"I think we've blown mom's mind," Nikki said.
"All us home for Christmas with kids," Owen said.
"We're all in our old rooms," Meghan laughed.
"Is she going to make us all sit on the stairs," Teddy asked.
"Probably," Nikki laughed, "I was 17 last time we did that."
"No you were 18," Owen said, "you were still doing physio and couldn't do stairs yet. I carried you."
"We raced Teddy and Allison," Nikki giggled.
"We won," Teddy said.
"11 months vs 18 years," Owen said.
"What is this," Evelyn called from the kitchen.
Nikki and Meghan began to giggle.
"Girls," Evelyn called, "Owen?"
"What," Nikki asked, trying to sound innocent.
"Don't give me the innocent act Nicole Alexandra," Evelyn scolded.
"I did nothing," Nikki smirked, "ask Meghan."
"Meghan Eloise," Evelyn called.
"Talk to Owen," Meghan laughed.
"Owen Robert," Evelyn yelled.
"It was the girls," Owen chuckled.
"Okay you three," Evelyn laughed, "get your derrières in this kitchen right now. 10,9,8,7,6,5."
The three siblings ran to the kitchen not sure what would happen if they didn't appear before zero. When they were kids it meant time out, grounding or other punishments they didn't know what evelyn could do to them now.
"You three are trouble," Evelyn laughed, "when did you do this?"
She held the photo of the three of them with Santa up.
"Last week," Owen shrugged.
"Who's idea," Evelyn asked.
They all pointed at each other.
"I never dreamed the three of you would collectively stone wall me," Evelyn laughed, "thank you. It's only the second one I have of all of you."
"One exists," Owen said.
"Nikki was a baby," Evelyn said, "I had you all wearing green like this actually."
"I remember that," Meghan said, "Owen pouted and you bribed with pizza and no babysitting for two weeks."
"I like this one better," Evelyn said, "the three of you look happy together."
"We are," Nikki said, speaking for her siblings.
"It's a good picture," Evelyn said.
"Our first Christmas back together," Meghan smiled putting her arms around her siblings.
"It feels like christmas," Nikki said.
"All we need is snow," Meghan said.
"It's in the forecast," Owen said.
"Were watching for snow," Meghan said, "Faroke's first snow."
"The boys first snow," Evelyn said.
"I have his snowsuit," Nikki said.
"We have a coat and snow pants," Meghan replied.
"His first Christmas and he's 8 months tomorrow," Nikki said.
"He's growing fast," Evelyn agreed.
"He's crawling," Nikki said, "I can't look away."
"He's growing up," Meghan said.
"I'm not ready for him to walk," Nikki said.
"Has he tried," Owen asked.
"He will take steps if I hold him up," Nikki said, "but the next goal is to stand up."
"I'll keep giving him lots of play time here darling," Evelyn said.
"Next school year we'll look at day care. He'll be 17 months," Nikki said.
"I'm happy to keep him," Evelyn said, "he's such a good boy."
"It's good for him socially," Nikki said, "I'm loving this two weeks home with him. I like being mommy."
"You're happy with him," Evelyn said, "have you talked to Brett?"
"He texted earlier," Nikki said, "he's with his family; he loves his nieces and nephews. He's the oldest of 3."
"How old is he," Owen asked.
"34," Nikki replied, "I know he's 9 years older than me. But I like him. It feels right."
"You look happy with him," Meghan said, "did you do Christmas before he left?"
"We did," Nikki replied.
"And," Meghan said.
"It was good," Nikki smiled.
"I haven't seen that necklace before," Evelyn pointed out.
"Brett," Nikki smiled.
"What did you get him," Owen asked.
"A watch and a book he wanted," Nikki said.
"He got you the necklace," Meghan said, "he has good taste."
"And a book he thought I would like," Nikki said, "and he got Ty some blocks and counting books."
"He got Tyler a christmas gift," Meghan said.
"He did," Nikki said, "I was surprised."
"He is so in love," Teddy teased, "you both are."
"We haven't said it yet," Nikki said, "but I love him. It's just too soon to say it. It's only been official since Thanksgiving."
"That's too soon," Teddy agreed, "but when you know you know. I think we were together six weeks before I said it first."
"You said it first," Meghan said.
"I did," Teddy replied.
"I don't want to say it first and scare him," Nikki said, "but I miss him."
"Last time you saw him," Owen asked.
"Saturday night," Nikki replied, "he left Sunday morning."
"It's only Tuesday," Owen said.
"I've been seeing him 7 days a week," Nikki said.
"Is he coming over more since we moved out,' Meghan asked.
"He has been," Nikki smiled, "he'd like me to come over but it's a lot easier with Ty to be home."
"Mama," Faroke said, "when does Santa come?"
"When you're asleep," Meghan answered, "are you excited?"
"Yes," Faroke said, "does he really bring presents?"
"He does," Owen promised.
"Girls can you help me with dinner," Evelyn asked, "Owen you and Nathan have the kids."
"What's for dinner," Nikki asked.
