- 12 hours ago
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00:00:17Oh
00:00:50Did something happen to our garage no, it's just been working. They're too early. I get complaints from next door
00:00:57Totally. Yes. I imagine waking up to that sound could be really jarring
00:01:01Look, I just I promised Andrew I'd get these to the theater so the kids can rehearse with them
00:01:07I mean, it's really cute. Yeah? Yeah
00:01:10Almost as cute as the stack of candy canes in here and in the dining room the stockings hanging in
00:01:16the shower
00:01:17Those are probably dry by now
00:01:20Kelly, Christmas is everywhere
00:01:22Baby, you love Christmas decorations
00:01:25Yeah, I love ours, but you're still in the attic. Exhibit A
00:01:29Our tree
00:01:32You're right. It's very sad
00:01:34It's very, very sad
00:01:36Okay, we need to get this place decorated before the invasion
00:01:40Not the invasion
00:01:44Listing both of our families for Christmas is a really big deal
00:01:48And ultimately, they don't care what our place looks like
00:01:52You know that's not true, right?
00:01:53Oh, absolutely
00:01:54Your mother, my mother, six siblings between us
00:01:59And then we've got spouses and partners and kids
00:02:01That's a lot of opinions in a house whose halls have not been decked
00:02:05We definitely got to finish that tree today
00:02:06Well, today is already overbooked as it is, so I have to hop in the shower because I have a
00:02:13standing coffee date to get to
00:02:15Really?
00:02:16Mm-hmm
00:02:16Anyone I know?
00:02:18Oh, you've seen her around?
00:02:24That was even faster than usual
00:02:26Hello?
00:02:28Hello?
00:02:31Good morning, Mr. Seltzer
00:02:32We agreed that you wouldn't start before 10 in the morning
00:02:35We did not agree to that, it's just a thing that you said
00:02:37You also said that I should stop by 2 in the afternoon
00:02:40So if I go by your schedule, I'm gonna get the set for the Christmas show finished by Easter
00:02:44It's not just me, you know
00:02:46The noise upsets my dog
00:02:48Never heard Daisy complain
00:02:49I can see it in her eyes
00:02:50You know what?
00:02:51Why don't you think of it as supporting the arts?
00:02:54I'd be happy to give you a couple of free tickets to the show
00:02:56Great
00:02:57Maybe I can get some sleep there
00:02:59Okay, you know what?
00:03:00We're gonna head out for a few hours so you'll have a bit of peace and quiet
00:03:02You have a great Sunday now, Mr. Seltzer
00:03:05Bye-bye
00:03:09I mean, I don't get it
00:03:10He's just so grumpy all of the time
00:03:12You know what my mom would say
00:03:14We should bring him a hot dish
00:03:15A lasagna, stuffed shells, something
00:03:17I mean, tis the season
00:03:19No, Mr. Seltzer's behavior does not warrant a hot dish
00:03:22Good morning, ladies
00:03:23Good morning
00:03:24Your order's coming right up
00:03:27My phone is at 10%
00:03:29I guess I forgot to charge it last night
00:03:31I never remember to charge that thing
00:03:32Chocolate croissant and two lattes
00:03:34Oh, thank you
00:03:36How can I help you?
00:03:37Packs in carbon six
00:03:38So I'm gonna have to go to the store and help Cheryl close up
00:03:41Honey, is that gonna leave you enough time?
00:03:43Yes, yes
00:03:44I will have more than enough time to help you decorate the theater
00:03:48Then I'll go into work
00:03:50Get the important shipments out
00:03:53And then I'm gonna meet you at the gala
00:03:55Okay
00:03:55Look, I brought everything
00:03:57I got my dress
00:03:58I'll get ready at the store
00:03:59Honestly, super simple
00:04:01Sounds like a lot of moving parts
00:04:02Well, then aren't you lucky
00:04:05That you married a masterful multitasker
00:04:13Are you ready for tonight?
00:04:19I'm ready for the opportunity
00:04:21You've earned this
00:04:22I have earned this
00:04:25Oh, I'm just glad somebody finally noticed
00:04:31Cute
00:04:34Chealous?
00:04:35Not even a little bit
00:04:45Okay, Erin, your side is too low
00:04:47How is this just us?
00:04:49What happened to all the other volunteers from the board?
00:04:51That's the problem with volunteers
00:04:52Participation isn't mandatory
00:04:53Okay, wait
00:04:54No, no, Kelly
00:04:55Your side is too high
00:04:56Andrew
00:04:57Do you want to hop on up here
00:04:58And maybe I can take a look?
00:05:00No, I think this is it
00:05:01No, no
00:05:02Erin's side is too low
00:05:03Why'd you move?
00:05:04What?
00:05:05I didn't know I did
00:05:06Hey, can one of you guys feed my cats over Christmas?
00:05:08I got a free couple nights at the casino in Saratoga
00:05:10I redecorated their restaurant
00:05:12You're spending Christmas alone?
00:05:15Do you have to say it like that?
00:05:16Come to our place
00:05:17With both your families there
00:05:19Yeah
00:05:20Do you have to say it like that?
00:05:22Oh, yes, yes
00:05:23Ladies, this is perfect
00:05:24Hang it right there
00:05:25Nobody move
00:05:26Yeah
00:05:27Oh, look at all these old toys
00:05:30Oh, were these yours when you were younger?
00:05:32Exactly how old do you think I am?
00:05:35Yeah
00:05:37Okay, no, one of you moved
00:05:46You should be getting ready and heading out
00:05:48Or you're going to be late
00:05:49I know
00:05:51Have the most wonderful time
00:05:53I will
00:05:53Do you have a cell phone charger I could borrow?
00:05:55No, no, no
00:05:56I can barely keep one in the house
00:05:57Before the kids steal it, so
00:05:59Night
00:05:59Night, Cheryl
00:06:00Why don't I ever remember to charge his phone?
00:06:03Okay, all right
00:06:09Oh, hey
00:06:12Hey, oh, don't we look sharp?
00:06:13Don't we
00:06:15Um, where's Erin?
00:06:16She's on her way
00:06:17I'm sure
00:06:19I should call
00:06:20You should call
00:06:21I'm gonna call
00:06:21I'm just gonna
00:06:22Call
00:06:26Oh
00:06:26Yay
00:06:29I am almost ready
00:06:31I promise
00:06:32Erin
00:06:32Hi
00:06:33Everybody is sitting down
00:06:35I am practically out the door
00:06:37Okay
00:06:37Well, listen, you're right up the front
00:06:39Say Travis
00:06:40And I'm gonna look right at you
00:06:41And I accept, okay?
00:06:42Okay
00:06:42Now you're just slowing me down
00:06:43Gotta go, love you, bye
00:06:47She isn't gonna make it, is she?
00:06:49Is she?
00:06:50Well, this is way too important
00:06:52Oh, really?
00:06:53Care to make it interesting?
00:06:55Ooh, 20 bucks she's in
00:06:56I see people can only accept the award
00:06:57Oh, I will so take that back
00:06:58Andrew, you want in?
00:07:00Oh, I direct Children's Theater
00:07:01Do you think I can spare
00:07:02Thanks for 20 bucks
00:07:04He's right, he's broke
00:07:08Cheryl, is that you?
00:07:10Did you forget something?
00:07:12Sorry, we're close
00:07:18What the?
00:07:30Oh, wow
00:07:32Okay, hi
00:07:33Hello?
00:07:36Okay
00:07:37Where is your mama?
00:07:42Anyone in here?
00:07:47Oh, this is so not okay
00:07:49This is not okay
00:07:52Your mother must be around here somewhere
00:07:57Hello?
00:08:00Hello?
00:08:11Hi
00:08:11Why?
00:08:12Why are you in my store?
00:08:14Okay
00:08:15Okay
00:08:23Kelly and Aaron
00:08:24I know you'll take good care of him
00:08:26What?
00:08:28His name is Nicholas
00:08:29I'm sorry, I tried?
00:08:33Shh
00:08:34Shh
00:08:38Hi
00:08:40Hello there, Nicholas
00:08:43Hi there, this is Kelly
00:08:45Leave a message
00:08:45Hey, babe
00:08:47It's me
00:08:49I'm just wondering if by chance
00:08:51You agreed for us to take care of a baby
00:08:53And somehow forgot to tell me
00:08:55Because the baby, he's here
00:08:57With me at the store right now
00:08:59So
00:09:01Oh, great
00:09:02My phone is dead again
00:09:03Okay, you know what?
00:09:04I'm sure Kelly knows what's going on
00:09:06I'm sure this is just a big misunderstanding
00:09:08Or a very, very vivid nightmare
00:09:13Oh
00:09:14No, no, no
00:09:16Hey
00:09:17Hey, hey, hey
00:09:18I didn't mean you're a nightmare
00:09:20You seem like a great baby
00:09:22Yeah
00:09:23I just literally had this exact nightmare
00:09:28Oh, it's okay, it's okay
00:09:29Hey
00:09:31Oh
00:09:33Are you hungry?
00:09:34Are you wet?
00:09:37Okay
00:09:37Please don't spit up all the stress
00:09:39Okay
00:09:40Hey
00:09:41Oh
00:09:42You like walking, don't you?
