AN; thanks for being a part of my journey. Enjoy my little Christmas present to all my readers, followers and supporters. Happy Holidays...

~~~~~~

"Mommy come look." Gracie said. "Bring Roux."

Becky smiled and picked Roux up off the changing table and fallowed Gracie to the living room.

"Wow." Becky said seeing the lights and tree all decked out.

"Do you like it." Gracie asked.

"I love it." Becky said smiling. "You and daddy did an amazing job."

"Thank you." Gracie beamed. "I got Roux a present."

"You did." Becky asked.

"Yep, daddy said she can open it now, but because she is to little to open it herself as her big sister I can help." Gracie said.

"I did." Seth said bringing the small bag over.

"Well let's sit." Becky said.

They sat down and Gracie pulled a blue stocking from the bag that had Roux's name written beautifully on the front.

"Wow." Becky said.

"So Santa can fill her stocking with baby things for her." Gracie said.

"This is perfect, why don't I give daddy Roux and we can hang it up." Becky said.

Seth smiled and gently took his daughter and watched as they hung the new little stocking with the rest.

"Mommy?" Gracie said.

"Yes luv?" Becky asked.

"I know you miss going home to Eyeorland and being with Grammy and Grampy." Gracie said.

"I do, but I am so happy to be here with you, daddy and Roux." Becky said. "Traveling with a baby isn't safe right now, so maybe next year we'll do Christmas in Ireland, but this year we'll make it a magical Christmas here."

"Can we make a gingerbread house?" Gracie asked.

"We can." Becky said. "I have the cookies cooling so after nap we can build the best gingerbread house."

"Sweet." Gracie said making them chuckle.

"They're asleep." Becky said sitting next to Seth on the couch.

"Good." He said kissing the side of her head. "Do you need a nap too?"

"I'm good." Becky said snuggling up next to him. "Hard to believe Christmas is almost here."

"Christmas with two kids." Seth said. "Sorry we couldn't go to Ireland."

"It's okay." Becky said. "Maybe next year."

"Definitely, Roux will be better able to enjoy all the lights and sounds." Seth said.

"She will." Becky said.

"Do we have all we need for Santa's visit?" Seth asked.

"We do." Becky said. "Plus the haul from my family in Ireland and of course the WWE family."

"Good." Seth said. "I know my family's been dropping things off for them too."

"Yes, very loved are our girls." Becky said.

"Daddy?" Gracie said shacking his shoulder.

"Hi buttercup." Seth said waking up. "Good nap?"

"Yes, but sissy has a stinky." Gracie said.

Looking down Seth saw Becky still napping so he got up carefully and walked to the nursery with Gracie. She helped get things as he changed Roux's diaper.

"All clean." Seth said.

"That was stinky." Gracie said.

"Yep, but it's just poop, part of life." Seth said.

"Yep." Gracie said. "She looks sleepy still."

"I think so too." Seth said laying Roux back in her crib as she dozed back off.

"Where did you go?" Becky asked Seth sat back with Gracie.

"Roux needed changing so with my handy helper here I got the job done." Seth said. "She dozed back off."

"Good." Becky said. "You ready to make a gingerbread house."

"Yep." Gracie said.

After washing up they got to work.

"Wow." Seth said coming in with Roux. "Look at that, it looks amazing."

"Thank you." Gracie said. "This was so much fun to make."

"It was." Becky said. "You are covered in icing and sprinkles."

"Why don't you take Roux here because she is famished, her words not mine and I will get this sticky girl into a bath." Seth said.

"Famished is she?" Becky asked.

"Gotta feed her so she grows big and strong like me." Gracie said.

"I do." Becky said cleaning her hands and taking off her apron before taking Roux to nurse.

"Daddy?" Gracie asked while she played with her toys in the bath.

"Yes?" Seth asked.

"Did my gift get to the hospital this year?" Gracie asked.

"It did." Seth said. "Addison is going to video call you tomorrow during the party so you can see how the kids like your gift."

"Wrelly?" Gracie asked.

"Yes." Seth said. "You did a good job raising money even though you couldn't leave the house much."

"Mommy helped me a lot." Gracie said.

"She did and you made a big difference." Seth said. "Your generosity is so amazing it inspires people."

"Mama says I have a bright light and I need to let it shine." Gracie said.

"She is right." Seth said. "So much happened this year but you showed bravery, courage, respect and generosity."

"Our world needs more of that." Gracie said.

"It does." Seth said. "I feel very honored to be your daddy."

"I am lucky I got you as my daddy and mommy and my mommy." Gracie said. "You make me feel safe and loved. When I mess up you are patient with me so I learn from it."

"We all need that." Seth said.

"Plus I get to be the best big sister because Uncle Brandon and Uncle Rich are teaching me all they know." She said.

"Well they are both awesome big brothers themselves." Seth said.

