#dorothea “teddy” berzatto

[thebearer]

i can’t imagine the rage carmy would have if donna ever said anything about you, or even if you were pregnant or just had the baby, and she was like “i was already back to work” or something to make you feel bad about yourself as a new mom

the rage. oh, the rage. he would lose it, absolutely lose it. the second your face fell, especially if you were having some postpartum depression or just overall anxieties? he's going for blood.

"yeah, and that turned out great, right? mother of the year? your son fuckin' shot and killed himself, ma." carmen would sneer, already grabbing teddy's stuff, a gentle hand ushering the two of you away while he's tearing into her.

"a great fuckin' mom. you-you fuckin' wish you could care about a kid the way she does, alright? you didn't give a shit about any of us."

"carmen anthony, that is not true-"

"-oh? you're still downing, what, four bottles a day? you chose that shit over any of us every fuckin' day, and you're gonna say somethin' about my wife?"

you're pulling him out, trying to get him to calm down. it doesn't help your stress, your guilt, but you do appreciate him standing up for you.

[thebearer]

feeling angsty, so i was thinking of if you and carmen were bickering, and you’re like “i’m sorry carmen, i’m exhausted” and he bites back with a “tired from what? you’re home all day with the baby” and as soon as it leaves his mouth he instantly regrets it

you forgot to wash his chef pants or something, so now he's having to quick wash them. bitching about having to get up at midnight and put them in the dryer. he's just frustrated from the day, about tomorrow, everything.

"i'll stay up and get them, carm. i'm sorry." you feel awful about it, really, you do. he'd been working so hard and you'd just gotten busy with teddy, completely forgot about the pants.

"no, no, i got it." carmen huffs, slamming the washer door shut. you cringe, hoping it doesn't wake teddy.

"i'm sorry. i was exhausted, carm-"

"-exhausted from what?" carmen sneers. "i'm the one who has to go to work all fuckin' day. you just stay here and can't do anything."

and the second he says it, hears the hitch in your breath, he knows. oh he knows he's fucked up.

you're hiding your tears, swallowing back sobs, stomping to the bedroom. carmen's following you, trying to apologize, sway you.

he sleeps on the couch that night. well, sleep is generous. he lays there until his pants are done, furious at himself. around two am teddy cries, her sobs never quieting and he takes his chance.

"i got her." he mutters, reaching for teddy from your arms.

"no." you huff, pulling her closer to you. "i got it. you go sleep since you have to work tomorrow. i'll stay up, i've got nothing better to do all day tomorrow. i do nothing around here, right?"

he feels so guilty because he didn't mean it, really he didn't. he was stressed and that was the final straw. it was mean, made him feel like his dad, how he used to pick and take jabs at his mom until she'd scream back, lose her shit on him.

"no, c'mon. i-i didn't mean that, you know i didn't mean that." carmen's chest tightens. "i shouldn't've said that to you. i know you do-fuck, you do more than i do, and i-i know that. i'm just... it doesn't matter, ok? i'm sorry. i know you're tired and i should be here to help you more and i'm sorry that i'm not."

[thebearer]

wait, carm accidentally snapping at teddy. maybe she’s extra clingy to you guys after willow is born and she’s been passed between sugar and richie for the past few days and she’s like “stay with you dada” and she’s crying and not putting on her shoes or something. and he’s like “Dammit Dorothea, you need to listen” and she’s screaming even more

"Teddy, please." Carmen huffed, he was balancing a clinging toddler that only wanted to climb his legs, be held and cradled all the time. He knew it was because Willow was being held all the time, the three year old didn't comprehend that babies had to be held. She just knew that she wasn't being held, and there was a tiny flare of jealousy with that.

"Up!" Teddy huffed, foot stomping on the ground. Little ballet shoes against the hardwood. Carmen had managed to wrangle her into the tights and leotard before they had to leave for her Twinkle Toes Class, but his patience was gone.

Willow had started to whimper, waking up and hungry, lips smacking and face scrunching in irritation. Carmen cursed, turning to coo at the baby. "It's alright, Wills. C'mere, sweet girl." He cradled the baby, Teddy scowling at him at the lack of attention.

Carmen fished the bottle out of the fridge, bouncing the baby while he put it in the bottle warmer. You were in the shower. He wanted to give you a moment of peace, to be able to shower for the day. You were only a month and a half postpartum, still balancing trying to heal, be a mother of two, and sleep and eat somewhere in the middle. Carmen was great, he was, always trying to stretch himself thin for you, for the girls, for the restaurant.

"Daddy," Teddy huffed, tiny lips pouting- she looked just like you. Carmen would have melted if he wasn't so frazzled already.

"What, Teddy?" Carmen huffed back, a short breath leaving his nostrils, shushing Willow's tiny gummy cries.

"Daddy!" Teddy screamed, her voice teetering from a whine to a cry- on the cusps of a breakdown.

"Dorothea," Carmen snapped, eyes cutting to her. "Don't start."

That only made Teddy cry, a wail of a cry that had your ears perking, drying off in your bathroom down the hall. Slipping on your shorts, Carmen's shirt, you padded down to the kitchen, stopping at the entrance at the sight.

Teddy was on the ground, plopped down, red faced with fury and wailing, tears streaming down her tiny cheeks. Willow decided to join her sister, a much softer cry than the three year old, but the pitiful baby gasp cry that always had your heart splitting- your boobs leaking instinctively.

Carmen looked beyond frustrated, brows furrowed, eyes darting from Teddy to Willow to the bottle, all around the kitchen. His chest heaving, teeth grit.

"Dorothea! Enough! Ok? Enough! Stop crying and go sit by the door!" Carmen roared, vein protruding out of his neck when he looked down at her.

Teddy stilled, a hiccuping, fearful gasp, looking back up at Carmen with rounded, teary eyes. Her lip wobbled, chest stuttering- Carmen never yelled at her. You gawked at him, stunned from the doorway.

"Carmen," You hissed, mouth fallen in shock.