00:09:44Okay
00:09:45Yeah
00:09:46Let's keep walking
00:09:47Let's keep walking
00:09:49Okay
00:09:50Yeah
00:09:51That's what we're gonna do
00:09:52Yeah
00:09:54Yeah
00:09:55This is good
00:09:58Hello, hello
00:09:59And good evening
00:10:00If I could ask everyone to please be seated
00:10:02Thank you
00:10:05I'm not late
00:10:07Oh
00:10:09Our first honoree spends her days as a production designer
00:10:12Right here
00:10:13At the historic community theater
00:10:16Now this past spring
00:10:17She graciously agreed to lend her talents
00:10:20To a temporary installation at the State Museum
00:10:22The Fish of the Hudson River
00:10:28I'm delighted to announce that in her senior Ms. Townsend will lend her skill and imagination
00:10:34To a new permanent installation at the Museum of Upstate New York
00:10:43And so for her service to humanities and education in Albany
00:10:48It is my pleasure to present the Civic Spirit Award to Ms. Kelly Townsend
00:11:01Wow
00:11:02Thank you
00:11:04Congratulations
00:11:04Thank you so much
00:11:05Thank you
00:11:06Wow
00:11:08This is just
00:11:09Such an incredible honor
00:11:20I'm
00:11:20My phone was dead
00:11:21Time was running out
00:11:22I didn't know what to do
00:11:23So I brought him here
00:11:25Am I in shock?
00:11:26I think I'm in shock
00:11:27It's okay
00:11:27We're breathing
00:11:28We're drinking
00:11:28Oof
00:11:29My husband is gonna be so mad he stayed home
00:11:31I mean who just leaves a baby at a store
00:11:34I mean I was hoping you might know
00:11:36You think I forgot to mention someone was loaning us their kid
00:11:39The note doesn't indicate this is a loan
00:11:43Okay let's see here
00:11:46Hi baby
00:11:48Of who are you calling?
00:11:50No I'm googling what to do if you find a baby
00:11:52What does it say?
00:11:53Uh let's see
00:11:54Baby birds
00:11:56Baby squirrels
00:11:56Ooh baby squirrels are called kittens
00:11:59Just like cats
00:12:00Okay interesting
00:12:01Not helpful
00:12:02I don't know
00:12:03Jennifer
00:12:04I mean you're a lawyer
00:12:06What do we do?
00:12:07I'm a real estate attorney
00:12:08Is the baby applying for a mortgage?
00:12:10Okay well I think it's well past time to call 911
00:12:13Thank you
00:12:13But we don't know what will happen to him
00:12:16Yes what will happen is that somebody who is trained to make decisions on behalf of this
00:12:21little boy is going to come and help
00:12:25Aaron
00:12:26This is what he needs
00:12:28Um
00:12:29Okay
00:12:31Okay
00:12:40Hello
00:12:44Who is Ms. Pennelli and who is Ms. Townsend?
00:12:48Hi
00:12:48Aaron
00:12:49Pennelli
00:12:50And uh Callie Townsend
00:12:51I'm Betty Mitchell from the Department of Children, Youth and Families
00:12:55I'm sorry you had to wait so long
00:12:57Oh
00:12:58Isn't he handsome?
00:13:00Yeah
00:13:01He um
00:13:01He has a good appetite
00:13:03Uh we gave him five ounces of formula about an hour ago
00:13:07And a diaper change
00:13:09Oh
00:13:09Well it sounds like he's been in good hands
00:13:12Yeah
00:13:12Yeah
00:13:13Okay
00:13:14I miss you already
00:13:19We certainly tried
00:13:22Hmm
00:13:22So what happens now?
00:13:25I'll take him to the Children's Hospital for assessment
00:13:27He'll stay there overnight
00:13:28During that time he'll remain in my custody
00:13:32Then tomorrow we'll place him with a foster family
00:13:34While we try and locate the mother
00:13:37Any clues to help us out on that?
00:13:39Well
00:13:41Just this note
00:13:42Oh
00:13:44Um
00:13:44Betty will you have a
00:13:46A
00:13:47Difficulty finding a foster family?
00:13:49Oh no
00:13:50There's always a waiting list for healthy babies
00:13:52Uh
00:13:52Let's see
00:13:53Is that his bag?
00:13:54Uh yes
00:13:56Um
00:13:58But the note said
00:13:59The note puts you under no obligation Ms. Pennelli
00:14:01I promise Nicholas is safe with me
00:14:04My little guy
00:14:06Thank you
00:14:07Oh
00:14:07And
00:14:07If the mother contacts you
00:14:09Or if
00:14:10You hear from the family
00:14:12Please give them my number
00:14:13Okay
00:14:13Tell them I am just here to help
00:14:15Again
00:14:16Thank you
00:14:17Happy holidays
00:14:19Happy holidays
00:14:21Okay
00:14:22All right
00:14:23Here
00:14:24Here we are
00:14:26I'm sorry your big night was
00:14:29Overshadowed by everything
00:14:31Hey
00:14:32No
00:14:32We
00:14:32We did a good thing
00:14:33Right
00:14:35I'm just glad Nicholas is gonna be okay
00:14:38Yeah
00:14:41What's wrong?
00:14:43Nothing
00:14:45Aaron
00:14:46How many times are you gonna make me ask before I get an honest answer?
00:14:51Nicholas's mother clearly wanted him to come home with us
00:14:55Yes
00:14:55Yes
00:14:55But she also neglected to ask us
00:15:00What if she changes her mind and comes back?
00:15:03I know
00:15:03What if this is someone we know and she needs our help?
00:15:11Hey TJ
00:15:12He's all set for now
00:15:13You mind if I catch you a couple hours sleep in the on-call room?
00:15:16You're more than welcome
00:15:17Thanks
00:15:18But your night's not over
00:15:19You have a couple here asking about the baby
00:15:21Oh
00:15:22Thank goodness
00:15:23Where?
00:15:32It's a bit of a gamble
00:15:34But there is a process in place
00:15:36For emergency placement with fictive kin
00:15:40Non-relatives who have a pre-existing relationship with a child
00:15:43But we don't
00:15:45We're not even sure if we know whose parents are
00:15:47Yeah
00:15:47That's what makes it a gamble
00:15:50Now it would only buy us a few days
00:15:52So if you're thinking longer
00:15:55I mean it's a rigorous process
00:15:56Background checks
00:15:57Home study
00:16:00This being the holidays
00:16:01I'm not even sure I can make that
00:16:02That won't be necessary
00:16:03No, we're just looking to be a temporary placement
00:16:07Hmm
00:16:09Are you equipped to bring a baby home?
00:16:13I think so
00:16:15We have many nieces and nephews
00:16:17We've got a baby gate
00:16:18In the basement
00:16:19Plastic
00:16:20Plates
00:16:20Lullabies
00:16:21She can tap
00:16:22So
00:16:23We've got this
00:16:24Miss Nigel
00:16:25Call me Betty
00:16:29Okay
00:16:31Okay
00:16:31Let's try it
00:16:34All right
00:16:35Now you girls have some homework here
00:16:38Okay
00:16:39And I have to send out about a dozen emails before sunrise
00:16:43If we're going to go to court today
00:16:45And we have to find time for you to go home before you see the judge
00:16:49So why is that?
00:16:50Well
00:16:51You might be slightly overdressed for court
00:16:55Okay
00:16:56See you
00:16:57Oh my gosh
00:16:58We're three
00:17:00I think this is great
00:17:02We do look great
00:17:06And that nice judge said we could spring Christmas right here with us
00:17:09Isn't that the best news?
00:17:11Jennifer, we can't thank you enough for bringing all this
00:17:13Oh, I'm just glad that I still had stuff to offer
00:17:15Joe and I donated most of it a few years ago
00:17:17Oh
00:17:19Thank you
00:17:20Oh
00:17:21Thank you
00:17:21I found your Christmas presents in the hall closet
00:17:24Wait, what are you doing with that?
00:17:25That is for our family
00:17:26Oh, I'm wrapping your gifts because I'm a good friend
00:17:28And your house is a disaster
00:17:30You two own the store
00:17:32You've got access to the security footage
00:17:33What did you see?
00:17:34Well, only the front door camera caught her
00:17:35Puffy jacket and a stocking cap
00:17:37Just like everyone else in upstate New York
00:17:39Have you guys, um, told your mom?
00:17:41No
00:17:42No, there will be no telling of mom
00:17:44No
00:17:44Understood
00:17:45But Aaron's mom lives like a mile away
00:17:47What happens when you run into her at the grocery store
00:17:49And they've got this unexplained baby?
00:17:51She's right
00:17:51We should do a dash
00:17:52Do a dash
00:17:53Speaking of family, does the social worker have any leads on who this baby came from?
00:17:57Not yet
00:17:57Could be anyone
00:17:58No, it could be
00:18:00But it isn't
00:18:02I bet it's someone who knows you
00:18:04Has any pregnant customers come into your store?
00:18:06I mean, sure
00:18:07But no one who seemed to be sizing up my potential parenting skills
00:18:14Andrew, Andrew, take notice
00:18:15You've got better handwriting
00:18:17Okay
00:18:17Come on, come on
00:18:18Okay
00:18:19This is good, this is good
00:18:20Okay, um, somebody from the theater
00:18:23Someone from the museum
00:18:24Ooh, or a neighbor
00:18:25Think of places you frequent, like ice rink, restaurants, the gym
00:18:29I wouldn't say frequent the gym
00:18:31Maybe one of your delivery drivers
00:18:32My dentist just had a baby
00:18:34You think Vicky's mom is your dentist?
