s t r o n g e r

Unpacking and realizing you have simultaneously too much and not enough stuff. It’s brutal. I’m glad you’re settling in okay. I’m not sure I can help with pediatrician stuff, but you might want to ask Sophie and Joe. Willa is about Khai’s age, I think. 

Too much of the stuff you don’t need and not enough of essential things, like bedsheets or blankets, that was me. I had to run to Ikea to get some more covers, it was cold as fuck. I’ll keep it in mind and ask them, but so far, this doctor has been great. Yeah, I think they are. 

I could! Don’t think I’ll be running out and doing that right this second, feel like just coming off an annulment, moving to a new place, adding in a child might seem like I’m trying to make too many changes at once. Still, it’s something I want someday so should I need there’s always other options! Did you end up having a nice Thanksgiving with your daughter’s father and husband? Mean it’s not conventional but sometimes those families work best. 

Children are a lifetime decision, so while you still adjust to everything, you’re more than welcome to come and cure all your baby needs with mine, she loves meeting new people. I did! It was kinda weird at first but honestly, Khai was with his dad, and I hadn’t seen him this happy in a very long time, so all the awkwardness very easily melted away like butter on a turkey.

that sounds like a lot, and kind of makes me thankful i don’t have any children right now. i’ve been discussing children with my wife recently, and as much as i want to be a father i’m glad i didn’t have to make this move here with a small child. i imagine it would have been a thousand times more stressful. at least you were able to find a good one. you know now that you can scratch one thing off your ‘to do’ list. the hardest part for me has been being away from the city. i miss new york every day, but it’s been a good adjustment.

It was a lot of work, but you know, getting to sit on my new backyard with my daughter and play with the grass and look at the little birds on the trees... It very quickly makes you forget about all the stress and all the work. That’s the thing about kids, they make you work for that smile, but once they do smile, you forget about all the work so quickly. Yeap, we’re happy with that doctor and hopefully we stay with them for a long time. Oooh you’re a city guy, I miss New York too sometimes. Especially for work, I miss being so close to everything. 

Yeah, she was born in March, so she’s 8 months now. Yeah, just let me know if you end up needing to use mine. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you don’t though. It’s always good when they get along with the doctors though. We definitely have and I feel anytime I’ve tried to go talk to you one of us ended up getting whisked away. The downside of those red carpet events, I guess. At least now we’ve got a quiet little town here to finally get to know each other. Oh no, there’s plenty of amazing things to do and eat in this town. It’s perfect.

Aww so little, but also so close to the one year mark, you ready for that? Thanks, I’ll keep you in the loop. If you ever need a change in yours, you can hit me up too. Yeah, you know, I think people think we get to talk in red carpets or events but it’s just a lot of posing, posing, saying hi and getting dragged for more posing, and inside if you’re in a table, you’re just talking with the people you’re seated with. Perfect, can’t wait. Ooohh I’m such a Taurus, you won me over with things to eat.

Because of me?! I can believe it, but I’m so happy to have you hear. You can totally just move in. I know the cats wont mind, and I’m ready to have a days long sleepover with you two. We’re good. Still on a Red high, and all that, but me and the cat’s are doing well.

Totally because of you. I also wanted a quiet place to raise Khai away from cameras, and closer to her dad, but all of that is like, 2%. The rest is you. Please, I want kitty cuddles and Taylor cuddles asap. I mean, how could you not be on a Red high, that album blew the whole world up, babe!

I can’t believe we’re roommates! I’ve missed you so much Gigi. How have you been?! Can I say I love the new hair? @gigihadxd​

Oh my God, how much I’ve missed you, you’ve got no idea baby! Thank you, thank you very much, I’m really digging the red for now. Your brunette moment on the red carpet had me swooning, babes.

Hi, doll! I can’t say that I hear you on the whole baby thing as I don’t have any-but I know many of my friends do and they say it’s absolutely crazy. I think what you mentioned is the hardest thing of moving-finding everything new again. I mean, okay, it’s silly because what you said is super important but I had to find a new nail salon! First world problems, I know. Also, we’re roommates in Seattle and should definitely have some fun!

It’s definitely a little bit wild, but I’m sure you’ll get to experiencing all of this wonderful thing if you want to. I know right? I labeled the boxes, but like, in which of all my boxes labeled “bedroom” are my pillowcases and my sleep mask? You know? Hey, nails are important. Especially if you do acrylic or gel nails, you need a good spot to keep them right. I know! I’ve been having so much fun, I’m glad my mom could come and stay with Khai for the weekend, I’d almost forgotten how to not be a mom for a bit.

The age of exploring everything, I remember it well. It seems like only yesterday that shilo, Knox and Vivienne were that age but are now all teenagers, where did that time go? Did you have a good Thanksgiving? It’s sort of scary how quick it came back round again. Sorry I’m waffling, blame lack of sleep and having a newborn.

Wow, all teenagers? I can’t imagine how Khai will be as a teen... Something tells me wild and crazy like her parents, my little girl. I did! It was really nice, spend some time with Khai’s dad and his family, it was a bit odd at first but honestly, Zayn’s so happy I couldn’t give a damn. Congratulations on the new addition to the family. 

aw that’s my girl, she loves her sleep. we raised her right for sure. i am also so excited about it. and i know misha’s kids are superstoked that she will always be here whenever they come visit because they absolutely adore her. we’re doing good, thanks! working on the house a lot and all but we’re good. thanks for popping over for a bit for thanksgiving!

