A Girl's Garden--A Farmacy Story (COMPLETED)

[mpart]

I love seeing how much Brooke has grown! She's so adorable with Jerad. I'm excited to see what baby Summer looks like. 

[Sonshine]

I also love your update.  

[deedee_828]

I love seeing how much Brooke has grown! She's so adorable with Jerad. I'm excited to see what baby Summer looks like. 

I also love your update.  

Thanks guys! I'm always excited to see what the nooboos look like as toddlers. And the game surprises me a lot!

[deedee_828]

The morning of Summer's birthday dawns clear and sunny so we take advantage of it and head out to tend the garden.

Summer had a restless night, so I'm not planning her party 'til a bit later in the day.

But one of my plants died and I was so sad I almost cried! Over a plant!

I know I've come a long way but crying over a plant seems a bit much, it even made my stomach feel queasy.



Jerad said I probably just needed some food on my stomach since we hadn't eaten breakfast yet.

That sounded reasonable, so I headed into the house but went to the nursery to check on Summer first.

She wasn't sleeping but seemed content in her crib.

But my loving gaze is abruptly diverted by a change of clothes.



Maternity clothes!

Looks like Summer's biggest present is going to be being a big sister soon!

I'm a little shocked at how soon but it certainly explains my over-emotional display over a plant.

And the queasiness.

As I rub my tummy tenderly over our expected nooboo, I hope this one is a boy!



With all my maternal instincts kicking into overdrive, I share my giddiness with Summer.

She giggles and coos as I play with her and tell her she's going to have a baby brother or sister soon.



Food forgotten, I smile as I head outside to share my news with Jerad.



Jerad was just as surprised and happy as I was to learn of our coming child.

He was still tired from our restless night though, so he went in to clean up and catch a nap.

My gardening skill had increased so I planted some of my level 5 seeds and produce.

I happily survey our growing garden and realize with a smile that's it's not the only thing growing bigger, but our family is too!



I'm so caught up in my thoughts I'm a bit startled when our guests start arriving for Summer's birthday.

I greet them and tell them to head on into the house as I'm just finishing up my last few plantings.

I took a chance and invited Jerad's ex Lorie Haras, Culver now, as she met and married Charles Culver not long after Jerad broke up with her and moved in with me.

They have a child too, a son a little younger than Summer.

I was relieved that she rebounded from Jerad so quickly since it alleviated some of my guilt about being responsible for that.

But I smile as I overhear her deny her vampirism to Jack.

She'd confessed to Jerad about being one, which is one of the things that made him leery of her, but apparently she wasn't ready to have it be public knowledge yet.

I'm tempted to blurt out the truth, and not that long ago I wouldn't have hesitated.

But do I really want a vampire as an enemy?

I'm not proud of it but it was more that idea than being nice that prompts me to hold my tongue.



When I get inside, I find Jerad awake from his nap and playing with Summer, getting in his last cuddles with her as a baby.



But he lets me do the honors of bringing her to the cake.



The guests have trouble all entering through our one door so most of them watch from the doorway and front stoop.

I carefully place Summer on the floor and make a mental note that we need a back or side entrance the next time we do some remodeling so guests have other options.

Jerad is too busy waving a party maker to notice the lack of guests in the kitchen.



And Summer becomes a toddler with my red hair!

I'd been thinking of her as blonde so long that I'm shocked but then I realize she looks just like me as a toddler.

Jerad is thrilled and pops a wish for another girl as he says he'll never tire of being surround by beautiful women!

I can't help but be a little swayed by the compliment, after all my Diva heart just agrees with him.

I am beautiful and so is our daughter!

But I still keep my wish for a boy.



I quickly pop her into one of the cute green outfits mother had sent us and do her hair up with the matching bows.

I take a quick photo and send it off to her grandparents.



She happily plays with the new doll she received from them.



But I interrupt her play time with her first potty training.

She looks a bit puzzled as to what she's supposed to be doing, but I give her a little time to figure it out as my thoughts dwell on the coming baby.

With that event happening so soon, Jerad and I will need to focus on Summer's toddler skills even more.

I'm suddenly daunted by the prospect of caring for our growing garden along with two children!



The guests have happily eaten all the cake while I was busy with Summer and then they all head home.

Probably one of the lamest parties they've ever been invited to or I've ever given honestly.

But I'm too tired to care. Much.

In fact, Jerad took one look at my exhausted face and sent me to take a nap and told me to stop worrying.

He tells me he's perfectly capable of taking care of Summer and shows it by scooping her up for a quick cuddle.



As I head for our room, I hear them laughing as he plays 'Attack of the Claw' with her.

Through my weariness I realize he's right, he's a great dad and I need to stop worrying.



After my restoring nap, I wake to find Jerad coaxing Summer to take her first steps.



I smile as she resists at first, plopping down stubbornly on her bottom.



But a perfectionist doesn't give up that easily and soon she's taking her first wobbly steps!



But Summer's getting tired so Jerad tries his hand at potty training.

She's learning quickly and when her daddy tells her what a big girl she's getting to be, her grin and smiling eyes just light up her sweet face!



Then after a quick cuddle he pops her in her crib.

She doesn't protest too much so we know she's ready for bedtime.



The next morning I'm feeling a bit better and call my parents with our baby news.

Mother was surprised I'd even considered having another child, let alone so soon, but I can tell she's happy for us.

I'm a little reluctant to tell daddy that with two children it's going to be hard to make much progress with the growing garden, but I confess my worries and he shocks me with his next words.

He tells me it's not the garden that's important, but ME!

I was his concern all along and it was never really about the garden or if it failed or succeeded.

It was about me learning to focus on something besides shopping and partying, having a real, balanced life.

Something for me to take to pride in and realize my own self worth!

