Generation 1.13

It was starting to feel like every other day was a birthday in this house, though I didn’t really mind. Birthdays were happy days, after all, and it also meant leftover cake in the fridge. That was always a good thing, in my opinion. Today we were celebrating a double-birthday. Honey Dew was becoming a teenager, and Saffron Spice was leaving his toddler days behind him. I would no longer have any babies in the house. It was a bittersweet realization on my part.

Honey was the first to her cake, looking happier than I’d seen her in a long time. She even styled her hair in preparation for her transition.

Lemon Tart and I were sure to cheer her on. Sunglow was, once again, at work and missed the party. He had recently become the team’s MVP, however, which meant more money and shorter work days, and one step closer to his life-time goal of becoming an athletic superstar.

Honey grew up even lovelier, if that was at all possible. She and Lemon sat down to begin enjoying the cake while I slipped into the nursery and got Saffron. It was now his turn to blow out the candles.

He turned out as handsome as I’d suspected. He was a little down that his dad missed out, but a big slice of cake went a long way to cheering him back up again.

Now that Saffron was old enough to do things on his own, I quickly realized what a little angel he was in a child’s body. He made up his own bed without me having to say anything.

He always washed his hands after using the bathroom.

And helped me around the house, cleaning the toilets, the sinks, the dishes, anything that happened to get dirty.

It was a big load off my shoulders, leaving me more time to tend the garden. I had several species bred to what I considered to be a perfect strain, but I still wanted to have a few more. Only then would I consider myself to have the ‘perfect garden.’

But as natural as the process was--and as silly as it made me--whenever I had to dispose of one of my plants I always cried. I hated losing one of my 'babies.'

I was caught a little off guard by my own birthday. I’d completely forgotten it. The kids were asleep and Sunglow was down in the basement working out, so I cheerily transitioned into a full-fledged adult alone in the kitchen.

I sat down afterward, to take everything in, I suppose. I didn’t feel very different, but glancing in the mirror I could see a few new lines on my face that hadn’t been there before. At that, I started to worry a little bit. Would Sunglow mind my new look?

I headed down into the basement to find out. I found him at the new weight bench, pumping iron. Looking as sexy as ever, which somehow only made me feel worse. He gave me a look after I’d descended the stairs, picking up on my melancholy.

“Something wrong, Nilla Bean?”

The sound of that nickname still brought a slight smile to my face even after all this time. “Nothing really,” I returned. “I just had my Adult birthday.”

His eyes widened. “Happy birthday! Aw, Vanilla, why didn’t you come get me? I would’ve cheered you on, love.”

“I know you would have,” I chuckled. “I kind’ve forgot myself, and I don’t know,” here I shrugged half-heartedly and glanced away. “Getting older and more wrinkly isn’t really a cause to celebrate all that much.”

I normally wasn’t one for pity-parties, but something had taken hold of me after my transition. Sunglow picked up on it immediately of course. The next thing I knew he was up from the weight bench with his arms wrapped around me, holding me close.

“I love you Vanilla Cream,” he pronounced firmly, tone almost stern, “and I’ll always love you, even when we’re both old and gray and so senile we can’t remember what we did two minutes ago let alone what we had for breakfast that morning. Don’t ever doubt that. Ever.”

I sagged a bit with relief, snuggling into his front. “You always know just what to say to make me feel better,” I murmured into his chest, sighing with contentment. At that he chuckled, rubbing my back.

“It’s a talent,” he mused playfully. We stayed that way for a long moment, and then, “you know, I was thinking. That new tree-house we had installed hasn’t really been tested. I think we should check it out first, make sure it’s safe for the kids.”

I leaned back in Sunglow’s arms, meeting his mischievous yellow eyes, and an answering grin slowly spread.

“I think that’s an excellent idea. We wouldn’t want the kids to get hurt.”

The days started flying by again after that, and the next thing I knew it was time for yet another birthday. It was time for Lemon Tart to join her sister in teen-hood. She stood at the cake, smiling at us as we cheered her on and generally made fools of ourselves. But that’s what birthdays are for, right?

She transitioned and became every bit as wonderful as I suspected. Like her sister, she was a wonderful blend of Sunglow and I, but with a flair of her own personality thrown in.

