The Reed Family Baby Challenge

Gen. 2: Do I Even Have Time to Write This?

2013-09-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

Raise your hand if you have ever given birth to eight babies.

Raise your hand if you have ever given birth to eight babies, had to scramble to find them cribs, and had a screaming toddler on top of it?

Hmm, party of one I see.

Birthing these babies was time consuming enough, raising them is proving to be much harder.

Poor Lenna damn near starves daily and I just know that any minute social services is going to bust in and take my children...and I might not stop them.

If you ever want to know what it's like to take care of eight babies and a toddler, first set up nine different alarm clocks in three different rooms to go off every fifteen minutes three different times, then when the first one goes off, blow up a balloon and fill it with chocolate pudding, leaving it next to the alarm. Then go to the next one and do the same thing until you get through all nine alarms.

Next, the second alarm on these clocks are probably already going off, so run back to the one that's been beeping the longest and pop the balloon. Clean up the mess it made all the while the other alarms are going off. Do this at every alarm.

By then, the third alarm will be going off, so turn off all the lights in the house, run to the alarm that's been beeping the longest again and try to find the button to make it stop. Do this with all nine clocks, then go back and reset all those bitches.

Do this for a week, sleep only when no alarms are going off, and see how you feel.

I feel sorry for poor Lenna. She was an only child until all these alien babies came to be. I am eternally grateful for the self-learning toys my mom bought for Lenna because if it weren't for those, she would never have learned her skills. I just had to potty train her.

Lenna has my mother's eyes, which makes me miss her. She has her black hair and blue eyes and is a quiet child and rarely demands attention, which let's face it is good because I have no attention to give her.

I literally have not slept in days. I remember what my mom went through raising the quints - it was hard, but at least she had my sister Vickie and some time to sleep. It might have only been two or three hours, but it was some time. I DREAM of two hours of sleep. Honestly one hour would be great. The max amount of sleep I have had ever since these babies were born was fifteen minutes.

...and that was only because I passed out on the floor and I was in such a deep slumber I didn't hear the babies screaming. Thankfully Lenna came in and woke me up.

Amazingly, the babies and I have both survived to the toddler phase. Even though I am glad for that, I am dreading this age. This is where they get mobile and knowing this crowd they might murder me.

The ringleader is Silla. She has the green alien skin and black hair, but she has my eyes. Her ears are also pointy. I guess those alien genes are pretty dominant.

Next up is Rae. She is a sweetheart and much quieter than Silla, which is good because they share a room. She has long black hair and big, weird black alien eyes.

Ezekiel is my first boy and looks like a male version of Rae. He also acts a bit like her, more quiet then the others.

Lucinda is anything but quiet. She is always the first one to start screaming and will not stop screaming until she is absolutely satisfied. She has my blue eyes, but they are shaped slightly different and hair with my purple tips.

Marques has the alien eyes, dark brown skin, and pointy ears. I have no clue where the dark skin came from, but I can only assume it has something to do with alien breeding as everything else does. Marques is my little genius. He is always working on things, which at this stage translates to getting into everything.

If toddlers could be sarcastic, Cash definitely would be. He has slight lighter skin then Marques and my blue eyes and pointy ears. He also always has a look of judgment and a smirk on his face, as if he's ready to start making fun of me any time. This generally means that he spends a lot of time picking on his siblings.

Salina looks the most like me, with the exception of the green skin and black hair. She seems very musical already. If I put a music box in the girls' room, they all go to sleep but her. She spends her time laughing and giggling at it.

Corinna is another genetic phenomenon with her blonde hair and her skin isn't as green as the others. She kind of makes me nervous because I have noticed Aurora Skies seems to be overrun with blonde haired white people.

Either way, Corinna is the most patient of my babies, mostly because she is always the last to be cared for.

Taking care of this brood is ridiculously hard. I get a little more time because they are starting to sleep more frequently, which is good because I can sleep and eat.

"Mama, what's that smell?" Lenna asks me one night.

Well, I can do almost everything. I still haven't had time to take a shower.

Whether this is bad parenting or not, most of the time I just let the babies sleep on the floor. It's a time saver really. They pass out wherever they are and when they wake up the usually just start playing with whatever it was they were playing with the night before. And we're all happy...until they're hungry...or need changing.

Lenna helps when she can, but most of the time it's either occupying them or handing out bottles.

Either way, she does work really hard taking care of her siblings and keeping up with school...not to mention pretty much taking care of herself because I never have time, so when I have enough money together, I work on a surprise for her.

I finish the basement downstairs and give her a bedroom of her own. I make it pink, green, and orange because those are the most girly colors I can possibly think of, and Lenna is definitely a girly girl.

The biggest thing is I actually put a desk with a computer in her bedroom.

And I also finished out the rest of the basement into a family room and put in a TV.

Of course all of this leaves me broke. I haven't really had a whole lot of time for anything since the octuplets were born.

Finally, finally it is time for the kids to age up...and not soon enough! Maybe I can go back to doing something besides cleaning up baby fluids all day!

The Octuplets as children:

Baby 61) Silla - the no nonsense tomboy

Baby 62) Rae, sweetheart.

Baby 63) Ezekiel - the quiet one.

Baby 64) Lucinda - the loud, opinionated one.

Baby 65) Marques - the genius/pretty boy

Baby 66) Cash - the smart ass

Baby 67) Salina - the song bird

Baby 68) Corinna - the good listener

Gen. 2: Babies 61-68: Wait...What? Why You Can't Trust Aliens

2013-03-23T11:24:00.001-07:00

"Where's Granny's sweet angel? Where is she? Oooh, there she is!" I can hear my mother playing with Lenna.

Lenna giggles as my mom continues to make funny faces and play with her.

"See how much Lenna is going to miss you," I try my best at guilting her.

Still looking at Lenna she replies, "That's not going to work."

I start pouting like I did when I was a kid. What is it about mothers? I'm reverting now apparently. Maybe it is good that she's going home.

"Although, I can't leave without knowing that you're going to be okay," she tells me seriously.

"Well that settles it, I don't think I'm going to be okay in any immediate future," I reply.

Mom glares at me, "I'm serious. What are you going to do from here?"

"Mom, I honestly have no idea..." I start.

"Well are you going to continue your challenge?" she asks the million dollar question.

I sigh, "I don't know. I can't think about that right now...it hurts too much."

She looks at me for a minute, as though she is thinking about what I just said, "Maybe it will help you heal," she finally replies.

I silently think that I'm not sure anything will do that, but I don't say anything. As much as I hate it, I know she has to get back to my little brother and sister and I have to concentrate on taking care of my daughter. It's not fair for Lenna to suffer just because her mother is crazy.

So I just pull my mother into a hug and reassure her, "I'll be fine Mom, it'll be okay."

"I hope so baby girl," she replies.

When my mom leaves, I sit down with Lenna and say aloud, "Well, I guess it's just the two of us."

I get to sit there for maybe five minutes before she starts crying and a tell-tale odor starts coming off of her.

"How about a change and a bath little one?" I look down at her.

She replies by screaming. Nice.

This might be a nice place to live, but the conversation is definitely lacking.

When I get her diaper off of her and into the tub, her screaming only gets louder. Apparently she hates baths.

"It's okay baby, calm down," I try to reassure her but nothing works.

She is nothing but a slippery, wiggling, screaming mess while I suds her down.

Thankfully I don't drop her, but after all that fuss she is tired so I put her in her crib and go to sleep myself.

As soon as Lenna and I get used to our new house and new routine, it's time for her first birthday.

She is an adorable little girl who looks more like her father but has my mother's hair and our blue eyes.

Despite my general melancholy mood, Lenna is always happy and becomes the ray of sunshine in my otherwise bleak life. Damn, I sound melodramatic...and possibly borderline manic depressive, but what can I say?

Even though I don't have much to do, I try to occupy my time with fun activities. Of course most of them are done outdoors. I still like to spend plenty of time outside.

One night, while I'm outside playing in the sprinklers, I hear someone crying.

"Hello?" I ask aloud, "Is someone there?"

I hear a sniffle and an answer, "Yes..."

I stop to think, do psycho killers normally cry and answer when asked? Not usually...but maybe this is a strange psycho killer...

I walk around my yard and finally see the source of the crying and the voice.

A green man is in my yard. It's hard to see, but he has strange eyes and ears...he definitely doesn't look exactly human...

"Can I help you?" I ask him.

This is the point where he looses his shit, "Oh my goodness! Are you Bonnie Reed? The Bonnie Reed?"

I look at him strangely but answer, "Yyesss..."

"Then there is hope after all!" He exclaims.

"I'm sorry," I interject, "but can you please explain what you're talking about?"

"Of course, my apologies," he answers, "let me introduce myself. Well, sort of...the human name I go by is Irfan Outlaw. I can't tell you my real name because it requires me to use my full range of voice which is at a decibel so high that it could very well damage your human hearing and make your head explode."

"Uh..." now I'm really confused, "Okay...so let's not do that."

"Of course not." He answers, "but I'm so glad I found you because I know you can help me."

"Uh...okay, what can I do for you?" I ask.

"I am from a planet very far from here and several of my kind have been sent her to learn about the human species..." he begins to explain.

"You aren't going to probe me are you? Because I'm not really down with that...I'll tell you whatever you need to know." I interrupt.

"No, of course not," he replies, "Probing is an archaic form of scientific study...we are much more advanced than that."

I am relieved, "Oh, well good."

"We have actually learned all we need to and have advanced to the next level of scientific discovery." He tells me, "Of course, that is where I have failed as a researcher."

He hangs his head and I pat him on the shoulder, "Um...there, there. I'm sorry. But how can I help?"

He looks up at me hopefully, "The next phase of our research is breeding."

Breeding? Shit.

"Did my mother send you?" I ask.

"Your mother? Ah, the infamous Hadley Reed? No...she did not." He answers simply.

"Okay, so let me guess, you want me to carry your spawn?" I ask.

He sighs, "It would be of utmost help to me, you see, I have yet to find a human woman to mate with. All of my colleagues are busy studying their young and I am a failure." He starts to cry again.

I sigh. I can't stand the site of a man crying...even an alien man...ugh. Why do I get myself into these situations?

"Don't cry," I tell him, "I'll be glad to have your baby."

He literally jumps up and down, "Oh thank you! Thank you! When can we begin the mating process?"

He steps a bit closer to me and I worry that he's going to start the "mating process" right her.
"Whoa cowboy, hold your horses. Let me get my daughter to bed and we'll get things going. Please come in...help yourself to anything you want in the fridge. I'll be right back."

I pick Lenna up out of her walker and ask her, "How does Mama get herself in these situations, Len?"

"Maaaama...maaaama...maaaaama," is the only thing she replies.

Her talking is kind of slow and the only thing she can say is my name over and over again, like the beginning of a chant, but it's still cute.

I get her to bed and come back downstairs.

I find Irfan downstairs looking at my bookshelves. I hope he doesn't eat them. It didn't occur to me that maybe they eat different things than we do.

"See anything of interest?" I ask him.

"Your taste in human literature is vast, and I see no television. The rumors about you are true then?" He responds.

"Rumors?" I ask.

"That you reject all human technology," he responds.

"Reject...despise...whatever you want to call it." I tell him.

"I am curious to see if you would respond to our technology...it is not metal and bulky, but small and fleshy...and often implanted directly into the skin at birth." he tells me.

Ick. Just thinking about that gives me the heebie jeebies, "there won't be any implanting of anything in that baby will there?"

"No, it won't be necessary," he says.

Thank goodness.

So we go about "mating" which is pretty similar to human "mating" even though he says that it would be different if I were a woman of his species, but because the implantation happens in my body, we need to mate the way humans do.

I know what you're thinking, Bonnie has found herself such a charmer, hasn't she?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

The next day I put Lenna back into her walker. She loves this thing. Isn't she so cute?

She would sit and play in it all day, but I have better plans.

We go on a walk to the local grocery store and at first she is sulky that I made her get out of her walker, especially since she was practicing taking some steps...

...but eventually she learns to love it.

When we get home I start to work on a garden, so Lenna goes back to her walker.

Over the next few days, my stomach starts to grow.

"Hey there little alien baby," I tell him or her. This one never seems to quit kicking. I hope it only has one set of arms and legs...and everything else is in the right place.

Hmm, I didn't think to ask. I am really losing my touch with this having babies thing.

Either way, my stomach continues to grow and the baby never seems to sleep.

Thankfully my cravings are still the same...I fixed vegan spaghetti...and it was delicious!

Finally one night I am woken up by tremendous pains...this can only be labor.

The weird thing is, something feels different about this labor...I'm not really sure what and I have no time to ponder it because soon....

One baby comes out...

...then a second...

...and a third...

...a fourth...

...fifth...

..sixth...

...seventh...

..and finally eighth...

By the end of the day, I have given birth to eight brand new babies. Five girls and three boys.

What the hell?

The new babies are:
Baby 61: Silla Reed (girl)

Baby 62: Rae Reed (girl)

Baby 63: Ezekiel Reed (boy)

Baby 64: Lucinda Reed (girl)

Baby 65: Marques Reed (boy)

Baby 66: Cash Reed (boy)

Baby 67: Salina Reed (girl)

Baby 68: Corinna Reed (girl)

Irfan failed to mention that his kind don't have just one or two children, they have entire litters. Great.

Gen. 2: Bonnie's New House

2013-03-23T08:12:00.003-07:00

Even though I only have one child and no plans to have any more, my mother insists on helping me buy a bigger house. Since I only have one bedroom in my current house I let her.

Somehow I missed taking a picture of the outside, but here are some pics of the inside. (Once again, this house was built by my BFF...her talent constantly astounds me!)

Here's the living room - minus a TV and plus a huge book shelf and a swing for Lenna. I definitely dig it.

The Dining Room

Kitchen

Play room right off the kitchen.

The guest bathroom.

My Bedroom - including a changing table and crib for Lenna.

The master bathroom

Even though I'm not continuing the challenge, Mom insisted on decorating the other three bedrooms for a challenge mother. I just roll my eyes and let her.

Here's the nursery.

Here's the bathroom off the nursery. I plan on giving this bedroom to Lenna because it has a private bathroom.

Here's the "Girl's" Bedroom

The "Boy's" Bedroom

Here's the other upstairs bathroom.

Gen. 2: Baby 60: This Ain't My Mama's Broken Heart

2013-02-23T10:48:00.004-08:00

There's no easy way to say this. I don't want to say it because that would make it real. I would much rather just sleep. I can't take reality right now.

Okay, here it is. My children - Polly, Haylia, Rayne, Liberty, Nellie, even Marc and Dalphie were taken from me. Along with Brendan...they're all...gone.

It started right after I had the twins and Niko, Polly's father started coming around more. Well, turns out he was crazier than we thought. Remember when he took Polly when she was a toddler? He did it again, but he took everyone...and then...I can't even say it...

Then their bodies were found out in the desert. I had to identify them. They were all dead. They were all shot in the back of the head and I can't stop thinking about how frightened they must have been...and I couldn't be there for them. Even the twins were nothing but ghost goo. It was the worst and hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life.

Even though they captured Niko and he's going to be locked away for the rest of his life, I was still afraid to stay in Lucky Palms. I ran as far as I could to Aurora Skies. It's a small developing town and I'm hoping maybe I can just get lost here.

"Bonnie?" I hear a familiar voice and realize that I can never truly escape one person.

The lights come on and hurt my eyes. I shut them quickly and pretend to be asleep.

"Bonnie, that didn't work when you were a kid and it's not going to work now." My mother tells me as my last hope of avoiding her is dashed.

"How did you find me?" I ask pathetically.

She gives me a look that clearly says, "Oh please."

"You have two grandmothers that refuse to leave anyone alone, a grandfather that's a cop, an aunt that could find Amelia Earhart if she dared to ever use Google even once, and a mother who knows her baby girl is hurting and laying somewhere alone. Gandalf the Grey yelling 'You shall not pass!' couldn't keep me away from you right now." she explains ever so eloquently.

"Wonderful," I grumble, "Can't I just lay here a little longer?"

She sighs. As pushy as she can be sometimes, she seems to know this isn't something one of her "Get up and kick ass" speeches can fix right now.

She runs her hand through my unwashed hair and I can feel the tears starting to well up again. I need to sleep. I'm not ready to deal with this just yet.

"Okay baby," she tells me, "you just sleep and I'll wait here."

As I drift off, I hear her mumbling, "I can't believe I raised a daughter who doesn't have a TV in her house."

I can't help but smile...just a little.

When I wake up, I see my mom reading an old book that was left by the previous owners. I feel kind of bad for her, but I can't stand TVs or computers or any of that technology crap. She's lucky I have a phone.

As I wake up she notices and puts her book down.

"Better?" she asks.

What is it about my mother being here that is completely breaking my resolve?

As soon as I sit up, I start to sob.

Mom runs to me and pulls me up into her arms.

"I'm so sorry baby," she keeps whispering as she rubs my back and holds me tight.

All I can do is let her comfort me. Amazingly it is helping...slightly.

After what seems like ages she pulls away and I am left to support my broken body.

"Sweetie, I know this is hard right now, but maybe the best thing to do is throw yourself back into the challenge." Mom tells me.

I can't believe what I'm hearing. She wants me to bring more children into the world just so they can be tortured and murdered?

I shake my head, "No, I'm done with the challenge. I don't want to have any more children."

Mom looks concerned, "Honey, I know it seems hard right now, but..."

I lose it on her, "No! You don't get it! You have never had a child that has died...you've never had seven children and the love of your life die...how am I supposed to go on after that?!"

She puts her hand on my shoulder as I start to hyperventilate.

Even though I'm struggling to catch my breath, I hear her, "You have to find a way to go on."