Like mother like daughter, always finding a good place for a nap, for sure. I can’t wait until the two families merge together, I can’t wait to like, properly meet him and hang out and everything. And I’m glad you two are doing good. Of course! Thank you so much for having me over, moving through the holidays was a bit crazy but I felt very much at home with you guys.

Of course! I know of a nice place where we can go. Freddie is very excited to meet her but I’ll remind him to be nice and easy.

Khai’s really easy going so I’m sure she’s gonna have no issue in hanging out with him. I’m excited to see Freddie, I haven’t seen him in so long.

I had no involvement in the move we made so I’m keeping my mouth shut so I don’t end up being killed in my sleep for putting my foot in my mouth. Not that I didn’t want to but work kept me away. Damn I never really thought of all that change for a parent. Did everything go ok today at least? I’d say trying to get used to everything, for me. I’ve moved twice in the last few months and I’m not a big fan of change so it’s been a lot… but I’ll get over it eventually. 

If your partner is the one who did all the work minus the heavy lifting, it’s better if you’re keeping your mouth shut, hun, doing yourself a favor. I’m kidding though, but you know, work is work. It’s a lot of changes, and not only for the parent but for the kid too. I’m lucky Khai’s really young and very easygoing, I can’t imagine doing all this with like, a four year old who has to go to pre-k and like, friends and new places and everything, K’s just turned one. Wow, that’s a lot of moving... Work moves? 

Can imagine that would be just the case. No partner but you know, the magic of science you don’t even need to have a partner these days to have a baby! Guess that could always be an option too. True, brand does play a huge part in it. There’s brands of barbecue sauce that I can’t stand but love it in general. Are you going to be celebrating Thanksgiving today? 

Absolutely! I shouldn’t have even discarded that, you could go and adopt a child who needs a home right this second if you wanted to. I am! My ex and his husband, I know, very weird but he’s also my baby’s dad, they invited me into their Thanksgiving so that’ll be a fun experience. 

Nothing wrong with that, maybe you’ll inspire me to take more of that “never be too prepared” mindset. As much as some might consider different, I’m not someone who tends to go with worst case scenarios but maybe in general things I should be a bit more prepared. Think that’s the biggest thing, knowing there’s so many different methods of parenting. Not even that, but that each child is different. How you parent once child might not work for your next. It’s continually changing. My parents were pretty great but there’s definite things I won’t be doing with my son compared to what the did, and that’s no shame to them. Yes, nine months. He’s getting big, can’t believe he’ll be ten months old soon enough. Bloody wonderful isn’t it? Knowing you can take your kid out without photographers hounding you through the streets. Paparazzi have managed to snag a few photos of my son and it’s maddening that they just have no sense of privacy. Looking forward to being able to let Oliver play and not continually worrying about who is attempting to get a picture. 

It’s not about worse case scenarios, but I guess that is a bit involved, just thinking about what could happen, you gotta go there to consider it. Maybe I need to learn to be a bit more like you too, let things ebb and flow as they may. Absolutely, I don’t know if I’ll be having another one anytime soon, but you learn as you go. I know, before you know it, you’ll be heading out to buy a big 1 candle and crying at the store while you pay for it. Honestly, it’s been my number one priority. Back when New York started getting too much for us, even before Khai was born, I moved to my parents’ farm in Pennsylvania just to give her the privacy she deserved while also being able to interact with other living things besides me and her pram. Oliver, what a nice name.

It’s a hassle, isn’t it? I don’t have my kids full-time, so I don’t have to worry about it too much anymore, but back in the day, it was always a nightmare when we had to change anything for any reason. At least the kids are adaptable but the parents? Not so much. You know Z and I are always available to help as well. I love Khai like she’s my own. Speaking of you and Khai, the two of you should come over today for Thanksgiving if you don’t have any plans. I’m cooking for just Zayn, Jensen and I and I wasn’t sure if Z had mentioned anything. Our door is always open for you. How’s settling in going? 

It’s a lot of little hoops and arches you gotta go over and under, but you know the little ones, they make everything worth the while. I know, and I would leave her with you in a heartbeat anytime I need, you both know that. He didn’t, but I didn’t have much planned seeing as I’d just moved in, I was probably gonna crash at Nikki’s, but you know what, I’d love to. Nothing better than to spend a day like today surrounded by loved ones. Settling in is going great, we’ve got the whole house at least 80% done, Khai’s room is looking good and she likes the backyard, so it’s all peachy.

aw gi, you didn’t have to go through that much trouble. you know we’re happy to take her for a day, even if it means hanging out at the park. but i’m happy you are here, and that khai’s here! it will be so lovely to have you a little bit closer. are you settling in okay? 

It’s alright, we did pretty fine. I had her on the carrier on my chest all day and she slept through it, a total breeze. I’m glad we’re here too, I’m excited to have her spend more time with her dad, and get to spend more time with you as well. I’m doing good, thankfully, how are you and Mish?