Chapter 20: Full House

The visit at Castor and Annabeth’s house led to two important events.

First (and not very surprising) thing was Eira’s sudden desire to have one more baby. And since Adrian is always ready to fulfil every wish of his beloved wife, he contacted the adoption agency as soon as possible.

A: “There’s no time for pregnancy.”

I only approved of another baby because we needed the seventh dwarf, of course. And I chose the adoption once again, because adopting is cool. And I also wanted three additional days for Adrian to spend with the newest little one.
So, with the little help from the random trait generator The Rossinis adopted their last offspring. And it’s a…

…girl!!!

Meet Eudora Rossini. Her name means “good gift” and is also a name of the Hyades, a sisterhood of nymphs that bring rain. (The Hyades is also a star cluster in the constellation of Taurus.) I think she’s already quite unique addition to this family.

Eudora arrived to the house around 10 a.m. while the rest of the kids was in school. They had no idea what surprise was waiting for them at home.

Although Melia looked like she smelled something fishy, when they came back home. xD

Evander was the first one to greet his baby sister. He was very curious, because unlike his siblings, he’s never had a baby sister before.

E: “Boo, little nooboo! I’m your big bro!”

But Eudora, just like most of the babies out there, wasn’t a big fan of unexpected, loud noises and she started to cry. Poor Evander, he was not ready for that.

“No, no, no, no! Don’t! Don’t cry, nooboo! You’ll get me in trouble.”

Well, babies can be complicated, Ev!

But it didn’t break his spirit. He was still pretty excited to have Eudora around because in Evander’s mind, siblings were the greatest thing ever. He had so many of them and he loved them all.

He was so overjoyed that he kept talking about the new baby all day.

E: “New baby, Millie! Do you understand? Another sister to have fun with! A-ma-zing!”

Camilla understood very well. She has already met baby Eudora. But she, unlike her brother, was not happy about the new situation at all.

“Ugh, a baby? What for? And her name means gift! Pffff! What a joke! Next time, I’d prefer a trampoline, thanks!”

Well, it wouldn’t be a proper post without a bit of sibling rivalry, right? It’s like the only thing this family is dealing with.

Luckily, no one else was upset. Damon, being the most cheerful creature that ever existed, got the Happy moodlet again and Devi was glad that she was finally old enough to help with baby care. Unlike Evander, she was doing great.

“Admit it, Dory. I’m your favourite.”

Even Melia was all right. And that brings me to the second important thing caused by the visit at Castor’s: Melia finally came to terms with her parents’ choices. Seeing her whole family together, celebrating the arrival of her niece and nephew was overwhelming. And beautiful. She understood that family is important, no matter how big it is and that everyone in the family is there for a reason.

“It’s clear to me now – you belong here, just like I do.”

She also accepted that raising children was her mom’s life mission. And Eira was doing a great job so far – nobody died of hunger or embarrassment and every kid had As in school. That’s actually pretty impressive.

Melia already knew that her choices would be much different than her mother’s. And she also understood that it was okay. Because all Sims are created … well, different.

She even decided to apologize to Camilla for being so grumpy and indifferent before. Because no matter what, it wasn’t Camilla’s fault that Mom and Dad adopted her.

M: “Hey, honey, if I’ll be mean to you ever again, punch me. Punch me hard.”

And although the chores were still Melia’s responsibility, she wasn’t upset about it anymore – I mean, she’s Neat. She loves chores!

Melia was also building her relationship with Devi. The sisters has always been close (everyone’s friends with everyone in this household, since they iniciate conversations autonomously all the time and I love watching them interract with each other so I let them), but since Devi became a teen and rolled the Curator aspiration, they really bonded over outdoor activities. And selfies.

#sisters #besties #4life #naturelovers #beautiful #pretty #green #flowers #trees #twilight #simstacool

“Yay, Devi! We’ve already got 20 likes.”

