Baby 75 and 76

The kids age up as soon as the twins are born!  Catherine is stunning and is still going steady with Marcus (I sense wedding bells in the future??).

Toffee is a serious and a somewhat naive teen.  It's hard for me to see him struggle to be "popular."  He's obsessed with being cool and doesn't like the dorky side of him showing.  Poor kid.

Hadleigh is as extroverted, daring, and tomboyish as ever.  Her favorite color is turquoise and she loves playing softball and spending time with her older brother when he's "not annoying" as she puts it.

It's morning and I'm tending to Cyan and Spring, when I hear a loud thud - the newspaper is here.  I set baby Cyan down into his crib and walk out to retrieve the newspaper.

"Ugh, isn't this what I have dogs for?"  I mutter as I retrieve the key for the front door and step outside.  It is a beautiful day today, a notable feature of Sunset Valley.

"Aw, I'm already out here, I might as well check the mailbox."  Of course, there is nothing interesting, just some catalogs, a reminder for the kids to get their eyes checked, and many bills.  I rifle through the junk until something bright and red catches my eye.  

I set the mail down on the front step (hoping someone would steal the bills, hehe) and take a closer look at the bright red... dog?  It's a dog, and an older one at that.  I stay a safe distance away so as not to scare him or her.

"Come here doggy, I won't hurt you," I cooed.  Much to my surprise, she started to stand up.  I looked around, hoping Midnight and Skittles were inside.  

I inch myself closer and (I find out that the dog is a girl) finally picked up the little girl.  She is light and muscular but without the bulk of my two large dogs.  

"Oh, you're so sweet!  Do you have an owner?"  Her collar says:

Buttercup 555-6256.

I take her inside with me and right away, the dogs come to greet the new visitor.  Please don't hate each other... I beg.

Skittles just stares at Buttercup while Midnight sniffs at her feet.  

The two dogs look at each other as if communicating in their own doggy language.  I take that as a good sign.

I set Buttercup down and the dogs instantly start playing with her.  I'm so happy to have such friendly dogs.

When they run off to play chase, I take the opportunity to call the number that is on Buttercup's tag.

After a few minutes I hear a car door slam and I walk out to meet Isabella Austin.

"Hi, I'm Calista Smith."

"Hi, I'm Isabella Austin."

We shake hands.

"So um, Buttercup is inside."

"Ugh, that dog, she's always running off.  She's so old too, I don't know how she has the energy to run so far away!"

"Haha, she seems pretty agile for her age."

"Oh she is, she just love to run around."

"Buttercup!  Come here girl!"  Izzi calls.

Buttercup must be pretty well trained because she comes running from the living room into the foyer toward Izzi and I.  She stands in front of Izzi, as if she's followed this drill multiple times, which, judging by what I've heard about this mischievous dog, I'm pretty sure she has.

"Now Buttercup, what have I told you about running away all the time?"  Izzi says, sternly.

Butterup whines and gives Izzi puppy eyes.

"Oh, how could I stay mad at you?"  Izzi says as she picks up her dog and turns to me.

"Oh my gosh, thank so much Calista!  Buttercup can be such a troublemaker, but we love her!  Could I recommend someone for your challenge?"  Izzi asks.

"Of course!  It's about time I get moving!"

"Okay, I have this blog, you know?"

I nod.

"And I named one of my characters after this guy I know in real life.  His name is Shiraz Truffle."  She shows me a picture of Mr. Truffle.

"Oh my gosh!  He looks just like the guy in your blog!"

"I know right!  That's why I named the guy after Shiraz because they're spitting images of each other."

"It's uncanny!"  I murmur, impressed.

"Well, we'd better go, I'll let Shiraz know about you and he'll be sure to donate to the sperm bank as soon as possible, okay?"

"Alright, thanks Izzi!"  I shout.

After she leaves, the kids finish up on their homework and it's time for the twins to age up.

