Generation 3 Part 4

Hey, guys! Sorry for the delay, but here is part 4. There is a lot happening with the Tanner's, so let's just get started!

***

Hey all! As a mother, you learn to take in everything, because before you blink, all your kids will be grown and moving out. And what will you be left with? The memories.

The whole family was beyond excited when Paul and I brought Lilly home. I must say, Paul and I had no idea what we were getting into. The late night feedings, the piercing cries, the foul smells. Also for Marcus, it was all a surprise. But Mr. Bachelor stepped up to the plate. Marcus loves being an uncle. With Lilly around, I often wondered if he thought about settling down and having a family of his own?

After Lilly was born, Marcus saw a lot more of Monica. They went out to the movies, to the park and of course at any location that involved food.

Living in the spotlight never really bothered me to much, except at certain times. I can recall the morning when Paul picked up the morning paper to read the news, and there was his face on the front cover. Paul Tanner Assaults Man. My Paul getting into a fight? Really? What a start to the day, talking to the family lawyer and preparing for a lawsuit. A couple of months later, Paul went to court to settle the matter once and for all. Thank God he won! Off course the papers "promised" to never print false information on Paul again, but time would have to tell for that.

The months flew by with Lilly. Holding her made me feel as if I was floating on a cloud. She is so tiny and precious. The way she curled her little fingers, how her ears wiggled when she laughed, or how smooth her skin was to touch. Amazing how another human being came out of my body!

Paul was determined to win Father of the Year award. At first he was very nervous about holding Lilly in fear of hurting her, but after a while he let his guard down and fell in love with holding her. Every where around the house he goes, Lilly is in his arms. He also planned her entire life out from week 3 1/2.

"Kay, so I know I asked you 30 minutes ago, but we really need to finalize the list of potential colleges. I want to check this off the list."

The sad part is that he was completely serious.

I remember when Mom's training of Alex was in full speed. I don't think Alex really knew what she was getting into when she agreed to be trained, but she has been staying committed. What a brave bestie. 

Coming from work one day, I realized that I wasn't feeling to well. I put my hand to my stomach as if that alone would calm it, but it did nothing. I went up stairs to rest down my stuff and relax for a second. Then I headed down to the guest house to see if Marcus was home. I barely made it to his bedroom door when I made an immediate detour to the bathroom to regurgitate my inner organs. 'Oh man, why was I puking?' was all that was passing through my mind. How cou-- Ohhh!

Sure enough I was pregnant. Then things really got interesting. The next few months of being pregnant and having a baby in the house were rough. I had a lot of morning sickness. Then came the headaches, followed by a lot of back pain. Year and a half Lilly was prepping to replace the energizer bunny at her second birthday.

After my body ceased revolting against me, I started going out more. I went to the grocery store, the movies, but mostly I found myself at the library to read up on my pregnancy. It's only been a couple years since I was pregnant, but I like to be informed.

Marcus was beside himself with joy when he found out that I was pregnant with child number two. He told all of his friends and half the town. At first it was really cute, but after I received stacks of cards ranging from people I knew, to random names I had never heard of, I began to grow weary. In the end I just laughed it off knowing how much Marcus really cared.

The weeks leading up to Lilly's second birthday were crazy. Paul was working hard and putting in a lot of hours of work to makes sure we had money for Lilly's party and to buy the crib and other items for the new one. Marcus helped Mom paint the new baby room every day before and after work. I myself waddled about as if I were directing a movie.

After the party was all over, the whole family crashed in the family room. Lilly was now two years old. It was official. Her energizer bunny legs crawled around the room and the adults lay sprawled out on the couch or in a chair.

Over the years I have admired how hard Paul worked at his job. For him being an athlete was more than playing Soccer all day, it was having patience, being ambitious, continuously learning and growing as a leader. Because of his hard work, Paul quickly got promotion after promotion. I remember how excited he was when he got promoted to the Minor leagues.  Aww my baby was going to actually be playing on the field!

To celebrate the increase in pay, I cooked up a great dinner for the family. Since life was getting a lot busier, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to catch us all together at the dinner table at the same exact time.

A little after midnight, my eyes shot open and my hands flew to the source. The pain was unbelievable. Why on earth did I let Paul talk me into this again was all I could think about at that moment. The next moment Paul jumped up out of bed and went into a panic. Aww, I'm so glad Paul and I are  having another kid was all I could think about at that moment.

"Paul! Snap out of--" was all I could get out before another contraction came.

Before I knew it, we were at the hospital in a jiffy.

