Trading Post

All of the above? Maybe? 

Meal 

Is that toys for the incontinent? Toys that cause incontinence? Toys that are incontinent?    

Ooooooo a Perspective change! Wasn't expecting that! 😄 

Chapter 13: As the trio made their way down the hallway toward the dining room, Ben’s excitement grew with every step. The warm aroma of breakfast filled the air, and when they entered the room, he saw the beautiful meal waiting for them, prepared with care by the wonderful kitchen staff. At the center of the table was a special seat waiting for him—a high chair that had been set up just for Ben. In front of it was a small plate made especially for him, filled with fluffy scrambled eggs and small pieces of bacon cut into perfect bite-sized pieces. “Ready?” Kevin asked warmly. Ben nodded, and Kevin stepped closer to help him. He carefully guided Ben over to the chair, making sure he was comfortable before gently helping him sit down. Kevin adjusted the seat and made sure Ben was settled before bringing the tray forward and clicking it securely into place. “There we go,” Kevin said with a smile. “All set.” Ben looked down at the tray in front of him, taking in the sight of his own little breakfast waiting there. He couldn’t help but smile at the thoughtfulness behind every detail. Emily walked over next, holding a soft bib. She smiled as she gently placed it around Ben’s neck and fastened it comfortably. “Can’t have breakfast without protecting your shirt,” she teased playfully. Ben chuckled, looking down at the bib and then back at Emily. Even though it was a new experience for him, the kindness and care from both of them made it feel natural. Once everything was ready, Emily placed the plate in front of him. “Alright, you can eat.” Ben glanced around the dining room. The sunlight poured through the windows, the smell of fresh coffee and warm food filled the air, and the kitchen staff moved around happily as they prepared the rest of the meal. Everything felt peaceful and welcoming. Taking a small piece of scrambled egg between his fingers, Ben hesitated for a moment before tasting it. His face immediately brightened. “Good?” Kevin asked with a smile. Ben nodded enthusiastically. “Really good.” Emily laughed softly. “I had a feeling you would like it.” Soon Ben became more comfortable, picking up small bites of egg and bacon from his plate while enjoying the attention and care from Kevin and Emily. Kevin sat beside him, making sure he had everything he needed, while Emily chatted with him about what they could do later in the day. Between bites, Ben looked around the table and smiled. He realized that this wasn’t just about the breakfast in front of him. It was about feeling welcomed, cared for, and like he truly belonged. Kevin reached over and gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Ready to start the day, buddy?” Ben smiled around his pacifier and nodded happily. “Yeah. I am.” The three of them continued their breakfast together, laughing and talking as the morning slowly began. Nearby, Carla quietly watched the family enjoying their breakfast together. She smiled as she saw how happy and comfortable Ben looked sitting with Kevin and Emily. The whole room felt warm and peaceful, filled with laughter, conversation, and the simple joy of starting a new day together. Catching Ben’s attention, Carla gave him a small wave from across the dining room. “Good morning, Ben,” she said with a cheerful smile. “I have to say, you look absolutely adorable this morning.” Ben’s cheeks turned a little pink at the compliment. He glanced down shyly before looking back up at her with a smile. “Thank you, Carla,” he said softly. Carla walked a little closer and looked at the breakfast spread. “Now, what would you like to drink this morning? Would you like some orange juice or some milk?” Ben thought for a moment before answering. “Milk, please,” he replied warmly. “Coming right up,” Carla said with a smile. A few moments later, Carla returned carrying a bottle filled with cold milk. She carefully handed it to Ben, who looked at it for a moment. A small wave of uncertainty crossed his face. It was different from what he was used to, and he wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Kevin noticed his hesitation and offered him an encouraging smile. Emily reached over and gently touched his arm. “It’s okay,” Emily reassured him. “You don’t have to feel nervous. Just take your time.” Ben looked at Emily, comforted by her calm voice and gentle encouragement. “You’re doing great,” she added. “Just relax and enjoy your breakfast.” With Emily’s help, Ben got comfortable and held the bottle. At first, he felt a little silly and unsure, but the kindness surrounding him made those feelings fade. He took his time, slowly enjoying his milk while Kevin and Emily continued chatting with him. Before long, Ben found himself smiling again. What had felt strange only moments before now felt like another small step in this new experience. Kevin leaned back in his chair, watching Ben happily enjoy his breakfast. “Looks like you’re settling in pretty well this morning.” Ben smiled, feeling the warmth of the moment. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “I think I am.” After breakfast, Kevin leaned back in his chair and looked between Emily and Ben with a smile. “So, what do you two want to do today?” he asked. “We have a whole day ahead of us.” Ben looked excited by the question, while Emily glanced toward the windows. The bright morning sky was still calm, but the forecast had called for storms later in the afternoon. “I think it would be fun to stay inside today,” Emily suggested. “We could do some arts and crafts. We can make things, be creative, and just enjoy spending time together before the weather changes.” Ben’s face lit up at the idea. “That sounds like fun,” he said happily. “I’ve always liked making things.” Kevin smiled. “Then it’s settled. Sounds like we have a craft day planned.” Once everyone had finished eating, Kevin stood and walked over to help Ben out of his high chair. He carefully released the tray and helped Ben stand up comfortably before guiding him down. “Alright, buddy,” Kevin said warmly. “Let’s get you settled in the living room.” Before they left the dining room, Kevin made sure Ben was comfortable and checked that everything was okay. He noticed that Ben’s diaper was wet, but it was still comfortable and didn’t need to be changed right away. “You’re all good,” Kevin reassured him with a smile. “Nothing to worry about.” Ben nodded, feeling reassured. He gave Kevin a grateful smile before hurrying off toward the living room, eager to see what kind of crafts they might make. The kitchen staff began clearing the breakfast dishes and tidying up the dining room while Kevin and Emily followed after Ben. They wanted to give the staff time to finish while they started preparing for their fun day together. When they entered the living room, Ben was already looking around excitedly, imagining all the possibilities. “What should we make first?” he asked. Emily laughed softly. “I guess we’ll have to find out.” With the storm clouds waiting later in the day, the three of them settled in for a cozy day indoors filled with creativity, laughter, and plenty of time together.   