How Unexpected- Baby 53

Laura aged up to be a gorgeous young woman with my father's stunning brown eyes and my orange hair. She's as bubbly as ever and it makes her happy when she makes people smile. She matured quite a lot and stopped with the pranks, thank goodness. I would definitely be sad to see her go, but of course I needed her to move out to make room for more kidlets.

Midnight and Platinum were just... perfection. Mid was a beautiful teenager who had a thing for baking. The house was almost always filled with the aroma of key lime pie, cobbler and cookies. The family was always in for a delicious treat for dessert, even though if I didn't stop accepting second servings I'd soon outgrow my jeans. Platinum was just as sneaky as ever and was always making deals with the locals. He loved money and saved every penny. When I asked why he liked to do this, he replied, "Becoming a mob boss is an expensive process, mom." He was joking of course, at least, I hope.

Caramel and Toffee were adorable little boys who spent almost all of their time outdoors, whether it was on the slip n' slide, spring riders, playground or tree house. It took a lot of convincing and bribing to get them to come inside for bed or baths, which could be annoying but overall I was glad they didn't spend all their time playing video games like a lot of my other children.

Erik... oh goodness, that boy was adorable and always had my attention. He loved to play with his older siblings and loved to be read to sleep by his mother. He liked stories from me, and playtime with his brothers and sisters, but he loved to just talk with Jesse. Once Jess taught him to speak, he wouldn't shut up when he was around him. It really was adorable and I got a good chunk of home videos of him saying silly things to his daddy.

Laura hugged the family goodbye and headed off on her own. She had no idea what she wanted to do with her life yet, but that was okay. She was still young and would figure it out eventually.

The sun was shining brightly, so I changed little Erik into a fresh diaper and stripped him of all other garments so he wouldn't get hot. "Howsy, mama! Howsy! Me wanna wide!" I giggled and walked him over to the spring rider horse.

I plopped him down in the plastic saddle and he began to sway from side to side, making the springy pony bounce up and down as he moved. His laughs echoed throughout the hot summer air and even as sweat soaked through my clothes, I couldn't help but be happy along with him. Although the wetness became too much to handle, so I ran inside, leaving Erik in the care of Midnight, and changed into a flowery orange bikini. When I came back outside, the four older kids were sliding down the slip n' slide. "Mind if I join you?" I asked them.

Toffee smiled at me and said, "Sorry Mama, but who would play with Erik?" I took this into consideration and scooped up my toddler, giving him kisses all over his exposed tummy. I skipped over to the beach chairs, set out an umbrella and put Erik in the grass in the shade. He played with his toy car for a while until his older siblings got bored and moved to the sprinkler. Erik quickly lost interest in the car and ran through the water as everyone else, including me, waggled their butts in the beautifully cool liquid. Every once in a while someone would open their mouth to try and catch some H2O for a drink, and I soon realized that drops of water wasn't going to quench their thirst.

I ran into the house, made some lemonade, ran back outside and poured some glasses for my tired children. As they gulped down the yellow goodness, they sighed and after went inside to head to bed. Of course our nightly routine wouldn't be complete without a story being read to Erik, so after that was done I slipped into bed next to Jesse and fell asleep almost instantly.

Do you remember when I said Jess and I were growing apart? Well, when I realized he wasn't cheating on me, I knew that it was time to end what we had. Of course, just until my challenge was over! I needed more room for my kids and I truthfully couldn't divide my attention evenly. There needed to be a change and the only thing I could do to make things fair was to take a break.

He agreed to this with assurance from me that it was only a break and after the challenge we could resume our relationship. I said this, but I wasn't sure. I loved him more than anything, but it could be a while before I finally finished and by then I could have met someone new.

I found the next challenge father, Sky Neverard. He reminded me a lot of Skye, which made impregnating myself with his children a little bit awkward. If he looked like Skye that would mean... I would soon find out what mine and my best friend's children would look like...