As we pulled up to the hospital, I tried all the breathing exercises from lamaze class, but had no success. I felt drops of sweat fall down the side of my face as another contraction came upon me. Paul quickly jumped out of the car and ran to get a nurse. Didn't matter who it was, just ass long as someone came to my rescue!

Birth number two is supposed to be easier says the grape vine. But, that's what I get for listening to the grapevine. I recall how overwhelming it all was as I lay exposed in  the hospital. Finally at 4:12 in the wee morning, I gave birth to my second child.
    

And at 4:17 in the morning, child number two came out of me. Two??? What on earth! Paul passed out as Dr. Slater told him that there was another one on the way. How did we not know?

As we walked into our home, the entire family gathered to take in this miracle of two. I looked over at Paul and saw the same look in his eyes that I had in mine, this would be a lot but at least we had each other. 

Amanda Tanner

   Artistic and Excitable

and

Mia Tanner

   Couch Potato

   Artistic

Welcome to the Tanner Family my two wonderful girls!

I was starving, so I went to the kitchen to get something to eat. I realized that I hadn't eaten in hours. No way I could more one more toe without colliding with the floor. So, Mom stepped in as usual and helped Lilly to get ready for bed so she could heat me up some food.

As we ate, I felt a wave of conversation run over me. I told her everything! All that I was feeling the contractions happened. How I wasn't sure if I would make it. Paul's support and passing out. I just couldn't stop talking. I wanted to plan out my kids life now. Parties, graduations, friends, and the whole sha-bang.

That night with all the excitement, Lilly had trouble falling asleep, so Marcus played some blocks with her, hoping that would help her to pass out on the spot. 

The following weeks after the twins were born were tiring for poor Paul. He would get home and just collapse in his chair. Same chair, same time, every day.

Each day was the same, Mom and I picking up babies and putting them down. Then we would spend time with Lilly and back to the babies. It was not easy because Lilly would give you look of confusion. Why are not spending every waking hour and bit of your energy on me? When she started talking, she then verbalized this same confusion. Amanda and Mia are definitely different. They are already tag teaming against Mom and I. When we try to put them down for their naps, one will fall asleep and the other will stay awake. Then when one wakes up, they switch. No fair!

Lilly is smart. She learns so quickly! It must be a Tanner thing. I recall when Mom and I were teaching her to talk, she was so eager. Her doctor said that she months ahead of her peers in this area and others.

A year and a half went by and I was able to get a good routine down pack. Wake up and serve breakfast. While eating, Mom would handle Lilly's morning routine. It was getting much easier since Lilly was 4 years old. Then I would go get the twins up. Two year old twins is a whole lot of fun! Amanda will wait patiently for me to take her from her crib, but Mia will shake the crib violently. Then Mom and I would take shifts on changing, playing, feeding, and getting work done. 

Suddenly one day, I became pregnant again. Was I surprised? Not in the least bit surprised. This time, though, I knew it was going to be a boy! 

After giving Paul the great news about his fourth child on the way, a son, he put in extra hours at work to make sure we would be able to handle a fourth kid financially. He is always so responsible!

Being pregnant a third time, I became used to it. The back pain, the baby leaning on my bladder, and the swollen feet. This time around I did not want any surprises when it came to how many lives were I was cultivating, so I made sure the doctor checked for twins. As was my habit, I went to the library a lot to read up on the latest parenting information. Mia seems to take after me when it comes to reading. Although she can't read yet, she will pretend like she can. It's so cute! I love buying picture books for her, as long as she does not rip them up.

Paul has great charisma with the girls. He can make them laugh for hours. Since he picked up more hours at work, he began to forgot his love for changing diapers, but that's ok. I'm very good at reminding him of his first love.

When my water broke for the third time in my life, different emotions ran through my body. First off Paul was at work and my back-up plan was also at work. Second off, Alex, my lamaze partner this time around was out of town. Way to go bestie, leave around the time I'm due! With both Paul and Marcus unavailable and Mom babysitting my other children, I was captured by my fears.

I got to the hospital around 4 in the afternoon. I got all settled into my room and with nurses checking on my status periodically and to refill my tissue box. Around 6, it was time. As I began to push, Paul runs into the room.

"Kay! No, don't start without me!!"

Tracy Tanner was born at 8:13pm. She was so beautiful when Dr. Slater placed her in my arms. I looked up at Paul crying,

"She is ... beautiful...."

"I know hun. She is perfect, just like I knew she would be. Surprised he is a she, but who cares!"

