Their entrance into the diner half an hour later caused quite a stir. Helen was all over them like syrup on pancakes the second they stepped in the door, it was like she had a radar or something. She came flying out from the back with the worlds biggest grin on her face.

"Tony DiNozzo, I wondered if I'd ever see you again." Her eyes lit up and she smiled at Ziva before peeking into the carseat. "And hello darling! Aren't you just the sweetest bit of goodness the Almighty ever dreamed up?" Helen pushed them towards their regular booth. "You three are a sight for sore eyes. Now sit down and get comfortable, I'll be right back with your menus."

Ziva chuckled as she slid onto the seat across from Tony, Chaya's seat tucked in the corner within easy reach. "She has not changed."

"Not a bit," Tony agreed with a smile. "We seem to have a knack for getting adopted by the older members of the female population."

She leaned back. "It does feel like an entire lifetime ago that we came last. Do you remember when it was?"

Tony made his thinking face and closed his eyes, counting backwards. "Probably the week after we were engaged," he decided. "Basically right after Mandy's announcement that the rest of the pregnancy was not going to be easy. Everything pretty much stopped at that point."

Ziva ran her fingers through her hair. "I am quite relieved to be past that." She suddenly looked excited. "I will be glad to be driving again." At Tony's momentary look of panic, she snorted and rolled her eyes. "Do not worry, I will not resort to Israeli driving standards with our daughter in the car."

He covered her hand with his. "She's not the only one who matters you know."

Ziva smiled slightly and then Helen returned, shaking her head and clucking her tongue. "That's enough lovebirds. Food first, flirting later."

Tony resisted the urge to snicker, figuring it wouldn't earn him any brownie points at all. Instead he dutifully accepted the thick menu and paged through it, trying to decide what he felt like. He glanced at his wife, watching Ziva absently rock Chaya's carseat as she browsed through the food options. It was such a lovely domestic scene that he couldn't help but stop to appreciate it.

Eventually their choices were made and soon steaming plates of diner fresh food appeared in front of them. Helen lingered a moment, studying Chaya carefully. "You're the spitting image of your mama little lady, I think Daddy's going to have to beat the boys off with a stick when you turn sixteen."

Tony looked pained. "Let's not rush things Helen, we only got her two weeks ago." Ziva linked their fingers again as if she suspected he needed comfort and he didn't find it necessary to ask until she didn't let go. "Zi?"

She sighed. "Will it never bother you Tony?"

He lifted an eyebrow. "What 'it'?"

Ziva looked at their daughter. "That no one will ever say how much she looks like you."

Tony stared at her, he thought they were past that already but the stupid subject kept returning like a bad boomerang. He lifted Ziva's hand and kissed her fingers. "I'd want her to look like you anyways. What could be better than having a mini-ninja running around?"

Her expression conveyed a lack of belief, like he was hiding the truth from her, but Ziva said no more and Tony was at a loss for how to reassure her further. As the morning wore on, the topic was forgotten and they left the diner with their still sleeping infant just in time to get home for her next feeding.

The whole family took an early afternoon nap and then, after Chaya was taken care of, Tony and Ziva set about making at least the downstairs of their house presentable before their company came. It hadn't really been an option by the time Abby called Saturday night - she was ready to launch a full scale invasion of epic proportions if they didn't tell her what time was good. In truth, Ziva was glad they were coming. Having their friends over signaled a return to a normal routine and after the last two weeks, she was ready.

The doorbell rang at precisely five-thirty, just as Ziva was pulling a tray of macaroni and cheese from the oven. Tony opened the door, bracing himself for his little sister's hug. "Hi Abs," he grinned, "you didn't miss me, did you?"

Without answering Abby released him and launched herself at Ziva before scanning the area. "Where's my niece?"

Ziva's expression was of tolerant fondness. "Chaya is sleeping right now Abby." The girl's face fell and she hastened to finish. "But she will be hungry by six, you may claim her after that."

Satisfied, Abby asked how she could help. While the women took care of things in the kitchen, Tony and McGee shook hands and stood in the livingroom, keeping an eye on their wives. "Having a good weekend Probie?" Tony asked, slipping his hands in his pockets.