This of course sends me into another fit of sobs...this time on the floor. I don't want to go on. I would be totally fine living the rest of my miserable days on that couch...of course I have to find a way to make money...damn it.

I wonder for a second if my mom would go for me moving in with her and Mason...but of course they're raising more kids right now...I don't think I can ever be around a child again.

After helping me up off the floor my mom offers me a deal, "Look, I'm not saying continue with the challenge right now, but how about we start off with something simple...like a shower...then maybe fixing your hair, your makeup...putting on clean clothes?"

I roll my eyes because she genuinely sounds like a nagging mother, but after getting a whif of myself when I got up, I know she's right.

Looking in the mirror, I'm surprised I don't break it.

"Bonnie, you look like shit," I tell my reflection. My reflection agrees.

After a shower, I work on my hair, which is back to it's normal black with purple tips and I will say just brushing it helps. I also go for a little makeup...

Well, even though I'm falling apart inside, at least I look good on the outside.

Before I head out into the living room for my mom's approval, I stop to think about how much I wanted to have a big family and be surrounded by children...but I don't know how I can possibly continue this challenge having gone through what I have.

Since my mom approves of my hair, makeup, and outfit, she suggests we actually get out of the house.

"I don't want to go anywhere where there's lots of people..." I complain.

"We don't have to," Mom says, "why don't we just go to the beach? There's like twelve of them on this pamphlet for Aurora Skies, surely they won't all be crowded."

Even though I groan and mumble, I follow her to the cab.

Even though Aurora Skies looks like a pretty little town, I'm not in the mood to sight-see.

As soon as we get to the beach, Mama gets in the pool and I head for the bar. I can certainly deal with today a lot better if I have a few drinks.

I will say Mama looks content in the pool, but I'm not a pool girl...I'm more of a wilderness, jump buck-naked in the ocean girl. Yes, I've had a few drinks...and?

Even though this beach is rocky and the stones are cutting into my feet, I enjoy spending time in the water. It's calm and peaceful here, unlike living in Lucky Palms where it was flashy and dirty...and sandy...and obviously dangerous.

I could stay in the water all day, but I hear Mama calling me, "Bonnie, you're gonna prune, and I'm starving...do you have any food at home?"

"Nope," I answer her as I try to avoid her voice by dunking myself under the water like I did when I was a kid. I really have no interest in eating.

"Can we please go somewhere to eat? My stomach is gnawing on my backbone." she tells me dramatically.

So we head to the diner and grab a bite and on the way home she sees a karaoke bar.

"Oh come on, we have to go in!" Mom exclaims.

I groan and roll my eyes but the cab driver has already stopped and she is pulling me inside, "Come on, there's more drinks inside."

This makes me move a little faster.

Several drinks later and my mom convinces me to get onstage with her and sing a song.

As I sing (which I am absolutely no good at), I channel my anger and sorrow into to the song and probably do a great job at butchering it.

"Hey, that was great!" the proprietor comes up to me after we finish our song, "Have you considered singing professionally?"

I laugh at his obvious lies, "No, but thank you."

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a business card, "If you ever want to get into the biz, give me a call."

I don't know whether it's the drinks or what, but there's something definitely sexy about him...Baldur Eharsson...that's a weird name, but whatever.

*HADLEY'S POV*

When I see my daughter getting her flirt on with this strange guy, I am torn. I should probably stop her because she's drunk and is probably going to end up making a big mistake, but maybe this will help give her the push she needs to get back into her life, continuing her challenge, and feeling better about everything.

Even though I know Bonnie is going to be mad tomorrow, I just stand back and don't say anything. Maybe she'll even get pregnant.

I leave the happy (very intoxicated) couple alone and head to the dance floor.

Before I get there, I am stopped by a young boy, "Hey there sexy..." he slurs his words.

I turn around and look into the eyes of a kid so young I feel like a pedophile just being in the same social area that he's in, "Please kid, I've got underwear older than you."

*BONNIE'S POV*

The next morning, I sleep all day and wake up feeling like I want to die.

I am so nauseous I can't keep anything down. Worst. Hangover. Ever.

Then my phone rings.

Who the hell has my phone number?

"Hello?" I answer.

"Hey, it's Baldur," the voice responds.

"Who?" I'm confused.

"Haha, yeah, we were pretty wasted last night huh? I just wanted to call and tell you that I had a great time last night...I was freaked out at first when I heard about the whole challenge thing, but your roommate explained it all to me and I'm cool with it now." He says.

That's a whole lot of information for one sentence.

"My roommate?" I ask.

"Yeah, that hot chick with the black hair...you guys sort of look alike..are you sisters or something?" he asks.

"What did she say to you?" I ask.

"When we were hanging out you started saying something about not wanting to finish your baby challenge and it freaked me out, but when I started to book, your roommate told me that if you got pregnant or whatever that you would raise the kid and I wouldn't need to do anything...that's cool, huh?"

"So we...?" I start feeling sick again, "I gotta go."

After puking again, I head out to possibly kill my mother.

"Mom?! What happened last night?" I ask her as she heads out to the grill to cook some tofu dogs I have in the fridge.

"Oh...did you and that boy hit it off?" she asks innocently.

"He just called...he told me all about how my 'roommate' told him about my challenge...what the hell Ma?!" I confront her.

"I wanted to make sure that if you happened to get pregnant that he understood what the rules were," she says, still innocently.

I can't believe her, "Mom, I've told you before...I'm done with the challenge..."

"I know hon, I heard you before," she says.

After dinner, I am hit with another wave of nausea and I fear that I am pregnant.

"I hope you're happy with yourself," I tell her.

"I just want you to be happy...and I'm not the one that drank too much and brought someone home," she says.

"Yeah well, you didn't We-Gotta-Go girl me either, did you?" I accuse.

I sit down in my chair and sulk.

Mom of course looks happy.

"Look at it this way sweetie, at least you can just start to move on with your challenge," she says.

"Oh no, this does not mean I'm starting my challenge again," I tell her.

She humphs and says under her breath, "Why do I have to have such stubborn children?"

"Apple fell where you dropped it," I tell her.

Over the next couple of days, it becomes apparent that I am going to be having a baby. I immediately start freaking out. I lost everything when I ran from Lucky Palms and I'm living in a small one-bedroom house.

"Where am I supposed to keep a baby in this house? My bedroom barely has room for a bed. And I don't have a whole lot of money..." I am complaining.

"It will work out honey," she says.

I'm glad she's sure about it.

I go into labor late at night and my mom takes me to the hospital.

I come out completely exhausted with a baby girl I name Lenna - which means lion's strength. Lord knows I'm gonna need it.

Gen. 2: Babies 58 & 59: Unexpected Babies

2012-12-14T11:27:00.001-08:00

How did I even get here? Oh, that's right...I wanted out of my insane, toddler-filled house so badly, and the only excuse I could come up with was that I wanted to go jogging.

In truth? I would have rather been walking on nails or hot coals than stay in that house a moment longer.

Okay, I'm being over-dramatic...having four little girl toddlers and a teenage daughter will do that to you.

My Everard children have unfortunately aged up.

Serge has aged into a massively handsome young man with my hair. He has plans to use that gorgeous mug to be a Star News Anchor.

Julianne on the other hand is also gorgeous, but has much different aspirations. She has a slightly unhealthy love of fish and wants to obtain a Perfect Aquarium.

So anyway, even though I barely sleep, I had trouble sleeping last night.

I kept having these nightmares that a ghost was in the house. I was afraid and I wanted to make sure my children were safe.

This ghost seemed harmless, but who can tell with ghosts, right?

Either way, I woke with a start extremely early in the morning. Everyone was still sleeping, so I decided to go for a run.

Of course, when I get home, I encounter screaming...from not only the toddlers, but Polly as well.

POLLY: Where have you been, Mom?

BONNIE: I went for a run...

POLLY: Well, that must have been nice.

BONNIE: Don't be so dramatic, I'm here now...and guess what we're doing today?

POLLY: Haven't a clue...

BONNIE: We're getting these crazy girls aged up...we just have to teach them all their skills.

POLLY: We? You got a frog in your pocket?

I give her a look as I hand her a child and that's the end of that.

Thankfully, we work together all day and are able to age the girls up by the evening.

Haylia is wearing green now and looks a lot like me, even though her eyes droop down a little lower and her hair, skin, and eye colors are all from her father.

Rayn is beautiful with long dark hair and her father's looks.

Liberty is a spunky one with my hair and the desire to wear it in a short, spiky do.

Nellie is quiet and shy and looks almost identical to Haylia. She prefers wearing dresses and keeping to herself.

The next morning, I wake up and I think I might be catching a bug because I'm really nauseous, but thankfully it subsides, because I have big plans to take the girls to the park today.

Amazingly, I even get Polly to join us. I figure this is a big accomplishment because the last place a teenager wants to be is in a park with her four little sisters and her mother. Talk about lame.

She parks up on the top of the slide - I'm guessing the only cool place she can be seen - while her sisters go for the swings.

My stomach is still a little sour, but Rayn insists on pushing me in the swings.

RAYN: Mom, let me push you!

BONNIE: Okay, but be careful...

Of course, her idea of "careful" is much different than mine and she pushes me with all her might.

Oh, this is not good.

Sure enough, I end up puking...with Haylia behind me singing a chorus of "Ewwws"

BONNIE: Okay, let's not push Mommy anymore, okay?

Liberty plays on the jungle gym, pretending she's Rapunzel.

And Nellie plays by herself with her doll.

After awhile, everyone starts complaining about being hungry, so I throw some hot dogs on the grill.

As I'm cooking, Liberty walks over in a huff.

BONNIE: What's the matter baby?

LIBERTY: How much longer are we going to be out here?

BONNIE: I don't know sweetie...aren't you having fun?

LIBERTY: Well, I was for a little bit...but I'm ready to go inside...

Apparently, she doesn't like being outside so much...hmm, an anti-Bonnie...I would rather be outside than anywhere else, but some of my children don't inherit that gene.

BONNIE: Well, your sisters seem to be having a good time...can you stand it for a little longer?

LIBERTY: I don't know...I guess I could try...

BONNIE: How about eating your lunch, playing for just a little bit longer, then we'll go?

LIBERTY: I guess I could...but...did you bring any bug spray? I think I'm being eaten alive by mosquitoes.

I don't see any kind of bugs out here, but I get the bug spray out of my purse and spray her with it. That should keep her "plagued by nature" attitude away for at least a little bit.

BONNIE: Okay, how about we go to a movie after we eat?

LIBERTY: Really?! That would be soo fun! I love movies! Can we see The Hobbit?

BONNIE: How about something your sisters might like too? What about Wreck-it Ralph?

LIBERTY: Okay...I guess.

So after we eat, I round everyone up for the movie.

After the movie, everyone is tired and hungry again, so we head home.

Speaking of tired, we come home and both George and Hazel are lounging around...I wonder if they do that all day?

While I was out, I got a text from Brendan asking what was going on, so once I get all the girls fed I invite him over.

Of course we are both very happy to see each other.

As much as I would like them to go to bed, Nellie and Liberty are playing "Dueling Princesses" at the table.

BONNIE: Okay girls, time for bed!

LIBERTY & NELLIE: Uh...Mo-om!

BONNIE: No whining! You have your first day of school tomorrow...aren't you excited?

LIBERTY & NELLIE: No.

Well, they're definitely my children. Either way, school is a necessity. I have heard of people home schooling, but I revel in the days that all my kids are in school.

The next day, they all look so adorable for their first day...Rayn and Nellie are the most nervous...

RAYN: Polly, what if no one likes me?

POLLY: What are you worried about? You all have each other...imagine starting high school with no one...

RAYN: Yeah, but what if they make fun of us?

NELLIE: Or try to beat us up?

POLLY: Don't worry...I'll look out for you. Everyone knows not to mess with me. They know who my dad is.

I really wish she wouldn't bring up her father to other people. They automatically assume they're going to get shot if they mess with her...but of course, it does keep the boys away...always a positive.

As soon as the girls take off, I fall asleep in the rocking chair, and there I sit until I hear Polly come into the back yard.

POLLY: Hey Ma!

BONNIE: *snort, slobber* huh?

POLLY: Mom, did you sleep all day?

BONNIE: No (yes) I was just resting my eyes.

POLLY: Uh-huh.

What is wrong with me? I have been so sleepy. I've been gaining weight too...I really needed to spend the day looking for the next baby daddy, but I guess that idea is shot to shit.

After finishing their homework, the girls get involved in all their activities.

Polly works on her painting - she's getting really good.

Rayn plays on the rocking horse.

Liberty reads a book...

Haylia plays house.

And Nellie plays "Reigning Princess" apparently she won against Liberty.

Over the next couple days, I work more on my sculpting and I think I'm almost finished with this mermaid, which is good because I need to be making money...when I get this sharp pain in my stomach...it almost feels like a labor pain...

The pain intensifies until I realize it definitely is a labor pain...especially when I feel a baby coming out!

How in the heck did this happen?

Much to my surprise, Baby 58: Marcandro Reed, a little boy is born...and he is very transparent.

and he is soon joined by a little girl, Baby 59: Dalphama Reed.

Well, this is awkward...

Turns out, my nightmares were real and I was impregnated by a ghost!

Gen. 2: Aspirations of Being An Only Child

2012-12-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

POLLY: Serge, why did Mom have to have more babies?

SERGE: That's her thing Polls...she's doing a 100 baby challenge...you know that.

POLLY: Yeah, I know...but why did she have to have so many?

SERGE: Just lucky I guess...

Polly has been having trouble not being the baby of the family anymore. I feel for her, I really do. Not only is she not the youngest anymore, but she has to share her attention with four screaming infants.

I remember when my mom had the quints and she almost lost her mind, I can't imagine having five babies. One would think adding an extra here or there would matter much, but it does.

It seems like my work is never done. As soon as they have all been fed, changed, and given enough attention, I have to start the whole vicious cycle over again.

Julianne tries her best to help, but I'm stubborn.

JULIANNE: Where do you need me Mom?

BONNIE: Oh, I got this honey...just go relax.

JULIANNE: Number 1, no you do not have this. I can smell that at least one of them has a dirty diaper and two are crying.

BONNIE: Yeah, but I really want to handle this myself.

JULIANNE: No offense, but that's insane. Come on, let me help.

I really have no choice but to let her. There are two of them screaming, one has a dirty diaper, and one has to be fed...and I only have two hands.

BONNIE: Okay, fine...I'm just going to go sit down...

I take Liberty and sit in the rocking chair to rest for a bit...and I think I go into a coma.

When I wake up, Liberty is crying and Julianne is gently taking her out of my arms.

When I walk back into my room, all the babies are gone.

BONNIE: Jules! Where did they all go?

JULIANNE: Calm down Mom, follow me...

She has calmed Liberty and she is leading me into the living room.

Where she has set up four swings where each of the babies is sitting, blissfully pacified.

BONNIE: Oh wow...

JULIANNE: Right?

BONNIE: These swings...are...genius.

JULIANNE: I had Serge grab another one...so we've got them all covered.

BONNIE: Uh...okay...I'm gonna...

JULIANNE: Why don't you go take a nap?

BONNIE: Uh...yeah...nap...

I sleep peacefully for an undetermined amount of time...I obviously needed it.

Meanwhile, Polly has taken up painting. She's an artistic soul and only feels complete if she is creating.

After awhile, the babies are ready for bed, so Julianne and Serge move them back into their cribs, which wakes me up, but I feel amazingly refreshed.

I scoop up Haylia and declare it to be their birthday!

I dress Haylia in red and she has her father's eyes and coloring, but looks a lot like me.

Rayn is next...she looks like her father but has my coloring and black hair, I am only guessing from my mother. I put her in green.

Next up is Liberty. She looks almost identical to Rayn but she has my hair and coloring. She wears yellow.

Last up is Nellie with my hair color, her father's coloring, and my eyes. Blue seems to be the best for her.

As soon as we get them all aged up, Serge reminds me that tonight is prom night for him and Julianne.

Of course I get them to strike a pose for the camera before they leave. They are so gorgeous! I highly recommend Everard genetics!

About an hour into their prom, Julianne texts me to say they won Prom Queen and Prom King. I don't know why they choose a brother/sister pair, but whatever.

At home, I am stuck with an overly whiny Polanne because she wanted to go to prom too...

So I bribe her with cake, cookies, and having a friend over and she is happy.

After our little party, I read her her favorite story about Snow White and Rose Red.

Of course she falls right to sleep and I let her sleep in my bed.

Of course, I don't know who would want to sleep in my room. I always have four screaming toddlers in it.

Liberty is always the first to wake up, and thankfully she isn't so loud she wakes up the rest of them right away.

It's difficult to split my time enough to even get their basic needs met, much less teaching them anything, but I manage. I would hate for them to be the only kids in school unable to walk, talk, or use the bathroom.

Soon, it's Polanne's birthday and her only wish is to be big like Serge and Julianne, which makes it easy. Nature can manage that one for me.

And it does just fine. Of course I am annoyed when she insists on wearing her hair just like her Aunt Gia and when Gia sends her more clothes that probably cost more than this house, but what can I do?

She is definitely a beautiful young woman.

Gen. 2: Babies 54, 55, 56, & 57: Come Back to Me

2012-12-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

BONNIE: They're gone!

BRENDAN: What? Wait...who's gone?

BONNIE: Polly...Serge...at the park...they're gone!

I know I'm not making any sense right now, but my children are gone! I knew I should have never left her here. I don't know what to do. I did the only thing I knew to do and called Brendan.

BRENDAN: Babe...calm down...what's going on?

I explain everything to him and he tells me to go home and he'll meet me at the house. So that's what I do.

