Before I knew it it was time for Strawberry’s birthday. How is that possible? It seems like yesterday I brought her home from the hospital. We asked her where she wanted her party, and she chose Cotton Candy Community Pool. So we invited the family and her friends and headed on over.


Some of Strawberry had made good friends with two of the Pickle kids. I had met their mom, Sweet, in passing a few times, but it was nice to have some time to really get to know her. I really like her, she is very…well…sweet.

Strawberry was inspired by the scene and went straight to her easel.

Neo had a blast dancing with his friends.


It seemed Daddy had a good time at the party, he was still very excited when we got home.

Neo was inspired by Daddy’s new passion for fishing and decided to try it out for himself, at Skittles Park. Unfortunately this was the time our newest bundle of joy decided to arrive. Strawberry called Neo, “Daddy! Momma’s in labor! Don’t worry I will get her to the hospital, just meet us there.” She was so calm, I couldn’t believe how much she had grown up.


Neo on the other hand was blown over by the news, then when he recovered, he ran straight to the hospital.


I can’t tell you how special it was having Strawberry there with us. I didn’t think it was possible to love her more, but I do.

It was our third boy, but the first one to look anything like his daddy. He was so beautiful. Neo was over the moon having another baby in the house. He decided it was time to name one of our children for me, so meet Mango Muffin.

I was certain he would be our last. That pregnancy was really hard on me, I’m just getting older I guess. He sure was worth all the misery though.
When Star came over to see Mango she told Neo and I that she and Merlot were going on a vacation to the Chardonnay nectar region. They just needed some time away from the stresses of work and daily life. They planned to be gone for a few months. We wished them well.”We leave in the morning, we found a great deal on tickets.” “I’m sure gonna miss you, sis.” I told her.

Then we heard Mom scream…we ran inside to find Daddy’s heart had finally given out.

Star took it really hard too. He was the best Daddy a girl could have. Oh, how I will miss him.

Star debated canceling her trip, but Mom told her to go and have a great time. “Daddy wouldn’t want you to miss out on such an opportunity to see the world. He knows you love him.” Reluctantly Star agree to go on her trip and miss the funeral, though I know it broke her heart.

Mom took to her newly decorated bedroom. We added on a reading nook and private bath for them earlier in the week.

I felt a little normalcy would be good for the kids, so even though it was hard, I sent them to school the next day.


I took to ChocolateChip and Mango’s room. I snuggled Mango until Neo came home from work.


ChocolateChip’s birthday was that night, but with the new baby coming home, then Daddy…Well we just decided to celebrate it quietly. He loved his cake.

What a cutie!
Strawberry brought Dill Pickle home with her after school. I’m glad she has friends to help her through this tough time, I though he did a great job of cheering her up.

Mom was outside in her garden trying to keep busy. I was upstairs with the boys when Neo came and told me…Mom had passed. It had only been one day since Daddy died, I guess she died of a broken heart, she just couldn’t live without him.


Poor little Razz. He took Mom’s death harder than Daddy’s. They had such a special bond.

Neo was concerned Strawberry was getting a little too close to Dill, but I thought it was cute.

Their room was so empty…

The next day was my birthday, and Neo didn’t want to make a big deal about it, but he didn’t want it to go by unnoticed either. So he went to the day spa and got a Total Rejuvenation Package for me.

It was a wonderful long day of pampering, while the little ones were with Neo. I felt better.

But still very sad.

Then was Mango’s birthday. How is it possible?

The next day we were having a double funeral. While I was getting ready I noticed all the new changes on my face, I had aged so much since this all started, its really taken a toll on me.

The only one of Daddy’s sisters to come to the funeral was Auntie Lovely. She brought with her the sad news that Auntie Wildberry had died the night before in her sleep. So with Auntie Wildberry’s death, Auntie Lovely is the last of Daddy’s siblings still living.


Mulberry and Sweet were late to arrive, but at least they made it.

The next few months were a bit of a blur, wallowing in my grief as I was I completely missed ChocolateChip’s birthday. The kids dealt with their grief differently. Strawberry buried herself in her art, while the boys…were…boys.

I thought Mom would want me to take care of her garden, so I did.

I came back to myself in time for Razz’s birthday. We had the party at home, but we invited all his friends and our family. The guests started arriving.

And it was I who was surprised…Star and Merlot were home!



I have no idea why Razz felt the need to wear his swimming suit to blow out his candles, but he did.


Look at her, she can’t take her eyes off of him. Ahh, young love.

Turns out Star brought back a surprise from Chardonnay…I don’t know how I missed her before, but I think Razz is smitten.

Apparently the relaxation of the vacation, and spending all their attention on each other cured their fertility problems. And none too soon either, because Star’s getting to that age. I’ve never seen her so happy. My sister is finally a mommy.
Nilla