Gen 6 Chapter 8: On To Childhood

"Come on Bella, you can do it!"
"Mamma!"
"Good girl!"

This was my special time I spent with my girl while Jazz was at work. Bella was growing so fast, she nearly had walking mastered! Which was amazing to us, since it took JJ so long to learn it.

Once Jazz pulled up in the drive I took off to my next assignment. Normally, I wouldn't leave that hastily but this particular meeting was time sensitive.

I carefully walked to the back entrance of the old warehouse, knowing that if I was to catch Renae, I'd have to do it right before she entered the building.

"WHAT are you doin' here?!?"
"You don't know me, but I know you. I just need to talk to you for a second."
"Make it quick. If the boss sees you.... talkin' to me..."

"I'm not here to get you in trouble. I just need a name, no more, no less."
"Ha! I'm sure you do! Don't they all."
"I just need to know who bought that stolen car off of you last Monday."
"Well, if you knew your stuff, you'd know I'd never tell you that."

"Ok, look, I need something to go on here. If you can give me any helpful info, I'm willing to make it worth your time."
I discreetly pulled out a 500 Simolean bill. Sure to make a croony talk.

"Let me see that!"
"Hey!!"
"Hm. This is the real thing. Ok. Here's all I can tell you.." She moved closer.

"The big race. Tonight. You'll find what you're looking for there."
"Ah, thanks Renae." She raised her eyebrows. I know she was surprised to know I knew her real name.
"Ok, now get outta here, I gotta go."

So, the car I'm looking for is probably in the races, driven by the man I'm looking for. Looks like I'll be attending the race today!

By the time I got home it was nearing bedtime. JJ was already asleep, but little Bella was contentedly playing with her dollhouse.

After the kids were both in bed, I played on my guitar a bit, then went to find Jazz.
He was enjoying a soak in the hot tub.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all."

"Wow, can you believe JJ wont' be a toddler anymore after this day?"
"No, sure can't. It's going faster than I thought it would."
"Time does seem to fly by."
We gazed at the stars and reminisced a little more before finally going back inside.

The kids were up and at 'em early the next morning. Bella was in her best mood in the mornings, we realized.

But by the time we got to her nap time in the afternoon, wow, watch out for a  major tantrum! I really, really hoped she would outgrow this.

When evening came and we started preparing for JJ's birthday, Jazz got called out to work on an emergency. It really stunk that he had to miss JJ's big moment.

It seemed that with every passing moment, Jj looked more like his father. Wouldn't Jazz be proud when he saw him!

After cake for JJ and Bella, I showed JJ is new bed, and he loved it!

By the time bedtime came around Jazz had managed to get home, and promised to read JJ a bedtime story. This soon became JJ's favorite thing, to be read to before bedtime.

"Morning, princess!"
"Hehe, Mornin' Daddy!"
"Today's a big day. Bubba is going to school!"
"Soool?"
"Yep! It will be just you and me today."

 
After making sure everybody got breakfast, I watched my little boy run out to catch the bus for the first time. He didn't even turn around to wave good bye!

*Sigh* Before I could let myself get too emotional over my boy growing up I went upstairs to get ready for work. Since Jazz had the day off, I decided to get my work done early that day.
I met a few clients...

 staked out the corporate offices of an alleged dirty business man...

 ...caught him accepting illegal information..

...and turned in my report and leads to the police station.

All in a days' work!
And, I had about an hour to kill before JJ got home, so I stopped by the park and played my guitar to my hearts content. Then I headed for home.

While Jazz attempted to help our son with his school work, I changed and went upstairs to work on Bella's verbal skills. Her birthday was approaching fast!

*********************************************************

J had a field trip this week. Yep, since he started school he insists on being called J, because it's cooler.
Jazz helped pull strings at the police station and organized an awesome field trip for J's class. Royal, Jazz's mom, although now a retired school teacher still volunteered for special events like this, so she got to be the kids' chaperone for the field trip! J had a blast.

That night, I had received an invite to a last minute party of a friend of mine, and since Jazz and I couldn't remember the last time we went on a date together, we decided to make it a night out!

 We hired the best babysitter in all of Barnacle Bay!

