Happy Birthday, Emma!

Cassidy went to swimming lessons this morning, but skipped dance class in favor of her classmate Emma's birthday party.  It was nice to see some of her friends that we haven't seen this summer, and let the kids swim and play for a while.  Cassidy had a BLAST!!

Swimming in Emma's pool

Eating the delicious party food!

Floating on her back

Check out Emma's beautiful cake!

Happy Birthday, Emma!

Deja Vu

When I looked over the pictures I took of the girlz this morning, one in particular gave me deja vu.

Everybody knows my pregnancy with Cassidy was anything but fun.  Doctor's appointments, drama, shots, drama, medication, more doctor's appointments, more drama... you get the idea.  To keep my mind occupied with things other than pregnancy-related issues, I decided to make a video montage for Mama and Papa (known then as "Mom and Dad") for Christmas.  This was no small task and involved manually scanning hundreds of pictures.  It was the perfect project to keep my mind off the drama.

When I saw this morning's picture it immediately reminded me of a picture I'd put in the montage that was taken of me and Uncle Butthead when we were little.

Isn't this funny?  The similarities in posture AND personality are uncanny!!

Bomb Threat, Take 2

The girlz looked extra-cute wearing their new dresses this morning, so I took their picture.

I dropped them off at their respective schools this morning and was heading back toward town when two police cars and a fire car sped past me (going toward Big Girl School) with lights and sirens on.  I thought to myself, "Naw... it couldn't be... there was probably an accident" and continued toward the gym.

Sure enough, I was on the Arc Trainer when Big Girl School called to notify me there was ANOTHER bomb threat at the building across the street.

I called Sergeant Sexy and he said we should leave Cassidy at school this time, so we did.

But seriously, what's wrong with people?!?

Stop, Revise the Plan, Move Forward...

... Stop, Revise the Plan, Move Forward...

This week has been all about accomodating for the unexpected.  Very little has gone as planned, and I've gotten to where I'm expecting the next big surprise.  The last one was at 8:20 this morning, so we're due for another one any minute now. 

Note to the Universe: I'm due for a GOOD surprise this time, mmm-kay?

It started at 2:30 Monday morning when Sergeant Sexy woke me up to tell me his guts were broken and required medical attention.  He went to the ER and I spent the rest of the night watching Infomercials.  I see why the networks run those in the middle of the night.  In my sleepy, stressed-out haze, I actually felt like I wanted a Magic Bullet blender.

Monday was spent tending to Sergeant Sexy, having prescriptions filled and getting my hair done (there's always a silver lining!).  Cassidy went to the Virginia Aquarium with Nana and accidentally kicked a door with her right foot.  It looks like she'll lose her big toenail just in time to wear her beautiful open-toed pageant shoes.  Awesome.

Mama and Papa came over to stay with Campbell while I took Cassidy to pageant practice and Sergeant Sexy slept.  When we got home, Campbell and Sergeant Sexy were tucked in their beds asleep, the laundry had been folded, and the playroom was clean.  Hooray for Mama and Papa!!!

I drove Sergeant Sexy to have an ultrasound done on his guts yesterday.  He walked up to the registration desk and said, "I'm here for an ultrasound".  I felt like he could have been a bit more specific, so I took it upon myself to clarify... "We're so excited!!  We're hoping for another girl!"  Sergeant Sexy was not amused at my hilarity.

I spent the afternoon consulting Dr. Google and trying desperately to keep up with work.  Since Cassidy was at cheer tumble last night, I took Campbell to dance class.  She was grumpy and didn't want to participate. I was shocked.  She was an angel in last week's gymnastics class and LOVES to dance.  Strange.

Things looked like they would almost get back to normal this morning.  I took Campbell to school with no problem.  When we got to Cassidy's school, we discovered there had been a bomb threat called in on a county building.  This particular county building is extreeeeeeeeemely close to Big Girl School.  Fantastic.

I knew there was no bomb.  I was certain of it - the real bombers never call ahead, but the people who don't want to go to school/work/court/whatever DO.  The Evil Empire gets bomb threats all the time and it's rare for them to even evacuate the building.  But considering the week we've had, do you think I left Cassidy at school?  Hell, no.  She went to the gym with me and then spent much of the day watching TV with a broke-down Sergeant Sexy while I worked.