McGee let Sammy off his leash, knowing the puppy would trail Abby around at least until Chaya appeared. He'd heard how taken the animal was with his friend's baby. He stood up and smiled. "I got to feel the baby move yesterday."

Tony's grin was entirely genuine. "Nothing compares, right?"

Tim shook his head. "Not until he or she is here, but I'm okay having some time yet to get used to that idea."

Tony slapped him on the back. "You'll do fine. It's a lot of trial and error but really, how seriously can you screw up a newborn?" He shrugged. "I think they'll forgive us for any mistakes."

McGee didn't need to answer because suddenly Ziva was greeting him with a hug she didn't even have to think about first and Abby was impatiently waiting for them to sit down at the table. It was good food, lively conversation and the company of longtime friends for a full twenty minutes before the monitor reported Chaya's demand for her supper. Ziva excused herself to nurse the baby and after a moment of thought, Abby quietly followed her. The guys thought about warning the Goth that she had a tagalong but decided to wait and see what happened.

As soon as the girls were out of earshot, Tony turned to McGee. "What are the odds that Abby can convince Ziva to leave the house with her for a couple hours? I have something I want to talk to you and Gibbs about."

Tim leaned back with a knowing smile. "Close to ninety-five percent. We can even make her think it was her idea."

"I like the way you plan McGoo," Tony praised, "I'll make a sneak out of you yet."

Upstairs, Abby tapped her knuckles softly on the open door of Chaya's room. "Can I join you?"

Ziva looked up in surprise but indicated the footstool. "We would be glad for the company." She checked on the baby. "Usually Tony is here to keep us entertained." Then she glanced behind Abby and smiled. "Sammy, did you want to come and see your new friend too?"

The puppy entered the room cautiously, sniffing all the new baby smells and taking a careful survey of everything before trotting over to the rocking chair and sitting on his haunches, nose up in the air while he tried to get a better look. Abby scooped him up in her arms and took a seat. "If I have to wait, you have to wait. Sorry buddy." She kissed the puppy's head and leaned forward. Her scrutiny made Ziva a little uncomfortable but she hid it well. "Does it hurt Ziva, feeding her?"

Ziva shook her head, glad to dispel any concerns her friend harboured. "No. It is a very pleasant experience for the most part. We have had some rough days, especially in the beginning when both Chaya and I were learning how to do it right, but after that it is just the normal thing to do."

Abby scrunched up her face. "Does it feel weird?" Such a sensation was hard to imagine.

"No," Ziva said thoughtfully. "I am very glad to be able to nourish her this way, it makes me feel...pride in being a mother. I know I am helping her to grow, that it is my milk giving her everything she needs to be happy and healthy. To share this connection with her is very special."

Abby rubbed Sammy's ears. "I don't know if I'm ready for all this mom stuff Ziva. You seem to have it under control, but I don't know if it'll work that way for me."

Ziva removed the baby from her breast and set Chaya on her shoulder, patting the baby's back lightly. "Abby, it is very normal to feel uncertain when you are still pregnant. I was not sure about anything right up until I was in labour. But then Gibbs told me we would figure it out and when Tony laid her on my chest, I knew he was right. I was her mother and she was my responsibility, mine and Tony's to take care of."

She leaned forward and handed her daughter to her friend, while the puppy was relegated to the floor. "It is not always easy. It is frustrating and overwhelming and exhausting. But when your baby looks at you like you are their whole world, there is no better feeling, no greater calling, no deeper love."

Abby cradled her niece in her arms and sighed. "I'm kinda glad you did this first Ziva, at least you understand my questions, you remember what it was like to be scared."

Ziva touched her shoulder. "You can ask me anything Abby. That is what family is for, yes?"

"Yes," Abby grinned. Sammy stood up, putting his paws on her knee and she leaned forward a little so he could sniff the baby. "Be gentle buddy, she's awfully little." Chaya got a kiss on the cheek before Ziva moved to the floor and began lavishing attention on their furry friend to distract him.

