2011

I've been there once and it was a proper store, they have diapers, onesies etc, etc, all Tykables brand of course.  They have diapers to put on in the bathroom if you want too.  Parking was fine but it shares a parking lot with other places in the building complex. 

@Frostybabyyeah no doubt I know theres been a slow burn . Maybe I skimmed the text threads. I assumed there'd be more to come with Marcus and Amber. You know I've been on the train since the beginning and used to be more active as a commenter but have stepped away from being more active on the comment thread. I mean there is a ton to unpack from even then adults processing information and as we have more characters there's more story to unpack. I certainly know Bryan will have alot to process through this. I still would say the hoop is a kids hoop considering Paul's size listed in the earlier chapters where you list his height in relation to Lilly and Bryan and Savvy. It definitely fits though like a subtle reminder of he's not big enough for fitting into the school team. It's a great subtle add that doesn't look out of place in Paul's room in the hospital, only out of place for the age and size of the patient.  There's also the subtle notes that Lilly, Bryan, Martina, and Amber all harbor grief and loss that they really haven't seemed to process and for the adults they seem to look to caring for Paul as a means for escaping their grief from a time before Amber's dad (he really needs a name lol) left and Rachel died. Subsequently it might even be a similar subconscious trauma bond that draws Harley to Lilly.  I still say it would be cool to have Marcus and crew have subtle nods to marvel since Paul and co are DC fans lol.  I did kinda like the nurse taking away his phone a bit like it's a subtle regressive tactic. Also will be getting a birthday call or anything from Ellie? Thank you and as mention congratulations on the new place. 

I toss mine either in a garbage bag or a plastic grocery bag.

I might travel to the Chicago area later this summer, and I'm looking for things I might do while there. I've been to one or two ABDL-aware diaper shops before. What kind of selection do they have? Is it a proper store, or just a warehouse? Is it worth taking a car there and having to deal with parking throughout my whole vacation? If you've been, what was it like?

