It’s a new day, and Tambara and I are reaching our next life stages. Tambara will become school-aged, and I’ll officially be starting the second part of adulthood. What better way to celebrate getting older than to get in a great workout? I slowly climb out of bed to avoid waking Maia and head downstairs for a long run on the treadmill.
After my run, I shower and take a few pre-aging selfies in front of my new SimTube plaques, which have become some of my proudest achievements. And, of course, the pics go up on all of my social media accounts with the caption, ‘a year older and wiser.’ As soon as the images upload, I’m bombarded with ‘happy birthday’ texts and messages from family, friends, and many followers. I answer the ones from the people I’m closest to, including Ma, my brother Mase, and my best friend Luca. I’ll respond to the rest with a general reply, because it’s all I have time for.
The business side of the morning is complete, so it’s time for the aging up to begin. I’m not hurrying to get older, so we start with Tami. Maia gets her out of bed and dressed, then we gather in the kitchen around the chocolate birthday cake Maia spent all morning preparing. Maia picks Tami up and carries her to the cake.
Maia: It’s time to age up, little Tadpole! So, blow out your candles.
Maia shows Tami how to blow a few times, but little Miss Independent doesn’t need the help. Tami successfully blows out her candles on the first try. I pull out my noisemaker and sing.
Wade: *singing and making hella noise* Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to Daddy’s princess! Happy birthday to you!!
My tiny princess ages up to a much bigger princess. Of course, I pull out my camera to take pictures of my beautiful little girl.
(Tambara’s Aspiration: Playtime Captain Traits: Mean, Topnotch Infant, Happy Toddler, Neutral Confidence)
There’s no delaying the inevitable. Maia relights the candles on the cake, apologizing that she didn’t have time to make two, and I blow them out again and age up to an adult.
And this is it—full-fledged adulthood! My goals for this stage of my life are to make my mark in the world, get my paper up, and increase my influence on social media.
But that’s later. Right now, it’s time to sit down with the family to enjoy some birthday cake and let Tami in on the birthday plans for today. Although I aged up too, I insist on this day being all about Tami. I’ve had many birthday celebrations; it’s Tambara’s turn. I’ll be happy to have time to record another SimTube video.
Plus, my birthday gift to myself was purchasing brand new wedding bands for me and Maia. That’s all I need.
Maia: Guess what, Tami! We have big plans today.
Tambara: What is it?
Maia: You and I are going to Del Sol Valley to get our hair and nails done!
Maia and I both thought Tami would be much more excited about that. But she doesn’t respond. Maia guesses she doesn’t understand what it means, so she explains.
Maia: What do you think about that? It’ll be like being a celebrity in a fancy salon.
Tambara: But, it’s not just for me if we’re both doing it.
Baby girl has a point, but judging by Maia’s expression, I probably shouldn’t say it. Instead, I try to defuse the situation—
Wade: Don’t worry, you’ll have-
Maia: *interjects* Wade…
Maia only calls me Wade when we’re around other people or I’m in trouble, so I close my mouth quickly.
Maia: Sometimes birthdays aren’t about things being ‘just for you.’ It’s about spending memorable time with family and doing something special together.
Tambara: Oh
That ‘oh’ is full of disappointment. Maia hears it, too.
Maia: But we don’t have to do anything at all. That’s an option too.
Tambara: Nope, not an option. We should get hair and nails done.
Maia: That’s what I thought.
I don’t think we expected tension so early in the morning. I slowly let out the breath I was holding for the entire conversation.
Tami escapes from the table as soon as she finishes her cake. I follow her to the kitchen and watch her expression as she picks Luna up and squeezes her. She is not happy. I know Maia would disapprove, but the last thing I want is for Tami to be sad on her birthday.
Wade: *quietly to Tami* Don’t worry, you’ll get some ‘just for you’ stuff today too.
I can’t tell if I made the situation better or worse, but we’ll see. And it’s true, Tami will have plenty of birthday gifts and a newly designed bedroom when she returns from her salon visit.
Despite the breakfast drama, Tambara’s excitement picks up as she and Maia arrive in Del Sol Valley to visit the Glitter & Glamor salon and spa. They enter the building and take a seat in the relaxing lobby.
Tambara: It’s pretty in here, mommy!
Maia: Yes, it is.
It’s Maia’s first visit to a fancy salon, so she’s just as excited as Tami.
Soon, they are called to the back, where the pampering begins. Maia’s experience will start with a pedicure and manicure. While Maia soaks her feet in a footbath, an attendant leads Tami to a chair beside the shampoo bowls.
First Salon Attendant: You’re such a pretty little girl!
Tambara: I know!
Maia hears her from across the way and corrects her.
Maia: What do you say, Tami?
Tambara: Thank you
Second Salon Attendant: We hear it’s your birthday today. Happy birthday! We’re here to make you even prettier. How do you want your hair and nails styled today?
Tambara: I want to look like a princess!
First Salon Attendant: Well, you’re lucky because this is where princesses are made!
Now that my ladies have left for their day at the salon, I’m free to get to work. I get my camera ready and step in front of it.
Wade: *on camera* What’s up, SimTube? It’s your boy, Dub! I come to you one day older and hopefully much wiser with new life updates. My daughter is no longer my tiny princess. She’s aged up and will start school soon. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I announced her birth? …Talk about feeling old. Oh, and sorry, ladies and even some of you guys out there, I’m also a married man now – so no more marriage proposals in the comments, okay? My life has changed so much, and you all have been right along for the ride. By the way, thank you for helping me earn my 1 million subscriber SimTube plaque! *continues talking…*
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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