Carmen's eyes were wide- with realization or being caught, you weren't sure. At that point, you didn't care. You knew he was on the brink of lashing out, his hands shaking and mouth stuttering. Teddy ran towards you, barreling into your legs, rubbing her wet face into your legs with loud sobs that racked her whole body. Willow wailed, jostled, upset, and still hungry.

Carmen's heart was going a million miles a minute, he felt like he might go into cardiac arrest, head spinning and stomach lurching. Your face- fuck, Teddy's face. The way her little face fell with fear. Carmen could feel spit filling his mouth, bile rising.

"I-I-"

"Step out." You grit, stern and a little hurt. Carmen wanted to sob.

"No, just let me-"

"Carmen." You snapped, hoisting a still sobbing Teddy on your hip, cradling her head into your neck. "Step out. Now."

Carmen's hands shook, putting Willow on the nursing pillow on the couch, grabbing the bottle to hand to you, eyes already brimming with tears- angry, hurt, frustrated, furious with himself. "Teddy, please, I-I didn't mean-"

"Carmen." You voice was softer this time, eyes still hard. "You need to cool down, so do we. Step out. Go on a walk."

Carmen knew you were right, stepping out of the house. He stepped onto the busy neighborhood street, seeing happy couples with their babies in strollers, dads running after their toddlers, holding them on their shoulders. Carmen felt his stomach turn, pivoting to the bushes and throwing up.

Four cigarettes and a blubbering call to Richie later, Carmen came back in. Red rimmed eyes, running nose, but there was no crying. Teddy sniffled besides you, lying on your lap while you burped Willow, her body still stuttering with tears. Carmen tilted his head back, trying to keep his own emotions in.

You turned your head, tracking him as he came over to the couch. Your own heart broke, seeing him like that. You knew Carmen was a good dad, you would never had kids with him if he wouldn't. It was an adjustment for him too. It was easier for you, you carried them, birthed them, spent all your time with them, but you still had your moments. Moments where you locked yourself in the bathroom to cry while Teddy screamed and Willow sobbed, when you wanted to pull your hair out and scream too, but you couldn't.

"Teddy Bear," Carmen cooed lightly, catching her attention. He tried to choke back the sob that clawed out of his throat when she whimpered, a pitiful sniffle, curling into your lap.

You ran a soothing hand down her hair, watching them carefully. Carmen crouched in front of her, eye to eye. "Teddy, I-I'm sorry I yelled." Carmen shuddered. "I should not have ever yelled at you like that. That was very mean of me."

"Yeah." Teddy agreed, sniffling into your leg, face still half concealed. "You hurted my heart."

You watched Carmen's face crumble, reaching out to squeeze his shoulder lightly. He ran a hand down his face, hiding behind it, while he tried to regain his composure. "I know." Carmen nodded, clearing his throat lightly. "That wasn't good of me to do, at all. And I'm very sorry."

Teddy hesitated for a moment, turning up to you. "Sometimes, Mommy and Daddy yell when we're hurt too. When our brains hurt." You explained simply. "That's not ok, but just like you yell, we yell too. And we shouldn't. Should we?"

"No." Teddy agreed, pushing up on your thigh. You tried not to groan at the tiny hands prodding into your flesh. "Not 'sposed to yell at friends." She looked at Carmen pointedly, repeating some Ms. Rachel or Sesame Street episode.

"You're right, Teddy." Carmen nodded, running a hand down her cheek gently, chest loosening when she didn't flinch or pull back. "I'm very sorry, baby."

You gave Teddy a look, soft but pointed. She was stubborn, a terrible trait she inherited from Carmen, and even at three, she was his carbon copy. "What do you say, hm?" You said softly.

"'s ok." Teddy sighed heavy, dramatic. You fought an eye roll, catching Carmen's tiny smile.

"Can I have a hug?" Carmen asked, arms stretching out, nearly falling back when she launched herself in them. The little shit, Carmen thought, but he held her close, rocking her longer than he should have.

He looked over her head at you, your soft smile while you rocked Willow in your arms. "We're gonna be a little late for dance." Carmen looked at the clock. "Do you still want to go today, Teddy, or-"

"Yes!" Teddy squealed, squirming out of his arms and bounding towards the door.

Carmen stood, leaning over to kiss you, sweet, an apology. You let his forehead rest against yours. his hand on Willow's back, grounding himself for a moment. He needed it, needed it to feel forgiven for himself.

You stood, watching them leave out the door. "You need anything?" Carmen asked, patting his pockets for his wallet and keys.

You shook your head. "No. Have fun, Teddy. Dance pretty. Point your toes." You cooed.

Teddy spun for you, dramatic and nearly walloping Carmen's crotch which made you laugh, his eyes bulging and nearly missing the hit. "Be back later. Text me if you need anything." Carmen muttered, pressing a kiss to the corner of your mouth.

"Daddy, can we get ice cream after?" Teddy asked, spinning around Carmen's hand down the cobbled steps.

"Carmen." You warned, eyeing him. You knew he'd give in. He always did.

"We'll see. If you dance good, then we might get yogurt." Carmen responded, winking at you before shutting the door.

You pretended to be irritated, huffing at him lightly when Teddy came home with chocolate around her mouth, a dribble on her leotard, but even then you couldn't be too mad. She had him wrapped around her finger, all his girls did.

[thebearer]

thinking of teddy being like 2 and she’s just so excited about anything and everything, so you do a countdown for anchivys birthday and she is like “happy for chovy dada?” every time she changes the number that’s closer to his birthday

i haven't done a blurb in so long <3 let's do one.

"Chovy?" Teddy chirps, bright eyes shining up at you, hands thrown out exaggeratedly in question- a trait Carmen swore came from you. "T'day? Chovy, t'day?"

"Not today, Teddy Bear." You cooed, sweeping the remnants of her snack into the trash.

At two years old, the world was exciting. Full of so many fun things, at the top of them, birthdays. Carmen's birthday was the first time Teddy really understood what was going on, the first time she really wanted one of her own.

