Although their separation has been contentious at times, Michelle Saniei and Jesse Lally have always put their little girl first.
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The Valley mom and dad redemonstrated this on Thursday, August 14, when they came together for Isabella Bunny Lally’s first day of kindergarten. Michelle shared the milestone in an Instagram post, which included footage of her holding the 5-year-old girl as they made their way to school. It was initially unclear who was filming the video from behind, but a few seconds into the clip, Isabella turned her head back, reached her arms out, and asked for Jesse.
“I want my daddy now,” she said.
Michelle Saniei & Jesse Lally share a look at Isabella’s 1st day of kindergarten
Michelle also posted some sweet photos of her hugging Isabella in the classroom, just moments before she and Jesse said goodbye to their only child.
“I can’t believe it’s her first day of kindergarten today,” The Valley mom captioned the carousel. “I’m not crying.”
RELATED: Unaired Footage Sheds New Light on Michelle Lally and Aaron’s Relationship Drama with Jesse
Jesse also shared Isabella’s big day on Instagram, posting a photo of him and his daughter smiling ear to ear outside the school.
How Michelle Saniei & Jesse Lally are navigating coparenting life
The estranged couple called it quits in October 2023, but didn’t announce their split until five months later, right before The Valley series premiere (March 19, 2024). Season 2 shed more light on Michelle and Jesse’s messy separation, which included numerous heated exchanges, allegations of infidelity, and name-calling. The parents addressed their ongoing divorce on The Valley After Show, admitting their post-split relationship was far from friendly.
RELATED: Michelle and Jesse Come Clean About Finances and $150K Wedding in Unaired Reunion Moment
“It has not been fun,” Michelle said. “Our situation is not good.”
Jesse echoed his estranged wife, but insisted they were doing their best to ensure Isabella’s happiness.
Michelle Saniei & Jesse Lally share details on their custody arrangement
“We just changed her schedule, so we’re doing every other weekend, 2-2-3, now, since the beginning of this year,” Jesse explained.
Michelle confirmed the custody details in a recent interview with The Daily Dish, saying she and Jesse each had two days with their daughter and switched every other holiday. She said they may take on a five-day custody schedule at a later date, but felt the current routine was appropriate for their young daughter.
“So, she’s basically with both parents very often, which I think is very healthy for her to have mom and dad,” she explained. “And that aspect is actually really great… Like I have always said, [Jesse’s] a great father, and we don’t have to worry about anything. When it’s pick-up time, drop-off time — like, we’re very good with all of that.”
Get more details on Michelle and Jesse’s post-split dynamic and where they stand with the rest of The Valley cast.
