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I'm so glad that you are back! I was wondering where you'd run off to, I hope you had a fun time playing outside over the weekend!

I love the way you're showing Pam and Jim in this new relationship, learning to stay open with each other as well as preparing for upcoming parenthood. Pam's confidence makes me happy, so much of the time Jim is portrayed as the sure one, it is nice to see Pam so sure.

Good job, I look forward to what is coming up next for this growing family.

Author's Response: Thanks so much!! I did have a nice time playing outside. Glad its finally spring again. lol Yeah, I'm so glad to have written Pam being there for Jim. I agree, there are way too many fics that are vice versa and I don't think it gets explored a lot, so it was nice to write it. Thanks so much for you kind words, I very much appreciate them. :)

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The wig WAS offensive and terrible, and very unJimlike, I'm not a fan of a majority of the episode, including the deleted scenes, though I do like how Jim almost bursts out laughing when Michael "talks" to Toby. Anyways, had to mention that as soon as I read it. scrolling back up.....

I never thought I'd actually say this, or even think it, but I'm glad you gave some closure to Karen and I'm happy that she found her Dan in your story. Again, you gave her a backbone without making her a bitch through the whole story so I have to commend you for making me feel some sort of sympathy toward her.

Jim freaking out about being a father, wondering what would happen if his child turned into one of the bad kids was something I really loved reading. I was going to have a chapter like that for a story I was going to finish, so I don't know, I felt a real connection to Jim there. Pam calming him down was just so so sweet and so Pam, I loved it. I love that his sister in law is throwing her a baby shower, it's so completely sweet, and nice touch on the Dunder Mifflin paper watermark on the paper it was printed on. Clever! Okay this is going to sound incredibly ridiculous because you've written over a thousand words here in this chapter, but my most favorite, along with how she'd love to kiss him every morning for the rest of her life, is this:

“Right, we should do that soon,” he said, thinking it over. “Can we go tonight? I have to do my laundry and I’m out of fabric softener.” She gave him an amused look. “What?” he asked, as if not sure what he had said to deserve that look.

“Nothing,” she said almost with a laugh. He was always surprising her in the best of ways. “You’re just—a big, goofy, dork.” And I love you.

I really really loved this chapters sweetness and tone, and I love that they're getting things together and seem to be on the right track. I hope that there's two months left to her pregnancy doesn't mean that there's only two chapters left! I'm going to so miss this story!! I'm sorry for the long winded review. I'll hush up right now. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tale with us. :-)

Author's Response: Lol, I think you're confusing Product Recall with Women's Appreciation, where John breaks when Michael and Toby have a scene involving penises. (lol-wow, never thought i'd write that in a review response...) I'm so glad you enjoyed Karen's closure! I really, really wanted to write that because I felt like she was a big enough part of the story that it'd be wrong not to give her an ending. I think, more than anything, she was just the unfortunate sole that was in the wrong place and in love with the wrong person... Aww, I'm so glad you liked that small portion. It was sweet and I've been meaning to put something in like that for a while, it seemed a great place to put it there. I'm so glad it meant something to you!! It's all good, write as much as you want ;) Thanks so much for your kind words and your review, they mean a lot!!

LOL!  Once again, you surprised me--I didn't see that ending coming :D  First off, I enjoyed that little bit of closure for Karen.  Next, the parents-to-be are working through this so sweetly.  I was wondering if you were going to give us Pam's introduction to Jim's family.  I'm hoping that's the case anyway.  Nice touch to have Marcie throw Pam a shower. 

Trying not to think about this almost being over :'(  In the meantime, I'm sure you have lots more fun in store!