Jesse packed up his things and moved out, giving me a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. I needed to talk to someone about it, and Skye wouldn't do. Jess was her son and I didn't want to put her in an awkward situation. The first person I thought of was Calista. I dialed her number and when she picked up, I said, exasperated, "Hey, I need to talk to you about something."

"Is something wrong?" she asked. I could hear the concern in her voice.

"What? N-no! Everything's fine, I just need someone to chat with, and Skye isn't an option this time."

"Hm... This is something you can't even talk to Skye about? There must be something seriously wrong. Meet me at the bistro in ten minutes, okay?"

I agreed and got in the car. When I got there I didn't have to wait for long because she arrived shortly after in her car. We sat down at a table and she looked me over.

"So, what did you need to talk to me about?"

I thought about how to word it. "Well... Jesse and I broke up and... I don't feel bad about it at all."

She sighed. "Skye told me about how you thought he was cheating on you. When you thought that, was there even a little part of you that was relieved that he was gone?"

I nodded slowly. "I haven't been single very long in this challenge and I thought it would be nice to spend time with just my children."

"Are you sad he's gone? Even a little?"

It was silent for a moment before I whispered, "No."

She smiled slightly and stood up. "I'm sorry Paisley, but maybe you just weren't meant for each other. It was nice to see you so happy while you were with him but everyone else agrees that his effects faded after a while. I think you'll enjoy being a single, young challenge mother. I have to go now, but I hope you can figure all of this out. Bye Pais," she said and walked off to her car.

I sighed. Calista was right. Even then, hours after I broke up with Jesse, I knew we probably wouldn't get back together, and I think he knew it too.

When I got home, Midnight ran over to me and hugged me. "Is it true?" she whispered. "Is Daddy really gone?" I nodded and hugged her tighter.

"It's just going to be me and you kids until the end of the challenge. I think it will be better this way," I replied, putting a smile on my face as I gently pushed back a strand of her red hair.

"I'm glad you feel that way. We were worried you were going to be sad."

I wasn't lying. I really was happy! I shouldn't have gotten into a relationship so early on in the challenge, anyway. Everyone warned me it would be a bad idea and look where I was standing! Single once more! Honestly, I thought it was going to be good. I could finally relax, knowing that I would no longer have to divide my attention between the kids and my boyfriend.

With a suddenly clear mind, I taught Midnight to drive. Platinum taught Erik to walk while we were gone, and when we got back I switched twins. This time, while I taught Platinum, Mid taught Erik to talk, leaving the worst part to me.

When we arrived back home from our stressful lesson, Midnight ran off to the basement while I scooped up Erik in my arms and brought him to the toddler toilet. He was a pro at pooping in the correct place, so we were finished quickly.

I scurried around the house, cleaning up this and that. Once dinner was made and the kids were in bed, I slipped into dreamland myself. When I awoke, my stomach was slightly bigger, so I ran my hand across it. "Hey there little one," I said gently. "It's Mommy. I'm going to give you so much love, you won't even know what hit you." I chuckled slightly and began my day.

*~Platinum's Point of View~*

How was I going to tell her? I was worried my own mother would disown me and tell me I was a good for nothing human being. I knew she would never act this way, but finding out your son is gay is sure to catch you off guard. I mean, Midnight was surprised and she was my other half! "Mom is going to accept you no matter who you date, Platinum, you know that," she said as I paced back and forth in her room. "She's our mother and she loves us. Stop worrying and tell her. If you don't, I will." She was seated on the bottom of her bunk bed, watching me stress.

"I know, I'm just concerned. She won't be expecting it, so what if she says stuff she doesn't mean and kicks me out?"

"Do you hear yourself? Mom is one of the most collected people I know. So, once again, stop worrying! Go tell her, okay? I'm going to a movie with Caramel and Toffee, but when I get back our mother better know you like boys." She jumped off the bed and walked out the door. I followed a few moments later and found Mom watching TV in the living room.

