Dillen passed her test yesterday and was invited into the next level class and given her Gold Belt this evening. She was so proud to achieve this level because it means a new class AND real sparring - with gear and all! Yep. My little Kung Fu Princess wants to spar... Ms. Zeno geared her up and, to my surprise, she did really well for her first time. She was brave but also very careful not to make contact with the students she was partnered with. She executed her three moves with good thought and understood the trade off well.

Roxy wanted to get into the action so the two of them enjoyed some playful pillow fighting and wrestling when we got home. :)

Posted by Rebecca at 10:13 PM | Permalink

Today turned out better then I could have imagined. Dillen LOVED school, her teacher, and meeting all of her new friends. This week's activities are focused on the ocean so she painted a cute fish picture and made a special hat for me. :) It seems lunch time was a success as well and she was able to open her fruit roll-up without any assistance. Heh. She is excited to go back and now doesn't want to go to Chicago (we are leaving on Wednesday for almost a week).

Roxy and I had a great time this morning together at the library. We had fun during story time (3 books read and songs sung) and then chose a few books to borrow. We also ran into some great friends of ours. After the library, we went straight to gym class where she was able to burn a lot of energy off. Fortunately, she didn't ask for Dillen once during our library time or at gym class. We left class a little early so I would have enough time to feed her lunch before picking up Dillen. She requested a camel-shaped sandwich just like what Dillen received. I was able to leave Roxy with Sean so I could completely focus on Dillen when I picked her up. This was a great plan since Dillen had lots to share as we walked to the car. Roxy screamed with delight when we walked through the door and she gave her sis a BIG hello hug.

A couple of hours later, it was time for Dillen to test for her Gold Belt. Though she was a little tired, she still did a great job. We were very proud of her. :) We celebrated this very special day by going out for sushi (her request!).

Tomorrow is another day of school for Dillen and then swim class afterwards. I need to really get Roxy to help me focus on cleaning the house before we leave for Chicago and we need to pack our bags. Perhaps I can find a fun way of making this happen. ;)

Posted by Rebecca at 11:25 PM | Permalink

Dillen is off and running. We woke up this morning (to an alarm!) and couldn't contain our excitement for Dillen's VERY FIRST day of school. It's a summer program called Ready, Set, Go! offered through the public school system. Never having gone to daycare or preschool, this is a very big transitional day... for all of us. Dillen was all smiles when she woke up and realized what day it was. My stomach was in knots though I had nothing but smiles for Dillen. Roxy had no real clue what all the excitement was about - only knowing we were going to be dropping Dillen off at school.

I packed her lunch (a peanut butter and jelly camel-shaped sandwich, an apple, yogurt covered pretzels, a fruit roll-up and a juice box), and was sappy enough to even take a picture of it (see picture below).

We arrived at the school a little early so Dillen could check everything out. We were able to meet her teacher (Ms. Rampino - adorable!) and then wander the halls before she was called to the black top with her teacher. Dillen knew a few of the kids on the black top but none were in her class. Roxy was excited to see some siblings she knew. After a brief assembly with the Principal and saying the Pledge, parents were asked to leave. Dillen QUICKLY smiled and said, "Bye mom!" Heh. Ummm.... yeah, OK. Really? I don't need to walk her to the classroom? I don't need to hold her hand or tell her, for the umteenth time, how to open her fruit roll-up? I don't need to triple check she won't be walking herself to the bathroom alone? I don't need to pick her up as quickly as possible and make a mad dash to the car changing my mind and choosing to home school her instead?

Nope.

She didn't even look back.

I at least had Roxy in my arms and Piper in my belly. We kind of walked parallel to Dillen as we walked back to the parking lot. Then all Hell broke loose.

Roxy: Where's Dillen?!?
Me: She's right there. Walking with her teacher.
Roxy: I want DILLEN!
Me: I know. But she's in school now and we will get to pick her up later today.
Roxy: DILLEN!!! DILLLLLLLEEEEEEENNNNN!!!

Dillen: Bye Roxy!

Roxy: No! Dillen's MINE!
Me: Roxy, would you like to go get a donut?
Roxy: Ok.