AWW! They're adorable. The beginning - so spot on with the coworkers reactions, as gross as Phyllis' was, I bet it would be something she'd whisper. I love how honest they're being, Pam admitting that it feels right to be with him and how adorable that she asked him if she could kiss him. Loved the interaction between Kevin and Jim, laughed a lot at that, and the Drew thing, spot on too, I could see it all happening. And the awkward moment of the green panties that turned into adorableness at the end was just so sweet and cute and just, lovely lovely lovely. Unshun, shun, so so cute and perfectly them. I can see why this is your favorite chapter. I think it's mine too. I hope there's a ton more of this coming our way, I don't want this story to end!

Author's Response: Aww, thanks for your kind words, means so much!! The Jim/Coworkers thing was probably one of my favorite scenes to write, so glad you enjoyed that. The shun/unshun was pretty fun too, so I'm glad you liked it. I wish there was a lot more too, but, unfortunately, I only have a handful of chapters left. I'm gonna miss this one when it goes. :/

Really excellent, the way you have weaved things from canon into your au really works. Looking forward to the next chapter. I also really like that they talked about how weird it is that is all *seemingly* so easy. it's easy to doubt when something seems too good to be true, but when it is that good, well...it's really awesome.

Author's Response: Thanks so much for your kind words!! Yeah, it can seem surreal when everything just falls into place. Lucky for them, it's lasting. :)

Eeeeee loved this update, thank you.I really do love how you bring in small things from the actual show :)

Author's Response: Aww, thanks so much!! I love bringing stuff in from canon, so glad you're enjoying it. :)

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Okay, I've been (obsessively) lurking on this site for several months now but I finally had to create an account so I could leave reviews for my favorite stories. Especially this one! I love so many things about this story. The original plotline, the seamless integration of canon storylines and the way you've managed to keep these two characters so in-characters in a AU setting. Nicely done! I selfishly hope this story still has a long way to go because I will really miss reading it once it's finished. Can't wait to see what's next.

Author's Response: Wow, I'm incredibly flattered that you came out of lurking to leave a review. Thanks so much! :) I'm sorry about the wait and unfortunately, I only have a few chapters left. :/ But I'm so glad that you've found the story in character within the AU. I hope you enjoy what's next!!

FINALLY!

Author's Response: Agreed! LOL! So nice to take this in a new direction. :)

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YAYAYAYAY It's a double update day! Days when you and Italianfood both update your super awesome stories around the same time it is so unbelievably thrilling for me, like being at one of those claw machines and getting double prizes! Today was especially wonderful because of first the obvious, the content of the new capters in each story but then this has been a super rough day for me and you guys just made my day better than bearable, actually I have a smile on my face! Thanks for that! Thank you also for us being able to depend on awesome timely updates where you just keep the story moving along so nicely. Even if it's a chapter that makes me sad there is quickly a new chapter to replace it. Anyhow...

I kinda thought it may go down with Roy like this and that it may just be that this would be the way that Karen (and others) found out about Jim being the baby's father. I really liked the things that you had Roy say to Jim. It was probably harder for Jim dealing with what Roy had to say than even the physical violence of the ordeal. I was sad that Jim got hurt, but it was probably part of what all went into his big decision to really start being 100% the man he needs to be.

I liked your take on Roy and Pam's talk after the altercation with Jim. I really like just how protective Isabel is of Pam and that she is willing to literally put herself between Pam and Roy and try to move him o matter how big he may be. Her weird thing for Dwight, you REALLY have down her character in that regard from what we have see the several times we have seen her around Dwight on the show now. Her facination with him is just creepy, yet oh so hysterical. I like how she gets kinda turned on by hearing about Dwight swooping in with his pepper spray to save the day.