He says it was his fault for giving me too much growing up and not teaching me true life values and skills.

That he was so busy giving me a rich life he forgot to give me the most important things, a strong foundation of love and support.

A firm foundation to build my life on and continue growing and feeling like a worthwhile part of a family, a community.

He wasn't angry at me at all, but with himself for not being a good father, for not seeing what was happening before I became a young adult and was floundering.

Before he rings off he tells me not to worry about the garden, to let it grow and produce in it's own time, to balance good healthy work with fun and family time and enjoy my new life.

And more than anything else, to know that he and mother love me and have never felt prouder of the me they knew I could be.

That I am!



With daddy's words ringing in my ears, I feel so proud of what I've accomplished, first on my own, then with Jerad by my side.

I quickly shower and dress for the day and with a renewed energy and a much lighter spirit, I scoop up Summer and encourage her to take the last few steps she needs to master walking.



But I remember daddy's words about being balanced and I want to start Summer off right.

Since she worked so hard and learned to walk so quickly, she needs some play time.

And I know I made the right decision when she grabs a block, smiles at me and a laughs with delight!



After her play time, I bring her to the potty again and she master's that too!

Daddy was so right about everything and I dismissed him for so long, thought he was just trying to ruin my life.

It's focusing on the little things, building on a foundation of love, and everything else will follow in it's time.

As Summer focuses on her toddler skills and masters them one by one, with play time in between and lots of love and cuddles, she'll grow to be the person she's meant to be.

And so will this new little one. One step, one skill, at a time. With lots of love and cuddles in between.



Summer's learning her toddler skills and will be a big sister soon.

Me, I've learned a lot this past week.

About my husband and our child, about my parents, but especially about myself.

I know I have a lot more to learn but I'm actually looking forward to it!

Join me in Chapter 7: Growing Garden, Growing Family
Coming soon.

[KRae]

This is such a sweet story. Do you possibly have the hopeless romantic trait yourself?

[deedee_828]

I love romantic gestures in RL so probably so. But I'm actually a Bookworm and Frugal, so the grand romantic gestures that I read about in novels are totally tempered by my desire for a bargain! Of course for my rich sims, the grander the gesture the better!

[deedee_828]

And predictably, our 2nd child arrives in the middle of the night!



And Jerad freaks out just like the first time.

Maybe even worse!



I was better prepared for the pains this time, and I kept all my comments to myself.

But it wasn't easy. It really hurt!



But then I gave one last strong push that made my eyes bug out.

And I know I squealed loud enough to wake half the town!


But all of my efforts seem like nothing when I hold our son, Carter, in my arms!

Jerad decided Cartwright was too big a mouth full for any kid to bear and liked the shorter version.

We both think he's perfect, our little Loner, Who Loves the Outdoors.



Jerad's so sweet, he sent me off to rest and he took over.

Feeing Carter his first bottle.



Then cuddling him and getting to know his son.



But once Carter was taken care of, Jerad spends time with Summer teaching her all about gardening!



And fishing! They practiced words for so long, she almost mastered talking in one session.



I left them to it and rested after my nap, spent some time with our new son.



But Jerad knows the importance of balance and play time and loves playing Attack of the Claw with Summer.

I smile when I hear their laughter and tell Jerad I'm going to go out while the sun's shining and check our plants.

He tells me not to overdue as he tickles Summer again.

I silently thank the powers that be for sending me, who used to be the queen of thoughtlessness, such a considerate and caring man.

(I've learned a bit so I only consider myself to be the princess of thoughtlessness now!)



Our garden is growing and we've even invested in a sprinkler that's saving lots of watering time when it doesn't rain.



Jerad never takes me for granted either.

He thanks me for cooking, though I've not improved much.



And for cleaning as he knows just how much I hate it!

Just having him acknowledge my efforts makes me realize what a special man he is as I know he cleans a lot more than I do.



And I let him know just how much I love and appreciate him!



So much so that it makes me wonder if Summer's going to be a big sister again!



I try to keep my mind occupied with other thoughts.

Like teaching Summer about cooking. Well, the little I know of it!



And keeping her life balanced by taking care of herself with a spa day now and then.

Spa days I know!

And I tell her how we can have mommy and daughter time when she's old enough.



Then Jerad rocks Summer to sleep with Carter resting nearby.



And I spend a little more time in the garden.

I'm keeping Daddy's words in mind about being balanced, but somehow, now that I know the garden was never a punishment, it means a lot more to me and I want to keep it up as best as I can.



But when I get near the spicier plants, I can't deny what I've suspected.



This same queasiness is something I've felt twice before!



And the next morning my suspicions are confirmed.

Baby #3 is on the way!



Jerad went out early to drop off our latest crop at the consignment store.

With business out of the way, an elixir on sale catches his eye.

So he buys it.



He's been trying to lose weight but even with exercising, watching his diet, and all the gardening, he's just not having the success he was hoping for.

The clerk tells him he just needs to throw it at himself, so he does!

And the transformation is instant and beyond his expectations.

It surely did make him lean!

When he got home and I shared my baby news, I'm not sure who was more surprised by body shape.

I'm increasing again and he's now half his normal size!



The garden's growing larger and so is our family with baby #2 arriving, and baby #3 on the way!

But Jerad's used a Lean and Mean elixir on himself and dropped most of his bulk.

That's certainly going to take some getting used to, him being smaller than me!

But one things for sure, children don't stay small, and Carter's birthday is right around the corner.

Join us in Chapter 8: New Resident's in Aggie's Corner
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Jerad's thrilled by my baby news and excitedly begins chatting to our next family member.



Since he's still carrying the wish for a girl, this time he pops one for a boy, so he'll be happy no matter which one it is!

But I just want a child. One Jerad! Don't jinx this!