"Mom?" I squeaked. She jumped at the sound of my voice and turned off the television.

She looked at me expectantly. "Yes?"

I took a seat next to her on the couch. "Well, you see... Oh, there's no way to say this but this: I'm gay."

She looked taken aback for a split second before regaining her composure. "Really?" I nodded and she pondered what to say next. I was sure she was worried she'd offend me if she said something wrong. "How long have you known?"

I thought about it for a minute. "Since I started high school. While all my friends got crushes on girls, I got crushes on my friends. I didn't realize that's what was going on for a while, but once I figured it out... Well, I just knew. I'm really sorry."

"Sorry? Why on earth are you sorry?" she asked sweetly.

"I-I'm not normal," I stuttered.

She sighed. "Platinum, don't ever say that. You're perfect the way you are and if someone doesn't accept you as is, it's their problem. I don't care if you like men, women or puppies. You're my son and I approve of anything you choose. I'd be a terrible mother if I thought you needed to change. Your attitude towards it is the only thing I think should be different. Honey, you were sure your own mother was going to hate you because you don't like the opposite gender. If you're not confident about it, how will anyone ever accept you? I expect you to walk out the door every morning, proud to be yourself. If someone ever gives you a hard time, screw them! You're a beautiful person who could do great things."

Tears welled up in my eyes and I blinked them away. "Mom... Thank you. Thank you so much." She stood up and pulled me with her. I hugged her and she kissed my head. "Now that I've told you, I have someone I'd like you to meet." She looked confused, but nodded. "He's my boyfriend and his name is Ryn Everard." 

The name Everard made her eyes widen.

"I'd like to meet him as soon as possible, okay?"

I nodded and grabbed Mom's keys. I didn't... steal her car, exactly, I just... borrowed it without permission and drove to Ryn's house. He greeted me with a peck on the cheek and I told him about the conversation with Mom. "So, she doesn't mind?" he asked.

"No, not at all. She said she'll love me no matter what. She wants to meet you as soon as possible."

He grinned. "Let's go, then. I'm not doing anything." He got in the car with me and we returned to my house. Ryn was baby number one in Skye's challenge, apparently, so he was a lot older than me, but that didn't matter to us. Age is just a number!

*~Paisley's Point of View~*

Ryn was extremely sweet and caring towards Platinum. He was really polite and even asked for permission to date my son. I approved immediately, which made Platinum smile. After giving them my blessing, I brought the younger kids to the beach for a day of fun.

My stomach was huge, indicating that it would soon be time for the little one to make an appearance. I was getting anxious for some reason, more so than I had ever been to see my child, except, perhaps, baby one.

When we got home, I immediately went into labor and waddled to my room. A surprisingly short few hours later, I welcomed Louise Parker into the world.

Thanks to Calista Smith for letting me use Calista in this post! 

One Year Already?

HELLO MY WONDERFUL READERS! How are we on this amazing day? And no, it's not amazing because it's the fourth of July, but because Paisley is one year old today!

One year ago today, our fine young orange top was a lost, childless soul... Now look at her! She has fifty two kids and a ton of amazing friends such as Calista Smith, Skye Everard, Laura Johanson, Amber Lights and Hadley Reed.

Now, I know this may sound pretty ridiculous, but this challenge means a lot to me for many reasons. The most important is I never would've met some of my closest friends if I hadn't started 365 days ago. I don't really have many friends outside of the simming community, so it's nice to have friends when I come home. The other reason, however obvious, is it's improved my writing abilities by a lot.

Paisley's been through a lot in the past year, if you think about it: James cheated on her, Jack tried to kill her, and she had a scare with Jesse. Despite all that, she's still going strong and isn't planning on quitting any time soon!

Which reminds me, I know I've announced this before, but you all probably thought I decided against it after I took my break: I'm going to do a ten generation baby challenge! At the end of Paisley's journey, I will pick the daughter that I think will be the best to carry on her legacy!

