I quickly check the turkey. All looks good. I set an alarm to wake me so that I could get it into the oven early. I have set another one to go off when it’s close to being done. I want it to be perfect. I have made sure that I’m super organised with all the meats sorted. I cooked a bit of beef late last night for Kate. She has never eaten turkey, but she loves beef.
Kate runs ahead of me into the lounge and suddenly stops. She stands there in awe looking at the tree and everything around it.
I walk in behind her and take a seat on the floor.
"Look at all of them," Kate says.
"Shall we start opening them?" Connor asks, taking a seat beside her on the floor. He explains to her that we need to read each gift’s label to see who it’s for. She sits there, listening to him.
I reach over to try to grab my pink nursing pillow. Warren passes it to me, as it’s a little too far away and Lucy is sitting on my knee, making it harder to stretch.
"Thank you,” I say as I take it from him.
I place it onto the floor, creating a comfortable spot for Lucy to sit.
"This is for Lucy," Kate says. She comes over, laying a present in front of Lucy. I open it to find a baby walker with her name on it from Jenny and Warren.
“Thank you,” I say.
I feel Warren tap his fingers on my shoulder, so I turn to face him. “Cuppa for you,” he says, handing me a mug with a picture of Lucy from when she was in my tummy. I have never seen his before.
“Oh my! Thank you so much,” I say, looking closely at it.
“You’re welcome. Happy Christmas,” he says.
“No, it’s Merry Christmas, not Happy Christmas. It sounds silly as Happy Christmas,” I state.
“She is right, Warren,” Jenny adds.
“Not this conversation again,” Connor says as he passes out more presents.
“Yes, again,” I say.
Kate is sitting there all happy with a bin bag full of wrapping paper. She enjoys tidying up for me. She is truly such a sweet child. “What did you get Kate?” I ask her.
“Some clothes for my dolly, lots of clothes. A wardrobe for her with things to hang them on. She got some shoes, too. Look,” she says, holding up some baby pink shoes that have a little strap across them.
“That will keep you busy. You will have to sort out all her clothes now.”
“Daddy got a new tie,” she says, covering her face and giggling.
“I did. It’s a very pretty tie. Do you know anything about it?” he asks.
She shakes her head and covers her face with one of her doll’s dresses.
“Oh, yes, you do, little miss,” He says, tickling her. She sits there wriggling and giggling away.
“I asked for it,” Kate responds.
“Thank you, princess,” Connor says, kissing her on the forehead.
The presents seem to be never-ending. Warren has spoilt the kids with a play kitchen, teddies, clothes, and chocolates. There is so much stuff that I can’t keep up with it all. He definitely loves Jenny. She received a chocolate hamper and a big box full of chocolate. Who wouldn’t like that? I’m super jealous of that present. He also bought her a new baby kit full of little cream outfits.
Jenny opens some chocolate, offering it around to everyone. “Why bother placing stickers to reseal chocolate? I just don't get it. Some people have no idea,” Jenny says as she places another square of chocolate into her mouth.
“You’re meant to save some. That’s why,” Warren states.
“Okay, you name one woman that can do that?”
Warren sits there quiet for a minute. “All right, I get your point, my chocolate queen.”
“One last thing, baby,” Warren says, passing her a box.
She opens it. “A pearl bracelet. It matches my necklace.”
She shakes her head and laughs. Now, was it him last night?
Warren sits next to her, pulling her close. “I have something for you,” she whispers into his ear. She passes him the envelope she has been sitting on.
He slowly opens it and smiles, biting his lip as he pushes the paper back into the envelope.
“What was that?” I ask.
“Not for your eyes,” he says with a big smile, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Must be the sex vouchers then.” Warren’s jaw drops.
“What is the next present?”
“ARGH!” Kate yells, ripping silver wrapping paper off a large box.
“What is it?” Connor asks.
“Dolly’s new pram.” She pauses. “What I asked for. He didn’t forget.”
“Of course, he wouldn’t forget. You have been a good girl.”
“I need to get Dolly.”
“Why don’t we finish all of this first, and then I’ll build it and you can get her?”
“Okay, Daddy.” She takes the box, moving it out of the way and hugging it closely.
“Megan, I love your nail polish. Your toes look Christmassy.” She laughs.
“It’s called ice blue because it looks like snow,” I say. As I wiggle my toes to show off the colour, my phone chirps. I reach for it and read the text.
Merry Christmas, Megan and everyone else around here. Love, Mia
Merry Christmas, hun. Hope you got everything you wanted.
I did and more. Check your email.
"Hey, how does Mia have my email?" I enquire.
"She asked for it, so I sent it to her," Mark answers.
"Oh."
Signing into my emails, I find one from her.
Megan,
I admit that I didn't know what to get you for Christmas because I think you have everything you want in life. So, here are your presents from me.
1 - Spa day in 2014— you, Jenny and me. (Once Jenny’s baby is here)
2 - A day course for Jenny and you to learn how to paint French manicures. I have seen Jenny's attempts, and I think it would be useful. (Saves a fortune in money, too)
3 - I'm babysitting for you for a full 24 hours, so you can do whatever you want.
I hope this is all good. Oh, I also have a stunning dress for you, but Mark forgot to bring it with him. MEN!!
Thank you for being so amazing. You are such a good mum.
Mia
Xxx
While sitting there, I read the email to Jenny and all she does is scream. Mia’s gifts include two things that we have both talked about doing for a while. They are the truly perfect gifts.