00:18:37No, no
00:18:38I'm just saying that maybe it's a weird connection
00:18:40Someone you wouldn't necessarily run into all the time
00:18:44Stop finding Jennifer's dentist
00:18:45I thought we were exploring all the corruptions
00:18:47No
00:18:49Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf?
00:18:50I don't know who
00:18:51Uh, no, it's a play
00:18:53I did Scenic Design for last April
00:18:55Do you guys remember the costumer?
00:18:59Um
00:18:59Allie
00:19:00Allie
00:19:00With the nails?
00:19:01With the nails
00:19:02She was intense
00:19:04Sold mail-order skincare products on the side
00:19:06She was always trying to get me to buy that eye cream
00:19:09Yep
00:19:09And she was pregnant
00:19:10She was pregnant
00:19:11She was pregnant?
00:19:12I mean, the timeline lines up
00:19:15I could see her doing something like this
00:19:21I've looked through all social media
00:19:23So the web search is a bust
00:19:25The name Allie Rogers is too common
00:19:27Uh, why don't you try to look her up using that skincare company she worked for?
00:19:32Hmm, brilliant
00:19:33Hi
00:19:33Oh, but before you dive too deep into that
00:19:36I thought of something
00:19:38I've got this cousin who lives in Schenectady
00:19:40Mom said this cousin was expecting
00:19:42And that there was some family drama
00:19:45I'll call her and ask
00:19:47What are you gonna ask her?
00:19:49Hey, any chance there's a cousin in Schenectady who needs us to raise her kid?
00:19:53I can be subtle
00:19:55Angie's coming over
00:19:56No, she won't
00:19:57Don't worry
00:19:58Mom won't suspect a thing
00:20:01Hi
00:20:03Mom, seriously?
00:20:04You called Kelly's mother?
00:20:06Of course I did
00:20:07I can't believe I had to hear about this from Angie
00:20:10And I can't believe she told you
00:20:11Joyce and I have an agreement
00:20:13One of us hears news, we tell the other
00:20:15No exceptions
00:20:16Well, that's terrifying
00:20:17No, that's family
00:20:19You girls needed a mom rescue
00:20:24Let's go see that baby
00:20:28Subtle, huh?
00:20:29I really thought I was
00:20:31Girls, you haven't decorated your tree
00:20:35Here we go
00:20:36Yep
00:20:39He is so handsome
00:20:42Not like the other babies in our family
00:20:44Same
00:20:45Babies in our family are never this cute
00:20:47Mom
00:20:48Honey, you're all adorable later
00:20:51After you grow into those ears, right, Nikki?
00:20:55Maybe we don't give him a nickname
00:20:57Why?
00:20:57He is clearly a Nikki
00:20:59Yeah, but I just want us to be aware of, you know, attachments
00:21:05Point taken
00:21:06Thank you
00:21:07I will do my best to maintain a casual relationship
00:21:10With the cutest little baby in the world
00:21:14Right, aren't you?
00:21:15Are you gonna call me Joyce?
00:21:17I'm Joyce
00:21:18What's this?
00:21:20Your list of suspects?
00:21:21Um, so to speak
00:21:23Jennifer's dentist
00:21:24Virginia Woolf
00:21:26This is a strange list
00:21:28How are you girls doing on diapers?
00:21:30Oh, no, we're fine
00:21:31Social worker gave us, like, 24
00:21:36We are definitely going shopping
00:21:39And when is the last time you two ate?
00:21:41I don't know, maybe two or three years ago
00:21:44Okay, we'll get some food, too
00:21:46I'm starving
00:21:47Not you, Erin
00:21:48Finish that crib
00:21:50One of the advantages to the two-parent family is the ability to divide and conquer
00:21:55No, no, no, we are not parents
00:21:56Oh, sweetheart, you are feeling all the joy, all the stress, and spending all your money
00:22:01Even if it's temporary, you are definitely parents
00:22:06I'll get you takeout
00:22:07Thank you
00:22:13Hi, Kelly, welcome back
00:22:14Thank you
00:22:15Thanks
00:22:16Here, come on
00:22:18That elf knows you
00:22:20Yeah, we come in here a lot
00:22:22Should I ask her if she recently
00:22:25No, please do not do that
00:22:27Oh, look
00:22:28Pancakes with Santa
00:22:30Cute
00:22:31Oh, how cute
00:22:32You guys should bring Nikki
00:22:34Yeah
00:22:34Well, listen, it's not until next week, and he's going to be with another family by then
00:22:40Of course
00:22:42Ah, taking you five kids to go visit Santa every year, that was always an event, wasn't it?
00:22:49I don't know how you and Dad did it
00:22:50I really don't
00:22:51Five kids, it was Christmas
00:22:53We just stretched ourselves in a thousand directions to make that magic happen
00:22:58But I tell you, seeing your faces, that was all worth it
00:23:04Sweetheart, you know, I have to ask
00:23:08Go ahead and ask
00:23:10Have you and Aaron considered honoring the mother's request?
00:23:16Mom, our life is not set up for a baby
00:23:20Our life is very intentionally not set up for a baby
00:23:23I mean, there's so many unanswered questions
00:23:26I don't even know who we're doing this for
00:23:27Of course you know who you're doing it for
00:23:34Am I supposed to take care of this tree all by myself?
00:23:37Sorry
00:23:38I can't stop staring at him
00:23:41Aren't these beautiful?
00:23:44Oh yeah, Kelly's grandmother made these
00:23:46The eldest kid gets all the best stuff because they set up the house first
00:23:51I gave you the cookie press
00:23:53And I treasure it
00:23:54I would hope so
00:23:56That came from a pampered chef party
00:23:58You can't just replace those things, you have to wait for another party
00:24:00And I don't have those kind of contacts
00:24:03Wait, wait, wait
00:24:06He's just dreaming
00:24:10What do you think he's dreaming about?
00:24:11Same thing any of us dream about, I guess
00:24:14Feeling comforted, feeling loved
00:24:17What a blessing it is that he's found that here
00:24:21For the time being
00:24:23Yeah, right
00:24:25Because you and Kelly have always been clear about what you wanted
00:24:29Right
00:24:31But that was before there was an actual baby in the house
00:24:35You don't know how you're going to feel until
00:24:37Until it happens
00:24:38I know
00:24:39You were a surprise
00:24:41A wonderful surprise
00:24:42But a surprise, nonetheless
00:24:43We never thought we'd be raising four children
00:24:47But then there you were
00:24:48And it was perfect
00:24:51Well, for couples like Kelly and I
00:24:54A wonderful surprise doesn't happen that often
00:24:57Yes, I suppose that's true
00:25:03Nikki's mom thought that we could
00:25:05Set up a loving home for him
00:25:07And
00:25:08I just keep thinking
00:25:10What if she was right?
00:25:15It's getting late
00:25:17You seem to have this under control
00:25:19Yeah
00:25:28Are you ready for your milk?
00:25:30Yeah, here you go
00:25:33What made you excavate the cookie press?
00:25:36Forgot we owned one
00:25:37Well, today I learned it was basically my dowry
00:25:40Um, so
00:25:41I talked to Cheryl
00:25:43She said she can cover morning shifts at the store
00:25:46So even in a worst case scenario
00:25:47You will have mornings and evenings to work
00:25:50One week before Christmas
00:25:52You are not going to be finished by six
00:25:54Well, I will staff up
00:25:56People always want extra shifts during the holidays
00:25:58Right
00:25:58I mean, it's only a couple days
00:26:00Yeah, you can manage
00:26:01Of course you will
00:26:02Oh, here
00:26:03Here, take this one
00:26:05Let me help you
00:26:07Oh, what's this?
00:26:09Oh, that is Hudson the holiday halibut
00:26:13He's the newest addition at the museum gift shop
00:26:15I thought Nicholas might like it
00:26:17Oh, yeah
00:26:18I mean, this kid has taste
00:26:21And Hudson is a very charming fish
00:26:23He is
00:26:25You know, girls
00:26:26I can help you organize his cupboards
00:26:27So that it makes sense
00:26:28Ah
00:26:30Joyce
00:26:31We had eyes on both of you all day
00:26:34When did you have time to make a casserole?
00:26:37Oh, I brought that from home this morning
00:26:38I always have a few extra in the freezer
00:26:40In case of an emergency
00:26:41Are you done?
00:26:44I think you're done
00:26:52This is a good baby
00:26:55He's pretty perfect
00:26:57Yeah
00:26:57Okay
00:26:59Okay, Nicholas
00:27:01Nick
00:27:01Oh, boy
00:27:03Okay, okay, all right
00:27:04Okay, you've had your bottle
00:27:06Now your diaper is clean
00:27:10Does it help to know that all your needs have been met?
00:27:12No
00:27:13Okay, okay
00:27:17Hello?
00:27:18Hello?
00:27:20I'll be right back
00:27:21Okay
00:27:25Hi
00:27:25Hi there, Mr. Seltzer
00:27:32Hi
00:27:32Why is there a baby crying?
00:27:35I don't know
00:27:36Okay
00:27:37Because he's a baby
00:27:38So
00:27:39Why is there a baby at all?
00:27:42He's a friend of the family's
00:27:44Listen, my mom had to leave
00:27:45But Erin's mom
00:27:46She's going to be here later this afternoon
00:27:47So
00:27:48Not interested in the distribution of labor
00:27:49How long is it staying?