Hindsight being 20/20, we shouldn't have made a social event a date. We spend more time talking to everyone else than to each other. It was ok, we had a good time, but next time I think we'll just go to dinner or a movie by ourselves.

****************************************************

"So, I have to write a paper about someone with a cool job. I wanna write about you!"
"Aw, sweetie, thank you! I feel honored."
"Tell me about how you started your job."
 "Hm... I started this job right out of high school.."

 "Did you shoot anyone?"
"Um, no, honey, I'm not a cop. I don't carry a gun."
"Well, I watched a detective show, and he always shot the bad guys."
"Well, I'm not that kind of detective."
"Oh."

Thank goodness Jazz came home around that time and saved me. I sent J up to get ready for our little Bella's birthday party.
"So, are you ready to go to my mom's? She says the cake is ready and the slip n' slide is all set up!"
"Yep, I'm ready. I think. I could use a hug."
"Aw, honey, I know. Our little girl is growing up. I've been thinking about it all day."

Royal asked if she could have the party for Bella's birthday, as she was getting up there in age and wanted to be sure not to miss important milestones in the kiddo's lives.
It was kind of nice, actually, she took care of the invites, the cake, the entertainment, all we had to do was show up!
Bella threw a major fit about getting dressed, so I ended up taking her in her pj's to Royal's house.

Once we got there, she let Royal talk her into changing and let her put up her hair.
Royal had invested in some water toys for the grandkids, but everyone, indults included, had a blast!

The time came for Bella to blow out the candles. But I was so preoccupied with watching Bella and telling her how to blow out her candles that I had no idea of the monumental event happening right behind me.

The sad thing is, no one gets a choice when the Grim Reaper will come for you. I suppose, all things considered, Royal at least enjoyed her grand-kids and family's company in her last minutes before she shook his hand and disappeared from this world.

We ended the party early, obviously, and put our kids to bed immediately. As I watched my little girl sleep, I could only hope that with her being so young, Bella wouldn't have too many memories of what happened tonight.  This was definitely not a great way for a little girl to remember her childhood birthday.

*buckey's notes*- I know, I know, so sad, right? I can't believe that Royal passed away during the party!!! Royal really did have a party that night, and by using a little "buy on this lot" cheat I put up some water toys on Royal's yard. hehe. We brought the cake with us, and brought it out when it was birthday time. It really stinks it happened the way it did.
So, I think there may only be one more chapter or so of Juniper, she is very close to finishing her LTW, only a 1/2 a Charisma point to go! Woo! So, there may be an heir vote up soon! 
Oh, and you have to see a pic of Bella, I just can't get over how beautiful she is. Usually, I personally think children aren't that cute in Sims, but this girl is!

Gen 6 Chapter 7: Isn't Parenting Fun?

It was smaller than our beach front dream home, but perfect for our newly formed family. The minute we saw it I fell in love with it.

The bedrooms were perfect! JJ and Bella would have their own rooms.

There was a pool and hot tub outside, perfect for relaxing together. I knew the kids would love the pool when they got older.

As we all settled into the new house, we also adjusted to going from one child to two. Bella was as precious and cute as could be, but wow, did she seem to have a little onery streak in her! I swear, sometimes she would cry just to see us come running to her rescue, only to have her smile and gurgle at us.

Compared to Bella, JJ was such an easy kid! He loved everything and everyone, including his favorite toy boat!

While still on maternity leave, I did manage to check in at the Police Station by computer from time to time, as well as keep in contact with a couple of clients.

Jazz took just a little bit of time off for the move and the baby, but also kept up his physique, especially since he was an elder now. Retirement was the furthest thing from his mind, and he had his eye on becoming an International Super Spy.

Well, there goes Bella's ear-piercing cry again...

The virdict this time? Apparently just wanting to be held. Such a desperate cry just for a little bit of attention! This girl was going to keep me on my toes, that was for sure.

Once Jazz returned to work, it was just me and the kids at home. I'm not going to lie, it was hard work. So much so, that I ended up deferring my case with the graveyard to another colleague, and focused on doing what I could from home.

During those precious moments when I'd actually have both kids down for a nap, I'd sneak off to the hot tub and relax for a bit. I can say it was definitely a form of cheap therapy!