Toffee's girlfriend, Martha Bradley, is celebrating with us.  She and Toffee have been dating for a while and I'm indifferent to her.  She's not the best girlfriend for him but Toffee seems to be happy with her so that's what matters.

Cyan and Spring are too adorable!  Cyan has his father's teal hair and Spring has her father's pink eyes.

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HADLEIGH'S POINT OF VIEW

Ugh, I know I hate that girl.  She's always with Toffee.  Not that there's anything wrong with that but because she's always with Toffee means that she's always at our house.

I was so nice to her in the beginning too.

Until I ran into her on the way to the bathroom on accident and since then she's been such a meanie to me.  She always glares when she looks at me and I seriously think she's got a permanent frown on her face, which she covers up when Toffee is around.  I do not like teenagers.

It's nearly 5 in the afternoon and Toffee and Martha, are just, ew.  Yeah, you know what they're doing.  It's what they do 24/7.  I swear, I bet most of the saliva in their mouths isn't even their own.

"Bye Martha."

"Bye Toff."

"Luv ya."

"Luv ya more."

Ew, teenage love.

"Sissy?"  Spring looks up at me.

"You better make sure I don't grow up like them, okay Spring?"

She just looks at me.

Toffee closes the door behind him and turns to face me.

"What's your problem with her?"  He demands.

"What are you talking about?"  I ask.

"You're always sneaking around and spying on my girlfriend and I.  What's wrong with you?  Don't you know how to give a guy a little privacy every once in a while?"  He continues.  "You're like some sort of perverted stalker or something!  Ew!"

His insults don't intimidate me.  When you have weird hair and a nerdy face, it's hard to be scary.

"You and I both know she despises me.  Just look at the way she looks at me."

"That's no reason to intrude on our privacy."

"Well, how can I give you privacy if you're in the middle of the living room?"

I know I've stumped him but he doesn't show it.

"Just, find something else to do and leave us alone."

He starts to walk away.

"Just watch Toffee, she'll be dumping you before prom.  I can tell, she doesn't actually like you.  Can't you see she's using you?"  I shout after him.  He puts up a hand to silence me and keeps on walking.

Boys, I think as I storm out of the house.

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CALISTA'S POINT OF VIEW

"Gitchy gitchy goo!"  I tickle Cyan and he bursts into a fit of giggles.  "I wonder what's up with your siblings.  Anyway, ready to learn some new words?"

"I'm ready!"  He responds.

Luke and I sit the twins down for a short 15 minute session.  Today's words are "outside" and "inside."

Midnight and Skittles join us but Skittles has no interest in laying down for a mid-morning nap.

"Skits, don't wake up your mother.  Let her be sweetie."

Skittles looks at me and let's out a small whine.  "Why don't you go outside?"

She perks up a bit and trots outside.

Recently, I've noticed that all of the pets are getting itchy and dirty and they hate baths.

So Luke and I invest in a machine that will wash the pets for us, making it easier on our backs and more fun for the pets.

Skittles got quite dirty from her little "experience" in the dirt so she's up first.

She loves it!  She comes out a little confused but clean nonetheless.

Later, I help Hadleigh with her homework.  She's learning about how ecosystems work.

While she's writing in her answers, she suddenly blurts out, "Mom, have you noticed that Toffee and Martha don't seem very... um, good together?"  I'm shocked at her observation.  Partly because I didn't think she was old enough to understand that and partly because I believe it to be true.

"They're always doing their homework together in the dining room but Martha always copies Toffee's homework.  It's annoying me."

I laugh, "Why is it annoying you, dear?"

"Because she's supposed to ask for help or work the problem out herself.  She's a cheater and Toffee doesn't do anything about it."

Later that month, I'm in the office and I open up an email from Izzi.

Calista, 

I found a gift that I know you'll love.  Mind if I drop them off in a few months!  That way, it'll give you time to prepare and I know you won't say no.

~Isabella A.

