Little Miss Preppy K

Belize officially started DK! She wasn't scared at all and happily walked to school and into her classroom with Miss Polselli and Mrs. Holmes. Neither Brannon nor I shed any tears, we'll call it a success! She's continued to enjoy school and look forward to it everyday. Nana also started her on a chart and she gets ready BY HERSELF every morning! Including making her snack and getting her breakfast, what a big girl! She is Mayan's second mama and keeps asking me when she can pick her up (SCARY!!!)

In primary, she told her leaders that she had an announcement. So they let her go to the podium and she told everyone, that she had a new baby sister -presh!
She loves seeing Brighton during recess and walking together to and from school.
Belize started on a soccer team- the Yellow Butterflies. Brannon took her to team pictures and she had a GIGANTIC meltdown in the middle of the field in front of all the other parents and kids- she refused to get her pictures taken. When questioned about it later, she said she was too embarrassed to be seen in her uniform and the other kids would laugh at her (even though her team was wearing the SAME THING!) She didn't want to play her game later that day because, again, she didn't want to wear her uniform. She said in the car that she, "wished it were dark." We made her try it anyways, she scored the first goal and after that, she LOVED soccer!!! and can't wait til the next game. Too bad we paid a bucketload for those stinkin' pictures! I am trying to embrace my new title as soccer mom as I'm sure I'll have it for awhile. I really know nothing about soccer and even put her shinguards on the outside of her socks- guess I have a lot to learn. ;)

This is what followed the watching of the movie, "Rio".

Rio Bi Dio

When Rio isn't being a grumpy grumperson, he is a happy go lucky kid. Right before Mayan came he started pretending he was a baby in a high pitched voice so we thought we were done for, but turns out he is a pretty great big brother. He runs little errands for me like getting diapers and wipes and loves to kiss Mayan and sing her songs when she's crying.
We rented the movie, Rio and afterwards, as we were driving in the car, I hear him singing in the back seat, "Rio! Rio!" then to the same tune, "Belit name, Belit name"- I think he thinks everyone should have a song with their name in it!
His favorite saying is, "Holy Moly Waka Wolly!" I need to try and get it on video, think very EXCITED and high pitched!
He and Belize have started wrestling, which drives me crazy because its only a matter of minutes before someone is crying. I was worried for when Belize was in school but Rio has started doing imaginary play by himself and is quite entertained by animals and castles and marbles. He is so darling when he "talks" his little things.

Mom of 3? Seriously?

I've been pretty chill about the new addition to the # of children we have. I've felt rested, under control, patient, and relaxed.

But . . . . my mom left this afternoon and after almost 3 weeks of an extra pair of hands at all times, 24 hours a day- I. AM. TERRIFIED!!!! I caught a glimpse of the chaos yesterday as my mom and I and all the kids attempted the craft and grocery store. Not a long trip, mind you, but long enough for hell to break loose and me to practically sprint for the car to get home. All I could think of was, "how am I ever going to do anything without my mom?"

I'm pretty sure most moms go through a bumpy transition with each new child but hang on folks cause I'm pretty sure I've just stepped on a roller coaster who's brakes have been cut and there is no "finish".

HOWEVER, I am determined to gird up my loins and waddle into this new pond- to feel the splendor of the craziness , like the cool water in between my toes, embrace everything it has to offer- to laugh and say, "I love it!" I do love my kids, I just need to remember that when they drive me nuts and I've had no sleep. I guess I'll just have to pray. A. Lot.

Also- thank you Mom. From the most tender spot in my heart. Pretty sure you capture everything it means to be a mother. I love you!

Orientation

California's cutoff date for kindergarten is different, you have to be 5 before Dec. 2nd to start school. This differs from everywhere else in the country where you have to be 5 before school starts. After a lot of prayers, Brannon and I didn't feel very good about starting school at 4 even though we feel like Belize would've been able to handle it academically. Fortunately the wonderful school down the street offers an alternative called, Developmental Kindergarten. Pretty much its a pre-kindergarten year. Belize calls it "Preppy K" or "Kindergarten for 4 years olds". Unfortunately that means we will be doing the 8:15-11:37AM schedule for 2 years. Boo. Belize felt very special going to orientation with her Dad and already knows a couple kids in her class.

8 is great!

Maybe next year we can like eachother enough to get in the same picture- haha! (Dinner at "The Depot" followed by shaved ices and a quick stop at work (the hospital)).

