Life With the Landgraabs

Well, times move on... sometimes quickly, sometimes a little more slowly. But all in all, they do move on.



Since Malcolm arrived however, things have become a little more hectic around the place. He made himself at home with the kids, bonding a lot more with his daughter Jessica, by playing video games etc.



Sometimes though, his heavy handed-ness often caused problems too, as he managed to break both the TV, computer and the sink. (thank goodness for Andrew's new found Handiness skills).



And more often than not, he'd be found at the gym, burning off the excess calories.



Andrew still goes to school, it's going to be a while before he grows into a YA. And he's making a few friends. (no girlfriends yet, soooo not going there)



He's also managing to keep his job at the supermarket, getting a little promotion/pay rise now and then. Trouble is, some of his school buddies want him to hang out at their place right after school and although he does go, he doesn't have time to hang out, as he's busy dashing off to work.

He'd also be seen, some days, just hanging around the beach, chatting to some folks there.



And many times, he'd just want to play 'catch' with his mom. (love the bunny slippers LOL)



Sitting playing video games....



Helping mom in the garden....



Pulling funny faces with his kid sister....




Or just.... relaxing.




Life took a much slower pace with Andrew, that's for sure. Nothing... it appeared... phased him in the slightest.

Apart, that is... from the graveyard.
One dusky, cool evening, after hearing about the infamous (and elusive) Vampire fish that was supposedly lurking in the deep waters of the graveyard's lake, Andrew decided to take his rod and stuff and go fishing.



If it hadn't been for the likes of another kindly Sim, who appeared to enjoy the creepiness around, he would have made a run for it. Instead, he started chatting to her and openly admitted that the place made his skin crawl. Especially now, as the light faded from the sky.




The place is getting cramped too, with only 2 bedrooms between the four of them. So the kids often have to take turns in sharing a bedroom. More often than not, Jessica would be found asleep on the settee because there wasn't any room.




She was also notorious for demanding more attention. And would often monopolise mommy's time by asking for homework help, getting hugs etc.




On the days that she didn't demand, she'd be found playing with the dollhouse,



painting,



or giving some of her hard earned pocket money to the latest charity that was asking for donations.



Or she'd be tied up on the phone, chatting to her grandma Nancy Landgraab.



Mommy would sometimes be found fast asleep after the busy days she'd been having lately. trying to brush up her artistic skills by painting, harvesting and keeping the garden tidy and, naturally, cooking and cleaning and keeping house.



She was lucky to find time for herself really. But, between the two lovebirds, they managed to have some 'their' time together.



Could this mean....

.... a bigger family in the future?

Stay tuned for more adventures of the Pudding kind.

Da de Da de Da... Oops.... Jessica Meets Daddy

Oops to everyone for leaving you all hanging on there, waiting to see what Jessica looks like.
It was baaad of me LOL.

Well... guys and gals....

Here she is....
Ta daaaaa!!!!!!!



Isn't she a picture? The Landgraab genes are strong in this one, except for her mommy's violet eyes, she's the spitting image of her dad. Those chubby cheeks, everything. Even a few of her mannerisms.



But.....



She's also inherited her mother's Artistic trait too, and she's Brave (to which she has proven herself quite easily - watch this space). Inspired by watching mommy painting, Jessica asked (nicely) for an easel of her own and made a start on some paintings herself.



Also, whilst Andrew was busy juggling his school work and part time job, he didn't have much time for his fish, so Jessica decided to take on the task of feeding them.

But the crunch time came when Sonia invited Malcolm over to ask him directly, about why he was unwilling to commit.

Jessica had been chatting online to a few friends when she heard his car pull up.




She dashed outside to see who it was and saw it was her dad. She eyed him suspiciously, keeping a distance between them. However, he was far too distracted by his own flesh and blood daughter.



Malcolm could only gape in awe at his daughter and she stared back.

"Hi."

"Hello."

"I'm .... your.... dad."

"I know."

"You do?"

"Yep, mommy told me all about you."

"Oh really?"

"So?"

"Huh?"

"Why aren't you two married?"

"Psst, Jess," Andrew interjected nervously, "you're not supposed to ask those type of questions... it's... rude."

"I just wanna know, that's all."

Malcolm pondered over this and glanced through the window where Sonia was busy fussing about the house.

"You know what?" he asked Jessica, "I think you're right."

With that, he marched straight in and grabbed her, kissing her passionately.



"EWWWWW. Guys! Get a room, will ya?"



But it was Sonia who shocked him first.
She dropped to one knee and proposed, catching him unawares.



Naturally, he was so loved up that he accepted straightaway and gazed at the blinding sparkly she'd saved all her money up for.




"So, when's the 'big day'?" Sonia asked nervously, "no doubt you'll want a huge party with all your influential friends?"



"Actually," he replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "I don't need all that pomp and circumstance and all those preparations."

"Huh?"

"Let's just get married here.... right now."



And so they did, with only Jessica and Andrew as their witnesses, with Malcolm moving in with a paltry sum of money. But he didn't care. He'd finally taken the plunge and committed himself.



It didn't matter that the house was so small for the two of them. They were happy.

Besides, on the suggestion of his bride, he gave up working on reception at the Spa, to follow his dream of being in politics.

Jessica the Master Manipulator

If everyone thought that Jessica as a baby was hard.... then Jessica as a toddler, well. She definitely kept everyone on their toes.



If it wasn't getting dirty whilst playing with her food....



.... or 'digging for gold' occasionally...



It was playing peek-a-boo in the toy box (when not playing with the toys first)




and chewing the dolls in the doll house.



Or throwing a hissy fit in the garden - just because.



But most of all, she endeared everyone to her, getting mommy and big bro to sit and read stories to her.




But getting her to bed was truly a test, especially for Sonia.



As soon as she was placed in the crib, she'd look up at her mommy with huge soulful eyes that made you want to pick her right back up again and snuggle her.



Oh yes, Jessica was a Master Manipulator, having everyone tied around her little finger.