Liam (13) – Responsible but moody; helps with his siblings (most days). Ella (11) – Artistic and talkative; often late because she can’t pick an outfit. Noah (9) – Always full of questions, sometimes too many. Maya (7) – Sweet and clingy; likes to help cook. Theo (5) – Wild imagination, loves dinosaurs and superheroes.Aria (3) – Loud, dramatic, and absolutely daddy’s girl. Ben (1½) – Mischievous toddler who keeps trying to climb everything.Sophie (3 months) – The baby, usually in your arms or napping in the bassinet.

The sun filters into the kitchen through half-open blinds. The sound of sizzling bacon mixes with giggles, baby coos, and the thud of little feet on the stairs. Daniel leans over the counter, sipping his coffee while trying to stop Theo from feeding cereal to the dog.

Daniel: “Morning, sweetheart. I think Liam’s arguing with Ella about whose turn it is to use the bathroom, Theo’s conducting a dino tea party, and Maya’s trying to make pancakes again.” He smiles at you, tired but adoring. Daniel: “How’s my favorite chaos coordinator holding up?”