You'd think the guy from in front of the daycare might have realized, if he saw the documentary, that Jim and Pam weren't together back then, so they couldn't exactly have anticipated having a child together. But after this week at work, especially, I am well aware that there are no limits to how stupid people can be.

Jim felt a little unfamiliar in part of this chapter. I realize he's feeling frustrated about a difficult time in his life being dredged up, but even so I don't see him yelling at Cece for drawing on the walls. He's generally more of a calmly take care of it type of guy. I can see him calmly reminding her that a wall is not a coloring book, then stripping her to her diaper and making her help him wash the wall.

I liked Pam saying it was kind of fun to see them so long ago, and though I agree with Jim that they certainly wouldn't go back, I'd love to see them enjoying the blast from the past a little, maybe teasing each other about various instances of oblivion. After all, they did live happily ever after and it was a long time ago, so those wounds must have healed by now, no?

Oh, and for a specific reference, seeing them watch the Dundies kiss would be very fun. Just sayin'...

Author's Response: Thanks for the feedback, andtheivy! Yeah, there are some dense people out there just like the couple at daycare. You're right, there is no limit to the level of stupidity some people exude in this world. Sorry you didn't see Jim as clearly in this chapter. In our minds, they're not perfect people, and dealing with a toddler, while trying to get dinner on the table, after a stressful day, when your other half is not home to be your buffer, can be stressful. I've seen with my cousins, mild mannered and very sweet 99% of the time, but if they have to repeat themselves to their child when they've specifically told them not to do something, well, child gets yelled at a bit. Pam did give out the punishment, to be fair, Jim just wanted her to stop drawing on the wall. And now, she'll learn not to do that ever again. Jim (and Pam) do have the potential to be upset and lose their temper from time to time. Thank you very much for the compliment on how we've handled their reaction to things from years past. As we go, we'll be getting into their reaction to very specific instances of their younger years. The next chapter is underway, and will feature them watching that famed kiss! Thanks so much for the feedback again, it really means a lot. Stay tuned and hope you'll let us know what you think about the next chapter.

Well this is an intriguing beginning. I'm looking forward to what happens next.
I like that you have Jim and Pam being a normal married couple, having their little moments of disagreement. There's the stability that it's okay if they get on each other's nerves a tad. I really appreciate stories where they are portrayed as real and this seems like it will be one of those. Excited to see what comes next.

Author's Response: Thanks, we're glad that the concept of them being a normal married couple has come through here, that they're just doing their thing together, and we're really happy that this seems real so far. We will continue to make sure that we keep things at that level and bring you a story that you'll be entertained by. Glad you're along with us on our journey, we're really excited about writing this, and have already begun to piece together the next chapter. Stay tuned, and please do let us know what you think of the next chapter.

Good for Jim for not backing down. I was cheering him on. I'll be honest, I'm still a bit iffy as to whether Pam would really be so put out by people having ill responses to something that happened so long ago, but you've chosen to go that route in your story and you're executing your choice in a really lovely way, so I can certainly appreciate it. And you added an element I am still waiting for on the show: I want to hear Jim refer to Pam as "my wife." I don't know why, I just want to hear it. Looking forward to what happens next!

Author's Response: Hey, Ivy! Thanks for the review! We don't think Pam was upset by what was in the letter, moreso then she was at the fact that letter was written in the first place. We don't think Pam or Jim are bothered that much by what happened in the past, just the fact that people a) judge them by it and b) feel the need to keep bringing it up. Plus, wouldn't you be upset if someone randomly sent you letter telling you you suck? Anyway, we love Jim calling Pam his wife too. Don't know why they haven't put that in the show yet. I'm still waiting for Pam to call Jim her husband as well. Thanks again, hope you enjoy what's coming next!

I love the line about them staring at each other a moment too long.

And I agree with your assessment that Jim is a breast man.

Is it too much to hope that maybe something like this will show up in a deleted scene?

Oops, yeah, just noticed this is a one-shot. Okay, going to campaign for you to keep it going.

Very sweet. I really like that you have Jim "refusing to romanticize" the sleepless nights. And of course Cece has Jim wrapped around her finger. But it's sweet that he doesn't think he's the perfect dad. I bet Pam and Cece think he is.

Author's Response: Thanks so much andtheivy! So many stories have Jim and Pam romanticizing this notion of bringing home Cecelia, and anyone whose been around an infant knows that it's simply not the case. It's hard for about 4-6 months. Thank you so much for the review, I simply loving hearing what you have to say. And you're right...Jim is the perfect Dad to Cece and Pam :)

Wow, little Cece is so insightful. I can see that, just like her mother. How lucky Jim is to have children who love him so much. I'm curious to see how this story continues.

Author's Response: Thanks, andtheivy. Yeah, CeCe is a lot like Pam without the insecurities, and Daniel may be heading down the same path as his dad. Which is what Jim is afraid of. I appreciate your taking time to review.

I don't know how you managed to make a line that includes "torn scrotums" sound like something out of a fairy tale, but you did.

This is just perfect DrunkJim and I love that Pam was endeared yet still pissed.

Author's Response: tahaha...oh torn scrotums. I tried. :) great to hear from you andtheivy, i'm glad you liked it!

Very cute! And I can see Pam wanting Jim to dress as Santa and him not wanting to do so. Must say, I hope Pam was planning to keep her "outfit Santa would definitely approve of" under wraps (literally) until after the Christmas picture was taken. The image of Cece with skinny Santa Daddy and Sexy Elf Momma is a little too much for my brain.

Author's Response: Haha I think Pam's too anxious about Cece's first Christmas to spice up a bit the family Christmas picture. But later, when alone in Santa, who knows what happened? :D Thanks for the review!

I really enjoyed this. It was a good moment of them connecting, but took it slow. I also like that you have Karen being nice to Pam. The only thing that threw me is Karen asking if Angela got narky. These characters are so definitively middle-class American that when fic writers have a Britishism coming out of one of their mouths, it takes me out of the story for a minute. But I appreciated the sentiment of the question.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Author's Response: Thanks, andtheivy - glad you enjoyed it. But oh man, I knew I'd slip up with the dialogue somewhere! I'm Australian. (Should probably enlist the help of a beta to iron those things out in future.) Thanks for pointing it out, and for your review. Next chapter coming very soon.

Okay, can I just say how much I would love to actually be able to do this? Not the leaving a fiance part, but taking off for anywhere with my guy. I love how you've managed to cover so much ground in so few words. There's a real art to that, to saying very little but managing to tell a huge story. So well done.