I literally run all the way home.

I can't believe this is happening.

Brendan meets me at the door with a hug.

I swear, if something happens to them...I don't know what I'll do.

I start pacing until Brendan tells me to just go sit down.

BONNIE: I can't sit down! I can't sit down when my kids are out there, all alone...or maybe with a psychopath!

BRENDAN: Honey, I swear, you'll feel better if you just sit down. I'm going to make some coffee...just go sit down.

I sit down and put my head in my hands.

I am completely numb. I can't even cry. What am I going to do?

Brendan comes over and kneels in front of me.

BRENDAN: Don't worry. We'll find them. I swear.

BONNIE: But what if...?

BRENDAN: Don't even let yourself thing we won't find them, because we will. I promise. If it's the last thing I do.

*BRENDAN'S POV*

I leave Bonnie's and head over to Nico's house...or at least the last one I remember him living in.

I may not be as savvy as the Espositos, but I can jimmy a lock, which comes in handy because no one is home.

Of course when I get in, there is nothing there...or at least nothing that could be of any help to us.

Okay, Brendan, think.

The only thing I can do at this point is pick up the phone.

I shoot a quick text.

Hey G, we need to talk.

GIA: Brendan, I got your text, what's wrong?

BRENDAN: It's Nico...he has Polly...

Gia doesn't look surprised.

BRENDAN: Tell me you don't know anything about this, please.

GIA: I knew he was talking about wanting to raise her himself...

BRENDAN: Why didn't you say something?

GIA: I didn't think he would actually take her. I tried to tell her she was better off with her mother...

BRENDAN: Which I'm sure he listened to...*sarcastically*

GIA: Yeah, well...

BRENDAN: Have you seen him today?

GIA: No...

BRENDAN: It's not just Polly...he has her son Serge too...or at least he's missing.

GIA: Uh-oh.

BRENDAN: Yeah...

GIA: Look, the only thing I know to do is to talk to Daddy...maybe he can shake some sense into Nico...if he can find him.

BRENDAN: Yeah, talk to your dad, whatever. We just need to get them back.

GIA: Of course...I'll do anything for you Brendan.

BRENDAN: Do it for Bonnie too...

GIA: Right...Bonnie.

She said Bonnie as if her name tasted bad in her mouth, but I ignore it. I have to make nice with her...she's our only hope.

*BONNIE'S POV*

I wake up very early in the morning with what else? Morning sickness. In all the madness I had completely forgotten that I was impregnated yesterday.

Either way, when I get done upchucking, I can't get back to sleep, so I just sit here...alternating from staring at the ceiling...to the floor...to the wall...to the windows. There's just a lot of staring going on.

Part of me is on high alert. Usually if Polly sees me stirring this early in the morning, she starts decides it's time to be awake for the day and starts yelling for me to get her out of bed.

Normally I dread this, but I miss my baby so much, I would gladly go without sleep for the rest of my life to have her back...not to mention Serge. He's usually so helpful in the morning. Helping me while I fix breakfast, entertaining Polly, and cleaning up the breakfast dishes before school. He is such a good boy.

What am I going to do without them?

It's all proving to be to much and the tears finally fall.

Brendan happens to walk in just as they start and wraps me in his arms.

BRENDAN: It's okay baby, I'm going to get them back, I swear.

BONNIE: I won't be able to live with myself without them, Brendan. I swear I won't.

BRENDAN: I'm going to fix this.

With that, he gets dressed and leaves. I certainly hope he can do something...

SEVERAL DAYS LATER...

Days and days have passed and I don't know what to do with myself anymore. I call Brendan every five minutes, I am seeing Polly and Serge everywhere...I am losing my mind.

I spend most of my time wandering around the house. I can't think of anything else to do.

It's gotten so bad, I keep hearing things.

Like right now, I swear I hear Polly calling for me.

SERGE: Mom! Mom! Are you here?

And I hear Serge too...

Brendan walks in and snaps me out of my delusions, or at least I think he's going to.

BRENDAN: Bonnie, I got them back! Come on! What are you waiting for?

Sure enough, my little girl is sitting in the entry way as if she never left.

I run to her and scoop her up, barely being able to believe it.

Serge comes up behind me and gives me a hug.

BONNIE: Are you all okay?

SERGE: Yeah...yeah, we're fine.

BONNIE: What about Nico? What's going on?

BRENDAN: Nico won't bother you anymore...

BONNIE: What happened?

BRENDAN: Nothing you need to worry about.

BONNIE: He isn't dead is he?

BRENDAN: *laughs* No, of course not. Everything is fine, don't worry.

I am so happy to have my babies back and I know they are happy to be back with me.

POLLY: Mommy...missed you!

BONNIE: I missed you too baby girl!

Getting her back was bitter sweet though, she had been gone so long, her birthday is coming up.

She ages up to be a beautiful little girl with dark, cascading curls and dark eyes. Her Aunt Gia of course sent tons of extremely expensive clothes for her, which she was extremely excited about.

My next babies to age up are Rione and Adovie. It's time for them to leave home.

Rione looks almost identical to his father and aspires to be a Chess Legend

Adovie, however wishes to be Surrounded by Family, even though she is just as smart as her brother.

My pregnancy progresses rapidly after the first little bit, and soon I can barely move.

I decide to work on my sculpting again when the baby decides to make an entrance.

As the labor progresses, I realize there is something off about this labor...and I'm right.

The first baby to make an entrance is a little girl. Baby #54: Haylia Reed

Followed by her sister, Baby #55: Rayn Reed

...then a little chunky monkey...or monkette, another girl, Baby #56: Liberty Reed

...and finally, a fourth quiet little girl, Baby #57: Nellie Reed

Quads?!

Gen. 2: Sometimes a Little Overreaction is a Good Thing

2012-12-10T10:30:00.001-08:00

With all the threatening calls from Nico, I am afraid for myself and for Polly. I keep having nightmares about him doing something terrible...not only to me but to my children. I don't know what to do.

Of course Polly can tell I'm afraid. Having just learned to talk, she tries to reassure me.

POLLY: Don't be scared Mommy.

BONNIE: I'm not sweetie...but I think we should go for a walk...what do you say?

POLLY: Yay! Walk!

Usually for her that means she's being either carried or pushed around in a stroller, but what's the difference?

My first instinct tells me to go to Brendan. Maybe he can help me figure out what to do.

BRENDAN: I'm excited that you thought of me, but honestly babe, I think being here is probably the worst place you could be. They know we're dating. If they're looking for you, this is the obvious place.

BONNIE: What do you suggest I do then?

That last line was a bit shrill, but I can't help it. I am feeling more and more desperate and afraid. I don't even want to take Polly out of my sight, not to mention my other children.

BRENDAN: The best thing you can do is just go home, make sure all your kids are safe...and just be careful.

Yeah, thanks, that sounds like great advice. Not.

Regardless, I don't see that I have any other options, so I just head home.

Normal for us is more birthdays, so Serge & Julianna age up.

Serge looks a lot like me and is very popular with the girls.

Julianna is pretty and popular. Just another example of the good Reed & Everard genes!

In the spirit of continuing on with life and acting like everything is normal, I decide it's time to find another baby daddy. Of course, I wouldn't dream of leaving Polly with a sitter, so she's coming with me.

BONNIE: What do you say about getting you some little brothers or sisters, Polly?

POLLY: I'm Mommy's baby...

BONNIE: I know you are sweetie...

Okay, maybe this isn't her idea of a good time, but I don't have any other option.

I decide to be neighborly and go across the street to visit. Maybe there will be a cute bachelor living there...

...but instead, the only person I meet is a woman that is obviously having a bad hair and makeup day...*gulp*

Yeah, I don't really want to bother her. Let's get out of here.

As I head home, I get a phone call.

BONNIE: Hello?

VOICE: Hi...is this Bonnie Reed? Daughter of Hadley Reed?

BONNIE: Um...yes...

VOICE: Oh, hi! My name is Christy Quinn...you might not know me...

BONNIE: Christy Quinn? Really!? Of course I know you! *inner girly sqeal!*

CHRISTY: *nervous laughter* Oh...well...um...

BONNIE: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable...but you're, like...baby challenge royalty.

CHRISTY: Um, thanks?

BONNIE: Okay, I'm sorry, I'll stop geeking out...what can I do for you?

CHRISTY: I was actually thinking I could do something for you. I have a friend of mine visiting Lucky Palms and he's very interested in being a part of some baby challenges...and I was wondering if you wouldn't like to use him?

BONNIE: Really? Sure! I actually need a new baby daddy...

CHRISTY: Great, well let me tell you about him...

Her friend's name is Judd Barnette and she tells me he's a hottie. I make plans to meet him later today. I also call the local hospital to see if they can do another insemination for me. So that's taken care of.

It's almost time for the kids to get home from school, so I take Polly to the park next to the school for a bit.

Even with all the playground equipment, she is mostly fascinated by her hand. Hmph. Oh well, either way I start swinging while she practices counting. She is so smart.

When school gets out, Serge sees us.

SERGE: Hey Polly!

POLLY: Serge! Serge! Watch! I can count to five! 1...2...3...5!

SERGE: Way to go! What happened to 4?

POLLY: It got lost...

Serge and Polly are having so much fun, I almost hate to break it up, but I have to go meet Judd...

BONNIE: Are you ready to go Polly?

She hugs tighter to her brother.

POLLY: No! I wanna stay with brudder!

SERGE: Yeah, I can take care of her Mom.

BONNIE: No, I want her to go with me.

SERGE: Mom, that's crazy. What's she going to do when you're in your appointment? She'll be bored.

BONNIE: I'm sorry, that's just the way things have to be.

SERGE: Come on, I won't let anything happen to her.

BONNIE: I know....but...

POLLY: Please Mommy, please!

Looking at my children, I start thinking maybe everything will be okay.

BONNIE: Okay, but keep an eye out. If anyone else, I mean ANYONE else comes into the park, I want you to take her home.

SERGE: Okay Mom...geez.

BONNIE: And I only want you all to spend an hour here tops.

SERGE: Okay...

BONNIE: I expect you to be home when I get there...clear?

SERGE: Clear as mud...

BONNIE: Don't be a smart ass.

SERGE: Okay...get out of here! We'll be fine.

BONNIE: Okay...

Ugh. Kids.

I quickly head to the theater where I planned to meet Judd.

Christy was right. He is really cute.

I try not to be rude, but I want to speed this up, so we head right to the hospital. Thank goodness he already knows the ins and outs of the baby challenge thing.

When I get home, I see Rione, but no Serge...and no Polly.

BONNIE: Ri...where's your brother and sister?

RIONE: You're gonna have to narrow that...which ones?

BONNIE: Serge and Polly...

RIONE: Oh...haven't seen Serge since we got out of school...why?

I lump forms in my throat as I run out the door.

I get back to the park and it's empty.

They're not here...

Panic starts to set in quickly.

Oh Lord, what have I done?

Gen. 2: Who Told You This is Acceptable Behavior?

2012-12-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

Know that small hope that Nico wasn't even going to think about the fact that he has a baby? Yeah, well, that lasted all of twenty minutes...long enough for the local paper to update the website announcing Polanne's birth, because he was immediately calling me, wondering when he can see her.

BONNIE: Um...yeah...sure, Nico, you can see her anytime...just call before you come over so I can have her awake and all that...

NICO: Whateva'

Hmph. What kind of answer was that?

Unfortunately, I have no time to worry about the Nico situation because my children start screaming at me in excitement and I have to see what all the commotion is about.

And I see a cat they have already named George...

...and another cat by the name of Hazel. Awesome.

So all the kids keep me so busy that it seems like no time before it's time for Polanne to age up.

Well, thankfully none of her father's side shows up, but her Aunt Gia gives her a whole wardrobe of clothes nicer than the ones I wear.

Polanne looks a lot like me, but she has very dark hair and eyes that must come from her father.

Also thankfully, she is giggly and adorable, and pretty much the light of my life. It amazes me how such a delightful child could have come from such a wacko.

Late one evening after the kids got off school, I get a text from Brendan asking if I want to catch a movie. Well, since Adovie and Rione are home and they can baby-sit, I don't see why not, so I text him back that I'll be there in five.

Of course, when I get there, he's nowhere to be found. When I try his phone, there's no answer, and he's not answering his texts.

Hmph. How rude.

After waiting fifteen minutes, I decide to screw him and go see the movie by myself.

MEANWHILE, AT HOME...

Rione has just finished his homework and is about to feed Polanne her dinner when there's a knock at the door.

He doesn't even get to it before it swings open.

NICO: Hey! What's goin' on in here?

Uh-oh.

RIONE: Can I help you sir?

NICO: Yeah, I wanna see my kid. Where is she?

RIONE: Um...who's your kid?

NICO: You know, she's just a little thing...

RIONE: Um...I'm not so sure about this...how do you know your kid is here?

NICO: Look, don't screw with me, kid. I know she's here...

RIONE: Sir, my mom's going to be home any minute and then you can talk to her, but I think until then you should leave.

Nico laughs in his face. I suppose I should be proud of my son for trying to stand up for his family, even though it scares me to think of what Nico could do when he doesn't get his way.
NICO: You do, huh? Well, I don't think so...
Nico stands tall over Rione and is about to continue his thought when Polanne's voice carries from the living room where she is playing.
Nico smiles devilishly at Rione.
NICO: Well, ain't that somethin? Sounds like she's right here.

He abandons whatever he was thinking about doing to Rione (thank goodness) and follows the sound of giggling.

NICO: There you are, little girl.

AWHILE LATER...

I come home from my movie and walk into my room not realizing anything is wrong.

Before I can change into my pajamas, I notice something strange on my private patio.

It's Nico.

BONNIE: Nico? What are you doing here?

I was not prepared for his reaction.

NICO: You listen here, bitch. I don't want anyone to try and keep me from my daughter again...

BONNIE: Excuse me? Why don't you watch who you're talking to.

NICO: Oh I see, and all I see is a stupid girl...

BONNIE: Wait a second...I won't have you talking to me in my own house this way...

NICO: You better watch yourself girlie, or you won't have to worry about anyone talking to you any way.

BONNIE: Are you threatening me?

NICO: What do you think?

BONNIE: I think you better leave.

NICO: I'll leave when I finish telling you what I want to tell you.

BONNIE: Okay...

NICO: Nobody's keeping me from my daughter...no one. If you try it, you'll regret it.

Something about the look in Nico's eyes terrifies me.

He takes the back way out and leaves.

When he's gone, my first instinct is to check on Polanne.

Thankfully, she is sleeping peacefully in her crib.

Just in case I wasn't scared enough, the next morning I get a call from Nico.

NICO: Remember bitch, whenever I want.

With that, he hangs up the phone.

What have I gotten into?

Gen. 2: Baby 53 Pt. 2: Crazy, I'm Crazy for Feeling Like I Was Lied To

2012-11-26T15:40:00.000-08:00

May I introduce you all to the view from my back yard. Can you say gorgeous?

Anyway...

The day after I had my appointment with Nico to impregnate me with Baby 53, I have a date with Brendan...and of course, I'm nauseous.

BRENDAN: ...so I want to find the biggest, juciest, greasiest burger possible today...I'm starving.

BONNIE: *puke in mouth*

BRENDAN: Hey, you okay babe? You look a little green.

BONNIE: Oh, yeah, just Italian sperm taking a toll on me.

BRENDAN: Oh, so you...uh...what did you end up doing?

BONNIE: As if you didn't know, traitor...and for the record, in the future, please don't tell my business to other people...

BRENDAN: Oh...yeah, Gia...I'm sorry, babe, I just thought maybe she could pull some strings in the sperm bank or something...and I guess she did, right? I mean, you're pregnant?

BONNIE: Dude, yes...and I thought you knew...she offered up her brother...

Brendan looks like I just told him I was giving birth to an ostrich.

BRENDAN: Nico??!!!

BONNIE: Yeah, why?

BRENDAN: Bonnie! Are you crazy? He's insane!

BRENDAN: What are you talking about?

BRENDAN: He's actually insane...like criminally...he got off on a technicality this last time, but he was certified insane during his last assault charge.

Assault? Criminal? Insane?

I think I'm going to faint.

I start to fall back and Brendan catches me.

BONNIE: Why didn't you tell me?

BRENDAN: Because I didn't know, obviously. I never would have let you use Nico...he really is..well, let's just say unstable.

BONNIE: Can I get a restraining order?

BRENDAN: Won't help...

BONNIE: Why not?

BRENDAN: Trust me...

BONNIE: Well, what am I going to do? How am I going to protect myself...and my kids?

BRENDAN: Baby, I promise you, I will do whatever I can to keep you and your kids safe. I promise.

BONNIE: That's sweet hon, but can't we get a 'round the clock security detail?

BRENDAN: Let's just hope Nico forgets all about it.

Despite my worries about carrying a mentally unstable person's child, I have to continue with life normally for the rest of my kids.

Which of course, means birthdays...

Rione ages up to look just like his father, with his hair and everything.

Adovie looks like Spencer too, and both of them are so smart.

Being pregnant with Nico's child has made Brendan want to stay around even more...which I am definitely not complaining about.

...and my belly just keeps growing.

I find myself talking to my bump a lot this time, basically begging crazy not to be genetic.

Ultimately, whatever is going to happen is inevitable though, and that includes when my labor starts.

After a relatively short labor, I give birth to Baby 53: Polanne Reed.

Gen. 2: Baby 53 Pt. 1: Getting in Bed With the Wrong Person

2012-11-25T21:47:00.000-08:00

Our first day in the new house is very relaxing. I miss our old house for so many reasons. 1) The location was gorgeous, right on the beach, secluded, perfect for a quiet, outdoorsy person like myself. 2) My Meemaw Zoey made the house and I knew there was no way I could find a house that came even close to how gorgeous that was. She has unparalleled talents, let me tell you.

