(2 months later)
-Ross and Rachel's apartment. Early morning.
"Ross, Wake up," whispered Rachel, prodding Ross in his side.
"What? What's the matter?" said Ross groggily.
"Nothing, Do you know what time it is?" said Rachel, sitting up in bed now.
"Well" said Ross, looking at his watch "It's 6am and I'm supposed to be asleep now so good night"
"No, It's our baby's first birthday," said Rachel "We have to get up"
"First of all Honey, I know it's Bella's birthday but it's too early to get up, She's not even awake yet and we are going to have a house full of babies this afternoon so I need some more sleep" said Ross, laying back down and closing his eyes.
"Ross, Get up," said Rachel, kicking him in the leg.
"Jesus Rachel" cried Ross "I'm up already"
"Good" said Rachel as she jumped out of Bed and ran through to Isabella's nursery.
Ross followed her through to the Nursery and saw her standing at Isabella's crib, looking over the rail. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Look at our girl" said Rachel "I can't believe my baby is 1"
"I know," said Ross "Isn't she beautiful"
Isabella was lying underneath her favourite purple blanket, still asleep whilst sucking on her thumb.
He placed his hands on Rachel's stomach, which had already popped out considering she was only 4 months pregnant.
"It's seems like yesterday she was born and soon we're going to have two babies to watch over," said Rachel, placing her hands over Ross's.
Suddenly Ross jumped and moved his hands away from Rachel's stomach.
"What?" said Rachel
"Didn't you feel that?" asked Ross, placing his hands back on her belly "The baby just kicked for the first time"
"Are you serious?" said Rachel, moving Ross's hands over and putting hers on "I didn't even feel it, Must have been because your hands were underneath mine"
"I can't believe it," said Ross "That felt so amazing"
"Well make her do it again" said Rachel, her hand pressed on her stomach "Come on Baby Girl, Kick again for mommy"
"Her? Baby Girl?" said Ross "How do you know that?"
"I don't" said Rachel "I've just got a feeling it's a girl"
"Oh ok" answered Ross.
They stood there in silence for a few minutes, just watching Isabella as she slept and waiting for the baby to kick again.
"Oh" exclaimed Rachel "There it is, I love this feeling. Feels like little bubbles are popping in my stomach"
She turned around and faced Ross and they hugged as Ross kissed her gently on the lips. They were enjoying their moment until they heard the sheets rustling behind them. Rachel turned around and saw Isabella standing up in her crib with her arms outstretched.
"Oh, Here's my Birthday Girl," said Rachel, pulling Isabella out of the crib and into a hug "Happy Birthday Angel"
Isabella looked at her happy parents strangely, rubbing her eyes. She had absolutely no idea what the hell was going on.
"It's your birthday," said Ross, kissing Bella on the cheek "Happy Birthday my big One Year old Girl"
"She has no idea," laughed Rachel "Let's see if we can get her interested in some presents"
They walked through to the lounge room where there was a big pile of presents in the corner, All wrapped in Pooh Bear paper.
Rachel put Isabella on the floor and motioned towards the presents "They're all for you gorgeous"
She looked at the presents and began to crawl over to them.
Rachel followed her then sat down on the floor and pulled Isabella onto her knee. Ross went into the kitchen for the camera.
"Why don't we open this one first," said Rachel, grabbing a box shaped present.
Isabella just sat staring at what was around her.
Rachel sighed and called out "Ross!!" "What" he answered coming through from the kitchen with the camera and a coffee in his hand.
"What do we do?" she asked "Do we open the presents for her or what? This is my first One Year Birthday experience since I was One Year"
Ross laughed. "Just pull the paper a little bit," he said, "She might become interested and help or she might just want to eat the paper"
"Ok" said Rachel. She pulled away some of the wrapping paper exposing a red box. "What's this Isabella?"
Isabella reached forward as if she were going to help but instead just ripped off some of the paper and put it in her mouth. Rachel started laughing "You'll eat anything won't you Honey?"
"Isabella, Help mommy open the presents" said Ross coming and sitting down next to them
"Watch, See you just rip the paper and soon there's something inside for you" he said, demonstrating and ripping all the paper off the box and revealing a "Tickle Me Elmo"
"Wow, What's that!!" said Rachel, handing the box to Isabella "Mommy will help you get the box open"
Rachel opened the box and pulled out the fluffy red toy.
"What does that do I wonder?" said Ross
He reached over and pressed Elmo's stomach where the teddy immediately erupted with loud giggles and began to shake.
"Jesus" muttered Rachel "What a loud present"
Isabella reached out and touched Elmo's arm and started laughing.
"You like that one?" said Ross.
"What's in this one Isabella?" said Rachel, pulling out another present. A Ralph Lauren Bag.
"Ralph Lauren?" said Ross "She's One not 30"
"You'll see," said Rachel, opening the bag and tipping it towards Isabella who reached in and pulled out some Denim Glitter Jeans.
"Just like Mommy's except mine don't have glitter" said Rachel proudly "Only the best designs for my girl"
Ross shook his head in disbelief.