This week could have been better.  But it could have been way worse, too... so I'm thankful for the craptastic week we've had so far.

Campbell at dance class pretending to be a cat.

Hello, my name is Princess Grumpy Pants.  Don't let my smile fool you.

Cassidy with her stunt partners at cheer tumble.

She LOVES to be the Fly Girl!

Swimming in 100+ Degree Heat

We waited until the evening to take the girlz swimming yesterday.  I was hoping to take them to the indoor pool at the Y, but Campbell's nap ran long and we missed out.  We headed to the neighborhood pool after dinner instead.

Heat is a funny thing.  The pool water was so hot, it really didn't feel all that refreshing.  It actually felt better when we got OUT of the pool!

Campbell tried out her new Michelin Man swimsuit and Cassidy finally jumped into the pool without her floaties on.  Mary Grace and her family were there, so we got to catch up with them and Campbell didn't freak out the entire time we were there.  It was a good evening!

She's so cute when she's asleep!

She wasn't sure about the swimsuit.  She dealt with it, but wasn't thrilled.

All smiles!

Cassidy was there, I promise.  It wasn't until I was looking at the pictures today that I noticed there were none of her.  Oops!!

Pageant Hair Practice

We've had a long week, so this afternoon we took it easy and practiced pageant hair.  I'm no hair stylist, so it takes me longer than it might take somebody else.  Everyone at The Nerdery knows the importance of testing, so we invested time this afternoon running a few test cases.  This is what we ended up with:

1. Opening Number - Hair flat ironed straight, pulled to the side.  I'm going to use a different Hair Pretty than the clips in this picture... probably a bobby pin with a sparkly thing at the end.

2. Sports Wear - Hair in a simple pony tail with her Upward Hair Pretty

3. Formal Wear - Hair curled and pulled up high with a sparkly rhinestone Hair Pretty.  This one will definitely be the most difficult for me!

Where's Campbell?

Campbell and her friends made Mardi Gras masks at school this week.  Campbell LOVES hers, and has worn it at least once every day since it came home.

Pageant Princess

Cassidy went for her final dress fitting this morning. I brought her new crinoline slip, white sash, and fancy shoes with us so we could get the full effect.  Her outfit came together quite nicely, and she looks adorable.

Since we've been running non-stop all week and it's supposed to be a million degrees outside today, we're going to take it easy this afternoon and practice on her hair.

I can't believe the big day is almost here!

So Disappointing

Campbell has been dying to take gymnastics with Cassidy forever.  I let her try the Parent/Toddler class at Cassidy's old gym about a year ago, but she was just too young.  She was far too interested in what Cassidy was doing and kept breaking away from our class to run over to Cassidy.  She was only 14 months old at the time, and the class was intended for children 2 and up... but it was worth a try.

It's been a year now, and we're at a new gym with a different class schedule.  Campbell asks to go to gymnatics every week as we walk Cassidy into the gym.  I always say no.

She's the right age for the Parent/Toddler class on Saturday mornings, but it conflicts with her Gymboree classes.  The next age group is Tumble Bunnies (3 and 4 year-olds), and luckily there's a class during the same hour as Cassidy's class.  Since Campbell is showing such a strong interest, we talked Ms. Sylvia into letting Campbell try Tumble Bunnies last night.

Campbell and I had quite a few heart-to-heart talks about behavioral expectations.  I didn't want her to ruin her chances of getting in because of behavioral issues.  I was very worried should wouldn't be able to handle it, but she shocked me and did FANTASTIC.  She was clearly the youngest and smallest in her class, but there were no issues with her running away or being disruptive.

Go Campbell Girl!!

Unfortunately, the teacher still said Campbell's not ready for Tumble Bunnies.  She wasn't disruptive, but she couldn't follow some of the commands without being shown what to do.  Bummer.

I'm so disappointed for her.  She looked adorable in her leotard, and I wish I had a picture of her to share.  I was running late yesterday and walked out of the house without the camera.

Double bummer.