He's more comfortable with the idea of another child than he is with his new shape.

So he eats to bulk up a bit more.

Losing weight was one thing, but looking like a cadaver wasn't what he had in mind!



He rocks Carter enjoying the quiet moment with his son before his birthday.



While I get some fresh air hanging out clothes to dry.

In the daytime for once!

I notice the paper girl staring at me oddly so I explain that I'm expecting a baby.

Then I realize that it's not my belly she's staring at but my odd clothes!

I look down and my horror grows as I realize I've chosen one of the worst outfits I've ever seen.

Jerad must have been shopping at the 2nd hand store again, which isn't a problem really, as separately the pieces are fine.

I just wish I'd paid a bit more attention before parading outside in a pleated skirt and long-sleeved sweatshirt!



But Carter sleeps most of the day and before we realize it's time, he ages up on the floor!



Jerad's shocked by his dark hair, but I just smile as he looks just like the photo of Daddy as a boy!



I quickly take him to the potty as with a new baby on the way, that's one thing I want taken care of ASAP!



Jerad can't resist having Carter take a few steps while I grab a quick meal.



And seeing Summer and Carter playing happily together with their toys makes us both smile.



But I'm going stir crazy from being at home so much.

So I go exploring and I'm stunned when I see this cute country cottage*** and glorious garden on an otherwise deserted road.

I can't resist heading towards the place and seeing if anyone is home.


 
I'm welcomed inside by a tall, dark, and handsome man who introduces himself as George Dean.***

He tells me he and his wife Brina just moved to town with their family, from Riverview.

That the cottage and grounds needed a bit of fixing up but they wanted a change of scene.

And Brina's got a wonderful way with plants.

I agreed heartily with that as it was the plants in her garden that drew me in!

They have two young children as well. A son, Nolan, and a daughter, Nikki.

I smile as I hear Nikki's laughter as her mother has scooped her up for some tickle time.



I tell him my husband and I have 2 toddlers as well, and as he can see, I'm expecting, so we're on number three!

George congratulates me and tells me his wife's expecting their third child as well, though she's not showing yet.



I invite Brina to join our conversation but we don't hit it off as easily as George and I did.

It's always been that way with me. I find it much easier to talk to men than I do to women.



But I'm not giving up this time!

I really miss having a girlfriend to share secrets with and this woman and I have a few things in common.

Toddlers and gardening, at least.

And we're both expecting, so I've got to be able to find some common ground.

I ask her for a tour of her garden and when we finish, I compliment her on her home and her plants.

And we finally connect!



I tell her about my garden and how it's such a hodge-podge.

And now with 2 young children and another on the way, how I don't see that changing any time soon.

She tells me that she grew up on a farm and learned from a young age, so I need to give it time.

And we chat about the best fertilizers, fish vs. garlic.



Then she offers me some special items from her indoor green house.

She explains that they're exotic fruits, Flame Fruit and Life Fruit, and that sims will pay top simoleans for them.

And Perfect quality Life Fruit makes the best fertilizer, though garlic can't be beat for duration and cheaper cost than Life Fruit.

But for high dollar crops it's mushrooms: mycenas, spot light, truffles, and glo orbs.

And Red Berry Beans are a cash crop just under glo orbs in value!

I can't resist her generous offer and harvest a couple of both Flame and Life fruits.



I'm so excited about all the gardening tips that Brina shared with me that I happily pay the bills when I get home.



Inside, Jerad kisses Summer as he lays her down in her crib for a much needed nap.

Carter's playing with the peg box again and seems just as enthralled with it as Summer is.



I decide to take a nap too. All that walking around Brina's garden earlier has me tired out.

And with watching Jerad and Carter practice walking, I dream about baby shoes!



Jerad takes wonderful care of Carter while I nap.

Getting him a bottle and becoming besties!

I'm still not used to Jerad's skinny body, I hate to admit it, but I really miss my big teddy bear.



Then he takes care of the all important potty training.

Our little guy has almost mastered it!



But I wake up a bit later with familiar pangs.

My labor has begun and baby #3 wants out!

I agree but not so fast, breathe, breathe.

Jerad does his usual panic dance!



I change clothes so we can try for the hospital this time but another contraction hits and stops me in my tracks.

Jerad makes the bed and asks if there's anything else he can do.

I'm trying to deliver a baby the size of a watermelon and he asks me that!

I don't say it but I can't help thinking *Like what? Paint a picture?!*



But apparently my face and moans made him think better of asking me any other stupid questions.

So he contents himself with watering the plant in our room, staying close by, but not near enough for me to smack him.

Smart man!



And without further ado, Rayne Swanson joins our family!

I can't believe how one minute I'm writhing in pain and the next I'm all smiles gazing into my daughter's sweet face.

She's a Brave Genius and I can't help but think how all women are brave to endure childbirth over and over!



Our family is growing and growing up.

Carter joined Summer in toddlerhood and they have a beautiful baby sister, Rayne.

I met a new family and hope to call Brina Dean my friend soon.

I can't wait to plant the fruits she gave me and put all her tips to good use.

And maybe increase our income in proportion to our growing family.

After all, Summer starts school soon, so we'll need more funds for that!

Jon me in Chapter 9: A Nooboo, a Toddler, and a Child
Coming soon
___________________________________________________________________________________________
***Author's Note: A big thank you to MrsFlynn for sharing her sim Brina Nolan and her BF George Dean along with their cute country farm cottage with all it's wonderful plants. The Deans' toddler children are courtesy of NRaas MC Instant Baby along with age transitions to have them be similar in age to the Swanson children. I love that Nolan took after George and that Nikki is such a cute blend of the both of them, especially Brina's cc hair!