Since then, she was convinced everyday was a birthday, babbling "bir'day, bir'day" around the house until you and Carmen were sure you were going to rip your hair out. Anchovy's birthday was close, the next closest, so you started a countdown for her. Thinking it would curb the constant asking- it did not.

"No?" Teddy's eyes rounded, dropping into an achingly sad look that had your own heart breaking. "No Chovy?"

"No, not today." You hummed, shaking your head. "But close." You chirped, grinning, hoping it would stop the tears you could feel coming from her.

Teddy perked, brows still furrowed in a sullen expression that was all Berzatto, entirely inherited from Carmen. "No bir'day?" Teddy sighed, demeanor switched.

"No, not today, baby." You sighed, scooping her up on your hip. "But, let's go see Daddy how many days we have left?"

A trip to the craft store, spending the entirety of Teddy's nap time one day, you'd made a make shift sort of advent calendar that counted down to the big day. A printed picture of Anchovy from his last birthday, sitting in front of a cake awkwardly.

Carmen had insisted it go in his office, heart swelling when he saw it first. Teddy babbling away excitedly about it, bouncing on her toes. It was positively adorable. Made Carmen's insides burn with a feeling he hadn't known before you. You were a good mom.

"Daddy," You called playfully, swallowing down a grin. He didn't fluster the way he had when you started with Anchovy.

"Yeah?" Carmen muttered, turning in his chair, eyes lighting when he saw both of you. "Oh? Is it my two favorite girls?" He grinned, putting the pencil down in front of him.

"We wanted to ask you something." You put a squirming Teddy on the ground, stifling a laugh when she bolted towards Carmen.

"Yeah? What's up?" Carmen groaned dramatically, lifting Teddy into his lap.

"Chovy bir'day?" Teddy threw her hands out again, turning them up in question to Carmen. You watched him melt right in front of you, a wide smile that still had your heart burning.

"How many more days until Anchovy's birthday?" You nodded.

"How many more days? Hm, let's see." Carmen turned towards the bright poster board pinned behind him. He'd hung it up on his own, proudly.

"You wanna count with me? Let's see how many days. Alright, we're right here, so..." Carmen hugged Teddy close. "One... Two..." He counted slowly, her little chirp of a voice echoing his.

You leaned forward, watching him adoringly. You were definitely bringing up the possibility of baby number two tonight after Teddy went to bed.

"Eight." Carmen nodded, looking down at Teddy. "So how many more days?"

She turned towards him, brows furrowed in thought. "No?"

"No," Carmen laughed. "You're tryna trick me? Hm, are you tryna trick me?" He grinned playfully, tickling her sides so she screeched in laughter.

"No! I no twick!" Teddy giggled loudly.

"So how many more days?" Carmen asked, pressing a kiss into her cheek. "Hm? How many did we count?"

"Eight."

"That's right." You nodded, clapping softly for her. "You're so smart. Such a good counter."

Teddy beamed, hugging Carmen tightly, pressing her face into his neck. "But tonight, you can mark it off and you'll only have seven." He told her, a hand running over her curls gently.

Anchovy slinked in, sliding between your legs as if on cue. You leaned down to pet him gently, scratching behind his ears. Teddy squealed in delight, squirming to get off of Carmen's lap to chase after him.

You watched Anchovy skitter, jump onto Carmen's desk and dash away while Teddy tried to chase him. "Did you tell Marcus to make the cake?" You sighed, sinking into Carmen's lap.

His head pressed to your shoulder, leaving a kiss on the skin there. "Yeah, he's got it. Just need to go to the store. I'll get some of those, the, uh, the streamer things? Think she'll like if we hang those up."

"Anchovy will too," You snorted lightly. "Claw them down like he did my birthday that one time." A memory from years before, another life time it felt like. Before you were married, before you had Teddy, when you and Carmen were still a little careless, care free.

"Yeah, maybe not then?" Carmen hummed.

"No, I think it'll be cute." You grin. "Teddy will love it."

[thebearer]

If you ask Teddy, her Mama is the michelin star chef and not her Dada🤣

oh? carmen, you made fancy purees that you researched for hours?

disgusting.

mama made mac and cheese and gave her apple sauce? a chef wizard. she loves it.

"it's supposed to be good for her brain development."

"her brains not going to develop anything because she's not eating, carmen. she's going to starve. she'll be alright with mac and cheese."

he huffs. "at least use the-"

"-carmen, you used to smoke two packs a day and never drank water." you glare at him. "she will be fine with this if it means she'll eat."

[thebearer]

blurb ideaaaaa

mom reader and dad carmy moving the elf’s of the shelf of teddy and willow and seeing their reactions :))

"Stupidest fuckin' thing..." Carmen mutters, sprinkling the flour along the floor in a trail to the counter. "This just makes more of a mess for us to clean up."

"Yeah, but the girls love it." You give him a pointed look, holding Jingles- your elf- in your hand.

The Elf on the Shelf was Pete's fault. One off handed brag about how their children loved the elf, and Teddy was freaking out about why she didn't have an elf. Thus, Jingles was brought into the Berzatto household. You knew Carmen hated the elf, there were days you forgot to move him, didn't do super extravagant things, times you fucked up and felt bad about it. The elf was added stress, but it was also so fun for the girls, so you did it.

Carmen's lips pursed, in a tight line. "Yeah, well they better like this." He huffed, flicking the flour on the pasta. "Go do the feet marks. make it look like he ran through it."

You grinned, poking his side lightly, before bending down, plopping Jingle's feet through the flour to make it look like he'd been running.

Carmen snorted in laughter, grinning at your animated running. "What?" You frowned playfully.

"Nothin'." Carmen shook his head, eyes beaming with joy when they met yours. "'s cute that you do this. You're a good mom."

"You help me." You bumped your hip with his affectionately, laying Jingles in the flour gently. "Pretty good dad, if you ask me."

Carmen blushed, moving the arms and legs of the elf to make it look like snow angels. "Hold on, I gotta take a picture of this." You grinned, pulling out your phone. "Sugar will like this idea. I'll send it to her."