Enter The Dreaded Wardrobe Opinion Phase

We've now officially entered the Wardrobe Opinion Phase with Campbell.  Cassidy went through this same phase, and it was a doozy.  I remember pleading with friends for advice on dealing with Cassidy and her stubborn opinions.  Some mornings were okay, but the ones when she cried all the way to school were horrible.  Remember the Twirling Dress?!?  I'll never forget it, or the morning she freaked out because I made her wear a t-shirt under it.  Thank God for Ms. Grashaun.  Cassidy never would have survived the twos or threes if it weren't for the unconditional love and unending patience of Ms. Grashaun.  To this day, I'm still in awe of her and feel blessed beyond measure that she calls me her friend.

Anyway, Campbell has entered the dreaded phase.  Today was Splish Splash Day at Cassidy's school.  Campbell's school was having Mask-Making Day - thus no need for swim wear.  For some reason, Cassidy refused to wear her bathing suit to school and Campbell insisted on it.  It figures.

I've learned to pick my battles, and didn't argue.  Campbell found her Jasmine two piece and put the top on.  I figured if we're doing this, we're doing it right... so I pulled out the cute little swim skirt that goes with it.  She refused to wear it and went to school wearing her swim top and khaki shorts.  I gave a regular t-shirt to her teacher in case she wanted to change. 

I'm determined to ride this out without losing my mind this time.  We can do this, and this time around I have the benefit of experience.

Campbell's idea of "cool school clothes"

She wanted to bring along her empty M&M container, and found a creative spot to carry it.

She called it her "pocket".

Evil Empire Day

In looking back at the events of yesterday, I'm hard-pressed to call it a fun day.  It was supposed to be a super-fun day, and parts of it were.  But when summing up the day in its entirety, it wasn't super-fun.

Yesterday was Evil Empire Day at Kings Dominion - FUN!!  The girlz got to bed somewhat late Saturday night, but we were packed up and on the road by 8AM.  The park opened at 10AM, and we spent a good amount of time waiting to walk through the metal detectors and standing in the line to have our diaper bag searched.

We had the girlz measured and got their arms properly marked.  The kid area didn't open until 10:30AM, so we waited in the shade beneath the Eiffel Tower.  The day was shaping up nicely.  Sadly, it wouldn't last.

While we were chillin' in the shade, ADT called and said the alarm on our house had been triggered.  While I was trying to deal with that, Campbell decided she didn't want to sit in the stroller anymore.  She was screaming and trying to escape while I was doing my best to have an adult conversation with ADT.  Thanks, Campbell!

Once the kid area opened, Cassidy made a beeline for her favorite ride.  Campbell flipped out because she wanted to ride too, but she was too young.  Sergeant Sexy escorted Cassidy through the line while I tried to calm Campbell down.  When Cassidy's turn came around, she couldn't find her favorite color car and promptly burst into tears.  She refused to ride and ended up losing her turn.  It was shaping up to be a craptastic day.

Sergeant Sexy and I decided it was time to take a breather and eat lunch.  We found an indoor eatery with a nice, cool temperature and plenty of room to park the double stroller.  Once the girlz had a chance to cool down and get their bearings, the day got better.  Cassidy rode a bunch of rides, and we all took a spin through the Treasure Cave.  Cassidy and I even rode a little roller coaster!  We put swimsuits on the girlz and let them splash their way through Snoopy's Splash Dance, and we all rode the Old Fashioned cars together.

Once we'd had our fill of Kings Dominion, we headed to Jamie and Kristen's house for a cookout.  The girlz were THRILLED to see them!  We ended up back home at 10PM and the girlz were in bed at 10:30PM.

It was rough getting up and out the door this morning.  Very,very rough.  Check out the pictures from yesterday!!

Campbell wasn't sure how to feel about driving to Kings Dominion...

But Cassidy was definitely excited!

Campbell watched Cassidy get measured and decided she needed to be measured as well.  Cassidy's wristband was green, and Campbell is so short she doesn't need a wristband.

Cassidy on the baby swings.  Campbell wanted to ride with Cassidy, but kept chickening out at the last second.

She did the same thing with the cars.

Campbell did enjoy the break from the heat at lunch.

