Another bathroom story . . .

A couple of people commented on my last post that they wanted me to share my embarrassing bathroom story (now I know who you are, Anonymous!). At the risk of not being able to show my face again, here it is.

Two years ago, I was playing the violin for a benefit concert in Oceanside, CA. There were a variety of performers there, and I was scheduled to play the theme from Schindler's List and Orange Blossom Special. I had to go to the bathroom but thought I could wait.

The performer right before me was a pianist with a comedic streak. He had the audience in stitches, and he seemed to be enjoying himself--I decided that I could risk going to the bathroom quickly without missing my cue.

I ran to the bathroom with my violin, but there was no counter to lay my violin down upon. So, the next best thing was to lie it on the tile floor in the stall, right in front of the toilet. I was afraid of the germs on the toilet seat, so I gathered up my floor-length dress and squatted above the toilet seat.

I'm not sure whether I was in too big of a hurry or whether the gathered skirts messed up my aim. But for whatever reason, I completely missed the toilet and peed directly on my violin!

With a gasp, I corrected my aim and finished the job. Then I picked up the violin and gingerly wiped up the mess with toilet paper. With a quick wash of my hands and a quick wipe-down of my violin, I was back in the concert hall in no time and still had plenty of time to spare.

The violin seemed no worse for the wear--but if you ever notice a faint smell when I play, you'll know why ;).

Here's a link to the performance right after "the incident." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylm7wnAQgwI

Bathroom stories

On Monday night, I was driving Jake, Maia, and Maia's friend Kylie home from their acting class. Somehow the subject of incontinence came up, and I remembered a couple of good stories!

When Jake was four years old, I enrolled him in a karate class. I was trying to find a sport that he was interested in, and karate seemed like a good fit for a conscientious little boy who didn't have much natural inclination for balls but could follow instructions really well. Little did I know how well he would follow instructions! At the end of the hour, I noticed Jake was standing in a puddle of his own making. "Jake!" I cried. "Why didn't you go to the bathroom?"

Jake, equally panicked, said, "The teacher told me I had to stand in ready position!"

****

One day, I was picking up three-year-old Maia from preschool. As we were getting into the car, Maia said, "Mom, I have to go to the bathroom."

"Okay, Maia," I said, distracted. I was in a hurry to get home.

A few minutes later, Maia said again, "Mom, I really have to go to the bathroom."

Okay, Maia," I said. "We're on our way home."

Maia didn't complain about having to go to the bathroom for the rest of the thirty-minute drive, so I continued home. But when I opened the car door to get Maia out of her carseat, she was completely drenched.

"Maia!" I said in exasperation. "You're sopping wet!"

"I told you I had to go to the bathroom," Maia said.

I realized I was completely to blame for this one. "You're right, Maia." I said sheepishly. "Sorry about that."

Cute girls, bad habits!

Lizzy and Jenny have been experimenting with their tongues, lately.

Yesterday, Jenny and I were coloring in a coloring book. I have a bad habit of chewing on my tongue when I am concentrating (much to the delight of my tennis teacher, who would take the opportunity to poke fun whenever possible!). I noticed I was doing that while I colored. I looked over at Jenny, who was also concentrating on her picture. And--wouldn't you know it--she was chewing on her tongue, too! There's got to be some weird gene for that!

Then today, Jeff took Lizzy and Jenny to the mall to get some dinner. While he was ordering noodles from Mongolian Barbeque, Lizzy took the opportunity to lick the metal, cafeteria-style bar all the way up and down the counter--until Jeff noticed and cried out in horror!

Cute girls, bad habits!

It's a . . . Girl!

I went to the Doctor, yesterday, and it is confirmed: We are having another girl! We are so excited!

I was a little worried that Jeff would be disappointed. He wants to have another boy, and one that will carry on the Cook name. But he was really excited to have another little girl, because he loves Maia, Lizzy, and Jenny so much. They're all so different, it will be interesting to see what this little girl's personality will be like.

It was fun to see the baby on the ultrasound, too. Even though she only weighs half a pound, it's amazing how all of her body parts are already developed.

We really like the name "Allie," but I'm not sure about "Allison." Could you call someone "Allie" if her full name is "Alicia" or "Alexis?" Are there any other good names that can be shortened to "Allie?" Or should we just name her "Allie?" So many decisions ;).

"Yo my best fwiend"

Sometimes being a mother is a thankless job. You have to rally the troops to clean their rooms, argue with them until they finally practice their instruments, and insist that their hair is brushed "all the way through." Sometimes you feel like you're in a battle of wills--and the goal is to see who is the most stubborn.

Every once in a while, though, you get one of those moments where you realize your kids actually do love you.

Today, I was carrying Jenny into the Ole Hanson pool in San Clemente to watch Jacob finish his swim team practice. Jenny was pointing to things and saying them. "Mommy, that's a twee." "Mommy, that's a caw." "Yes, you're right. Good job, Jenny." was my response. I was only half listening.

Then, all of a sudden, Jenny wrapped her arms around me and said, "Mommy, yo my best fwiend." The hug lasted only a second, but it was long enough.

Those are the moments that mean the most.

My Hor-Fed!

Lizzy is a three-year-old with a big vocabulary. But sometimes she'll say something that will help me to remember that she's only three!

A few days ago, Lizzy fell down and hurt her head. She held onto her forehead and said, "My hor-fed! My hor-fed!" As sad as I was to see her hurt, I couldn't resist laughing . . . just a little.

It's a . . . Well, we're not sure!

It's been a while since I've posted. That first trimester of pregnancy can really do you in. But I'm finally coming out of the fog.

We are so excited that we're having a little baby on March 9! When I was 11 weeks along, we got an ultrasound--and the technician said she "strongly leaned toward a girl." She said it's a little early to tell, though, so we're not sure. When I was in the first trimester with my last pregnancy, the Doctor said she was pretty sure Jenny was a boy ;).

Boy or girl, we are excited to have a new addition!