Having said all that, the big problem I had with that location was that because it was so secluded, my kids had to hike out to the side of the road and wait for the bus instead of just running out when it honked, like they can do now. Of course, that means that Rione and Adovie can spend time goofing off before school.

BONNIE: Are you kids ready to go?

RIONE: Yes Mom! Geez! Don't have a cow.

BONNIE: Right, I'll have two unruly children instead...do you want breakfast?

ADOVIE: I'm too excited to eat...

*Eye roll* Okay, if these two didn't look so much like Spencer, I would swear they gave me the wrong babies at the hospital. Excited for school, not wanting to eat...weirdos.

Either way, when the bus comes, they just run right outside, no screaming about missing it, no frantically running around trying to find their lunches, it's just peaceful. I don't know how to handle it. I think I have become conditioned to run around frantically in the morning.

While the older kids are at school, I work with Serge and Julianna to finish up with their skills. I want to age them up today, and thankfully, it looks like that's going to happen.

Serge picks up talking quickly, and seems to have a lot of opinions about things, which is no surprise given he's a part Reed, part Everard child.

Julianna picks up talking pretty easily as well, although she was much better at walking.

Finally, I am able to age them up!

Serge has my hair color and looks a whole lot like my mother. He has her big bright eyes, which makes me miss her. I'm going to have to visit her soon!

Julianna looks a lot like my mom as well, but she has Jesse's brown hair and light skin.

Both kids are good to go and ready for school the next day.

THE NEXT DAY...

Because I don't have any time to meet him, I just call Brendan on the phone...yes, in the bathroom. Hey, I'm a mother...this is the only place I get any privacy!

I am on my own for the day and realize that I'm going to have to find another baby daddy soon...but I feel weird about it...dating Brendan and all...ugh...this is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be...of course I could just go the artificial insemination route...

BONNIE: What is your opinion of sperm donors?

BRENDAN: Um...they really have their future in the palm of their hands...

Break for insane laughter...from him.

BONNIE: Did you notice something missing from that joke?

BRENDAN: No...

BONNIE: It was laughter...that's what it was.

BRENDAN: Ouch! That's harsh, Reed!

BONNIE: Any-way...I was thinking more along the lines of me using them now...ya' know...since we're dating...

BRENDAN: I don't know what's creepier...you sleeping with some guy, or using a sperm donor that could have an extra toe for all you know.

BONNIE: They do background checks...and...ugh...never mind.

This conversation is going nowhere...I guess it's up to me to decide.

Since I don't have any little kids at home, I can get out of the house without having to listen to screaming and whining, so I take a walk and end up in this beautiful park...with a wishing well.

Looking at the well, I figure I have nothing to lose.

"I wish for a baby daddy."

There goes my quarter. And that was a quarter, so it better come true....ugh, I am too cheap.

I hang around the park for a little bit, then realize I'm bored, so I decide to head to the library...I think I saw one somewhere around here.

As I walk up the stairs to the entrance, I immediately regret my decision when I see none other than Ms. Gia Esposito standing at the top in almost nothing...who wears this to the library?

GIA: Bonnie! What a surprise!

*kiss, kiss, fake, fake*

BONNIE: I feel exactly the same Gia, how are you?

GIA: Oh, the same as always, just having an afternoon workout...

(the bitch)

GIA: ...then I got a call from Brendan and he told me all about your challenge...

BONNIE: He wha...?

GIA: Yeah, and he was saying you were looking for a father for your next baby, and how you weren't wanting to have a random hookup, but sperm donations just seem weird...and I don't blame you, I mean, we're in a city where people are strapped for money all the time...you don't even want to know what kind of guys they let into the sperm bank here...ewww.

BONNIE: Yeah.

GIA: Well, I have an idea...I know you don't know this, but I have a brother...

BONNIE: A brother?

GIA: Yes, and a father, actually...and, well, I don't want to brag, but we have exceptional genes...

BONNIE: Um...so...does he understand the whole thing about me raising the child? He can have contact, but that's it...

GIA: Oh, of course, Nico doesn't have any interest in being a father right now.

BONNIE: Nico, huh?

GIA: Yes, so this way, you can kind of at least know who the donor is...

BONNIE: Um...well, and Brendan is okay with it?

GIA: Ha! Well, I would assume so, he came to me for help, didn't he? What was I going to do? Give you my own sperm? Haha!

BONNIE: ew...

GIA: Of course, I know my genes would be ideal, but Nico's will have to do.

BONNIE: Um...

GIA: Oh come on, Bonnie, just say yes...

BONNIE: Um...

GIA: Good enough for me! Nico! Come here! This is Bonnie!

Both Nico and Senior Esposito have receding hairlines, but I won't hold that against them...

I guess Nico Esposito is going to be my next baby daddy.

...I keep thinking I'm going to regret this.

Gen. 2: Goodbye, Legacy Island...Hello, Lucky Palms!

2012-10-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

As soon as I get home, I go straight to bed. It's late, I want to rest throughout the day, but I am rudely awoken by barking...barking?

I go outside, and sure enough, there's a dog on my property.

BONNIE: Who brought this dog here?!

Adara comes up behind me with a satisfied grin on her face.

BONNIE: Did you do this?

ADARA: No, but I know who did...and let me just say that I was against it from the get-go.

BONNIE: As much as I can't tell you how much of a relief that is, who was it that got the dog?

ADARA: Emeri.

I roll my eyes.

BONNIE: EMERI!!!

When I talk to Emeri, she doesn't deny getting the dog, but I tell her that she has to take it with her when she leaves, along with the cats because I don't want to take them with us on our move.

My plan is to age up the babies, then move with my four youngest when Rieba, Adara, and Emeri become adults.

The first kids to age up are going to be Serge and Julianna.

Serge looks a lot like my mom with her coloring and blue eyes.

Julianna looks like her too, but has Jesse's light skin tone.

Next, Rieba ages up.

Somewhere along the line, she has developed the Green Thumb trait and wants to grow a perfect garden.

Adara has yet to narrow her interests to the point of deciding on a career, so she wants to be a Renaissance Sim.

Emeri, my little animal collector, wants to be an Ark Builder.

After saying their goodbyes, we pack up all of our stuff and start heading to our new home in Lucky Palms.

We get there late at night, but the house I had them build looks beautiful from what I can see so far.

Gen. 2: Everyone Has Skeletons In Their Closet...

2012-10-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

BONNIE: I love you too.

I can't believe he told me he loves me! And I can't believe I said it back...but I honestly think I love him too. This weekend has been magical and it only keeps getting better.

With those words, we go to bed...and don't sleep.

The next morning, I wake up in his arms and couldn't be happier.

BONNIE: So, what's on the agenda for today?

BRENDAN: Well, since we got out of bed...I say...let's get right back in bed...

BONNIE: Hmm, I'm definitely down with that...but how about some breakfast...do you have any eggs? I can whip up some pancakes or waffles...

BRENDAN: No way! You're not lifting a finger while you're on vacation...how about I take you out for breakfast?

BONNIE: Hmm, I can do that.

So we get dressed and start to head out...

As we get to the door, his phone rings.

BRENDAN: Hello? Oh hey...yeah, I'm back in town. What? Right now? Can it wait? I have a guest...no, okay, I understand.

He gets off the phone looking grim.

BONNIE: What's the matter?

BRENDAN: I'm sorry babe, but I have to go into work...

BONNIE: Right now? They can't go without you for a little bit longer?

BRENDAN: No, I'm sorry...

BONNIE: But I'm going home tomorrow...

BRENDAN: I know, I promise I'll be home in time for dinner. I'll take you out somewhere nice...I'm sorry, it's just...my boss just got into town and insists on hearing my report.

BONNIE: *sigh*

Brendan takes me in his arms and kisses my forehead.

BRENDAN: I'm so sorry baby, I'll make it up to you tonight, I swear.

BONNIE: You better really mean that.

BRENDAN: I do...I promise.

He leaves in a hurry, after a kiss and a quick I love you.

Unfortunately, there isn't much to do in his house. He has a computer and a TV, but we all know how I feel about those things...so I read for a little bit, begrudgingly flip through the TV, and call the kids. Everything is going fine there, which is good.

I debate going out on my own, maybe looking to see what kind of houses they have for sale here, but I am sure I will get lost and I don't even know this address to get back here.

No, staying put is probably the best idea...so I do the only thing I know how to do...I clean.

I know, pathetic, right? Eh, it's what I do.

Thankfully it takes me all day and I even whip up some goopy carbonara for dinner.

When Brendan comes through the door, he is floored.

BRENDAN: Baby, what did you do?

BONNIE: Do you like it?

BRENDAN: It smells clean in here...and...there's a food smell...oh, wow, you didn't...

BONNIE: Surprise! Let me get you a plate...

Ever the bachelor, Brendan doesn't have a dining room table, so we eat dinner on the couch in front of the TV.

BRENDAN: Baby, this is amazing!

BONNIE: Don't mention it.

BRENDAN: And the house...when did you have time to do all this?

BONNIE: While you were working, silly...

BRENDAN: I feel so bad...how am I going to make it up to you?

BONNIE: Oh, don't worry, you'll find a way...I can give you some ideas...

BRENDAN: Oooh...

We are interrupted by the sound of Brendan's door opening and closing followed by a voice...a female voice....

I walk into the kitchen and see a tall, beautiful woman with jet black hair, dressed to the nines.

FEMALE VOICE: Hello? Brendan, honey, are you home?

Brendan honey? What?

To beat it all, Brendan looks like a deer caught in the headlights.

Before I can ask him who this chick is, she comes up behind him.

HOT CHICK: There you are!

She pulls him into a hug...a very friendly hug if you ask me. Who is this chick?

And he seems to be hugging her back, just as tight.

I duck back into the living room before she can see me.

I can't believe I was so stupid! Here I am, spending the weekend with a guy I barely know, telling him I love him...putting my heart on the line...

BRENDAN: Bonnie?

He interrupts my thoughts. I will not cry in front of him, I will not cry. I can't.

BONNIE: What?

That sounds pathetic...or pissed off...I can't tell which.

BRENDAN: Bonnie, I'm sorry...I know what this must look like...

BONNIE: Probably whatever it is...

BRENDAN: No, it's not...she's nothing to me...well, not anymore. She's my ex-girlfriend. I don't know why she's here...I'll try to get her to leave.

BONNIE: You can't just tell her to leave?

BRENDAN: It's complicated...

BONNIE: Why? It seems pretty simple to me.

BRENDAN: Bonnie, please...I can't ask her to leave.

BONNIE: Why not?

BRENDAN: She's my boss's daughter.

Well, isn't this just dandy.

DADDY'S LITTLE SKANK: Well, who's your little friend?

Little friend?

BRENDAN: Gia, this is Bonnie...she's...um...we're seeing each other.

Gia? What the hell kinda name is Gia?

To her credit, she looks slightly shocked. I'm trying to decide whether I should stake my claim to Brendan...I don't know, either mark him or pee a circle around him...or if Gia and I should team up against him and kick his ass.

Looking at her, I find it difficult to imagine we would ever be on the same side.

GIA: Oh...well, what a pleasant surprise. I wasn't aware that you were seeing anyone, Brendan.

BRENDAN: *stutter, stammer* It all happened kind of fast...

With just about every ounce of sincerety I'm sure she could muster, she walks up to me and takes my hands and kisses me on the cheek.

GIA: It's a pleasure to meet you. Brendan is a great guy.

She lets go of my hands and turns to Brendan.

GIA: Congratulations. She seems charming.

Hmph. Well, I'm glad I met with her approval. Unfortunately, my grandmother's voice comes into my head spouting something about guests in your home and I remember my manners.

BONNIE: *warm, fake smile* We were just finishing with dinner, can I offer you a plate?

GIA: *condesending laugh* Oh, I can't possibly eat.

Of course you can't, anorexic b--

BONNIE: How about something to drink then? I'm sure Brendan can make a pot of coffee or tea...

GIA: A mineral water would be wonderful. Brendan, I'm sure you still have some in your fridge?

BRENDAN: I'll go get you one.

Brendan takes off like a little lap dog. I kind of feel sorry for him. I know this is an awkward situation he's in, but I can't help but be pissed off at him that he didn't at least mention this woman before now.

Gia and I sit down on the couch and start to engage in some forced awkward conversation.

GIA: Tell me, how long have you and Brendan been seeing each other?

BONNIE: Um...I don't know...a few weeks...

GIA: Are you from the area? What's your family name?

BONNIE: Reed...and no, I'm not from here. We met in Legacy Island. That's where I'm living now.

GIA: Is that where your family is from?

BONNIE: No...um...my mother is from Butterfly Acres.

GIA: Oh, how quaint. And your father?

BONNIE: He's from Sunset Valley, I believe.

GIA: Ah, so you're not close with your father?

BONNIE: No.

GIA: I can't imagine not having my father in my life.

BONNIE: Oh, I have plenty of family in my life...

GIA: I'm sure.

Ugh. I've just met this woman and I hate her already.

After some more awkward conversation, Gia leaves and I pack my bag to head home.

Instead of taking a long drive back, Brendan puts me on a red eye flight back to Legacy Island with promises of returning there as soon as he can.

Thinking about everything, it might be a good idea to make a permanent move to Lucky Palms.

Gen. 2: Three Heads Are Better Than One...Said No One Ever

2012-10-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

*ADARA'S POV*

ADARA: Rieba! Emeri! Get in here! Serge is screaming and I have my hands full with Julianna right now!

I am greeted with the refreshing sounds of nothing...except the screams of my baby brother.

ADARA: Damn it! You guys are pissing me off! Hold on a second Serge, I'll get you.

After I get Julianna settled in her crib, I pick up my little brother who is still not comforted by human contact. He just won't shut up.

ADARA: He won't stop crying!

Finally, I hear Rieba's voice faintly coming from Mom's bathroom.

RIEBA: Get Emeri!

ADARA: I don't know where she is, Rieba...please come here and help me!

I pull Serge to my chest and rub his back, hopefully he just needs to burp...and he won't throw up all over me, because...ew.

As he starts to calm down, Julianna starts screaming again.

ADARA: What's the matter now? You were fine a second ago.

JULIANNA: Wahhhhhh! Wahhhhh! Wahhhhh!

I have finally had it and I scream at the top of my lungs.

ADARA: RIEBA, GET IN HERE!!!!!

*RIEBA'S POV*

I sigh. I suppose I can't ignore Adara's screaming anymore, and I can't decide who's screaming more, her or the babies. Either way, they're both disturbing my calm.

All I wanted was a quick soak in the tub. It has been a rough weekend. The babies were screaming, Rione and Adovie wanted attention all the time, and the cats wanted attention too. I am exhausted.

I drag myself out of the tub and into Mom's room. Adara glares at me.

ADARA: Have a nice bath, sister?

RIEBA: Lay off...I'm here, aren't I?

ADARA: Yeah, well, I haven't had a shower since Friday morning before school.

RIEBA: What's stopping you?

ADARA: These screaming kids...and neither one of you willing to help...where the hell is Emeri anyway? She's supposed to be the baby whisperer...

RIEBA: That is a very good question.

I pick up Julianna and the only problem she has is a dirty diaper. As much as I hate changing diapers, it's an easy fix. She calms down as soon as I change her. Back to the crib for you, little miss!

Adara goes into Mom's bathroom for a soak in the tub as well and I head into the living room, where I see Emeri.

The bitch is sitting there playing with the cat.

RIEBA: Didn't you hear Adara yelling for you?

EMERI: Huh? Oh, yeah, but I knew you were in there.

RIEBA: In the tub! Damn, Em...I thought this was supposed to be your thing...

EMERI: It is, but I was playing with Mr. Pickles...look, he's so funny!

RIEBA: What do they call the opposite of ADD?

EMERI: I have no idea...

RIEBA: Well, whatever it is, I think you have it.

EMERI: What's that supposed to mean?

RIEBA: People with ADD have trouble focusing on one thing, and you have trouble un-focusing on things, no matter how stupid.

EMERI: Hey, they're not stupid!

RIEBA: Playing with the cat?

EMERI: Hey, cats need love too...

RIEBA: Not as much as people..especially little screaming people that won't shut up unless you do whatever they want you to do.

EMERI: Like you?

RIEBA: Oh bitch...

EMERI: Kidding!

RIEBA: You're lucky I'm exhausted. I'm going outside.

Since the babies are pacified right now, I decide to work on some painting. It relaxes me like nothing else does and I'm getting pretty good at it.

*ADARA'S POV*

After a shower and a nap, I feel a lot better, and amazingly the babies are still asleep. I think they wore themselves out crying.

Either way, I head upstairs to the electronics room...and Rione is up there, watching TV, which is what he's been doing all day long.

ADARA: Hey squirt.

RIONE: Hey...

ADARA: Whatcha' watchin?

RIONE: Cartoons.

ADARA: Wanna play Xbox?

RIONE: This is a really good one.

ADARA: *eyeroll* Whatevs.

Facebook stalking it is.

*EMERI'S POV*

EMERI: ...yes...just one...okay...you'll be here today? Okay, great! I can't wait! Thanks!

With my sisters preoccupied, I can put my plan into action.

I get off the phone and jump up and down in excitement for a minute.

Soon, there's a knock at the door.

MAN: Hi, I'm Tim. You called?

EMERI: Yeah, thanks for coming so quickly Tim!

TIM: No problem. So, you're awfully young, are you ready for this kind of responsibility?

EMERI: Of course, you should see what kind of responsibilities I have around here.