"Hope Anchovy doesn't fuckin' snatch this thing again." Carmen muttered, looking around the kitchen for the cat.

Last year, Anchovy had mistaken the elf for one of his toys, knocking it off the shelf with his paw, which sent Teddy and Willow both over the edge. Sobbing and screaming, you and Carmen though they'd been hurt when you came in the room. Their horrified faces and Anchovy skittering out of the room, Jingles in the middle of the floor. Carmen had grabbed tongs, thankfully, thinking quick on his feet so he didn't 'touch' the elf. He'd nearly sent Jingles back to the North Pole- the garbage- that night.

"I think he's traumatized by it." You giggled. "He won't go near it, I swear. He just looks at it like he looks at Richie."

Carmen grinned, hand sliding down your waist, squeezing your hip as you propped up your little note from Jingles, proud of your handiwork.

The girls woke you up early, excited to tell you all about what Jingles had done. Carmen even feigned shock at the mess, sending them into a fit of giggles, beaming at their elf. He hated to admit it, but it was a great start to the morning, seeing his girls so happy, even if he was cleaning up flour for a good twenty minutes. He looked forward to starting the day, and ending the night with you- and Jingles.

[thebearer]

the milestones menu: teddy's toast

prompt: you and carmen tell teddy some big news.

the rest of the milestones menu can be found here!

contains: fluff. dad!carmen x mom!reader but truly just fluff :)

3 tablespoons granulated or brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Pinch of kosher salt

Unsalted butter, for cooking

4 slices of brioche bread

In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Melt some butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low; you’ll want enough to lightly coat the bottom of the skillet when melted. Swirl the bread around to absorb the butter. Cook until light golden brown. Add another pat of butter. Sprinkle the toasted tops edge to edge with a thin layer of the cinnamon sugar. Cook until the underside is golden brown. 

“Daddy.” It was hardly a whisper, teetering on the edge of a hiss. Carmen’s vision blurred, still foggy with sleep, making out a mess of curls in front of him. 

“Daddy,” Teddy’s voice was louder this time, ticking up in octave the way yours did- a sweet coo you always used when you were coaxing her out of bed. Carmen’s heart swelled, she’d picked up on that. Teddy was acting more and more like you every single day, and Carmen couldn’t be happier. 

“Yeah? Yeah, ‘m up.” Carmen groaned, rubbing the heel of his hand to his eyes, rubbing out the sleep in them. His body ached, sore from the long week. Hamstrings burning in the most miserable way. “What’s up Teddy Bear? You sleep good, hm?” 

“Yeah.” Teddy giggled, pushing up on the edge of the mattress. She was still too little, which selfishly made Carmen smug. She was so big now, four years old. He blinked, and now she was her own little person. 

“Where’s Mama?” Carmen muttered, looking around. It was too late in the morning for you to be in bed. The doorway was vacant of you leaning against it, a tiny smile and cup of coffee cradled to your chest, soaking in watching Teddy and Carmen interact. 

“She’s throwded up again.” Teddy frowned. “She not feel good?” It was a question, head cocked to the side and brows furrowed.

“I think she ate somethin’. Got her tummy all messed up.” Carmen muttered, tickling Teddy’s little tummy, leaving her squealing and kicking in his arms. He hoped it would distract her. Stop her from asking too many more questions. 

“Are you hungry? Mama made you breakfast yet?” Carmen asked, sliding out of the bed with Teddy on his hips. 

“No,” Teddy shook her head, tiny, chubby fingers poking at Carmen’s chain. “She was gonna until she gots sick.” 

“Oh,” Carmen nodded slowly, opening the door. Anchovy chirped, stalking in and out of his legs, head nuzzling against his calves while he walked. He wanted Teddy down, the toddler and the cat had been inseparable since birth, but Carmen liked to tell himself Anchovy was excited to see him. 

“How about we make somethin’ that will make Mama feel better?” Carmen suggested. He could hear you in the guest bathroom, water running and vent going to drown out your heaves. It had worked at the beginning, but now Teddy was catching on. 

“What?” Teddy asked, head tilting to the side so sweetly Carmen wanted to squeeze her. 

“What do I make you when you’re feeling gross?” Carmen asked, settling the toddler on the counter, one hand on her hip to steady her, the other preheating the oven. 

“Soup?” Teddy chirped. 

“In the mornings.” Carmen tried again. 

Teddy thought for a moment, a grin spreading across her face. “Teddy’s Toast.” 

“Yeah,” Carmen smiled proudly. “You think that will help Mama feel better?” 

“Uh-huh.” Teddy nodded, curls bobbing when she shook her head. “I helps?” She pointed at herself, lips rounding cutely when she asked the question. Carmen was sure his heart might just swell and burst out of his chest, she was so cute sometimes. He didn’t know how he’d handle two. 

“Yeah, you can help. Get me the bread?” Carmen put her on the ground, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before nodding to the pantry. 

Teddy scampered past you, nearly knocking you over in the process. You looked sick, a little woozy still. It was less now, just a little upset in the morning, then you were fine. 

Carmen’s eyes flicked over to you, rounding with concern. “Hey, mornin’, baby.” He muttered, a hand running across your back when you met him. “You feel alright? You good? Need some ginger ale or Sprite?” 

“I just need water.” You swallowed the spit that filled your throat, still a little sensitive from the retching moments ago. 

Teddy swung the bread on the counter, jumping with raised arms to Carmen so he could lift her up- so she could ‘help’ him cook. 

Carmen passed you a glass of water, which you took gratefully, lifting Teddy on the counter. “Gotta sit still, Dorothea, alright? You start movin’, you’re down.” He gave her a stern look, which she just waved off with a cute nod. 

“Teddy,” You cooed, voice still a little raspy. “Did you go wake up Daddy?” 

“Yes.” Teddy nodded. “‘Cause you-you was sick, Mama.” 