[Sonshine]

Hi Deedee! Sorry that I've not been around lately. I've been very busy. I'm still very amazed at h ow you're developing your character! Yes!!! MrsFlynn is also amazing in how much help she gives!

[deedee_828]

I snuggle and play with Rayne until I realize the sound I'm hearing over her coos is her older sister howling.

Jerad waited 'til she'd arrived safely then he hit the sheets. The poor guy hadn't even been to bed yet!



Once I get Rayne settled in the other crib, I rush to take care of a crying Summer who's shaking the bars of her crib in frustration.

She'd gone to bed a bit hungry, so having to wait 'til I had her baby sister, she was now starving!



With Summer fed and happily playing with the xylophone, I work with Carter as he's super close to mastering walking.

With all the training Jerad did, Carter barely stands up and he's done it so I can't really take the credit!



Same with potty training.

As soon as I get him settled, he's mastered that too.

But at least I was a lot more involved with this training!



After his nap, Jerad finally gets to meet our youngest daughter.

He plays and cuddles her, now an old hand at this being a father of three!



But my new Lean and Mean man shows just how mean he can be when he's interrupted by a solicitor!

I have never seen him make such a nasty face.

I'm just grateful he's never directed one like that at me!



Or our children.

Once Rayne is sleeping, he grabs Carter for some tickle time.

He may be lean but he's still a teddy bear when it comes to his kids.



And he doesn't let any one of them feel left out.

Once he gets Carter settled in his crib for a nap, he picks up Summer.



With me and the younger children sleeping, he spends some quality daddy time with her at the library.

Summer's first trip into town!



He reads a few toddler books with her as they enjoy the quiet, studious atmosphere of the children's
nook.

Summer is enthralled with her first picture book.

She stares at all the pictures and her eyes open wide as her daddy's voice makes the story come to life.



In between books, Summer plays with her doll, Cosmos.

She just loves singing and playing with him.



But as other patrons arrive with their toddlers, the quiet is alleviated with their young treble voices as they babble and play with the library toys.

Here's Mickey Culver, Lorie and Charles' son, who's got vampire genes just like his mother.



And a cute blue toddler plays with the peg box while Jerad and Summer read another story.

There sure are some colorful sim families responding to Agnes Crumplebottom's revitalization campaign for Aggie's Corner.

I would have frowned upon that back in Bridgeport but now I'm glad of the diversity.

We shouldn't be divided by our differences but we should let our similarities, our desire for strong, healthy families, be our focus. (I'm getting there daddy! Slow but sure!)



I was so happy when Jerad mentioned that Brina and Nolan were there too.

I hope Summer and Nolan can become good friends.



But Jerad said they didn't stay long as Brina wasn't feeling very well, so the kid's didn't get to play together.

In fact, she asked him to keep an eye on Nolan when she tore off to the ladies' room!

I smiled wryly at that bit of news. Been there, done that!

I called her to see how she was doing and offer some womanly commiseration.

She said she appreciated my concern and she was doing as well as could be expected, but will be glad when that part's over!



Then it's time for Summer's cake!

I let Jerad do the honors this time and he holds her close while they blow out her candles carefully.



In a shower of sparkles, Summer becomes a child and we choose Family Oriented for her new trait.

I want our family to be her foundation and hopefully she won't flounder like I did.



Summer opens the gifts her grandparents sent her and is happy that there's a lot of white.

Mother took into account my love of green and Summer's love of white when she chose her new outfits.

And Summer decides she wants her hair in easy to care for braids.



Jerad and I look on astonished as we see her looking so grown up in her formal dress.



Summer can't resist trying out her new bathing suit in the garden sprinkler.



But my first concern is more about me, of course.

Do I really look like the mother of three?

With a newborn, toddler, and now a child!?!

Then it hits me, we have two cribs for Carter and Rayne, but Summer will need a bed!



We don't have a choice really since we're so limited on space and funds, so Jerad finds a decent 2nd hand set of bunkbeds.

Here it is in the kid's room.

And our old bed is so uncomfortable, it's making Jerad and I wake up cranky more often than not.

So I splurge and get a new one that should be more comfortable.

We move Rayne's crib to our room as there's not enough room in the nursery with the bunks.

And this way the children won't disturb each other as much either.



I hope our budget can handle it.

Considering Jerad's reaction, I guess not.




But to my surprise it wasn't the bed so much as his concern about our funds being able to support another child.

Yup. As soon as Summer aged to child, he popped a wish for another baby!



And he convinced me that I want another baby too.

My Hopeless Romantic is very persuasive when he puts his mind to it!



Our three children span three age groups now but I'm still my beautiful young self!

And Jerad's persuaded me that our family's not complete yet.

Will we get our wishes and have a fourth child?

Find out in Chapter 10: Leisure Day
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Another child is a nice thought, but we're pretty busy with the ones we already have.

Rayne has the normal nooboo needs of feedings, diaper changes, and lots of loving attention.



She gets all of that plus a soothing rock with her daddy.



And Carter still has skills to learn.

He's mastered walking and potty training so I take the time to teach him a few words.

My love of sunny days, though our plants need the rain too.



The importance of making good meals with all of our fresh produce.

Though neither Jerad or I have gone much beyond salad, mac &cheese, or waffles!



Then I hit on one he really likes!

Fishing!

I tell him I've only been a few times but that it was pretty fun.

He got all excited about lines and worms and bait.



And even more so when I mentioned fish!

I think we may have a budding fisherman on our hands.



What I didn't expect was to have Summer overhear our conversation and ask if she could try fishing in the pond across the road.

She didn't have school as it was Leisure Day and Jerad and I didn't see any harm in it.

In fact, getting out in the sunshine and fresh air would probably do her good.

So we let her go on her own with the promise that she wouldn't go any farther than this side of the pond where we could keep an eye on her from the house.