This picture was taken after the second round of Snoopy's Splash Dance.  I didn't realize I would come out of it soaked to the bone.  I also didn't realize it was too humid for my clothes to dry on their own.  For the first time ever, I was thankful there was a Wal-Mart close by!

Cassidy on the Old Fashioned cars

Campbell on the Old Fashioned cars

We stopped by the 7-11 and got Slurpees on the way to Jamie and Kristen's house.  Campbell fell asleep mid-slurp.

The girlz with Aunt Kristen

Cassidy and her favorite buddy, Uncle Jamie... you can actually see the humidity!!

Pageant Fitting, Take 2

We went back to the tailor shop to pick up pageant dress #1 this morning, and while we were there we dropped off pageant dress #2 for alterations. 

Cassidy looks precious in her Cinderella dress, and the alterations are going to make it fit perfectly.  Mama and I both agreed the dress looks a bit droopy, but that's nothing a little eBay can't fix.  I've ordered a crinoline slip to go under the dress that *should* make it poof just right.  I also ordered a new sash because I wasn't wild about the one that came with it.  I can't wait to see what it looks like when we've put it all together!! 

Getting pageant dress #2 taken in

She's so excited!!

Mama and Cassidy

So once we take this...

Replace the sash with this (the bow goes in the back, ya'll)...

And poof it out with this...

... we will have made this pageant dress all our own.  Total cost for both dresses, both sets of alterations, a replacement sash, crinoline slip, and fancy silver shoes?  $119

Time and gas spent selling pageant program advertisement space, scouring the internet to find what we need at the right price, reminding Cassidy not to answer her interview questions in a robot voice, and chauffeuring her to practices?  Who knows?!?!

Giving my daughter a life-long memory while watching her bloom into a beautiful young lady right in front of my eyes?  PRICELESS

Our Two Princesses

Over the last few months, Campbell has started showing an interest in the princesses.  This comes right on queue, as Cassidy's shameless obsession with the princesses started right before her second birthday.  Dora and Elmo are still Campbell's favorites, but the princesses are quickly turning her Top Two into a Top Three.

Isn't she beautiful?

In other news, Cassidy's new pageant dress came in!

Another Evening Swim

We went swimming again tonight after dinner.  I was all excited until we got to the pool and realized Campbell was having an off night.  She fussed and cried 80% of the time we were there.  She has no fear around the water and doesn't appreciate being corrected.  She wants to do what she wants to do and get frustrated when you don't play along.  Pair that with my hyper-vigilence around the water, and you can see why Campbell wasn't happy.

On the other hand, Cassidy's doing a great job with her swimming.  Either the swimming lessons are paying off, or she's just growing into the idea of swimming.  Either way, I like it!

I think this could possibly be the most pitiful picture I've ever taken.

Look at her go!

Why Did The Cow Cross The Road?

Because he wasn't inside the fence with his friends and he didn't know any better?

Because he wanted a better look at the Silver Bullet?

Because he wanted to eat my babies for breakfast?

I'd love to know, because that cow scared the mess out of me.  Yes, I almost hit a cow this morning on the way to Cassidy's Big Girl School.  I'm absolutely serious.

We were zipping past farms and barns and Country Stores minding our own business.  The cow was standing beside a fence hanging out with his friends, so I didn't notice at first he was outside the gate.  I think something giddy, like "Look, Girlz!  Cows!" came out of my ignorant mouth.

When the cow turned and looked at me, I knew we had a problem.  And it only got worse - that dummy started running parallel to my car, just like a dog would.  He ran into the road, but I got past him without incident.  Who knew cows were so dumb?  Certainly not me.  The food chain has taken on whole new meaning.

After dropping Cassidy off at school, I took Campbell to the doctor for her post-op follow-up.  She did a better job at keeping herself busy than last time, and there were no meltdowns.  Dr. Eyeball gave her two thumbs up and we have an appointment in a few weeks to remove the tubes in her tear ducts.  Success!

She found a new favorite activity.  Dr. Eyeball's exam chair has a little stoop wide enough for her to stand on.

It sits about 4 inches off the ground, just high enough for her to practice jumping.