APOV
Santa's sleigh arrived in the shape of my Dad and Granddads cars. Dad even wore a Santa's hat but said there was no way he was wearing a beard as the dogs would have had it. God help anyone who came into our house who had a real beard, I think they would be in trouble. I don't know if the dogs see it as a disguise but they do not trust anyone who has one.
Christian and his brothers helped our Dads and my Granddad put the presents under the tree. Kate and I were keeping an eye out for the children in case they decided to go for a wander but at the moment they were all asleep.
"Why is Christmas eve so tiring" Kate asked me.
"Wait until you have four kids, then you will know what tiring is."
"Well.." she trailed off smiling at me.
"Really" I asked, looking down at my sisters stomach before going back to her smiling face.
"Yes. The test I did was positive so we had a scan done the day before we arrived. Alex gets the present he wants most for Christmas"
I hugged my sister to me as we laughed. It will be nice to watch someone else going through pregnancy for a change instead of it being me.
"Has Elliot told the boys" I asked as she shook her head.
"Only you know, everyone else will find out once Alex opens his picture tomorrow."
"I'm so happy for you sis."
"Can I get in on this sister hug" Mia asked as we wrapped our arms around her too. "Ok are we celebrating something or just hugging."
That had us all laughing and especially when Kate told Mia the news too.
"Alex is going to be so happy."
"He wants a brother so I hope if we have a girl, he will be happy too."
"He will be thrilled Kate" she smiled as we made our way down the stairs.
"Has Santa retired until next year" I asked my Dad who had finally took the hat off.
"Yes Santa needs a drink."
I pointed over to the fireplace where the milk and cookies were left for Santa, along with the carrot for the reindeer.
"Not what I had in mind" he laughed before he took the carrot and started to eat it.
He ate half of it, before putting it back onto the plate and then ate half the cookie too.
"Carrot and cookie don't belong together" he laughed before taking a sip of the milk.
"See Santa did finish his snack."
"Daddy, I need the bathroom" we heard from the top of the stairs.
Elliot moved quickly to Alex so he didn't come down and see us all here. If he woke my boys up, we would have a bit of explaining to do, although the boys think I have Santa on speed dial so I could just say he came early.
"What's going in their stockings" Christian asked me as we looked at the giant pile of presents under the tree.
"Those presents are in the top of our closet so they didn't get mixed up."
"Good thinking" he said before I was suddenly pulled from the arm of the couch where I had been sat and onto Christian's lap.
"I'll just sit here, shall I" I laughed especially when he tickled my side.
"You were too far away."
I was trying to keep quiet and talk to my sisters but it wasn't easy when my husband was in such a playful mood.
Elliot came back down, telling us that Alex was asleep once more. He was originally sleeping with the boys but with having the dogs in there and not being used to their snoring which was keeping him awake, he now slept in his parents room.
"Tired Princess" Christian asked me when I yawned.
"A bit."
It had been a long day and I was ready for bed. Tomorrow will be even longer once the children were awake so once our Dads and Granddad left, Christian and I said our good nights and made our way up to bed.
"Go and sort yourself out Ana, I will fill the boys stocking and put them on the end of their beds."
I kissed Christian before going to check on Lucy, she was fast asleep and sucking on her tiny thumb as usual. Betsy was asleep in her basket in the corner so she didn't even open an eye when I approached the crib.
Kissing her tiny forehead, I made my way into the bathroom where I changed for bed before washing my face and brushing my teeth. I climbed into bed and sunk into the pillows. I was nice just to stretch out and feel myself relax into the bed.
"Is there going to be any room in bed for me" Christian asked with an amused looked on this face as I spread out.
"I'm sure I can find a corner for you."
He decided that wasn't enough room for him so he covered my body with his.
"There, I have plenty of room" he leaned down and kissed my lips before flipping us over so I covered him.
"Sleep princess, I know you're exhausted."
Getting comfortable, I did just that.
…
I woke to my poor husband being dragged out of bed by Luca. I had been up for a 3am feed with Lucy so I was still tired and turned over, hoping for a few more minutes sleep. Fat chance.
It was a paw and a wet nose that finally made me open my eyes. After all the years I have had him, Hugo was always the most hyper on Christmas morning. I stroked his head but he didn't want a stroke, he wanted presents.