Rachel reached in and pulled out more clothes including a little purple bathing suit, some summer dresses, 3 tops and Pant sets and 2 pairs of shoes, Some Mary-Janes and a pair of pink sandals. "All from Ralph Lauren's new Baby/Toddler Line"
"Really?" Asked Ross
"Believe it," answered Rachel, standing up and walking through to the kitchen.
Ross picked Isabella up and hugged her while saying "Please don't end up a fashion plate like your Mommy, I can barely afford to clothe her in her designer clothes let alone you as well"
"Ross I can hear you" called Rachel.
"And I love you" replied Ross putting Isabella back down on the floor where she crawled over and started pushing Elmo's stomach to make him laugh and eating the wrapping paper.
"What are we gonna do?" said Rachel "We buy like a million presents and she doesn't want to open any"
"You go take a shower and I'll convince her to open these ones ok," said Ross.
"Sure you will," said Rachel heading towards the bathroom "Take lots of Photo's"
Half an hour later Rachel emerged from the bathroom, dressed up nicely in a black, knee length skirt, knee high boots and a Red top.
She headed through to the lounge room expecting to see Isabella still sitting eating her wrapping paper but instead saw Ross and Isabella sitting building something out of the Plastic Blocks with Pooh Bear Characters on them that they bought her for her birthday.
Isabella was giggling away as she played with her Daddy with a Princess Crown perched on her head.
"What happened?" asked Rachel, sitting down on the couch "Ross did Isabella open these presents?"
"Of course she did Honey" replied Ross, quickly turning his face away from Rachel.
"Ross.." Said Rachel "Did the baby open her presents?'
"No" admitted Ross "I opened them, I tried to convince her to help but all she wanted to do was continue eating the wrapping paper so I just opened them for her but I took lots of pictures of her with her unwrapped presents"
Rachel looked over near the window and saw all the presents unwrapped, piles of toys, an Activity chair and clothes spread in front of the window.
"Oh my god" said Rachel "Did we really buy her that much stuff?"
"We did," replied Ross 'but we've got to be careful, we don't want a spoiled child on our hands"
"That better not be referring to my childhood or you're gonna get it" said Rachel, reaching over and pinching Ross on the arms.
"Oww, You are so violent and no it wasn't referring to your childhood at all," said Ross
"The good news is that she loves the Tickle Me Elmo, the Blocks and the wrapping paper," said Ross.
"Well I'm glad she is interested in at least 2 of the presents," said Rachel "She'll be interested in the clothes once I'm through with her"
"I'm gonna go take a shower ok, you can have a mother-daughter breakfast with Isabella ok?'
"Oh great, I'll get cereal flung into my nice clean hair," said Rachel, with a smile.
"Have fun" said Ross, heading to the shower with a smirk on his face.
4 hours later, it's 11am and Rachel is dressing Isabella in the Nursery in one of her new Sundress's. She stood her up on the change table, holding on to her tightly. Ross has hung up balloons and other party things up in the lounge room with a banner that says HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY ISABELLA!!
"Oh look at you," said Rachel "Now you must be the cutest little 1 year old I've ever seen, you so take after your Mommy"
Rachel sat her back down on the table and started tickling Isabella and lifting up her dress and blowing raspberries on her stomach when there was a knock on the door.
"Ross, Can you get that?" called Rachel.
No answer and there was another knock.
Rachel lifted Isabella off the table and onto the floor and headed through to the door with Bella crawling behind her "Your Daddy has selected deafness I swear"
She opened the door to see Monica, Chandler and the triplets in their Capsules.
"Hi" said Rachel, kissing Monica on the cheeks.
"Where is she?" said Monica "Where's the Birthday Girl?"
"Come in" said Rachel, grabbing the capsule that was in Monica's hand. There was a baby dressed in blue in it so Rachel guessed it must be Riley.
"Hey Gorgeous Boy" she said, tickling his stomach.
Chandler walked in the door, carrying Lily and Emma in their capsules and sat them down on the table.
"God, Did someone get spoiled or what?" he said, looking at all the presents.
"She sure did," said Rachel, smiling over at Isabella who was on Monica's knee on the couch examining her present.
Ross entered the lounge room from his and Rachel's bedroom.
"Hi every one" he said.
Phoebe and Joey walked up to the door with Dylan in his stroller. Phoebe looked exhausted and Joey had a party hat on his head.
"It's Party Time," said Joey as he entered the room.
"Hi Isabella" said Phoebe, parking Dylan's stroller next to the couch and sitting next to Monica "Happy 1st Birthday" she said, handing the baby another pink wrapped parcel.
Rachel glanced over and saw Isabella helping Monica open her presents.
"I can't believe this!" she exclaimed "She won't even help open the presents from Mommy and Daddy but she'll open the one's from Aunty Monica and Uncle Chandler"
"Maybe because ours looks more exciting then yours" said Chandler.
"Thanks" answered Rachel, sitting down on the couch next to Pheeb's.