Eira was really glad that Melia was back to normal. She knew her daughter had a hard time (she sensed it with her supermama powers) but she also knew that Melia had to work it out on her own. She was a teenager, after all. She wouldn’t listen to her mother at this age anyway.

Camilla, on the other hand, needed her attention a lot at the moment. And Eira sensed that with her superpowers, too. And so she tried to gave Camilla a little one-on-one time. Or two-on-one time, to be honest.

E: “Are you having a hard time with your homework, sweety?”

“Not at all, mom. I’m smart, remember?”

Adrian was very satisfied with Camilla’s answer. He’s the legacy dad, after all. Having successul children is his number one priority.

A: “That’s the spirit, Millie! Hold on to that attitude!”

C: “Sure, Dad. Homework is a piece of cake, anyway.”

A: “If so, remember not to eat it!” (E: “Can’t we go one day without these jokes?”)

Oh, Adrian and his corny humour. Eira’s face on that picture says it all. But Camilla didn’t mind it. She had lovely time with her parents. She’s almost forgotten that she was upset about Eudora and went to bed in good mood.

A: “Can I just say I’m very impressed by your parenting skills?”

A: *whispers* “And by many other things about you, too.”

Well, what can I say? Looks like everything is going quite well in this family right now. And that’s kind of a success with so many different sims living together. 🙂

Achievement unlocked.

Chapter 19: About the sad birthday girl (and the very happy grandma)

Hey, everyone! Say hello to Devi’s glorious teenage self. (She is sad here, because she wasn’t able to make it to her birthday cake to age up and now she has the Forgotten birthday moodlet.)

D: “Whatever, I don’t feel like celebrating anyway. Birthday party is a big deal. I better sleep on it.”

Devi put the pink cake with soft strawberry mousse and sprinkled pistachio nuts into the fridge and went back to bed, because she was sleepy. Literally. (As a forth-born child, she represents the forth dwarf – Sleepy.)

Selecting the trait was easy this time – Lazy was an obvious choice. For her aspiration, she rolled The Curator, which suits her well, since she is a nature lover.

In the morning, everyone prepared little presents for Devi to cheer her up. Melia was in a slightly better mood finally, overjoyed that her sister is now old enough to help her with chores (poor Mel, she hasn’t learned Devi’s newest trait yet) and she baked some breadsticks for the birthday girl.

“Food gifts are the best gifts, right?”

Eira, too, had her present for Devi ready. It was a beautiful piano composition named ‘With a Smile and a Song’ and it was supposed to remind Devi (and everyone else) how important it is to stay positive. She was inspired to write it after her little encouraging talk she had with Devi, when she was upset about her new siblings. Eira performed it right then and there in front of her whole family.

“Dear Devi, I hope this song will always remind you that you’ll never find a rainbow when you’re looking down.”

Evander, an aspiring artist, designed a cover for Eira’s optimistic sheet music.

After a small family concert, everyone enjoyed breadsticks and the strawberry cake for breakfast and then, the kids left for school in great mood. (Except for Devi who was still sad, making me look like I don’t care about my sims birthdays…)

Damon: “Devi, how can you be sad on your teen birthday? I mean, you not only got older, but you also got bigger! And your stomach got bigger, too! And bigger stomach means more food! Isn’t it like the best thing ever?”

Ahh, those gluttons. It’s easy for them to be happy.

While kids were in school, Eira and Adrian rejoiced in a treasured moment of privacy. It’s hard to keep the romance alive when you have six kids around. But they somehow managed to make it this far.

A: “Everytime I see you I feel weak in my knees… but then again, maybe it’s just my old age.”

E: “Don’t be silly, my love. Your joints may be squeaking and your hair may be grey, but  you’re never too old to be young. Or to have some fun.”

A: “I agree.”

And after the kids were done with school and the adults were done with… whatever they call it… the family organized a joyous event. A visit at Castor’s house.

Castor and his wife Annabeth decided to live with Annabeth’s mom when they got married, because it was already pretty crowded in the Rossini household. They also shared the house with two elder ladies (maybe Annabeth’s aunts?) and, more recently, with a pair of babies.