Hmmm.... is all I can think.  What could she possibly mean by "they?"  She can't possibly mean... no. It can't be.

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HADLEIGH'S POINT OF VIEW

It's May and prom time.  Toffee is going with Martha, of course.

Wow, who know Martha could dress up so nicely.  I know something that'll definitely get on her nerves.

"Could you two sit on the couch for a pre-prom photo?"

"Sure mom."  Toffee responds obediently.  A huge farting sound resonates through the entire house.  I am in the hallway eavesdropping when it happens.

I can tell that mom is trying very hard not to laugh while Toffee consoles his angry girlfriend.  Fortunately, the prom picture didn't show how angry she was at that moment.

"Mission accomplished," I manage to whisper to myself.

They had a fun time at prom but Toffee decided to break things off with Martha.  I know he knows I was right all along but he's too cool to admit something like that.

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CALISTA'S POINT OF VIEW

It is finally time for Izzi to bring me my new gift.

"Oh my goodness!"  I squeal, as she walks in.

In her arms is the softest looking cat I've ever seen.

"Meet Moonbrow."

He is drop-dead gorgeous.  His fur is a mixture of white, blue, purple, and green.  His eyes are a brilliant lime and his tail a fluffy brush.  If only I could name him Limey, but Moonbrow is better.  Izzi has always had a knack for names.

"I love him!"  That's pretty much all I can say.  I'm just so shocked.

"Let me go get his brother."

Brother!?!?!

Sure enough, Izzi comes in with another cat while I hold Moonbrow.

"This is Moonbrow's brother, Prism."

"Hey, I have a son-in-law named Prism.  I'll have to tell him.  Oh, these two are just perfect!"

"I have a friend who helps to find homes for strays and these two were found living behind the local prison in Hidden Springs so I told her that I knew someone who would love to take these two."

"That's awesome.  It's so nice of you to think of me Izzi.  Oh, they're so gosh darn adorable."  I say, stroking Moonbrow's fur.

"Shall we see how Kiara reacts to them?  It'll be easier to control them with the both of us here."  Izzi points out and nods toward Kiara, who is walking in right now.

"Great idea."  I say.  I set Moonbrow down and Izzi set Prism on the rug.

Both boys don't seem to mind Kiara.  They have a staring contest and then after a while, they start to purr and rub against each other.

"Oh my gosh!  They make such a cute couple."  I gush.

"Those two are going to have to fight over Kiara."  Izzi laughs.

I thank Izzi so much for the kitties, let her feel the baby kick, thank her some more, and wish Buttercup well."

The twins love the new kitties and fortunately the cats are more than tolerable to the tots.

That night, all the pets come into Luke's and my room.

Midnight sleeps in her dog bed on the floor.

Prism and Kiara snuggle up in their new pet "bunkbed."

Skittles sleeps on the foot of her bed.

I don't know where Moonbrow is until I feel him jump up onto my pillow.  His whiskers briefly brush my face and tickle my ears.  Then, he settles on my pillow and nuzzles against my dyed hair.

The new cats have been with us for a few months and have adjusted very well.  The older kids help take care of the all of the pets by filling all of the extra food bowls we had to set around the house.  They also clean the litter boxes and brush and entertain the pets.

It's mid-morning and I'm brushing my teeth.  A liquid runs down my legs and sure enough, I'm in labor.

"Ma'am, are you okay?"

"I'm fine."  I say, trying to keep myself from yelling out.  "Could you just make sure the kids are okay?"  I'd give her a hefty tip later.

Finally, I give birth to babies 75 and 76, a boy and a girl.  I name the boy Ash Austin...

...and the girl Isabella Hope.

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NOTE

Thanks a bunch to Izzi for letting me use her sim, Shiraz Truffle, as the father of the twins and for letting her simself be in my game.  Hopefully we'll be seeing her more in the future.  :)

I'll do the family update (hopefully) in the next post.  It's been a while since I've posted so I just wanted to get this out ASAP.