"How's it going Sweetie?" she asked her "You look exhausted"
"I am exhausted" Phoebe replied "Dylan was up all night last night, He's got colic and he wouldn't stop crying"
"Oh I've been there," said Rachel "Isabella had colic once, It's hell trying to get them to sleep"
"I tried everything to try and make him sleep but nothing worked. Joey was asleep standing up so I sent him back to bed and stayed up all night with Dylan" said Phoebe "But Look at how peaceful he looks now"
They peeked into Dylan's stroller and saw the little baby sleeping peacefully with a Blue Basketball pacifier in his mouth.
"He looks gorgeous. Why don't you go and get some sleep in our room while he is asleep?" asked Rachel.
"Yeah I might, wake me up if he wakes up ok, Actually Don't wake me up, Make Joey get up of his ass and take care of him ok?" said Phoebe, standing up.
"OK, No problem Honey" answered Rachel "Now Go"
Rachel looked over to where Ross, Joey and Chandler were all sitting with beers in their hands while the women cooed over the babies.
"Typical" she muttered to herself.
"I sent Phoebe to get some sleep, Dylan was up all night and she's exhausted," said Rachel to Monica.
"Poor thing" replied Monica "The babies have got some form of a routine going at the moment but not a great one"
"It will get better," said Rachel "Trust me"
She reached her arms out to Isabella who was trying to sit in the lap of the Big Teddy Bear that Monica and Chandler got her.
"Come and give your Mommy a cuddle," she said.
Isabella crawled over and pulled herself up next to the couch for Rachel to pull her up.
"I can't believe she's one already" said Monica.
"I know, My Little Girl isn't a baby anymore really. It's so sad," said Rachel "I want her to be my little baby forever"
"And you're going to have a toddler and a baby on your hands soon" said Monica "You poor thing"
Rachel laughed and replied, "It won't be so bad, I'm really excited about this baby and I'm pretty sure Ross is as well"
"I know he is," said Monica, reaching into Emma's capsule and bringing the crying baby to her breast.
Ross looked over at Rachel and saw her looking at him and waved with a smile.
There was a knock on the door then and Rachel got up and answered it with Isabella balanced on her hip. It was Carol, Susan and Ben.
"Hi Guys" said Rachel "Hey Ben"
"Hi Rachel" said Carol "Sorry we're a little late"
"Oh it's no problem, I'm glad you could make it" said Rachel.
"Look at this Birthday girl" said Susan "Ben don't you have something to say and give to your sister?"
Ben rolled his eyes and reached up to give Isabella a kiss.
"Happy Birthday" he said, shoving a present in Rachel's hand and going over to see his dad.
"Sorry about that" said Carol "We had a little disagreement on the way over and Ben's not in a good mood"
"I might keep my distance then" said Rachel with a laugh.
"Look at you," said Susan, reaching out and touching Rachel's stomach. "How far along are you?"
"18 weeks" replied Rachel "And looking like I'm 25 weeks"
"Oh stop it," said Carol "You look great"
"Thanks" replied Rachel, putting Isabella who was struggling in her arms on the floor and noticing they were still in the doorway. "God I'm sorry, standing in the doorway. Please Come in"
"Actually we can't stay" said Carol "We've got to go to Susan's parents house for lunch"
"Oh ok then" replied Rachel "Well thanks for bringing Ben over anyway"
"No problem" replied Carol "Ben, we will see you later"
Ben ignored her and kept playing rock, paper, and scissors with Joey.
"Well that's that then," said Carol, edging out the door "We'll see you in a little while"
"Bye" said Susan, taking Carol's hand and following her out the doorway.
"Cya" said Rachel as she shut the door.
(3 hours later)
Everyone including Rachel's parents (who had so far managed to act civilized in the same room), Jack and Judy Geller and Phoebe who was awake and looking refreshed gathered round the table to sing Happy Birthday to Isabella who was sitting in her highchair with a Pink and Purple Cake, shaped like a one in front of her. Ross and Rachel stood next to the highchair with their arms wrapped around each other.
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Isabella, Happy Birthday to you"
"Hip Pip Hooray" called Jack "Hip Pip Hooray"
Isabella was sitting there, smiling and eyeing off her cake. Ross and Rachel leant down and blew out the candle as Monica snapped pictures.
"Dad, How about some cake now?" asked Ben
"In a second Ben. I'll just go grab a knife Honey," said Ross to Rachel who was pulling the candle out of the cake.
"Ok" said Rachel leaning over and kissing Ross on the lips.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"Just because I love you and I'm deliriously happy," said Rachel.
Ross smiled and headed into the kitchen.
"Did you make the cake Rach?" asked Phoebe, cradling a sleeping Dylan in her arms.
"Are you kidding me?" replied Rachel "You couldn't have forgotten my beef mince trifle"
"What a stupid question" said Pheeb's.
"I bought it at the Bakery near Central Perk" replied Rachel
"I could have made her a cake" interrupted Monica
"And I would have loved that" said Rachel "But I didn't want to give you anymore work on top of the babies so I decided just to buy one"
"In that case you're forgiven," replied Monica.
