Last round took an unexpected turn for the Flenderson family, as Misty found herself pregnant before she could even begin planning her wedding to Aldo. She did manage to join the political career in the meantime, and she gave birth to a daughter, Erica. However, she was surprised (and somewhat frightened) when instead of growing into a child as expected, Erica grew into the town's first toddler. Meanwhile, both Confusion and Sabrina reached elderhood and continued to advance in the entertainer career.
Hi there, Sabrina.
Sabrina: Oh, hello there.
What are you up to?
Sabrina: Misty has us all researching trying to figure out what this toddler thing is all about.
Still?
Sabrina: I'm afraid so. I don't really think it's that bad, all things considered. And Erica seems to be learning more and more every day.
That's kind of the idea. Have you been able to find much?
Sabrina: No, not beyond the news reports. But Misty doesn't seem to believe anything they say.
Misty: Hey, you ate the whole plate without throwing it on the floor! Good girl!
See?
Misty: See what?
I told you she'd be ok.
Misty: She's not ok yet! I'd hardly consider eating a sandwich evidence of being "ok".
Misty: Ok, so which book do you want me to read tonight?
Erica: Dinosaurs!
At least you've figured out the bedtime story thing.
Misty: Someone on the internet suggested it. It seems to be working because she's picking up more words.
So you've been doing research too?
Misty: Of course. Well, there isn't much information out there beyond other parents. And there's more of us out there now, so it's been easier to connect and share tips. This toddler thing is growing-it's practically an epidemic!
Don't you think you're being a bit dramatic? Your parents don't seem to mind...
Misty: Oh, that reminds me. I have to check to see if my dad can watch her tomorrow...I've got a meeting downtown.
Confusion: Hi, Joy! How are the girls? Sure, I can take Hope for the afternoon. Do you want to drop her off here? Oh? Well that sounds great! I'm sure Erica would love it there. Just don't mention it to Misty. You know how she is. Ok, great. I'll swing by to pick her up in a few minutes.
Going on a field trip?
Confusion: Apparently there's this new children's library across town. It has an entire playroom set up for kids like Erica. Joy's son-in-law took Hope their and she loved it.
Why shouldn't you tell Misty about that?
Confusion: She's been...very adamant about not taking Erica out of the house until she figures out what is going on. But I think it would be good for her.
Confusion: Wow, this place is really nice.
How are Erica and Hope getting along?
Confusion: Great...I think. I can't really understand what they're saying yet.
They both seem to enjoy the dollhouse, though.
Uh-oh...family meeting.
Misty: I can't believe you took her outside! What if someone saw her?
Confusion: Misty, I took her to the library. For the afternoon. With another toddler! She's not the only one-you know that.
Sabrina: Yes, dear...from what I can see, this seems to be happening to every child. I don't think there's any reason to hide her away.
Confusion: Besides, she loved it! Right, Erica?
Erica: Hope new friend!
Confusion: See?
Misty: You two are impossible. I'm just glad Aldo is still on my side...
Speaking of which, where is he?
Oh, there you are. So how are you taking all of this?
Aldo: Well, it was a bit of a shock at first...
Yes, I remember.
Aldo: But it's just kind of normal now. We get her up, we feed her, we teach her stuff...she seems happy. And she's getting pretty smart-at least, I think so.
You and your wife seem to have very different opinions of the situation.
Aldo: Well, Misty's at work all day, you know? I'm home with the kid, so I guess I've been able to adapt more.
I guess you're going to have some more adapting to do! Baby #2 is on the way!
Aldo: Are you tired yet?
Erica: No!
Aldo: Well, I am...
So one more's on the way, huh?
Aldo: Yeah...you don't think they'll both be...like this at the same time, do you?
Um...I don't think so...
Aldo: Good. I don't think my back can take it.
Aldo: Ha! Man, I'm really getting under this loser's skin...
Aldo, I thought we got past this...
Aldo: What? It's just harmless fun. Besides, it's not like anyone knows it's me. No one knows who we are...
Yeah, about that...
Congratulations, Misty!
Misty: Thanks! I know I'm going to be able to make a difference...
Misty: Hi! I'm home!
Aldo: Hi, honey! How was work?
Misty: Oh, just great. How were things around here?
Aldo: I taught her to dance! Check it out!
Misty: Very nice...
So, I take it that Aldo's still keeping employment on the back burner for now?
Misty: Oh, yes.
Aldo: Especially with the new baby, you know...
Misty: Plus, it's great for our image.
Aldo: Our image?
Misty: Yes! People love that you're a stay at home dad.
Aldo: So wait...you tell these people about me?
Misty: Of course. If I'm going to ask them to vote for me they deserve to know who they're voting for!
I guess Aldo staying home isn't much of an issue anyway. Congratulations, Confusion!
Confusion: Thanks. It feels so strange not to have to work for any more promotions, though.
Sabrina: Joy! It's been so long!
Joy: I know, I know. We really need to get together more often. How's Erica doing?
Sabrina: Oh, she's doing fine. How's Hope? You know, Erica had a really great time with her at the library the other day. I think they're going to be friends.
Joy: Maybe they'll be best friends like we were, huh? Wouldn't that be something?
Sabrina: I'll say.
Oh, time to meet baby number two!
Misty: Ow...
Why are you in the hospital's bathroom? I think getting the baby out of you is the more pressing issue here.
Another girl! Welcome, Lorelei!
Although it doesn't look like Lorelei is too happy to be here.
Misty: There you go...that's better than that hospital, right?
So where's the new big sister?
Misty: She's upstairs with her books-she reads them on her own now, can you believe it?
I see. Aldo was right, she is getting pretty smart.
Misty: Ok, Erica, Mommy's got to go to work...you be good for Grandpa, ok?
Erica: Mama, can we go see Hope?
Misty: No, sweetie, it's better if you stay here until we figure this out.
Erica: (sigh) Ok...
Don't worry, Erica. Pretty soon you'll both be in school together.
And by pretty soon, I mean really soon.
Happy birthday, dear Erica...
And I guess that love of books is following her into childhood.
Huh...well, we'll have to get you some new pajamas but otherwise not bad.
Confusion: How do you feel, Erica?
Erica: Fine...a little tired, but ok. Why?
Confusion: Your mom is going to be so relieved...
I hope so. But unfortunately, I've got to be on my way now. I'll pick back up with you guys next round!
A Message From the Mysterious Voice: And now we've had our first complete toddler stage! Erica was able to max all her toddler skills, so it will be interesting to see the impact that has. I love the toddler skill system-it give them much more progression than in previous games. And I love that Sims can take toddlers (even non-household ones) to community lots. I did have to have Confusion go to Joy's house first to meet Hope, but then I was able to have him take Erica and Hope together. It really was as if he had gone to pick her up.
