Hey, everyone. Alex Altair here. I've recently invested in my own robot construction station, because I need some help around the house. I never imagined that building robots would be so complicated, though - it looks like I'm going to have to start small.
It's Betty's birthday today, though, so I've decided to worry about that tomorrow -- for now, it's time to take Betty to her birthday cake.
Come on, Betty, let's go...
It seems like only a week ago that I, er, hatched her. Wait, wasn't it a week ago? Maybe less?
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...
Happy birthday, dear Betty...
Happy birthday to you!
The child care books say that at this point I should put her down in an open space, though I forget why exactly.
Betty: Aaah?
Just sit tight, kiddo, I'm sure the book knows what it's talking about.
There. Now I'm supposed to... cheer? Well, okay... Yay, Betty! Happy birthday!
Oh, of course -- transition time! And what lovely pajamas she has, too.
Betty: Oooh...
Me: How do you like your new look, Betty?
Betty: I like it, I like it!
Isn't she just the most adorable little girl?
My little girl is growing up so well ... and now it's time for a piece of celebratory birthday cake.
She's still not quite tall enough to get things off the counter without help, but she's already showing signs of greater independence. Now if only she had better table manners than to stick her hands directly in the cake...
Betty: This cake is great, Daddy!
Me: Thanks, honey. So are you feeling older and wiser?
Betty: I dunno... Daddy, am I really half-alien?
Me: Yes, honey, you are.
Betty: Is that a bad thing?
Me: No, Betty -- it's just unusual. You're a special little girl, and both you and your brother to be are part-alien, I think.
Betty: ... say, Dad, speaking of unusual...
Betty: What are these?
Me: Those are money trees; simoleons grow on them if you water them. Daddy uses that to supplement his income, because he's been spending time at home taking care of you.
Betty: Ohh... I can help water them!
Me: Very good - make sure you water each of them, and only pluck the leaves that are glowing, okay? Those are the simoleons that are ready.
While Betty busied herself with her new task, I settled in to start trying to figure out robotics. It really is harder than it looks!
Toy Robots aren't hard to make, at least - and when I'm done, I'll have something for Betty to play with...
Sure enough, after some work, I eventually made this little guy.
Betty: You really made this, dad?
Me: That's right, dear - I made it just for you.
Betty: Oooh...
Betty: You are my first robotic minion. Muh hah hah hah! Hee hee... Daaaad, can you build me some more?
Me: Betty, you don't need a robot army.
Betty: Foo.
I do really need to give Betty something to do with her time, though, so I think I'm going to teach her how to write these. After all, if she can do that, I can work on getting this robot building process down...