Ross returned from the kitchen with the knife.
"Here it is Sweetie," he said, handing it to Rachel.
"Thanks Honey" she replied, turning round to face the cake to see Isabella sitting there with Pink and Purple Icing smashed all over her face, in her hair and on the highchair. She had leaned forward and grabbed a hunk off the top of the cake and was enjoy every last bit.
"Oh my god" said Ross as he burst out laughing, "Couldn't you wait Baby?"
"Look at you," said Phoebe "You've been hanging out with Uncle Joey for too long haven't you?"
Joey heard his name and turned around from where He, Chandler, Jack and Rachel's father were watching the football on the couch. Judy and Mrs Green were standing in the kitchen talking and making a pot of tea. "Say what?"
"Joey, Did you teach my daughter it's fine to eat cake with her fingers?" said Rachel.
"I didn't teach her anything but I'll come and help her eat it," said Joey, getting up of the couch and walking over to grab a hung of the cake.
"Hand's off Joey" said Rachel "I'll cut you a piece while Ross takes Isabella to wash her face and hands"
Ross pulled her out of her high chair, carefully trying not to get any cake on his clothes when Isabella wiped her hand all over his cheek, smearing pink icing on his face.
"That's a great look Ross," said Chandler who was rocking Riley to sleep on the couch "Very Pretty"
Ross pulled a face at him and walked through to the bathroom.
2 hours later. Everyone had left except for Jack and Judy. Judy was helping Rachel clean up in the kitchen and Jack was doing some magic tricks for Isabella who was more interested in playing with her grandpa's grey hair.
"So Rachel, How are the wedding plans coming along?" asked Judy.
"Well so far we've organised the venue, ordered the flowers and organised the caterers and photographer and that's about it" replied Rachel "I've got to take my dress back and find another one because obviously I'm not going to fit an 8 month pregnant body in that one"
"You might not have to do that," said Judy.
"I wish I didn't have too but there's no way I'm gonna fit in that one. Look at me now and I'm only 18 weeks" said Rachel.
"I know this great dressmaker who might be able to just alter the dress a little bit, Like the fabric out around your stomach and breast etc" said Judy "It may be possible to wear the same one" "Really? Oh I would love that," said Rachel
"How about you and I go and see her next week and we'll see what she says?" said Judy.
"That'd be great," said Rachel, "Thank you so much"
"It's no problem at all. Anything for my future daughter in law" said Judy "I always knew that you would be my daughter in law that stuck around. I knew Ross would get his act together and propose to you. I'm so happy that he did and you're coming into the family Rachel"
Rachel was truly touched and pulled Judy into a hug.
"That means a lot, to hear you say that" said Rachel "I'm happy to be coming into the family"
They finished the dishes and went into the lounge room.
"Jack, Should we head off now?" said Judy. "They've had a big day and Isabella looks exhausted"
"I suppose," replied Jack, standing up with Isabella in his arms. He gave her a kiss on the head and passed her to Ross where she leaned her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
"She's tired out from all her partying" said Rachel "Thank you so much for coming and for the gift"
"I hope she enjoys her present," said Judy, kissing Isabella gently on her cheek.
"Bye Mom and Dad. Have a safe trip home," said Ross.
"Goodbye" said Judy as she headed out the door "Rachel, I will call you next week ok"
"I look forward to it," said Rachel "Bye"
Once they left, Rachel sat down on the couch and rested her eyes for a second "I am so tired"
Ross sat down next to her and put Isabella in between them. "Well you have been up since 6am, No wonder you're tired"
"Mmmm" murmured Rachel.
"Why's my mom calling you next week?" asked Ross.
Rachel opened her eyes with a sigh and sat up straight.
"We're going to see this dressmaker she knows who might be able to alter my wedding dress for me to save me buying another one," said Rachel
"Really?" said Ross "You and My Mom shopping, that should be fun for you"
"It will be fun. We can bond a little bit," said Rachel "She told me in the kitchen before about how happy she was that I'm coming into the family and that you got your act together and proposed to me. I was really touched"
"How sweet" said Ross "Well I'm happy I got my act together too"
He leaned over and kissed her neck softly.
"Well, That feels nice" said Rachel. "But how about we first put the baby to bed and then we go to bed ourselves?"
"Sounds great" said Ross, jumping up and lifting a sleeping Isabella into his arms.
They walked through to the Nursery and Ross placed her in her crib with one of her new toys in the corner, A Pink Elephant Plush Toy.
He pulled up her covers and they watched as she settled down and put her thumb in her mouth.
"She's the most amazing child," said Rachel as she leant over the crib and kissed Isabella's forehead "Sweet Dreams Princess"
She grabbed Ross's hand and they tiptoed out of the Nursery where she pulled him into their bedroom, pushed him on the bed and shut the door.
"Someone's not sleepy anymore," said Ross.
"Definitely not" said Rachel "And now you have to please me and make sure I don't fall asleep again ok. Can you manage that?"
"I think so," said Ross and we hear Rachel burst into laughter behind the closed doors.