So, Roxy and I made a trip to Starbuck's for a coffee for me and a donut for both of us. The entire drive there Roxy kept saying, "I want Dillen!"

It's going to be a long morning with the little Peanut. But we are going to go to the library and then gym class in a little bit and then have a special lunch just the two of us before we go to pick up Roxy's, Dillen...

Transitions, indeed.

Posted by Rebecca at 10:25 AM | Permalink

Well, Dillen certainly had a busy week last week. I already blogged about her tournament but I never had a chance to catch up with news and pictures from her Del Mar Fair events. On Tuesday, she performed with the karate demo team on the Plaza stage and then on Thursday she changed gears and performed in her teddy bear dance at the children's grounds. Both events were incredibly fun and Roxy was the most wonderfully supportive sister through all of it...as long as she got a lollipop.

The demo team performance was a highlight because it was quite an honor for Dillen to be asked to join them. As you will see from the pictures below, she is the youngest. She played the role of a daughter who is with her mom at a bus stop where they are both attacked by thieves/thugs. Dillen had two rehearsals and did a great job - having a ton of fun with her team buddies. When I asked her what she liked most of all she said "teaching all the kids in the audience how to fight off bad guys." While she was on stage, overheard were two men watching and one said, "Look at that little girl kicking the *&%# out of him!" Heh.

The dance performance was bitter sweet. As I have mentioned in previous posts, Dillen was given the opportunity to choose just two activities to continue once school starts (her first day of summer school is tomorrow!). She had the option of choosing dance, karate, gymnastics or swim. She chose karate and swim. So, this past Thursday's dance performance at the fair was her last for a while. She rocked it, too. She hit all of her steps and, of course, added a ton of personality and character into her facial expressions and movement.

Video for both events will be coming soon. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures from the most amazing photographer I know, my wonderful husband. :)

You can see all of the demo team performance pictures HERE.

Posted by Rebecca at 10:29 PM | Permalink

Dillen was amazing this past Saturday at her very first karate tournament, Champions for Children. Truly. She was amazing. And I don't think I am saying that just because I am her mom. ;) When we got to the gym, it was HUGE and there were so many people. But she wasn't intimidated at all. In fact, she wanted to warm up and practice on her own before she took to the floor. She was part of the Cool Cats division (ages 3-5).

When her group was called to the floor, they walked in line to their testing area. Two judges were there to assist them through several group demonstrations. Then it was time for their solo moment. The judge asked if anyone wanted to go first and Dillen was the first to shoot her hand into the air. The judge called her forward, very official-like, and asked Dillen if she would like to perform a punch, punch, and kick. Dillen looked at her a little confused and shook her head. She said something but the judge didn't understand her. So, the judge moved forward (the gym was really loud) and they had a short conversation. After Dillen made it clear that she would like to perform her "form," the judge looked a little confused but allowed Dillen to proceed...

She did her form perfectly (approximately 30 seconds of memorized movement) and showed great respect to the judges when she was through by bowing and waiting for them to excuse her. The judge immediately went up to Dillen and gave her a double high-five.

Dillen was the only Cool Cat competitor there from her studio (about 5 studios were there competing). As each child got up after Dillen, it became clear to me why the judge was so confused when Dillen asked if she could do her "form." No other child her age knew that type of advanced movement. They all presented a punch, punch, and a kick.

ALL Cool Cats received a trophy (as it should have been) but Dillen came 1st in my eyes. :)

Next up is her performance with the karate demo team tomorrow at the fair and then she performs again at the fair on Thursday with her dance class. Next Monday she tests for her Gold Belt. She's one busy girl these days!

Posted by Rebecca at 9:26 PM | Permalink

Since I won't be celebrating Father's Day with my dad until July 6th, today was spent focusing on how much we appreciate and love Sean.

