Our Starlette

We've been told many times that we should get our kids into the entertainment industry. Our usual response is to say "Thank you" and smile at the thought of seeing them start modeling or being an extra on one of Disney's sitcoms. We will not deny that we believe our children are gorgeous and talented! After all, as parents, we are completely biased! But when I think about our girls standing in front of strangers, and being asked to perform, I envision them grabbing on to my leg, shaking their heads profusely and hoping to disappear behind me. They seem so shy, and the last thing they want is to have a spotlight shining on them.

So, on Father's Day, we were walking around the Irvine Spectrum, heading over to the pet store, when we passed by this lady with her adorable, little white dog. I pointed the dog out to Gaby and urged her to say hello. Too shy, she wouldn't utter a word. The woman stopped and let Gaby have a closer look at her dog. She proceeded to talk to us, and commented on our girls. She gave us her card, and encouraged us to call and set up an appointment to visit her work place, ICT (I C Talent). As usual, we smiled and thanked her for her compliments and went about the rest of the day.

This time, we did more than just giggle at the idea and fantasize about seeing Savannah play a younger version of Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place. We talked about it a little more seriously and decided that it wouldn't hurt to go and see what ICT was all about, and see where it would lead. I called and set up an appointment. Wednesday night, pictures of each of the girls in hand, we drove to ICT and sat through a presentation about the school. It was hard to really listen and pay attention with Nina walking back and forth between parents, siblings, and strangers. Savannah and Gaby were both getting restless and hungry for snacks they were eyeballing in the vending machine. When the kids in the audience were called up to participate up front, I tried to urge the older two to join in, but they shook their heads.

I took the girls for a potty break and by the time we came back, the room was almost empty, with a few families gathering their things together and disappearing into three rooms. We waited for our turn. We were there for almost two hours. The kids were okay as long as they got another round of snacks from the vending machine while watching a movie on the big screen.

It was finally our turn. I think we were one of three more families left waiting. We walked into Helen's office. The video camera was on, taping us as we introduced ourselves and settled on to the couch. Nina did not waste her time and moved on to exploring the new room. Savannah, taking on her big sister role, went after Nina making sure she was behaving herself. Gaby sat down on the couch and was fascinated to see herself on the TV, and started to admire her very pink tongue (colored by a handful of strawberry fruit snacks).

Helen interviewed Gaby first. I tried to help refocus Gaby's attention to Helen's questions. She was too interested in seeing herself on TV. It was hilarious what she was doing and saying. She did sing Helen a couple of songs. I had to stop her abruptly when I realized she was about to start singing her "I REALLY LOVE TO FART" song.

The rest of the interview was focused on Savannah. She did well answering Helen's questions and talking to her. She was still taking in the situation and the environment, trying to figure out what she was doing there. She was not quite ready to "come out of her shell". She was soft spoken repeating lines Helen would give her. Last of all, she didn't want to stand in front of the camera.

Gaby and Nina have a 6 month wait, mostly due to age and development and available work in the industry. Helen encouraged to put more of our focus right now on Savannah. She wanted us to come back the next day for a evaluation and final interview. She sent us home with a few lines to go over with Savannah. The main purpose for the evaluation would be to determine if Savannah was coachable, not to see if she could memorize the lines perfectly.

Our heads were dazed with all the information and talk of the possibilities. We went home not quite sure what to make of it all. If ICT could help develop Savannah's skills and bring out her personality and confidence, and she actually gets into the entertainment industry, there are so many benefits she could have in her near and distant future. Our main concerns are that she enjoys her classes and finds fun and enjoyment in her "jobs". We would also like to keep her grounded. Whatever financial gains she makes sets her up for college--and can help her sisters too.

We went back the next evening and watched our little girl shine for Dawn, one of the teachers at ICT. Whatever Dawn asked her to say and do she did. Gone was our shy little girl. We've never seen her warm up so quickly, especially to a stranger. Who knows what her future holds. We can only pray that God continues to be the shaper of our sweet girl, and that He be the director of her path. We signed the papers and she starts her classes at ICT on July 17th. We are excited to see her tackle this chapter in her life with as much drive and enthusiasm, and most of all joy.

Here are the pictures we shared of Gaby and Nina--they all are our shining stars!

Isn't She Lovely!!

During the latter part of my pregnancy, I've had a feeling that Serafina was going to come early. My body felt heavier, and by the end of June, I was already carrying her pretty low and stretched out more than I thought was possible. Still, she didn't come out on June 26th, despite all the prodding and nodding of approval from both Robert and myself. After watching the fireworks show in Tustin, I even declared that it would be perfect for her to make her debut. She didn't budge. I did have more and more contractions during the week, and I knew something was different when I was feeling them moving from my belly and going down.