00:27:51Couple days
00:27:52Tops
00:27:54And then back to the construction noise
00:27:55Yes
00:27:56You gals don't have any quiet hobbies
00:27:58Do you?
00:28:01Oh, this has been fun
00:28:02Okay
00:28:03You have a nice afternoon
00:28:13Kelly
00:28:14Kelly
00:28:15Kelly
00:28:16What's wrong?
00:28:17Why did you wake the baby?
00:28:19Uh, well, that wasn't my intention
00:28:21Could you do something?
00:28:23I don't know
00:28:23Uh, quiet
00:28:24No, Erin
00:28:25No, no
00:28:26I can't, okay
00:28:27I'm so far behind
00:28:29Baby, we are not set up for this
00:28:31I got it
00:28:32Okay, look
00:28:32Uh, mom and I will take Nikki to the store tomorrow
00:28:35And he can spend the day there
00:28:37He doesn't nap in the house
00:28:38But you think he's going to nap better
00:28:40At a pack and ship at Christmas?
00:28:41Erin, come on
00:28:42And I don't know what else to offer
00:28:50Okay
00:28:53Look, um
00:28:57Betty has been looking for Nicholas' family for five days
00:29:00Okay, we have zero leads
00:29:03Nicholas
00:29:03Nicholas deserves a stable, consistent solution
00:29:10Nicholas
00:29:11He's a great kid
00:29:13And we are an amazing, amazing choice for a temporary placement
00:29:18Right?
00:29:19Temporary
00:29:20We have got to think about what's best for Nicholas
00:29:24And us
00:29:26Long term
00:29:28Okay
00:29:35So, um
00:29:36He likes the fish?
00:29:38Oh, I'll tell them
00:29:40Really, there's no cause for worry
00:29:42This is a wonderful family
00:29:43I've worked with them for years
00:29:47Well, it's a bit of a drive, so
00:29:49We better get going
00:29:50Okay
00:29:52Merry Christmas, buddy
00:29:53Oh
00:29:54Merry Christmas, girls
00:29:58The world could use more people like you, too
00:30:09Erin, Erin, wait
00:30:12Look, I know this is hard, okay
00:30:13But this is the most practical decision for his sake
00:30:18I love you, Kelly
00:30:19But what's practical is not really comforting right now
00:30:45Cute?
00:30:48Last night was rough
00:30:49I thought reindeer pancakes might help
00:30:53Could call
00:30:55There is real solace in adorable food
00:30:59Hey, do you want to just skip Jennifer and Joe's stocking stuff for party tonight?
00:31:04Uh, I forgot about that
00:31:06Um, no, we should go
00:31:07It's, uh, for charity
00:31:09And I already got everything on the list
00:31:11Okay, we'll go
00:31:15Yeah
00:31:15We should bring all that stuff your mom bought
00:31:19Um, teething rings, toys
00:31:21No, no, we don't have to do this
00:31:23No, we don't have to do that
00:31:24There's no reason to keep it here
00:31:28Don't equate this with regret, but I
00:31:30I miss him
00:31:33I'm just not really sure how to feel about that feeling yet
00:31:41Hey
00:31:45And I feel
00:31:47A little less alone knowing
00:31:49You don't know how to feel about that feeling
00:31:57I love you
00:32:00I love you too
00:32:03We're going to have a great time tonight
00:32:05Oh, yeah
00:32:05Jennifer and Joe, they really know how to overdo a Christmas party
00:32:08Do you remember that ice sculpture of that angel that looked exactly like Diana Ross?
00:32:15Yeah
00:32:18Um, you're at the theater today, right?
00:32:21I am
00:32:22We're loading in the set
00:32:23Ooh
00:32:24Does that mean that I get our house back?
00:32:27Ooh, you do
00:32:28Until the next show
00:32:29Yes
00:32:31Hey, you know what?
00:32:32We're doing a craft for the set with the kids today
00:32:35Do you want to swing by?
00:32:39Sure
00:32:47Good job
00:32:49Okay
00:32:49Straight to the sink
00:32:51Let's go
00:32:53More?
00:32:54Yeah
00:32:54Okay
00:32:58Okay, ready?
00:32:59One
00:33:00Two
00:33:00Three
00:33:11How are you?
00:33:12Wow
00:33:13Wow
00:33:14Look at all the roses
00:33:15I know
00:33:17Oh
00:33:17Oh, thank goodness the talentless people are here
00:33:20You know, not every story about a kid is a winner
00:33:22Sometimes your Muppet mispronounces a word and it never needs to become an anecdote
00:33:26Okay
00:33:27Mmm, do I smell apple cider?
00:33:30Oh yeah, there's a line
00:33:31Follow me
00:33:31Oh, um, I think I'm going to do the stockings
00:33:34Okay
00:33:35Okay
00:33:43Erin
00:33:43Erin
00:33:44You made it
00:33:45Hi
00:33:45Yeah, uh, we wouldn't miss it
00:33:47Hi
00:33:48Thanks so much for coming
00:33:49Of course
00:33:50Hi, holding up
00:33:52Um, fine
00:33:53Uh, so we brought a lot of, uh, goodies for the stockings
00:33:59Perfect
00:33:59Can we help?
00:34:00Sure
00:34:00Uh, toddlers, um, tweens, and, uh, yeah, just a few things for under six months
00:34:09This is great
00:34:10Uh, Erin, I'm sorry I couldn't be there to see Kelly get her award
00:34:14And then Jennifer came home with that story
00:34:17Oh, Joe, maybe she doesn't want to talk about it
00:34:20Sorry, I can't even imagine just taking your kids to some random store and just going, here you go
00:34:26Well, it wasn't random
00:34:28Sorry, what?
00:34:30It wasn't random, Joe
00:34:33The baby, his name is Nicholas
00:34:35He was, um, healthy, well cared for
00:34:39I mean, someone loved him
00:34:42Loves him
00:34:43They were overwhelmed
00:34:45And they made a desperate choice
00:34:47When this person tried to think of a safe and loving home for their child
00:34:54They, they picture Kelly and I
00:34:57And, and it's, uh, it's humbling
00:35:03I'm sure it was
00:35:04Um, and lucky he had you
00:35:06I'm, I'm sorry, that wasn't sensitive
00:35:09No, no, I have no need to apologize
00:35:11I'm just gonna get some fresh air
00:35:13I think, sorry
00:35:15Yeah, it's all right
00:35:27I'm sorry
00:35:27May I join you?
00:35:28Yeah, of course
00:35:31Yeah
00:35:36Just
00:35:39Needed a minute
00:35:40Yeah
00:35:44Years from now, this'll just
00:35:46Be a funny story we tell at parties
00:35:50But
00:35:52Maybe we found at Christmas
00:35:53I
00:35:55Wonder
00:35:55What he's up to
00:35:59You're always gonna be a part of Nicholas's life
00:36:04But he's gonna keep us updated
00:36:05I mean, we can help in any way
00:36:09What does that mean?
00:36:11Help?
00:36:12Are we
00:36:13Buying him savings bonds?
00:36:15Oh
00:36:16Yeah
00:36:17I'm a kid
00:36:17Those are very practical
00:36:20Why do you keep coming back to that
00:36:23Practicality
00:36:24Like it's, um
00:36:25The highest possible goal
00:36:28I
00:36:29I don't get it
00:36:31You love kids
00:36:36I do
00:36:37Yeah, I do
00:36:38I love kids
00:36:38Um
00:36:39But
00:36:39Growing up
00:36:41I mean, it was just
00:36:42An endless to-do list
00:36:44Of homework
00:36:44And potty training
00:36:46I had
00:36:47Absolutely no personal space
00:36:48Well, I'm not
00:36:50Suggesting we had
00:36:51You all have five kids
00:36:51I'm talking about this kid
00:36:55Is that what we're talking about?
00:36:58Adopting Nicholas?
00:37:02Maybe
00:37:07Aaron
00:37:08We have talked about this
00:37:10So many times
00:37:12I am aware of that
00:37:13Before we got married
00:37:15You told me
00:37:17You didn't want to have kids
00:37:18I
00:37:20Did tell you that
00:37:21That
00:37:24Nicholas, he's
00:37:27He just woke something up inside of me
00:37:31With Nikki, my life was
00:37:34Bigger
00:37:37Fuller
00:37:41But is our life
00:37:43That that is just the two of us
00:37:47Is that enough for you?
00:37:50Yeah
00:37:51Of course
00:37:52I
00:37:53Love you
00:37:55I, um
00:37:58I just need some time with this
00:38:01I, uh
00:38:03Never thought we'd be in this position
00:38:05So I'm a little
00:38:08Underprepared
00:38:08I'm figuring out
00:38:09How to, uh
00:38:11Let it go
00:38:12Well, I am right here
00:38:14I'm right here with you
00:38:15Right here beside you
00:38:17I know you are
00:38:20Thank you
00:38:21Um
00:38:24Hey, do you think that maybe you could be beside me
00:38:27But like, inside the house
00:38:30Yes
00:38:30Yeah, please
00:38:32I'm freezing
00:38:33And
00:38:34The buffet looked amazing
00:38:35It really did
00:38:40Love you
00:38:41I love you
00:38:54Hello?