The day started off with a plate full of pancakes, fruit, yogurt and juice here at the house. (Have I mentioned how much I love Batter Blaster, yet??) Then the girls couldn't contain themselves any longer by keeping Sean's gifts a surprise so we all went to the living room to "watch" him open his new Tempurpedic pillow and a book made with love using IPhoto. I'd never made an IPhoto book before and was SO happy with the way it came out! 32 pages packed full of pictures of Sean with Dillen and Roxy (and some with me, too) and a "story" written by me. Sean was very touched and read the book aloud. Both Dillen and Roxy love looking at the book and seeing all of the pictures/reminders of fun times over the years with their dad.

While Sean went to shoot an engagement session, I took the girls to Dillen's rehearsal for her karate demo performance which will be this Tuesday at the fair. (I still need to blog about her very successful first tournament yesterday and how it came to be that she was asked to perform with the demo team - a team where no one is under age 13). We all got home around the same time and fortunately the clouds burned off. So, I packed a lunch and we grabbed all of our beach stuff and headed down for some more fun in the sun. It was such a beautiful day at the beach. Sean took Dillen out for some surfing fun, we all had lunch and then Sean and the girls dug a big hole near the waters edge and made a really cool drip castle.

Roxy was done after a couple of hours, so we showered off and went home. After about an hour at home we decided to take the girls to see Kung Fu Panda. A bucket of popcorn, a bag of M & Ms and a cup of lemonade later, Roxy was fast asleep on my lap in the movie theatre (and, fortunately, she didn't pee on me since she was diaperless!). Dillen's eyes were glued to the screen and Sean and I laughed out loud at several funny moments in the movie. Afterwards, we went to dinner at Sammy's and then came home.

The girls just had a much needed bath and are now enjoying Oswald. Bedtime is in about 10 minutes for them...

Today turned out to be a completely packed and fun-filled special Father's Day.

Life is good.

Posted by Rebecca at 7:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Posted by Rebecca at 10:43 PM | Permalink

Dillen has her first big Karate Tournament coming up this weekend. Here is a little video of her in class last week - as the Senior Student calling in class. She just earned her fourth stripe on her yellow belt so she will be testing for gold in a few weeks. Her sparring partner in the video is her #1 boyfriend, Sage.

:)

Karate.mov

Posted by Rebecca at 2:20 PM | Permalink

... and a kick and stretch, too. I can't get over how much Piper is moving. This is one of my most favorite things about being pregnant and Piper does not disappoint. I am even now able to look down at my belly and see her move! She feels long to me because of where I am feeling her - from just above my belly button to down by my pelvic bone. I was telling a friend how much she is punching and kicking and Dillen ecstatically interjected that Piper already knows karate. Lol.

Another good friend of mine gave me a small box of 0-3 month baby clothes and shoes that she won't need anymore (she has a 2 year old girl and a boy on the way). I brought them home and went through them with Dillen and Roxy. The girls were so sweet with the items - being gentle and helping me refold them after we looked at all of them. Roxy says she can't wait to push her in a stroller and Dillen can't wait to rock her and sing lullabies to her. I think I am going to have to fight off these two just to get some mommy-time with the wee one.

With Dillen heading off to Kindergarten (we officially enrolled her today and she loved the little mini tour of her new school) and with Roxy fully potty trained, drinking out of big girl cups and wanting to do everything herself... I need a baby! Fortunately for me, that is a mere 17 weeks away. Holy cow this pregnancy is going by fast!

Posted by Rebecca at 11:18 PM | Permalink

It was Fiesta Del Sol this weekend in Solana Beach and, fortunately, we did have sun. :) Last year's, and we've been told in years even past that, it has been known as Fiesta Del Fog. It was great... the first thing we let the girls do Saturday morning was ride the llamas. Roxy hesitated at first but when I told her I would hold her hand and walk with her she agreed to do it. After about 10 steps she didn't need me to hold her hand and after about 10 steps after that, she didn't need me next to her. She was all smiles. And Dillen was just happy to be in front as the leader. Then we took them to the rides section where Dillen enjoyed the Froggie (a kiddie ride that sent her straight up and down) which became her favorite ride. Then both girls rode the "Dumbo" ride (a circular flying elephant). Roxy kept her hands up almost the entire time and Dillen screamed just for the fun of it. We went back to the Fiesta this morning for the Fireman's Pancake Breakfast (which was really tasty!) and ran into many friends. The girls rode a "train" that toured around in a meandering path, then Dillen rode the Froggie once more and both girls rode "Dumbo" again. On our walk back to the park area, we ran into more friends (Dillen's 1st-in-line boyfriend, Sage) and, for $1, got to dunk a fireman in a dunk tank.