Wednesday, at 3:45 am, I woke up with the same painful contractions. This time, they felt a little worse. I tried the usual. I drank some water and shifted which side I was sleeping on. They weren't going away. I woke Robert up for his iPhone, which has a Contraction Calculator application so I could see how far apart they were coming. 6 minutes. 4 minutes. 3 minutes. 5 minutes. 3 minutes. I got up. Having showered earlier, my hair was a crazy mass on my head, and I decided that since I had a while before leaving for the hospital, I was going to do my hair. Yes! Call me crazy, but there I was in the bathroom, straightening my hair and dealing with contractions coming in every 3 minutes. I did wake Robert up to tell him that this was it! Serafina was coming! I still managed to get dressed and finish putting on my makeup while he took my hospital bag to the car and wake up a little more. I calmly woke my parents to let them know I was having contractions, and that we were leaving for the hospital. Oh! How I wanted to stop by Starbucks and get a caramel frapp and a pastry on the way to the hospital, but I'm sure my doctor and the nurses would have frowned at me for that decision.

We arrived at the hospital by 6 am, and were admitted right away. Dr. Hagadorn was called. I was hooked up and monitored. Went through the questionnaire while enduring more contractions. The best thing the nurse told me was that I was going to get something to stop the contractions because I was already 3-4 cm dilated at this point. THANK YOU!!!! I couldn't take any more waves of pain. I might have started crying if I had to feel them for another hour. I had my blood drawn at the same time they were trying to find a spot to insert my IV.

Dr. Hagadorn was ready to get things going by 8 am. They moved me to the other room and prepped me for surgery. As my legs started to tingle and go numb, I remember thinking what a terrible feeling it is to not be able to move a part of your body no matter how hard you try. My only consolation was that I would be pain free for a good number of hours. My surgery didn't take long. Pressure here. Pressure there. I could feel them pulling, and pushing down on my belly. More pulling. They told Robert he could get up and get ready to get that perfect picture. Then I heard that most beautiful cry! Serafina was out! What a precious sound. Her cry, greeting the world. I was still shielded, waiting to finally meet my little one.

Serafina Luz Virtucio Medina
Born on July 8, 2009 (they called it "Lucky 07-08-09")
9:09 am
6 lbs 9 oz
18 inches long

So tiny. So beautiful. Look at her long fingers. Tiny little toes. All that hair! So beautiful. I love her!

Stitched up and going to recovery. Robert and I were exhausted by then. Robert was starting to feel the loss of sleep, and I was just worn out from dealing with the contractions and birth process. I looked at Robert while he sat holding Serafina and said to him, "And to think I really did say just a week ago: Wouldn't it be nice to have a little bit of the natural birth experience? To go through the "surprise" and having contractions tell my body that the baby is on her way? Not as far as having my water break, but to at least make it to the hospital before that happens?" HAHA! Be careful what you think about when it comes to your ideal birth story, right??

I definitely got the birth experience. At least as much of it as I can handle. We are so thankful to be blessed with another beautiful little girl. Pray for us as we continue to seek God and His wisdom in raising our daughters.

One Tough Day

Today was just rough. I got charts for each of the kids, and was attempting to start Gaby's formal potty training this morning. I guess it wasn't a good day to start that, and she's not quite ready for such a formal rewards "program". She was fine to sit on the toilet the first time and was excited to get a sticker for doing so. Unfortunately, the sticker is reusable and cannot stick on where she wanted it...her hand. Putting it on the chart made it worse. Then I decided, since she wasn't ready, that I should just remove the chart (out of sight, out of mind). Sad to say, it wasn't out of mind yet, and she came back to the bathroom and screamed even more when she saw that it was gone. It was downhill from there. Couldn't get her dressed. She kept trying to tear her dress off. Finally got her into something she did like, only to end up hitting Robert with a very heavy compact mirror that I've had back when we were just dating. The crying was on and off for 3 hours. We completely missed church, and she ended up falling asleep in the middle of her crying. Robert was worn out too, so there they were both asleep just past out bedroom door. We also missed breakfast, so by the time she woke up, and in a much better mood, I was super cranky and hungry. We ended up eating lunch at Soup Plantation, and even got her to sneak in a one hour nap while at the grocery store. Then another tantrum started once we got home because she wasn't quite ready to wake up, and wanted only Daddy to undo her carseat buckles. Crying was on and off again for an hour. Thankfully, things calmed down more and we were able to enjoy a good number of hours without any more breakdowns. Yes...today would be one of those days you just want to crawl back into bed and start over again.

Happy 4th of July

Our Saturday started out busy as usual, having the girls help me make pancakes in the morning. I don't know what would happen if I ever decide to change our breakfast menu to something else other than pancakes!

After breakfast, we got ready to enjoy our little Mommy/Daughter and Daddy/Daughter dates. We've been noticing how much the girls have been seeking to us out individually for attention of any kind. Since Savannah and I seem to be missing our quality time with each other, I took her to do a fun art project for the 4th of July at Lakeshore. Robert took Gaby for a horsey ride at the Spectrum. We all had a good time bonding with each other, and just having a more focused time with our dates.