It was ages before the girls came back downstairs and then Ziva excused herself to go to the bathroom. Instantly the guys surrounded Abby and began explaining their plan. They were picking movies when Tony's wife returned and didn't look the least bit suspicious. Handing Chaya to her husband, Abby returned to the kitchen with Ziva to help put away leftovers. The guys had already been voluntold to do dishes later.

"How long before Chaya is hungry again?" she asked under the guise of being a curious mom-to-be.

Ziva began portioning the macaroni into single serving containers while Abby separated the vegetables. She checked the clock. "She will likely sleep right until nine-thirty." She smiled. "Plenty of time for us to hang up."

"Hang out," Tony called from the livingroom, pausing his conversation with McGee.

Abby glanced towards their husbands. "Well actually, I had a thought. See, the guys want to watch Avatar and I just cannot care about blue people in loincloths. Do you want to go out maybe? Get something to drink and go for a walk? We can take Sammy too."

Ziva thought about it. "I would enjoy getting out of the house." She chuckled. "It is still a bit of a novelty. And I supposed Chaya can sleep in her stroller."

The guys overheard and Tony looked at Ziva. "Actually babe, we would like to keep Chaya, if possible. It'll be good practice for McExpecting here."

McGee rolled his eyes but didn't acknowledge the nickname. "I'd be glad for the extra time to get to know your daughter Ziva."

Tony could read in her expression her feelings about being away from Chaya, but it was something she would have to get used to sooner or later. June twenty-fifth would come before she knew it. He lent her his silent support and finally Ziva nodded. "Very well, but call us if you have any problems."

The group was relieved and excited, so far the plan was working. Abby jumped up and down and grabbed Sammy's leash. "Come on mister, we're going out." At the last work his ears perked up and he started towards the door. Ziva followed slower, stopping to kiss her daughter and husband before submitting to Abby's pleading expression and following them outside.

Tony gave them three minutes before he slid Avatar into the DVD player and reached for the phone. "Boss, can you come over for a couple hours? I need a favour. It's for Ziva."

NCIS

Tony's phone call interrupted the quiet evening Gibbs and Celeste were enjoying, but without any reservation she urged him to go and find out what Tony needed. Grudgingly Gibbs told his senior field agent fifteen minutes and kissed Celeste goodbye. She smiled and very nearly made him forget his own name when she returned the gesture before letting him go. He scowled and made sure to point out that she was not playing fair, but pressed his lips to her fingers before leaving so she knew he didn't mean it.

As promised, Gibbs arrived at Tony's house and let himself in, surprised to find Chaya sleeping in her swing and Tim and Tony arguing about whether the pot that had just been washed was actually clean or if he'd 'missed a spot'. Tony looked up and grinned. "Hey Boss, right on time."

Gibbs looked around. "Girls?"

McGee shrugged. "Out. We're not sure where, but they'll be back between eight-thirty and nine almost guaranteed."

The older man wandered over to check on his granddaughter before staring at the guys with a frown. "Why am I here?"

Tony opened the basement door and tugged a folded piece of paper out of his pocket. "I've been planning to do something special for Ziva and I'm hoping I can get both of you to help." He led the way downstairs and gestured to the first half of the room. "A workout/ballet studio. Punching bag, free weights, treadmill, mats," he pointed to where he visualized those things going eventually and handed his estimates to Gibbs. "What do you think?"

Gibbs studied the list and the space. "Two months max, if we can work on it a few hours twice a week. Gonna cost though."

Tony swallowed and nodded. "I know. It'll be worth it. She needs the outlet and with Chaya around, she won't always be able to get to the gym like she used to."

"I'll borrow a truck, we can get the lumber and supplies tonight. We'll stop at my place for tools and start on the framing."

Tim looked at Tony. "Ready?"

He checked his watch. "We've got two hours, let's make it count."

They got back tot he first floor and Tony looked towards the sliding doors. "If you can spare two extra minutes Boss, I'd also like to feel you out on the idea of a covered porch back there. Ziva and I talked about it, she wants a swing."

