams for "daddy" but they never came and the ridiculous thing as that I don't know whether 또는 not to be happy 또는 sad about that! Is it too much to ask to be needed?
The 다음 day, my eyes shot open because my three-year-old was jumping up and down on my chest saying "I told 당신 so!" The funny thing is that the 다음 night was way different than the first. Her "I told 당신 so's" quickly turned to 2 AM "DADDY", 3 AM "DADDY", and "NOT AGAIN DADDY!!!" At least I can say that it is done and over with. Now if I could just get Prince to sleep through the night I might finally get a good nights’ sleep myself!!!
When I arrived at the hospital, Debbie was so happy to see me and she said "I'm not even close to having the baby anytime soon. I can't really complain too much because Alanna's delivery was so easy and quick. This is just the payback for the first time!" I sat down in the chair 다음 to her hospital 침대 and said "I don't care how long this takes; I'll be here to support you!" She said "I had the doctors give me an epidural because I just couldn't handle the pain anymore. I've been nauseous and I just wanted to warn 당신 because I will probably throw up at some point." I hugged her and said "just relax! I'm not going anywhere; even if 당신 throw up! That stuff doesn't bother me! Did 당신 forget that I have a two-year-old at home? Throwing up is nothing to me anymore Debbie!"
분 after I finish that sentence, she did end up getting sick in a bucket that she held in her hands. She looked embarrassed almost to the point of devastation. She said "I'm so sorry 당신 had to witness that Michael!" I said "you really don't need to worry about it; seriously Debbie! That doesn't bother me at all! I'm just glad that 당신 have better aim than AJ does because I've 로스트 count of how many times she's gotten sick all over me and that doesn't even bother me anymore!" After I said that she seemed to be at ease and we sat there finally able to catch up on what has been going on in each other's lives.
Debbie asked "how's AJ doing?" I said "you'll be happy to know that I threw away the baby bottles." She said "that's great. How is the bathroom situation with her going? I know 당신 were really struggling with that before!" I said "she's 100% trained during the 일 and it'll probably be a while before I'm comfortable working on nighttime with her because I'm going to be busy taking care of Prince in the middle of the night." Debbie asked "what about her oppositional defiance disorder and ADHD? Has that gotten any better?" I took a deep sigh and said "unfortunately no; if anything it's gotten worse! I've never seen a child that young with the anger that she has! I can’t imagine what it's going to be like when she is older! I know she's not broken but sometimes I just want to fix her in some way because I can see that she doesn't even want to act the way she does! I think she realizes what she does after the fact and feels remorseful; but she just doesn't want to admit it. She is so stubborn but; she has the potential to be so well behaved and I hope I'm doing everything in my power to help her get to that point!"
After almost 23 hours of labor, Debbie had almost delivered our son into the world and I was glad because I could tell that she was completely exhausted. She was cursing up a storm and I would try to come up with another word for her to use because I rarely ever swear! I only really swear when I'm extremely mad! Sometimes "hell" will slip out of my mouth here and there; but I don't really consider that a swear word because it's in the Bible. Anyway, I finally got to hold my son for the first time and it brought me back to all the times when AJ was that small! I of course thanked Debbie and was glad when they let me leave the hospital with him a few hours later. Debbie unfortunately has to stay at the hospital for a few days to monitor her health because the delivery lasted so long.
I got back to Neverland with Prince around 2 o'clock in the morning and Jeffrey was waiting for me. I let him go back to his servants’ quarters because he was pretty much sleeping when I walked through the door. After feeding my son and helping him get off to sleep, I walked across the hall into AJ's bedroom to see her peacefully sleeping with 만화 playing on her TV. I kissed her forehead and turned off the TV. I couldn't help but realize how much AJ has changed in almost 3 years’ time.
***
Okay, maybe I forgot how much work it is to take care of a newborn baby because it's been so long. Ever since I bought Prince 집 about six hours 이전 I've been exhausted and I'm about to get a lot 더 많이 tired because AJ should be up any 분 now. She still doesn't know that her brother is here because she was fast asleep when I got back to the ranch with him. Thank God Grace will be back tomorrow because I have feeling today is going to be very long 일 which will make me one very tired daddy.
