Africa Dominguez ch 8- Life is now calm.

Africa (38), Laci (38) their children: Twins Sasha and Nicolas (12) Quads: Amin, Caleb, Kenya and Sahara (2)
Narrated by Africa

Finally the quads were toddlers. I could sit them down and feed them all at once without having to run back and forth. I did not remember my other kids being this difficult. Laci jokes that its because were 38 instead of 28.

Its summer so instead of having all these kid in the house, I dragged all of their toys outside. I decided that we needed to start enjoying our backyard beach area. Sasha and Nicolas were thrilled.

While they played I took some time to relax and catch some much needed sun. Vitamin D come on down and get me!

I did glance over and love that my kids were fine playing at the table or the other billion toys. Nicolas was intent on making Caleb his new best friend.

I told Nicolas and Sasha to take care of the quads. I needed to take a dip before it was time to set them down for their afternoon nap.

Laci has been helping getting Sasha and Nicolas on track with their homework. Every evening she gets home its time for them to get on their homework. I guess they think that I am too busy to notice them not doing it. They tend to forget they have two mommies that look after them.

When all of them are in bed Laci and I take some time for ourselves. This is when the house seems so calm. We both talk,catch up and say,"how you doing?" We still miss Darius a lot in the house. Its been two years but he was my baby...shoot they all are our babies. Laci and I just look into each others eyes and I say, "I love you" and she responds, "and I you. Now lets go to bed...."

Africa Dominguez Chapter 7

Africa (36), Laci (36) their kids: Darius (20), Sasha and Nicolas, twins (10)
Narrated by Africa

I am pregnant and about to explode. I don't know how Laci did this twice. We have both decided that this is our last pregnancy. I nor Laci want to go through this again. I am happy that this pregnancy was safe. My last pregnancy ended in a miscarriage but we got pregnant right away.

Yup we were blessed not with twins but Quads. Talk about being lucky. Laci couldn't believe it and even joked around that I wanted to beat her by having four kids at once. As of now we are seriously concentrating on what to do financially. We are using Sasha and Nicolas' old nursery but as you can see were cramped. Moving is not an option.

Our son Darius decided to move back home. He dropped out of college and we are even more cramped. We couldn't refuse our son. For now he is sleeping on the couch. He goes out a lot and even visits his boyfriend a lot. We talk about his life plan but he just doesn't have one. For now he wants to get a job and maybe move in with his boyfriend. I get worried because he's always out and about til late night and well that is concerning especially when you have no job.

On rainy nights I worry about Darius. Hes turning into a party animal and I need him to focus. Laci is also worried. It was getting terrible outside and I called Darius on his cellphone. He told me not to worry that he was fine and would be home later.

I went to bed and snuggled with Laci. Laci told me that she would talk to Darius about staying out too late. No sooner did we fall asleep and were woken up by the nonstop ringing of the phone. I didn't hear it but Laci did and begged me to go answer it.

I answered the phone and I must have been groggy because I swear the person on the phone told me that Darius was involved in an accident. I cleared my head and I got the details. Laci and I ran to the hospital.

We got to the hospital and we couldnt believe the news. Darius had just passed away. He had too many internal injuries and the car that he was traveling in was totaled. We did not know how to deal with this devastating news.

Laci kept screaming for her baby to wake up. I on the other hand just wished that I had the power to make him stay home that day. This was a terrible shock to us and our family.

The funeral was scheduled and we buried Darius next to my parents. I could not stop crying. Asia had to drag me away from my baby's grave. How is it that my 20 year old is dead?

Nothing prepared us for Dominica's reaction. This was her twin brother lying there. Dominica was so distraught. She had moved to Bluewater after graduation with her boyfriend and she had not been around to visit us. It was hard for us to accept that she was living with her boyfriend. With it being finals Darius' boyfriend was unable to come to the funeral but did show up later. He talked to Dominica and was too sad to talk to us. I just hope that he can cope. As for our family, well we are too distraught for words.


