The Capp-Gavigan Family: Week 3

If you are interested in week 2 with this family, click here.

The first branch of the numerous Capp clan we are visiting this round lives here, in the house that once belonged to Tara Kat, who married Chester Gieke and ended her days in peace, love and harmony at the Senior Residence some years ago.
The house looks a lot more spacious as it is - only the ground floor is liveable, really.

We have here Isaiah Capp (formerly Gavigan) with his youngest son Calogero...

...his wife Ariel Capp, who is expecting, as you can see...

s...and their eldest son, Cataldo.

Last round, the Capps tragically lost one of their sons to a fire. Caleb was only a school boy like Cataldo, and the family is still grieving his loss.

Isaiah's lifetime want is to marry off six children - with two surviving and at least one on the way, there is still plenty to do for him before this dream will come true!
Ariel once had the same goal in life, but then switched to wishing to celebrate her Golden Anniversary.

Busy with so many children - past, present and future - neither half of the couple feel they can hold a regular job. This means that money was rather tight last round, even though they received a welcome gift from Ariel's mother.
This round, inheritances cick in, making the family account rise to a healthy 40,332 Simoleons. One of the first things they do with the money is buy better kitchen equipment - which will mean the family won't go hungry so soon again after a meal.

Speaking of meals, it is snow day, and so Isaiah and Ariel can share bowls of comfort soup with Cataldo (who is just about to join them at the table) with no rush for the school bus.

At 7:17 pm, Ariel wakes up from a badly needed nap to the pains of labour.

Carter...

...and Carson are born within minutes of each other. And yes, Isaiah is pregnant, too - he's had his Alien abduction last round. Should he also happen to have twins, that will be the end of baby-making for the Capps - and I think the family will need a bigger house!

On Saturday morning, Isaiah and Ariel make sure to have breakfast with Cataldo, who tends to have to take something of a back seat with so many younger brothers. (Interesting, isn't it, that the couple have not yet had one daughter.)

Ever since he's been old enough to go school, Cataldo has done his share of house work. This Satuday is no exception.

But please do not think Cataldo has a bleak upbringing in an unloving family! His parents do what they can to give him their love and attention.

Before the sun is up on Sunday morning, Ariel is already out there, doing some gardening. With the irregular sleep pattern of babies and toddlers, and no job they need to be ready for at a certain time, the busy parents grab some sleep, food or a shower whenever they can, and deal with the work around house and garden in between.

At eleven minutes past six that morning, Isaiah gives birth to...

...his sixth son, Cassini Capp. Cataldo is happy about yet another little brother, it seems!
Yes, the couple actually has six children - or would have, if one of their sons would not have died so tragically. However, for Isaiah's LTW, they need six of them living long enough to get married.
What to do? Should they try for another baby, another Alien abduction, or adopt?

12 hours after the birth of his baby brother, Calogero cheerfully grows up into a child.

Now there are two "big" boys in the house, who need proper beds. Where to put them? The rooms are simply not big enough, so the family need to tap into their savings to make the attic accessible. You'll see in a minute what I did with it. First, though, here is the newly renovated nursery, with a brightly coloured carpet.

A spiral staircase now leads from the open plan kitchen/living/dining area to the attic, where Cataldo and Calogero now sleep. They love it, as you can see early this Monday morning!

When the older two are at school and the babies asleep - finally, all three of them! -, Ariel and Isaiah retreat to their bedroom. Ariel suggests they do not adopt but instead try for another child themselves. It is their last chance, since Ariel will be too old to conceive by 6:00 pm today. Although Isaiah does not look enthusiastic about the idea (maybe he would have rather adopted, to spare them another pregnancy, baby- and toddler years), he goes along with it, and soon the familiar chimes can be heard once more.

Late afternoon, first Carson...

...and then Carter turn into toddlers. Now Cassini is the only baby in the house - not for long, though!

Tuesday passes by in a whirl of toddler- and baby-related activities. In between, the parents just about manage to help the boys with their home work and make sure their own needs are not too far in the red. Here, Carter is learning to walk, while his Mum quickly shovels a bowl of soup in, taking advantage of the few moments none of the other children needs her attention.

She learns of her new pregnancy just as Cataldo comes rushing in after school, proudly showing off his first A+ report.

On Wednesday morning, the couple steal an almost private moment over breakfast. The topic of conversation is hardly surprising! "Soon, our last baby will be born," Isaiah muses, looking fondly at Carson.

Later that morning, Cassini finally grows up into a toddler. This was supposed to happen the day before at 6:00 pm, but no matter how many times Isiah tried to "help with birthday", the action disappeared, and he ended up simply holding his little son.

Ariel feels a surge of happiness when Carson finally says "Mum-mee" for the first time.

And she is also happy and proud of her second oldest son, Calogero, when he comes running in with his first A+ report that afternoon.

Thursday, the last day for this week with this branch of the Capp family, begins for Ariel with successfully potty-training Cassini.

When at 3:00 pm her older sons returns from school, she can be seen enjoying the summer sunshine, watering the plants. Cataldo hopes the watering can is not too heavy for his heavily pregnant Mum.

At a quarter past five the same afternoon, the last child of Isaiah and Ariel is born.

Cataldo happily exclaims: "I have a little sister!!"

Yes, finally a girl for the Capps after six boys! Carrie Capp is going to be soooo spoiled :-)

As if this weren't enough great things happening for the family, less than an hour after Carrie's birth Cataldo turns into a teenger.
The lot decided on his aspiration to be Knowledge; I do not know yet know his LTW, as it is only going to show the next day, and my current week here ends at midnight.

Whew! This was a very intense week to play, with so many toddlers, children and babies to look after. No wonder the family could not visit any community lots this week, or invite guests over. I played almost all the time on normal speed instead of my usual fast forward, as I had to constantly keep an eye on everyone's needs.

We're now off to the next Capp family on the list.