Halpert 4: Round 10

Last round, Dakota Halpert continued to chase his dream of earning $100,000. His promotion to ecological guru got him a large bonus, but it also knocked his work hours back to one day a week. Meanwhile, younger daughter Abby grew up to a teenager and began a relationship with Maple Warner.

What? Ok, who bought an animal while the mysterious voice was out?

Another pet named Abbey? Man, these guys are really uncreative with dog names.

Welcome back, guys.

Abby: Hi, mysterious voice.

Have you guys met the dog yet?

Abby: Yeah, I kind of wish we had named it something else. I can see this getting confusing.

I thought you wanted to be a general.

Abby: I do, but military's not coming up. I figured athletics is close enough until it does.

Maple, are you...ok?

Maple: Yes, I'll be fine. I just have to get to a bathroom....now!

Abby: Are you sure you're up for this? You looked pretty sick before...

Maple: I'm fine. Besides, you're sick too.

Ok, I'm going to make my exit now...

Happy birthday, dear Dakota...

...and Idina...

Um, ok....I think you're going to need a new outfit.

Dakota: Why? Maybe I want to be Santa.

So kids aren't running up to you all over town and asking for toys.

Glad to see you have better fashion sense.

So, I've noticed you haven't gotten a job yet.

Maple: I'm sick, remember?

So is Abby and she went to work.

Maple: Hey, I'm still contributing. This game pays us $5 every few minutes.

Looks like Abby's job finally came up.

Maple: Hey Abbey, wanna go for a walk?

Abby: Not now, hon. I have to get ready for work.

Maple: I was talking to the dog.

Wait up, Maple, I'm right behind you.

Um, a couple of things. One, why aren't you dressed? Two, where are we?

Maple: We're at the dog park.

The dog park that Sea Beesly bought to put her wishing well?

Maple: Yes.

Why do I have a feeling that all the Romance sims in town are going to be dog owners soon?

I hope you two both know this doesn't leave this dog park.

Maple: Why do you have to ruin our fun?

Because she's pregnant.

Congratulations, Abby!

Abby: Thanks.

Ouch...that cannot be comfortable....

That looks better at least...

What are you so happy about?

Maple: Nothing in particular. We're just dancing.

In the middle of the kitchen?

Dakota: Why not?

Abby: Ow! Mom, I think the baby's coming!

Idina: Ok, dear. Let me just set these bills down.

Aww, a little boy!

Abby: Yup, we're naming him Elmo.

Getting the obvious one out of the way early, huh?

And he definitely takes after Maple's side of the family.

Dakota: He's so cute...I hope he gets my ears.

Abby: I don't know, we'll have to wait until he's a toddler. Are you sure you don't mind watching him while I'm at work?

Dakota: Sure, sure.

Guess being an ecological guru has it's advantages.

Wow, and on you're first day back from maternity leave.

Abby: Well, I had a lot of time to work on my skills.

So how's the $100,000 coming?

Dakota: It's coming. I already went to work this week, and since Elmo was born there hasn't been much time for painting.

So are you two feeling better now?

Abby: Yes, I think the flu is finally gone.

Judging by the expression on Maple's face I'm going to leave you guys alone now.

Besides, it looks like there's a birthday to attend to. Happy Birthday, dear Elmo...

Not bad, though the hairstyle isn't exactly age appropriate.

Maple: Have I mentioned how you have such an air of maturity since you aged up?

Idina: Um, thanks?

Maple, stop. Stop now..

Abby: Good job, Elmo!

What did he do?

Abby: He just learned to walk. He's growing up so fast.

Although it looks like you guys won't be without a little one for very long. Unfortunately, though, I have to be on my way. I'll see all of you next round!

A Message From the Mysterious Voice: Yup, another randomly added pet named Abbey. I guess Abbey must be the default name for pets added to inactive households. It also only occurred to me on this lot that I could use Sea's dog park wishing well to avoid having to join the garden club with every romance Sim. And yes, Maple really did have a want to fall in love with Idina all week long. It was disturbing.