The break I took was good for my sanity, because if I wouldn't have left for a while I'd be hating this challenge, but now I'm excited to keep going!

^^
Thanks to all of the people who have been with us from the beginning, the last post or somewhere in between. No matter what, you all have a special place in my heart and the reason I keep writing! Okay, sorry if that was rather cheesy, but it's the truth.

Every view I get makes me smile like a loon and motivates me to keep going. Now, maybe we should check in on the Parker's fourth of July celebration...

Oh look, it's our wonderful challenge mother, barbecuing burgers for the kids! It appears this is going to be a wild night of fun!

After stuffing themselves full of grilled cow and potato chips, they set out the beach chairs and launched some fireworks. It was a colorful night, filled with giggles and accidental fires in the grass.

So, just look at how much she has changed in a year: Insanity, I tell you. Or magic. Probably magic.

Thanks to all the people who have stuck around this long, and thanks to those of you who will continue to read about Paisley's challenge and the generations to come.

I hope you have a happy fourth of July and keep your fingers crossed that Paisley doesn't light the house on fire.

All is Good- Baby 52

I quickly aged up Toffee and Caramel. Toffee had mysterious green skin and even more mysterious brown hair. Caramel, the little nose picker, inherited his father's unique blue and pink hair and my skin tone. They looked nothing alike, but still loved each other like all the twins before them did.

Soon after, there was a knock at the door. "Coming!" I exclaimed as I walked toward them. "Who is it?"

"Um... pizza delivery!" the man shouted. His voice seemed oddly familiar, but I couldn't place where I had heard it.

"I didn't order pizza. Maybe one of the kids did, though," I sighed. "I told them to ask me before they did." I reached towards the door knob, twisted it and revealed Jesse. I immediately tried to slam the door in his face, but he stopped it with his foot.

"Just let me explain, okay?" He forced his way through and looked me up and down before smiling. "I'm sorry, but I don't know who Jessica is. I've been thinking about it ever since you kicked me out."

I sighed. "Don't play stupid, Jesse. This woman," I said, walking over to where I kept the picture, pulling it out and shoving it in his face. He grabbed it, looked it over and a look of recognition washed over his face.

Jesse suddenly started to laugh. "Paisley, this is an old girlfriend of mine. The wallet you found this in was an old one that I had from college. I forgot to clean it out before I began using it again. I swear I haven't spoken to her since we graduated. I love you, and only you."

I was very easily convinced, although I wished I wasn't. "How do I know I can believe you?" I asked.

"You don't. But you can trust me, or at least try." He slightly smiled and looked at me pleadingly.

I sighed and said, "Fine, you can move your stuff back in tomorrow."

Why was I letting him off so easy, you ask? Well, I believed him. I knew the difference between his lying and ... truth-ing faces and that was his... truth-ing face. I also still loved him, even when I thought he was cheating on me.

The next order of business was to call Skye and tell her my discoveries. I just had to hope that she wouldn't be too angry at me still. When I called her she answered with a sarcastic voice. My Skye was back! "I'm sorry I blew up at you like that. Jess told me what happened, and I know that I was being totally unreasonable. If he had been cheating on you, it was his fault the relationship ended, not yours. I'm sorry."

I smiled widely. I was then happy for two reasons: Skye was no longer mad at me, and I had never been right before in an argument with her!

Shortly after this phone call, Laura ran into the kitchen (where I had been speaking to my best friend) and just by the look on her face I knew that she wanted something. "What is it?"

She stuck out her tongue and linked her hands behind her back. "Well, since you asked," she began, exaggerating her words. "I want to go to a concert!"

"Of course you have my permission," I said as I began to walk around the house, picking up the messes my various kids had created.

"Yeah... That's not the problem." She scampered behind me, struggling to keep up with my fast pace. I stopped short, causing her to trip over my feet, which sent her flying to her butt. When she recomposed herself, she continued, "I need money."