After the Fiesta fun I ran out to El Cajon to pick up a black swivel, recliner, glider chair with ottoman that matches our furniture perfectly and will be most excellent to have when little Piper arrives. Heck, it's most excellent right now! I love to glide/rock. :) It was a great deal offered by someone on Craigslist and beats the over $1,000 price tag on one I found at Baby Land!

This afternoon we hosted a birthday party here at the house for Sean's mom. It was a treat to have Sean's brother and his girlfriend join us, as well. Sean grilled chicken breasts stuffed with prosciutto, basil and sun dried tomatoes, grilled sweet potatoes with a honey, butter, lime glaze and asparagus brushed with a homemade lemon zest butter. For dessert he grilled fruit and we put it on ice cream. He really outdid himself and it was delicious! The girls had an action-packed day (weekend) and didn't get to bed until about 2 hours past their bedtime tonight. They were both out within minutes. :)

Posted by Rebecca at 10:47 PM | Permalink

Posted by Rebecca at 10:24 PM | Permalink

Sean and I were watching So You Think You Can Dance (one of my favorite shows) and our wee-est one was kicking up a storm inside of me. I took Sean's hand and put it directly over my belly button and he felt her kicking! This was the first time she was giving strong enough kicks to feel her from the outside. In fact, she's still kicking even as I type this! She's a good kicker but an even better stretcher. She stretches several times a day - often taking my breath away. She stays in a stretched position for a good 20-30 seconds and the pressure is indescribable. What a busy girl. :)

Posted by Rebecca at 8:30 PM | Permalink

Dillen has been successfully body surfing waves for a few weeks now but has wanted to try out a boogie board. The day was so beautiful it was screaming Beach Day. So, after a quick trip to the Surf Ride store to get a board, we headed down to catch some sun and waves. We packed the usual stuff - umbrella, blanket, towels, toys, camera gear, chair for me, Starbuck's iced mocha (for me), lunch, etc. Sean took a few pictures of us before we got the girls changed into their wet suits. Dillen was super excited to try out her new board.

Unfortunately, after just a couple of wave runs, Sean got hit just right on his big toe by the board and his nail popped up. Yikes! Dillen came running up to me and Roxy yelling, "Daddy's bleeding!!!" I walked out to investigate and after one quick look I said, "Honey, I love you more then you will ever know but I CANNOT help you with that. I can't even look it." I slowly started to back away and he said, "Yeah. I'm not sure what to do." I told him he needed to make a trip up to the life guard station. He did and they put a temporary bandage on it. Once he returned he was bummed to have to tell Dillen he couldn't take her out again. She was so sad so I said, "I'll take you out!" She said, "But you're pregnant." Hah! I assured her I could do it and took her out for a few more rides so she wouldn't feel jipped - Sean encouraged this btw. After about 10 minutes, we decided it was time to pack up and head to the Emergency Room.

Our total time at the ER was approximately 3 hours and the girls were absolutely amazing. In the lobby, Roxy sang songs from Annie to anyone who would listen. The nurses couldn't get enough and just kept applauding to hear more. One patient even said she was once in the entertainment business and that both our girls needed to be on television. Lol.

Fortunately, the room we were taken to had a little television and the movie Scooby Doo was on. It had just started so the girls were kept entertained for quite a while. At each commercial, however, they would hop off their chairs to check on Daddy's toe and see how it was coming along. There was quite a bit of preparation before the decision was made to jam his nail back into the bed instead of removing it. It will eventually fall off but it was savable for at least the next 2-3 weeks.

The first set of pictures below are from the beach, but once you see the picture of the Emergency building STOP if you have a queazy stomach. There is one that may not sit well with you. ;)

Posted by Rebecca at 9:11 PM | Permalink