JJ was growing bigger by the minute. We had been working with walking and talking, but he seemed to want to take his own time to learn things. He did take after his dad in one area, that boy could eat! He never turned down a meal, that was for sure!

And eventually, I think Bella and I came to an understanding of each other. There was a lot less crying and a lot more laughing as she got bigger.

But that did not stop her from making the most horrific diapers this planet has ever known. WHEW!
"Bella! That smell is so unladylike! Is this what I have to look forward to with you?"

She definitely had her Daddy right where she wanted him though. There was never as much as a fuss when Daddy was on baby duty. Sometimes that made me a little jealous, but at the same time, it was really sweet.

When Jazz finally got his next promotion and could afford to be home with the kids a little more, I got back out into the field.

Oh, it felt good again to be rummaging around in trash for clues to the latest car theft! Well, you know what I mean.

Even though those hours away from home were refreshing, on my car ride home I'd find myself missing my kids. Bella was usually napping, so I'd slip into JJ's room and have a nice little conversation about everything he did while I was gone.
"BWOKS!"
"Oh, did you build with blocks? What a big boy!"

Now Jazz and I both love the outdoors, and with our busy family life, we hadn't gotten out much to enjoy it like we used to. So we figured we needed to take our first outing together as a family to one of the local parks and make a day of it. Besides, today was my birthday!

While Jazz attempted to grill our lunch, I laid the kids out on a blanket and let them soak in the fresh air.

We talked and played and ate, and had a great time! We stayed out until the sun went down.

Someone started getting a little fussy right as the time for my birthday grew closer..

But the kids hung in there until my change was complete! Happy Birthday to me!

Then, without wasting any time, we scooped up the kids and headed for the car. Bella let us know how she felt about being 'ignored' for longer than 2 minutes.

Of course, little JJ was pretty tired too. He almost fell asleep on the way to the car!

Soon we were home, jammies were put on, and the little one finally stopped her howling for a bottle.

Oh, I suppose you want to know how I turned out as an elder? Well, I think not so bad!

When I finally turned in for the night, Jazz was already snoring quietly beside me. I just laid there, thinking about all the wonderful things I love about my life. My children, my wonderful husband, my music, my career. The only thing I felt I needed more of was maybe some people time. Lately we had been so caught up in our own little nucleus of a family, I was neglecting my friends! When I got a chance, I was going to work more on that.

Of course, it sure was hard to think of leaving home when I woke up to this cute face every morning!

JJ's birthday was soon approaching, and thankfully, he was finally talking! But walking, not so much. We decided we would make it a priority from now until Bella's birthday, to work with JJ on his walking.

I don't know why he was so reluctant about it, but finally he learned to walk!

And not a moment too soon. Bella's birthday came that same night that he mastered his last toddler skill!

Oh my goodness, you talk about a face that could melt hearts everywhere, Bella had it, that was for sure!

And it didn't take her long to figure out how to use those big brown beautiful eyes to get what she wanted.
"Uh! Uh!"
"Oh, now, what's bothering my girl, huh?"

And let me tell you, her little baby cries? Nothing compared to the toddler-sized fits she threw now!
*whimper* "Out..."

"WAAAAAAHHHHHHH! OOOOOOUUUUUUT!"

This wasn't good, because JJ had somehow picked up on this behavior, and for the first time in his little life, started throwing fits too.
"WAH! I wan food mama!"

Oh my goodness, did we rejoice when she finally went to sleep for the night..

Needless to say, when bedtime finally came, Jazz and I didn't have any trouble falling straight to sleep. I didn't know how much of this 2 toddler world we could take! JJ's birthday was still days away. God help us all!

*buckey's notes*- Whew... that little Bella is a handful. You might think her character trait is grumpy, but it's not... I'm sure her true colors will come through in the next couple of chapters. :) Remember, I randomized them, so there's no telling how these kids are going to turn out! Haha...
I'm almost caught up to where I am in game, and we are very very close to Juniper finishing her LTW, she only needs 3/4 of a Charisma point to be done! So, we may actually be voting for and letting the heir take over in childhood/teens! I can't believe I'm so close! Whew!!