"Mommy said she loved wrestling because Uncle Rich did, do you think Roux will like dancing or ice skating because I do?" Gracie asked.

"I am sure she will." Seth said. "I wanted to be like my older brother and I am sure she'll want to be like you."

"Cool." Gracie said. "Of course we'll love wrestling too."

"Of course." Seth said with a chuckle.

After finishing her bath they cleaned up the mess from making the gingerbread house.

"Hi sis." Gracie said. "All full?"

"She is." Becky said laying Roux on her.

Gracie smiled holding her gently and kissing her head.

"My favorite thing to see." Seth said.

"Mine too." Becky added.

"Me three." Gracie said as Roux sneezed making them giggle.

"Her's four." Becky added.

"Addison." Gracie said seeing her on the screen.

"Hey there sweet face." Addison said. "I miss you."

"I miss you too." Gracie said. "How's the party?"

"Let's look around." Addison said moving around the party showing the kids enjoying their toys with the staff and family that could be there.

"You did amazing." Addison said. "Gave a lot of hope during these dark times."

"Good." Gracie said.

"How do you like being a big sister?" Addison asked.

"I love it." Gracie said. "Roux is the best little sister."

"I bet." Addison said.

"She's a great big sister, always ready to help, understands when sissy needs mommy or daddy or even her." Becky said.

"That's good." Addison said. "We got your presents at the house last night."

"We got yours too." Gracie said. "Mommy said we have to wait to open them."

"I told the kids that too." Addison said. "They wanted me to tell you they love you."

"I love them too." Gracie said. "Tell them and Merry Christmas."

"I will, talk more soon." Addison said.

"Bye." Gracie waved and the call ended.

"What did you think?" Becky asked.

"I am happy they enjoyed the gifts." Gracie said. "Being stuck in the hospital is hard and even harder when your family can't be there because of the pandemic."

"Very true." Seth said.

"But one things I have learned this year is sometimes the smallest flicker of hope can shine brighter then the sun." Gracie said.

"Right you are." Becky said. "I think the cookies are ready to be decorated."

"Yay." Gracie cheered.

Becky and Seth both smiled and enjoyed decorating cookies with Gracie was Roux napped in her swivel chair.

"'Twas the night before Christmas." Gracie said.

"And all though the house, not a creature was starring, not even a mouse." Seth said. "The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there."

"The children were all nestled all snug in their beds." Becky read.

"While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads." Gracie said with a giggle.

"And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap." Seth read before Gracie turned the page.

"When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter." Becky read.

"Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below." Seth read.

"When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer." Gracie said.

"With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name." Seth read.

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!" Becky read next.

"As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So up to the house-top the coursers they flew." Seth said.

"With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too." Gracie read pointing to Santa in the picture.

"And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof." Becky read making pawing noises in the book.

"As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot." Seth said.

"A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack." Gracie read.

"His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!." Becky said lightly touching the small dimples Gracie had. "His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!" She playing touched her nose making her giggle.

"His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth. And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath." Seth said.

"He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly." Gracie reading giggling.

"He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;." Seth said

"He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose." Becky read,

"He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight." Seth said,

"Nollaig Shona Duit to all and to all a good night!" Gracie read finishing the story.

"That was some good reading sweet luv." Becky said.

"Thank you mommy." Gracie said smiling. "Daddy's been reading it to me so I could learn and read to Roux. Grampy helped me with my Irish."

"Well good job daddy." Becky said. "And Grampy."

"Thank you." Seth said smiling. "Are you excited for Daidí na Nollag to come?"

"I am." Gracie said. "We left him pie, milk, Guinness and a carrot for Rudolph."

"We did." Becky said smiling.

"Look Roux is asleep." Gracie said.

"She is." Seth said. "Now it's time for you."

"Okay." Gracie said.

They left the nursery and walked to her room. Bella was in her bed already asleep.

"Last one." Becky said as Gracie opened the door on her advent calendar Annette sent her from Ireland.

"It's France." Seth said.

"Père Noël." Gracie said.

"Yes or papa Noël." Becky said taking the little card. "Father Christmas wears a red suit and hat trimmed with white fur. He is tall and large with ruddy cheeks and nose, bushy eyebrows, a white beard and mustache. He had a large brown sack packed with toys to deliver to all the good little boys and girls while they sleep on Christmas Eve. His sleigh is said to be pulled by a donkey and kids leave carrots in their shoes by the fire place for him."

"Carrots in their shoes." Gracie said.

"Every place is different and that is what makes them unique." Becky said.

"Right." Gracie said.

"Did you enjoy learning how different cultures and places celebrate?" Seth asked.

"Yes." Gracie said setting the card in line with the rest. "Just because they are different from our doesn't mean they're wrong. It means they're special and should be celebrated, different isn't bad."

"Right you are." Becky said. "Bedtime."

Gracie smiled and climbed into her bed and they tucked her in.

