When we last saw Rod, he was sulking after Melanie threatened to sue for full custody of Nicole. After a brief conversation with Danielle, they decided to temporarily put Nicole in the future nursery. Rod is now on high alert, and doesn't want to give Melanie any additional ammunition. If she hears that Nicole had to sleep in the boys' room, she will use that against him. This way she will have her own room, while Danielle is getting her permanent room ready. Rod decides to check in again with Nicole about the new baby.
"So this is your room temporarily. Danielle will be fixing up your new room over the next couple of weeks." (Rod)
"I know. She said I can help pick out the colors and the furniture." (Nicole)
"There's something else I wanted to talk to you about. A couple weeks ago we talked about the baby Danielle and I are having. I just wanted to talk to you again and make sure you were still okay with the idea." (Rod)
"I like the idea of being a big sister. I just hope it's a girl. Then there will be two boys and two girls." (Nicole)
"Hopefully, if it's a boy, you won't be too upset." (Rod)
"And just remember, no matter how many other kids are in my life, you will always be my first, and you will always hold a special place in my heart. Don't ever forget that." (Rod, starting to get a little emotional)
"Oh Daddy, are you crying?" (Nicole)
"Of course not. You know daddies don't cry. Come here." (Rod)
He takes her in his arms and gives her a big hug. Just the mere thought of him not being able to see her when he wants is tearing him apart inside.
"Now, I've been thinking. Maybe I should move in with you and Danielle once the baby gets here. That way I can help with the baby." (Nicole)
"That sounds like a good plan, but what about your mom? If you leave, she will be there all alone." (Rod)
"I don't think Mommy will mind. She's always working." (Nicole)
"Your mom works hard so you can have nice things. She and I both love you and I think she would really miss you." (Rod)
"But don't you want all your kids living with you?" (Nicole)
Rod is not sure how to respond. He doesn't want Nicole to feel like she's not part of the family, but he knows Melanie will start WWIII if Nicole tries to move out.
He pulls Nicole closer to him.
"Tell you what, we will revisit this discussion after the holidays. The baby won't be here for awhile, so we can just enjoy Christmas and work on getting your room put together. Okay?" (Rod)
"Okay." (Nicole)
Epilogue
I know this storyline is not very jolly, but holidays are sometimes the hardest times for blended families.
I love this storyline and how it is unfolding, it is moving but not schmaltzy, and I like Rod's character more and more!
ReplyDeletebilla's dolls - Rod loves his role as dad. He really tries to do the right thing.
DeleteI have a soft spot for great dads! :-)
DeleteAww, this story made me tear up a bit! The Holidays can indeed be a difficult time when you have a blended family as well as a shared custody arrangement. It is good that Rod and Danielle put Nicole in the new babies room for now. Can't wait to see what you do with a room for her! I am sure it will be cute! I can only imagine Melanie's reaction if Nicole says anything to her about moving in with her Dad once the baby is born. I think Rod handled things very well and I love that he did not say anything but positive things about Melanie to Nicole!
ReplyDeletePhyllis - *sniffle, sniffle*. I'll provide tissues for the next touching story. I think Danielle will have nice bonding time with Nicole as they fix up her new room. Maybe Melanie is already sensing that Nicole may want to move out and that's why she wants to go for full custody. Who knows?
DeleteLife isn't always jolly. Besides, this was a touching story. Nicole seems to want to be around her siblings all the time, which is a good thing. And she really knew how to put that 'all your kids' line in there. It might actually be a good thing to go in front of a judge so Nicole can be heard about what she wants. Melanie (while I can understand she will be heartbroken) may just realize what she's been doing and cut it out.
ReplyDeleteJanainah - Maybe Nicole is afraid that by not living with her dad, that the new kids will get more of his attention? Whatever the case, she is trying to make her point loud and clear. Hopefully they will get a judge that is willing to take the child's wishes into account. Some judges don't.
DeleteWhat a tender father daughter time. I declare it looked like Rod's expression changed when he hugged Nicole.
ReplyDeleteTruth is, this story plays out every single day, including Christmas. Kudos for keeping it real.
Brenova - Thanks. As one who has 5 real stepchildren and 2 that were like stepchildren, I have experienced quite a bit of this real life drama.
DeleteIt's so funny, because I sometimes see doll expressions change, too.
I'm not gonna lie, I teared up at Rod getting emotional. *sniff*
ReplyDeletePresto - Awwww. I'm providing tissue for the next emotional story.
Deletelove this storyline!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teva!
DeleteBeautiful story line. I also love the way it's developing. Life isn't always jolly especially at Christmastime when stresses seem to be at the highest. :-)
ReplyDeleteCindi - Wouldn't it be nice if life was more jolly? It's so hard for some people to move on. You would think if you loved this person at some point in life, that you would want them to be happy even if it wasn't with you.
DeleteReally emotional.Rod is a great father.All blended families have this conversation.I am happy that Nicole likes the idea to become a sister.I can't wait to see them on Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMy doll stuff - Rod takes great pride in his role as father and stepfather. It will be so nice for him and Danielle to have a baby of their own.
DeleteRod is such a good father and Nicole is such a sweet girl.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very wise decision for them to allow Nicole to sleep in the nursery. There is no need to fan Melanie's inflamed heart with anything that will tick her off.
dbg
DBG - Rod is definitely one of the good ones. I've been blessed to run into some awesome dads in real life, and Rod is representing for them.
DeleteYes, Melanie wouldn't have heard the part about "getting Nicole's room together". She would have only heard, "sleeping in the boy's room". As a lawyer herself, she knows how to spin a good tale.
I love how Rod is being proactive. Remind me, how old is Nicole? She's such a sweet girl. The only person who needs a shrink is Melanie's hateful #ss for trying to keep a great father away from his daughter in an effort to control his happiness.
ReplyDeleteJewell - Nicole is 10 yrs old. I know you have experience with these issues. They are never fun for anyone. Especially the children.
DeleteIt's fascinating seeing this story developing. Can't wait to see what happens. And it is interesting to get an insight into family law in another oountry. In Australia, the courts have to take the child's wishes into account - particularly once they are around Nicole's age.
ReplyDeleteCarricters - Here it depends on the state and the actual judge as to whether or not they will listen to the child. At age 14 the child is able to decide who they want to live with. Here the courts are extremely biased against men, particularly black men. With Melanie being a lawyer herself, she knows the ins and outs of the court. Chances are they will have to go to arbitration to try to work things out first.
DeleteAwww, such a sweet photo story. I hope that they will be able to come together and get along. Maybe if Melanie had a man (hint, hint), she will become more light hearted. Lol!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays my friend!
Georgia Girl - Did you forget Melanie had a man. I'm not sure what happened to him. They may even still be together, but jealousy can make a person act crazy as he!!.
DeleteI commend Rod on sitting down and talking with is daughter. Melanie just needs a Tobias in her life and she will be ok.
ReplyDeleteBrini - She had a fine specimen in her life. She was still trying to control Rod. Some habits are hard to break. Lol.
DeleteHello from Spain: I liked the conversation between father and daughter. Very real. The arrival of a baby can affect children. Lovely pics. Keep in touch
ReplyDeleteMarta - Thanks. New babies can bring about a lot of mixed feelings for all the family members. It will be interesting to see how Danielle and Rod handle it all.
DeleteYep, you made me tear up with that one!
ReplyDeleteKenya - Awwww, those sincere heart to hearts can do it every time.
DeleteMelanie is such a loose cannon that I think Rod is right to be concerned.
ReplyDeleteMuff - You know those lawyers are always on the hunt for ammunition.
Delete