The kids were excited about the trip, partly because it was their first time leaving the house. But they were really surprised when they saw Castor’s house.

Camilla: “The house is so tiny, right, Ev? It’s even smaller than our house! I’ve thought it was impossible.”

E: “Yeah, it’s so small that when they order a large pizza they have to eat it outside!”

Although Evander is a gloomy sim, he hasn’t acted gloomy yet. Not even once. He’s probably waiting for his teenage years with it. And he is a great companion for Camilla. (I must admit, I love it how the kids are growing up in pairs – Castor and Mel, Damon and Devi and now Camilla and Ev – it’s such a cute occurence.)

Eira,on the other hand, had no time for small talks. She didn’t even noticed the house was small. She needed to see the little ones ASAP!

E: “Don’r cry, little princess, grandma’s here.”

Melia was mesmerized with her mom’s parenting skills. The second she picked the baby up, she stopped crying. It was like a charm.
“Momma is so great with babies,” she thought to herself, “And with older kids, too. It’s her talent, like cooking is mine and programming is Castor’s. I can see it now. She was not irresponsible to have many kids. In fact, it was her responsibility to have them. It’s like she was meant to be a mother.”

Melia also said hello to her new nephew and niece. And she also decided babies are not that bad. Especially if they are someone else’s responsibility.

“Oh, what a cute little baby you are, Ross.”

And while the girls were overwhelmed by the cuteness of twins, Evander thought it was a good idea to spend some time with the female residents. Who knows, maybe he’ll learn something….

Annabeth: “The childbirth was not that bad, actually. I mean, it hurt like plum and I was bleeding all over the place, but…”

Or maybe he’ll just wait untill he’s older to witness a conversation like this again.

“I think I’ve heard enough….”

Older boys bonded over TV shows – Damon was impressed by the mere fact that his brother owns a TV – but a TV with a cooking programme was an absolute mindblown for him.

D: “This show makes me so happy… and hungry.”

In general, everyone had a fun time chatting and catching up and hugging and gossiping and joking… It was just a sweet family gathering, but a great one, because no one felt offended and no one started a fight (and that’s quite a success, right?)

In the end, Castor felt obliged to thank Eira for showing up and for bringing everyone along.
But Eira interrupted his thank you speech with her own: “Don’t be ridiculoud, Castor. I thank YOU! This was an incredible day for everyone. Especially for Melia I guess. I know she’s having a hard time.”

E: “And you know how I ‘m sometimes upset about seeing you all grown up. But holding your son in my arms is like reaching through time and holding your baby self again.”

“Being a grandma is a dream come true for me,” she continued, “and I hope you know how incredibly proud I am that I raised a man like you.”

——————————————————————————————————————

P.S. I’m sorry if this is too cheesy, but grandchildren are a big deal for Eira for she got a little carried away by her emotions….

Chapter 18: News, birthdays and artists

Soon after Camilla’s birthday, our beloved Castor dropped by to check out his new siblings and to catch up with everyone else.

He, himself, had some exciting news to share as well.

C: “Yesterday, I’ve become a father.”

It’s true! The very first Rossini grandchild was born last night. And the first one was immediately followed by the second one – yes, Annabeth gave birth to twins!
First was a girl named Isis (It’s fun that the game chose a mythological name for the first grandchild of my legacy, isn’t it?) and a baby boy named Ross. I can’t wait to visit them.

Naturally, everyone wanted to hear more about the babies. But Castor  wanted to know what’s new in his old home. He noticed Melia’s depressed face and wanted to help.

“What’s up, sis? You look like you could use a visit of the Tragic Clown.”

“It’s nothing, Castor, don’t worry about me, I’m fine,” she said and she walked away.
Castor knows his sister a little too well to believe her, but he knew she would tell him if she wanted to.

Melia decided to play some chess, far away from her noisy family, but she couldn’t focus.

‘I don’t even know why I lied.’