00:38:59Hey girls
00:38:59It's Ali Rogers
00:39:00I got your message on Insta
00:39:02Ali
00:39:03Hi
00:39:04Um
00:39:05I wondered how long it would be until I heard from you
00:39:07I knew once you figured out that I was no longer working as a costume wearer
00:39:11It would only be a matter of time with you
00:39:13Smart cookies
00:39:14Oh, Ali
00:39:15I, I, I can't even imagine what you've gone through
00:39:17You're so sweet
00:39:18But I really think, though, that it is the best decision I could have made
00:39:22Yeah
00:39:22Oh, wow
00:39:23Well, listen, um
00:39:24I'm glad you feel secure in that
00:39:26And Inera and I
00:39:27We only want the best for you
00:39:28But really
00:39:29You need to sort of decide what comes next
00:39:31So
00:39:31Uh, well, that's not really true
00:39:34I can't move forward until I know what I can count on from you
00:39:38Really?
00:39:39Kelly, there's no one else I would even think of asking
00:39:42I mean, you're fun but level-headed
00:39:44People feel reassured when they're around you
00:39:46Okay
00:39:46I, yes, I hope that
00:39:49Yes
00:39:50Really?
00:39:53Yes
00:39:54Yes, you know what, Ali?
00:39:55Uh, you're right, you're right
00:39:56Aaron and I, we
00:39:58We want to do this
00:40:01Okay, I knew you were the right person to ask
00:40:03I just had a gut feeling about it
00:40:05This is going to be amazing for you and your wife, for me, for my son
00:40:11Yeah
00:40:11Yeah, yeah, you know what
00:40:12Um, I just have sort of like, uh, like a few, uh, lingering, lingering concerns
00:40:18You know?
00:40:20I am happy to answer any questions you've got
00:40:22Right
00:40:22I mean, listen, some of my fears, they're sensible
00:40:26And then, you know, there are these huge, unanswered questions
00:40:30Like, like, how am I supposed to reconcile the fact that, that the person I know I was created to
00:40:35be
00:40:35Like, I know, down to my toes
00:40:37I was created to be, and my heart, and, and who I love
00:40:43How am I supposed to reconcile that that person still lives in a world where complete strangers just look at
00:40:49me and think that I'm wrong
00:40:52But how am I supposed to raise a child to live in a world that even I don't understand?
00:41:03Allie, whose baby is that?
00:41:05Oh, this is my son, D'Angelo
00:41:08You're...
00:41:10What?
00:41:11Yeah
00:41:12Oh, he is the sweetest yes you are
00:41:15You're raising your son?
00:41:17Yeah
00:41:18If you want me to sell skin care
00:41:21That would be so great for you
00:41:29You guys look great
00:41:31Okay, we're at places
00:41:32Go find your spots
00:41:33Okay, have fun
00:41:44Hey
00:41:46Did you, uh, did you forget something, Santa?
00:41:49I don't like it
00:41:50Uh, you, uh
00:41:54You don't like what?
00:41:57There's too many people
00:41:58Uh, uh, oh, oh, okay
00:42:01Well, hey, you know what?
00:42:03All of those people out there
00:42:04They are, they are so excited to see Santa
00:42:09Right?
00:42:10I'm not really Santa
00:42:13No, um, I know
00:42:15But tonight, in the play, you, you get to imagine what it might be like to be Santa
00:42:21So, come on, you just get on out there, okay?
00:42:26I don't want to
00:42:29Uh, hey there, Mr. Gingerbread Man, are you ready to see Santa?
00:42:35No way, Snowman
00:42:36Iron Santa loves milk and cookies
00:42:41I think I hear him now, up on the rooftop
00:42:48You know what?
00:42:49Why don't we, why don't we practice?
00:42:51You're lying, right?
00:42:52Oh, oh, oh, oh
00:42:54A surprise party for me?
00:42:58No?
00:42:59I know what to say, Miss Kelly
00:43:00I just don't want to say it by myself
00:43:04Um
00:43:11Hey, everyone
00:43:12Here comes Santa
00:43:18Here's Santa
00:43:20With me, his favorite tallest elf
00:43:24Surprise!
00:43:33Ho, ho, ho
00:43:35A surprise party for me?
00:43:43But Merry Christmas to all
00:43:45And to all a good night
00:43:48Wait!
00:43:49We can't end the party without my favorite dance!
00:43:53You got it, Santa!
00:43:55Let's dance!
00:44:04I bet you found something amazing is happening
00:44:15You've got to teach me that dance
00:44:19Baby, I, I have some moves
00:44:22Moves that you have never, ever seen before
00:44:24Oh, okay
00:44:27Congrats
00:44:29Thank you
00:44:30Yeah
00:44:33Um
00:44:36Okay
00:44:37Hey, what's wrong?
00:44:43What if it was fate
00:44:45That brought Nicky to us?
00:44:48What if this whole thing was meant to be?
00:44:53And what if
00:44:56What if we brought Nicholas home
00:44:57And, and then one day
00:44:59His mother
00:45:00Or his, his father
00:45:02Or some actual fictive kin
00:45:04Just shows up at our door
00:45:09Okay
00:45:10Um
00:45:12Uh
00:45:14Okay
00:45:14Uh
00:45:15So, so
00:45:15That's the problem
00:45:20Meaning what?
00:45:22Uh
00:45:22I thought Nicholas was keeping you from your work
00:45:25Uh
00:45:25Or was it
00:45:26The invasion of our moms
00:45:28Or
00:45:28It was all the money we were spending
00:45:30I
00:45:30I get it, I do
00:45:31I, I
00:45:32I completely understand what you're saying
00:45:34But, Erin
00:45:36My concerns are valid
00:45:38Yeah
00:45:39I'm, I'm not saying they're not
00:45:40I guess I'm
00:45:41I'm just wondering why there's always another excuse
00:45:44Yes, because ever since Nicholas came into our lives
00:45:46It is like every synapse in my brain
00:45:49That is hardwired for worry
00:45:50It's just, it's running on overdrive
00:45:57Okay
00:45:59Got it
00:46:01Um
00:46:03I'm glad you won't have to worry anymore
00:46:05Oh, Erin
00:46:07Don't do that
00:46:10I'm gonna stop by the shop
00:46:11I'm gonna be late
00:46:13Love you
00:46:15Love you
00:46:22Love you
00:46:32Love you
00:46:34Love you
00:46:34Love you
00:46:35Love you
00:46:35Love you
00:46:39Love you
00:46:41Love you
00:46:41Love you
00:46:42Love you
00:46:42Love you
00:46:42Love you
00:47:11Yeah, yeah.
00:47:16Please, no complaints tonight.
00:47:18The garage light was on, so...
00:47:23I haven't heard a peep over here all day.
00:47:25Why isn't the baby crying?
00:47:30What?
00:47:31What's happened?
00:47:36He's not here.
00:47:41I'm gonna go get Daisy.
00:47:44Let's go for a walk.
00:47:45We'll go and see the lights.
00:47:46I think the cold night air might do you some good.
00:47:49Are you being nice to me?
00:47:52Let's not make a habit of it.
00:47:55Okay.
00:47:56Go get your coat.
00:48:06You know, I wasn't planning to get a dog when Daisy came along.
00:48:10Mr. Seltzer, please do not compare the baby to your dog.
00:48:15Humane Society said they were having a hard time finding a place for her.
00:48:18Turned out, I was just what she needed.
00:48:22And she was just what I needed.
00:48:27Okay.
00:48:28I see what's happening here.
00:48:30You're one of those curmudgeons that secretly does nice things.
00:48:34Shows what you know.
00:48:35All these books that I brought?
00:48:37Terrible.
00:48:39I'm onto you, Seltzer.
00:48:45Come on.
00:48:48Look, Kelly, only you and Erin know what you want here.
00:48:51But I can tell you, I had 43 years with my wife, and if it had only ever been just
00:48:56us,
00:48:57we may have been very happy.
00:49:00But...
00:49:00Ah.
00:49:01It's always a but.
00:49:02Our love was... durable enough to share.
00:49:07So, we decided to grow our family.
00:49:10And raising our daughter was the best thing we ever did.
00:49:18You seem like a really great dad.
00:49:28No, I'm not a really great dad, Kelly.
00:49:35We just don't... communicate.
00:49:39My wife was always our translator.
00:49:42But you don't talk, or...?
00:49:45Falls away easier than you think.
00:49:49A few weeks turns into a few months, and then just stops.
00:49:53And it's also flawed.
00:49:56She's still the same miracle to me that she was on the day she was born.
00:50:03I wish that she were in my life.
00:50:06But I'm just so glad that she's in the world.
00:50:12You know, today, um, I thought that I was being asked, officially, if Aaron and I wanted to adopt Nicholas.
00:50:22Despite all that fear, my gut instinct was to say...
00:50:29Just how much am I supposed to trust my gut here?
00:50:33Don't live your life in fear of being afraid.
00:50:39You give very good advice.
00:50:43When I'm well-rested, yeah.
00:50:55I am so glad you guys are still open.
00:50:57You do gift wrapping, right?
00:50:58I made earrings for all of my sorority sisters.
00:51:01Cheryl?
00:51:02Uh, could you join me, please?
00:51:12I went for a walk with Mr. Seltzer.
00:51:17Unexpected?
00:51:20Can we talk, please?
00:51:24Oh, I got it.
00:51:36Kelly, what's up?
00:51:38I want Nikki to come home.
00:51:47I, I, I, I get that.