Time went super fast. The twins were getting so big! Talking, walking, and all potty trained. Lilly was now 6 years old and in school. The twins were 4 years old and Tracy was 2. Not sure how Paul and I were able to get the girls to be two years apart each time, but hey SKILLS.

Lilly is Grumpy, Good and Athletic. That girl is just like her father, always working out somewhere. 

Amanda is Excitable, Artistic, and Family Orientated.

Mia is a Couch Potato, Genius and Artistic. Mia is so much like her uncle. That's probably why hey get along so well.

I have to go cook dinner, so I'll have to continue Mission Tanner Family Update later. Kayla Tanner signing out.

The End!

Recommend please at the Tanner Legacy page at the Sims3.com. Thanks! 

Generation 3 Part 3

Welcome back to Twinbrook and the Tanner's. I hope you are ready for an eventful chapter, because it starts now!

Three amazing years filled with excitement, surprises, adventures, and food. I like how he smiles at me; a smile that is more than a smile. Paul and I for 3 years. Wow! Three years that have gone by very quickly, but we have learned so much about each other in that well-spent time. He is a very ambitious and driven man. But hey, that comes in very handy when it comes to the plans we have made together. We have sat down and discussed a lot of things. Like how many kids we want to have together, how we want to redecorate the house, places we've always wanted to travel, and which bank to have. :-)

I see so many 'relationships' in my business that are a mockery to the word. But, the link that Paul and I have is the real deal! There is no doubt about it. We fight together! He knows when to get me to work harder and I know when to get him to relax for a while.

Mom, absolutely adores Paul. The next day over lunch, Mom made sure to enquirer about my date.
"So, what how was your date last night with my son Paul?"
"Well, if you do ask, it went well.  More like amazing, Mom! He took me to this new restaurant in town that has great Caribbean cuisine. I have no idea how he heard about it, but the atmosphere was so live! The music they played was fun and and energetic. We ate, danced and ate some more. I'm so glad he loves good food as much as I do! I have no idea what I would do otherwise," I said recalling the events of the night before.
"Oww, so he can dance?"
"He sure can. I was like, 'Alright, Babe, you  better get that!'" I recalled the show Paul had put on for everyone.
 Haha, Mom laughed at my method of encouraging my boyfriend.
"So, when do you think you're going to pop the question? You guys have been at this for a minute now."
"Well, Mom, thanks for asking again for the millionth time."
"I'm asking a legit question, thank you very much."
"You'll see, is all I'm going to say on the matter, thank you very much."

A few days later


Ding dong

"Hey hun, dinner is almost ready."
"Ohh yea, I'm right on time!" Paul said as he gave me a little happy dance. Paul was a big fan of Aunite Gabby's cooking and always seemed to show just just when Auntie Gabby turned the stove off.
"Wait a sec hun," Paul said grabbing my arm as I turned toward the kitchen. "I have a serious ache in my shoulder from working out, do you mind getting it?"
"Sure, and also, when I'm done, I have a question for you. I was going to save it till after dinner, but I think now is  better."
"Yea yea, that's fine. I just want to relax again. My poor shoulders have been aching me all day!"

"Oh yea! That's so much better. Thank you very much Kay," Paul said as he stretched his arms up and around, and then turned around to face me.
"Kay, where did you g--"
 "Paul, you have been a great friend to me for almost four years, and an even better boyfriend for three years. I love you with all my heart and I can't see my life without you in it. I want to travel with you,

 party with you,

dine with you,

make babies with you, 

and grow old with you. Will you marry me?"

"YES! I will Marry you Kayla Tanner!"

I must say that I have never seen so many pearly whites at the dinner table before!

6 months later

The day had come. My destination wedding was falling into place. Mom and Auntie Gabby flew the family, Alex and Marcus' date, Monica Bennett, to Trinidad and Tobago for this perfect dusk wedding. The wedding planner flew ahead of us to make sure that everything would be perfect for the bride and groom.

There were sounds echoing and lights flashing from the hotel as Paul and I stood there gazing into each others eyes. The hour had come!

Mom stood tall, taking in all the emotions she was feeling. Her baby girl was getting married! Oh how she wished Dad could be here to witness this union, but she knew that His memory stood tall in everyone's heart right now.

She recalled the day that Dad and herself held each other and promised to love each other forever.

The day that I came into this world and all the pains and emotions that swam through her veins that day.

That evening Marcus made sure to give a big hug and let me know how proud of me he was that I found such a good man that he is proud to call a brother. What else could be said after that?