Carmen’s eyes met yours, a knowing look shared between you. “I was. Thank you for getting Daddy. That was a good thing to do.” You praised her lightly. 

Teddy beamed, looking at Carmen gleefully while he cut the butter into slices. “Now we make you breakfast, Mama.” Teddy nodded. 

“Oh? What are you making me, Chef Teddy?” You asked, head leaning into the palm of your hand. 

“‘S a secret.” Teddy whispered, fingers pressed to her lips. “Surprise!” 

“Oh, it’s a surprise, hm?” You asked dramatically, hoping to reach her level of excitement. 

Carmen smirked, wrist rotating the butter on the pan. “Yeah. You’ll like it, honey. Promise.” He winked at you softly. You flushed, cheeks tingling with heat. He could still make you flustered, still make you swoon. 

“Yeah, pwomise.” Teddy added with a little bob of her head; her own nod of approval. 

“Hey, Teddy. Could you do Mommy a big favor?” You ask, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “Could you get Mommy’s phone from the living room and bring it in here? Two hands, please?” 

Teddy nodded, Carmen setting her down so she took off, two feet pounding against the hardwood floors. “Do you think we should tell her?” You asked, sipping the rest of your water, eyeing Carmen carefully. 

“Tell her now?” Carmen pointed towards the counter, sprinkling the sugar mix on top of the browning toast in the pan. 

“Yeah, I mean… She’s catching on.” You mutter, hearing Teddy’s rough grab of the charger ripping out of the wall with your phone. “Might as well tell her before she starts telling everyone I’m sick and they get worried.” 

“Yeah, we-we can do that.” Carmen nodded, flipping the toast gentled in the pan. “If you want, honey.” 

“I think it would be best. Try to do it and then I can get the thing out of the closet for her.” You mutter, Teddy running back in, announcing triumphantly she found your phone. 

“Thank you, my sweet girl.” You coo, lifting her in your arms, peppering her face with kisses while she squealed and squirmed. Carmen tensed at you lifting her, eyes glaring at you in warning before turning back to the food in front of him. 

Teddy sat in your lap in the nook. You weren’t sure why you wanted to hold her, cuddle her softly while she babbled to you and Carmen, feeding you pieces of ‘Teddy Toast’ with an excited screech. You’d blame the hormones, mixed with the anticipation of telling her the news. 

“‘S good?” Teddy asked, turning to you with bright eyes- identical to Carmen’s. You wanted to melt. “Feel better?” 

“So much better.” You nodded. “How did you know this would make me feel better, hm? You’re so smart, aren’t you Teddy Bear?” You baby talk her, pressing kisses to her cheek. You know you shouldn’t anymore, she was four, growing up now, but how could you not? She was still so little to you. 

“Hey, you done?” Carmen asked, wiping Teddy’s hands when she nodded. He pushed the plate away, eyes cutting to yours carefully. “Teddy, we gotta tell you somethin’, ok? Somethin’ big.” 

Teddy stilled, ears perking at Carmen’s words, his tone. “Big?” 

“Mmhm.” You nodded, smoothing a hand down her curls. You moved her, turned her in your lap so she was facing both of you. “You know Mama’s been getting kinda sick lately?” 

“Yes.” Teddy nodded. “‘Cause you ated something.” 

“Right.” Your eyes cut to Carmen’s. “Well, not really ate something… Do you remember when Aunt Sugar had baby Jamie?” You started. 

Teddy’s lips twisted in thought, nodding. “And you remember Aunt Sugar had Jamie in her, uh, belly?” Carmen tickled her tummy softly, a lopsided smile spreading across his face at her little squeals and giggles. 

“Yeahhhh…” Teddy sang, collapsing into Carmen’s arms dramatically. 

Carmen snuggled her to his chest, nose pressed to her hair, looking at you. “Well, Mama’s been a little sick because,” You took a shuddering breath, clammy hand smoothing over your tummy. You weren’t sure why you were so nervous, so nervous to tell your toddler. 

“Because Mama has a baby in her tummy.” Carmen finished it for you, found the words that were choking in your throat, struggling to make their way out. 

Teddy frowned slightly- confused. You wanted to laugh, she looked so adorable. “A baby?” 

“Mmhm,” You nodded. “Your baby. Well, our baby, but your baby brother or sister.” You and Carmen paused, looking at Teddy, analyzing her every little move- every tiny tick and quirk as she thought silently.

“There’s… There’s a baby… in there?” Teddy processed it slowly, pressing a tiny finger into your ribs. 

“Yeah, right in here. That’s your baby brother or sister.” You nod slowly, voice calm and even, hoping to help her understand. 

“That’s why Mama’s been a little sick.” Carmen added. 

“Because of the baby?” Teddy clarified. 

“Because of the baby.” Carmen nodded slowly. 

“Because you ated it?” Teddy’s brows furrowed, looking up at you. 

You and Carmen paused, looking at each other. You’d played hypotheticals for weeks now- what if Teddy was upset, how would you say it, should you tell her until you’re out of your first trimester, what if Teddy didn’t want the baby? 

You hadn’t planned for this. 

“Uh, I didn’t…” You looked at Carmen for help. 

“Mama didn’t… she didn’t eat the baby.” Carmen said slowly. 

“Then how’d it getted in there?” Teddy asked, throwing her tiny little palms out for emphasis. Not at all affected by the news of a sibling- oh no, your child was worried about how the baby got in your tummy. 

“Uh,” Carmen looked like he might throw up, looking at you for help. 

“Daddy put it-” Carmen’s eyes widened, face reddening furiously. “I mean, Daddy and I got it at the store, and-and we have to grow the baby.” You stuttered, heat rising up your own cheeks. “Like-Like the flowers we grew in the backyard, remember?” Teddy nodded. 

“It’s like that. A little baby seed that has to grow in my tummy, then you’ll have a brother or sister in a few months.” You said as calmly and confidently as you could. 

Teddy was silent, nodding slowly, finger tracing on the table slowly. “Are you- You have any questions for us, Teddy Bear?” Carmen asked hesitantly. 