00:51:52I understand you not wanting to get attached to Nikki.
00:51:55But why not just tell me that?
00:52:01Because I didn't want to share you, Aaron.
00:52:05I didn't.
00:52:06I know, I know, that sounds really childish, very selfish.
00:52:11But...
00:52:13All my life, I had to compete for everything.
00:52:16My space, my stuff.
00:52:20My parents' attention.
00:52:24And I love that in our marriage, it is just you and me, you know?
00:52:29I'm enough for you.
00:52:31I mean, you are, you are so more than enough for me.
00:52:38Maybe, I meant it when I said,
00:52:41you, what we have is beyond more than enough for me.
00:52:46But I miss him.
00:52:47I do.
00:52:48I, I, I miss him, like, every second of the day.
00:52:51I mean, I had to throw out all of his stuff because it was just way too hard to look
00:52:53at all of it.
00:52:55Don't worry, it's still in the garage. I, I kept everything.
00:52:57Okay.
00:52:57But, um, I feel like he's our family.
00:53:01Yeah.
00:53:02Yeah.
00:53:03The way I see it, love isn't divisible.
00:53:07It is infinitely shareable.
00:53:10So, yes, our, our, our schedules, our life, it would all change.
00:53:16A lot.
00:53:16If we became parents.
00:53:17But, you and me, our love, it would only grow.
00:53:24I believe you.
00:53:26Oh, God.
00:53:27You wanna try and get our boy back?
00:53:29Yeah, I really do.
00:53:31Yeah?
00:53:31Yeah.
00:53:37Hey, reach Katie.
00:53:38Please leave a message after the tone.
00:53:40Hi, Katie.
00:53:41It's Dad.
00:53:43You're probably still at work.
00:53:45I know it's been a while since we talked.
00:53:48Everything's fine.
00:53:50Well, everything's not fine.
00:53:53I miss you and I, I wish that we were closer.
00:53:57So, call anytime.
00:54:02I love you.
00:54:08I don't know.
00:54:15Hi, Katie.
00:54:16There you go, little guy.
00:54:18Special delivery.
00:54:20Just in time for Christmas.
00:54:24He's awake.
00:54:25And he does love that fish.
00:54:29Hi, baby.
00:54:31Oh, he's calm.
00:54:33Hi.
00:54:34I hope the Foster family was understanding.
00:54:37Actually, I told them all along that he'd probably only be there a couple days before you girls came back
00:54:43around.
00:54:46Hey, I'm not always right, but I'm right often enough to go ahead and plan for it.
00:54:51I like her.
00:54:53Oh, hello.
00:54:54Hi.
00:54:55Joyce.
00:54:56Angie.
00:54:57Betty.
00:55:01All right.
00:55:02I won't lie to you.
00:55:03This next part is going to be tricky.
00:55:05But I'm going to try and call in some favors and get you a home study before Christmas.
00:55:09Oh, that is great.
00:55:11Thank you, Betty.
00:55:12Um, you've got to try and continue your art projects, honey.
00:55:15I've been telling her that her entire life.
00:55:18Really not the time, Mom.
00:55:19Girls, it's not just cleanup.
00:55:21There are different expectations regarding what you'd have on hand with a temporary placement versus permanent.
00:55:27Meaning?
00:55:28Meaning furniture.
00:55:29Baby proofing.
00:55:30Bath supplies.
00:55:31Visual stimuli.
00:55:33Okay.
00:55:33Okay.
00:55:33So we just have to pay for an entire nursery full of furniture and baby proof the whole house in
00:55:39a week.
00:55:40Ah.
00:55:41Sooner would be better.
00:55:43I'm sorry.
00:55:44I know it's a lot to ask, but...
00:55:47Oh, Betty.
00:55:48We can make a few calls.
00:55:53Girls, we've got a rally for your sister.
00:55:55Every cupboard.
00:55:56Every drawer.
00:55:57Every outlet.
00:55:58And every toilet seat.
00:55:59Luke, if you can find somewhere out of the way to put these things, Betty says we only have a
00:56:03couple of days before the home study.
00:56:05Oh, okay, gentlemen.
00:56:07Take it to the nursery upstairs.
00:56:08Oh, Travis.
00:56:10Where did you say?
00:56:12Nursery.
00:56:13Oh, no.
00:56:13We don't have a nursery.
00:56:15Yes, you do.
00:56:15What you don't have is an office.
00:56:17We're moving your work to the bedroom with exquisite care.
00:56:20Close your mouth.
00:56:21You look like a bell.
00:56:21Come on.
00:56:24Yeah.
00:56:25It looks good, right?
00:56:26It's fine.
00:56:28It's fine.
00:56:35Hey, babe.
00:56:36Hey.
00:56:37Honey.
00:56:38Looks like you might be short-circuiting a little bit.
00:56:40Mm-hmm.
00:56:40I think that I am.
00:56:41Okay.
00:56:41Maybe we should take a break.
00:56:43I think we should.
00:56:44Yeah.
00:56:44Yeah.
00:56:45Okay.
00:56:46Well, why don't we go get Nikki at Mr. Seltzer's and all of us can go to DeVille.
00:56:52You know, that sounds like a whole situation.
00:56:54So, I don't...
00:56:55All right.
00:56:56Well, if we're gonna try this, let's really try it.
00:57:01Incorporate him into our routine.
00:57:04Okay?
00:57:05Okay.
00:57:06Easy.
00:57:06Easy.
00:57:07Yeah.
00:57:10Okay.
00:57:11Yeah.
00:57:12Um...
00:57:13Whoa.
00:57:13Jesus.
00:57:14Sorry about that.
00:57:15Okay.
00:57:17Um...
00:57:17All right.
00:57:18Uh...
00:57:19You got that?
00:57:19Yep.
00:57:20All right.
00:57:21Oh.
00:57:23What?
00:57:25This here?
00:57:26Oh.
00:57:27Shh.
00:57:28It's okay.
00:57:29Hey.
00:57:29It's okay.
00:57:30Hey.
00:57:31Hey.
00:57:32Hello.
00:57:33Sorry.
00:57:34Oh, wow.
00:57:35We aren't that couple now.
00:57:38No.
00:57:40We're that family now.
00:57:45Oh, oh.
00:57:46Come on.
00:57:47Hey.
00:57:47Let's get out of here.
00:57:50Here we go.
00:57:52Hi, baby.
00:57:53Oh, my goodness.
00:57:57Yeah.
00:58:00Maybe things aren't supposed to be the way they always were.
00:58:04Because of him we'll see things differently.
00:58:13Yeah.
00:58:15What do you see?
00:58:16Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
00:58:18Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
00:58:32Here we go.
00:58:35Get your balloons.
00:58:46Everything you need is in here.
00:58:48Formulas, diapers, and you want to keep these in the freezer
00:58:50because it's battling a tooth coming in.
00:58:52We used to let Katie just chew on green onions.
00:58:55Oh, okay. You know what?
00:58:56Maybe you just stick to the teething rings, yeah?
00:58:58Oh, babe, do you know where that stuff is for...
00:59:01Cheryl don't know the rest for the application?
00:59:03Oh, uh, a coffee table.
00:59:05Oh, okay, great.
00:59:06There you go.
00:59:07All right, so I should be done this meeting by 11,
00:59:10and then I'll be by to pick them up?
00:59:11All right, no rush.
00:59:12Nicholas and I enjoy the same Christmas shows.
00:59:15Okay, we gotta run.
00:59:15Yeah, let's go.
00:59:16Do you need your stuff?
00:59:17Yes, right, yeah.
00:59:18Okay.
00:59:19Okay.
00:59:20Have a great day.
00:59:21Say bye.
00:59:22Okay.
00:59:23Okay, call us if you need anything.
00:59:25Okay, thank you.
00:59:26Thanks again.
00:59:27Okay, come on, honey.
00:59:28Bye.
00:59:29Bye, say bye.
00:59:30Have fun.
00:59:32I feel like we're finally finding our routine, our rhythm,
00:59:37and thanks to Mr. Seltzer,
00:59:39I mean, Kelly is actually able to get her work done.
00:59:42Oh, in fact, she's presenting her concept art
00:59:44at the museum today.
00:59:45Oh, that's wonderful.
00:59:46I hope it goes smoothly for you.
00:59:47I know it can be a really long process.
00:59:49Yeah.
00:59:50But, you know, I feel good.
00:59:52You know, confident.
00:59:53I think we're ready for the home visit tomorrow.
00:59:55Oh, uh, speaking of which,
00:59:57the stuff we need notarized is in that folder.
00:59:59Yeah.
01:00:01Oh.
01:00:03Erin, are you sure?
01:00:11What on earth?
01:00:22Mommy's home early.
01:00:29Hi, Dad.
01:00:35I got your voicemail,
01:00:37and I was going to call you back,
01:00:39but all I really wanted to do
01:00:40was get in the car and tell you that I love you
01:00:42and I miss you, and I just...
01:00:45I'm sorry, Dad, whose baby is that?
01:00:48Come on in.
01:00:49I'll catch you up.
01:00:51I'm trying something new.
01:00:52I'm being nice to the neighbors.
01:00:54Really?
01:00:56Okay.
01:00:57Uh, hey.
01:00:59Hey, babe.
01:00:59So, I just presented our tax returns
01:01:02and our criminal background checks
01:01:03to the Office of Cultural Education.
01:01:06Uh, babe, no, no, no, no, don't worry.