It is true that it was very hard for Paul and I to keep our hands off of each other. We're newlyweds! Can you believe it?

There was no one else that I could think of to have at my wedding besides my bestie Alex.
"Kayla, I just want to say that you are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen! I know that Paul is going to make you a happy woman, just make sure you keep him happy also. Never be afraid to say sorry and to give a gift to your booski. You guys are gonna make it! I know it! Love ya girl!"
All I could was cry and give her a long squeeze. Yes, a squeeze, not a hug. :-)

I would have to say that Mom and Paul together are hilarious. Why are they so silly? I don't know where they get it from. Anyways, they sure are having fun dancing and cracking jokes together.

After a while Paul asked where Marcus had disappeared to. Well, I told him to find either the food or the girl and  you would find my brother. Funny thing is that in this case the two came together.

The honeymoon is part two to my perfect destination wedding to Trinidad and Tobago. Hotel here we come. Perfect: conforming absolutely to the description or definition of an ideal type. A perfect wedding!


A couple of weeks after the wedding

After Paul and I got back from our honeymoon, he had not trouble fitting into the family. I still can't get over how I never thought I would meet someone that would cherish food as much as the Tanner women do, well I guess Paul shut that down.

Relocating is never always fun. Unpacking boxes, breaking down boxes, ridding of boxes. Having to take time off of work to move, Paul made sure to do some catch up on work at home.

It's been fun decorating. Mom, Paul and I went shopping at Sim Depot, Swalmart, and Sylkea. We added a third floor to the home (yes a little more than a  little decorating, but it has been in progress for a while), so the Tanner's officially have a nice sized family room. I'm completely in love with it! The color sceme is perfect and the furniture works with the space and it's size. Auntie Gabby has barely left! I was proud to watch Paul place his trophies are around the room. 

Mom, who is now quite the workout buff, and Paul are enjoying the home gym. I'm still getting used to the idea of a home gym, but I think I can get used to it.

Our bathroom was my personal decorating project. Mom was sweet and gave us the master suit, so I went with some greens and yellow with a light pink accent that would brighten up the space and flow into the bedroom. I found this great light granite counter top at wholesale and a gorgeous sink, on sale, to go with it. In the bedroom, I found a great bed that was modern but cool. I fell in love with two white chairs to go in the sitting area and a nice rug to go in that area also. I got a nice, simple vanity. But most importantly, I fell in love, again, with an attractive bedding set I wasn't sure Paul would appreciate. I didn't want it to have to much pattern, but not be to plain. This set just blew all plans and ideas out of the water. I wanted to make sure the room had both a touch of femininity and masculinity. He actually like it!

Even though I have grown up in this house, with all the changes, it seems like a different place. Mom rearranged the office which allowed me to have a much better view of the scenery I was blessed to have outside the window. Working on my book now came with the added bonus of a fresh source for inspiration.

Since the family room would now host the new and improved HD tv for the Tanner's, the old living room became a formal living room. We gave it a fresh coast of paint with some texture to add a splash of fun to the walls and fresh carpet to replace the old worn one. We bought a nice bar and some cool comfortable furniture. Everyone decided that the kitchen renovation would happen in the future. Why? Well, for one reason, Auntie Gabby does not want anyone touching her paradise. :-)

Later that evening I went to my theater, and yes it will be mine some day, to check in on things. I wanted to be as involved in it as possible. Last year I purchased more shares, so as to make sure everyone who was anyone knew that I was serious out being apart of the theaters future.

At home, Paul got down to business. After we finally put all the finishing touches on our place, he realized that if something broke, he wanted to be the fix-it man. Actually he said that he needed to be the fix-it man. He was now the man of the house, so he had to be able to handle a house of this size and stature. So, he hit the books to learn about fixing sinks, tubs, showers, toilets and anything else that would need his light touch.


A month later

Paul and I have barely been married for two months when the worst thing I could imagine happening at the time happened.... Auntie Gabby... passed.... aw--.

I sat down in the guest house to take in all of who Aunite Gabby was. She was the weirdest, most loving, paranoid person who could cook that I've ever known. She has been there for me my whole life. I couldn't ak her advice on dating but she could tell me how to fix anything around the house and encourage me to be the best person I could be. I picked up the photo album that I had brought with me and looked into the past.

 

I closed the album. Oh man... I wish she were still here! Who is going to keep Mom company and help with my kids when they come? They will need the Aunite Gabby touch. Whose going to make sure the garden is maintained to hr high standards? Whose going to give me the best hug known to mankind? ...... We will miss and love always Aunite Gabby!