TIM: Okay, well...I have some stuff for you, where would you like it?

EMERI: Um...outside...

TIM: I think I know where you mean.

EMERI: Yeah, thanks...um, are you forgetting something?

TIM: Oh, no, of course not. Here she is!

I'm so excited! I got a dog! Eeeek!

Right then my phone rings.

EMERI: Hello?

BONNIE: Hey hon, how is everything going there?

EMERI: Oh, great Mom. Are you having fun?

BONNIE: Yeah, a lot. So nothing to report?

EMERI: No, everything is pretty much the same.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure she's going to kill me.

Gen. 2: Get Out of Jail Free Card

2012-10-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

The drive to Lucky Palms is long, but he drove the whole way, so I got to sleep. That was probably a good thing because I caught up on my lack of sleep for the first part of my adult life when I started having children.

When we get to his house, it's beautiful. It's right on the pier, which is awesome, and it's really modern.

Brendan asks me if I want to relax for a bit, but having slept the whole way, I'm full of energy, so I ask him to show me around. He decides to take me to the Perfect Paradise Pool first.

The pool is on the roof of the building, which makes it perfect for looking at the rest of Lucky Palms.

BONNIE: Wow...

BRENDAN: Awesome, isn't it?

BONNIE: Yeah...I've never really been to a bustling city before.

BRENDAN: Ha! Well, it's not really a big city with skyscrapers and everything...

BONNIE: Yeah, I know, but it's a bigger city than I've ever lived in. I lived on Cornucopia, which was a small island town, then I stayed in Butterfly Acres for awhile and then Legacy Island, which has buildings, but it still has a small town feel to it.

BRENDAN: Well, living in Lucky Palms is a one-of-a-kind experience. Think maybe it might be where you want to live?

BONNIE: I don't know yet...

BRENDAN: That's okay...right now...I bet I can hold my breath longer than you can!

He strips down to his bathing suit and jumps in the pool before I can say anything.

BONNIE: Hey! It's not a race!

I jump in behind him.

Little does he know, I have stellar lung capacity. I think it comes from a long line of yellers.

Sure enough, I win!

I head up for air and to brag.

BONNIE: Haha!

BRENDAN: Yeah, yeah...

BONNIE: *splash* Oh, come on, don't be a sore loser.

BRENDAN: Oh yeah?

He splashes me back and starts to chase me around the pool. We make a game out of it until he catches me and grabs my ankle.

I scream and try to kick away from him, but I'm really loving it. He pins me on the wall and his warm body feels nice against me in the slightly chilly pool.

BRENDAN: Thought you could get away from me, huh?

He tries to kiss me and I playfully turn my head away, of course this gives him a clear shot at kissing my neck, right below my ear, which, as it turns out, feels amazing.

He presses a little harder against me and I realize I'm going to have to slow this down before we get inappropriate in a public place.

BONNIE: Hold it! Someone is going to see us!

BRENDAN: No one is going to see us...we're the only ones here...

BONNIE: What about the owners...there has to be someone running the place...

BRENDAN: We have the place to ourselves, babe, don't worry about it.

BONNIE: Hmm, well...in that case...

I duck under the water and swim away from him.

BRENDAN: Where are you going?

BONNIE: You'll have to find out.

I swim toward the edge of the pool and climb out, heading toward a more intimate location.

Hmm, perfect. It's even a little secluded, so even if someone shows up, they might not see us.

BRENDAN: You are just full of surprises, aren't you?

BONNIE: I try.

I guess something has come over me while being on vacation, because it sounded like a great idea to strip out of my bathing suit and hop into the hot tub.

BRENDAN: Are you lonely in there?

BONNIE: I could use some company...if you're not too bashful.

BRENDAN: Hmph, please....

With that, he strips down and climbs in next to me.

I lean my head back and pretend I'm not peaking...but I totally am.

BRENDAN: Whoo! You like it hot!

BONNIE: Hehe, do I ever...

BRENDAN: I meant the water...

BONNIE: Oh...I knew that...

BRENDAN: Can't get any better than this.

BONNIE: Really? I have some ideas...

BRENDAN: And what would those...

Before he can finish his sentence, my mouth is on his.

He doesn't say anything, but I can tell he agrees that this is much better.

We make out in the hot tub for awhile and I realize then how much I have missed human interaction from people that aren't my children or my family...especially this kind of human interaction.

Of course, I forget that I don't have a built-in alarm system that tells me when I should probably stop, so it's Brendan that pulls away first.

BRENDAN: Baby, if you want to do anything else today, I strongly suggest stopping right now.

BONNIE: Who says I want to do anything else?

BRENDAN: You did earlier, remember? You wanted me to show you the sights?

BONNIE: I think you're doing a good job of that...

BRENDAN: *groan* If we don't stop, I'm not going to be able to control what happens next.

BONNIE: Don't fight it...

BRENDAN: As much as I don't want to, I also don't want the first time we make love to be in a public hot tub.

Damn it. He had to go and bring that up, didn't he? And I can't lie and say that we would just be having sex, because...I know what just having sex is, and because of the nature of our relationship, we could never just be having sex...ugh. Making love it is...and not right now.

BONNIE: *pout* Okay, fine. Where to next?

BRENDAN: How about a movie? We have an IMAX here...

BONNIE: Hmm, okay...

The cab ride to the theater is even interesting. I find myself astounded by the tall palm trees and beach feel of the whole town. It's all so pretty.

Of course, I don't have a clue what the movie was about. I was otherwise occupied.

BRENDAN: Any time you wanna go home, you let me know...

BONNIE: Hmm...sounds tempting...

BRENDAN: Or...we could go to Drinks at Diamondbacks...

BONNIE: For what?

BRENDAN: What else? Drinks.

BONNIE: Oh...

We head in and the place is crazy crowded. After a couple drinks we're ready to leave. As much as I would like to head back to his house, my stomach growls. He of course, doesn't miss it.

BRENDAN: Hungry?

BONNIE: Starving actually...

BRENDAN: There's nothing at home...we can hit the Blooming Cactus Bistro...they have the best spinach dip ever.

BONNIE: *groan* Don't mention food until it's in front of me.

We get there and are waiting for our food when these two people come up to us.

MAN: Hey Brendan!

BRENDAN: Uh, hey man!

WOMAN: Hi Brendan!

BRENDAN: Hey, Yolanda! Guys, this is my...Bonnie, Bonnie, this is Barry Gilbert and Yolanda Shaw, old friends of mine.

They are both very cordial, but I am fixated on the detail that Brendan didn't introduce me as his girlfriend.

Yolanda sits down next to me and starts chatting my ear off.

YOLANDA: Have you ever been to Lucky Palms before?

BONNIE: Nope, this is my first time.

YOLANDA: Oh, you have to go to the casino, Brendan, you are taking her to the casino, right?

BRENDAN: I wouldn't dream of letting her pass it up.

On the cab ride over there, I try to stifle my desire to be a paranoid girlfriend.

BONNIE: So they seem nice.

BRENDAN: Who? Yeah, they're alright.

Now he seems distracted, which makes me more paranoid. Maybe the reason he hasn't wanted to sleep with me is because he doesn't really like me...

Ack! I have to stop thinking like a crazy woman!

I try to think of something I can say to figure out why he wouldn't want them to know he has a girlfriend, but everything I can think of sounds paranoid and/or crazy.

"Do they know you have a girlfriend?" - Paranoid...and possessive.

"Why didn't you introduce me as your girlfriend?" - Demanding, and possessive.

"Did you ever date that Yolanda girl?" - Paranoid and crazy.

Ugh. I just decide to sit back and shut up.

As soon as we get to the casino, Brendan sits down at the black jack table.

I venture over to a slot machine. Hmm, this looks a little too techie for me.

I break even after putting a couple quarters in the machine before deciding to join Brendan at the table.

Brendan tries his best to teach me how to play black jack, but I still don't get it.

Not to mention he's being awfully distant. I'm just not really into this right now.

I think he picks up on that, thankfully.

BRENDAN: You're not having that much fun, are you?

BONNIE: Machines aren't really my thing...

BRENDAN: Hmm, okay...wanna go back to my place?

He gets a randy look on his face and I can't help but laugh. Of course, I'm kind of out of the mood now.

BONNIE: I don't know, maybe you could ask your girlfriend if she wants to go back to your place...

Okay self, what did we just talk about? Wasn't it something about not saying anything that makes you sound like a crazy girlfriend? Yeah, threw that right out the window.

BRENDAN: What are you talking about?

BONNIE: Well, apparently I'm not your girlfriend because you didn't want to tell those people we were dating...

BRENDAN: What?! Bonnie..

BONNIE: Are you ashamed of me?

BRENDAN: Why would I be ashamed of you?

BONNIE: I don't know, but apparently you didn't want anyone to know...the only thing I can think of is that you're ashamed...

BRENDAN: Baby, that couldn't be further from the truth...those people aren't my friends, they're just acquaintances ..ones that gossip like crazy. I don't want everyone talking about me.

BONNIE: Who cares?

BRENDAN: Did you really want to sit there and talk to them for who knows how long telling them every detail of our love life?

BONNIE: Well...no...

BRENDAN: I didn't either. I don't want anything else to stand in the way of taking you home and keeping you in my bed all night...and all day tomorrow.

BONNIE: Well...if you put it that way...

We run out of that place like it's on fire and catch the first cab that comes our way.

As we sit side by side in the cab, he puts his hand on my knee...and slides it up my thigh. Totally unfair.

In retaliation, I reciprocate by putting my hand in the same place on his thigh, gently squeezing.

He lets out a barely audible breath and I know I'm getting to him.

I have to say, this is kind of fun, seeing what each of us can stand while the cab driver takes us to his house.

By the time we get to his house, we can't keep our hands off each other, but I am still a little hesitant.

He is the one that pulls away.

BRENDAN: Bonnie, wait..I want to tell you something..

BONNIE: What is it?

BRENDAN: I love you.

Gen. 2: Silly Rabbit, Vacations Are For People Without Children!

2012-10-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

It's Birthday time in the Reed household once again, and I can say I'm pretty excited that there are going to be a few more self-sufficient (sort of) children in the house and not as many totally dependent toddlers!

Rione continues to look just like his father...and I think he has his big-freakin-dork gene...but hopefully he'll get a slightly-cool gene from me...(really, Bonnie? Really? You have a slightly-cool gene? Okay, maybe not, but shut up, inner monologue!)

Adovie also looks like her father...and is shy and reserved like her father and brother, but hopefully having tons of siblings around all the time will bring her out of her shell.

Well, since Von, Niyah, and Tanison aged into teenagers together, they are all ready to embark on adulthood at the same time. Can't say I'm happy about losing three of my babies at once, but what can I do? Nothing, that's what...I pretty much just have to sit back, shut up, and let them do their thing.

Von is one good lookin' man, if I do say so myself. Coming from Smith and Reed stock does a boy some good apparently...but don't think he's perfect, oh no, he has unfortunately picked up the sticky fingers/klepto trait and has big dreams of stealing lots of stuff...what's a mother to do? *Sigh, shut up*

Niyah on the other hand, is Ms. Prim and Proper. She would make a super snazzy librarian, but she has bigger aspirations, like being Leader of the Free World! Moo-hahahaha! Maybe she can make sure her brother stays on the right path, or at least never gets caught.

Tanison also has big dreams. She wants to sort of follow in her father's footsteps and become an International Super Spy. Well dayum! This batch has proven to be an ambitious bunch!

As three of my children are graduating and moving on, two of them are embarking on school for the first time.

Showing her inner-nerd, Adovie is excited. Is she excited about meeting friends and joining scouts or clubs? No, this child is excited about all the new pens, paper, pencils, and other school supplies I am hooking her up with. And she can't wait to have homework...yes, you read that right, homework...what is wrong with this child? I am more concerned about her than I am with the one that steals.

Well, I'm glad she's excited because I am excited to send her and Rione off to school on the first day along with their sisters.

I am perfectly content with Serge and Julianna at home.

As soon as I get them both down for naps, I get a call from my beau.

BONNIE: Hey! I was just thinking about you!

BRENDAN: I'm always thinking about you, hot stuff!

BONNIE: oh how you talk! *sarcasm*

BRENDAN: Yeah, well...so...have you given anymore thought to going with me to Lucky Palms?

BONNIE: I don't know...I just had these babies...

BRENDAN: Bonnie, the last time I asked you couldn't go because you were pregnant...I'm starting to think you are always either pregnant or have small children in the house...and I'm willing to accept that, but you need to be able to live your life too.

BONNIE: Hold on, this is my life...the life I chose. I understand that choosing this life means that there are some things I just can't do...one of which run off on vacay with my boyfriend.

BRENDAN: Don't think of this as a vacation with your boyfriend. You're looking into a new place to make a home for you and your family. Think about it. What is keeping you on Legacy Island?

BONNIE: I really love my house...did you know my grandmother designed this house for me?

BRENDAN: That's great babe...

BONNIE: And I love the location...having a house right by the ocean is perfect...

BRENDAN: We have water in Lucky Palms.

BONNIE: You are poo-pooing on my magic.

BRENDAN: I'm not saying it's not magical, but...

BONNIE: And this is where I have raised all of my children up to this point...

BRENDAN: Your mother moved, didn't she?

BONNIE: Yeah, but that was because she had a crazy vampire after her...

BRENDAN: Hmm, you'll have to tell me that story sometime, but seriously, don't you think she had the same worries?

BONNIE: Yes, but...

BRENDAN: And why did she end up back in Butterfly Acres?

BONNIE: To be closer to her family....

BRENDAN: And you would be moving to be closer to me...do you really care about me, Bonnie?

BONNIE: Come on, that's not fair and you know it...

BRENDAN: I know, but I'm not asking you to abandon everything and run away with me...just a vacation...

BONNIE: Hmph...let me think about it.

BRENDAN: Is that a possible yes?

BONNIE: Geez, you're worse than my kids! It's a maybe...with a side of "don't bug me about it anymore."

BRENDAN: Yes m'am!

BONNIE: Okay smart ass.

BRENDAN: So what's on the agenda for tonight?

BONNIE: Rieba, Adara, and Emeri have been bugging me to age into teenagers, so we're probably going to go ahead and do that. Do you want to come over for their birthday party? They would love it if they could see you again.

BRENDAN: Ooh, sure...

BONNIE: Just be warned...they are going to be teenage girls...don't do anything too dreamy.

BRENDAN: Haha, I'll try to contain myself.

Well, turns out Brendan has something that keeps him busy for the beginning of the birthday party, but he promises to be there later.

BONNIE: Okay girls, to the birthday cakes!

INCOHERENT CHILD VOICES: Yay! Woo-hoo! Yippie!

First up is Rieba who looks a lot like me but has curly magenta hair and bright aqua-colored eyes. No, those are not contacts. She has enough alterations with the lip piercing she insisted on.

Adara is Ms. Spunky. She's another fashionista with a lot of attitude...what child of mine doesn't have attitude?

Emeri is still the sweetest kid...and she has the biggest, prettiest green eyes.

Late at night, when the kids are in bed, Brendan finally makes it to my house.

BRENDAN: So, have you made up your mind?

BONNIE: *Sigh* I really want to...I do...it's just...I worry about the kids...

BRENDAN: Bonnie, the kids will be fine. You've got three great teenage girls that can keep everything running until you get back...

BONNIE: Yeah, young teenage girls...I don't know...

BRENDAN: Do you trust them?

BONNIE: Um...

BRENDAN: Okay, do you trust your ability to raise good kids?

BONNIE: Well, yeah...

BRENDAN: So...

BONNIE: You're right...I just worry...I've never left for a long weekend before.

BRENDAN: They'll be fine, and if not, leave them enough money to hire a sitter.

BONNIE: Yeah, I guess you're right...

BRENDAN: Wait, I'm what? *sarcasm, evil grin*

BONNIE: Okay, I'm glad you're proud of yourself.

BRENDAN: Baby, you're going to love Lucky Palms. There's so much to do...you won't be sorry.

BONNIE: I hope not.

Nothing like a kiss to seal the deal. I really do hope I'm making the right decision. I really, really want to go with him, and hell, I could use the vacation, but I do worry about the kids. I don't know if they will know what to do without me here.

I worry about it all night, then when I wake up, I see Emeri holding Serge, rocking him to sleep and putting him in his crib.

BONNIE: Hey sweetie, you didn't have to do that...

EMERI: It's okay Mom...I was walking past your room and heard that you were still asleep, but Serge was cooing like he was just about to start wailing, so I thought I would take care of him and let you rest a bit longer.

BONNIE: Well...thank you...you will make a good mom some day...

EMERI: I hope so. I can't wait to have my own kids.

BONNIE: Even after having all these siblings?

EMERI: Of course.

Emeri reminds me of myself a bit when I was her age...except for having an evil sister.

BONNIE: I have a question honey...

EMERI: What would you think if I went away for the weekend...and left you in charge?

EMERI: Me? I don't know...I'm not the oldest or anything...

BONNIE: Your sisters are older than you by minutes, and I would leave all three of you in charge of the house, but...would you be comfortable being in the house without me for the weekend...taking care of your baby siblings and making sure Rione and Adovie don't do any science experiments that blow themselves, each other, or the house up?

EMERI: hmm...Adara can be my muscle...

BONNIE: Haha! That's probably true...so you think the three of you can manage without me for a weekend?

EMERI: You know what Mom? I think we can. You should go and have a good time.

After thinking about it a bit longer, I decide I may as well live while I can.

I pack a bag, call Brendan, and with that, we're on our way.

Gen. 2: Babies 51 & 52: Another Set of Twins!