I sighed and rubbed my neck. "Why is that the only thing I seem to be good for to my children? Why not ask for undying love and devotion? THAT I will give away for FREE."

"I'm sorry Mom, but you know how being a teenager is."

"When is this concert?"

"Next week," she said, curious as to why I was asking.

"Well, if you want to go to this concert, you need to pay for it yourself." Her mouth dropped and I smirked. 

"I'm sorry Laura, but you know how being a teenager is," I mimicked her. "Pay for it yourself or you don't go."

"And just how am I supposed to get money?"

I thought about this for a minute and simply said, "Bake sale."

She almost looked offended when those words left my mouth. "But... I can't bake!"

I chuckled, a sound that almost seemed evil. "I know of two twins that would love to help their older sister, and they love to bake."

She winked at me and said, "Gotcha." Laura walked away with that and I knew that I made the right decision. This way, the three of them could bond while she learned a bit of responsibility. I also wasn't disappointing her by telling her "no" to the concert.

*~Laura's Point of View~*

Within an hour we had a bake sale all planned out. Midnight was in charge of baking since she wanted to be a chef when she grew up, and Platinum was going to run the stand. I would've done it myself, but who was going to buy sugar coated goodness from a teenage girl? Yeah, a cute little boy would draw more attention. Hopefully not the "Hey kid, I have candy in my van" kind of attention, though...

Once we had it all set up, I set out a chair and some lemonade on a table next to me. I thought I'd have some cups on hand for Midnight and Platinum for when they got hot or thirsty, but I'd also throw in a free drink with the purchase of our baked goods! Maybe that would attract more people! Ha! What did Mom know? I was responsible!

We started at about twelve and by six o' clock, the twins were hot and tired. I tipped over the money jar to inspect the contents. Not much green, unless you counted the minty looking gum that some jerk decided to throw in. After counting the cash, I realized that it was going to take much, much more than a local bake sale to earn enough money for a concert ticket. Either we'd have to go global with our stand, or I'd have to figure something else out.

I helped the kids take down the stand and stored our earnings safely inside my room. I only had a week to get enough to pay for my ticket, and there really wasn't much I could do at the last minute to earn more. As I pondered about this, there was a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and there was Platinum, staring at me with his big, green eyes. "Sup?" he said, oh-so-casually, flipping a coin into the air while smirking. I raised a peach colored brow and he smirked. "I know of a way for you to get some doe." He had shady sun glasses on and had a look of pure sneakiness on his face.

"And that would be?" I urged.

"We'll work out the details later, but let's just say if I can get you the money, you owe me a favor." His tone of voice was actually rather creepy, but I was desperate at that point.

"Stop playing mob boss and get serious here. How are you of all people going to get me money? You're like two."

He scoffed. "Does it matter how I get the money? I do things you never would guess in my free time, and I have some extra cash up my sleeve. You feel me?"

I choked back a laugh. "Yeah... I think so. This seems shady to me, but at this point I don't really care. Where's the greens?"

"Expect the package at your door by eleven tomorrow," he said simply and walked off. "And remember," he said, poking his red head back in the door, "you owe me."

I didn't know what to think about that exchange, but what I did know was I was going to a concert in a week! I did have my suspicions about where that kid got the money, but he was like eleven. Unless he had some serious issues, he didn't obtain it... illegally.

The next morning, at eleven on the dot, there was a knock on my bedroom door. I opened it to reveal a shoe box that read "aforementioned package." Where this kid got his brain from was beyond me, but I really didn't care. I scooped up the box and poured its contents onto the bottom bunk. I counted in my head to find exactly enough money for the ticket. I grinned widely. I didn't know what Platinum would want later on, but I'd deal with that later. For then I had to pick out an outfit to wear to the concert!

*~Paisley's Point of View~*

Somehow, and I really don't know how, but Laura came up with the money to attend her show. I knew that Platinum probably had something to do with it, but didn't question it. As long as I didn't have to get involved, all was good.