Author's note**
I hated that I had to have Darius die due to ROS. I had planned to marry him to his college boyfriend but it just was not meant to be. I almost re rolled the dice but then decided to stay true to the ROS.

Africa Dominguez Ch 6

Africa (34) , Laci Hourvitz (34) Their Children: Darius and Dominica twins (17), Sasha and Nicolas twins (8)
Narrated by : Africa


I still can not believe that im pregnant! I come home late from work trying to get everything in order. Ever since I announced that I was pregnant everyone started panicking. Laci says I have to take it slow but I just cant stop all this energy that I have lately. I remember Laci used to be tired but I am the opposite.

Lately Laci and I have been quite busy trying to figure out how to pay our bills. First we have to now pay taxes and we have to see how if Darius and Dominica are going to college. If they do decide to go then we literally have nothing set up for their tuition. I dont know how were going to do it but we have to. Laci says I should stop stressing out because it will all be fine. In the long run if in case they do go to college they can always apply for grants and loans. I just never planned correctly for this.

Lately I have been having so much nausea its ridiculous. I hate having the guile rise in my throat. I literally have to find the nearest bathroom within seconds.

Laci is working on her logic skill for her promotion. We have not even finished this room yet. This used to be Sasha and Nicolas' nursery but we decided to leave the room for our personal use. Laci needed to improve her skill so we decided to buy a chess set.
I want to teach Sasha and Nicolas how to play. Darius and Dominica just stare at me when I ask them if they want to learn. Darius is the first one that finds something else to do.

I woke up one morning with blood everywhere and I had the worst cramps. I woke Laci up and she rushed me to the ER. I knew something was wrong. All I kept thinking about was how to explain this to my kids. They saw me getting into the car and their faces were full of worry.

I ended up having a miscarriage. I didnt know what I did wrong but the doctor told me that I could have been under too much stress. He told me that if I wanted to try again to at least wait six months. Laci was sad and tried to pep me up. I felt like such a failure. It was my first time getting pregnant and I lost the baby so fast.

I pretty much stayed in bed and came down to eat while everyone was gone to school and work. The kids understood. Poor Nicolas just hugged me lightly and told me that he was sorry. Darius and Dominica came and told me that they both decided to go to college. They applied for grants and each received $1,000. I hate to think that they are going to get loans to start their young adult life.
Now that the kids are growing up I think about marriage a lot. I wonder if I did not or am not sending the wrong message by not marrying Laci. Trust me we are fine without the paper saying that were "married" but still. Now with my miscarriage im thinking about proposing.

Laci planned a party to wish the twins, Darius and Dominica, a farewell. She also told me that Asia said she needed to see me to make sure that everything was going well with me. I didnt want her to see me like this but I cant turn her away.

Asia came over and gave me a hug and I just started crying. I had all this pent up emotion that I did not know what to do with. She hugged me and told me that everything would be OK. It felt good to hug my twin. No matter how much I discuss this I feel that only she can get me. Laci doesn't understand it but with us having two sets of twins on our own she is starting to get the hang of it.

During dinner we discussed our lives and the news of all of our family. We ran down the list: Miguel was fine with little Victor and Kea. Atani was good with her twins, Suki was enjoying her baby and Ariel well she was the only one we havent seen. After her college graduation she choose to move downtown and live there. I still think that living that far away from Viramontes was not a good idea but how could we stop her from doing it?

My kids are great kids and I thank god everyday for them. the other day as I was reading a book I overheard Darius telling Sasha and Nicolas that they would have to take care of Laci and me while they were gone. I couldnt believe what I was hearing. I was proud that my son, Darius was so considerate. I looked at them and remembered like it was yesterday how I held each one of them in my arms.