2012-10-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

With Rione and Adovie content in their swings, I start to head back to sleep, but Rieba, Adara, and Emeri are awake...oh well, guess it's no sleep for me...

So I get them in their chairs for some breakfast, and just as they finish up, Niyah comes downstairs.

BONNIE: There's my favorite daughter!

NIYAH: Uh-huh...what do you want, Mom?

BONNIE: Since you asked, how about helping me with your sisters today?

NIYAH: Hmph...okay, fine.

BONNIE: Don't sound too excited about it...

NIYAH: Oh don't worry, I won't.

Who could say no to these adorable faces?

She really just keeps them entertained while I work with the others on their skills.

Emeri is the last to learn to walk, but she learns quickly, thank goodness!

Time to age these little terrors up!

Rieba is a little drama queen and a bit of a fashionista. She loves this hat.

Adara is the quietest, which is funny considering she was the loudest.

Emeri is the sweetest.

But of course, the girls are already fighting. While Adara is quiet, she has a temper on her. Ugh, I guess she gets it from her grandmother and great-grandfather.

I am about fed up with babies and screaming children when I get a call from Jesse Everard to come over to the house he is staying at for a party.

Of course while I'm there, we talk about him being the next father in my challenge.

We get down to business, despite the creeper watching us...ugh, well, I guess she got a show.

After hearing a lullaby, I am free to enjoy the rest of the party.

I have a good time with the few people that are there, and then I head home.

The next day, it's time to age up Rione and Adovie.

Rione is a carbon copy of his father. I hope he's smart and less annoying.

Adovie looks a whole lot like her father too, but she might have a bit of my eyes.

After I age Rione and Adovie up, I get a call from Brendan asking to come over.

BONNIE: Sure! I'll meet you at the gate!

Of course, when he gets here, he has bad news.

BRENDAN: I wanted to tell you that I'm going to have to go back to Lucky Palms...

BONNIE: What? When?

BRENDAN: Soon...look, the offer still stands to have you come out..see what you think about it...maybe you'll like it...

BONNIE: I don't know...

I let him in to hang out and he doesn't stop pestering me...of course, he has great skills of persuasion...

BRENDAN: You know, you would have an amazing time in Lucky Palms...

*kiss, kiss, neck* Ahhh!

BONNIE: I'm sure I would...

BONNIE: You aren't going to accept no for an answer, are you?

BRENDAN: Probably not...

BONNIE: Okay, but not until after I'm done with this pregnancy.

He agrees to this and we say our goodbyes...after a little more persuasion techniques...*hehe*

My pregnancy progresses much like any other pregnancy, and before I can say, "Pass the Epidural" I go into labor.

Ahhhh! It's gonna be another big one!

Meet Baby 51: Serge Reed, a little boy.

and Baby 51: Julianna Reed

Gen. 2: Babies 49 & 50 Pt. 2: More Babies, as Usual

2012-10-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

On my list of favorite ways to be woken up, being serenaded by the cat makes...okay, it doesn't make the list at all...ugh.

I am awoken not only by our cat, but by the fumes of a dirty house, three infants with dirty diapers, and spoiled milk. Ugh. There must be a stray bottle around here somewhere.

When I venture into the living room, I see that Spencer Reid is still here. Hmm, this gives me a great idea!

BONNIE: Hey Spence, do you think you can do me a favor?

SPENCER: Of course, anything...

BONNIE: How about tidying up around here...I wouldn't ask, but...

SPENCER: Say no more! I would be glad to help!

I send him on his way. Ha! That was easy enough!

Well, at least I thought so. When I catch up with him, he has abandoned the idea of cleaning and picked up the game console. Damn man child!

I let him play for a little bit longer and then he tells me he has to leave.

At least I'm getting some more help...it's Eljavon's birthday!

He is handsome as can be, looking a lot like me, but still with the light brown hair. I wonder where he got that from?

Because I waited forever, my two over-achieving girls, Niyah and Tanison are eligible to age up as well.

Niyah is a proper young lady with pigtails and pearls. She looks more like me, but she wears glasses.

Tanison ages up to be a little adventurer. She still looks a lot like her father, Jason Gideon.

I also age up the triplets!

Rieba looks just like me, but she has aqua eyes and magenta hair! Hmm, those are some odd genetics Aqua Coral has!

Adara is my only triplet that has berry skin. She has dark blue and also blue eyes with black hair. She looks a lot like her father.

Emeri looks a lot like her father as well...except she does not get the berry coloring. She also has black hair and green eyes. Green? Where did that come from?

The first skill I work on with the triplets is potty training...it's by far my least favorite, but it beats having to change diapers all day.

Adara and Emeri learn quickly.

But when it's Rieba's turn, she refuses to get on the potty chair, which makes her soil her diaper.

Tani can apparently smell it all the way from her room.

TANI: Ugh! Mom! What is that foul smell?

BONNIE: What?

TANI: Ewwww! Gross! How many kids have pooped in that thing?

BONNIE: I don't want to hear it. Almost fifty kids have pooped in this thing, FYI, and you weren't any different.

TANI: Yeah, whatever.

Hmph. I hate teenagers sometimes.

Meanwhile, Rieba is having a meltdown. *Groan* More diaper duty!

I get Rieba cleaned up and give all three girls dinner bottle before heading outside to see Taber and Zivah age up!

Taber is a handsome guy that will make a great father in baby challenges with his blue skin and multi-colored hair (hint, hint!). Ever the scholar, he wants to be a Descendant of DaVinci.

Even though she never overcame her weight problem, Zivah is beautiful with a charming smile and pretty eyes. She is the artsy one and wants to have a Golden Tongue and Golden Fingers.

The next morning, my baby bump shows up, just in time for Adara to wake me up. She is by far the loudest of the three girls.

ADARA: MOMMMMMMMYYYYYYYY!

BONNIE: Take a chill pill, girl!

Her sisters are resting peacefully...or they were until she wakes them up with her screaming.

I thank the heavens once again for these swings because I put the girls in them after breakfast and they go right to sleep!

Sleep time for them means food time for Mommy. I have no idea how long they will be asleep, so I just heat up some leftover spaghetti. It makes my preggo belly go "mmm!" anyway!

Check out my cute bump!

Later in the day, the advanced stages of my pregnancy are getting to me, so I go to sleep, leaving Niyah, Tani, and Von in charge of the toddlers.

Tanison even has time for a quick jog...I'm not sure how she managed that...

...okay, I do know...she leaves Niyah in charge of the girls.

While she's not watching the babies, she works on laundry and indoor chores.

And Von works on the garden outside.

Very early the next morning, everyone is sleeping, except for...

Me...and the new babies, whom would like to make an appearance.

Welcome to the Reed family,

Baby 49: Rione (the boy on the right)

Baby 50: Adovie (the girl on the left)

Gen. 2: Babies 49 & 50 Pt. 1: Private Eyes and Profilers

2012-10-10T08:39:00.001-07:00

Brendon's tone kind of worries me, but I tell him I have to get my new babies settled before I can go anywhere. He understands, so I get off the phone with him to tend to my girls.

Even though triplets are typically a handful, these three seem pretty sweet right now. Of course, being only hours old, they have only just begun to drive me crazy.

I get them all settled in swings and get to work on household things...

First things first, I haven't sculpted in FOREVER, so I thought I would give it a shot for a bit. I don't really get very far when I get a phone call...

BRENDAN: Hey gorgeous!

BONNIE: Hi there, handsome!

BRENDAN: So when are we going to get together?

BONNIE: Impatient are we?

BRENDAN: Yeah, well...I just...miss you.

BONNIE: Aww, sweetie, I miss you too.

BRENDAN: So when can we meet?

BONNIE: Hmm, let me check on the girls and set up a sitter, and I'll meet you...where should we go?

BRENDAN: How about the movie theater? We can catch a show...

So Brendan and I plan to meet at the theater. I wonder what he wants to talk to me about.

Turns out he doesn't beat around the bush when we get together. He wants to go right into the chit-chat.

BRENDAN: I really like you, you know that, right?

BONNIE: Of course, I really like you too...

BRENDAN: Well...I've got something to tell you...and ask you...

BONNIE: Okay...

BRENDAN: I would like nothing more than to ask you to be my girlfriend, but in order to do that, I want to be honest with you...

BONNIE: Um..okay...

BRENDAN: Have you ever wondered how I already seem to know everything about you? Like your phone number...and where you live...and that you are a challenge mother?

BONNIE: Well, yeah...but...I don't know, I never really thought about it.

BRENDAN: Okay...it's actually because...I'm not really a maid.

BONNIE: Umm...okay...then what are you?

BRENDAN: I have been here working on an undercover job with my employers back in Lucky Palms.

BONNIE: What?! Why didn't you tell me?

BRENDAN: I'm sorry...I couldn't...I couldn't compromise my case...my employers are...pretty hardcore...

BONNIE: Hardcore meaning...?

BRENDAN: They're kind of...um...rough...if I reveal too much....

BONNIE: Are you working for the government or something?

This makes him laugh. Hmm, okay, and why is this funny?

BRENDAN: No, nothing like that...quite the opposite, actually.

BONNIE: You are confusing me...

BRENDAN: Well, who they are isn't really important...just that...well...would you want to be my girlfriend?

BONNIE: Of course...

BRENDAN: Here's the thing...I'm going to have to be going back to Lucky Palms...

BONNIE: For how long?

BRENDAN: Awhile...

BONNIE: Brendan!!

BRENDAN: I'm sorry babe, I just...didn't expect to fall for you...

BONNIE: So that makes things better?

BRENDAN: I'm sorry...I've...relationships have been hard for me...

BONNIE: They've been hard on me too, but lying never helps anything.

BRENDAN: I know, and I really am sorry...

BONNIE: I don't know if repeating that over and over again is helping.

BRENDAN: I know...look, I just...I want you to think about going back with me to Lucky Palms.

BONNIE: WHAT?! I can't do that...

BRENDAN: You won't even think about it?

BONNIE: I can't abandon my life...my challenge...

BRENDAN: I'm not asking you to. Just to move to a different place...you can have a house there...

BONNIE: I don't know...

BRENDAN: Look, just...come back with me for the weekend...and make up your mind that way..

BONNIE: I don't know, I'm going to have to think about it...

BRENDAN: Okay, well, think about it...Bonnie, you are so special...and you mean so much to me...I would hate to lose you...

BONNIE: You won't...

BRENDAN: I've...I've had my heart broken before...it isn't something I want to experience again...

BONNIE: No one likes getting their heart broken...

BRENDAN: Especially not me...

BONNIE: Okay, I'll make a deal with you. I'll promise to be careful with your heart if you are careful with mine...

BRENDAN: *smiles* Deal.

MEANWHILE, BACK AT HOME...

*ZIVAH'S POV*

When we get home from school, Mom is out and there's a baby-sitter watching the girls. I send him on his way as we all work on our homework, scrounge up some dinner and take care of the little ones. Of course, Eljavon is being a pain as usual.

ELJAVON: I'm so tired...

ZIVAH: So go to bed.

ELJAVON: You're not the boss of me! I can go to bed whenever I want!

ZIVAH: I might not be your boss, but Mom is, and she's a phone call away...

ELJAVON: *yawning* You wouldn't call her...

ZIVAH: I would in a heartbeat.

ELJAVON: Awww...sis, come on.

ZIVAH: Don't "aww, sis" me. Go upstairs and take a shower and go to bed.

ELJAVON: I have to shower?!

ZIVAH: Did I stutter?

Thankfully, he shuffles upstairs eventually. Ugh. Kids. I don't know if I'll ever want any after having to deal with my younger siblings.

At least I have Taber to help me with the babies. Where in the heck is Mom tonight?

*BONNIE'S POV*

After the movie, I am heading home when I see a familiar face.

It's Jesse Everard, another challenge kid from Skye Everard's baby challenge!

BONNIE: Hey stranger!

JESSE: Hey hot stuff! Fancy seeing you here! I was just going to call you...

BONNIE: Awesome! What's been going on with you?

JESSE: Oh, you know, same old, same old. I was wanting to see if you needed a challenge father any time soon...

BONNIE: Me? Always! Do you want to participate?

JESSE: That was going to be the idea...

BONNIE: Hmm, well, give me a call and we'll set it up...

JESSE: Will do!

Before I can get home, nature calls and need to find a bathroom stat...so...I head into a little hole in the wall bar.

And run into none other than Spencer Reid...that friend of Derek Morgan's I talked about before...

SPENCER: Bonnie! I was just looking for you! I was wondering if you need a challenge father right now? I would l-l-love to be a part...

He stutters through his speech...he's super smart and according to Derek really cool, but I just don't see it...

BONNIE: Uh, yeah...sure...

SPENCER: Great! When? Are you pregnant now? Do you...want to...?

BONNIE: Um...yeah...let me just...freshen up...and we can go back to my place...

SPENCER: Fantastic! I'll wait here...

BONNIE: Great.

So I leave him at the bar while I hit the ladies room. Whew, can't a girl get a break?

Spencer drives and I think he's nervous because he keeps shaking and making random comments.

BONNIE: Are you okay?

SPENCER: W-who? Me...y-y-yes, of course...

BONNIE: You know, we don't have to do this the old fashioned way...if you want to go to the clinic, they can handle it there...

SPENCER: N-no-n-no, that's okay. I-I-I'll be fine.

BONNIE: Okay...

Thankfully he actually is. He's obviously inexperienced, but I guess I just assumed that already. Either way, by the end of the night, I am pregnant with my next baby.

Gen. 2: Babies 46, 47, & 48 Pt. 3: Cold Spaghetti

2012-10-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hmph. Well, that's just my luck...I start showing right at the beginning of my date...well, hopefully he will be too oblivious to notice...and it is dark in there...so...I'm just not going to say anything...sounds like a good plan...hopefully.

So I go on in and see him out on the dance floor already..dancing like no one's watching, that's for sure.

BRENDAN: Come on baby!

I can't help but laugh as he takes my hand and swings me around a few times. Even though my baby bump is showing up already, I am secretly thankful I am in this stage of pregnancy and not the first stage...otherwise I definitely would have thrown up all over him...I guess that's the bright side. A little pooch is definitely better than a lot of vomit on a date.

I'm having a blast with Brendan when I start hearing someone calling my name. As I turn around, I realize it's Alvaro, Taber and Zivah's father.

ALVARO: Bonnie! I'm glad I caught you!

BONNIE: Hey, uh...what's going on?

ALVARO: I just wanted to talk to you about Taber and Zivah...how they are and everything...I know I haven't been too involved or anything, but I was just wondering...

I would really rather not talk about all this here, but he's Taber and Zivah's father, so I feel obligated to at least fill him in. I always wonder about these guys after they father children for me. Most of them just go about their merry way and I can't really understand how, but here this guy is, wanting just a little information about his kids. I can't begrudge him that.

BONNIE: Um, well...Taber is handsome...he's got a new girlfriend every week...and Zivah...she's a sweetie...she's great with her little brother and sisters...they're both really good kids...

ALVARO: *smiles* Thank you. I've just been thinking about them ever since you had them, but I wasn't sure how you would feel about me being around...

BONNIE: That would be fine, just...calling first would be nice...my life is generally in chaos mode...

ALVARO: Yeah, I figured...

BONNIE: But other than that, you're always welcome.

That seems to satisfy him, so we say our goodbyes. Of course, I know I'm going to have to answer questions from Brendan, I'm sure.

Sure enough, as we dance, he asks me.

BRENDAN: Who was that?

BONNIE: Oh, Taber and Zivah's father...

BRENDAN: And how many kids do you have?

BONNIE: Um...currently...or total?

BRENDAN: I didn't know there were two answers to that question...

BONNIE: Well, it is different...I have five at home right now...and 45 total...

Hold for the shock.

Holding...

BRENDAN: Oh, okay...

BONNIE: You're not shocked?

BRENDAN: I don't shock easily.

BONNIE: Don't you want to know why?

BRENDAN: I figure you're doing one of those baby challenges, right? So are you like, cursed, or did you do it on your own?

BONNIE: I decided to do it on my own...my mom was a challenge mom too...so I have...

BRENDAN: A lot of siblings..

BONNIE: You can say that again...

Well, that was anti-climatic. This dude is definitely an odd one...

He twirls me around for awhile longer until I'm too tired to walk anymore.

I drag myself into the house just before dawn.

The next day, Tani is up at the crack of dawn swimming in the pool...

Niyah is playing in the tree house...

Eljavon is eyeballs deep in his race car fantasies.

And for the rest of us...

Zivah...

Taber...

...and me. Dancing all night while pregnant can certainly take it out of you.

The weekend was low-key and stress free...for once...

The older kids take care of the younger kids and I barely even hear a peep of argument out of anyone.

Tani has big ambitions at such a young age and she wants to share them with everyone.

Zivah tells her little sisters spooky stories...

...which scares both of them...I hope they don't want to sleep in my bed tonight...

Of course, I spent my weekend having the most fun...sleeping...

I only wake up when I'm hungry and as I go to cook dinner...

Labor kicks in..great...just as I get my spaghetti done! Why is it I never get to eat my dinners? Either my already-born children interrupt me or my fetuses take over...grr...

Either way, this labor is something fierce...which probably means...

Baby 46: Rieba Reed

Baby 47: Adara Reed

Baby 48: Emeri Reed

TRIPLETS! Girl triplets...ugh! What did I do to deserve this again?

Almost right after giving birth, I get a call from Brendan.

BRENDAN: Hey, can we meet soon? I need to talk to you.

Hmm...what could this be about?

Gen. 2: Babies 46, 47, & 48 pt. 2: Only I Would Worry About Not Throwing Up

2012-10-01T13:13:00.001-07:00

I wake up the next morning feeling so much better, and smelling not funk, but a refreshing vanilla/pumpkin scent. For a second, I just relax and inhale. Ahh, refreshing!

