New day, new hair and potty training

I have waited for this day for weeks. I am finally getting my hair cut today. I know this is a petty thing to be so excited about in the grand scheme of things. But sometimes you just need a boost. They always say that a woman's changes in hair often correspond with changes in her life. Well, as we transition into law school mode, it is time to shorten the 'do again to something a little more manageable. Maybe I'll post some pics if I think about it this weekend.

AS for potty training, I had a rude awakening this week. Apparently, my Robyn is the last 2 1/2 year old in Little Rock to be potty trained. Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exageration. But we are getting ready to start her in dayschool and she must be fully potty trained before she can be in the same class with kids her age. She hasn't even started and she's behind! And here I was thinking that at 2 1/2 it was pretty standard not to be potty trained. So, being the attentive parent that I am, I bought this 'Potty Training in One Day' kit. Yes, I took the bait. It was featured on Dr. Phil and has a peeing doll. We have set aside this Saturday as 'The Big Day'. I am going to try to rush this process in hopes of bringing Robyn up to speed before school starts on Aug. 17 so that she will not have to go to the baby class. Please pray that 1. It works and 2. I don't scar my child for life. We played with the doll some last night and Robyn loved it. I hope we can make this a positive experience and spend some good Mommy/Robyn time together on Saturday. I'll let you know how it goes!

Vacation Days 3 thru 6

I'll give a brief synopsis of the rest of the trip. Obviously, we had a blast. There is no more precious thing in life than to watch children doing what they do best...being kids! We spent a lot more time at the beach this year, able to convince the girls they can go to pool any time but the beach is a special thing. Kiley met another five year old little girl and they played for the last two days of the trip. Big fun! Robyn loved the sand. Was not the least bit bothered by it.

My favorite day, though, was Friday, my birhday. I have probably spent more years at the beach on my birthday than at home. I love it! This year was really special. I took a picnic down to the beach and we invited Kiley's friend (Lily) to join us. We had sandwiches, chips, juice, and, of course, sand. It gave a new meaning to the word "sand"wich. Then, later that night, Brad had made reservations for us to eat at Fleming's Steakhouse. My Mom had bought a gift card for us. When we got there, the entire staff had signed a card for me and, although they did not sing, many came by the table to chat and wish me a Happy Birthday. It was nice to get the royal treatment.

When I get some time, I hope to post some of our pictures. Since returning, we have been furiously getting everyone organized for school. I can't believe it is time to buy school suplies and uniforms. In fact, Brad already has homework. He will start with "orientation" on Aug. 12 but will have assignments due during that week. So, we are gearing up. This is the thing we came here for. Although we have already been here for almost six months, it has flown by.

It was a great trip but I'm glad to be home. Vacations with small children tire me out more than anything else! Next steps, finish out school clothing purchases, buy shoes and supplies, and get the family ready for a new routine. Wait, does such a thing exist for our family???

Vacation Days 1 & 2

We made it to the beach! Yesterday was a much longer day than anticipated, but the girls did phenomenally. They were perfect the entire day! Even though it took us 13 hours to get here. When we got into town, we decided to stop for dinner before heading to the condo. As usual, Brad picked out a great restaurant. We had a relaxing sit down dinner (yes, after 13 hours in the car) at Tommy Bahamas. How, you ask? Because we ate on the patio which happened to open up to a huge green space grassy area. The girls ran and ran and ran until they collapsed while Brad enjoyed a Mojito and I a glass of wine. I know it sounds like hyperbole but it is true. So, we are off to a great start. The behavior gods have smiled on us.

Even today we are not paying for it. They woke up (at 7 am, blah) but were in great moods. After a simple breakfast, they headed to the pool with Dad and I went to the grocery store (alone!!!!). But after swimming and playing at the beach, we headed in for lunch and then they had 2 hours worth of naps. So, they are ready to go tonight! We will see how dinner tonight goes. But so far so good. After I got back from the store, I spent a lot of time on the beach. The weather is perfect. Breezy, 85 degrees, and no humidity. Again, the gods have smiled on us. Maybe they know this will be our last bit of relaxation for the next three years?? I am praying the next few days go as well as the last two have.

Tonight we go see Harry Potter! Thanks to Amber, our friend who agreed to come along as a babysitter, Brad and I will have some much needed together time this week.

Sotomayor

I have been intrigued by the Senate hearings with regard to Sotomayor. Brad and I have become particularly boring since moving to Little Rock. A relaxing night consists of getting the kids to bed so we can debrief on the day's current events. So, the last few days our talks have revolved around the confirmation process. I haven't been able to watch most of it direcetly. But I do read every few hours about how things are going on the Hill. I must say, I have been really impressed with Sotomayor's demeanor. She has remained collected and quick witted throughout the process. I understand that Republicans like Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jeff Sessions believe it is their God given duty to berate when questioning. They are making good on their committment to be the voice of dissention and rebuke throughout the process. And, for the most part, it is necessary to have such voices. Otherwise, there would be no need for the hearings at all. But what is most intriguing to me is that Sotomayor never lets her face betray her. I can't remember the last time I watched similar events take place on TV and the degree of drama from all parties was laughable. But Sotomayor is definitely not giving SNL any material this week. Graham and Sessions on the other hand....

How fresh it is to see someone maintain composure and defy letting personal attacks govern the process. Sotomayor's demeanor, although it doesn't make for good TV, sets a new tone for how we ought to handle ourselves. Furthermore, I am impressed at how she will not allow certain individuals to reduce complex issues into sound bites. For example, when asked about the issue of abortion she gave the following answer:

"I can't answer that in the abstract," Sotomayor said. "The question as it would come before me wouldn't be in the way that you form it as a citizen, it would come to me as a judge."

Some have accused her of avoiding giving her personal stance on the issue. But isn't that what she is supposed to do?? She is caught in a no-win situation with this issue. We want a Justice who will be unbiased, but we insist she give us an absolute answer to the abortion question. The question as it was framed was not one to test the legitimacy of her ability to judge, but rather to test the limits of her moral parameters. Those same moral parameters that are not supposed to influence her decision making! Hmmm? Her answer, in one sense, affords more levity to the issue than the Senators meant for it to. She is saying she must weigh each situation that might come before her with the individual respect it is due while upholding the law of the land. She didn't take the bait and I'm proud of her for it!

I think she will serve the bench well.

(for the full content of the AP article click here)