In the hit TV show Friends, Chandler Bing and Monica Geller are one of the main couples. Their relationship spans seasons 5-10 of the show, during which they date, get engaged, marry, and start a family together. One of the big storylines for Chandler and Monica is their journey to parenthood, which ultimately leads them to adopt twins.
Chandler and Monica’s Desire for Children
Early in their relationship, having children is established as something that is important to both Chandler and Monica. Monica in particular is shown to have always dreamed of being a mom. Some key moments where this desire for a family is demonstrated include:
- In season 7, when Chandler first proposes, they talk about how many kids they each want. Monica says she’s always pictured herself with kids, while Chandler says he never saw himself as a dad until he met and fell in love with Monica.
- In season 9, when they get married, Monica makes it clear in her vows that she is looking forward to raising a family together. Chandler also makes references to kids in his vows.
- In season 9, Monica considers becoming a surrogate for her brother Ross and his wife Rachel when they have trouble conceiving. This shows how eager she is to carry a child.
So both Chandler and Monica establish early on in their relationship that having children together is something they both want.
Chandler and Monica Try to Conceive
In seasons 9 and 10, Chandler and Monica are shown actively trying to conceive a child together after their wedding. Some key moments around their attempts to get pregnant include:
- In season 9, they struggle to find opportunities to have sex while honeymooning with Ross and Rachel.
- Monica tracks her ovulation cycle and her “fertile days” on a calendar in their apartment.
- Chandler’s sperm count is tested and determined to be low, causing them concern.
- They try positions like “the dinosaur” on Rachel’s advice to help conception.
- Monica gets upset each month when pregnancy tests come back negative.
Despite actively trying, Monica does not get pregnant right away, causing frustration for them as a couple. This leads them to start considering adoption as another option.
Chandler and Monica Decide to Adopt
After about a year of unsuccessfully trying to conceive, Monica and Chandler decide to look into adopting a child. Key moments around their adoption process include:
- In season 10, they meet with an adoption agency counselor to discuss the birth mother approval process.
- They are advised to create a video profile introducing themselves that can be shown to potential birth mothers.
- They film an emotional video where they share their love story and hopes of raising a child in a happy home.
- The agency presents them with a book of expectant women’s profiles to consider, but none feel like the right fit.
- Chandler and Monica are approved by the agency and told it may take years until they are selected by a birth mother.
Despite being approved, the long wait time makes them discouraged about the chances of actually adopting a baby.
Erica Picks Chandler and Monica
In season 10, a pregnant woman named Erica is introduced. She selects Chandler and Monica’s profile from the agency’s book. Key moments around Erica’s choice include:
- Erica is impressed by how much love Chandler and Monica express for each other in their adoption video.
- Chandler and Monica meet with Erica and connect with her over both feeling like outsiders in their youth.
- Erica chooses them because she feels they will provide a nurturing home with lots of love.
- Chandler and Monica are overjoyed when Erica informs them she wants them to adopt her baby.
After months of waiting, Erica agreeing to let them adopt her child is a dream come true for them.
The Surprise Arrival of Twins
In the series finale, Erica goes into labor and Chandler and Monica rush to the hospital. They are in for a big surprise when it is revealed that Erica is actually having twins – a boy and a girl. Key moments around the birth include:
- Chandler and Monica are shocked when two babies are delivered instead of one.
- They name the boy Jack after Monica’s dad, and the girl Erica after the birth mom.
- The emotional birth scene juxtaposes with Monica and Chandler’s wedding vows.
- They proudly introduce the twins to the rest of the Friends group after delivery.
The arrival of twins is unexpected but joyous, and Chandler and Monica become the proud parents of baby Jack and Erica in the finale.
Conclusion
Over the course of Chandler and Monica’s relationship, starting a family goes from a hope and dream to a reality. Though they struggle with infertility, going through the adoption process allows their dream of becoming parents to come true. The surprise twist of adopting twins in the finale gives their storybook ending a final magical touch. Their journey to adopt mirrors the growth in their relationship – overcoming obstacles through patience and love. In the finale, Chandler tells Monica, “You got the babies, I got you”, summing up how family makes their life together complete.