The night of the graduation/college party for Darius and Dominica I felt so depressed. Laci came in and told me that I had to show up for the kids and the family. I did not really want to but then I knew she was right. What would my family say if I didnt even show up to their party.
Laci hugged me not caring that she would get wet with the bubbles, " You know I love you and everything is going to be OK. We can try to get pregnant again. Baby if you need someone to talk to...well we can"
"Laci..I know it will be OK. Your right, I will get ready and try to put one foot in front of the other. I will see the twins off. Ill be right down OK"

Even though Dominica does not tell us, I can see that she is holding a torch for a college freshman named, Kampol Do. Apparently they have been seeing each other as "friends" but I think its more than that. He goes to the college where they are accepted. Hopefully Dominica will concentrate on her books and not major in a PhD on Mr. Kampol.

The party was successful. Everyone came out and had fun talking with each other. It had been a long time since the party was reunited this way. It was good having everyone here to wish Darius and Dominica farewell.

Before long everyone left including my first born. I hugged Dominica and Darius. I whispered in Darius' ear that everything would be OK. I made them promise to take care of each other.

Once everything was cleaned up and the kids put to sleep I went up to see Laci. She was concentrating on a game of chess and when she looked up she said, "im proud of you. I know it was hard socializing with everyone but thank you. It meant a lot to Dominica and Darius"
"Hmm it didnt mean a lot only to them. It meant a lot to me to show my family that im strong. Are you going to be long or y ou coming to bed?"
"Im going to play this for a little while? Why did you need something?"
"Just you"

I still had my old touch because Laci and I made love that night just like we did when we moved in together. It felt great being with her and realizing that I love her more now than ever.
Several months later......................................................

I guess I was so relaxed that I got pregnant without thinking about it. Now I am taking extra careful with this pregnancy. I am reading all the books and I am taking time off of work. Im still in my second trimester but I don't want to take any chances.

I am also napping a lot more. With this pregnancy I am much sleepier than I was with the last one. Laci says that this is a good sign but I am not sure. I am still scared of losing another baby. Hopefully all will go smoothly.


Authors note:
I did not plan on Africa losing her baby. She made love with Laci and I guess her hunger level went too low. Before I knew it she got up and miscarried. Her current pregnancy was a complete surprise. During the party I heard Chimes and I was surprised. I have ACR but never had an actual pregnancy occur with out me initiating it. Either way I am glad she is having this baby **fingers crossed**

Ch 5--Africa Dominguez

Africa (31), Laci (31). Their children: (twins) Darius and Dominica (15) and (twins) Sasha and Nicolas (6)
Narrated by Laci

All of our kids are growing up faster than we would like them too. It seems like only yesterday I was making sure that Sasha would stop pulling Nicolas' hair. Now they are best friends and enjoying playing outside. Both Africa and I are lucky to have children that get along with each other. We try to inforce in them that they are family and they have to look after one another.

As far as us. We have been doing fine.
Africa still works with kids as a ventriloquist where as I am still project leader in my science career. I guess you could say we have not been that proactive in our careers. I have noticed Africa acting strangely and I have a feeling its about her career. I think she is getting burned out and I try to support her need to advance.

Her sister Ariel came by the other day and she was ecstatic to show her pregnant belly. She made me think back to when I was carrying Sasha and Nicolas. I think Africa scared her because she told her that she was sure that Ariel was carrying twins.

Right when I started to panic, Africa told me why she has been moody lately. She told me that she was expecting. I never thought that she would carry a child. I always assumed it would be me. I still can not believe that were expecting but I am excited about hearing the pitter patter of little feet again.

Africa Dominguez-- Chapter 4

Africa (age, 29), her wife Laci (29)
Children: twins Darius and Dominica (age, 13)
twins: Sasha and Nicolas (age 4)
Narrated by Africa.

There is not too much action going on in my household and thats the way I like it. It has been peaceful and calm. We are now used to the toddlers getting to everything that we lay down so now Darius and Dominica really clean up after themselves. Laci and I are both happy with our jobs. Who could ask for anything more?