She was out the door like a shot and Jerad couldn't resist taking a few pictures.

He might have given up his photography career but he still likes to mess around with photos now and again.

Here's Summer throwing in her first line.



And Jerad couldn't resist another photo when the wild horses appeared nearby.

They were so pretty. A black one and a white one.

But Summer was so focused on her fishing she didn't even look up!



Then I get  a call from Brina Dean asking if Summer would like to come over and play.

Not only has Nolan had his birthday but their cat Tigress just gave birth to three kittens!

Two girls the kids named Kerri and Kobe, and a boy they named Diddy.



I give Summer permission to go and play and she rides her bike over.

She finds Nolan out front and introduces herself.



Then they chat about their families, getting to know one other.
 
They realize they're both the oldest and each have a toddler sibling.

And though Summer has a new baby sister, Nolan's not sure what their new baby will be yet.

Looks like this could be the start of a great friendship.



Then Mr. Dean shows her the new kittens.

He tells her they're too small to play with yet, but maybe she can visit when they're old enough.

And Summer wonders if just maybe her parents might let her keep one for her very own?!



As Summer heads home across town, she hears the sounds of the Summer Festival  and can't resist checking it out.

She calls her parents and gets permission to stay for awhile.



The delicious smells coming from the Hot Dog table draw her attention first!

Summer doesn't have time to introduce herself before the bell rings and they all dig in.



Even with a grown woman in the contest, it's young Gerald Crumplebottom on the other end of the table that wins!

Dominic Westmoreland gave it his best though and just smiled as he grabbed another hot dog.

Summer had been very hungry but eating hot dogs that fast made her feel a bit ill!



While Summer was out, Carter took a nap.



And Jerad got Rayne settled into her crib too.



So Jerad and I took another shot on baby #4!



It's dusk when Summer gets home from the Festival and notices a bucket by the mail box.

She checks it out and finds a University T-shirt and sweats and proudly shows them off.



But she's so warm from riding her bike home she scampers off for a quick run through the sprinkler.



And I'm taken by surprise when sparkles hit me in the bathroom right after my shower!



It's my birthday and I'm now a full-fledged adult!

Jerad popped in just in time to blow a noise maker and wish me happy birthday.



I begin to wonder if not expecting yet has something to do with my birthday.

Only one way to find out, so I grab Jerad and drag him off for some private time.

It couldn't hurt to try for a baby again.

After all, it is my birthday!



The next day is a big one for our family.

Summer's first day of school!

She runs to catch the bus for the first time.



Summer's eagerness is tempered by a touch of nervousness though.

What if the other kids don't like her?

She hopes Nolan is in her class as they already get along well.

And the two boys she met at the Festival, Dominic and Gerald, as they seemed nice enough.

But she'd really like to meet some girls her age and make some new friends!

It'd be great having a best friend to run through the sprinkler with, go fishing, and just hang out.



Carter's still learning his toddler skills, Rayne's going to be a toddler soon, and Summer started school.

I'm an adult now and Jerad and I are still trying for a 4th child.

And I want to make some big changes in our garden and focus on some cash crops.

I know daddy said the garden wasn't the real issue, but now that we've started it, I want it to succeed.

Wish me luck as we continue in Chapter 11: New Additions
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

I'd just about given up hope that we'd be adding to our family when a nasty feeling overwhelms me while I'm picking apples.



I barely make it to the bathroom, fling myself at the commode and lose my breakfast!

Not my favorite beginning to the day, but it does give me hope for child #4.



I debate on whether to go back out to the garden but decide I'm just not feeling up to it.



I head to our bedroom and spend some time with Rayne.

And with her settled in her crib, I lie down for a nap.



Afterwards I'm feeling better, so I head to the Elixir Store, but my queasiness returns.

I give the clerk our newest harvest of crops and head quickly outside until my stomach settles down.



I have one more errand to run before heading home and I'm really looking forward to it.

But as soon as I arrive at the Dean's home, I toss my cookies again!

Luckily George had already gone into the house so I didn't have him watching me, but I know he heard my nasty retching.

Thankfully he's a family man and didn't comment on it, which would have embarrassed me even more.


Once I've recovered, I head inside and chat with George a bit.

We share updates on our new daughters as their Harmony is just a bit younger than our Rayne.



But then I get to the real reason for my visit.

A belated birthday present for Summer.

One of the new kittens!

George says they're big enough to leave Tigress, in fact, Kerri's already been adopted by another family in town.

So that leaves Kobe and Diddy for me to choose from.

I head outside and find both of them with Tigress and I can't resist Kobe, she's so fluffy and cute.



I head back inside and tell George I've made my choice and we chat about the kid's first day of school.

George tells me that Nolan was super excited about joining scouts and I tell him Summer was too.

I'd thought she'd rather try ballet but Summer's definitely an outdoor kind of girl, which is good with her growing up in the country.

On our farm, such as it is.

Brina smiles as she strolls in and tells me to be patient. Plants take time to grow.



Then I head outside, pick up Kobe and head home with the newest addition to our family!

Just as I'm setting Kobe down, Summer and Nolan come inside.



While they do their homework, Jerad and I grab a quick meal, and Kobe curls up on the floor.



Then we hear ominous rumbling from the bathroom and see water seeping under the door.

I ask if I should call a repair man, but Jerad says he thinks he can fix it.

He not only repairs it but mops up all the water too.



In the meantime, Summer distracts Carter from the nasty puddle by playing a game of peek-a-boo with him.

She's such a good sister.



And Jerad finds out from Nolan that they move into their new house in the morning.

Nolan asks if Summer can come over and check it out since it's a Saturday.

Jerad gives his permission and says as long as they don't get in the way.



Summer was so excited about visiting the Dean's new house that she was up before the sun!

