Erin, first marital conflict (ch2)

Erin and Lee had been married for a short time before Erin was pregnant with their first child. Lee wanted to  start a family immediately even though he wasn’t a family sim. Erin wasn’t as anxious as Lee but she agreed because she loved him. She had been working dilligently at her job as a soil identifier for the city of Pleasantview in order to get the promotion she had been pining for. The news of her pregnancy had reached her boss and he assured her that her work was valued and this wouldn’t reduce her chances to move up. Erin was relieved to hear this and went home to share the news with Lee.

“What do you mean? I thought you would stay home with the baby for a while after the birth.” Lee asked with a perplexed expression.

 

“I can’t do that Lee, I have worked too hard to get where I am. I was sure we would employ a nanny. There are a number of nannies in this town looking for a position.” She answered calmly, trying not to become emotional, something she had been having trouble with due to the recent hormone surges.

“There is no way I am leaving my child with the crackpot nannies in this town. I have heard some crazy stories Erin.” He replied shaking his head in disagreement. He knew her job was important to her but he also felt that one of them should be the primary caregiver.

“If you are so against it then you stay home with the baby. I am not giving up my position, I have a great future there.” Erin said annoyed that Lee would be so unreasonable.

“I cannot leave my job, I am this close to getting my own sports column!” He said firmly, trying not to raise his voice.

(This is what happens when two fortune sims marry)

“And you expect me to give up the position I have been waiting for? This was my major remember? Soon there will be a lead botanist position and I am merely months away from my promotion. Perhaps we should have discussed this like I suggested before we rushed into it.” Erin said in a slightly irritated tone of voice.

“What’s done is done. We can’t turn back but we do have to decide what is best for our child!” Lee answered loudly. “Look at your mother, she raised all of you.”

“If you are trying to win this argument then do not bring my mother into it. I never agreed with her choice of career. My father was the one who worked hard and made a name for himself.” She answered with a side glance. Erin loved her mother but didn’t understand her lifestyle. Sure she is successful but at something that isn’t significant to the human race. Professional party guest wasn’t something to boast about.

“And that is what I want to do Erin, work hard and make name for myself just like your father. The newspaper business is competitive and I have a good shot at editor one day.” He pleaded trying to hold her hands.

“Well I suppose if neither of us are willing to give up what we want why don’t we compromise and get a nanny…” She said as Lee interrupted. “I said I don’t want a nanny from this town!”

“Let me finish. Why don’t we find a live-in nanny, not from the nanny service here, but perhaps we can look for a part time college student who needs a job and a place to live.” Erin explained hoping this would end the conflict.

“Well I guess that could work out. But I want to find someone really reliable with experience.” Lee said hesitantly at first and then seemed to consider the idea as plausible. “Where would we put another person?”

“You will have to give up your study…remember we need to make sacrifices.” She answered with a smile.

“What will you be giving up?” He asked as he leaned over to rub her growing belly.

“I will be giving up what women hold near and dear…my waistline!”

 

So with their first marital conflict behind them they placed an ad at the college and interviewed dozens of potential nannies. Lee was very particular and they almost couldn’t find one to meet his standards. When it seemed that no one would measure up to Lee’s standards, a girl called inquiring about the position.

Her name was Laci Rauscher, an education student. She had letters of reference and had nannied before. She seemed perfect. They met Laci and felt comfortable with her instantly. Lee put her through rigorous interviews, tested her baby knowledge and was satisfied with all she knew. After making the final decision together, Lee and Erin phoned Laci to inform her that they were offering her the position.

 

 

She moved in immediately and before too long the baby was born while Lee washed the dishes. Erin had a really rough time and even the dog wasn’t interested.

Finally Lee and the dog noticed that the new baby was born and was excited. Lee and Erin welcomed a baby girl and named her Kate. Kate Davis Patch, their first born daughter.

I bet you can’t wait to see who she looks like.