I was sitting on the 침상, 소파 in the living room with Prince in my arms and my eyes barely open when AJ yelled "I'm awake daddy" from upstairs. My eyes shot open and I walked upstairs with the baby still in my arms. I opened her bedroom door and quietly crept over to the bed. I whispered "do 당신 want to meet your baby brother?" I sat down 다음 to her on the 침대 and helped her hold Prince in her arms. She said "he's cute daddy." I said "I know." She said "I can't wait until he's a little bit older so I can teach him stuff!" I asked "did 당신 listen to Jeffrey while I was at the hospital?" She responded "yeah; but I missed 당신 and now I really have to go to the bathroom!" I chuckled and said "I don't understand why 당신 don't ever go when I'm not here. 당신 make me feel so bad for you." She dashed off to the bathroom while explaining "because I just can't go daddy." I rolled my eyes and said "whatever 당신 say AJ!"
AJ came downstairs with me a little while later and I was surprised 의해 how patient she was being with me because I had to spend so much time taking care of Prince. She actually wanted to be helpful to me and would go get me something that I needed if Prince started crying. I said "you're being such a good big sister AJ!" She looked down at Prince as he drank from the bottle I was feeding him and asked "daddy?" I responded "yes?" She asked "is that one of my bottles?" I said "it used to be a few months ago." She whispered "oh" and wrinkled her eyebrows. She stayed really quite after that and I don't really know why.
***
I was woken up this morning 의해 the doorbell ringing and grabbed Prince out of the 어린이 침대, 침대 that was set up in my bedroom so I could go answer it. When I opened the door Grace was standing on the other side and I was so happy to see her because she's been gone for the past six months taking care of her sister who unfortunately passed away. I said "it's so nice to have 당신 working for me again; so much has changed! AJ’s going to be three years old in a few weeks! This is my newborn son Prince Michael and you'll be taking care of him too. Luckily, I don't really have too much going on with my job right now because I'm in between legs on my tour and the final leg doesn't start until the week after AJ's birthday. There are only 15 shows left and then the tour is finally over! If 당신 can’t tell 의해 now, I hate being on tour! It absolutely exhausts me and I can't wait until I don't have to worry about it anymore! Until then, I'm just trying to enjoy as much quality time with the children as possible before we hit the road again." She said "well, I'll be here to help 당신 with anything 당신 need so that when 당신 get back to the hotel after a 음악회, 콘서트 당신 can just relax!" I said "I really appreciate that from 당신 because there would be no way that I would be able to watch both of the children on my own and do my job correctly. It was hard enough just watching AJ for those last few concerts when 당신 left to go tend to your sister. My manager was so irritated with me because I spent 더 많이 time worrying about Alanna then I did about preparing for the show. He stresses me out way too much! I'm not looking 앞으로 to having him breathing down my neck pretty much all 일 long. I definitely don't miss that part of my job."
AJ came scurrying down the stairs and I picked her up. I kissed her forehead and said "this is Grace; do 당신 remember her?" She started to act shy and asked "is she the lady who was here when 당신 put me in timeout for the first time daddy?" I smirked and said "yeah that's her." Grace said "your daddy looks like he needs a break." I said "actually; I was going to have 당신 watch the two of them while I go to my studio here on the ranch." AJ immediately started having separation anxiety; I can't really blame her because she hasn't really been away from me for the past six months.
She screamed "you can't leave me here daddy!" I asked "why not? I'm just going to be over at the studio a few miles away in the backyard munchkin." She refused to talk to me unless Grace left the room; so I had her feed Prince a baby bottle in the living room while AJ and I talked. I asked "what's the big deal AJ? I'm not going anywhere far away!” She said "I don't want to be away from you! I heard 당신 talking about how you're going to go back to work and be gone all 일 while I'm in a hotel!" She started crying uncontrollably and I couldn't help but feel bad because I don't like leaving either of the children for any amount of time; let alone all 일 for five days a week. We'll only be gone for a 월 and a half because I average about three shows a week and there's only 15 shows left on the tour.