“Where did you buy the seed at?” Teddy turned to look at Carmen. 

“Target.” You said smoothly, ignoring Carmen’s bulging eyes at you. “Anything else? Are you feeling ok?” 

“Can I buy a baby seed?” Teddy asked, little hands pressing into her chest. 

“Absolutely not.” Carmen scoffed, louder than he meant it to be, harsher. 

Teddy’s eyes rounded softly, shining with hurt. You glared at Carmen lightly. “No, baby. You have to be older to buy it.” 

“A lot older.” Carmen added, holding the tiny toddler closer to his chest. 

Teddy thought for a moment, silently processing everything. “Do you have any more questions, baby? I know this is a lot of big news. It’s ok if you do.” You say softly, grabbing her little hand in yours. 

“Can we go to Target today?” Teddy asked, eyes shining bright and excitedly. “Yeah. Yeah, we can.” You giggled, tickling her sides softly. You grinned, beaming at her. She looked just like Carmen, but she was just like you. You hoped the next one would look just like Carmen too, act like him too.

[thebearer]

baby teddy taking FOREVER for her first egg hunt and she waddles and she shows carmen every egg she finds and makes him open it

“dada, dada, dada, dada.” just babbles over and over and over.

carmen is holding a tiny wicker basket, following behind her. she’s picking up every colorful, plastic egg with a gurgling squeal.

“yeah, that’s a good one. put it in the basket.” carmen tilts it down to her.

“open?” teddy lifts her hands up gently. “dada open? open? peas? open? dada?”

carmen does, of course, he wants to rationalize that her cousins are getting all the eggs, but really he knows it doesn’t matter. she’s happy, especially when he opens it to show the candy inside.

you’re taking pictures, watching him from the porch with nat and pete and tiff.

[thebearer]

thinking about teddy or willow calling you baby or honey or something cute instead of mommy because they always hear carmy call you that 😭

OMGGG!!! i feel like carmen calls you "baby" when you're dating and when you're married it's "honey". like he'll kinda bounce back and forth between both but "honey" feels more domestic to him for some reason lol.

"Teddy, can you put your toys away for me, sweet girl?" You coo gently, attempting to chop the apple in front of you. You tried to remember Carmen's pointers about it, but you always ended up letting him do it because he was so fast with it.

You could hear the bustling of toys from the little play house in the living room, looking over your shoulder to see her with her little doll, playing exaggeratedly. You grinned, wiping your hands on the towel by the counter, sneaking out your phone to snap a photo to send to Carmen.

"Teddy," You said, stepping into the living room. Her bright eyes lifting to you, blinking with round eyes so sweet it made you want to melt. "Can you put your toys away so we can have a snack?"

"Yes, honey." Teddy hummed sweetly, putting her toys away in the small box in the corner.

You blinked, a little confused by the name. "What did you say, baby?" You asked gently, sinking to your knees.

"Yes, honey." Teddy repeated, blinking up at you sweetly.

You could feel your chest rush with that familiar heat of adoration. "Are you being silly? Why are you calling Mommy honey?" You grinned playfully, voice lilting in that baby coo.

"Noooo," Teddy giggled, running into your arms, nearly knocking you over when she hugged you. "Daddy says honey. 's your names."

You laughed, hugging her against your chest. You and Carmen both were beginning to learn how observant children were. Teddy caught on to everything- including the word "fuck" which she heard Carmen say once, and seemed to have never forgotten, tormenting him with it every chance she got.

"Daddy does call me honey, doesn't he?" You hum, pressing your nose to her little scalp, pressing kisses there.

"Yeah." Teddy agreed, clinging to your neck.

You carried her to the kitchen, hoisted on your hip, strapping her into her little high chair while you gave her snack to her. You texted Carmen to FaceTime you if he had the chance, babbling back at Teddy sweetly until your phone rang.

"Hey, honey, everything good?" Carmen's face appeared on the other side of the screen, shutting the door to his office when he did.

"Yeah, everything's good. I just... Hold on, listen." You mutter, walking over to Teddy. "Teddy Bear, Daddy's on the phone." You cooed excitedly, grinning at her squeals and shrieks of excitement.

"Teddy, tell Daddy what you've been calling Mommy." You urge lightly, hand running down her curls. Carmen's face falls slightly, the shake of your head assuring him otherwise.

Teddy just blinked, brows furrowed like she had no idea what you were talking about. You gave her a pointed look, brows furrowed playfully. "What does Daddy call me? That you called me earlier?"

Teddy thought for a moment before grinning. "Honey." She smiled when you laughed, nodding. Carmen grinned, watching her grab the phone pulling it to her face. "You call Mama that, Daddy, so-so I calls her honey too." Teddy declared proudly.

"That's right, Teddy. Good job, baby." Carmen cooed, grinning at her little laugh.

You took your phone back, smiling proudly back at him. "When'd she start that?"

"Like twenty minutes ago." You beamed. "I asked her to clean her toys and she goes yes, honey." You giggle. "She's so cute."

"She is." Carmen agreed. "Gets it from you, honey."

"Stop." You roll your eyes, trying to hide your blush. "How's work?"

"Good. Syd said she could handle dinner tonight, so I'm gonna finish prep then should be home early." Carmen hummed, leaning back in his chair.

"Yay. Maybe we could take Teddy down to the square then? She needs new shoes." You grab the wipes off the counter to clean her hands.

"Yeah, we can do that." Carmen nodded. "I gotta go, baby, but I'll see you later."

"Alright. Teddy say bye to Daddy." You coo, smiling at her little trill when she told Carmen goodbye.

"Love you." Carmen grinned at you through the screen.

"Love you, baby. See you later."

[thebearer]

reread a little concept on teddys voice. and i can imagine how she would be when she sees carmen in the kitchen, like he’s opening the oven and he can hear her squeak “it ow? dada ow?” every time he opens it he’s like “teddy stay back” or something

especially after her perpetual "why?" stage.

"teddy, i'm opening the stove. step back."