‘Oh, yes, because I am a horrible person who hates his own siblings and I don’t want my big brother to know.’

‘Or worse… to tell Mom about it.’

‘But on the other hand, it’s really hard to keep all this misery to myself. Aah, what should I do?’

Melia was feeling very ashamed of her feelings, because let’s face it – sibling rivalry is only acceptable, when you are like four years old. A (almost) grown up woman shouldn’t worry about such things.

But she did worry and when she realized how busy Castor will be in the next few months, she decided to talk to him.

“Castor, I don’t want you to think badly about me after what I’ll tell you.”

“The thing is… I’m really upset about the new kids. I think everything was better before, when Devi was the youngest…”

She felt so bad about saying those awful things.
“I think Mom and Dad shouldn’t have had more children, you know. I was happier without them. I know it’s terrible.”

But to Melia’s big surprise, Castor laughed: “Don’t torture yourself with guilt for feeling like this. It’s normal.”

“Do you think I was happy when Mama brought this ugly brat home? No! I HATED him. So much!”

“And now, I love him to death. He’s probably my favourite brother.”

Melia remembered those days when they were so young and smiled. She felt a little better that Castor understood it and didn’t judge her, but still…

C: “I know it’s hard for you, Mels. But believe me, it’ll pass. They’ll grow up fast and once they’re older, you’ll have friends in them, I promise.”

“I guess you’re right,” she nodded thanfully.
“Of course I am,” he lauged, “I am a Genius, remember?”

And speaking of growin up, it was Evander’s turn to jump out of the bassinet.

He’s gloomy and his aspiration is Artistic Prodigy (Again! He’s forth Rossini child to have it! Unbelievable!)

But look at him! Earrings! Bracelets! Jeans with a paint on them! He already looks like a proper artist!

E: “Looks like I’m the coolest kid ever.”

And first thing he did? He ignored the delicious meal Melia prepared for dinner and he rather had some delicious yoghurt! So young and already so aware of family customs.

Adrian is proud of him, too.

And while Evander was getting used to being a child, Devi was saying goodbye to her childhood years. With one day left, she knew she would never complete another aspiration and so she focused on talking about teddy bears and candy. And on telling jokes, of course.

Devi: “Damon, do you know why  a blonde stares really hard on a carton of orange juice?”
Damon (while reading a romance novel): “Nope, no idea.”

“Well, it says ‘concentrate’.”

Her humour is so advanced now, she’s telling all the jokes with a poker face.

Devi really made the most of her childhood. Not only she completed her aspiration, she also did something much more important – had a wonderful time with her family.

“I love you like a llama joke, Papa.”

And it’s all that matters. At least in this legacy.

Farewell to childhood.

Chapter 17: Through ups and downs

With two adorable but noisy babies in the house, life was suddenly much busier. Little Camilla was exceptionally needy. She was crying all the time, even when she was taken care of. But luckily, big brother Damon was there to give her all the attention she needed.

“Oh, come on, little baby. Don’t cry. Rejoice in gloriosness of our matching outfits!”

Damon was over the moon to have new siblings. He’s got the happy moodlet again, just like when Devi was born (maybe his cheerfulness is the reason?)

Eira and Adrian were very happy about their new babies, too. Even though it meant their date nights suddenly changed to babysitting sessions. They didn’t seem to mind.

As long as we’re together, there’s no place I’d rather be.

However, not everyone was excited about new additions.

“Why exactly do we need this hideous, screaming creatures?”

Devi was hurt and offended.
‘Am I not cute anymore or what? I don’t understand why Mom and Dad needed new babies! I am the baby of this family!’

Melia, on the other hand, was not angry. But she was sad.

“Bigger family only means one thing – more chores for me.”

Melia was such a great help in the house, she really deserved a medal for all the work. She was being a real princess – selfless and caring for others, putting their good before her own. Amazing, brave girl.
One day, Christopher showed up.

But everyone was too busy or exhausted to answer the door. I felt so sorry for Melia, it was awful to watch her friend leave without a word.