NCIS

A couple hours, a long walk and tea and dessert at an out of the way restaurant later, Ziva was anxious to get home. "I am not used to being away from her for so long. Maybe we can talk Tony and McGee into playing cards and finish the movie later."

"Sure," the Goth agreed. "I'll get the bill." Ziva allowed it only because she'd forgotten to bring money with her since they left in such a hurry.

While she was standing in line, Abby surreptitiously sent her husband a text, giving the guys fifteen minutes to quit whatever they were doing, send company home and pretend like they really had been watching a movie all this time. Abby and Ziva left the restaurant and kept up a brisk pace on the way home, with Sammy frolicking between them.

They entered the house to see Tim and Tony sitting on the couch, eyes glued to the screen. A now awake Chaya lay in her daddy's arms and he kept looking down at her and whispering quiet words, his expression one of total adoration. As soon as the presence of their wives registered, the movie was paused and both men stood up.

"Have fun?" Tony asked.

Ziva nodded. "It was nice to be out." She slipped her finger into the baby's hand. "How long has she been up?"

He shrugged. "Not long, ten minutes maybe."

Ziva frowned. "You were supposed to sleep for another half hour tatelah, I hope this does not mean we are out for an interesting night."

Tony kissed his wife. "Want to do her bedtime routine now? Then she can nurse while we hang out, if that's okay with you."

Ziva took Chaya and snuggled her. "Abby and I were thinking we should play a board game. Maybe Pictionary?"

"Fine with me." He looked over his shoulder. "Can you guys set up a game? Ziva and I need to take Chaya upstairs for a few minutes. They're in the closet."

"Sure," McGee agreed, chuckling as Sammy followed the couple upstairs and turned to meet Abby's gaze.

"Well?" she demanded.

He kissed her. "Phase One, complete. We didn't get much done yet, so your mission and Tony's, is to find a way to get Ziva out of the house a couple times a week without making her suspicious about your motives."

"That's easy," Abby replied, opening the closet door, "I'll just re-institute girl's night. It's been a long time. And we can probably figure something out for a couple weekends too. I think a day at the spa sounds good to me." She grinned. "How long did Gibbs say it would take?"

Tim shrugged. "Two months max, if the plan works. Tony would like it to be done before she goes back to work, but I don't think that's going to happen."

Abby pulled out a game box and headed for the table. "He's so sweet doing this for her. I never knew Tony could be like this. I mean, he's always been a good guy deep down, but this is something else."

McGee slipped his arms around her waist, his hands resting gently on her baby bump. "He's in love babe, that's how we act when we're trying to show it."

She spun around and kissed him. "Good answer Timmy."

Upstairs Tony was reading a short bedtime story, Goodnight Moon, to Ziva, Chaya and the puppy curled up with his head on Tony's foot. When he finished, Ziva knelt to let Sammy sniff Chaya, his little tongue darting out to taste her hand. The baby squirmed and his tail started wagging like there was no tomorrow. Then she grabbed a blanket, Tony brought her nursing pillow and they returned to their guests.

McGee and Abby busied themselves getting drinks while Ziva began nursing. The group played for nearly an hour, taking breaks for Chaya to be burped (Abby wanted to give it a try) and changed (Abby insisted Tim go too and at least see what he was in for), before getting put in her bassinet to sleep. Things starting winding down and hugs and handshakes were exchanged, along with plenty of pets for Sammy, prior to the McGees' departure.

Tony closed the door and Ziva leaned against him. "That was nice," she murmured.

He agreed. "Always good to take a night off." Kissing her head, he smiled. "But I think it's past your bedtime."

Ziva stifled a yawn and walked behind him up the stairs. "Yours too," she reminded her husband. "Chaya will be up at least twice before you go to work in the morning."

He shrugged. "It comes with the territory. I wouldn't trade her for anything."

Ziva wearily changed into her pjs and crawled under the covers. "Goodnight," she whispered, closing her eyes before Tony even made it into bed. He smiled and watched her drift off, wondering how much better life could get. Every day with her and Chaya, even the challenging ones, were truly a dream come true.