"why?"

"because it's hot."

"why?"

"because ... that's what ovens do, and i don't want you to get hurt."

"why?"

"because getting burned hurts."

so then she traded in the why for "ow" every time one of you goes by the stove, it's, "dada, ow? ow?" or a shriek of pure terror that nearly has carmen burning himself when something sizzles and he takes it out. she's horrified because the sound + she knows the stove is ow.

[thebearer]

i think it’s so funny that all of carmys offsprings have unsettled beef with richie LMAOOO

it’s the carmen dna mixed with richie’s just overall vibe.

“she’s got your, uh, your fuckin’ face, cousin.” richie snickers at baby teddy, who is frowning, less than impressed with his antics.

“watch your mouth, alright?” carmen snaps, frowning, and they look nearly identical. brows furrowed and eyes narrowed in deep annoyance.

[thebearer]

but teddy sweetly inviting everyone for anchovy’s birthday like “a’chovy birday?” to richie or tina

not to fak tho bc she's still mad at him for scaring her lmao.

but seriously, the two of you make little invitations one day. then when you go to eat family with carmen that night, she's passing them out. colorful paper decorated with cat stickers, glitter, teddy's drawings (scribbles and loops) over your writing.

you know carmen keeps that hung up in his office for years and years and years, a picture of teddy and anchovy at the actual party added under it later. it melts his fucking heart.

[thebearer]

Omg omg omg I LOVE your dad Carmy fics so much! And idk if you’re taking requests rn but can I please request a dad Carmy x wife reader it’s their little girls first birthday and one of the staff members gifted her a little play kitchen with pots and pans and she just loves it bc she wants to be like her daddy since she sees him in the kitchen all the time and she even “makes” him food and Carmy playfully critiques her meals😭🙌🏻🥹

“What’s this Teddy Bear?” It’s a sight to see. Carmen Berzatto smushed and crouched into a teeny tiny plastic chair, sitting at the “best restaurant in Chicago”… if the category was for plastic food.

Teddy babbled in the kitchen, flinging plastic lids and ripping apart velcro fruit and vegetables that she’s was “cutting”, before flinging the other half into the bin.

“Pretty angry chef.” Carmen muttered to you teasingly. “Seems like a hot head.”

“I just hope the foods good.” You played along, your own knees near your chest in the tiny table set. “She didn’t even take our order.”

Carmen snorted, looking at the small kitchen. It was a gift, from Richie of all people, for Christmas. He’d cackled when he gave it to her, watching as she giggled with glee. “Got your own prodigy now, Cousin.” Richie grinned.

Carmen didn’t realize how much Teddy caught on to in the kitchen until she’d carry her little plates and shout “corner!” just like she’d seen her daddy do. It made Carmen’s heart melt, grinning so hard his cheeks hurt.

“Chef,” Carmen called, Teddy’s little curls flying when she looked back at him. “How much longer?”

“Jus’a minute.” Teddy’s tiny, sing-song pitched voice had your own heart aching with pure adoration, your hand smoothing down your growing belly. You hadn’t told her about the baby yet-she’d just became a chef, not yet ready for the title of big sister.

“All done!” Teddy brought the bowls out, an interesting combo of plastic clumps of peas, banana, and chicken in Carmen’s bowl. In your bowl the cut apple slices, carrots, and what appeared to be a Barbie doll shoe.

“Thank you, chef.” Carmen looked down at the bowl, raising a brow at you, biting back his own smile. “Chef, can we have a fork?”

“No.” Teddy shook her head, holding onto her little chef’s hat. “You no need fork.”

“Teddy.” You laughed at the three year old. “We need a fork, silly! How do we eat with no fork?”

“Hands.” Teddy shrugged, clambering back to the ‘kitchen’ in her little plastic heels. She returned with a plastic knife and a pair of tongs. “Here.”

Carmen looked at the small knife. “This is a weird place.” He muttered to you playfully. “Chef is a little pushy.”

“You’re telling me.” You grinned, using your wooden tongs to pick up the Barbie shoe. “I’m scared to tell her about this.”

Carmen laughed, nearly falling back in the plastic chair. “I’m sure it’s a garnish.” He grinned, making you snort. “Kinda looks like your pregnancy cravings.” He motioned towards his bowl.

You gaped, dramatically at him. “Watch it, Berzatto.” You but back a smile. “Before I make you make me another Nutella grilled cheese.”

Carmen gagged dramatically, alerting Teddy. “No good?” She asked, little lip jutting nearly pitifully.

“No, no, no,” Carmen said quickly. “Very good. So yummy. All done. Good job, Chef.”

Teddy grinned, giggling and throwing her arms around Carmen’s neck, launching himself in his lap. Carmen caught her easily, tickling her sides so she squealed. “Really hands on experience, huh?” He smirked, looking at you.

You posted this photo on your Instagram:

with the caption:

eating good tonight thanks to chef teddy bear🧸🍼🐣 five stars, best restaurant in the us. giving @/carmenberzatto a run for his money!!

[thebearer]

wait syd and willow. carm low key didn’t give syd a chance to say yes, but willows in her little high chair watching her cook and explain how to cook it, and once she’s down baby willow baby claps

"Can you watch her? I'll be two seconds." Carmen ducks his head in, propping the carrier on the table, not waiting for Sydney's response.

"Chef, wait. I-I'm not-"

"-Thank you, Chef! I'll be right back!" Carmen shouts, bounding out of the empty kitchen.

Sydney blinked at the baby, the newest Berzatto. Of course Syd had been around Willow, thought she was cute and sweet, but it was always with you or Carmen around. Never alone. That was Tina's thing, maybe even Marcus', not Sydney's. She didn't know what to do with a baby, what to do if she started crying.

Thankfully, Willow seemed content, sucking on her pacifier and giving Sydney a wide eyed gaze back at her.

"Uh, hey, Willow." Sydney said, voice lilting just a tad in a cringe high octave. She shook her head, moving back to the prep, eyes flicking from the baby back to the onions.