"Night buttercup." Seth said kissing her cheek.

"Night daddy." Gracie said hugging him.

He left and Becky sat next to as she closed her eyes and did her prayers.

"Night my sweet luv, I love you." Becky said kissing her forehead.

"Night mommy." Gracie said. "I love you."

Becky smiled and hugged her tight before leaving.

After putting presents under the tree and filling the stockings they settled in bed.

"It's been quite the year this year." Seth said.

"It has." Becky agreed. "So much has happened, is still happening, but here and now we have to healthy and happy daughters."

"Yes and we have each other." Seth said.

"That we do." Becky said kissing him. "I love you."

"I love you." Seth said kissing her again before wrapping her in his arms and falling asleep.

"It's Christmas." Gracie sang skipping into her parents room and jumping on the end of the bed waking her parents.

"Morning baby." Becky smiled.

"Santa came." Gracie said.

"He did?" Seth asked.

"Yes, come on up, me and sissy want to open presents." Gracie said.

As if on cue Roux let out a cry.

"She's excited." Gracie said.

Both chuckled got up and get Roux changed and ready for present opening.

"Wow." Gracie said seeing all the colorfully wrapped presents.

"Looks like we had to very good girls this year." Seth said.

"It does." Becky said.

"Open please." Gracie asked.

"Of course." Becky said putting Roux in her chair.

Seth helped Gracie read the tags and sort everyone's presents into piles. Becky filmed as Gracie opened each new one and gushed about the toys, clothes, jewelry or game she got.

"Oh my goodness." Gracie said opening the box. "It's Mario Cart."

"Wow." Becky said.

"I asked Santa for this." Gracie said. "But..?"

"What baby?" Seth asked.

"It's for the Nintendo Switch." She said. "I don't have that."

"Are you sure?" Seth asked sliding a bigger package in front of her.

"From Daddy." Gracie said.

Seth smiled as she tore off the wrapping paper to reveal the console.

"Oh daddy, thank you, thank you." Gracie said jumping into his arms. "I wanted this so much."

"I know you did and you've shown mommy and I you can be responsible with tech so we thought you'd like this." Seth said.

"Daddy I love this." Gracie said. "Mommy and I can play Mario Cart together or I can practice by myself."

"You can." Becky said. "This present goes with it."

Gracie opened the next gift and saw the accessories pack Becky got her.

"Mommy this is cool." Gracie said. "It's like a real steering wheel."

"It is." Becky said.

"Thank you mommy, I love it." Gracie said hugging her.

After opening the rest of her gifts and helped with Roux they had some breakfast and she settled to play with her her switch. Becky got things for dinner going while Seth chilled out with Roux.

"Well baby girl, it's your first holiday." Seth said. "I think you'll enjoy it more this year but for me you were these best gift I got this year."

"Mine too." Becky said sitting next to him.

"2020 has been quite the year but I am not complaining." Seth said. "As much as this pandemic is driving people crazy, it allowed me to be here with you as you went through your pregnancy, it let me be here to watch Gracie grow and change."

"A silver lining in the chaos." Becky said. "I've missed work like crazy, but doing this pregnancy thing felt right."

"That it did." Seth said. "I remember when you first told me you want to try, I was all for it, but to have it happen as fast as it did blew me away."

"Me too." Becky said. "This year so much happened but we made it even stronger then ever."

"That we did Mrs. Rollins." Seth said leaning over and kissing her. "Also more in love."

"Definitely." Becky smiled kissing him. "Thank you for this amazing year."

"Thank you." Seth said. "You did the hard work."

"True, but you were the best support system." Becky said. "Team work is making our dream work."

"Always." Seth said as Roux yawned.

"Her favorite place to sleep." Becky said.

"Mine too." Gracie said popping up.

"I agree." Becky said picking her up and putting her on her lap. "You having fun?"

"Yes." Gracie said. "Can you play with me?"

"Okay." Becky said. "Time for battle."

"Bring it." Gracie said making them laugh.

"Okay silly girl let's go while daddy plays bed to your sister." Becky said,

"Sweet dreams sissy." Gracie said kissing her head softly.

Seth smiled and watched them walk into Gracie's room while he rocked Roux who was falling asleep.

"It smells amazing in her." Seth said.

"Thank you." Becky said as he wrapped his arms around her. "Gracie out?"

"Yes." Seth said. "She enjoyed talking to your family about what she got and showing them all."

"Good." Becky said.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Seth asked.

"I am." Becky said. "I love this little bubble we're in, seeing out girls happy and healthy."

"Me too." He said. "I got a surprise for you."

"Really?" Becky asked turning and looking at him.

"Really." He said digging out the small wrapped box.

Becky smiled taking it and ripping the wrapping off.

"Open." He said watching her amused.

Becky smiled and opened the box to reveal a card.

She pulled it out and read it.