"Go and find Theo boy" I said, hoping he would leave my side. He's not stupid though. He knows there is no present opening until we are all together and with me up here, that is not going to happen.
"You don't change do you boy" I said as his head fell to one side with his tongue out of the side of his mouth. I'm glad he doesn't change.
Making my way into the bathroom, I shut the door leaving Hugo outside. His paw hit the door as he went down and I know there was no moving until I came out.
"Is our plan working boy" I heard Theo say.
"No I'm staying in here all morning" I laughed, hearing a bang on the door which I know was done by dog not boy.
After finally making myself somewhat awake, I opened the door to see my boys sat there. Hugo was lay down with Theo using him as a leaning post.
"I'm ready, come on" I said pulling Theo up.
I noticed that Lucy was no longer in her crib so her Daddy must have taken her down.
Before I went into the living room, I made my way into the kitchen to put the ham and turkey into the ovens. Christian loves his ham for Christmas but turkey was always my favourite so we have both. It didn't take long which was good as I had little eyes impatiently watching my every move.
We found everyone sat in the living room beside the Christmas tree. My Dad, Isabella, Grace and Carrick included. I know my grandparents will be here at some point as they take a bit longer to get moving in the morning but there was no making these children wait any longer.
"Merry Christmas" I said hugging my Dad.
"Merry Christmas Ana."
"Your missing a hat" I whispered hearing his laugh.
"That and I think the carrot and cookie have given me a stomach ache."
"I know a good doctor if you need one."
"I will keep that in mind" he smiled before I made my way over to my husband who had an awake little girl who was probably wondering what was going on.
"Have you all found your presents" I asked hearing a yes or a woof from the all.
We had put the children's presents into individual piles so there wasn't a scrum under the tree. Even the dogs had their own piles.
"Open them then."
It wasn't long before my floor was replaced with wrapping paper, with Hugo leading the way. He had opened all his and taken them back to his bed before he started on Theo's.
"What have we got boy" Theo asked patting Hugo on the head. "Cool, a drone. We can spy on everyone now."
I wonder how long before he is up to mischief with that, especially with the camera that he can attract to it so he can record from up above.
Christian and I took it in turns to open Lucy's presents. It was like a baby shower again with all the little dresses and toys. She was more interested in the crinkly of the paper which she held in her hand.
One present of Lucy's that I was excited to open as I took her from my husband, was her little rag doll.
"Mommy had one just like it when I was a baby girl" I told her as she put her hand on the dolls face. "My Mommy gave it to me and it was very special."
I looked to my Dad who was smiling to me, he knew all about my doll and how special it was to me.
"Merry Christmas Mum" I said quietly and kissed my little girls head once more.
Christian who had moved to sit by the children, handed me over a small box.
"Thank you sweetheart" I kissed his lips when I opened my new watch. My last one had gone for a swim down the toilet, courtesy of my twins. They wanted to see if it was waterproof after seeing one on TV that was. Suffice to say, it never ticked again.
"It's waterproof" he said as I laughed while he put it on.
I was starting to get my own pile of present that the Christian and our children had brought me. Perfume, slippers and jewellery. Girls can never have enough diamonds Christian told me as he place the necklace around my neck.
He had his own small pile too. The boys had bought him some slippers of his own that look like turkeys on his feet. Poor man couldn't move as the dogs thought they were a toy for them and tried to pull the turkey legs off the side.
"Stupid dogs" Theo said before he pulled the dogs turkey stuffed dog toy and threw if across the room to which they all chased it. They did look alike and I don't think it will be long before my husbands slippers will find their way into a dog bed.
"Ok what have we missed" my grandparents asked as they came through the front door.
"Just a bit of mess, Merry Christmas" I said hugging them both.
"Merry Christmas to you and merry first Christmas to you baby girl" my grandmother said as she took Lucy from me and took a seat.
By the time everyone had finished opening the presents my grandparent had brought as well, we could hardly see the floor. Eamon and Christian were trying to put it into bags and keep it from the dogs who wanted to roll all over it.
"Alex, we have one more little present for you" Kate said as she handed Alex the last gift.
Elliot pulled him onto this lap so they could all see it together. You could see how much that little picture meant to him when he opened it. He brushed the tears away before looking to his Mum and Dad with a beaming smile on his face.
