The friends were hanging out at the coffee house with the exception of Ross one afternoon. On the sofa were Chandler, with Daniel on his lap, Monica and Rachel. On the single couch was Joey while Phoebe was seated on the opposite side.
Rachel was contemplating on asking Monica to accompany her in telling her father about her pregnancy. In times like these, it is her company that she would want but eversince Monica got together with Chandler, she found herself hanging out with Phoebe more. Maybe she will find time for me. She thought. One thing was sure thought, she wouldn't want to talk to her father alone.
It's not good to compare lives especially when you're comparing yours with a friend but Rachel couldn't stop thinking how Monica and Chandler's relationship that happened suddenly that night in London turned out to be this pretty picture of family, while hers and Ross' was this. She didn't even know how to describe what they were at that point and couldn't tell where they really were.
She wondered whether it was wrong of her to decline Ross' suggestion to get married when he learned of the pregnancy. Oh and what about the wedding they had in Vegas? Ross never wanted a divorce then! Deep down, she regretted going for the divorce and how pride was more important then than to work on her relationship with him.
That same morning, Chandler learned about the bachelorette party that the girls had for Monica and he also learned about the stripper they hired. Rachel watched how Chandler and Monica handled what could be a serious fight between a couple but the fight never erupted. All she could see was the confidence in both their faces about how much they love and trust each other.
Anyway, Rachel ended up asking Phoebe to join her for a dinner with her father.
Over dinner at the apartment.
Daniel sits on his high chair between Chandler and Monica at the dinner table. Chandler is already seated watching Daniel as Monica is still busy getting the food to the table.
Now that Daniel eats almost anything, he is also learning to eat by himself. Monica is no longer so caught up with cleaning right away. She now finds it funny when her son spills food or gets some on his clothes.
Sometimes, Daniel still asks to be breastfed but Monica thinks it's time to train him drinking milk from the glass instead of from her or take it in a bottle.
Honey, I know we still have a few months to decide… I mean, before this baby shows, Chandler caressing her tummy as Monica puts glasses on the table…but don't you think we need to talk about arrangements when little Monica comes?
Monica pulls up her chair and takes a seat. You think, this one will be a girl?
Oh, I don't know. I just know that I want all our kids to look like you!
Ahhh, that's so sweet…She reaches out and touches his arm.
But yeah, I think we should talk about that.
In Chandler's mind, he thinks they already need to hire a nanny so both of them can assess how their Daniel will react to that new person plus, knowing Monica, she will really need a lot of time to get comfortable leaving their kids with a stranger.
Although Monica's parents have volunteered to babysit every once in a while, he knew that they need someone on a regular basis to assist them as they go about their jobs. He however, is waiting for Monica to come up with that idea since it didn't quite work out the time that he hired a maid for her.
Well, I think I can handle the kids while I'm on maternity leave.
Yeah? You sure?
Yeah, I'm sure!
But what about when you go back to work? Should we, you know, hire a nanny?
Well, I'm thinking, this little guy will be two years old in December, maybe we can look for a Day Care near our jobs for him?… I mean, he'll be almost three years old when I go back to work!
Yeah, so he's in Day Care. But what about the baby?
Same arrangement? Monica crinkling her nose which Chandler always finds adorable.
So, I take Daniel to the Day Care 'cause I work early. You stay with the baby. Then I pick Daniel up on my way home and then you go to work and I stay with Daniel and the baby at night? Chandler crinkles his nose, too.
Oh, that doesn't sound right. Monica says. You are gonna be tired the whole day at work and you're left with taking care of our babies. Monica shakes her head. Nope… Although, I think Daniel really needs Day Care Service by then so he can learn to play with kids his age.
You're right! So?
So, I'll ask my boss if he'll allow me to take the morning shifts so I can stay with the babies at night.
But it's you who is gonna be so tired… I don't think it sounds right, too, honey!
Don't worry, honey, I love taking care of you and Daniel and this coming baby… And if it becomes difficult for us, I know we can find a way… I mean, that's what we do!
Yeah!
Yum, Mommy! Daniel says.
Monica and Chandler look at Daniel almost at the same time.
Wow, your son really likes mac and cheese just like you!
Well, his mother makes the best mac and cheese what can you do!
On his own, Daniel says - Thank you, Mommy!
Ahhh, you're so sweet, honey! Monica tells Daniel then kisses him on the head. Daniel then looks at Chandler and lifts up his hand for a high five with his dad.
I'm gonna go give Daniel a quick bath. Chandler volunteers.
Oh, thanks, honey!
Monica took care of the dishes. She finds herself smiling doing the chore. Chandler got this amazing bond with his son and she has never told him yet but she thinks he is turning out to be the most wonderful father any child could wish for.
Maybe Chandler thinks she never notice that when Daniel looks out to his father for a high five, it is always when her little boy has managed to make her smile and she knows Chandler has a lot to do with that.
She rubs her tummy with her palm - I wouldn't mind if you take after your father, too, little one!