-Ross and Rachel's apartment. Early morning.
"Ross, Wake up," whispered Rachel, prodding Ross in his side.
"What? What's the matter?" said Ross groggily.
"Nothing, Do you know what time it is?" said Rachel, sitting up in bed now.
"Well" said Ross, looking at his watch "It's 6am and I'm supposed to be asleep now so good night"
"No, It's our baby's first birthday," said Rachel "We have to get up"
"First of all Honey, I know it's Bella's birthday but it's too early to get up, She's not even awake yet and we are going to have a house full of babies this afternoon so I need some more sleep" said Ross, laying back down and closing his eyes.
"Ross, Get up," said Rachel, kicking him in the leg.
"Jesus Rachel" cried Ross "I'm up already"
"Good" said Rachel as she jumped out of Bed and ran through to Isabella's nursery.
Ross followed her through to the Nursery and saw her standing at Isabella's crib, looking over the rail. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Look at our girl" said Rachel "I can't believe my baby is 1"
"I know," said Ross "Isn't she beautiful"
Isabella was lying underneath her favourite purple blanket, still asleep whilst sucking on her thumb.
He placed his hands on Rachel's stomach, which had already popped out considering she was only 4 months pregnant.
"It's seems like yesterday she was born and soon we're going to have two babies to watch over," said Rachel, placing her hands over Ross's.
Suddenly Ross jumped and moved his hands away from Rachel's stomach.
"What?" said Rachel
"Didn't you feel that?" asked Ross, placing his hands back on her belly "The baby just kicked for the first time"
"Are you serious?" said Rachel, moving Ross's hands over and putting hers on "I didn't even feel it, Must have been because your hands were underneath mine"
"I can't believe it," said Ross "That felt so amazing"
"Well make her do it again" said Rachel, her hand pressed on her stomach "Come on Baby Girl, Kick again for mommy"
"Her? Baby Girl?" said Ross "How do you know that?"
"I don't" said Rachel "I've just got a feeling it's a girl"
"Oh ok" answered Ross.
They stood there in silence for a few minutes, just watching Isabella as she slept and waiting for the baby to kick again.
"Oh" exclaimed Rachel "There it is, I love this feeling. Feels like little bubbles are popping in my stomach"
She turned around and faced Ross and they hugged as Ross kissed her gently on the lips. They were enjoying their moment until they heard the sheets rustling behind them. Rachel turned around and saw Isabella standing up in her crib with her arms outstretched.
"Oh, Here's my Birthday Girl," said Rachel, pulling Isabella out of the crib and into a hug "Happy Birthday Angel"
Isabella looked at her happy parents strangely, rubbing her eyes. She had absolutely no idea what the hell was going on.
"It's your birthday," said Ross, kissing Bella on the cheek "Happy Birthday my big One Year old Girl"
"She has no idea," laughed Rachel "Let's see if we can get her interested in some presents"
They walked through to the lounge room where there was a big pile of presents in the corner, All wrapped in Pooh Bear paper.
Rachel put Isabella on the floor and motioned towards the presents "They're all for you gorgeous"
She looked at the presents and began to crawl over to them.
Rachel followed her then sat down on the floor and pulled Isabella onto her knee. Ross went into the kitchen for the camera.
"Why don't we open this one first," said Rachel, grabbing a box shaped present.
Isabella just sat staring at what was around her.
Rachel sighed and called out "Ross!!" "What" he answered coming through from the kitchen with the camera and a coffee in his hand.
"What do we do?" she asked "Do we open the presents for her or what? This is my first One Year Birthday experience since I was One Year"
Ross laughed. "Just pull the paper a little bit," he said, "She might become interested and help or she might just want to eat the paper"
"Ok" said Rachel. She pulled away some of the wrapping paper exposing a red box. "What's this Isabella?"
Isabella reached forward as if she were going to help but instead just ripped off some of the paper and put it in her mouth. Rachel started laughing "You'll eat anything won't you Honey?"
"Isabella, Help mommy open the presents" said Ross coming and sitting down next to them
"Watch, See you just rip the paper and soon there's something inside for you" he said, demonstrating and ripping all the paper off the box and revealing a "Tickle Me Elmo"
"Wow, What's that!!" said Rachel, handing the box to Isabella "Mommy will help you get the box open"
Rachel opened the box and pulled out the fluffy red toy.
"What does that do I wonder?" said Ross
He reached over and pressed Elmo's stomach where the teddy immediately erupted with loud giggles and began to shake.
"Jesus" muttered Rachel "What a loud present"
Isabella reached out and touched Elmo's arm and started laughing.
"You like that one?" said Ross.
"What's in this one Isabella?" said Rachel, pulling out another present. A Ralph Lauren Bag.
"Ralph Lauren?" said Ross "She's One not 30"
"You'll see," said Rachel, opening the bag and tipping it towards Isabella who reached in and pulled out some Denim Glitter Jeans.
"Just like Mommy's except mine don't have glitter" said Rachel proudly "Only the best designs for my girl"
Ross shook his head in disbelief.