"I'm getting a baby brother" he said as we heard happy gasps around the room.
"Well baby could be a girl" Elliot said but Alex shrugged, I don't think he cared as long as he had someone to play with all the time.
"Take a closer look at the picture" Kate told him as he pulled it closer to him.
"Why does my brother have four arms" he said looking to his parents. I expected Kate to tell him that it was baby's legs but what she said shocked even me.
"Because I have two babies growing in my stomach."
"Yes. thank you thank you." Christian chanted, making the room erupt into laughter.
"You're so mean" I said, but my husband was happy.
"Oh brother you're in for so much fun with twins. Congratulation you three" he stood up and kissed Kate's cheek before hugging his brother.
He picked Alex up and swung him around, which had our nephew laughing loudly.
"I get two brother's Uncle Christian" he cheered.
"Yes and you're allowed to get them into mischief, just like Theo does."
I don't think Kate and Elliot were happy about that but they were soon wrapped up in hugs and congratulations of everyone in the room. Poor Claire was in tears, she was so happy to become a Grandma again.
"Best Christmas present ever" Alex declared and I think my husband thought it was a present for him too.
I left the boys in the living room to watch TV or play with their toys. Christian had gone outside with his brother to the back of the property for a bit of target practice.
My husband had wanted a crossbow for Christmas, why, I have no idea but as he never asks for anything, I made sure he had that. They boys were not allowed to follow him, especially with arrows or what every they're called flying around.
"What needs doing Grace asked me."
"Not a lot, just the vegetables now. The turkey is looking good" I said peering into the oven before checking on the ham.
"Time for a glass of wine then" she said as she opened a bottle.
"I wish, I don't want Lucy being sick. There should be some grape juice in the fridge, I would love a glass of that."
Taking the filled glass from her, we clinked out glasses together before drinking it down. She left the kitchen taking the wine with her and asked if anyone would like a drink. I just hope she doesn't drink too much as I know from experience with Grace, if she drinks the karaoke comes out and we have escaped that for a while.
Dinner was loud and fun. Alex had a permanent smile on his face as he looked at the picture of his siblings. Christian was teasing his brother about all the sleepless nights he was in for and the constant changing of diapers. Kate just smiled, I think she was ready for it.
"I can't believe you didn't tell us it was two" Mia said as I put my cutlery down on my empty plate.
"I had to keep something a surprise" she laughed.
"It was certainly a surprise" I told her.
The boys all wanted to play in the snow once dinner was over. Christian had sent us ladies into the living room with the wine while they cleaned up and fed the dogs. I didn't mind, I was happy to sit down for a rest, now that the christening and Christmas was nearly over, I could finally relax.
"Good girl, that was a big one" my Dad said when he had brought Lucy's wind up.
My Dad completely dotes on my little girl and is always one of the first there when it comes to feeds or diaper changes. Luciana is going to have him wrapped around his finger when she's older, if she doesn't already have it now.
"Has she finished the bottle" I asked Dad.
"Nearly, about an ounce left. She was a bit windy."
He placed the bottle back to her mouth and once again, she latched on.
We all turned to the door when my husband came in laughing with his Dad and brothers.
"Please tell me you haven't broke something" I said as he shook his head.
"No kitchen is all clean, Dad has just told us the best joke ever and I think he should do it seriously."
"Not a chance" Carrick said but I was still non the wiser.
"Ok someone speak, what's going on" Grace spoke and she wanted answers too.
"Dads running for Senator" I nearly choked on my drink when he said that.
"YOU'RE WHAT" Grace shouted and made Lucy jump and soon the screams started. "I'm sorry sweetheart, Grandma's naughty for shouting" she said taking her from my Dad and cradling her in her arms.
"Speak" she said to her husband and it was hilarious to see Carrick put in his place. I should try that with Christian when I want information.
"I might have set a few rumours in motion that I was going to stand for Senator now Blandino was out of the way. I put it out that someone needs to stand up for the innocent people of this city."
"Can you do that, just put your name forward" I asked.
"No idea but it has them all squirming that I would officially stand and that's what I wanted. I have no plan to but it's fun to mess with everyone especially the commissioner who would have to deal with me if I did."
"You should" Mia laughed.
"Mia can you see me in an office day in and day out. I would be shooting who ever came in and pissed me off."