The Tuesday morning scene with Jim and Karen was really well done. It;s really interesting to me that Karen seemed to think that she was being the bigger person, going out and buying a gift for Jim's baby. Then she seemed to think that really the decision about the relationship would e in her hands and I kinda felt like she was immediately seeing herself as a stepmom to Jum and Pam's baby. It seemd like it never really occured to her that Jim may have hs own ideas and the fact is that back when they were having their big talks after Jim admitted to having feelings for Pam, that should have let Karen knowthat after everything happened, after Jim knew the truth about the baby, well, she may not be able to talk him out of Pam any longer. As much as I despised Karen, I did feel a little sorry for her because I got the sense that this was someone clinging desperately to a relationship that in some ways never really existed. I don't think Jim ever really seemed to show Karen the guy that he showed Pam at the hotel that night. I just got the sense that Karen felt that if she bought a baby gift showing she was on board, and told him she wasn't going to be bitchy about it, and probably a whole lot more talking and suddenly she and Jim would be just fine. I was so happy to see that Jim decided finally to take charge of his life and in a sense actually come back to life. Leave behing that guy that was a shell that just listened and did as he was told. The guy who really got in the reationship with Karen because she initiated each step. Se would tell him he had othing beter to do so why not be with her and he was coasting along wondering why am didn't call by then so he just let himself be pushed and molded. She initiated te dates. Se initiated the first kiss. She it seemed took control of their first sexual encounter when Andy got him drunk that night. Add to the pressure from Karen the stuff that Mark said to him and Jim just let imself be taken along for the ride whch is vry much the way I felt our season Jim was. Gone was the great fun loving, funny guy from season 2 and instead we had this guy desperately trying to contort himself to be who Karen wanted him to be all so he wouldn't have to face up to the fact that he was very much still in love with Pam. It was great to see his caring nature come out in that he knew that what he was going to tell Karen that morning was going to upset her so he not only called off for himself, he called her off as well. That's the Jim we all know and love. I got the sens that he did it that way because he could see that Karen was barreling ahead with plans for their future and I get the sense that Jim felt it was time to simply stop it all and stop jt now. He didn't want to wait any longer and he certainly didn't want to pretend any longer. I was proud of the way you had him grow there.

Then came the happy hapy day part for me. I truly love how you worked this part out. First just Jim smiling at Pam in the morning was enough to make her take notice and really, that's kinda sad. I like though that he isn't going to waste any more time. You get the sense that he really is back to being the great guy that we all know him to be. Jim asking Pam out to lunch was a great way to start things because I just don't think they would have been able to accomplish anything in the office. I really love the little touches that show he cares and that she means something, like him sliding in the booth beside her rather than across from her. I got the sense that he had been too far away from her for too long and now he wants to be close. He wants some contact and he wants to know everything he can find out about her and the baby. The way their finges and hands were touching under the table just gave off that sense of sweetness and connection that IS Jim and Pam. It was great that they each aired their mistakes and their appologies and it was so clear that they have a strong desire to do this right now and go forth together. Y certainly get the sense that not only are they both commited to being very involved in their child's life, but that they plan to get to the point where they are doing it together as a couple and not as seperate entities. OH, I REALLY liked when Jim told Pam that the guy she first met, the one from the hotel, THAT was the real him and that he just didn't know who that guy was that had been around since he came to Scranton. Then her sharing her pregnancy notebook, really giving him the chance to get a look into the pregnancy, see what she and the baby have been through and what has been going on, that was a really great touch.

Of course my very favorite part of this chapter, the one that had me jumping up and down (okay, in reality I can't really jump up and down because of my health BUT I WAS doing it in my mind... really, I was!) The hilight of it all was Jim saying, hey Pam there's one more thing we need to settle and finally kissing her again. Then you once again worked your magic, like with the art show and after they kissed and he said you have no idea how long I've wanted to do that and she responded me too, FINALLY those words were said in happiness and you took the sting and phantom bruises of them away. THANK YOU for that.

You really and truly have such a brilliant piece of wok here, I know it is going to go down amongst my all time favorite stories. I am glad that Jim knows and is now taking responsibility because I always feel this sense of loss when I read the stories where Pam can't ring herself to tell him before the baby is born (even when I understand her reasons) because I feel such a sense of loss for him when he misses out not only on getting to jbiw the baby some during the pregnancy but I really hate et when he isn't ale to be there to see his child born. I cannot wait to see where we go next but I know that wherever it is, you keep taking us on a great ride! Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us!

