Chapter 412 Child-Rearing: The Need for Theoretical Foundations
"Ashley, support his head with one hand and adjust your position. Tuck the baby's back into the crook of your elbow—that's the most comfortable position for him," Pauline instructed.
Ashley followed her directions, slowly adjusting her position. Throughout the entire process, she was extraordinarily careful, breaking into a nervous sweat.
Once she had the position right, Ashley sighed with relief. "I had no idea there was such technique to caring for babies."
"Of course there is," Sienna chimed in. "When it comes to childcare, I'm the most experienced among us. Newborns are the most challenging—they need feeding every two hours through the night. Just when you think it gets easier as they grow and learn to walk, they become mischievous, and three-year-olds are a whole different story."
Hearing Sienna's explanation, Ashley grew increasingly anxious.
She thought about the twins she was carrying. People said one child was stressful enough—would she lose her mind with two at once?
"It's not actually that difficult," Pauline reassured her.
Ashley snapped back to reality. "Pauline, you're not even married or have kids yet. How do you know about childcare?"
"Don't forget my role, Ashley," Pauline replied. "I regularly educate the public. While I may lack practical experience, my theoretical knowledge is solid."
"Pauline is actually quite brilliant at it," Sienna said with a laugh.
Pauline raised an eyebrow and looked toward Ashley. "My turn to hold him now."
"Here you go, but be careful," Ashley said, reluctantly handing the baby to Pauline with the utmost care. With empty arms, Ashley looked forlorn, her gaze still fixed on adorable little Kieran.
Noticing Ashley's wistful expression, Sienna asked, "You're keeping up with your prenatal appointments, right, Ashley?"
"Of course, I'm staying on schedule," Ashley confirmed.
"Regular check-ups are essential, but you should also start learning about childcare beforehand," Sienna advised. "Like Pauline said, theoretical knowledge is important."
"Where would I learn that?" Ashley inquired.
"There are many prenatal classes available. I know some good ones—shall I recommend one to you?" Sienna offered.
"I'd appreciate that," Ashley nodded.
Sienna pulled out her phone and forwarded the instructor's contact information to Ashley.
"I'm completely clueless about raising children," Ashley admitted. "I really should start learning. Thanks, Sienna."
"No need for formalities between us," Sienna smiled.
Glancing at the time, Sienna suggested, "Ashley, Pauline, why don't you stay for dinner?"
Ashley and Pauline nodded in agreement. "We'd love to, thanks."
The three women chatted away in the nursery, alternating between laughter and playful banter, their friendship evident in every interaction.
Two hours passed quickly.
Listening to her friends talk, Ashley couldn't suppress a yawn.
"Tired?" Sienna asked.
Ashley nodded. "Yes, I've been drowsy quite often lately."
"That's normal during pregnancy. The babies are almost three months along now, right?"
"Just one week shy of three months," Ashley confirmed.
"Time flies," Sienna remarked. "Let me show you to the guest room, Ashley. You can rest, and I'll wake you when dinner's ready."
"That sounds perfect," Ashley agreed.
Sienna led Ashley to the guest room and made sure she was comfortable before leaving.
After a short nap, Ashley got up to use the bathroom. As she returned, some sketches on the desk caught her attention.
She approached the desk and discovered familiar design sketches—the very ones she had created at Maple Grove Estate. How did they end up here? Upon closer inspection, she realized they were photocopies, not the originals.
A troubling thought crossed Ashley's mind, but she quickly dismissed it.
Her heart trembling slightly, she thought, 'No, Sienna wouldn't do that. She would never steal my designs.'
But why were these sketches in the guest room of the Weiss Mansion?
Ashley's eyelid twitched with anxiety.
She went to the bathroom, trying to forget what she had seen. Back in bed, she tossed and turned, unable to put it out of her mind or fall asleep.
Finally, she decided to find Sienna.
As she approached the living room, she overheard Pauline asking, "Sienna, I heard you're working from home now?"
"Yes," Sienna replied. "As a designer, I don't need to go to the office daily—I just need to submit my work on schedule."
"Why work so hard? Doesn't Nathan provide for you?" Pauline inquired.
"He does, but I want my own career. Women need independence too!"
"What kind of design work do you do?" Pauline asked.
"Jewelry design," Sienna answered.
Ashley's heart sank. The sketches in the guest room were her jewelry designs.
Suppressing her distress, Ashley asked, "Sienna, could I see some of your design work?"
Sienna turned around, surprised to find Ashley behind them, and smiled. "Of course!"
Sienna's eyes lit up without a trace of guilt, making Ashley wonder if she was being paranoid.
"Wait a moment," Sienna said. "I'll get my portfolio. Actually, since you're the expert, I'd love your feedback."
With that, Sienna headed to her studio to retrieve her work.
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