(Picture from the summer of 2002- the summer of "the fling"), best summer of my life. :)

Probably starting the week before our anniversary, I find myself looking at Brannon in a different way. No, different is not the right word, more like- reflective. I notice how he's hardly changed since the beginning- still tanly handsome, boyish smile that makes me melt, his laugh that makes me grin. And how he has changed- his bike-shorts tan, his overpopulating grey hairs, his deep sleeping.

Brannon, remember for my 23rd birthday/1st Mother's day date when I was 2 months pregnant with Belize and still nauseous? You took me to that romantic italian place

on Ravenna (I don't think its there anymore). I can't remember what I ordered but it made me feel like hucking so, not even batting an eye, you gave me your chicken piccata with capers and Gorgonzola cheese? We both know that the chicken was ten times better than what I ordered but you let me eat the whole thing anyways. Then you gave me diamond earrings to celebrate becoming a mother (a complete surprise- which i LOVED!), which I later vacuumed up, which you found after hours of tediously searching through the dust bag, which were by then completely broken, then I told you I would have fixed them by a jeweler, which I am still planning on doing but until then I am keeping them in a "safe" place?

Brannon, remember this morning when you left 8 deep red roses (no tiger lilies in sight) in parchment paper on the table with a handwritten letter for me to find?

My point is, I lucked out. If I never have a lucky thing happen to me ever again, I will still be completely satisfied. Every year has been better than the last. I'm excited to start this 9th year with you, its going to be the best yet!

I love you sweetheart and I always will!

One BUSY week!

The Ortons had one BUSY week! Mayan- wearing the same dress that I met my Nana (my great-grandmother) in!
Double trouble times TWO! The commentary for my pictures isn't lining up right but this series includes meeting her Nana, Grandpa, and Aunt Sarah. Mayan's first bath, which she detested. Walks with Nana and Grandpa- and ice cream- and mickey mouse pancakes by Grandpa. Belize learned how to swim (we should have started using goggles a long time ago)!

Mayan- a birth day

Mayan- thank you for being my easiest pregnancy and coming easily and healthily into this world and our family- much appreciated. :) We all love you so much already and are so excited that you are part of our forever family!

The day before Mayan was born, I was feeling a little sick to my stomach so I stayed home from church and had a 3 hour nap (first give away). After church, we all just hung out, reading "The Friend" and listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Then we went to our friends, the Jagers for dinner, I had a few strong contractions while I was there, however inconsistent but mainly we just enjoyed the company of good friends. As soon as we got home though, it was a different story, I started to have more and more consistent contractions, so I took a bath while Brannon got the kids to bed and did the dishes. Brannon told the kids we'd be going to the hospital but they still went to bed like champs, then he moved them to the Nielsens to spend the rest of the night.

When we arrived at the hospital they immediately put us into a room because I had to get my Strep B antibiotics started. I was dialated to a 5 and since I had to be hooked to an IV anyways, I opted to have my epidural started. We settled in and things went on without a hitch. I think about an hour after being there I was dialated 8cm. Then the waiting game began, as they couldn't break my water until after 4 hours of antibiotics, so I'm pretty sure I waited 4 hours at a 10, Brannon and I took naps, laughed and ate ice chips. Finally the waiting was over and Dr. Bujor broke my water, 1 contraction later she crowned. Between contractions, Mayan's head bobbed up and down, the doctor asked if I was doing that- NO! That was all Mayan, she was so excited to come out that she was pushing her feet against my ribs. 2 more contractions and she was out!

Mayan Lina Rodriguez Orton born Monday,August 22, 2011- 8 lbs 2 oz (thank goodness she was 11 days early!) and 21 inches long.
Sweet little angel, fresh from heaven. She cried and cried (probably upset for having us delay her arrival). Since then she's been a perfect baby, of course she's not sleeping through the night but I can still dream can't I?

1st picture with her proud Papa.
Mayan loves to sleep with her hands curled up by her face, she doesn't scratch, and she is a very consolable child.
Her first visitors were Angie and Kelci, followed by a steady stream of lovely friends bearing treats (my friends know, I like treats! ;) (My mom's flight wasn't until Wednesday).
Belize and Rio anxiously waiting to hold "the precious".

Rio became a big brother . . .
and Belize is relishing her role as big BIG sister!

We only stayed one night and then headed home with a tiny carseat, and picked up some dirty kids on the way.