Rachel reached in and pulled out more clothes including a little purple bathing suit, some summer dresses, 3 tops and Pant sets and 2 pairs of shoes, Some Mary-Janes and a pair of pink sandals. "All from Ralph Lauren's new Baby/Toddler Line"
"Really?" Asked Ross
"Believe it," answered Rachel, standing up and walking through to the kitchen.
Ross picked Isabella up and hugged her while saying "Please don't end up a fashion plate like your Mommy, I can barely afford to clothe her in her designer clothes let alone you as well"
"Ross I can hear you" called Rachel.
"And I love you" replied Ross putting Isabella back down on the floor where she crawled over and started pushing Elmo's stomach to make him laugh and eating the wrapping paper.
"What are we gonna do?" said Rachel "We buy like a million presents and she doesn't want to open any"
"You go take a shower and I'll convince her to open these ones ok," said Ross.
"Sure you will," said Rachel heading towards the bathroom "Take lots of Photo's"
Half an hour later Rachel emerged from the bathroom, dressed up nicely in a black, knee length skirt, knee high boots and a Red top.
She headed through to the lounge room expecting to see Isabella still sitting eating her wrapping paper but instead saw Ross and Isabella sitting building something out of the Plastic Blocks with Pooh Bear Characters on them that they bought her for her birthday.
Isabella was giggling away as she played with her Daddy with a Princess Crown perched on her head.
"What happened?" asked Rachel, sitting down on the couch "Ross did Isabella open these presents?"
"Of course she did Honey" replied Ross, quickly turning his face away from Rachel.
"Ross.." Said Rachel "Did the baby open her presents?'
"No" admitted Ross "I opened them, I tried to convince her to help but all she wanted to do was continue eating the wrapping paper so I just opened them for her but I took lots of pictures of her with her unwrapped presents"
Rachel looked over near the window and saw all the presents unwrapped, piles of toys, an Activity chair and clothes spread in front of the window.
"Oh my god" said Rachel "Did we really buy her that much stuff?"
"We did," replied Ross 'but we've got to be careful, we don't want a spoiled child on our hands"
"That better not be referring to my childhood or you're gonna get it" said Rachel, reaching over and pinching Ross on the arms.
"Oww, You are so violent and no it wasn't referring to your childhood at all," said Ross
"The good news is that she loves the Tickle Me Elmo, the Blocks and the wrapping paper," said Ross.
"Well I'm glad she is interested in at least 2 of the presents," said Rachel "She'll be interested in the clothes once I'm through with her"
"I'm gonna go take a shower ok, you can have a mother-daughter breakfast with Isabella ok?'
"Oh great, I'll get cereal flung into my nice clean hair," said Rachel, with a smile.
"Have fun" said Ross, heading to the shower with a smirk on his face.
4 hours later, it's 11am and Rachel is dressing Isabella in the Nursery in one of her new Sundress's. She stood her up on the change table, holding on to her tightly. Ross has hung up balloons and other party things up in the lounge room with a banner that says HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY ISABELLA!!
"Oh look at you," said Rachel "Now you must be the cutest little 1 year old I've ever seen, you so take after your Mommy"
Rachel sat her back down on the table and started tickling Isabella and lifting up her dress and blowing raspberries on her stomach when there was a knock on the door.
"Ross, Can you get that?" called Rachel.
No answer and there was another knock.
Rachel lifted Isabella off the table and onto the floor and headed through to the door with Bella crawling behind her "Your Daddy has selected deafness I swear"
She opened the door to see Monica, Chandler and the triplets in their Capsules.
"Hi" said Rachel, kissing Monica on the cheeks.
"Where is she?" said Monica "Where's the Birthday Girl?"
"Come in" said Rachel, grabbing the capsule that was in Monica's hand. There was a baby dressed in blue in it so Rachel guessed it must be Riley.
"Hey Gorgeous Boy" she said, tickling his stomach.
Chandler walked in the door, carrying Lily and Emma in their capsules and sat them down on the table.
"God, Did someone get spoiled or what?" he said, looking at all the presents.
"She sure did," said Rachel, smiling over at Isabella who was on Monica's knee on the couch examining her present.
Ross entered the lounge room from his and Rachel's bedroom.
"Hi every one" he said.
Phoebe and Joey walked up to the door with Dylan in his stroller. Phoebe looked exhausted and Joey had a party hat on his head.
"It's Party Time," said Joey as he entered the room.
"Hi Isabella" said Phoebe, parking Dylan's stroller next to the couch and sitting next to Monica "Happy 1st Birthday" she said, handing the baby another pink wrapped parcel.
Rachel glanced over and saw Isabella helping Monica open her presents.
"I can't believe this!" she exclaimed "She won't even help open the presents from Mommy and Daddy but she'll open the one's from Aunty Monica and Uncle Chandler"
"Maybe because ours looks more exciting then yours" said Chandler.
"Thanks" answered Rachel, sitting down on the couch next to Pheeb's.