"Men" Grace said making me laugh as she sat down beside me and took the bottle off my Dad. Lucy was already asleep though after being rocked by her grandmother.
…
We all got wrapped up warm and spent some time outside. I was going to get Lucy in her snow suit but it seemed pointless to wake her so her Grandparents and Great Grandparents all volunteered to watch her. They will be fighting in no time on who gets to hold her but at the moment, Claire wasn't letting her go.
Picking some snow up in my hand, I made a ball before I threw it at my husband who was throwing them at the children.
"Mommy is on our side" Theo shouted as Christian looked to me, cocking his eyebrow.
I smiled before running to where the boys were. I didn't get far as in his excitement, Hugo ran towards me and knocked me flat on my back.
"Hugo get off Mommy, she will get caught."
Hugo wasn't listening and as I was already down, I made a snow angel while Hugo lay on his back and made his own. It was like the first time he had seen snow when he was just a pup, he had gone completely crazy.
"Now I have you where I want you" Christian stood over me with the ball of snow in his hands.
"You wouldn't throw snow at an angel would you" I smiled up to him.
"Um, let me think. You're my princess, certainly a devil when we are in our bedroom and you're riding my cock, but are you an angel" I continued to move my arms getting a bit of snow in my hands with each movement.
When he had finally decided to move closer I threw the snow in his face before scrambling away.
"Anastasia Grey you're no angel" he spluttered as I reached the boys and smacked each of their raised hands.
It was three against five now as I had Alex with us against Christian, Elliot and Ethan. How they thought it was even as three grown men went up against four small boys I don't know but when Mia came out she decided to join us too.
"Hugo snow" Theo said as he put the hard ball in Hugo mouth, he ran round the others and just like he does when he throws a Frisbee he lets the ball go, dog slobber and all, straight into Elliot stomach.
"Oh come on, they have the dogs throwing them as well" he complained but the children laughed more.
By the time night had fallen and the last ball had been thrown, we had some very happy children and some very exhausted parents. We had a truce until the next day when the fight will start up again.
"We're on the same team tomorrow Ana" Christian told me as we walked back to the house arm in arm.
"I will always be on the side of the underdog especially when it's our small children against their big strong Daddy's."
"Considering they had the dogs, they were the ones with the advantage. We'll just pelt Elliot tomorrow" he told me.
"Deal."
…
The week past quickly, too quickly for the children who didn't want our time in Sicily to end. They had spent so much time outside whether on their new bikes, sledging or playing in the snow, we had struggled to get them inside. We weren't going straight home to Seattle once we were back in the states, we had promised to take the children back to Aspen again so they could have some fun with their Daddy's this time.
"Princess you look beautiful" Christian came up behind me as I was putting my earrings in. I turned to him as he was putting his tie on which wouldn't stay on very long.
"Your look handsome too" I told him as he leaned down to kiss my lips. He looked very delicious in his suit.
We were getting ready to go to my grandparents for a new years eve party where we will all be staying over there. Our bags were moved their for tonight earlier today so we only had ourselves to take and Lucy's bag too.
Thankfully it wouldn't be like Lucy's christening when I think half the island came. This was just family and a few people that we did know. The Rossi and Costa families will be there but I didn't mind them. I had gotten to know them very well over the years since I had found my family so I was looking forward to seeing them as they hadn't been able to speak to them properly at the christening.
"What are the boys taking with them."
"They just said their iPads and dogs."
"Like we would ever leave the dogs behind" I told him.
We made our way down the stairs and into the living room where the children were waiting.
CJ and Lucy were in bouncy chairs, side by side and seemed to be in conversation with each other. Mia was recording them both from the couch where she had been looking after our daughter from.
"They have been like that for the past few minutes" she laughed.
"They're not going to like it when we leave in a few minutes then" I told her.
"Lucy" Christian said and our daughters head immediately turned to find his voice. "Lucy."
He walked over and picked her up from the chair and kissed her cheek. She rested her head against her Daddy's chest which I think is her favourite place to be sometimes. That and her Granddads.
Christian placed Lucy's coat on. She wouldn't be outside for long so we wrapped her up in a blanket once she was in her car seat instead of her snow suit.
Once again her little thumb was in her mouth and she was happy and content.
"We're going to have fun trying to get her to stop sucking her thumb when she's older" Christian told me.
