The last year has been a whirlwind of activities, and I don't think it will be dying down any time soon. In the last year, President Bartlet's campaign came to the forefront, Sam and Ginger started dating, and Ainsley got married and is now pregnant. Today in itself is a momentous occasion; today is Noah and Em's first birthday. Even though they don't know what's happening, there is a big birthday party being thrown in the Rose Garden for them. Right now though I'm just trying to get them dressed by myself.
"Come on slugger." I say as I try to coax Noah into a little suit. Slugger is Noah's nickname because he was seems obsessed with baseball. I finally succeed and turn to Emily.
"That's my good girl." I coo as she slips right into her dress. She was always the best behaved.
"Mama." Noah cries as my attention drifts from him
"I'm right here honey." I say as I pick him up and set him into the double-seated stroller.
"Mommy." Em says as she lifts her little arms up.
"I know, I know. Come on." I say as lift her up and place her in the stroller as well.
"Let's go to the White House little ones." I say as we walk out the door of our house. Did I forget to mention the 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2-story house we bought about a year and a half ago? Oh well, now you know.
"To the White House we go." I say as CJ pulls up in the SUV Josh bought a few weeks ago.
"Where's Josh?" I ask as she gets out to help me load them into the car.
"He's setting up for the party and asked if I could come pick you up." She says as she picks up Noah and kisses his cheek.
"Aut CJ" He calls out as he kisses her cheek.
"CJ" Emily says reaching out to her as well. CJ sets Noah down and turns to her.
"How's my little princess?" She asks as she picks up Em and puts her into her baby seat.
"I'm feeling really neglected right now you know." I point out as she stores the stroller in the back.
"You poor thing." she replies sticking her tongue out at me as she climbs into the car.
"I can take care of my children CJ."
"I know, but I love being around them. It's not like I have any kids. Besides, I love being Auntie CJ."
"Just make sure they don't like you more than me." I reply smiling as we set off to the White House.
"Hey Little Ones." Sam says as soon as we enter the Rose Garden.
"You better not be talking about us Samuel." CJ replies with a mock glare.
"How are my little godchildren?" He says ignoring CJ's comment
"Unca Sam." Em calls as she lifts up her arms. Sam picks her up and spins her around.
"Me." Noah says whining when Sam doesn't pick him up to. "There's my jealous little boy." Josh says smiling as he picks Noah up from the stroller and kisses the top of his head. "Dada." He smiles and kisses his cheek. "I was starting to think you forgot." He tells me as he kisses my cheek as well. "I'm only 5 minutes late, you're son refused to get dressed." I comment as we move towards the First Family. "So, if the kids are good there yours and if there bad there mine?" "Exactly, I knew you'd understand." "Smart ass." He mumbles under his breath. "Smatass." Noah laughs "Joshua Lyman you are in so much trouble." I say as I smack his shoulder. "Smatass." "Noah honey that's a bad word." Josh says trying to stop the little boy."Smatass"
"Joshua, are you teaching you're son inappropriate words?" President Bartlet asks as he makes his way over.
"Of course not sir."
"Smatass."
"Thank you son, I appreciate that." Josh replies as he hangs his head.
"You better teach him a new word." I say threateningly.
"Can you say Mike Piazza?" He prods.
"My Pizza"
"Close enough for me." Josh says before he hands Noah over to me and takes Emily from Sam.
"How's daddy's little girl doing." Josh coos. How weird is it that my husband coos?
"You do realize that he will spoil that girl rotten right?" The president asks as Josh tickles her stomach.
"I know, but as long as he spoils them both I don't want to worry."
"I'm happy for you Donnatella." He says sincerely. I hug him tightly and thank him again for everything. I have a good life, and I'm grateful for everything that's happened.