"Just appetizers tonight," Evelyn replied, "I made most of it before and we just need to heat them."
"I made a couple," Teddy said.
"I made hummus," Meghan said.
"I made the taco bites everyone likes," Nikki added.
"Let's get these in the living room girls," Evelyn said.
"Will we always be girls," Meghan asked.
"You are always my girls," Evelyn smiled.
"Mom I'm 39," Meghan pointed out.
"43," Teddy said.
"25," Nikki added.
"I know you're all adults but you're my girls," Evelyn said.
"Mom why are you crying," Nikki asked.
"I'm happy to have all of you here," Evelyn said with tears in her eyes.
"Mom,' Nikki said hugging Evelyn.
Meghan joined the hug and so did Teddy.
After dinner and carols they put the kids to bed and the adults sat in the living room with a glass of wine. They watched as the fire burned low in the fireplace. They had put the gifts under the tree and filled the stockings for the kids. They had all gone a bit over the top but it was fun.
"Meg look," Nikki whispered, nudging her older sister.
"Snow," Meghan said, "it's really snowing."
"You three go then come back when it's sticking and we'll take the kids," Teddy suggested.
"It has to be in the middle of the night," Nikki said.
"Moms not supposed to know," Meghan laughed.
"I always knew," Evelyn said.
"The first time I heard of this first flakes tradition Nikki was pulling Owen out of bed," Teddy laughed, "I was kinda annoyed she woke me up. I had just gotten back to sleep."
"I think your response when I said your name was is sleeping," Nikki teased.
"She put my pillow over her head," Owen chuckled.
"Teddy, not going out," Meghan asked, "you love snow. Owen got a snow machine in the desert for you!"
"I had Allison 5 weeks later," Teddy replied, "not like you wanted to get out of bed for it last February miss Nikki."
"Amber jumped on my stomach," Nikki said, "I was in pain."
"That would hurt," Meghan agreed.
"And I had just gotten cozy," Nikki said, "I'm pretty sure Ty was nocturnal."
"He was the most active baby I've seen," Evelyn said.
"I don't do still being either, why would my son," Nikki asked.
"You're paying for it now," Teddy teased.
"Nikki didn't stay still," Meghan remembered.
"Too much to do," Nikki said.
They chatted for a while longer while the snow built up on the ground.
"It's time," Nikki declared.
"Go get the kids," Owen said.
"We're changing this tradition," Evelyn declared, "I'm coming with the kids. I'll help Teddy and Nathan bring the kids in and settle Tyler back to bed."
"Just snuggle Tyler," Nikki said, "he's still up once overnight to feed. Just keep him cozy and I'll feed him when I come in."
"He's still up," Teddy said, "Daniel sleeps through and has for a couple months."
"He's just not there yet," Evelyn said, "Nikki was 11 months before she slept through."
"I talked to Jeff's mom to get the milestone things he was one," Nikki said.
"Jeff's mom," Teddy asked.
"She calls every couple weeks," Nikki explained, "she wants to see Tyler when they come up for New Years."
"Will you," Owen asked.
"I should," Nikki replied, "it's Tyler's dad. As much as I don't like or trust Jeff I won't keep Tyler from his father. My issues with Jeff will not affect my son's relationship with his father."
"How many times has he broken that promise," Owen asked.
"It doesn't matter." Nikki said, "it's about Tyler. I only have contact with him about Tyler. Personally I've moved on. I'm really happy with Brett. Owen, Brett treats me a hundred times better than Jeff ever did."
"He knows Tyler," Owen said.
"We're not doing this now Eeyore," Meghan said, "go get your kids."
"We need pjs," Meghan commanded, "it has to be in pajamas."
"For kids," Nikki said.
"We always went in pjs," Meghan said.
"Pjs under snow pants," Nikki giggled.
"I guess," Teddy agreed.
"What about those of us that don't wear pjs," Nathan asked.
"I brought you Christmas ones," Meghan said.
"Fine," Nathan laughed, "this once babe."
Nikki ran up the stairs and laid Ty's snow gear on her bed, she hated the twin bed at her moms but it was only one night.
Nikki scooped Tyler out of the pack and play, laying him on her bed and she redressed him gently pulling a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie over his pajamas. He woke up as she slipped him into his snowsuit and put on his mittens.
They all met back in the entry way as the adults and older kids got bundled up.
"I want a picture," Nikki said.
"I'll take it," Evelyn said, "everyone crowd in kids in the front."
They took a few photos all bundled up on the steps. They walked through the snow laughing.
"Squirt give Ty to mom," Meghan whispered as they approached the soccer field.
Nikki passed Tyler to Evelyn.
"Nikki hold my hand," Meghan replied.
"Allison take my hand, Amber Auntie Meghan's," Nikki commanded.
When they were all holding hands Meghan counted back from five before charging into the snow cover field. The four of them laughing and giggling as they ran across the field. Teddy took a photo of the four of them running. They completed the loop of the neighbourhood returning to the front porch.
"Nikki give me Ty," Evelyn said, "I'll change him and get him out of his snow gear."