I asked "do 당신 want to go down to the studio with me then; since 당신 don't want me to leave 당신 here with Grace?" She said "yes" and calmed herself down. I walked into the living room and said "you don't need to worry about watching AJ because she's going to the studio with me. We'll be back in about an hour; check the backyard if 당신 need me." Grace said "no need to worry; are 당신 sure 당신 don't want me to watch AJ for you?" I responded "no; that's all right. If 당신 can't tell 의해 now; AJ is extremely attached to me!"
I 사랑 my personal recording studio that I had built on the ranch because it has a living room that AJ has a play area set up in. I held her hand as we walked through the front door of the studio and I brought her to the living room. She asked "daddy; will 당신 play with me?" I felt really bad because I haven't really been able to spend much time with her in the past two days because of Prince needing so much of my time and attention. I lay down on my stomach on the living area floor and said "sure; since there's not many things in here, why don't we just talk instead?" She said "okay daddy." I asked "do 당신 like being a big sister AJ?" She said "yeah; but I wish 당신 could spend 더 많이 time with me because I kind of miss when it was just me and you! I really 사랑 Prince; but I can't have 당신 all to myself anymore!" I said sympathetically "I know; in a few 더 많이 months Prince won't need me to take care of him quite so often and then we can do things that 당신 like to do. That actually reminds me; what did 당신 want to do for your birthday this year?" She said "I want to have a Spiderman party daddy!!!" I chuckled and sarcastically said "I didn't see that coming! Do 당신 want your uncles, grandma, and aunts to come to the party?" She said "no; grandma and Aunt Latoya can come over; but that's it!" I asked curiously "why don't 당신 want everyone else to come?" She said "because they are mean to 당신 and make 당신 sad."
***
Last 년 I was rehearsing for my tour when AJ's birthday rolled around; so I really didn't have the time to set up anything special for her. That's why I want this birthday to make up for the last one. Plus, this is the first birthday that I think she will remember years from now and I want it to be a memorable 일 for her! I walked upstairs and into AJ's bedroom to see if she was awake yet. I was surprised to see that she was still sleeping because it was almost 9 o'clock and she usually wakes up around eight. I walked up to her and pulled the covers away. She slowly opened her eyes and I said "good morning sleepyhead. Are 당신 excited that your birthday is only a few days away?" She said "I'm so excited daddy!" I said "good because I'm going to do my best to make this the coolest party ever!"
She jumped on my back and I carried her downstairs. I let her down and she sat on the couch. I put 만화 on the TV and walked up to Grace in the 부엌, 주방 and asked in whispered tones "will 당신 watch AJ as well as Prince while I go shopping for her party?" She responded "of course I can Michael." I said "I have to stop 의해 a few other places too; so I may be a couple of hours." She said "that's not problem Michael; take as long as 당신 need!" While AJ was mesmerized 의해 the TV, I quickly snuck out of the house before she noticed because I knew she would have separation anxiety if she knew that I went somewhere without her.
After going to the store with my bodyguard Jeffrey, I decided to stop 의해 Havenhurst to check in on my mother because I haven't seen her in a few weeks. I knocked on the door and Majestic answered it. Majestic was the magician I hired to entertain me while I was still living with mother and Joseph; but now he just stays at Havenhurst free of charge because I didn't want my mother's been lonely here 의해 herself. I greeted Majestic and he said "it's about time 당신 come to visit me!" I chuckled and said "I'm actually here to see mother." He jokingly said "oh… I see how it is Michael!" I walked into the living room to see mother sitting there in a chair. She looked up and said "there's my little Michael!" I rolled my eyes and smiled as I said "I'm not so little anymore mother! I'm going to be 34." I sat down in the chair 다음 to her and she said "you'll always be my little Michael!"
She asked "so, what brings 당신 here today?" I said "I just finished shopping for Alanna's birthday party and wanted to stop 의해 to invite 당신 to come on Saturday." She said "of course I'll be there! Can –." I cut her off and said "please don't even ask that mother! I'm not inviting my brothers, Janet, Rebbie, and especially not Joseph! I've tried three times in a row to invite them over to the ranch and it never ends positively! I want this to be good birthday for AJ and even she realizes that being around any of them makes me tense! She told me all on her own that she doesn't want them to come!" Mother said "that's fine Michael; it was just a suggestion." I got up from my 좌석 and said "okay mother; I 사랑 당신 and I'll see 당신 in a few days at the ranch for the party." She hugged me and said "I can't wait; I miss my grandbabies!"
