The sun was just creeping up from the horizon when two little faces peeped up over the side of mommy and daddy's bed. One of these faces popped up right in daddy's face, instantly awakening him from a very short sleep as he played Santa's helper and put together a tricycle and various other toys for his little girls until about three AM.

Eighteen month old Hope stood smiling at her daddy. Oliver shook his head, knowing that there would be no more sleep today. He sat up and saw four year old Grace with her face on the bed next to Shane's trying to see if her mommy's eyes were open.

"Grace, you have to stop helping your little sister out of her crib," said Oliver.

"Mmf," came from Shane's side of the bed. "What's going on," she asked.

"It's Christmas,mommy and Santa's been here," squealed Grace.

"Has he," asked Shane.

" Yes, mommy and our brother is still in your tummy, so can we send back his presents and get more for me and Hope," she asked.

"No, we can't, but just think we can have Christmas again when he gets here."

"Yeah, that's a good idea mommy. When do we write lists for that one," asked Grace.

Oliver sat up laughing at his older daughter and picked up the little one. "Hope, why did you take your diaper off," he asked.

Hope made a series of words that most people couldn't comprehend. "Whatever you just said, I'm sure it was as good a reason as any," Oliver said.

As she pulled herself to a sitting position, Shane said, "She said the diaper was wet and uncomfortable. "

" How could you possibly translate that," asked Oliver.

Looking as radiant as an angel, Shane replied, "I've been translating her daddy every day for years, so that poses no challenge."

Oliver gave his wife a double take as his right eyebrow shot up, and Shane just smiled radiantly and batted her eyelashes. Oliver laughed.

Feeling left out Grace climbed on the bed and asked, "Can we please go open presents, now?"

"May we go open presents, now, " corrected Oliver.

" Yes, mommy can we," asked Grace.

Oliver sighed and let it go.

With laughter in her voice, Shane replied, " Yes we may."

Grace jumped off the bed and ran out of the room. Hope not wanting to be late, she tried to wiggle out of her daddy's arms, but was unsuccessful.

"No, little one you need to get a diaper first," said Oliver.

" You go, Oliver, one of us needs to make sure Grace doesn't start without us. I'll take care of Hope." Said Shane.

Oliver put on his robe and called down for Grace to wait.

"Hurry up," called Grace.

When Shane finished with Hope's diaper, the little girl jumped off the bed and ran to the stairs, but having fallen down the steps before, she thought it best to take those slow.

"Hope, mommy, hurry up," yelled Grace.

Oliver had let Grace put a few of the presents in piles to keep her busy until the others got there. When he saw Hope backing slowly down the stairs with Shane waddling behind, he walked to them, picked up his daughter and took his wife's arm.

When everyone was sitting in front of their pile, Grace asked, "Can we start, now?"

Shane put her hand on her husband's knee to stop him from correcting her. Shan said, "Yes you may."