25th December
"Luka, wake up."
"Ehh?"
"It's Christmas morning."
"Great. Can I go back to sleep?"
"No you can't." I poke him gently in the chest and he swats my hand away. "Come oooon!" I whine.
"Who's the kid here?" He says with a sigh. "Actually, where are they?"
"Probably unwrapping the presents cos the grumpy old man wouldn't wake up."
"Hey, you promised not to gloat that you've only just hit 30."
"I'm sorry." I kiss his sleepy lips and he smiles and finally opens his eyes.
"Now come on, kiddie time." I bound out of bed and throw on my dressing gown. Luka stands up and yawns, then stretches.
I poke my head into the boys' room and they rub their eyes sleepily.
"Wanna open some presents?" They charge past me into the living room and start sorting the parcels into piles.
Waking the girls is easier; I think they were listening because they throw themselves onto me the minute the door is opened.
"Good morning you two."
"Hello." Leioa answers simply, looking up at me. Lilia pads over slowly and takes her sister's hand. Whispering something in her ear in Croatian, they both turn round and grin cheekily.
"Merry Chistmouse." They chorus and I can't help but grin.
"Merry Christmas girls." I take each of their hands and we all walk into the living room. Luckily I bought them all presents to give them when they got here so they all have a pile to devour. While all four kids fall on their gifts, Luka and I relax on the sofa with smiles on our faces. It's so nice to see them act like children instead of little adults- although I have to break up a little squabble over Barbies and Luka has to take away Alex's light sabre for fear of Jak losing an eye. But all in all, the presents go down well.
I allow Luka some time on the X-box with Jak and Alex while I go to start cooking the turkey. Lilia and Leioa decide watching me is more fun than watching the boys so they traipse in and I set them the task of making everyone a dinner mat with their name on it, reckoning it will occupy them for a while so I can cut up the veggies without fearing one of them will pull down the knife when my back is turned. It's strange having to start thinking like that again, but also strangely nice.
I was worried when they all arrived that they would think I was trying to take over the role of 'mom'. I understood that they didn't need a replacement mother, but someone to help look after them a little. But it seems to be okay-the girls were instantly attached to me, and I'm guessing it's because I'm female. Jak was wary at first but he seems happier today. I really hope it stays that way.