And she takes after her father cleaning up around the house, picking up her dishes and taking out the trash.

She's such a good kid.



I was up early too.

And it's official! Baby #4 is on the way!



Summer met the whole Dean family out on the lawn of their new home.

It's a bit closer to us being near the Elixir shop on 330 Oak Grove Rd.

And it's called Asilomar, a spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home perfect for the Dean's growing family.

In fact, it used to belong to the McIrish and French families long ago when Sunset Valley was a boom town.



It only took a few renovations to make it perfect for the Dean family.

Switching the bedrooms around to give them all more room.

Adding another crib and two sets of bunkbeds so there were beds for everyone now and as they grew up.



And Summer gives Nolan a housewarming present.

A cute Victory flag he can put on his bedroom wall.

I have never seen a sim, child or adult, jump this far off the ground in their excitement over a gift!

Nolan is a sweetie.

And this cements their relationship as best friends!



I've joined Summer in stopping by the Dean's to see if they need any help unpacking and getting settled into their new home.

Brina notices my condition and we talk about babies for a bit and Brina shares some funny stories about her three.



But the kids are soon bored with unpacking and moving into a new house, so they head off to explore the hills behind the house.



They find a fishing pond nestled between some cliffs and rocks.



When we get home, it's Rayne's birthday!



And she becomes a toddler with her father's blonde hair!

I am thrilled that we each have child carrying on our hair color plus Carter having my father's dark hair.

But it makes me wonder who the new baby will take after.



Jerad takes his daddy duties seriously as he gets Carter a bottle and brings Rayne to the potty.



Kobe Dean, the cutest fluffy kitten has joined our family.

The Dean's moved to a new home and their 3rd child is a girl, Harmony.

Our Rayne is the cutest blonde toddler and we're expecting child #4!

Jerad's popped wishes for either a boy or a girl, but I'm hoping for another boy to even out our family.

And I'm still hoping to get our garden a bit more organized.

Let's see if I can find the time in Chapter 12: New Clothes for Growing Children
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Mother had sent another care package of course, so I dress Rayne in the cutest white dress with rose colored trim and matching bows.

Rose has always been mother's favorite shade of pink and I think it suits Rayne's coloring perfectly.



But fall is right around the corner and I'm grateful mother included some warmer outfits too.

A beautiful rose long-sleeved top and pants.



A warm jacket and pants with matching gloves.



And snuggly warm jammies!



Jerad plays with her making her giggle and laugh I can't help but smile.



And Jerad gives Carter plenty of attention too.

After all, he is the only boy we have so far, and there's nothing more important than father/son bonding time.



Unless it's our time together as husband and wife.

With our days being so busy between the three children, a new kitten, household chores and the garden, it's a wonderful relief to fall into bed and curl up with each other.



Then the days start all over again!

Cooking breakfast.



Spending quiet moments together enjoying the idea of being parents again.



Having some of those quiet moments turn into romantic ones!

With Jerad telling me I'm always so aglow when I'm expecting, lit from within.

I don't ever disagree of course, I know just how beautiful I am, but it makes my heart sing for him to tell me so.

And as it's harder to put my arms around him, I realize I'm not the only one gaining weight.

My husband's turning back into the hunky teddy bear I married and I'm thrilled.



But then reality intrudes and we wake up to the fact that Summer is having an issue with allergies.

After a shot at the local clinic, she's feeling much better and we're relieved it was nothing more serious.

But her shot cost $200 simoleans!



And Rayne needs to learn her skills.

Jerad takes a turn first and teaches her about birthdays and cake!



And I get our little man ready for his birthday!

He's not big on crowds, but I want to celebrate with a party.



Our first guests arrive, Olivia Crumplebottom Rios, who's expecting, and a friend she invited along.



And Brina Dean, who stops for a moment and admires our garden!

It wouldn't have happened without a lot of phone calls to her for advice on where everything should go.

Instead of my original hodge-podge our plants are all arranged in nice, neat rows.

And we have quite the variety of them now.

It looked so beautiful, I had to send a photo to daddy!

He didn't bother with a text but called me and told me we were doing a wonderful job.

I'm hoping to get him and mother to visit sometime soon.



Jerad dresses in his best and gets Rayne ready for the party too.



And when I get out to the kitchen with Carter, more guests have arrived.

I can feel Lorie Hara Culver's presence and I also see Brina and George being sweet with each other.

I have a feeling their family may be growing again in the near future.



I bring Carter to his cake and Jerad and Summer cheer and shout birthday wishes.

I'm kind of disappointed more guests aren't coming in to join the party.



But then the sparkles hit Carter and all my focus changes to him.



I clap excitedly and wish him a happy birthday.

And try to hide my dismay as I see his 'formal' outfit, brown pants, with an orange and yellow striped shirt, which isn't bad really, but not my idea of formal.

Especially when they're accompanied by pink flowered cowboy boots! Really?!

Who would ever think of allowing such a combination.

But my sweet son only laughs and says pink is his favorite color!



But there's no time to debate it really as Olivia goes into labor!

Everyone else calmly eats their cake, including Olivia's husband Jason.

But poor Carter is completely traumatized!

He's uncomfortable with crowds anyway, and the thought of a baby being added to the existing one is enough to drive him over the edge.



Things calm down after Olivia heads for the hospital, telling us it was a great party on her way out the door.

But I'm shocked later when I see Jason doing our laundry!

Then it hits me, maybe it's a guy thing, Jerad always cleans when I'm in labor too.

They can't really do anything so I guess cleaning keeps them busy after they freak out?

Sounds crazy to me but whatever works for them!



But someone is missing and I can't find her in the house anywhere!

In all the birthday and labor craziness, poor little Rayne grabbed a toy and went outside on the front stoop to play.