Willow started to whimper, a huff of a whine that had Sydney's spine straightening. Fuck, where was Carmen? Or you?

"Hey, uh, no, no, no, don't cry." Sydney pleaded. Willow seemed to relax at her voice.

Sydney briefly recalled Carmen telling Tina and Richie that Willow really liked watching him cook. Liked when he explained the recipes to her, like she understood. That you'd tease him lightly, but she loved it.

Sydney took a deep breath in, lifting up the knife. Just talk to her like you would the chefs who shadowed.

"Um, so I'm prepping the vegetables." Sydney started, feeling a little awkward, a little silly. "We're doing the chaos menu tonight, and that has this lamb sirloin type thing, and we let it marinate in a stock." Sydney's eyes flashed to Willow, who watched her contently, eyes still bright and wide, focused on her.

"Hopefully it will be good, because sometimes I let it soak too long and Carmen- your dad, gets kinda mad. Not mad, I guess, more like frustrated? I dunno, lamb's difficult, ya know? Tender so you've got to be careful with it because it absorbs-"

Willow's tiny gurgle cut Sydney off. A happy giggle around her pacifier that turned to a coo, legs kicking out in excitement.

Sydney paused, grinning gently back at the baby. "Yeah, well, I mean, it is exciting. You're right. It's cool because we got the rainbow chard in, and I'm going to make this take on collard greens out of it to pair with it. I hope it pairs good. It did when I tried it the other day." Sydney smiled when Willow laughed, a baby cackle that had her laughing too.

"You like that? Well, you probably like hearing about it, but I don't think you'd like to eat it... Maybe? I dunno, do you eat foods like that or is it still like sweet potatoes and mashed peas?" Sydney hummed, cutting the onions quickly.

"She's gotten more adventurous, but still a few more weeks until she could have the chard." You hum from the doorway, beaming with the baby bag over your shoulder.

Sydney flushed in embarrassment. "Hey, I, uh, I just... Carmen put her in here, and-and she started crying so-"

You shook your head lightly, walking over to Willow's carrier. "She liked watching you cook. I swear, she's her Daddy's child. Looks just like him too. Like, how's that fair?" You snorted lightly, fingertip tracing down the slope of Willow's nose- Carmen's nose.

"Thanks for watching her, Syd." You smiled softly. "She likes you, ya know?"

"Oh, c'mon. I-I mean, she's super cool. Like very chill to cook with. Therapeutic." Sydney muttered, grinning at Willow gently.

"She is." You nod. "Can you believe her and Teddy are related?" You snort lightly.

Sydney laughs, shaking her head. Teddy was not allowed in the kitchen, not since she snatched Carmen's knife and chased Richie. Truthfully, Sydney was rooting for her and thought the timeout Carmen gave her was unfair.

"No, I mean... they're both good kids, ya know?" Sydney shrugged lightly.

"Yeah, they are." You hum lovingly, cooing gently down at Willow. "I'll take her to Carm's office, but thank you-"

"-Oh, you know, you can just leave her here with me if you want." Sydney offered. Your brows shot up in surprise, and truthfully, Sydney was surprised herself. "I mean, if you have something to do. I know you've gotta place the orders and stuff, so I can watch her while you do that."

"Are you sure?" You asked carefully.

"Yeah, no problem. I was just explaining lamb." Sydney joked. "It's kinda therapeutic, really."

"Told you." Carmen quipped, holding Teddy upside down, dodging her kicking feet and shrills. "Helps you work through recipes. Wills' gonna have a Michelin star by nine, just you wait."

You rolled your eyes, shaking your head at him. "Don't get her crazy, Berzatto. You're gonna deal with her." You glared at him, blushing at the grin he gave you, pressing a kiss to Teddy's cheek while she squirmed and giggled loudly.

You rolled your eyes lightly, thumb running over Willow's soft cheek. "I'll be in the office if you need me, alright? Thank you."

"No problem." Sydney smiled softly, watching you shut the door to the office muffling Teddy's screech. Sydney looked back over at Willow, putting the freshly chopped prep into the container. "Anyways, so now we gotta get the marinate going with the stock...."

[thebearer]

when teddys too small to actually participate in the egg hunt so richie hides the golden egg in her bonnet

omg this is so cute. i also had the thought:

i feel like uncle jimmy would put on the annual egg hunt (and stuffs the eggs lol). his kids, nephews, nieces, all the cousins. i think when willow is little, she takes to jimmy for whatever reason and he does to her. i mean she’s sweet and just like carm, kinda the ‘runt of the litter’ vibes.

so you’re with teddy, and jimmy offers to take willow. she’s never won the golden egg and dammit if she’s not winning this year.

“hey, uh, wills,” jimmy looks around, the others are fumbling over themselves somewhere else in the yard. “why don’t you look over there? under the planter.” and sure enough, there it is, the golden egg. willow is beaming, she’s so excited to have finally won.

“ah, would ya look at that? willow won the golden egg.” jimmy throws his hands up at the kids whines of disappointment.

you and carmen both know deep down he helped her, though he would never ever admit it. he swears willow won it fair and square.

[thebearer]

this is so incredibly teddy coded omg

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C40U22Frn0g/?igsh=MWl3aTZlbHhmajM5cQ==

and don’t you DARE bring that fancy homemade pasta around here carmen!!

teddy loves boxed angel hair and butter with a tiny sprinkle of salt. it pains carmen.

“my nonna is rollin’ in her fuckin’ grave right now.” he watches, wide eyes maybe in horror. maybe something else.

you grin. “well, i don’t think she’d want her great grandbaby to starve.”

“cant believe she wouldn’t eat the stuff i made but eats this.” carmen huffs. “not like I do this everyday or somethin’. cook for people for a living.”

“you gotta keep it simple. she’s a baby. she’s not going to enjoy that stuff.”

“‘m tryna expand her pallet-“

“-well, her pallet right now, likes butter noodles.” you give him a playful pointed look, both of you turning back to the toddler demolishing her tray of butter noodles.