When I opened the front door to the main house on the ranch, I saw that AJ was sobbing uncontrollably on the other side of the door. I picked her up and asked "what's wrong?" She said "I was watching TV and when I looked around later on, 당신 were gone!!!!!!!!!!!!" I rubbed her back as tears flowed from her eyes and said "you couldn't come with me because I had to get your party stuff. I came back; didn't I?" Grace came into the room and said "see; I told 당신 daddy would be back! She had a complete meltdown once she realized 당신 were gone Michael!" I said "she's become very clingy in this past few months that we've been back home. I don't know what's gotten into her! 당신 know I would never leave 당신 forever AJ; I always come back!" She said while rubbing her eyes "next time, please take me with 당신 daddy!"
***
I ran into AJ's room and shouted "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" at the 상단, 맨 위로 of my lungs. She jumped out of 침대 and said "yay; it's time for my party!" I chuckled and said "whoa; slow down! It's only 8 o'clock in the morning! We still have a while to go before grandma and Aunt Latoya come over! I called Aunt Elizabeth (Taylor) and she is coming too." She quietly walked downstairs and I said "remember, Prince is sleeping so we can't be too loud! Grace was upstairs with the baby so I could spend some much overdue quality time with AJ. While I slowly began to get the things out of the 부엌, 주방 so I could make French 토스트 for breakfast.
The phone started ringing as I stood there putting the syrup on the French 토스트 that I had just made for breakfast. I answered the phone and the person on the other end said "hello; is this Mr. Jackson?" I said "yes; may I ask whose calling?" The person said "this is your party planner Deana and I have some unfortunate news for 당신 Michael. The person that 당신 hired to come to the party dressed as Spiderman canceled about 20 분 ago." I whispered angrily "what do 당신 mean they canceled? They can't do that! That was supposed to be the best part of AJ's birthday party!" She responded "I'm sorry Michael; is there any other superhero that your daughter would want to come to her party?" I said irritated "no; that's why I specifically asked for Spiderman! Why don't 당신 have one of the people that dresses up in costume wear the Spiderman one instead?" She said "because the other staff members aren't crazy enough to put on that costume because it's extremely hot and makes them sweat. The person that was supposed to wear the costume today was my 16-year-old nephew and the only reason he agreed to wear it was because I was going to let him borrow my car so he could go to the prom with his girlfriend. Then out of nowhere he called me and told me that he wouldn't need the car anymore because they are just going to ride in a limo with a group of their friends. I'm sorry Michael; but there's nothing I can do about it at this point because it's such short notice that I wouldn't be able to find someone and time." I was getting very aggravated at this point and said "you know what, just bring the costume over to me and I'll wear the freaking thing! I mean this is totally unacceptable and I won't be using your services again after today! 당신 should be ashamed of yourself and I hope you'll be happy when I spread the word around to all my other celebrity 프렌즈 about how ridiculous this is for me to have to deal with right now! All I can say is that the birthday cake I had 당신 make better be amazing!"
I slammed the phone down on the 표, 테이블 and shook my head in disbelief. I went into the living room and saw AJ sitting on the 침상, 소파 watching cartoons. I sat 다음 to her and she said "I can't wait for my party daddy! Is it almost time?" I chuckled and said "you just got up 10 분 이전 and I told 당신 the party isn't going to be for a while." She said "it's taking too long!" I said "you're still in your pajamas and we haven't even had anything to eat yet!" She asked "are 당신 making something for breakfast daddy?" I said "of course I am; I have French 토스트 started right now. It should be done in a few 더 많이 minutes!"
Once the French 토스트 was finished, I sat down 다음 to AJ at the 표, 테이블 and meticulously cut her 음식 into the smallest bite-size pieces possible. Grace came downstairs with Prince in her arms and sat down 다음 to me at the table. She said "happy birthday AJ." I looked over at AJ as she shoveled so much French 토스트 in her mouth that she couldn't even respond. I said "AJ; 당신 know better than that. It may be your birthday, but that doesn't mean 당신 get to break the rules." She swallowed her 음식 and softly said "sorry" under her breath. I said "I just don't want 당신 to choke because I would feel awful." she asked "daddy; since it's my birthday, can I pick out what clothes I'm going to wear?" I said "I don't have a problem with that."