But running the household this big was hard and even though Adrian and Eira are capable parents, they are also full-time working adults and the only people in this family who are earning money.

They needed help and Melia was willing to help them. Because that’s what families are for – to help each other out when times are hard.

“There, there, nooboo. Mom’s working so it’s artificial baby food for now.”

Seeing her there, strong and responsible, it was easy for everyone to forget that she is still a young girl, with her own life. But it was tough for her. Occasionally, I saw her crying in the shower (she was keeping her misery for herself).

“Sometimes I wish to be an only child, free to do what I want to do and not what need to be done.”

It was a heart-breaking thing to witness. Melia had no friends except her siblings, because she simply had no time nor energy to befriend someone. And she started to spend more and more time on her own in the tiny garden in front of the house, far away from all that noise and chaos inside.

Thank Watcher plants don’t have vocal cords.

The garden became her safe oasis of peace and serenity and Melia realized she wouldn’t mind spending her days quietly in the garden with her beautiful, green companions. Those were her favourite moments and she couldn’t wait to learn more about the mysterious world of plants. (Yes, Melia rolled the Freelance Botanist aspiration when she became a teen.)

Meanwhile, Eira decided to spend some quality time with Devi, so she wouldn’t feel neglected.

“When it was quite dark the owners of the cottage came back; they were seven dwarfs who dug and delved in the mountains for ore. They lit their seven candles, and as it was now light within the cottage they saw that someone had been there…”

She was reading Devi’s favourite fairytales and singing her favourite childhood tunes just to cheer her up. They had great time together and Devi realized that arrival of her siblings didn’t cause her Momma to love her any less.

Eira also tried to give her a valuable life-lesson: “Life’s not always going to be like you want it to be. But being miserable won’t make your problems dissappear. Good attitude is the key!”

“There’s no use in grumbling, when raindrops keep tumbling.”

“Dear Devi, remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine!”

And Devi really calmed down after their little talk and she decided to focus on her artistic ambitions instead.

In the end, it was really worth it. Devi became the first Rossini kid to complete her childhood aspiration. (Other kids only earned A in grade school.) Hooray!

Damon was trying to be useful, too. He didn’t really like chores, but he adored his baby brother and baby sister. He was sweet, taking care of their needs autonomously whenever he was around.

“Wow, you have quite an appetite, bro. I wonder if you’ll be a glutton like me one day.”

But Damon discovered another great thing about babysitting his siblings – girls loved it. And Damon loves girls. He has many friends thanks to his social chioldhood aspiration (although he didn’t complete it), but since he became a teen he only cares about his female friends. Curious.

“Be prepared, ladies, I’m the hottest big bro around here.”

Luckily, he took plenty of selfies with babies, because soon it was time for them to grow up. First, it was Camilla’s turn.

“Thank Watcher you’re growing up, Millie. I guess I’m not as young as I used to be.”

Oh, look, she’s a little redhead!

C: “I’m sorry I gave you a hard time as a baby, dad. But look, I’m a kid now!”

She rolled the Active trait and her aspiration is Whiz Kid. And she is really, really cute. I think she will be very pretty one day.

“What are you waiting for, Ev? Grow up already!”

But Evander is probably a day younger, so he gave her time to explore the world on her own for a while.

Firstly, Millie went to talk with her big sis who was taking such a great care of her.

“Hey, Mel! I already know how to talk! Isn’t it great?”

But Melia was trying to beat Damon in chess, so she was quite distracted. Also, she was still feeling upset about her new siblings so she might acted a bit grumpy. But Camilla didn’t mind and she decided to explore the endless possibilities of a fully-functioning body (it must have been hard for active Camilla to lie in her bassinet all day long) and she tried doing some sit-ups.

Adrian: “That’s my girl!”

Adrian, being active himself, was super proud and excited to have someone of his own kind in the household. It’s just awesome when you pass your genes on your kid (and it’s even more awesome if the kid is adopted, right? xD )