Both of my girls were now teenagers, each of them beautiful in their own little ways. So far Honey’s teenage years had been fairly uneventful, but with two of them in the house now, something told me that wouldn’t last much longer.

Sunglow was at work for the first part of the party, but luckily he would be getting off in time to still celebrate with us. Not only would he be celebrating Lemon’s birthday, however, but also the fact that he’d just been named the Superstar of the team. His lifetime wish had been fulfilled, and I couldn’t be happier or more proud.

Sunglow made it home just in time for cake with the girls.

They all sat down at the bar to dig in. I sat back, content to watch them, filled to the brim with love and dreams of what tomorrow might bring.

((Aaaaand another one bites the dust! One more chapter after this, and Gen 1 is officially completed! Woo! If you're thinking that Saffron grew up awfully fast, it's because he did. I logged off with him having like 5 days left as a toddler, and when I logged back in he had none. >.< Annoying glitch, but whatevs. Also, a little info nugget for you, that sim that’s behind Sunglow as he’s leaving work is my husband’s berry sim!self, Beige Mulberry. :D He also happens to be Sunglow's boss, lol, and consequently one of his BFs. ))

Generation 1.12

((Just a quick note, I got Pets inbetween this update, so Lemon’s hairstyle is different in some, sorry for the continuity bug)).

It was time for Lemon Tart’s birthday, at last. I took her to the cake, confident that she would turn out beautifully. I told her to make a wish, and then we both blew out the candles together.

I wasn’t disappointed. She’s adorably gorgeous, just like her sister. My hair and freckles with Sunglow’s skin and eyes. A wonderful combination if I do say so myself.

Lemon Tart and Honey Dew sat down to enjoy her birthday cake. I was glad they were getting along so well, I’d worried that their different personalities might clash. It was especially comforting, considering that they would now be sharing a room.

Meanwhile I went into the nursery to make sure little Saffron was doing alright. He was, of course, cooing sweetly as I gave him some snuggles before putting him down for bed. It would be his birthday tomorrow, my last child aged up to a toddler. I couldn’t wait to see how handsome he would be.

The next morning the girls headed out for some exploring before their brother’s party. Honey normally wouldn’t be interested in such a thing, but she’d been offered extra credit at school for catching some bugs around town. The experience was like pulling teeth for her, but she was determined to get that boost to her grades. Lemon had a blast, as I understand it, having no qualms digging her hands in the dirt looking for creepy-crawlies.

Once the girls got home, I pulled out Saffron’s cake and we had his birthday together. Sunglow had to work, unfortunately, but he was moving up the ranks of the team by leaps and bounds. He’d already been given the Starter position and now had his eye on Team Captain. The money we got from his promotions and raises had allowed us to renovate the house once again, replacing the warped floors with fresh wood and buying the kids a few more things as well, so I couldn’t complain.

I was a little sad that he was missing out on Saffron’s big day, but I didn’t let myself dwell on it. And I certainly didn’t let the kids pick up on it. Honey and Lemon did their best to cheer Saff on, so I don’t think he even noticed at all.

Much like my girls, Saffron Spice did not disappoint me. He’s such a cutie! He’s got my skin and hair, but his daddy’s lemon-yellow eyes. No freckles, but he’s no less adorable in my heavily biased opinion. Saffron entertained himself with his new doll Jellybean while the girls and I enjoyed some more yummy birthday cake.

As soon as Sunglow came home from work he went right to the nursery. Snuggling with Saffron and telling him how sorry he was that he’d missed his birthday and how proud he was.

Sunglow was the one to put Saffron in his pajamas and put him to bed. Reluctantly on both their parts, I think.

And since Sunglow was still sleeping early next morning, I got the honor of letting our little man out of his crib the next day. Look at that face! He’s the most precious toddler ever born, I’m sure of it.

After making sure Saffron was alright in the nursery, I headed outside to get started on tending the garden for the day. As it was the weekend, it didn’t take long for Lemon to join me outdoors. She immediately began playing in the sprinklers—just like her daddy—and her excited peals of laughter brought more than one smile to my face as I worked.

She also took the time to explore the jungle gym that Sunglow and I had bought the kids with his latest raise. She had a blast on it, unsurprisingly.

Lemon made sure to help out with her little brother too, making sure Saffron had a bottle when he became hungry and fussy while Sunglow or I were busy.

