Packed to the Rafters

- Season 3

(2010)

As Julie recovers in hospital after the birth of baby Ruby, she reflects on how simple Ruby's life is at the moment, while her adult children juggle the complexities of theirs.

Julie's confidence as a mum takes a beating when baby Ruby resists Julie's attempts to breastfeed. Newly single Nathan hits the town with Carbo, and Ben can't help feeling left out.

With all seemingly at peace in the Rafter house, Dave wrestles whether to tell mother Chel that the love of her life, his father Tom Jennings is alive.

Ben is plagued with unexpected doubts about his ability in the sack, while a miscommunication between Dave and Julie in the bedroom department sends her into a frenzy of frustration.

Ted struggles with feelings of worthlessness when, coming home from a movie, he and Chel are attacked by a gang of teenage girls. Ashamed he couldn't protect Chel and feeling marginalised by the world, Ted begins to retreat into himself.

Rachel is forced to deal with the fallout when Alex reacts badly to the many changes that have taken place in the Barton household in his absence.

Julie has been uncharacteristically disconnected from the daily goings on of her family, focusing entirely on Ruby. But when Dave reveals the crushing news that he has been rejected as a kidney donor, Julie forces herself to re-engage.

Nathan is forced to question his motives for wanting to donate a kidney, triggering a crisis of confidence. Will he be able to put his demons to rest and in doing so, save Chel's life?

Someone's watching the Rafter house - and the surprise culprit leads to Dave and Nathan meeting Dave's dad Tom in prison for the first time.

Ben is forced to step outside his comfort zone when a moral stand clashes with workplace politics. Julie steps out of her comfort zone too by joining a local mother's group.

Rachel rides the ups and downs of happiness, struggling to find it in the frenetic pace of life. But will her choices have future repercussions for her relationship with her family and Jake?

Nathan faces a life-changing moment of truth - the operation to donate a kidney to his grandmother. With only three days to go until the procedure, Chel's need to put her affairs in order inspires Nathan to write letters to his family.

Julie explores the principle of "live and let live" as she struggles to implement the philosophy in various areas of their lives. A possum has taken up residence in the Rafter roof, keeping the family up with its nocturnal activities.

Dave Rafter prides himself on being easy going and uncomplicated. He knows himself and life is going well - or so he thought.

When Melissa feels queasy during dinner, Ben immediately assumes she is pregnant and is beside himself with excitement.

Dave's money and work woes are stressing him out, so Julie offers to help the business by doing accounts, freeing Nathan up to do some light labouring.

Ted returns with renewed spark from a rejuvenating break, only to find all is not well with his family.

A wild night in Kings Cross teaches Nathan not to judge a book by its cover.

Rachel takes a crash course in remembering to breathe as she juggles a toxic workplace and an estranged boyfriend. Something's got to give.

What Rachel would love more than anything is a holiday with Jake. Unbeknown to her, Jake takes the hint and takes time off - but before he can spring the surprise, Rachel gets a call from former boss Paul Morgan offering her job back.

Julie and Dave struggle to help their family rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the devastating tragedy as additional support comes from unlikely quarters.

With Christmas and Ruby's first birthday fast approaching, Dave searches for the words to put himself and his family back on track. Dave is struggling with his own demons. Julie gently convinces him to give therapy another try.