"How's it going Sweetie?" she asked her "You look exhausted"
"I am exhausted" Phoebe replied "Dylan was up all night last night, He's got colic and he wouldn't stop crying"
"Oh I've been there," said Rachel "Isabella had colic once, It's hell trying to get them to sleep"
"I tried everything to try and make him sleep but nothing worked. Joey was asleep standing up so I sent him back to bed and stayed up all night with Dylan" said Phoebe "But Look at how peaceful he looks now"
They peeked into Dylan's stroller and saw the little baby sleeping peacefully with a Blue Basketball pacifier in his mouth.
"He looks gorgeous. Why don't you go and get some sleep in our room while he is asleep?" asked Rachel.
"Yeah I might, wake me up if he wakes up ok, Actually Don't wake me up, Make Joey get up of his ass and take care of him ok?" said Phoebe, standing up.
"OK, No problem Honey" answered Rachel "Now Go"
Rachel looked over to where Ross, Joey and Chandler were all sitting with beers in their hands while the women cooed over the babies.
"Typical" she muttered to herself.
"I sent Phoebe to get some sleep, Dylan was up all night and she's exhausted," said Rachel to Monica.
"Poor thing" replied Monica "The babies have got some form of a routine going at the moment but not a great one"
"It will get better," said Rachel "Trust me"
She reached her arms out to Isabella who was trying to sit in the lap of the Big Teddy Bear that Monica and Chandler got her.
"Come and give your Mommy a cuddle," she said.
Isabella crawled over and pulled herself up next to the couch for Rachel to pull her up.
"I can't believe she's one already" said Monica.
"I know, My Little Girl isn't a baby anymore really. It's so sad," said Rachel "I want her to be my little baby forever"
"And you're going to have a toddler and a baby on your hands soon" said Monica "You poor thing"
Rachel laughed and replied, "It won't be so bad, I'm really excited about this baby and I'm pretty sure Ross is as well"
"I know he is," said Monica, reaching into Emma's capsule and bringing the crying baby to her breast.
Ross looked over at Rachel and saw her looking at him and waved with a smile.
There was a knock on the door then and Rachel got up and answered it with Isabella balanced on her hip. It was Carol, Susan and Ben.
"Hi Guys" said Rachel "Hey Ben"
"Hi Rachel" said Carol "Sorry we're a little late"
"Oh it's no problem, I'm glad you could make it" said Rachel.
"Look at this Birthday girl" said Susan "Ben don't you have something to say and give to your sister?"
Ben rolled his eyes and reached up to give Isabella a kiss.
"Happy Birthday" he said, shoving a present in Rachel's hand and going over to see his dad.
"Sorry about that" said Carol "We had a little disagreement on the way over and Ben's not in a good mood"
"I might keep my distance then" said Rachel with a laugh.
"Look at you," said Susan, reaching out and touching Rachel's stomach. "How far along are you?"
"18 weeks" replied Rachel "And looking like I'm 25 weeks"
"Oh stop it," said Carol "You look great"
"Thanks" replied Rachel, putting Isabella who was struggling in her arms on the floor and noticing they were still in the doorway. "God I'm sorry, standing in the doorway. Please Come in"
"Actually we can't stay" said Carol "We've got to go to Susan's parents house for lunch"
"Oh ok then" replied Rachel "Well thanks for bringing Ben over anyway"
"No problem" replied Carol "Ben, we will see you later"
Ben ignored her and kept playing rock, paper, and scissors with Joey.
"Well that's that then," said Carol, edging out the door "We'll see you in a little while"
"Bye" said Susan, taking Carol's hand and following her out the doorway.
"Cya" said Rachel as she shut the door.
(3 hours later)
Everyone including Rachel's parents (who had so far managed to act civilized in the same room), Jack and Judy Geller and Phoebe who was awake and looking refreshed gathered round the table to sing Happy Birthday to Isabella who was sitting in her highchair with a Pink and Purple Cake, shaped like a one in front of her. Ross and Rachel stood next to the highchair with their arms wrapped around each other.
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Isabella, Happy Birthday to you"
"Hip Pip Hooray" called Jack "Hip Pip Hooray"
Isabella was sitting there, smiling and eyeing off her cake. Ross and Rachel leant down and blew out the candle as Monica snapped pictures.
"Dad, How about some cake now?" asked Ben
"In a second Ben. I'll just go grab a knife Honey," said Ross to Rachel who was pulling the candle out of the cake.
"Ok" said Rachel leaning over and kissing Ross on the lips.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"Just because I love you and I'm deliriously happy," said Rachel.
Ross smiled and headed into the kitchen.
"Did you make the cake Rach?" asked Phoebe, cradling a sleeping Dylan in her arms.
"Are you kidding me?" replied Rachel "You couldn't have forgotten my beef mince trifle"
"What a stupid question" said Pheeb's.
"I bought it at the Bakery near Central Perk" replied Rachel
"I could have made her a cake" interrupted Monica
"And I would have loved that" said Rachel "But I didn't want to give you anymore work on top of the babies so I decided just to buy one"
"In that case you're forgiven," replied Monica.