In the pouring rain!

I know I named her for it, but I don't want her to catch a cold.

She's fine, but I'm a bit distraught as I realize she could have fallen off with no railing on one side.

I better see if Jerad can find some cheap wood and fix that soon!



Then it's time to see what clothes mother sent for Carter.

For the bit of warm weather we have left, she indulges his love of pink with swim trunks in his favorite color.

I can live with pink swim trunks.



And a cute every day outfit with black jeans and a blue denim jacket for the cooler days.

Our little guy is growing up so fast!



Summer and Carter are both children now and Rayne's a busy toddler.

And baby #4 should be arriving any moment.

It doesn't look like things are going to be any less busy in the near future for us!

But I'm happier than I ever thought I would be in the life I've chosen.

Or the life that chose me!

Join me in Chapter 13: Busy Mom
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

With Olivia going into labor at Carter's party, Summer has some unexpected questions for me.

I try to answer them as best I can without scaring her or scarring her for life!

It's so hard to determine how much is too much when kids ask these kind of questions.



Turns out she just wanted to feel my tummy, so no need for any kind of birds and the bees talk just yet!

What a relief!



Then she says she'll try to help me around the house more as I need to rest with a baby inside me.

The sweet darling girl!

I give her a hug with all the love I feel for this oldest child of mine.

And as we hug and she presses against my tummy, the baby kicks hard enough for her to feel it!

We both laugh and she urges me to sit down in the rocker to calm the baby.



Jerad takes Rayne to the potty and gets her ready for bed.



And we all settle down for some much needed sleep.

Well, the children get some sleep anyway.

Turns out my water broke not long after Jerad and I fell asleep.

He leaped out of bed freaking out before I even knew I was in labor!



But I knew it soon enough with a contraction that had me clutching my belly.

Jerad was still freaking out by the bed and I wasn't sure if it was me he was concerned with or the bed being wet.

But I didn't have breath enough to ask.



I managed to get some clothes on and get to the kitchen before the next pain hit.

Jerad decided to clean the litter box and I'm not sure if his bug eyed look was due to the smell or my labor.

Again, I didn't have breath enough to ask and probably didn't want to hear the answer anyway!



And then in a flurry of sparkles our daughter Autumn arrives!

Yes, it was the first day of the fall season.

Okay, just barely, but I wouldn't be quibbling over such things with a woman who just gave birth.

Jerad didn't and anyone else would be wise to follow his example.



I feed, play with, and cuddle our newest child who is Good and Loves the Cold.

That last trait will be great with cold weather descending on us soon.

I'm all smiles now that the hard part is over with.



I get Autumn settled in her crib, and grab a quick breakfast as I'm starving.

Just as I finish rinsing my plate and contemplate getting some sleep, Summer and Carter wander into the kitchen.



Apparently our kitten was a bit frightened during my labor and skittered off to the children's room, waking them up.

As Carter eats breakfast and Summer plays with Kobe, I tell them they've got a new baby sister.

Summer smiles and says the girls really out number the boys now!

Carter doesn't comment as his mouth is full of waffles, but he rolls his eyes, and I smile.

But my smile quickly fades when I hear Rayne calling for me from her crib!



Did I just say the hardest part was over?

I must have been dreaming!

I get Rayne a bottle and when she finishes it, it's potty time.

And thankfully she masters it so she can go potty on her own now!



I give up on getting any more sleep and teach her a few more words.

House and how each generation heir in our family is going to get to expand ours and add their own touches.

She picked that one up right away!



Jewels, that have their place in your life, like my grandma's pearls.

She said that one too, though she started shooting glances at her peg box.



And gardening and making sure our plants are well take care of.

Can't let my little ones forget the big focus of our lives.

I could not get her to say it, but she laughed a lot, especially at the word carrot.



Besides family, which comes first, always.

It took me a while to learn that so I want to make sure Rayne knows it from an early age.

I tell her she's a big sister now and that little Autumn will look up to her and when they're older they could be great friends.

She doesn't seem impressed, but I figure it's because she's tired of learning words and needs some play time.



And that's a definite yes when she quickly says TV but shoots her peg box another glance.



I take the hint and give her a break and go check on Autumn.

She needs some mommy time so I happily play with her.



I change her diaper and feed her a bottle.

That's pretty much the extent of nooboo care: loving, feeding and changing diapers.



Jerad's been busy with laundry and harvesting our fall crops.

Our pumpkins were amazing and were ready to harvest just in time for Spooky Day!



Once he's got our produce together, he heads on over to the Elixir shop and turns them in for consignment.

The clerk lets him know that they have another bottle of Lean and Mean available, but Jerad tells him he's quite happy with his current body shape!

I'm glad that he's learned that lesson because I prefer his body builder size, the one he had when I fell in love with him.

He blushed so cutely when I told him this, but I wanted him to know that, especially since he's always telling me how beautiful I am.



With Summer and Carter at school, I get to spend a little more time with Rayne after she wakes up from her nap.

She looks into my eyes and tells me she loves me!

I snuggle her close and can just feel our bond growing.



After she drinks her bottle and goes potty, we practice two more important words.

Cooking which tastes so much better with our fresh vegetables.



And parties!

I'm trying to teach our kids balance and that all play and no work is just as bad as all work and no play!

Parties have a place, celebrating family and friends on special occasions.

And Rayne loves the word party----she waves her arm and jiggles like she's dancing!

She's my daughter without a doubt!



And after that I let her play with her xylophone some more.

Can't expect her to learn balance if I don't let her see it in action!



Summer and Carter are now in school.

Rayne's progressing with toddler skills and family ties.

And little Autumn joined the family.

And our garden is really shaping up as we head into the winter season.

But looks like I explained parties just in time to Rayne as Jerad and I get our first party invitation!