One of the maids helped clean the house while Grace and I started setting up the decorations for the party. Grace said "wow Michael; 당신 really went all out for AJ's party this year!" I said "I really wanted this birthday to be special because this is the last 년 that I think I can get away with calling Alanna a baby. I have a feeling that this 년 is going to be really hard on me in particular because I'm finishing up a tour and trying to successfully raise two kids. I'm realizing now that I've spent so much time with Prince that I don't want AJ to think he's 더 많이 important then she is to me! It's easy for a three-year-old to perceive things in that way. I want her to know that just because she isn't my one and only priority anymore doesn't mean I've forgotten about her!"
After we had set up the entire first floor of the house with Spiderman themed party decorations, AJ came downstairs and I couldn't wait to see what she had picked out for clothes. I turned around to see that she was wearing a tank 상단, 맨 위로 over a sweatshirt, one blue sock, one yellow sock, and a pair of Spiderman 복서, 복 서 shorts. I had to try my absolute hardest not to laugh and she asked "do 당신 like my outfit daddy?" I crossed my arms and said "it's original; that's for sure! Just out of curiosity; do 당신 need my help picking out pants to wear?" She said "no; I'm just going to stay like this!" I chuckled and said "stay like that! 당신 can't stay like that AJ!" She asked "why not daddy?" Grace started cracking up and I said "because AJ; you're just in your undies! 당신 don't want everyone to see your undies; right?" She said "but daddy –!" I said "no 'but daddy’s’ 당신 have to put on jeans 또는 something! I'll compromise with you; if 당신 want to wear Spiderman pajama pants 당신 can!" She said "okay daddy; I like your plan better" and ran upstairs.
I laughed and said "okay; maybe letting AJ pick out her own clothes wasn't such a good idea after all! I kind of forgot about her obsession with the Spiderman boxers" the doorbell rang and I let my mother, Latoya, and Elizabeth inside. AJ ran into my arms and I said "there; 당신 look much better now! 당신 didn't have to change your 셔츠 though!" She said "I know; but I wanted to match!" Latoya took AJ out of my arms and asked "do 당신 want to see your birthday cake? Auntie just picked it up on the way over here!" AJ shook her head "yes" and Latoya showed her the blue and red cake with Spiderman's face on it. I breathed a sigh of relief because I was so worried that the party planner would mess up the cake. I whispered "did 당신 get the costume from the lady?" She put AJ down on the floor and pulled me into another room.
Latoya said "yes I did Michael; but are 당신 sure 당신 want to wear this? The fabric is really thick!" I said "yes I'm sure! I don't want AJ to ever forget this birthday!" I snuck upstairs to go put the costume on and immediately started sweating. The weather outside was already in the high 80s and I don't know how long I'm going to be able to handle this for! I quickly slipped the mask over my head and went downstairs.
I walked into the dining room just as Latoya was lighting the candles on the cake and tapped AJ on the shoulder. She turned around and her face was priceless. She was absolutely speechless and then she forced out of the words "how did 당신 get here Spiderman?" I said in my normal tone of voice "I swung on my 거미 webs!" Latoya nudged me with her elbow and whispered "deeper voice Michael!" I cleared my throat and said "so; I could tell 의해 my Spidey senses that today is your third birthday!" AJ said "whoa; I can't believe 당신 knew that!" Latoya could see I was sweating like crazy in the costume; so she said "listen AJ; Spiderman has to leave." Latoya took a picture of us together and AJ said "wait Spiderman; I think my daddy is upstairs and if 당신 see him please tell him how he can get big muscles like 당신 have!" I chuckled at the irony of what she just said to me and said "I'll make sure I let him in on all my secrets!"
After changing back into my regular clothes, I went downstairs to 가입하기 the party. Surprisingly, AJ didn't have too much to say about meeting "Spiderman" and I think that was because she was still in shock from the whole experience. She didn't even say a single word to me afterwards about it.