Chapter 14:   The living room quickly transformed into a small creative workshop. Kevin and Emily gathered everything they would need from the craft supplies closet while Ben watched with growing curiosity. Soon the coffee table was covered with colorful paper, markers, paint, stickers, glue, and other supplies ready for the afternoon. Emily sat beside Ben and smiled. “Alright, today is all about having fun. There’s no pressure to make anything perfect.” Ben looked over the supplies and laughed. “That’s probably good, because I’m not sure how artistic I am.” Kevin grinned as he joined them. “That’s the best part. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making something and enjoying the moment.” They started with simple crafts, creating colorful pictures using construction paper and markers. Ben carefully picked out his favorite colors, taking his time as he worked. At first he was focused and quiet, but before long he was laughing as Kevin showed off his own creation. “I think mine looks like something a five-year-old would make,” Kevin joked. Emily looked at his picture and smiled. “That’s because you put a smiley face on everything.” “It makes everything better,” Kevin replied. Ben laughed, looking between the two of them. It was moments like this that made him feel comfortable. There was no pressure, no expectations—just time spent together as a family. After their first project, Emily brought out some paints. She helped them set up a small painting area, making sure everything was covered so they could get as messy as they wanted. Ben dipped his brush into the paint and carefully added details to his picture. He found himself enjoying the process more than he expected. The simple act of creating something with his hands felt relaxing and peaceful. “You’re really concentrating,” Emily teased gently. Ben smiled. “I want it to turn out good.” Emily looked at his work and nodded proudly. “I think it already is.” As the afternoon went on, the three of them moved from one project to another. They made decorations, created silly drawings, and even worked together on a larger picture where each person added their own part. The room filled with laughter and conversation. Outside, the sky slowly grew darker as clouds rolled in, but inside the house everything felt warm and cheerful. Eventually, Ben leaned back and looked at all the crafts spread around them. “I didn’t think I’d enjoy this as much as I have,” he admitted. Kevin smiled. “Sometimes the best days are the ones you don’t plan too much.” Emily nodded. “Exactly. It’s not about what we’re making. It’s about spending time together.” Ben looked at the two of them and smiled. He realized that this day was becoming another memory he would treasure. What started as a simple idea to stay inside because of the weather had turned into a wonderful afternoon filled with creativity, laughter, and feeling like he truly belonged. As the afternoon continued, the excitement of the day began to catch up with Ben. Between breakfast, all the laughter, and hours spent creating crafts together, he was starting to slow down. His eyes grew heavier, and he found himself getting quieter as he sat surrounded by the projects they had made. Emily noticed and smiled softly. “You’re starting to look pretty tired,” she said gently. Ben gave a small yawn and smiled. “I guess today was a bigger adventure than I thought.” Emily sat beside him and helped him get comfortable before checking to make sure he was still doing okay. This time, she noticed that he was ready for a diaper change. “Alright, sweetheart,” she said reassuringly. “Let’s get you comfortable.” After a quick change, Ben returned feeling refreshed, but the tiredness from the day was still catching up with him. The warmth of the room, the sound of the rain beginning outside, and the comfort of being with Kevin and Emily made it nearly impossible to stay awake. Kevin helped him settle onto the couch while Emily grabbed his favorite blanket. Ben relaxed into the cushions, his eyelids getting heavier by the second. Emily handed him his pacifier and his teddy bear, and Ben held onto it happily. “There you go,” Emily whispered. “Get some rest.” She gently pulled the blanket up around him, making sure he was warm and comfortable. Before stepping away, she leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. “Sweet dreams,” she said. Ben smiled sleepily, already halfway to falling asleep. Kevin and Emily quietly began making their way out of the room, wanting to let him rest. They had almost reached the hallway when they heard a small voice behind them. “Love you, Mommy and Daddy,” Ben mumbled softly around his pacifier.  Kevin and Emily both stopped. For a moment, neither of them said anything. They simply looked back at Ben, who was already drifting off, his teddy bear tucked close and a peaceful smile on his face. Emily’s heart filled with emotion, and Kevin placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. They both understood what that simple moment meant. Ben wasn’t just enjoying the activities or the attention. He felt safe. He felt cared for. He felt like he had found a place where he belonged.  Kevin smiled proudly. “Did you hear that?” Emily nodded, her eyes warm with happiness. “I did. We love you too baby.” The two of them quietly left the room, closing the door partway behind them so Ben could rest. As the rain began tapping softly against the windows, Kevin and Emily walked down the hallway with smiles on their faces, feeling more grateful than ever for the bond they were building together.