How will the kid's do with a babysitter?

I guess we'll find out in Chapter 14: First Family Events
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Well, as it turns out we not only have a party but Summer's scouts awards banquet to attend.

Carter headed home afterward as he didn't want to be in a crowd.



Summer made us so proud earning her badges and completing her journey that we couldn't say no when she asked to join us at the party.

She was walking on air when she arrived at the Rios home.

It was the Crumplebottom home, but somehow both Agnes and Milo found other homes and left this one to Olivia.

That made no difference to Summer as she looked around in awe at the grandeur of the place.

If anyone doubted the status of the Rios, just one look at their home would confirm that they're rich!



Jerad finds a guitar and starts strumming.

He's never played before, but he's determined to learn the skill, perfectionist that he is.



I don't care what kind of music it is and dance my heart out.

While Jason Rios taps his foot to the music and sways with his newborn son, Brannon!

Olivia and Brannon are both doing well, which made me feel better seeing as how she went into labor at our house.



And the party guests make me realize just how long I've been shut away in our house.

There's a genie and a witch here!

I thought maybe someone was pulling my leg as Spooky Day is coming up soon, but nope, both of them can practice magic!

Both of them are listening to Jerad play and even swaying to his song.

People in this town are pretty nice.



And the kids' did fine with a babysitter.

Even if the kid didn't look like any babysitter I've ever seen, especially with those cute blue wings!

But it's not what he looks like that's important, it's how he watches the kids.

And he did a great job!



Summer was a bit bored though and ended up outside playing with her doll.

I tired to tell her it was a grown-up party, but you know kids, they have to find things out for themselves.

Hopefully mine will learn a lot faster than I ever did!



And then right before it was time to go home, little Brandi Rios comes in and starts chattering away to Jerad!

I thought she was still a toddler or I would have had Summer come in and meet her.

But it's too late for that as everyone's saying their goodbye's and telling Jason what a great party it is.



The next morning, with the older kids at school and Rayne happily playing with the xylophone, Jerad grabs me for a passionate kiss!

I'm not sure if it's hormones or seeing baby Brannon, but I pop a wish for another child.

I've still got my wish for a boy and so does Jerad from when we were expecting Autumn so neither one of us feels that our family is complete yet.



We both dart a quick glance at Rayne and see that she's totally focused on her play time.



So we take a moment for some alone time.

Jerad lets me sleep while he checks the sink and keeps and eye on the girls.



Summer calls and tells us Nolan invited her over to his house after school.

We give her permission to go over to the Dean's and play.

She tells us all about learning to play chess and that she earned 4 logic skill points just that afternoon.

I explain that she's so good because of playing with the peg box when she was young and reading toddler books with her dad at the library.

Summer is intrigued that you can learn skills just by playing with things and says she's going to be playing with lots of stuff just to see what she can learn!



Then she startles me by asking what adults learn when they hug and kiss as she and Nolan were so embarrassed by his parents when they did that right in front of them in the living room!

I wasn't sure what to say at first, but then it just popped into my mind and I told her that when sims do that they're learning to love and care about each other.

That answer seemed to satisfy her and I feel like I've dodged another birds and the bees bullet!



Then Summer says she got invited for supper and Nikki's a big girl now and will be going to school.

I can't believe how much Nikki has grown up and smile as I see so much of both Brina and George in her!



And Harmony's become a toddler!

Time sure flies, but I should have known she would be, she's just a bit younger than Rayne.

Now she's all George, just like Nolan.



Early the next morning Carter pops into our bedroom and chats with Jerad about fishing.

He's learned a bit from his scout meetings and asks if they can go fishing sometime.



Jerad starts telling him about the fish he's caught and how he'd love for them to go fishing together.

It might be too cold and the ponds could be frozen soon but they'll go as soon as they can.



I'd been lying there all cozy in our bed listening to them chat, when a horribly familiar feeling has me jumping out of bed!

I clutch my stomach and fling my hand to my mouth, just in case.



And then it's me face down in the nasty commode again!

But at least my stomach feels a bit better.



When I've recovered and feel like I can move again, I peek into the kids' room and see Summer putting her words into action as she plays at the blocks table with Rayne.

And she's being a great big sister as she explains how the blocks fit together and you can build towers and castles.

Daddy and mother will be thrilled to know that the kids all love their new toy.



After play time, Jerad encourages Rayne to take a few more steps.

She's getting a lot more confident as she toddles to him!

And Summer gets in some play time with Kobe before school.



Jerad snuggles Rayne and looks over at Summer, realizing what a joy his children are.

And such good kids!

No wonder he wants another child.

If Brooke's rushing to the bathroom was any indication this morning, one could be on the way!



I head in to care for Autumn and whisper my news that she might be a big sister soon.

And if Jerad and I get our wishes, she'll have a baby brother.

Then it hits me! Five children! If it's true and I'm expecting, then we'll have five children!

Who would have ever believed that I'd live on a farm, be married to the most amazing man in the world, have a producing garden, and be the mother of five wonderful children!

Instead of terrifying me I feel on top of the world and I share my joy with Autumn.



Blowing raspberries on her tummy until she coos and giggles.



Giving her butterfly kisses and playing nosey, nosey.

Enjoying her last days of infancy.



Summer's completed her Scouts program and she accompanied us to our first party in Aggie's Corner.

And her teen birthday is on Spooky Day, which is tomorrow!

Jerad and Carter are planning a fishing trip as soon as the weather allows.

Rayne's close to completing her toddler skills and has a birthday in two days.

And Autumn, our beautiful baby daughter, won't be a baby for much longer.

She's our youngest for now as I'm pretty sure she's going to be a big sister soon!

So join me in Chapter 15: Girl Birthdays
Coming soon.