The party was, by all accounts a great success. David opened his gifts with the help of his parents and grandparents. His birthday cake was decorated in blue and green frosting with a caricature of a pint-sized Seahawks player in the middle of a white sheet cake. But the design only lasted a few seconds for once the candle was blown out (with help from Niles) David thrust his tiny fingers into the cake, creating his own masterpiece in the icing. By the time the cake was about to be served, he was wearing green and blue icing on his face, his clothes and in his blonde hair.
"Oh David, look what you've done to your sweet football jersey!" Daphne said in a gentle tone.
"That's all right." Martin said. "When he's a real linebacker, he'll-." He stopped and looked at Niles. "Sorry."
"It's fine, Dad. David will be a great football player."
Martin's eyebrows rose. "Niles when I said that before-."
"It's all right. David can be whatever he wants to be."
Daphne hugged Niles and kissed his cheek. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart." She whispered into his ear.
Later when all of the gifts had been opened and the cake had been eaten, Ronee smiled. "It looks like the birthday boy has worn himself out."
Sure enough, David was sound asleep in Martins' arms, still covered from head to toe in frosting. The sight made Daphne laugh. She went to Martin and took David from him.
"I'm sorry, Martin. He really made a mess, didn't he?"
"No more than Frasier and Niles did on their first birthdays."
Niles' cheeks reddened when Ronee and Daphne laughed. "Dad…"
"Well, I think I should see if David wants something to eat besides cake and get him all cleaned up. Ronne can I use your guest room?"
"Of course. I have the crib all ready for him." Ronee said.
Later when Daphne had nursed David and cleaned him up, she settled him down in his crib and kissed his cheek. She returned to the living room to find Niles, Ronee and Martin engaged in lively conversation.
"How is he?" Asked Niles.
"He's sound asleep."
He's worn himself out." Ronee laughed.
"Well I'm just glad that he's feeling better." Martin said.
Daphne smiled at her father in law. "Yes, that cold took a lot out of him but he got over it rather quickly."
"He sure did." martin said. "Hey, thanks for bringing him over here you too. This was great!"
"Yes, we always love having David over and you know how much we love seeing both of you as much as we can."
"Actually Dad, we have another surprise." Niles announced, unable to hide his grin. He turned to Daphne and smiled. "Would you like to do the honors?"
"Daphne kissed his cheek. "I'd love to." She disappeared into the kitchen and returned seconds later carrying a heart shaped cake with a candle on top.
"Happy anniversary, Martin and Ronee!"