Niyah and Tani are for once sitting quietly in their cribs, playing with their creepy dolls. Of course, they see that I'm awake and start with the, "Mamamamamamamama" but for some reason, much quieter than normal.

BONNIE: Okay, who wants some breakfast?

NIYAH & TANI: Meeeeeeeee!

That's pretty much the extent of their vocabulary: any "m" words...Mama, mine, me...pretty much it. Everything else is *abnormally high pitched squeal or scream*.

So I get them both up and put them in their high chairs with breakfast and turn around to notice a note on the couch.

Hey babe, got the cleaning done,

the pets fed, and took a quick nap on the couch before heading out.

Kids are already at school. Watched them leave from a distance.

Hope you have a great day! - B.

My phone rings right then. Hmm, maybe he does have psychic powers...

BONNIE: How did you know I would be awake?

BRENDAN: You have been sleeping for twelve hours, I figured you were awake by now.

BONNIE: Oh, well, you were right.

BRENDAN: So how does everything look?

BONNIE: Amazing...how did you get it all done in one night?

BRENDAN: I'm like Santa Claus, baby, magical.

That makes me crack up.

We talk for a few minutes before I have to work with the girls on their skills.

Needless to say, I'm in a much better mood than I was in last night. I play with the girls a little before starting on their skills.

BONNIE: Who wants to learn to walk today?

Yeah, I don't get a Meeeeeeee this time, but I don't care. Someone is learning to walk today and it ain't gonna be me...cuz...well, I already know how....but that's beside the point.

I have plenty of time to work with Niyah and Tani before the kids get home from school.

Joy of joys, Taber and Zivah have made A's! It's time for these kids to grow up and help me around here!

Taber is getting cuter by the day and I think he plans on being the local heartthrob in town.

Zivah is pretty, but still carries extra weight. It doesn't seem to bother her all that much though and if she's fine with it, so am I.

It's too soon to be sure, but Niyah and Tani are already having sharing problems. Any time one of them has a toy, the other one starts with the "Mine! Mine! Mine!" chant. It's all I can do to keep one from snatching things out of the other's hands.

My other set of twins show solidarity for their first day of high school. Zivah is nervous, but Taber is confident that no one will mess with him, and no one will mess with his sister.

Speaking of sisters, remember how my sister Illena was pregnant? Well, she gave birth to a little girl named Genevieve and I just got a picture in the mail.

Jennifer is beautiful with blonde hair (that weird recessive gene that pops up in our family every now and then), and big brown eyes.

She is so cute that I have to ask Illena who the father is. I know she's not in a romantic relationship with them.

Turns out Genevieve's father was Aqua Coral, a friend of Laura Johanson, a former challenge mom turned legacy founder. Either way, Caroline told me he hangs out at the local vampire bar. Hmm, I hope he's not a vampire.

Sure enough, I catch up with Aqua in Crypt O' Night, the local vamp bar.

AQUA: OMG! You're Bonnie Reed, right?

BONNIE: Uh...yeah...

AQUA: I heard you lived here...I'm a big fan!

BONNIE: Oh...uh...well, thanks.

AQUA: I keep up with the various challenge mothers pretty well, it's kind of a hobby, I guess.

BONNIE: Oh...

I start feeling like a broken record, but Aqua seems really nice.

However, as we talk, there is apparently someone here who is not so much a fan of me.

I don't know who this chick is, but for some reason she starts booing me...what the hell?

Anyway...back to my conversation with Aqua.

AQUA: Your kids are so adorable! *gush, gush*
BONNIE: *bloated head* Aww, well, ya' know...I'm just lucky I guess.
AQUA: Stop being so modest!
BONNIE: Well, I'm glad you're such a fan, because I was wondering if you would be willing to be a father in my challenge?
AQUA: Are you serious?! Of course!!!

Well that was easy.

The next day, I am bound and determined to get Niyah walking. She has been dragging her feet (literally), but I want to get the girls aged up since there's a new baby coming....or at least I think I'm pregnant. I heard a lullaby last night, but I have no morning sickness. It's a little early, but I usually start feeling sick pretty quickly.

Either way, I have to get Niyah walking today.

BONNIE: Are you ready to walk today, Niyah?

NIYAH: No! (Newest word added to her vocabulary)

BONNIE: Please help Mama, baby. Let's try.

NIYAH: Nooooo! I sit.

With that she plops herself down on the carpet. Shoo...sometimes I wish stubbornness wasn't such a dominant trait in my family.

Thankfully I finally get her going and she learns to walk!

It's birthday time for these girls!

Niyah still looks a lot like me and likes to wear her hair with braids and a scarf.

Tanison looks a lot like her father, and is more of a glamour girl. She likes wearing her hair in a curly side ponytail.

Almost the whole day has passed and I still haven't had any morning sickness. I'm starting to think I'm not pregnant.

It must be one of those days though because when the kids get home from school, I hear nothing but fighting. Elj is muttering to himself about who-knows-what, and Taber is picking on Zivah relentlessly.

He's walking around behind her constantly scaring her, which of course means I have to listen to "MOOOOOMMM!!!! Taber won't leave me alone!" all afternoon.

Wonderful.

I'm surrounded by my whining children when my phone rings. It's Brendan!

He asks me out to a club and I jump at the chance to get out of the house.

I tell the kids I'm going and silently pray that they won't kill each other while I'm gone.

We meet outside of the club first...and he's all lovey toward me...

he heads inside first and I tell him I'll be right in behind him.

Of course, as I am about to walk in the club, I start showing. Hmph. What a time to show up kid!

SPECIAL THANKS TO AMANDA514 FOR MAKING AQUA CORAL AND SHARING HIM WITH ALL US CHALLENGE PEOPLE!

Gen. 2: Babies 46, 47, & 48 Pt. 1: No Man Has Ever Been Shot While Washing Dishes

2012-09-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned how much it sucks to be the only adult in a house full of young children? Well, it does.

Niyah and Tanison woke me up early this morning and just when I get them fed, changed, and settled, I notice the mess my house is. Plates left out, clothes, things that need to be scrubbed...sometimes I feel like I spend all my time moving from one fiasco to the next.

Of course, the kids are of no help. I honestly can't wait until they hit their teen years.

Even though I have enough children in my house, I finish teaching Eljavon all of his skills, so it's birthday time for him.

His hair is very unruly. I can't get it to do anything but stick straight up. He also seems a bit mischievous.

Since I'm not pregnant, I would really like to go out with Brendan, but there are way too many things to do. The toilet and the washing machine break and I have to fix them, and I have to make sure the kids aren't getting into anything crazy.

By the end of the day, I'm massively stir crazy. Tomorrow is Monday, so the kids are going to be in school. It would be a perfect time to meet up with Brendan.

Thankfully, he answers when I call.

BRENDAN: Do I know you? Oh wait, I think this is that woman I asked out forever ago that never would settle on a time to meet.

BONNIE: Okay smart ass. I was actually calling to set something up. Are you free tomorrow?

BRENDAN: Hmm, tomorrow...I think I can manage that...

BONNIE: Okay, well, it has to be during the day while my kids are at school.

BRENDAN: That'll be fine. Where do you wanna meet?

The next morning after the kids head to school and the baby-sitter shows up for the twins, I run my ass out of there.

We decide to meet at the park on the beach.

Before he gets there, I change into my bikini. Thank goodness I didn't really inherit my mother's weight issues. Even though I'm in no way skinny, my body stays pretty toned with little effort.

As I walk out of the dressing room, I see Brendan in khaki shorts, with shades and nothing else. Damn, he's hot!

When he runs up to me, he gives me a warm hug. Wow. I guess he's affectionate.

BRENDAN: I was beginning to think you had forgotten about me.

BONNIE: No, I'm sorry. My kids are driving me crazy lately. Thank you for meeting me today...I had to get out of that house!

BRENDAN: Are they all at home?

BONNIE: Um...no, the two youngest are. They're twins...

Brendan just nods. We talk for a few more minutes before deciding to play on the water slide for a little bit. He really is a lot of fun and I like the way he sees me as more than just a mother.

It's weird, but we have a blast just hanging out and playing together. I honestly haven't had this much fun in a long time.

And I have to admit I pretty much rock sliding down this bad boy!

Instead of going out to eat, I grill out and we eat hamburgers.

As we're finishing up, I see the school bus pass by, toward my house.

BONNIE: Shit!

BRENDAN: What is it?

BONNIE: I have to go...my kids are almost home...

I get up and start to head away before he stops me.

BRENDAN: Wait a second...

I turn around to face him...

BRENDAN: There's just one thing...

BONNIE: Okay, but really quick...

He reaches out and pulls me toward him, giving me a passionate kiss that leaves me weak in the knees.
Whew, boy!

As he pulls away, he smiles.
BONNIE: I'm certainly glad you remembered that.

He laughs and tells me to call him, which I vow to do.

I get changed and am running toward the house at the same time the kids are.

Thankfully, they don't question where I was as I start making dinner. I'm not really ashamed of going out on a date, I just don't want to have to answer all kinds of questions about Brendan. I want to keep all that separate and special just for me for awhile.

Unfortunately, Taber and Zivah are still struggling in their studies and haven't made A's yet. I debate aging them up anyway, but I don't want them starting their high school careers already behind. I guess I'm just going to suck it up until hopefully tomorrow.

Either way, my night is going to be full because it's birthday time for Niyah and Tanison.

Niyah looks a lot like me, but with brown eyes...

Tani looks a whole lot like Jason. They're both cuties, but very demanding of their mother's time.

I can't seem to leave their sight to go do something else without them screaming.

Instead of making a healthy dinner, I just throw together a pie. I am already exhausted from Niyah and Tani, and I would like nothing more than to go to bed, but the house is a wreck, the girls need to be put to bed, and I'm about to pass out. I don't know what to do.

As I try to get Niyah ready for bed, she screams and pulls away from me toward her toys. It takes all the strength I have left to put her in her crib while she's screaming in my ear and then I close the door.

Niyah screaming is keeping Tani from sleeping as well, so she starts crying too. There's nothing I can do at this point, so as much as it breaks my heart, I just let them cry.

I run outside so I don't have to hear them, and as I do, my phone rings. It's Brendan.

BONNIE: Hey...

BRENDAN: Hey, what's going on?

BONNIE: Nothing...I'm just...*falls asleep standing up*

BRENDAN: Hello?

BONNIE: *startles awake* Oh, uh, yeah, I'm fine...I'm sorry...

BRENDAN: Is everything okay?

BONNIE: I'm just...completely exhausted...the kids took forever to get to bed tonight, I had to cook them dinner, get the toddlers to bed...now they're in my room screaming, my house is a wreck, and I am going to pass out before I can even scrub one of the toilets or do a load of laundry.

Brendan is quiet for a minute, and just when I think I scared him away, he starts talking again.

BRENDAN: Why don't I come over, you go to bed, and I'll clean the house for you?

BONNIE: I can't ask you to do that...

BRENDAN: It's what I do, remember? Really...I'm on my way over.

Before I can protest, he gets off the phone with me and is at my gate before I know it.

BONNIE: I feel really bad that you are doing this...

BRENDAN: Don't be...tell you what, consider it a sample of my services. If you like the job I did, you can hire me to clean your house all the time.

BONNIE: I can't...

BRENDAN: Would it make you feel better if I start acting obnoxious and telling you that you can't possibly live another day without my brilliant expertise in cleaning and sanitation?

BONNIE: *yawn* You could try...

BRENDAN: *gives me a hug* Go on to bed, babe. I got this.

BONNIE: Thank you...you're amazing, you know that?

BRENDAN: Of course.

I head to my bedroom where thankfully the girls are finally sleeping, and pass out before I can even situate myself comfortably on my pillow.

Ahh, it feels so good to sleep!

Gen. 2: Babies 44 & 45: Sometime You Get Lucky

2012-09-28T20:57:00.001-07:00

*KARLI'S POV*

While Mom is off having snot-rocket number who-the-hell-knows, Addie and I are stuck with taking care of Taber and Zivah...and let me tell you, these two are terrors...and they're gross...why is it all children under the age of twelve have hands and clothing covered in sticky stuff no matter what? Like, seriously, I just gave Taber a bath, and he's got sticky stuff on his face and on his hands, and of course he wants me to pick him up and put him to bed. Ick.

There is a good thing though, Addie does not share my disgust, which is good...she can take care of the little brats. Don't get me wrong, I love my siblings, they're just gross...and we have another one coming in? Ewwwww....

Luckily, Mom comes home with our new little brother, Eljavon (Eljavon? Really Mom?), puts him to bed and goes directly to sleep. Unluckily, the next day she says she's going out.

KARLI: Mo-om! Can we please age the two little blue monsters up? They know all their basic necessities and Addie and I can't take care of two toddlers and an infant...

BONNIE: *looks at me suspiciously* Sure, I'd really rather age them up. Taber had grape jelly in his hair this morning. Didn't you give him a bath?

I throw my hands up in the air...and not to say ay-oh...

KARLI: I gave him a bath, but he was still covered in sticky stuff...

BONNIE: That's usually a good indication to leave him in the tub a little longer...or use soap...shampoo maybe?

KARLI: *eye roll* I'm not stupid Mom...I did all that...he just got hold of jelly sometime between the bath and bed.

BONNIE: Okay, well, after they age up, please make sure they both take baths tonight...and send them directly to bed...I don't want the sandy, wet pajamas I used to have to wash with the two of you.

KARLI: Okay Mom. *eye roll*

*BONNIE'S POV*

Have you ever began to sympathize with those mothers that go off the deep end and drown their children? Today is definitely one that makes me relate.

Before I head out, first Taber ages up. He's a super cutie with my hair color, his father's skintone, and it looks like a combination of the two of us otherwise.

Zivah looks more like her father, with his hair and weight problem unfortunately, but she's still cute.

When I leave the house, Elj is down for a nap, Taber and Zivah are playing, and Addie and Karli are doing their homework. It's calm for now, so I high-tail it out the door before they can start chasing after me.

I head out to this Egyptian themed swanky club and run smack into this odd man right before I walk past security. Turns out this is Jason Gideon and he is another colleague of Derek Morgan's wanting to take part in my baby challenge. Of course I accept and he's excited, but he also starts telling me all about how the way I stand tells him that I had a lot of sibling rivalry when I was younger. Weird.

After we get out of the elevator and we hear a lullaby over the snooze tunes, he hits the dance floor and I go to the bar for a drink.

BARTENDER: What'll it be?

BONNIE: Virgin Passion Fruitini.

BARTENDER: Coming up.

As I am handed my drink, the man sitting directly to my left turns and stares at me before speaking.

NOSY MAN: You can tell a lot about a person by their choice of drink.

BONNIE: I've had enough psychoanalyzing for the night, thanks.

NOSY MAN: What are you running away from?

BONNIE: Excuse me?

NOSY MAN: You come to a bar and order a non-alcoholic beverage. You could have gone to a malt shop or a drink machine, but you didn't. You still came to a bar. I wonder why that is?

BONNIE: I just needed to get out of the house.

NOSY MAN: Hmm, fight with your boyfriend?

BONNIE: How do you know it's not my husband?

NOSY MAN: No ring.

BONNIE: I could have just taken it off.

NOSY MAN: No tan line.

BONNIE: Maybe I'm allergic to the sun.

NOSY MAN: Nah, you look like you enjoy the sun frequently.

BONNIE: And how would you know so much about me?
NOSY MAN: I make it my business to know things about people.

BONNIE: Are you a psychic?

NOSY MAN: Ha! Close...I'm...a...maid.

BONNIE: A maid?

NOSY MAN: Well, a housekeeper...but you learn a lot cleaning up after people.

BONNIE: I'll bet. Do you have a name, Mr. Maid?

MR. MAID: Yeah, Brendan...Brendan Morrissey.

BONNIE: Nice to meet you, Brendan. My name is Bonnie.

I have to admit, Brendan is cute. He's got big brown eyes, dark hair...pretty teeth. Maybe he can be a future father?

BRENDAN: So, was I right? Fight with your boyfriend?

BONNIE: No, I have kids...they're driving me crazy..

BRENDAN: Kids huh? Plural? How many do you have?

BONNIE: Um...five.

Something tells me I should probably tell him that I actually have 43 children, but I can't bring myself to. I would like to not be a challenge mother tonight...for once.

Besides, I think his eyeballs are going to fall out of his skull at the mention of five.

BRENDAN: Wow...you don't look old enough for five kids...

BONNIE: Well, thanks...but I'm getting older by the day with this brood.

BRENDAN: We're all getting older by the day.

BONNIE: Well, I'm aging at an accelerated rate.

BRENDAN: Sounds like you need a vacay.

BONNIE: Ha! Yeah, sure, like I ever have time.

BRENDAN: You should visit Lucky Palms...it's beautiful there.

BONNIE: Yeah, but I'm not really into gambling.

BRENDAN: There's more to do there than gamble...

BONNIE: Oh, have you been?

BRENDAN: I...uh...I used to live there.

BONNIE: Oh...okay.

BRENDAN: I kind of miss it...this bar reminds me of home a bit.

Hmm, the poor guy. He's resorted to hanging out in a bar to remind himself of home? Now that's rough.

BONNIE: How long have you been living here?

BRENDAN: Only a few months.

BONNIE: What made you move? If you're so homesick...

BRENDAN: Oh..uh...just needed a change of scenery for a little bit. Well, uh, Bonnie, it was nice to meet you, but I've gotta run.

BONNIE: Uh...yeah...you too...

And before I know it, he's gone. Hmm, what a strange guy. And why would he possibly need to leave? A vacuum emergency? Oh well, at least he was cute.