Jesse had stopped working so much after the "Jessica incident" and started spending more time with me and the kids. He taught Caramel how to walk, talk and potty while I did the same for Toffee. Once we had that all over and done with, Laura approached me with another one of those looks on her face. "Madre?" she asked, faking her best Spanish accent. "I have something I'd like to ask you."

"What is it this time?" I sighed. "Please no money requests."

She giggled. "No, nothing like that. It's just, all my friends know how to drive and I still take the bus to school. I don't know if you know this, but the bus is the nerdy way to get to school, especially when on the same bus as your little siblings. I love those kids, I assure you, but I have a reputation to uphold."

Laura was head cheerleader at her school, and her "reputation" meant everything to her, so I reluctantly agreed. I knew I had to teach her at some point, but I was hoping to put it off until the last second like I usually did.

We got in the car and at first the ride was mostly start and stop, but within about four hours of stressfulness for me, she was a pro at it. One thing was for sure: she learned fast.

A week passed and I realized that I wasn't pregnant yet. So, I got onto the challenge father website and found the perfect man for the job. He had turquoise hair, matching eyes and an extremely delicate looking nose. Apparently his name was Elmo Winter. 

I went down to the agency to pick up his contribution to the baby making process and once I was finished with the whole... impregnating thing, I went about cleaning up the house. It took me only about an hour to have my home spotless and dinner on the table, but once I was done, I sat down on a beanbag in the basement and relaxed to a little anime.

That was, of course, until Caramel tripped down the stairs. I jumped up from my seat and ran over to him. Sweeping him into my arms, I kissed his head and asked him if he was okay. "I otay mama," he said in his adorable little baby voice. "Pway wif me?"

I couldn't resist his precious little smile, so I raised my hand and said in my most playfully threatening voice I could muster up, "What is this? I think you know! It's. The. CLAW!" I shaped my hand into the said "monster" and brought it down, ticking his stomach. He giggled up a storm, causing me to smile. By eight o' clock, both my boys were sleepy so I laid them in their cribs. Laura was at the concert and Midnight and Platinum were playing happily in the basement, so it was my hope that Caramel and Toffee would fall right asleep so I could have some time to myself, but only Caramel fell asleep quickly.

Toffee needed a bedtime story to coax him into his dreamland. I brought out Green Eggs and Ham and read to him until his eyes fluttered closed. I put the book back and walked up the stairs to the top floor. I was torn between the massage chair, which was in one room, or Jesse, who was in the room next to it. I decided on the chair and was almost instantly asleep when I laid my head on it.

In the morning, I made breakfast for the kids and ushered them off to the bus. Laura asked me if she could use the car, and I couldn't resist. She did, after all, have a "reputation" to uphold. I just hoped that I didn't have anywhere to go while she was at school. My stomach was protruding slightly, but not enough that I couldn't go about my daily chores.

I woke up Caramel, changed him and set him in his highchair. I ground up some of the leftover pancakes and poured the contents into a bowl. I set it in front of him and went to repeat this process for Toffee. After the kids were fed and playing merrily in the nursery, I realized that I had yet to see Jesse that morning. It was about nine by then and Jess was usually up at that point. I walked upstairs to see him still sleeping. "Lazy bones," I muttered under my breath, ripping the covers off of him. He flailed around in bed for a minute until waking up fully and noticing me towering over him.

"Well hey there. Whatcha doin'?" he asked innocently. I pulled him up, he got ready and headed off to work. We somehow managed to find a stable place in our lives that consisted of him spending a third of his energy on work, a third on me and a third on the kids. I was especially glad that I didn't have to raise my kids alone.

The third day into my pregnancy, I went into labor as I was taking a shower and gave birth to Erik Parker, a beautiful, healthy little boy.

Sorry that Paisley's pregnancies have been rushed these past few posts. Soon you'll be able to see the penguin waddle that we all know and love, sported by our dear orange top.