Honey Dew couldn’t be bothered with playing outside, much to my disappointment. She mostly stayed indoors, either painting or watching her favorite shows on TV.

After Sunglow got up that morning he made sure to spend some time working with Saffron, teaching him how to walk. Sunglow had been the one to teach Honey and Lemon most of their life skills, by now he was a champion at it.

After Saffron went down for his nap, Sunglow went out to spend some time with Honey Dew. He tried to get into the historical documentary she was watching, but I get the feeling he didn’t understand a lot of it. Still, it’s the thought that counts.

Through it all, Sunglow and I still made time for each other here and there. I don’t think it’s possible for me to love this man any more than I already do.

Well . . . except for maybe when he does this.

((Woot, another one down! Sorry the updates haven’t been as regular, my game and I are having a bit of a tiff right now. Second Gen is sooooon, I promise. And as for heir votes (as I’ve gotten a few questions about it), I’ve already picked one for Gen 2, and Gen 3 should only have one possibility if all goes according to story-plot, so the earliest vote will be for Gen 4. ))

Generation 1.11

Sunglow had his birthday recently. He didn’t want to do anything special for it, so quietly transitioned into an Adult one night after work. He might have a few extra laugh lines around his eyes and mouth, but I just love him more.

It was official, I was carrying baby number three. Boy or girl, I knew this would be our last child, so I treasured this pregnancy more, I think.

“Hello there, little guy. Can you hear me? It’s your daddy.”

“I don’t think the baby can hear you just yet, Sunglow,” I laughed, since I was still barely showing. That didn’t stop him from trying though. He was determined.

Sunglow showered me with attention during my pregnancy, too. Despite our busy lives, I never wanted for affection from that man. He was the best.

And he did the dishes for me too! What more could a woman want! Except maybe some ice cream . . .

Sunglow worked with Lemon Tart on her walking, since she’d be having a birthday soon. Some days they had more luck than others.

While I kept busy out in the garden. As with my other two pregnancies, I didn’t let the fact that I was with child slow me down in the slightest.

Honey spent most of her time in front of the easel we’d bought her, working on her painting skills. I thought her paintings were adorable but she was so hard on herself, hating the fact that she was only capable of producing ‘kiddy crap.’ 

I worried about my eldest daughter a lot. Though I was thrilled when she brought home a familiar face from school one day. It was my friend Mango’s eldest son, Melon Abyss. He took almost completely after his father, Marine, except for the eyes. Those were all Mango.

They went upstairs as soon as they arrived to work on their homework, by Honey’s choice. She insisted on making sure it was done right away. Is it wrong of me to wish that she’d be a little less studious and hard-working? I just wish she’d enjoy herself and act more like the kid she is, rather than a thirty-year-old in a child’s body, I suppose.

“Sorry my house is so blah, Melon,” Honey heaved apologetically. “I know we don’t have hardly anything fun to do around here. No money to buy anything.”

“It’s no problem,” Melon assured cheerily. “And your house isn’t bad at all. It’s way out in the woods, I bet there’s tons of adventures you can have out here. You wanna go out and explore?”

Unfortunately Honey hated to be outside, and didn’t look at all convinced. Not long after that Mango called and asked for Melon to come home, anyhow. Honey went right back to her painting, vowing to get better.

Late that evening I was moving through the living room when the first labor-pains hit. Three times now, and the pain never lessened. Holy Berry above, did it hurt!

Hours later, our next—and last—treasure was born. It was a boy, just like we’d wanted. We named him Saffron Spice Palette.

Sunglow was over the moon in love with the new baby, just as he had been with Saffron’s older sisters. He happily got up in the middle of the night to give Saff his first feeding. I’ve never seen someone so happy to be rudely awoken at 3 am.

Our family was now complete, and I couldn’t be happier. A wonderful husband, two beautiful girls and a bouncing baby boy, a thriving garden and a house that was slowly but surely becoming the home of my dreams. I couldn’t want for more. Even if the new sink still broke. 

((Another installment down! We’re winding down to the end of generation one. One or two, maybe three more updates and we’ll switch to Gen 2. Hope you enjoyed, and hopefully the chapters aren’t becoming too repetitive. Once you start having babies it seems like they take it over, lol. ))