Hi Ya!

That's right! We've got our own little Karate Kid in the making right here. Paul wants to start early on ensuring Brigid will be able to fend off all the male pursuers in the future.

Paul's signed up for classes as well, so beware future dates of Brigid!

Seriously, we decided to enroll Brigid in a Karate school near our house because it's such a great way to not only get in exercise, but teach lifelong discipline, confidence and self-defense. I have to admit, I love the fact that it's not so "girly". It kind of balances out all the Barbies and *shudder* Brats that she obsesses herself with. I can't help but feel that little girl dance and gym classes (and "cheer" – yes I've seen 5 year old cheer classes) are half who's-the-prettiest-girl classes along with teaching any skills.

She's actually taken to it extremely well! I will never forget the class where the big, black-belt sensei (teacher) bellowed out to the class of 3-5 year old "now everybody drop and give me 10! Go!" I thought my delicate flower might wither into tears, but she dropped right on the spot and started doing push-ups! I didn't even know she knew how to do push-ups! Clearly I need to learn these techniques of the sensei…

Karate may seem more suited to our little wild child, Aidan, and since he's almost 4, he could be placed in the class. However, he still isn't taking directions well, and he's more likely to be climbing the walls than dropping and giving 10 of anything. He does need lots (and lots and lots) of practice at participating in class and following directions however, so we signed him up for…
Gymnastics!

He did his first class on Wed evening. I brought Brigid along with me and we watched as Aidan plowed his way into the room and interrupted the beginning of the class by running around the "circle time". The gymnastics teachers are extremely patient and kind, and just let him be his spunky little self. It was a bit distracting when they had to get him down off the balance beam (twice) and off the parallel bars, but they claimed they were happy to have such an eager little beaver full of energy in their class. Aidan rolled and tumbled for about 5 minutes, when he decided he was done and out the door he went.

UGH!

That's when we noticed the class was for 3-5 year olds, and Brigid was right here with me. I asked Brigid if she would go in with Aidan and help him out. Of course she was dying to participate! As soon as she went in the room, Aidan was right on her footsteps as always.

It was at this moment I suddenly realized that Brigid is the only person on the planet who can keep Aidan in line! She can do what none of us have been able to do and get Aidan to sit down and participate! Who knew? So now Brigid is enrolled in gymnastics as well, although she is almost 6 so a little big for this class.

This is where parenting starts to get expensive, isn't it?