6 months later

There is one thing that always helps with grief, hope. After puking up every meal for a few days, I went to the doctor to see if what I suspected was true. It was indeed. I had a new hope. So far, the biggest help to my family was having Paul and Alex around. Alex knew just what to say to each one of us, and Paul found ways to be there that surprised us all. Now, that I was pregnant, I knew things were going to get so much better around the house! I had hope.

The next thing that happened to the family came as a huge surprise. I was in the office struggling to get a chapter done for my book when the door bell rang. Mom, being in the kitchen, went to answer the door.
"Hello sir. May I help you?''
"Umm... I hope so. I hope I have the right address. Is the Tanner residence?"
"Yes, it is. How may I help you? Any person in particular that you desire to speak with?"
"Yes, I was hoping to catch Mrs. Mimi Tanner."
"Yes, this is she. How may I help you?"
"Well, I'm your nephew, Lionel Racket."

I walked out of the office to see who it was. 
"Hey mom, who is this?"
Finally mom came to and spoke, "Kayla, meet your cousin, Lionel."


What an evening. The whole family gathered around first to stare at Lionel and then to become acquainted with the family member who feel out of the blue. Marcus and I never really thought about how we never really knew many people from Mom's side of the family, except Uncle Ruben. Now Marcus, Paul and I had a new cousin. Cool! 

The next night was fun. Why? Because Marcus and I got to hang, just like old times. We each had a book that we needed to read for work so he sat back and just read together. Marcus and I learning together... Wow, I felt like a kid again.

In no time I began to show. I had moved on from morning sickness to muscles aches. So, what does that mean for me? Shopping for maternity clothes and...

The spa! I even treated myself to a nice expensive body treatment package just because I wanted to. Weird how much you really really want things when you're pregnant.

For example, I got a weird desire I to hire a butler. Sure, why not! So, there she was. Very mean looking, not very talkative, but sure I'm going to let mean fly in this house. The Tanner's will break her of that no problem. But one things for sure, she got to work right away. She cooked up Autumn Salad for dinner. She's no Auntie Gabby!

I read a lot over the next few months. After I was sent home from work for knocking over to many things with my belly, I thought I would go insane. But, inspired by Auntie Gabby, I bought a ton of cook books from the bookstore and began to learn a list of recipes. There was no way some scary butler would be cooking for me forever!

Paul is completely in love with the idea of there being someone on the planet who is going to be a little Paul. Haha He is so silly. This child is going to be a little Kayla!

This belly is getting huge! I don't know how I'm going to continue to get out of bed! I would sleep on the floor, but I would never be able to get off the floor. Anywho, I went on a special errand tonight. After much discussion, Paul and I decided to invest in another venue around town. So, I went and became a partner at the local bistro where we had our first date. It was such a sentimental business transaction.

The next day Alex came over to check up on her hugely pregnant bestie. But who would have thought that she had an alternative motive to showing up at mi casa. Since I was no longer able to work out, more like keep up, with Mom as of lately, Alex volunteered her life-- I mean time. She wanted to get healthy and loose weight, so she cam seeking guidance from her second mother.

In the office when Marcus got home one evening, I stepped out to see how his day went. 
"Hey Marcus, how's the life of an actor?" I asked trying not to laugh.
"Is there something funny you need to get off of your chest? Huh? Huh? Am I a clown? Do I amuse you?"
"Well, when you say it like, that wearing that, yea!" Hahaha It was to much to hold in. He looked retarded. Poor guy! We both just burst into an uncontrollable laughter.
Just then I went silent as I felt my feet getting really wet.
"Paul!" Marcus yelled.

Paul and I scurried into the car and sped off to the hospital.

Finally and 2:38 in the morning, Lilly Tanner was born. Brave and Athletic.

"Kay, she is beautiful! I have never seen anything like it! Wow...."

"I know.... Aww Baby, she is perfect," I said with tears streaming down my face.

We both gazed at Lilly thinking of all the great things she would become. How different life was going to be now. 

"Things are never going to be the same. Are you ready for that?" Paul asked as he wiped my forehead free from the sweat buildup.

"I am as ready as I'll ever be! How about you my wonderful husband  for giving me this child?"

Paul leaned in and gave me a soft kiss on my forehead and smiled staring at the two most important women in his life, " You bet I am!"

Early that morning, Paul and I walked through the front door ready to face all that was coming next. At least we had each other and Mom and now Uncle Marcus. Life was good, really good.

The End!

Recommend please at the Tanner Legacy page at the Sims3.com. Thanks!