And Then There Were Three

Malia was, indeed, pregnant again.

With looking after Debra and Dolly, as well as their busy work lives it seemed like no time before Malia and Carl were rushing to the hospital.

Every delivery is different and although having been here twice before their third child was not coming into the world easy.  As the due date approached there were concerns that the baby would not present in the best position, there was a good chance they would have to deal with a breech birth.

As Malia's third labour began it was clear that the new baby had not moved into the preferred and easiest position; Malia decided that the caesarean section they had thought might be needed was the safest choice for both of them.

Despite the extra stresses and strain of the birth itself, Malia and Carl were delighted to be delivered of a perfect little girl, Desirée.

There little house never felt busier.  Debra was becoming more independent but Dolly still needed lots of attention, especially now that she was in full 'explore and discover' mode; always in unexpected places and trying things out.

Even with the latest baby-rocker technology taking care of three children was still a full-time job.

Now that she had achieved recognition for her garden produce Malia was concerned that she may have to give up gardening as a livelihood.

Debra was happy to help out, looking after the two younger girls while their mother was working in the garden, but Malia knew a better long-term plan was needed.  It wasn't just having the time needed for the girls; she wasn't getting any younger and was finding it increasingly difficult coping with the harsh winters in Hidden Springs.

Fortuitously, while checking the eSimStore for supplies, Malia noticed that the SwiftGro Gardening Station was now available in their area.

It was the most feature-rich gardening system available in the country and had been picking up innovation and 'best garden aid' awards in all the magazines and shows.  It wasn't cheap, and would need a greenhouse in order to get the best results but it seemed like a way of allowing her to fulfil her role as parent and also keeping her business going.

The cost would be substantial and many family discussions were had; talking around the pros and cons of installing a greenhouse.  Although Carl had received another promotion and was on a very good salary now there would not be a lot left over, certainly not enough to further extend their house for some time.

The girls were growing up fast and, especially when Dolly started secondary school, they would soon start wanting their own space; which either meant adding to the existing house or moving.  However, after much working out of figures, estimating of time-scales, and compromising of wants, they agreed that, right now, a greenhouse would be the best investment for their future.

It meant cutting down on some luxuries and even selling some of the gifts they had received from their generous friends but the greenhouse was eventually built and the SwiftGro installed.

The difference it made was quickly evident.  As temperatures plummeted outside Malia could still keep the majority of her plants growing and producing.  The composting and analysis bench also meant that good quality fertiliser was always available.

An unexpected bonus was that a nice warm and dry greenhouse encouraged the girls to spend more time in the garden helping out and learning about horticulture. 

But there were downsides to the decision to prioritise the greenhouse over extending the house...

-- * --

Debra had recently discovered that not all boys were gross and annoying!

Well, one boy in particular.  Johnny Christiansen.

For weeks she hadn't actually spoken to him, merely watched him from afar when he hung out with his friends and she always made sure she was there at the end of school to watch him catch the bus that took him away out of town.

What was merely a major crush was to became so much more at the end of year prom.

He was gorgeous.  He was smart and funny.  He was cool and so different to all the dull boys in her year.  Debra was in love!

At prom, she summoned up the courage to speak to him.  Oh, he was even lovelier than she had imagined.  He actually seemed to like her, he loved here dress, said that she looked beautiful and even smiled at her weak jokes.  Oh yes, this was the "real deal".  Debra and Johnny were going to be together forever!

Debra and Johnny exchanged numbers at the end of prom and Debra was determined to speak to him every day.

Bit in the cramped confines of home, finding some time and space where she could speak to him in private, away from people who didn't understand about how much she loved him - well, Dolly really - was often difficult.

It seemed that whenever he called or she called him, Dolly was always there.

But, somehow, she managed it.  Thankfully she had loads of free minutes on her phone contract, otherwise her parents would have had an enormous phone bill to pay for! 

Then, one Saturday, Johnny said it ... "Debs, how about, y'know, going out one night?  Just you an' me, like, umm, a date...?"




Author's Note:

The One Direction poster shown in Debra and Dolly's bedroom is part of a pop poster set created by lifelikesims and can be downloaded from lifelikesims CC Downloads.


The various gardening tools in and around the greenhouse are from the Around The Sims Gardening collection.