Now I know that I mentioned that we had no drama but, now my kids turned to teens. Darius and Dominica are 13 and let me tell you that they are so full of energy. The first thing Darius asked me was if they can have a cellphone. I and Laci of course said, NO. Laci is just as shocked that we are parents to teenagers. I still can not believe that they are growing up so fast.

Laci and I love entertaining and I think my whole family is like that. We are a small family and we like to keep in touch. Especially since my parents are now gone. I miss my parents every day since I walk past the home where I grew up. I am so happy that I got to work out my issues with my mother and managed to enjoy the rest the time I had her.
Laci and I discussed having a small dinner party and she agreed that it had been a while since we had one.

Everyone came over and we all caught up on what has been going on in our lives.

My sister Asia came over and still has the idea of actually adopting another child. I think that is great but were not getting any younger and i was her to experience dating. I dont want her to look back and think , "why didnt I date and find someone." I know my sister is using her daughter to hide the fact that she has not dated. I dont know whats her deal. I know she's not gay like me, I know she likes guys but I just dont know if my parents relationship tainted her. in the end my parents were so in love that I hope that didnt taint Asia. Either way if she does decide to adopt then as her twin I will stand by her side.

Africa Dominguez--Chapter 3

Africa Job: Mime age 27
Laci Hourvitz Job: Project leader, Age 27.
Children: twins Darius and Dominica, age11.
Taxes paid 1,600


Africa and Laci decided that it was about time that they move up in the world. Africa was so tired of being awakened by her loudsy neighbor. Laci had it worse since she worked early and needed all her sleep. They decided to take the plunge and buy their first home together. it was a little tricky since they were not married but they got their house. It was a house right across from her parents. Africa and Laci managed to get a loan for 85,800 which included money for new furniture that they needed. They upgraded from a one and a half bedroom apartment to a four bedroom house.

"Were finally moved in. I cant believe that it took us forever to get our house finally in some order."
"I just cant believe Laci that we actually have a house. Now we have to plan our house warming party."
" I agree we should. I love that your parents live across the street and now they can visit us as we can visit them. Im glad that you get along with your mom now."
"I know. Its been a long process but at least were making it. The kids seem to love their new rooms."
"They do but at the same time they miss each others company. But I have something else I wanted to talk to you about. I mean its great that we moved."
"Why is that? Other than having more space?"
"Well I just found out that were expecting. What do you think about that Africa?"
"I think its great. The twins are 11 they are going to be teens soon so its great that were expecting. One more thing to celebrate at our party."


Later that week, Africa managed to organize a party for her whole family to come over and celebrate.
"I just want to thank all of you for coming over. Its been rough trying to get our house in order for you guys. Now im just happy that we have a new home that we are able to share with all of you."

"on another note there is another announcement we would like to make. Laci and I are expecting again. I know that many of you speculated and its true."
Darius and Dominica stared at each other not believing that their parents were going to bring a little sister or brother.

The family sat down to dinner and the conversation flowed lightly. Austin was so proud looking at his family and how it had grown. Now he was a grandfather to not two but three and one on the way. He couldnt believe it.

While everyone was busy dancing and talking Africa couldnt help notice that Suki and Hayden seemed to be arguing. Africa was going to investigate when Laci interrupted.

"Hey whats wrong?"
"Nothing Laci. Are you having a great time?"
"I am having an awesome time. Come here dance with me."
************************************************************

Months later Laci was getting big and she was feeling so pregnant. She loved being pregnant but she also feard that anything would go wrong. Africa as always was so attentive.

Africa and Laci welcomed not one bundle of joy but two. Both of them could not believe that they were parents to another set of twins.

Africa is holding Sasha.

While Laci is holding Nicolas. Both parents were amazed that they were now going to experience again the joy of having twins. She was just happy that they were still somewhat young to be able to deal with these babies.