"I know but she's a baby at the moment, when she starts to get her teeth coming through then we can try and get her to stop but she's bound to have the Grey stubborn gene so probably won't give it up as easily as we hope."
"There is nothing wrong with the Grey gene's" he told me.
"I know, they help produce some beautiful babies."
We got the boys all ready, iPads and dogs in hand as we headed for the cars. We were surrounded by our guards as we made the short journey to my grandparents house. Some of the guards that came with us originally had gone back to Seattle to spend the new year with their family and others that had spent Christmas in Seattle were replacing them now. We did have ones that will remain with us throughout like David, Ian, Luke, Riley, Joseph and Reynolds, they are guards for my children and I, so are always close.
"Looks like it's party time" Theo said as we arrived at the house to see it all lit up. There were people milling about in the driveway but from the shadows at the windows I would say it's pretty full.
"Happy new year" Mac called to us when we got out of the car.
"You're a bit early but happy new year" I laughed as I was engulfed in my uncles arms.
"It's new year somewhere little one."
"What time did you start drinking."
"Don't know what you're talking about" he said before throwing Theo over his shoulder and spun him around.
"Me next" Luca shouted, wanting his spin too.
"I feel sick already" Mac said but he gave both Luca and Matteo a spin too.
"Come in out of the cold and put Matteo down Marco" my grandmother called from the door.
"Hi grandma" I said hugging her. "How much has he drank" I whispered.
"Your uncle went out with Emilio and Leonardo for lunch. That is how they came back."
I laughed at Mac stumbling into the house.
"Have the elders taken power back for the afternoon then" I thought of my Granddad and also Carlo Rossi and Santo Costa. All had handed power to their sons and I think all will be rescinding it.
"They should do but they can be just as bad when they get together."
We took our coats off once, we were inside and taken Lucy out of her car seat. She was soon taken from our hands by Carrick who started chatting away to her. Between Carrick and my Dad, we hardly see our baby girl when we are all together.
"Where's Luciana" Sofia asked once we parted from our hug.
"Carrick has her."
"As long as my husband doesn't get hold of her in the state he is in."
"Is he celebrating something or commiserating or did they just decide to get drunk."
"Celebrating, I think from the slurring I got when he arrived back. You know me and his business, as long as Mac is at the breakfast table then I'm happy."
"I think that goes for all of us Sofia. I had a meltdown once when I was pregnant with Lucy. I thought Christian hadn't come home as he wasn't there when I woke up. He had, he had just let me sleep."
"Pregnancy hormones can mess with you. Kate is about to find that out again."
"Big time" I laughed before I went to find my boys.
I made my way through the house, finding each of them like always with their dogs. Carrick was still deep in conversation with Lucy who seemed to be talking back now. Betsy was not far from his feet.
"Anastasia" I heard before being hugged by Leonardo. I knew what my grandmother meant, he was pissed.
"Put my wife down before I put you down" Christian said and he did just that thankfully as I think my ribs were squished.
"I was only saying hello" he said putting his hand up to Christian.
Christian wasn't mad. He got on very well with Emilio and Leonardo, they just like to wind my husband up as they knew how possessive he was over me.
"Thank you for saving my ribs" I said kissing my husbands cheek.
"I will save all of you anytime" he said before pulling me into his arms for a kiss.
By the time that midnight approached the three stooges were not the only ones who were drunk. I had, had one glass of wine and felt like I needed a nap as I hadn't drunk in such a long time. I had expressed enough milk for a few days so the next time my breasts were full, I would express and throw he milk away.
Christian was merry, if I can call him that. He had drunk a few but was still alert. Mac was snoring from the corner, having given up about thirty minutes ago and now looked like a clown thanks to AJ and Sofia's make up. There were quite a few pictures taken of that, especially from my grandparents.
As the countdown started, I was wrapped up in my little family. Christian held our tired boys while I held our sleeping little girl. On the stroke of midnight Christian touched his lips to mine. They were not the only lips I felt as the boys kiss us both too.
"Happy new year princess" he said in between kisses.
"Happy new year Christian and happy new year to you too" I told the boys as I kissed each one.
We had a mad year and I have no doubt that this next one will be just the same, but we will all embrace it together.
Thank you for reading.
Until next time.
Take care
Caroline.