Author's Response: Hey! So glad we could make your day like that. :) I figured it'd might be predictable to have Roy beat on Jim, but the I'm glad that it seemed to fit in nicely and that every time I do go along with the season I hope that I'm able to give it enough of a twist that it doesn't feel like we've read it a hundred times before. Yeah, Isabelle is a hoot, huh. I thought her interest in Dwight, while being part of canon, would make the character a little quirky and less one note, so I'm glad that's been working for you. I'm so glad you enjoyed the Karen/Jim stuff. There's a lot of interesting things packed in that small section. Way back when I started, I was originally going to keep the two of them together longer and I used Karen giving in to the fact that Jim was going to be a father as a way for them to deal with their issues. As in all writing, I changed my plans around the time I was in the mid chapters, but I kept in Karen giving Jim the baby stuff--because I think it humanized her still and it just made it all the sadder that it was going to end. Plus, I never liked that Jim just dumped her in NYC and I'm glad that I was able to give them a day to really do the break up right. I assume that a lot of time Karen was either screaming or crying and Jim just took it because he knew he deserved it and he knew Karen deserved closure. So, yay, glad you got all of that from that tiny scene! The Jim/Pam scene was great to write. I loved slowly getting them into their talk and that the small changes in Jim's demeanor meant changes were coming. I kinda wanted to get everything on the table during that talk so that they could move forward without having resentment build up. Im' so glad you liked those final words! It was kinda fun to turn that scene into something different and move them forward in the right direction. Thanks so much for the kind words, you have no idea how much I appreciate them. I hope to get more to you soon. :)

*thud* Holy moly what a chapter!! YAY! The last few lines have me sitting here with a silly smile on my face. So so so many things I loved about this chapter. I loved how you cover a few days with such great detail, it's just perfect! I adore the little hand holding under the table and I love that they're finally happy and that Jim got a wake up call. I think you chose a good bunch of phrases for Roy to shout at him to get Jim to really get a handle on what he should be doing. And again, the end? Ah-may-zing! It's seriously the first time that phrase hasn't made my stomach turn. I love that Pam has a pregnancy notebook. I do have one question though, didn't Pam leave him a message? I guess she just decided not to bring it up and go with the flow, which is smart of her to do, just start fresh and move forward. Love it, and I'm sad that you say that this is almost done. I can't wait to see what you have in store next for this fabulous story.

Author's Response: Aww, thanks so much! I like the hand holding too, thought it was a sweet, basic movement in the right direction. Yeah, I loved using the Roy punching scene as a way for Jim to literally get knocked in the head. I'm so glad the end meant so much to you. (and to think...those were kinda an afterthought I stuck on there.) Yes, Pam did call him...I keep glossing over that. But I figure its such a small point that it can be left dropped, cause in the long run it doesn't matter. :)

*fangirl flail*

I like how you changed the fight to allow Roy to connect and give Jim the smack upside the head he needed.  Nice job  ;o)

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I have the biggest smile on my face... OMG! This chapter made me so happy!

Author's Response: YAY! So glad this made you happy! Thanks for reading!!

Like so many, I have been enjoying this story and eagerly awaiting updates, and hats off to you for it.  And yet, I guess I am finally only submitting a review to complain.  (What a jerk!)  While I don't object to the slow movement in terms of bringing Jim and Pam together, I have to admit I find Jim's passivity regarding his child to be OOC:  This:

“Do you know her due date?”

“No.”

“How’s the baby’s health?”

“I don’t know.”

“Is she going to let you have joint custody?”

“I don’t know,”

There are plenty of men out there who could know they were having a child and not be bothered to find out the due date or check up that everything was okay, but I don't see Jim Halpert as one of them.  Uncertainty about wanting a life with Pam is one thing, but I do think he would be more actively interested in his offspring even if he hadn't figured out he wanted to be with the mom.