Daphne awoke, feeling a surge of excitement. She and Niles would be celebrating their first Christmas as new parents. She crawled out of bed, trying her best not to wake Niles. However, Niles woke the moment he heard Daphne get up. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to wake David and get him ready before your father and Ronee get here," Daphne answered.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to sleep a while longer? I don't mind taking care of the baby."
Daphne smiled, touched by his concern. "Thank you for offering, but I'd like to be the one to wake me son up for his first Christmas."
"Well, then, let me give you your very first Christmas present," Niles said, kissing her.
"That was lovely, Darling. But I seem to remember you giving me the same thing last year...and the year before."
"My love, every Christmas feels like the first to me. I'm just so grateful to have you in my life."
Daphne's heart melted. "I love you, and I couldn't imagine having a better husband than you. I would love to spend all day right here in your arms, but I have a feeling your father would be disappointed. I think he's been looking forward to the holiday more than anyone!"
Niles laughed. "I bet every toy store in Seattle is sold out right now because of Dad."
Daphne nodded. Martin had said when David was born that he would spoil his grandson rotten. It was a promise he'd kept. David already had more toys than he could possibly need. Martin did not bother reading age recommendations, so there were many that David couldn't even play with yet. Both Niles and Daphne were sure that before the day was out, their son would have even more toys.
After one more kiss from her husband, Daphne finally made her way down the hall to the nursery. David was already awake. "Merry Christmas, Sweetheart," Daphne said as she lifted him from the crib. As she changed her son's diaper, Daphne continued to talk to him about the family's plans for the day. "Your grandfather and Ronee will be here any minute now. And we're going to open lots of presents. Most of them will be for you, I'm sure. It's a shame your Uncle Frasier couldn't come for a visit." Daphne missed her brother-in-law since he'd moved to Chicago, but he and Charlotte wanted to enjoy their first holiday as a couple all by themselves. No one could blame them; Frasier had spent plenty of Christmases with the family. He had already promised that he would definitely be in Seattle next December.
Daphne smiled as she dressed David in a pale blue onesie with the words "Baby's First Christmas" on it. Even though her son would never remember this day, there would be plenty of pictures taken so that no one could forget. Daphne could hardly wait. Her own family was thousands of miles away in Manchester. But thanks to the Cranes, she was always surrounded by love, no matter what time of year it was.