Chapter 2: Jill didn’t hesitate.   The moment Jack’s cries broke through the room, she was already at his side, unfastening the tray and lifting him gently from the high chair. “I’ve got you, sweetheart… it’s okay,” she murmured, holding him close against her chest as she carried him over to the changing area Marcus had quickly set up nearby.   Marcus moved fast during the commotion—laying out the changing pad, wipes, a fresh diaper—everything ready without a word. It was a rhythm they had fallen into together, one built on understanding more than instruction.   Jill laid Jack down carefully, brushing a few damp strands of hair from his forehead. His face was still scrunched with lingering tears, his breathing uneven.   “Shh… you’re alright,” she whispered.   She picked up his pacifier and gently guided it to his lips, holding it there for just a second. Jack accepted it instinctively, his sobs hitching before slowly beginning to fade. The familiar comfort helped ground him, even as embarrassment still burned quietly in his chest.   I hate this part, he thought, staring up at the ceiling, cheeks flushed. It’s so… babyish. A small part of him wanted to disappear entirely, to avoid the feeling—but another part, deeper and quieter, knew he was safe here. That Jill wasn’t judging him.   Jill could see it in his eyes—the discomfort, the shame he didn’t quite have words for. Her heart softened. He’s being so hard on himself, she thought. He doesn’t need to be.   She worked gently, cleaning him up with practiced care, keeping her movements slow and reassuring. “Accidents happen,” she said softly, her tone light and soothing. “That’s what Mommy’s here for, remember?”   Jack sucked lightly on his pacifier, his body slowly relaxing as she spoke. He didn’t respond out loud, but he listened—letting her voice pull him out of his spiraling thoughts.   Jill continued, shifting into a softer, more playful tone. “And you know what? Later today we’ve got something really special planned,” she added, glancing down at him with a small smile. “We’re going to the bakery… you get to help pick your birthday cake.”   That caught his attention.   His eyes flickered toward hers, curiosity breaking through the last of his sadness. Cake…? The thought settled gently, something to hold onto.   “Maybe cupcakes too,” Jill went on, fastening the fresh diaper snugly into place. “And a special one just for you.”   By the time she finished, the tension in Jack’s body had eased. Jill scooped him up into her arms again, holding him close and pressing a soft kiss to his temple.   “There we go,” she whispered. “All better.”   Jack leaned into her without hesitation this time, the earlier embarrassment fading into something quieter—comfort, warmth, the steady reassurance that he was cared for no matter what.   ⸻   Marcus finished wiping down the kitchen, giving everything one last quick check before grabbing his things. He stepped back into the living room, adjusting his sleeve as he approached.   “Hey,” he said gently.   Jack looked up at him from Jill’s arms, calmer now, pacifier still in place.   Marcus gave a small, reassuring smile. “You’re alright, champ. I’ll see you later, okay?”   Jack gave a tiny nod.   Marcus glanced at Jill, a brief look passing between them—unspoken but understood. Everything was handled. Everything was okay.   He checked his watch—the same one Lisa had given him months ago—and let out a quiet breath. “I’ve gotta run.”   Jill nodded. “We’ll see you tonight.”   With one last look at his little family, Marcus headed out the door.   ⸻   The house felt quieter once it closed behind him.   Jill shifted Jack slightly in her arms, then carried him over to the couch. “Come on,” she said softly. “Let’s sit for a bit.”   She settled into the cushions, adjusting until she was comfortable before looking down at him. There was still a trace of lingering need in his expression—the kind that didn’t come from physical discomfort, but emotional overwhelm.   Jill understood.   Without a word, she offered him that closeness again—something familiar, something grounding. Jack responded immediately, his pacifier set aside as he leaned in, seeking that comfort. Once settled, his body relaxed further, the last of the tension leaving him.   This is what I needed, he thought, eyes drifting half-closed.   Jill rested back against the couch, turning on the TV to one of her usual shows. The soft background noise filled the room, but her attention stayed mostly on him—one hand gently resting against his back, absentmindedly tracing slow, comforting patterns.   Time passed quietly like that.   An episode ended, and she shifted him to the other side with care, making sure he stayed comfortable. Jack barely stirred, completely at ease now, the earlier distress replaced by a deep sense of calm.   Jill glanced down at him, her expression soft.   He’s okay, she thought. That’s what matters.   Outside, the day was already beginning to move forward—plans waiting, errands to run, a birthday to prepare for. But for now, she let the moment linger.   There would be time for everything else.   Right now, it was just the two of them—safe, steady, and exactly where they needed to be.   Jill shifted Jack upright against her shoulder, gently patting his back in a slow, steady rhythm. “There we go…” she murmured softly.   A small burp escaped him, and she smiled, brushing her hand lightly over his hair. “Much better.”   Jack let out a quiet sigh, his body still loose from the comfort he’d just settled into. Part of him wished he could stay like that a little longer—tucked safely against her—but he knew the day was moving forward.   Jill carefully settled him into his stroller, adjusting the straps so they sat just right—not too tight, not too loose. She tucked Flopsy beside him, making sure the plush rabbit was within easy reach.   “Can’t forget your best friend,” she said warmly.   Jack wrapped his arms around Flopsy without hesitation, pressing his cheek into the soft fabric. The familiar texture grounded him, giving him something to hold onto as Jill stepped away for a moment.   She moved with purpose, doing a quick but thorough check—diaper bag stocked, wipes in place, an extra set of clothes, bottles, her wallet, keys. She paused for half a second, mentally running through the list again. Everything’s there, she confirmed to herself with a small nod.   “Alright,” she said, slipping the bag over her shoulder and taking hold of the stroller. “Let’s go, sweetheart.”   ⸻   Outside, the morning greeted them with a gentle warmth, the kind that hinted at a beautiful day ahead. The air was still a little crisp, brushing softly against Jack’s cheeks as Jill pushed the stroller down the sidewalk.   Jack loved being outside.   He really did.   The open air, the sounds of the city waking up, the way the sunlight filtered through the buildings—it all made him feel lighter somehow. But beneath that joy, there was something else too. A quiet tension he couldn’t fully ignore.   Everyone can see me, he thought, his fingers tightening slightly around Flopsy.   Sitting there in the stroller, pacifier in his mouth, dressed the way he was… there was no hiding what he was presenting himself as. Most days, he embraced it. It brought him comfort, a kind of peace he couldn’t find anywhere else.   But other days—like today, just a little—it made his chest twist with embarrassment.   What are they thinking? the thought slipped in before he could stop it.   He turned his face slightly, pressing it into Flopsy as if that might make him smaller, less noticeable.   Jill, meanwhile, walked with an easy confidence, offering friendly smiles and small waves to people they passed. “Good morning,” she said here and there, her voice light and warm.   To her, this was normal. This was their life.   To Jack, it still felt like walking a line between comfort and vulnerability.   An elderly couple approached from the opposite direction, their pace slow but steady. As they drew closer, the woman’s face lit up.   “Oh my,” she said, her voice full of gentle delight. “What a cute little one.”   Jill slowed, smiling politely. “Thank you.”   “Is he yours?” the man asked kindly, leaning slightly to get a better look.   Jack felt his face heat instantly.   They’re talking about me…   He shifted, trying to tuck himself behind Flopsy, pulling the plush rabbit up as if it could shield him. But it only made him look smaller, more timid—if anything, even more endearing.   “Aww, look at him,” the woman cooed softly. “He’s shy.”   Jack squeezed Flopsy tighter. I’m not trying to be… he thought, though he didn’t move.   Jill glanced down at him, her expression softening for just a moment. She could see it—the way he tried to hide, the mix of feelings playing across his face.   “He’s just waking up still,” she said gently, offering him a small layer of protection without dismissing the moment entirely.   The couple smiled warmly before continuing on, leaving Jill and Jack to resume their walk.   As they moved forward, Jack slowly lowered Flopsy, his grip still tight.   Why does it feel like that? he wondered. I like this… I do. So why do I feel so… seen?   He sucked lightly on his pacifier, letting the familiar rhythm calm him. The embarrassment didn’t disappear completely, but it softened—blending back into the comfort he knew so well.   Jill kept a steady pace, the wheels of the stroller humming quietly against the pavement.   “Almost there,” she said after a while, glancing down at him.   Jack looked up.   And then he saw it.   The bakery stood ahead of them, warm and inviting, its windows catching the morning light. Inside, he could already see hints of color—frosting, displays, something sweet waiting just beyond the glass.   His earlier thoughts faded, replaced by something lighter.   Cake…   Jill slowed as they approached, a small smile forming on her face.   “Here we are,” she said softly.   And just like that, the moment shifted—ready for something new.