Ross returned from the kitchen with the knife.
"Here it is Sweetie," he said, handing it to Rachel.
"Thanks Honey" she replied, turning round to face the cake to see Isabella sitting there with Pink and Purple Icing smashed all over her face, in her hair and on the highchair. She had leaned forward and grabbed a hunk off the top of the cake and was enjoy every last bit.
"Oh my god" said Ross as he burst out laughing, "Couldn't you wait Baby?"
"Look at you," said Phoebe "You've been hanging out with Uncle Joey for too long haven't you?"
Joey heard his name and turned around from where He, Chandler, Jack and Rachel's father were watching the football on the couch. Judy and Mrs Green were standing in the kitchen talking and making a pot of tea. "Say what?"
"Joey, Did you teach my daughter it's fine to eat cake with her fingers?" said Rachel.
"I didn't teach her anything but I'll come and help her eat it," said Joey, getting up of the couch and walking over to grab a hung of the cake.
"Hand's off Joey" said Rachel "I'll cut you a piece while Ross takes Isabella to wash her face and hands"
Ross pulled her out of her high chair, carefully trying not to get any cake on his clothes when Isabella wiped her hand all over his cheek, smearing pink icing on his face.
"That's a great look Ross," said Chandler who was rocking Riley to sleep on the couch "Very Pretty"
Ross pulled a face at him and walked through to the bathroom.
2 hours later. Everyone had left except for Jack and Judy. Judy was helping Rachel clean up in the kitchen and Jack was doing some magic tricks for Isabella who was more interested in playing with her grandpa's grey hair.
"So Rachel, How are the wedding plans coming along?" asked Judy.
"Well so far we've organised the venue, ordered the flowers and organised the caterers and photographer and that's about it" replied Rachel "I've got to take my dress back and find another one because obviously I'm not going to fit an 8 month pregnant body in that one"
"You might not have to do that," said Judy.
"I wish I didn't have too but there's no way I'm gonna fit in that one. Look at me now and I'm only 18 weeks" said Rachel.
"I know this great dressmaker who might be able to just alter the dress a little bit, Like the fabric out around your stomach and breast etc" said Judy "It may be possible to wear the same one" "Really? Oh I would love that," said Rachel
"How about you and I go and see her next week and we'll see what she says?" said Judy.
"That'd be great," said Rachel, "Thank you so much"
"It's no problem at all. Anything for my future daughter in law" said Judy "I always knew that you would be my daughter in law that stuck around. I knew Ross would get his act together and propose to you. I'm so happy that he did and you're coming into the family Rachel"
Rachel was truly touched and pulled Judy into a hug.
"That means a lot, to hear you say that" said Rachel "I'm happy to be coming into the family"
They finished the dishes and went into the lounge room.
"Jack, Should we head off now?" said Judy. "They've had a big day and Isabella looks exhausted"
"I suppose," replied Jack, standing up with Isabella in his arms. He gave her a kiss on the head and passed her to Ross where she leaned her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
"She's tired out from all her partying" said Rachel "Thank you so much for coming and for the gift"
"I hope she enjoys her present," said Judy, kissing Isabella gently on her cheek.
"Bye Mom and Dad. Have a safe trip home," said Ross.
"Goodbye" said Judy as she headed out the door "Rachel, I will call you next week ok"
"I look forward to it," said Rachel "Bye"
Once they left, Rachel sat down on the couch and rested her eyes for a second "I am so tired"
Ross sat down next to her and put Isabella in between them. "Well you have been up since 6am, No wonder you're tired"
"Mmmm" murmured Rachel.
"Why's my mom calling you next week?" asked Ross.
Rachel opened her eyes with a sigh and sat up straight.
"We're going to see this dressmaker she knows who might be able to alter my wedding dress for me to save me buying another one," said Rachel
"Really?" said Ross "You and My Mom shopping, that should be fun for you"
"It will be fun. We can bond a little bit," said Rachel "She told me in the kitchen before about how happy she was that I'm coming into the family and that you got your act together and proposed to me. I was really touched"
"How sweet" said Ross "Well I'm happy I got my act together too"
He leaned over and kissed her neck softly.
"Well, That feels nice" said Rachel. "But how about we first put the baby to bed and then we go to bed ourselves?"
"Sounds great" said Ross, jumping up and lifting a sleeping Isabella into his arms.
They walked through to the Nursery and Ross placed her in her crib with one of her new toys in the corner, A Pink Elephant Plush Toy.
He pulled up her covers and they watched as she settled down and put her thumb in her mouth.
"She's the most amazing child," said Rachel as she leant over the crib and kissed Isabella's forehead "Sweet Dreams Princess"
She grabbed Ross's hand and they tiptoed out of the Nursery where she pulled him into their bedroom, pushed him on the bed and shut the door.
"Someone's not sleepy anymore," said Ross.
"Definitely not" said Rachel "And now you have to please me and make sure I don't fall asleep again ok. Can you manage that?"
"I think so," said Ross and we hear Rachel burst into laughter behind the closed doors.