01:01:08I explained everything.
01:01:09They were so nice about it.
01:01:10Babe!
01:01:11What's up?
01:01:13So, as you know,
01:01:14I am at work,
01:01:15and the water main burst in the building,
01:01:19which also somehow knocked out the power,
01:01:21so all the tenants, we've all been evacuated,
01:01:23so when I have two full truckloads
01:01:26of deliver-by-Christmas deliveries
01:01:28on their way here by 4 o'clock,
01:01:31and obviously, they can't come here.
01:01:33Well, what are you going to do?
01:01:35It's so funny you should ask.
01:01:37You and I, we are...
01:01:38Essentially good, right?
01:01:40I mean, I know we've been through a lot lately,
01:01:43but at the end of the day, we are solid.
01:01:46So, if I had to make a decision
01:01:48that I know would only add to your stress.
01:01:51I mean, you know that I am going to be there for you,
01:01:54and you would forgive me,
01:01:55and we would still be okay.
01:01:57Right?
01:01:58You're not asking if you can send the trucks
01:02:00to our house, are you?
01:02:01I'm telling you, I already did.
01:02:06Dad, if the recipient's name is a business
01:02:09and a person's name, where does it go?
01:02:12Business.
01:02:13You guys are good at this.
01:02:14You should have seen this on Girl Scout cookie distribution.
01:02:19Hi, I've got an email alert
01:02:21to pick up my packages here.
01:02:23Great.
01:02:23What's the name?
01:02:24Elizabeth Horn.
01:02:25A package for Horn?
01:02:26Horn!
01:02:27I don't know if you put the right thing.
01:02:29Just check my...
01:02:31Hi, there.
01:02:34I'm not sure I'm in the right place.
01:02:36Yes, we've been getting a lot of that today,
01:02:38but you found us.
01:02:39What's the name?
01:02:40Thayer.
01:02:40Jeffrey Thayer.
01:02:41Okay.
01:02:42Package for Thayer?
01:02:43Right this way.
01:02:44I think there's been a miscommunication.
01:02:46Are you Miss Pennelli?
01:02:47No.
01:02:48Miss Pennelli's over there.
01:02:49She's splunking in cardboard.
01:02:50I'm her wife.
01:02:51Miss Townsend.
01:02:53Yes?
01:02:53I'm Jeffrey Thayer
01:02:54from the Department of Families,
01:02:55Children, and Youth.
01:02:57Guessing you didn't get my voicemail
01:02:58about rescheduling.
01:03:00I'm here to do your home inspection.
01:03:07This is so bad.
01:03:09Our living room looks like
01:03:10an Amazon fulfillment center.
01:03:12It's okay.
01:03:13It's okay.
01:03:13It's okay.
01:03:14Hi.
01:03:15Uh, please, please take a seat.
01:03:17I'm so sorry about the mess.
01:03:19When my wife and I were dating,
01:03:20she gave me a key to her apartment.
01:03:22I decided to surprise her one night
01:03:24by sneaking in and making dinner
01:03:25while she was at work.
01:03:26I, uh, I started a grease fire.
01:03:30Oh.
01:03:31Yeah.
01:03:31Fire trucks, uh, completely destroyed kitchen,
01:03:34all of her neighbors outside.
01:03:38Ladies, today was your grease fire.
01:03:41Yeah.
01:03:42Sure was.
01:03:44Mr. Thayer, I'm so sorry for, for today,
01:03:46the mess, and I just cannot apologize.
01:03:48Circumstances notwithstanding,
01:03:50it's clear you've done a great deal
01:03:51to prepare your home for Nicholas.
01:03:54I mean, we have.
01:03:55Um, we'd like to think
01:03:56we're preparing for the future.
01:03:58I won't keep you long.
01:03:59I know you have
01:04:00pressing business downstairs.
01:04:01And I've read through everything
01:04:03you've submitted online so far.
01:04:04Oh, great.
01:04:05You've been married for...
01:04:07For five years,
01:04:07but, but together for eight.
01:04:09Had the two of you
01:04:10ever considered raising a child?
01:04:13Um, honestly,
01:04:17not until we met Nikki.
01:04:23Miss Townsend,
01:04:23I don't have a personal statement
01:04:24from you yet.
01:04:25Yeah, I, I know.
01:04:26I'm, um, I'm just,
01:04:27I'm still working on it.
01:04:30Well, why don't you tell me
01:04:32a little bit about
01:04:32why you want to be a parent to Nicholas?
01:04:35Oh, well, that's a,
01:04:36that's a big question, isn't it?
01:04:39A rather essential one.
01:04:43You know, I've,
01:04:45I've been studying a lot
01:04:46about underwater life
01:04:48for, for work.
01:04:49Um, and there's this,
01:04:51there's fish.
01:04:53It's called a cichlid.
01:04:54It digs its burrow
01:04:56by moving one grain of sand
01:04:58after another,
01:04:59just one by one.
01:05:01It's, it takes forever.
01:05:03Um, and they hide
01:05:05their young inside that burrow.
01:05:07And then, then,
01:05:08if the burrow is destroyed,
01:05:10which can happen
01:05:11if a single grain of sand
01:05:12moves out of place,
01:05:13they move their young
01:05:15to another burrow.
01:05:17And those little baby fish
01:05:19are taken on
01:05:19and cared for
01:05:20by that set of mates.
01:05:22Yeah, they just,
01:05:23they just pick up
01:05:23and, and, and make it happen
01:05:25and make a family.
01:05:27Just like everybody
01:05:28was always supposed
01:05:28to be there.
01:05:31Fascinating.
01:05:32And you know,
01:05:33that's kind of how
01:05:34Nicholas came into
01:05:35our lives, right?
01:05:37Yeah.
01:05:38Um, somebody couldn't
01:05:40give him the care
01:05:41that he needed
01:05:41for, for,
01:05:42for whatever reason.
01:05:43and, um,
01:05:47but we could.
01:05:50Actually, I didn't know
01:05:51that I could.
01:05:53I, I didn't think
01:05:54that I could love
01:05:54anyone this much.
01:05:57I mean, the things
01:05:58that I would do
01:05:58for that little boy.
01:06:01Nobody warned me
01:06:02about this feeling,
01:06:03Mr. Thayer.
01:06:04I, honestly,
01:06:05I don't, I don't know
01:06:06if I would have believed
01:06:06them if they had.
01:06:11And I know that
01:06:11Nicholas doesn't
01:06:12belong to us.
01:06:13Not, not yet,
01:06:15at least, but,
01:06:18but I belong to him.
01:06:21And it is simultaneously
01:06:23the most terrifying
01:06:25and one of the greatest
01:06:26things that has ever
01:06:27happened to me.
01:06:32Thank you,
01:06:34Miss Townsend.
01:06:36I'm going to need you
01:06:37to write that down.
01:06:46Okay,
01:06:48what's our gift budget?
01:06:49Oh,
01:06:50our gift budget
01:06:51is gone.
01:06:52Gone?
01:06:53Gone.
01:06:54Diapers,
01:06:55baby wipes,
01:06:56formula,
01:06:56that nasal aspirator
01:06:58that really freaked me out.
01:06:59Aaron,
01:07:01should we?
01:07:03Oh,
01:07:03we definitely should.
01:07:05We don't have a photo
01:07:06of the three of us yet.
01:07:07Well,
01:07:08who have we here?
01:07:09Oh,
01:07:10this is Nikki
01:07:10and Aaron
01:07:12and I'm Kelly.
01:07:13We're his foster moms.
01:07:15Oh,
01:07:16foster families
01:07:16are such a gift.
01:07:17Come on,
01:07:18come on.
01:07:19Come on,
01:07:19you ready?
01:07:20It's a photo.
01:07:21Oh,
01:07:21hi.
01:07:21Ready to see Sarah?
01:07:23Oh,
01:07:25Yes.
01:07:26Say,
01:07:26Merry Christmas.
01:07:27Merry Christmas.
01:07:27Merry Christmas.
01:07:28Merry Christmas.
01:07:31Thank you,
01:07:32Oh,
01:07:32oh,
01:07:32oh,
01:07:33oh,
01:07:35what would you two
01:07:36like for Christmas?
01:07:36Oh,
01:07:37well,
01:07:38we already got everything
01:07:39we could have asked for.
01:07:40It's not the life
01:07:41we expected.
01:07:42But it's what
01:07:43you needed it to be.
01:07:47Who liked that?
01:07:49I think so.
01:07:53Oh,
01:07:56it's Betty.
01:07:59Hey,
01:07:59Betty.
01:08:01Yeah,
01:08:02now is a great time.
01:08:04We actually just took
01:08:05Nikki to meet Santa.
01:08:08Um,
01:08:09okay.
01:08:10Betty,
01:08:11can you hold on one second?
01:08:12Thanks.
01:08:14Um,
01:08:16Nikki's mother called.
01:08:25Remind me again
01:08:26what Betty said.
01:08:26A woman
01:08:27named Stephanie Callahan
01:08:29called the hotline
01:08:31and she is apparently
01:08:32Nicholas's mother.
01:08:33She mentioned both of us
01:08:35by name.
01:08:35That is good.
01:08:36Yes.
01:08:36Okay,
01:08:37she was then redirected
01:08:38to Betty's voicemail
01:08:39because Betty is
01:08:40the caseworker.