I finish my drink and decide to head home. I guess I can't avoid my children any longer.

The next morning, after getting the kids off to school, I am interrupted by nausea...and spend the rest of the morning bent over the toilet. Great. I only have a million things to do. I have a house to clean, laundry to do, pets to feed, a garden to tend to, I should work on a sculpture, the list goes on...and I can't do anything because I can't stop puking.

After spending most of the day either laying down or puking, I am finally feeling well enough to get started on my chores. The first thing I have to do is feed the pets. If they starve to death, I will never hear the end of it from my kids.

As I'm finishing up, my phone rings.

BONNIE: Hello?

VOICE: Yeah, may I speak with Bonnie?

BONNIE: This is she. What can I do for you?

Please don't be selling something.

VOICE: Uh...it's Brendan.

BONNIE: Brendan? Wait...how did you get my number?

BRENDAN: Um...well, I guess I'm resourceful.

BONNIE: Uh-huh, you're also dodging...so...uh...what's up?

BRENDAN: Well...I just wanted to tell you that I had a good time talking to you last night...and...I was wondering if maybe I could take you out sometime.

BONNIE: T-take me out? Like a date?

BRENDAN: Um...yeah, exactly like a date.

Hmm. I haven't dated anyone since I started this challenge, and I have heard so many horror stories about other challenge moms that decided to date...of course, some have worked out, but not without issues. Do I really want to take that on?

BRENDAN: Bonnie? Um, you're really making me sweat over here...look, if it's not a good time...

BONNIE: Oh, that's not it. I would really like to go out with you sometime.

BRENDAN: Oh, ok. Great. Well...uh, I have to go right now, but...I'll call you later and set it up, okay?

BONNIE: Sure...

BRENDAN: Great. Okay...um, bye.

BONNIE: Bye.

Oh wow. I am really in uncharted territory. I really don't know what to do...there's several people I can call, but I call the obvious choice.

BONNIE: Hey Mom!

HADLEY: Hey! Well, it's about time you called me...I was wondering how everything was going there. You and Illena haven't blown the place up with your sparring, have you?

BONNIE: No...but we avoid each other pretty much all the time...I'm actually calling because I need your advice.

HADLEY: Sure...hey, hold on, let me put TJ down...and...oh shit.

BONNIE: Mom? Is everything okay?

HADLEY: Yeah, just this damn cat...clawed the hell out of my coffee table...I swear, I'm gonna kill it...then I'm gonna kill Mason...he thinks he is safe because I love him, but bringing Sir Evil Kitty into this house is a traitorous offense.

I can't help but bust out laughing as I listen to my mom bitching about everything going on there as she finishes feeding my little brother and putting him in his swing. Even though she is complaining about Mason, I know how much she loves him. With that thought in mind, I tell her about Brendan and his date offer.

BONNIE: I just don't know if I should even try to get into something...

HADLEY: Look Bonnie, right now it's just a date...coffee, or a drink...maybe dinner...don't stress about it too much. It does take a special guy to be able to handle challenge mothers, but lots of us have made it work...and I'm telling you sweetie, I am so glad I finally got Mason. I didn't know what I was missing not being with him...so don't discount finding love just because of your challenge.

Hmm, some pretty sappy words coming from a former commitment phobe.

We talk for a few more minutes until she has to go because TJ is screaming, the dog is pooping on the carpet, and the cat is clawing at the blinds.

I hang up with her laughing. She seems so happy. I wonder if I would be that happy with a husband? Oh geez, a guy just wants to go out with me and I'm thinking about marriage? Damn. Get a grip, Bonnie!

Turns out I don't need to worry about getting a grip because Eljavon starts screaming and I have to tend to him. Grip officially gotten. I change his diaper, give him a bottle and play "This Little Piggy" with his toes before heading out to clean a litter box that is seriously overdue for a scrubbing.

When I get there, I see Mr. Pickles...all grown up! He went and aged up without me!

He's still a cute little orange and white cat.

Of course, after all this phone calling and puking, the day is close to over and the kids are arriving home from school.

They get started on their homework while I get started on dinner. I have a craving for mac and cheese. I know it has like, no nutritional value, but damn is it good!

Of course, I have to listen to Taber claim he's king of the world while I'm cooking. Ha, yeah, sure, you're not the first kid to do that, son.

During dinner, Addie and Karli tell me they have made A's in school and are ready to age up. Even though the younger kids are far from aging up and I really need their help around here, I have to let them go.

Addie ages up into a beautiful woman with eggplant colored hair and a love of the arts. She actually wants to be a Master of the Arts.

Karli on the other hand is more business-minded and wants to be a CEO.

The next day, Brendan calls me back.

BRENDAN: Hey, I know this is short notice, but I was really wanting to see that new zombie movie that's in the theater right now...wanna go with me?

BONNIE: Oooh, zombies! I love zombie movies...but...uh...can I take a rain check? Um...my kids are sick with a stomach bug and I don't want to leave them with a sitter tonight.

BRENDAN: Oh...um, okay. Well, later than, okay?

BONNIE: Yeah, I'll call you when they get better.

I get off the phone with Brendan and feel guilty for lying, but I have another reason for skipping out on our date.

I have started showing...and I'm pretty sure I don't want to spend my first date worried if he can see my baby bump.

Just having kids in the house is rough because everything falls to me, and I would almost rather keep Eljavon an infant, but I know that's not fair to him, so it's birthday time.

He grows up to look a whole lot like me, but he has grey eyes, and sadly, he doesn't have that famous Calista Smith hair color...hmph. I was really hoping he would...and where this brown came from, I have no idea, but he's still cute.

Meanwhile, my stomach is definitely too big for dating now.

It's okay though, I spend the weekend with Elj teaching him to talk. He's another chatty one and of all the phrases he could learn first, he learns "Medicine is yuck."

Of course, my back is hurting like crazy during this pregnancy, so I really want to put him in his swing for a nap while I take a bubble bath.

BONNIE: Hey Elj, wanna ride in your swing?

ELJAVON: Hmm...no...I want to stay with Mommy.

BONNIE: Not even if I put your teddy in there with you? You can both swing...won't that be fun?

After a lot of coaxing...and promises of cookies and bottles of milk, I get him in his swing, and thankfully, he passes right out.

Ahh, sweet bubble bath, how I have missed you!

This is pure heaven...perfection...I soak for awhile because Eljavon is right outside and I will be able to hear him if he yells and the other kids are keeping themselves occupied.

Taber is playing outside with the cat...

...and Zivah is watching TV. I would much rather her be outside playing, but apparently she's not much of an outdoor girl.

Of course when I get out of the tub, the spicket starts spewing water...grrreat.

Just another thing for me to have to fix.

After a long day, I decide to play outside in the sprinkler.

Of course the baby has a better idea....

After a long labor, Baby 44: Niyah Reed comes on the scene...

Annnnd she's not alone...

Her sister, Baby 45: Tanison Reed joins her.

Generation 2: Baby 43: Statistical Possibiliites

2012-08-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

While it is rewarding being a mother, sometimes it's good to get out. That's why when my sister Caroline calls and invites me to a little party she's having, I jump at the chance.

I make sure Taber & Zivah are pacified...

...and fix dinner for the older kids...

When I get there, I immediately see some familiar blue hair...that looks like Calista Smith's hair color...but the hair is on a man...

...of course, before I can introduce myself, a tall, skinny, awkward looking man with long hair comes up to me.

"Hello, I'm Dr. Spencer Reid...and I would recognize you anywhere...you are the challenge mother, Bonnie Reed, right?" he quickly introduces himself. Spencer Reid? Where have I heard that name before?

"That's me. Nice to meet you, Spencer...um...have we met?"

"Oh no, I would have remembered meeting you, I work for the FBI in the Behavioral Analysis Unit. You are acquainted with my colleague, Derek Morgan. He was a father in your challenge. He told me all about you." Spencer is rambling a bit now.

"Um...okay...well hey, if you want to be a father in the challenge too, I always need fathers." I say.

He looks damn near giddy.

"That would be an honor, Ms. Reed! It would be a fascinating experience for me."

I raise my eyebrows, "Sure, yeah, well...give me your number and we'll talk about it."

At that point, he notices me looking at the blue-haired dude, "It would be interesting to see what offspring you would have with that gentleman. Statistically speaking, genetic anomalies like blue hair are rare, but if the person in question has many relatives with blue hair, it is more likely."

"Right, that's what I'm wanting to find out." I tell him and smile.

Even though he's an oddball, he seems sweet enough.

I don't get to meet blue-haired guy, but I meet Aqua Coral (made by Amanda514) and he expresses interest in being in my challenge.

After the somewhat eventful party, I head home.

The next morning Taber & Zivah are ready to be aged up!

Taber is adorable with his father's skin and my hair.

Zivah looks just like him and has inherited her father's skin color and my hair color as well.

So I'm back to training duty...

When the kids get home from school I hear, "Mom! I'm hungry" from Jolie.

"So grab something out of the fridge," I tell her.

"I don't want anything from the fridge. Can you cook something for me?" She asks.

I roll my eyes, "If you don't want what's in the fridge than you can't be that hungry."

Of course she claims she is, and tries to fix macaroni and cheese.

...which she burns...who didn't see that coming?

"This stuff smells like burnt rubber," Addie complains.

"Shut up you little twerp, at least I tried," Jolie replies.

"Girls," I warn. Of course, when I get a bowl myself, I have to agree with Addie.

Well, since I didn't find a baby daddy last night, I have to go out again...and by "have to" I mean, "I'm getting the hell out of this madhouse for a little bit, come hell or high water."

I'm sure the kids will be fine, right?

As luck would have it, I run into blue-haired guy again.

"Hey," I call him over, "by any chance are you one of Calista Smith's children? From the baby challenge?"

He laughs. I guess he gets that a lot, but he answers, "Yeah, that's my mom. You look familiar too..."
"I'm a challenge kid too...my mom's Hadley Reed..." I explain.

"Oh, okay, yeah, I sorta see it now," he replies, "how's it going?"
"Okay, actually...I was wondering...I'm actually doing the baby challenge too...and I thought maybe you could take part in it..."

"Oh, yeah, sure!" He agrees. Well, that was simple.

I have found that challenge kids are easier to proposition than others.

Of course, my morning sickness kicks in right off the bat...

...but as per usual, I have no time to dwell on it because crap keeps breaking around here and who can fix it? That would be this chick.

Of course, next I have Taber and Zivah to tend to.

I'm lucky though, the older kids take the younger ones to the pool for the day.

Most everyone swims but Jaiden...who is apparently more interested in pretending he's a chicken...

...and Addie, who would rather play with her doll.

And when they get home, it's birthday time!

Jonah's up first and while he cuts his hair, he still looks like a badass. He wants to be a Monster Maker.

Next is Jolie. She wants to be a Movie Composer.

Jaiden wants to achieve Physical Perfection in his lifetime. I think he's well on his way, but of course I could be biased.

Next are Karli & Addie:

Karli is beautiful with her shining orange skin and she still closely resembles her father.

Addie honestly just looks like Karli, but not orange.

The next morning, Karli hops out of bed in a hurry.
"We're starting high school today, Addie! Aren't you excited?" She exclaims.

"Yeah, sure...excited for more homework and mom breathing down our necks?" Addie complains.

"...and getting boyfriends!" Karli continues.

Addie rolls her eyes as she gets out of bed.

To lessen their "dork" factor, they catch a cab to school instead of taking the bus.

Sure enough, after school, Karli goes over to a boy's house...I don't know about him though...I'm not sure I like the look of him.

Addie comes home from school and works in the garden. She is much more reserved than Karli.

Of course, my day is rediculously busy. I have to work on teach the toddlers their skills...

...until they both pass out...thank goodness!

Then I have to clean out cages and feed the animals.

"Get us animals they said, we'll take care of them they said...yeah, right," I mutter to myself.

Then when Zivah wakes up, she is in a mood...already...check out this mean mug!

That night, I have another party, and Matt happens to be there, so I can tell him how the baby is doing.

Well, I would, but then I get sidetracked by some dude wanting my autograph. I didn't understand it when my mom was doing this, and I still don't understand why people become celebrities just for popping out a bunch of kids.

Of course, the baby takes that moment to make their grand appearance.

Thankfully, Matt sees me and takes me to the hospital. I'm too far away from the house to go home.

After a few hours of labor, I give birth to a healthy little boy.

Meet Baby 43: Eljavon Reed!

NOTE: A big thank you to Catlover800 for letting me use Matt Smith as a baby daddy.

Gen. 2: Babies 41 & 42: Sometimes We All Get the Blues

2012-08-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

After getting the girls in their cribs, I look around and notice my gorgeous, blank gray walls, dreary broken down bed, and shabby carpet...so, I guess a bedroom redecorate is long overdue.

So I go with a tranquil green...hmm...soothing...

Unfortunately, I can't just relax...even though the babies are content and asleep, I go into the kitchen and feel a drip on my head followed by "MOM!!!"

Ugh...that can only mean one thing...

Annnd...I was right. Wonderful.

Thankfully, I get the shower fixed and take care of the leak in the ceiling...all before bedtime.

My days are all running together...combined by taking care of kids, this house, pets, broken things, screaming things, whining things...I'm thinking I need a vacay soon...

...buuuut, that's not happening today...so back to work...

I'm finishing the job of feeding the animals and cleaning cages when someone comes up behind me.

"Excuse me...Ms. Reed?" a timid dark blue man asks.

"Hi...I'm Bonnie...what can I do for you?"

"A-a-re you doing the baby challenge?" He has a bit of a stutter, but he's still cute.

"That's me," I reply.

"I...I...I..I'd l-l-like to be a part of your ch-challenge." Yeah, that took forever to get out. Thankfully baby-making doesn't require talking.

His name is Alvaro Downey and he is a paparazzo, but I won't hold that against him.

Although I do install a fence all the way around my property to keep paparazzi out...at least of the back yard.

Overnight, we get a visitor - Mr. Snuggle's astral form is coming for a visit!

Of course, I wake up with nausea...but since I'm up and it's 5:30 am, I figure I ought to start my day.

I get Karli & Addie up and in their swings and let Gemma know that I am going out...

...and I go for a jog...I haven't ran...probably ever...but a good habit can always be started, right?

When I get back from my run, I hear cats fighting...

...but then I realize it's my daughters.

"I can't believe you, Cleo! You are such a moron!"

"What are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about..."

Oh, brother...

Gemma is in a mood and giving Cleo crap...which is not good...Cleo rarely gets mad, but when she does..it's on.

"Quit acting like a crazy person!" Cleo starts yelling, but I interject.
"Girls! Cut it out and get ready for school!" I yell up the stairs.

"But she started..." Cleo yells down probably the most common response ever.

"I don't care, hop to it, if you're late for school, you're both grounded!" I yell in reply.

Sometimes I wonder why I even decided to go into this challenge...

But the rest of my day is surrounded by good things. First I start showing, then I get to age Karli & Addie up.

Karli has my hair color but looks a lot like her father, including the golden-orange skintone.

Addie also has my hair and looks a lot like her father, but she doesn't have the orange skin like her sister.

Thankfully this pair of sisters get along.

Either way, when Gemma and Cleo get home, it's time for them to age up, but Cleo pulls me aside beforehand.

"Mom, I have been thinking about something...you know how we are all supposed to go back to the other world?" She starts.

"Yeah..." I reply.
"Well, I have been thinking about something...and actually talking to Rhevenge (her father) and I have told him about my abilities, and he thinks it might be a good idea for me to stay here." She hits me with this.
"Wasn't there an issue with being able to follow bloodlines?" I asked her.

"He thinks that if I turn into a human, it will dilute my blood enough to make the trail cold."

"Well, it's up to you honey, you know you don't need my permission. Are you sure you want to be human?" I ask her.

"I'm certain of it."

"Okay then."

Gemma doesn't have any interest in becoming human, and she looks stunning with jet black hair and violet eyes. She has dreams of becoming a Private Eye like some of her older siblings. Maybe they can start a group business or something.

Cleo becomes human and is beautiful and just as keen in her senses about people.

Even though she frequently is subject to the negative thoughts of people, she wants to help the ones she can and become a doctor.

Once they're aged up and gone, it's time for the J triplets...

Jonah has the long-haired guitar-picking look going on...who cares if he can't actually play the guitar, right?

Though he is kind of a jerk. He points and laughs at his siblings as they age up.

Jolie is a spoiled red-haired cutie with an air of self-assurance around her.

...and Jaiden is quiet and sullen.

As my due date gets closer and closer, I work with the Karli & Addie so that I won't be driven crazy with toddlers and infants.

As over-dramatic as my daughters have been, my sons are certainly good at antagonizing each other. Jonah frequently makes fun of Jaiden because he is a little quirky, and Jaiden gets back at him by playing practical jokes on him.

Jolie stays out of the line of fire by staying on the computer. I believe she is a bit of a computer whiz...something she most certainly did not get from me.

After Karli & Addie learned everything they needed, I aged them up...and forgot to take pictures of them...

Mostly because we had another death in the family...our gecko died!

Karli is devastated.

"Why are you crying so hard for?" Jolie asks her, "You knew him for like, five minutes?"

"It's still sad." Karli replies through sniffles.

"Jonah, do you think we can get another one?" She looks up at him with pitiful eyes.

"Sure thing, little sis." He has to reply.

Hmph. Over my dead body are we bringing any more animals into this house.

Although before I get the chance to veto that, my water brakes.

Man, can't I get a break?

That would be a no...

Thankfully, it's over soon...

And I have Baby 41: Taber Reed, a little boy

and Baby 42: Zivah Reed, a girl.