It was time for AJ to go to 침대 and I was giving her a piggyback ride up the stairs. I gently dropped her onto her 침대 and when I leaned in to give her a 키스 good night, she asked "daddy; did 당신 see Spiderman?" I smiled and said "yes I did." She asked "did he tell 당신 how to get big muscles like him?" I said "he did; but why do 당신 think that my muscles need to be bigger than they already are?" She said "because I want 당신 to be able to beat up bad guys and monsters that can hurt me!" I said "trust me AJ; I will protect 당신 from any bad guys! I'll beat up anybody that wants to hurt you!" She seemed unconvinced as she stared at me with her eyebrows wrinkled and said "I don't think so daddy; some of those bad guys are really strong!" I said "AJ; when it comes to someone hurting 당신 I'm stronger than Spiderman is! No one will ever hurt 당신 as long as daddy's around to hurt them first!" I shut off the light after finally getting my good night 키스 and just as I was about to leave the room, AJ said "thank 당신 for the best birthday ever daddy! I 사랑 당신 so much!" I said "I 사랑 당신 more! You're welcome; sleep well!"
***
I said "AJ; 당신 have to be patient because I'm taking care of Prince right now! Grace will help you!" She shouted back "no; I want you!" I sighed and said "just come in here then!" She said "NO; I don't want to!" I rolled my eyes and said "you're about to find yourself in the corner for three 분 if 당신 keep this up!" She said "you're being stupid daddy!" I couldn't believe my ears at first because I had never said that word around AJ before. I passed Prince to Grace and went into the play room to investigate.
I sat down on the 침상, 소파 다음 to her and asked "where did 당신 hear that word AJ?" She responded "Uncle Tito calls 당신 that when he's mad at you!" I said "well; I don't like that word at all because it's a bad word and I don't want to ever hear 당신 say that again; do 당신 understand?" Of course AJ being as stubborn as she is, looked me straight in my eyes and said "stupid, stupid, stupid!" I picked AJ up and sat her in the corner of the living room; so I could keep an eye on her and finish feeding Prince a bottle.
AJ got out of the corner and walked up to me as I said "you better get over there AJ!" She whined "daddy those are my bottles; I don't want Prince to use them!" Grace said "I think someone's a little jealous of her little brother Michael." I said "AJ; 당신 don't need these anymore remember? 당신 have your Spiderman cups now!" She said "I don't want to be a big kid anymore! It's awful!" I asked "what 당신 mean 당신 don't want to be a big kid anymore? Don't 당신 like being a big sister?" Grace looked at me and I said "I think 당신 may be right when 당신 say she's jealous!" I looked back at AJ still waiting for an answer from the 질문 I had just asked her and she said "I'm going to wet my pants." I said "you better not because I know it won't be an accident!" I could tell that she was contemplating it; so I gave her my "I'm dead serious" daddy look and she immediately went back to the corner. Grace said "I 사랑 when 당신 make that face Michael; that's the only time I've ever seen 당신 one hundred percent serious!"
I called her out of the corner and said calmly but sternly "sit down; right now." AJ slumped down in the spot 다음 to me on the 침상, 소파 and I said "that was completely unacceptable AJ! First of all, 당신 don't need to be calling me bad words. Secondly, I realize that Prince has been around for a about a 월 now; but 당신 need to understand that 당신 can't have me all to yourself anymore. Lastly, 당신 need to act like a big kid." She said "fine; then I don’t want to wear the diapers at night anymore!" I hesitated and stopped myself because I realized that I was holding AJ back again. I said "okay, okay, I guess we'll start that tonight."
Grace could tell that as it got darker outside I grew 더 많이 paranoid. After I read AJ a bedtime story, I asked "are 당신 sure 당신 don't need to go to the bathroom again? She said "stop asking me that she daddy!" I waited all night long for the inevitable screams for "daddy" but they never came and the ridiculous thing as that I don't know whether 또는 not to be happy 또는 sad about that! Is it too much to ask to be needed?
The 다음 day, my eyes shot open because my three-year-old was jumping up and down on my chest saying "I told 당신 so!" The funny thing is that the 다음 night was way different than the first. Her "I told 당신 so's" quickly turned to 2 AM "DADDY", 3 AM "DADDY", and "NOT AGAIN DADDY!!!" At least I can say that it is done and over with. Now if I could just get Prince to sleep through the night I might finally get a good nights’ sleep myself!!!
