chapter 123

My morning awakening was to a four year old whining, "Dad." I was still half asleep, but already had to laugh a little.

I opened my eyes and looked to the other side of the bed. Our little daughter sat on Xavier's chest and lifted one of his eyelids.

Of course, that was a good way to wake up your dad on a wonderful Sunday morning.

With a smile I said: "Good morning Antonia." She grinned cheekily at me and replied, "Morning mom."

Then she turned back to Xavier, who grumbled. She lifted his other eyelid and said, "Wake up daddy."

The little thing was way too cute.

She had left our door open, so Adele came right in. I sat up, because of course sleep was out of the question.

Adele exclaimed enthusiastically: "Good morning!" She came towards us and I greeted her in the same way.

Xavier was now just as awake and said sleepily: "Good morning, girls, what a nice awakening." Antonia had to giggle and he had managed to open his eyes by now.

Adele climbed onto our bed and sat next to me. I strok