CHAPTER 7: Mikie's Childhood

My little Mikie's toddler-hood went by in a blur.

It didn't take long to teach him his skills, and we were used to our little routine: Morning was snuggles and breakfast,

then playtime, usually reading or guitar for me while he played,

then sometimes an outing to run errands.

It didn't take long for his birthday to draw near. I also desired to throw him a party to welcome him to childhood, and I was excited to see some of my friends again anyways!

I didn't invite quite that many this time, but it was still a great party! We also had the party on a weekday, which meant some had to just drop by, say happy birthday, then leave.

But a few friends stayed to watch Mikie blow out his candles...

Happy Birthday Mikie!

Aw, when he aged to child, I saw that even though he still looks like me, he is a little chubby like his father was. I felt a little twinge of pain in my heart as I thought of Harley. I wish so much that he and I could have raised Mikie together. I wish Mikie could know his father. I don't think anyone could ever take Harley's place in my heart. I don't desire to give my heart away again. After all, I have Mikie, and some great friends, and that's all I need.

I accidentally slept in on Mikie's first day of school. I didn't wake up until the bus was honking at our front door.

Mikie yelled to me from the hallway "Mommy! The bus is here! I'll see you later!

A wave of panic hit me! I missed a very important step i my kiddos life, helping him prepare for his 1st day of school! I yelled back, "Oh Mikie, I"m soooo sorry I overslept! You should have woke me up! Did you get breakfast!?"

"Oh, yeah mom, I had some cake from last night. It's ok mom, I know how to take care of myself. Don't wanna be late! Love you!"

I heard the door slam, and I looked out the window to see him get on the bus.

He looked adorable in his "big kid" clothes. He happily bounced up the bus steps, like he's been doing this his whole life, and in a woosh... the bus was gone. I loved that little man!

I couldn't believe how independent Mikie seemed as a child. Although we loved spending time together, he wanted to do things for himself. Maybe it was the whole 'only child' thing, but he had grown up interests, for instance, reading whatever book I was reading.

I got him a computer for school and such, and he figured out right away! In no time, he was chatting away with friends from school, playing computer games, he even told me he wanted to write a novel! Maybe Mikie was a Genius just like his father!

On my last day of leave before I had to return to work, I decided to take Mikie some place he had been wishing and begging to go to. The local art gallery!

He had taken a class at the school for painting, and ever since then, has constantly talked about painting, art, and the art gallery. We both really enjoyed our little outing.

It was there, he announced to me in his most 'matter-of-fact' voice, that he wanted to be an artist like his Daddy, and a guitar player like me when he grew up. I told him he could be anything he wants, and I would help him every step of the way.

I bought him an easel, and he loved it. He set to work right away on his 1st master piece.

Soon, it was time for me to head back to work. I worried so much about Mikie, being home by himself for a few hours a week at night, but he assured me he didn't need a babysitter, and would be fine on his own.

Sometimes he would go to his friend's house and hang out with them until bedtime...

Sometimes he would entertain himself at home, chatting on the computer, reading, playing, or painting to pass the time.

I never had to tell him to do his homework, he always did it without being asked.

With me working late hours, and him being gone at school during the day, we didn't get to see each other much. But we still remained close. I sometimes worried about him being lonely, but whenever I asked him, he assured me he was fine. I guess that's part of the guilt of being a single mom, to always feel guilty for not being home enough with him, and having to work. But of course I had to keep working to support us.

I managed filling my time while he was at school catching up with friends. I'd meet Keith to play a game of chess in the park,

or steal a night away to have dinner with a friend. I was thankful for my friends! They kept me sane.

And, Mikie was my best friend too. Although he wasn't the bookworm like me, he did enjoy books, and I shared all my collection with him. Sometimes, that would backfire, however.

One night, after I had already put Mikie to bed, he came into my room where I was reading and said, "Is it ok if I sleep with you tonight?"

I was surprised! He had never asked that before! "Uh, sure buddy, if you need to. What's wrong?"

"Oh, I was just reading a book, and now I can't sleep." As he settled into the covers, I aksed him, "What book was it?" Sleepily, he murmured, "Murder in Pleasantview." Well, no wonder, I remember that book scaring me too!

Soon, Mikie's teen birthday approached. It was Mikie who wanted the party this time, so he invited his friends, and a few of mine as well.

The preparations were made! All that was left was to celebrate his arrival into the world of teenagers!

Just a little note: If you haven't been on the sims3 forum and heard, there was a rule change as to when an heir/heiress can take over. It is on the rule page, in RED, go check it out!

Oh, and that whole Mikie climbing in bed with HB thing, totally happened on free will. He was reading on his bed, then when he wanted to go to sleep, he totally went and climbed in his mommy's bed. And he really was reading Murder in Pleasantview...Isn't that funny?

Anyways, Thanks for reading!