The rest of our afternoon was spent grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, running around the backyard and taking pictures, and relaxing. We ALMOST had a late afternoon nap, but the girls were a little restless and anxious to get on the road to see fireworks. It was no surprise that within our 15 minute drive to our destination, both of them were fast asleep. We let them snooze for about an hour, and later woke them with a smidge of a meltdown just before the fireworks began. As much as they both protested being woken up, I am sure that they were both glad they did not miss out.

It was a treat to watch their eyes light up whenever the sky lit up and "boom" of the fireworks echoed in their ears. Every once in a while, Gaby would "ooh" and ask her doll Charlie, "You like it, Charlie?" Savannah would also point out how much she loved the pink and purple fireworks. I love fireworks!! I am so glad to be able to share my excitement and love for it with my girls. One of these days, I would love to take them to see a fireworks show with the orchestra playing along. Now that would be perfection!

My Little One Prays

For a couple of months, it was a huge struggle to get Gaby to participate in praying or even be tolerant of us praying. It must have been a phase because she is now back to reminding us to pray, praying along, and even volunteering to lead us in prayer. I love hearing her little voice echo my words as we talk to God about our day and give Him thanks for all the things He has blessed us with. Many times, she even interjects her own thoughts and prayers for others who we may have forgotten or for whom she feels strongly in heart needs to be prayed for.

The sweetest sound for me this week was when we were praying before lunchtime on Wednesday. My friend, Kristin, and her 1 year old daughter, Mackenzie, joined us for lunch and a playdate and we were sitting around the table getting ready to thank God for our food. Gaby decided she was going to go ahead and start, with a little help. Savannah later chimed in for God to bless people in our family. Mackenzie also joined in and shared a prayer of her own.

She Really Does Listen!

So...here we were, sitting around the table eating ice cream.

S: Mommy...thank you for taking me to see fireworks.
M: You're welcome, honey. I'm glad you woke up in time to see them.
S: Mommy...I was a little scared.
M: Did the "boom boom" scare you? I know that it can be pretty scary because it's so loud. But that's my favorite part. I love feeling the "boom boom" in my heart.
S: Mommy...Lola's heart goes "boom boom". How come Lola doesn't like salt?
M: Too much salt makes Lola's blood pressure go up.
S: If Lola's heart goes "boom boom"...
M: When it "boom booms" too fast?
S: I will call...
M: 9-1-1?
S: Uh-huh...
M: Nanas...you will make a great nurse someday!
D: She should just become a doctor! =)
M: Nanas...would you like to be a nurse or a doctor?
S: Mommy...I'm just going to be Odette (the princess from THE SWAN PRINCESS).
M: Hmm....then we better find you a prince!
S: No...I'm just going to be Odette.
D: I want to have a say in the state of affairs. I want to have power!
S: DADDY!!! (smiling, and half-laughing and quite serious) IF YOU WANT POWER, YOU NEED TO ASK GOD!!
M: Nanas, you are so correct! Daddy should pray that God would bless him with that!

We've had several conversations with Savannah about how wizards, and people who pretend to have power with the use of magic do not really possess great power. It is just magic, and nothing greater than that. Only God has power, and the greatest power of all. If we ever are in need of help and strength, because we know that we, on our own, cannot accomplish the task(s) at hand, we can go to God seek His help and strength.

God, help us to always be ready and prepared to take these teachable moments to share who you are with our children. As young as they are, they DO listen and hear what we say. They also DO hear and listen to what we don't say and model after attitudes we may not be aware that we are displaying.

Favorite Words and Phrases

Savannah:

1) Mommy, I'm Odette!

My reply: I miss Savannah! Oh how I wish she would come back home!

2) Mommy, when I grow up, I'm going to have a baby in my tummy just like you, and her name will be Georgia.

My reply: When you're married, and to a good man!

3) I'm going to marry Derek.

My reply: Derek needs to talk to Daddy and get his permission, ok?

4) Mommy, do you love me? Do you love me still? Are you proud of me?

My reply: I will always love you!! Whether you're good or being naughty, I will love you always! I am very proud of you. You
make me very happy! You are a wonderful big sister, and a great helper to Mommy!

Gaby:

1) I do it!! -- usually followed by "Caillou", as she pretends to be Rosie.

My reply: I do it, MOMMY.

2) Oh no! She sad! She crying!

3) I got it first!

4) No thank you!

5) Gaby too!! Gaby too!! -- sometimes we wonder if she thinks that is her name.

6) My shoes!!! MY SHOES!!!

7) No...not like that!

I love waking up in the morning to the sounds of Savannah and Gaby playing in their room. They have such great imaginations! It is a melting pot of all their favorite episodes of Caillou, Veggie Tales, Handy Manny, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Charlie and Lola, and Disney movies. I hear them interacting and playing roles as if in a play, taking turns directing each other.

Other mornings, I do wake up to the not-so-great sounds of screaming and arguing and crying. Even during these moments, my girls make me proud. With no one to guide them and give them the words, I hear them apologize and forgive each other. Thank you, Lord, for helping us teach them to seek forgiveness and forgive others.