"I have our kids," Teddy said.
"Faroke you're coming with me," Nathan said.
"Lets go," Meghan said, "Eeyore, Squirt just the three of us."
The three siblings walked through the snow together laughing and talking sharing memories.
Crawling into bed Nikki quickly posted a few photos to instagram.
Lying awake Brett saw her post pop up and smiled seeing the photo of Nikki and Tyler by the tree, the five kids bundled up on the porch, Nikki and Tyler in the snow and Nikki with her siblings in the snow. Brett smiled, she looked relaxed and happy with her family.
Brett texted, "you awake."
Nikki,"just put Tyler back to bed. About to go to sleep. How's your night?"
Brett, "can't sleep. I miss seeing you."
Nikki, "I miss you two. When are you home?"
Brett, "the first."
Nikki, "come over when you get home."
Brett, "I will. How's little dude?"
Nikki, "great. He liked the snow."
Brett, "I missed his first snow?"
Nikki, "first flakes. We got all the kids out of bed just before midnight and took them out. Snowflakes make Tyler giggle. But he's sleeping now and cuddling with me."
Brett, "I'll let you sleep then. Good night sleep tight."
Nikki, "don't let the bed bugs bite. Merry Christmas."
Nikki put her phone on the night stand. She kissed the top of Ty's head and put him back in the pack and play. Turning off the lamp Nikki laid down and fell asleep.
"Auntie Nikki it's christmas," three voices called at the door.
"Are your parents up," Nikki asked, opening the door.
"No ," Allison said.
"Should we go get the rest of them," Nikki asked, "go get your parent's I'll get grandma."
"Mama," Faroke yelled springing onto Meghan's side of the bed, "dad. It's Christmas. Auntie Nikki said to come get you."
"Good morning sweet boy," Meghan said, pulling Faroke into a hug.
"Mommy, daddy," Allison and Amber yelled, climbing into bed with Teddy and Owen.
"Mom," Nikki called from Evelyn's door.
"Did your nieces and Nephew get you up first," Evelyn asked Nikki.
"They did," Nikki said, "Ty will be up any second, can you delay everyone long enough for me to feed him?"
"I'll try," Evelyn agreed.
"This is the long one," Nikki admitted.
"We won't go down with out you," Evelyn promised.
Nikki walked back into her room and picked up Tyler who was just waking up.
"Are you hungry baby boy," Nikki asked.
"Mamamamama," Ty babbled.
"Let's have your milk," Nikki whispered.
In Owen's old room Allison was trying to get her parents up.
"Mom come one," Allison whined, "it's Christmas morning."
"Once your brother has his milk," Teddy said.
"I'm going to the bathroom then we can go sit on the stairs and wait for everyone," Owen said.
Owen lead the two girls out of the room leaving Teddy with Daniel.
"Where are Teddy and Nikki," Meghan asked, sitting on a stair with Faroke.
"Teddy is feeding Daniel," Owen said.
"Auntie Nikki was going to get grandma," Allison said, "like we do every year."
Evelyn appeared on the top step in her housecoat, "Nikki was just giving Ty breakfast; they'll be out soon."
"Teddy is feeding Daniel," Owen said.
"I don't miss that phase," Meghan said.
"Not a fan," Evelyn asked.
"I was under so much stress and I didn't know what I was doing," Meghan said, "I needed mom."
"Nikki puts on a brave face but it's not easy on her," Evelyn said, "she needs support."
"She's been happier lately," Nathan observed, "Brett is good for her."
"Mama how much longer," Faroke asked.
"We need the babies out here then grandma has to check that Santa came," Meghan said.
"Grandma can you check now," Faroke asked.
"Not until everyone is up," Evelyn said, "thats the rule."
"Please grandma," Allison begged.
"No Allison, you know we have to wait," Evelyn said.
"Can I help with anything ma," Nathan asked.
"No," Evelyn said, "Nathan you stay right where you are."
Meghan began to sing the 12 Days of Christmas loudly and very off key with the three older kids joining in.
Nikki sat on the top step with Ty in her lap and joined in the song.
"Really," Teddy asked joining them.
"Really," Meghan replied, "we're going to sing until mom says we can go down."
"I forgot about this," Nikki said, "what's next."
Allison burst into Jingle Bells with the others joining in.
Evelyn walked downstairs and plugged in the tree and turned on all the christmas lights.
"Kids," Evelyn called from the living room.
The three older children ran down the stairs followed by their parents, aunts and uncles.
"Mama," Faroke said eyes wide, "are all of those for us?"
"They are," Meghan said.
"Girls can you help me with cocoa and cinnamon buns," Evelyn asked.
"Nate can you hold Ty," Nikki asked.
"Come to uncle Nate little man," Nathan said, taking the baby from Nikki.
"Haha," Tyler babbled.
"Hello to you two," Nathan smiled.
Please Review
They made cocoa and brought it into the family room passing the mugs and cinnamon buns out to everyone. Everyone settled with their treat and they began to open presents.