01:08:41And then
01:08:42Betty called her back
01:08:43and now
01:08:43we are just waiting.
01:08:45Just waiting.
01:08:46Waiting for
01:08:47the callback.
01:08:48Hi.
01:08:49Oh,
01:08:49yeah.
01:08:50Are you doing that
01:08:51for you or for the baby?
01:08:53I think both of us.
01:08:54Okay.
01:08:55Yeah.
01:08:55Just
01:08:57okay.
01:08:58She's gonna get sick.
01:08:59Erin.
01:09:00She can't do this.
01:09:01We don't even know this person
01:09:02and now she's just gonna show up
01:09:03weeks later
01:09:04and
01:09:04and call dibs on the kid?
01:09:05She is not calling dibs.
01:09:07She's his mother.
01:09:08Then she should have acted like it.
01:09:10Hey,
01:09:10you don't mean that.
01:09:12No,
01:09:12I don't.
01:09:13I feel like we have been
01:09:14incredibly patient
01:09:16this entire time
01:09:17throughout this entire process
01:09:18and
01:09:19and I feel like
01:09:20I am entitled
01:09:21to get properly mad
01:09:22at least once.
01:09:23Yes,
01:09:23you are.
01:09:24Yes.
01:09:25Yes.
01:09:26Here.
01:09:28You feel better now?
01:09:32Yeah,
01:09:33a little.
01:09:33Okay.
01:09:34Yeah,
01:09:34look.
01:09:36Betty is not
01:09:37gonna send Nicholas
01:09:38back to an unhealthy situation.
01:09:40But you acknowledge
01:09:40that Betty could send him back.
01:09:42Yes.
01:09:42Yes,
01:09:43we have always acknowledged that.
01:09:47It's not what we want.
01:09:48No,
01:09:49why does it?
01:09:51Look,
01:09:52I'm not gonna make
01:09:53any decisions tonight
01:09:54and tomorrow.
01:09:54It might be
01:09:56the last day
01:09:56that we have with him.
01:09:58So,
01:09:59our whole family
01:10:00is gonna be together
01:10:00and I think
01:10:01we should just make it
01:10:01as wonderful as possible
01:10:05for our son.
01:10:11Okay.
01:10:21Hi.
01:10:22Hi.
01:10:22Yeah.
01:10:23Did you have a nice bath?
01:10:26Today is gonna be
01:10:27a great day.
01:10:29Mm-hmm.
01:10:30Yes.
01:10:31It already is.
01:10:35Oh,
01:10:36he's clean.
01:10:37You ready?
01:10:38Ready.
01:10:39Hey.
01:10:40Hi.
01:10:41Great job.
01:10:45I love you.
01:10:46Do you have a smile?
01:10:48More people.
01:10:50Shake it off.
01:10:51hey hey hey um you should probably get one of your sisters to hold nikki for a minute
01:11:03why what's up um i just got off the phone with betty she's on a re-over yeah i told
01:11:12her
01:11:12he'd meet her outside okay i know baby okay she seems like a perfectly nice girl sweet
01:11:26but sad she was relieved to hear that nicholas is back with you both what do you think she wants
01:11:34she wants to see him she wants to see you do we have to you don't
01:11:42stephanie surrendered nicholas and you are the temporary foster care appointed by the court
01:11:46so for the time being you have the right to say no you don't think we should
01:11:54whenever there's room for kindness i'm in favor of it do you think she's looking to restore custody
01:12:02i don't know i don't know babe what do you think i think our mothers are gonna have opinions about
01:12:09this no i'm not okay with that she can make an appointment or something it's christmas eve
01:12:15we're busy mom if we want to know whether or not nikki can even be a part of our lives
01:12:21this is how we
01:12:22find out but what if what you find out is bad news well then we won't be alone we'll be
01:12:30with you you
01:12:31always say there are times when a girl needs her mother this is one of those times clever girl using
01:12:37my exact words and meaning against me what do you need we need a totally calm environment
01:12:45where are you gonna go for that here mom we need that in our house there are like
01:12:4930 people downstairs half of whom our children hopped up on angie's italian dessert andy i told
01:12:55you it was too much espresso i didn't hear any complaints from you after you had your second
01:12:59helping of tiramisu mom ladies we really need you to rally the troops okay no one has to worry about
01:13:07being perfect but there can be no mistakes yeah well perfect we can do come on everybody gather around
01:13:16and listen up right now we just need a completely calm and peaceful environment and as much as we love
01:13:24all of you it could be a little intense as a group yeah so you could just you can go
01:13:28in the kitchen you
01:13:29can walk on upstairs or hide in the bathroom you want me to hide in the bathroom no mom it
01:13:35was just a
01:13:36suggestion it was a terrible suggestion we got you kelly we got it okay everybody scatter just find a cozy
01:13:43spot just stay quiet hey it's gonna be okay okay we can go home if you want are you kidding
01:13:50i'm invested
01:13:51i want to see on the sets ready i think so okay thank you wait uh mom here can you
01:13:59take nicholas oh
01:14:00oh are you still close yeah okay there we go okay
01:14:18you were right when you said someone could just show up on our doorstep and take him and
01:14:28now it might actually be up no no no but remember what betty said right that would be the beginning
01:14:33of a much much longer conversation so right now all we can do is just acknowledge that fear we we
01:14:40look
01:14:41it right in the face and we lead with love
01:14:54love you i love you too
01:15:02okay
01:15:05hi girls hi hi
01:15:07i'd like you to meet stephanie callahan
01:15:14oh my gosh we we know you de vil
01:15:21chocolate croissant and two lattes every sunday morning
01:15:31i thought about adoption for months the father is he's not in the picture but my roommates
01:15:40they're amazing best friends you can imagine they said they'd support whatever decision i made and
01:15:48when he was born i decided i wanted to try i want to speak good at it
01:15:56for nicholas yeah of course you did but
01:16:01i'm putting myself through school working two jobs we were all taking turns figuring out our schedules
01:16:09with classes i just wasn't ready for this but i love him so much i promise i do
01:16:20stephanie that was never up for debate
01:16:25there's this fish
01:16:29i kept picturing him in a house with a family who cares about him and
01:16:35did do all the things i wish i could and i guess because i love watching you when you come
01:16:41in
01:16:42the home i started picturing was yours
01:16:45i knew the name of your store from your uniform and i came down there planning to have this
01:16:54this whole conversation with you and ask but then i couldn't figure out what i would say
01:16:59i panicked and just just grabbed a sheet of paper
01:17:04i'm so sorry it's okay stephanie
01:17:08honey getting overwhelmed is completely understandable
01:17:12and if being nicholas's parent is what you want honey there are resources available to help you
01:17:22i'm not sorry i asked them to take nicholas okay i just regret the way i did it okay okay
01:17:37so is this what you want
01:18:03is this uh my mom angie and kelly's mom joyce
01:18:14thank you
01:18:22hi sweet boy
01:18:27you're so happy
01:18:29buddy i swear he's gone bigger and i hear he's got a tooth coming in too
01:18:34yeah yeah yeah he's handling it like a champ
01:18:38oh gosh
01:18:39i love you so much
01:18:48and i would do anything for you in the whole world
01:18:53i want you to know that you would tell him that wouldn't you that i want him to have a
01:19:00wonderful life
01:19:01of course of course
01:19:05and you know we all live in the same town
01:19:08um i got accepted to a school in pennsylvania for next semester
01:19:14i think what i'd like is a fresh start but it means a lot that you would offer
01:19:22thank you
01:19:29okay
01:19:31okay let me
01:19:38try to do it right this time
01:19:44erin kelly
01:19:48are you willing to make a home for nicholas
01:19:54becoming nicholas's parents would be
01:19:57one of the greatest christmas gifts we could ever have before
01:20:02kelly
01:20:03you already are his parents
01:20:08okay
01:20:10thank you stephanie
01:20:31okay
01:20:33can i give you a hug
01:20:35yes i'd like that
01:20:38thank you
01:20:43so what happens now buddy
01:20:46well for now just enjoy christmas
01:20:50we can formalize all of that so everyone's comfortable and knows exactly what to expect okay
01:20:55thank you glad both your moms are here that was lucky timing
01:21:00well actually our entire family is here
01:21:04uh like all of them yeah like here here they're here for christmas
01:21:10yeah we told them to hide because we didn't want them to overwhelm you
01:21:14but they don't have to keep hiding please just get back to your holiday
01:21:18okay okay everyone come out come down now you don't have to hide anymore
01:21:32come here
01:21:35come here
01:21:53Don't you want to say goodbye?
01:21:58This is exactly what I want to remember.
01:22:03Yeah.
01:22:05Come on.
01:22:09Do you want a home?
01:22:17Oh, yes.
01:22:23Oh, hi.
01:22:25Hey.
01:22:28Merry Christmas, Kelly.
01:22:30Merry Christmas, Erin.
01:22:34Merry Christmas.
01:22:35Merry Christmas, little boy.
01:22:40Not the life we expected.
01:22:44But just the life we needed.
01:22:54Merry Christmas, baby.
01:23:06We can't even remember.
01:23:12It's interesting.
01:23:13Oh, yes.
01:23:13Oh, yes.
01:23:14We're here.
01:23:15Oh, yes.
01:23:18Oh, yes.
01:23:21Oh, yes.
01:23:21Oh, yes.
01:23:22Oh, yes.
01:23:22Oh, yes.
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