After about 5 minutes into giving the girls their bath tonight, Roxy started diving, jumping and splashing about - so much so that she kept choking on the water. Though she was having fun, I had to warn her to stop or she would be removed from the tub. She did the dive again, choked again, and I gave her another warning - reminding her that the last time she did this (a couple of weeks ago) she puked in the tub and we had to remove everything for a good cleaning. Well, being the "spirited" child she is, she started jumping up and down nearly knocking her head on the faucet. I can't believe I gave her one last warning but I did because I know how much she LOVES bath time (and she's the second child?). I knew she would break the rule again so I prepared for the worst and got a towel ready. Sure enough, she dove again (head fully submerged) and came up sputtering and burped a very loud burp. I told her I was disappointed in her bad choice and reached in to take her out.

Not easy.

Roxy is feisty. Within a nano-second, her body went rigid and she did EVERYTHING she could to keep her legs and feet in the tub. I used all my strength to pull her out and couldn't believe her determination. Of course she was also screaming at this point. When she realized I was winning the battle, she stayed stiff as a board but started screaming so loud I thought the neighbors would surely call Child Protective Services. I wrapped her in a towel, held her close and walked her to the living room for our "talk." She knows about our talks now. Pretty much, I just talk to her and replay the scenario verbally to remind her why the situation happened the way it did. I keep my voice quite, even sing-songy, and remain as calm as possible in a completely chaotic moment. It usually takes her a good 5 minutes to settle down. This time was no different except for the sound that came out of her. I really can't even describe it. But it probably came pretty close to the loudest/worst possible shrill scream she is capable of giving. Sean just watched from the living room floor laughing. Had I not seen the humor in it myself, I probably would have called a lawyer tomorrow.

I gave Roxy her options: 1) To go into her room where she can cry on her bed but the door would be closed because we don't want to hear it or 2) Get into her pajamas, snuggle on the couch and read some books.

After some coaxing, she (thankfully) chose the latter.

All of this diving under the bath water makes me think perhaps she's ready to try swim lessons again...

Posted by sean at 9:52 PM | Permalink

Sean and I took the girls to the doctor's today to confirm what a test had already showed us weeks ago: I am pregnant! We were able to see the little one all cozy with it's heart beating so fast. Surprisingly,
s/he had arms and legs that were very active and it even looked like s/he was playing with the umbilical cord. We are 9 weeks and 4 days along.

We found out we were pregnant pretty much right away since my cycle is 28 days regular. When I realized I had missed my period (on February 19th), we were just two days late. Sean drove up to the store to get a test and two pink lines showed up strong within seconds of taking it. And within the next few days I was ill with "morning" sickness and feeling exhausted every day.

I am over the illness and fatigue for the most part and my belly has popped already! I refuse to go and buy maternity clothes again but, fortunately for me, the baby-doll style of clothing is in right now. I think I'll have to do a little shopping sooner then later as I am finding all of my shirts are already a little too snug. Heh.

Let me just say, whoever is growing inside of me really wants to be here. No details necessary, but we certainly didn't think we were having any more children. A wonderful surprise, indeed! And after seeing the little one wiggle and move today, Sean and I envision our future very bright (albeit a little chaotic) with three little ones in tow!!

Dillen and Roxy are SOOOO excited to have a new baby in the house, too. Dillen, especially, cannot wait to be a little helper. She keeps talking about how much she wants to hold it and feed it a bottle. :) I tell the girls the size of the baby weekly - comparing it to fruit. Last week it was the size of a blueberry and this week a grape. Roxy seems a little confused that there is a grape in my belly that will someday become a baby.

Posted by sean at 1:33 PM | Permalink

Dillen was invited to test for her yellow belt yesterday. She did a great job! Tomorrow night we go to the promotions where she should receive her new belt. Unfortunately, our video camera broke so I had to videotape with my small digital camera - between that and having Roxy all over me, the movies are pretty shakey. The first video is of her form demonstration and the second video is of her improvisational moves across the floor. She also had to show her breakaways. Sean, as usual, captured some very fun moments. :)

OrangeDemo.MOV

OrangeImprov.MOV

Posted by sean at 12:31 PM | Permalink

Sean had a head shot session this afternoon and, par for the course, Dillen volunteered to be his "sit in" to set up the lighting.

Posted by sean at 7:51 PM | Permalink

Dillen turned 5 yesterday. It's hard to believe, really. Kindergarten is so close - and I have a feeling time will start flying by even faster. We had a wonderful little princess party here at the house on Saturday - with a real, live princess even. Dillen loves the movie Barbie as the Island Princess and wanted Princess Rosella to help her celebrate. There is a lovely local gal who is seen at many of the parties we've been to - playing Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, etc. But Princess Rosella was not in her repertoire. So, I sent her the movie, a karaoke CD (because she is a wonderful singer and sings for the children, too) and a book to read to the children. She looked everything over and agreed to take on the challenge of learning a new character. She was fantastic and made Dillen feel VERY special that day. When she arrived, Dillen promptly introduced her to all of her friends. It was a very girlie party with lots of frills, flowers and bows all over the girls. Dillen's new boyfriend (as she calls him), Sage, was there. Sage was a perfect prince for all of the girls. ;) Princess Rosella sang, read the book, played games (including a fun shell hunt game in our backyard) and did a lei craft with the kids. She even helped everyone sing Happy Birthday and joined Dillen at the table for some cake. We then lined the kids up for some pinata fun and then said goodbyes. It truly was a memorable/magical birthday for Dillen - and me! Roxy now can't stop talking about how much she can't wait for a Belle party.

Yesterday, we took the girls to the Beach and Tennis Club to swim, have dinner with Grandma Barbara and play on the playground. Dillen LOVES the Club so she was delighted to spend her actual day there. :)

And the celebrations just don't stop! We will head to my dad's in Laguna Beach on Sunday to celebrate with my family then.

Sean took some great pictures. I will upload some soon, but in the meantime you can visit this link to view the online gallery he set up.

Posted by sean at 2:59 PM | Permalink