The Drawing of a New Bath

Fans, tonight represents the dawn of a new era at Raleigh House: the bambini bathed together.

Now, some of you may be thinking, "Wha. . .? I thought they did. . ." No, Fans. No. We tried some time ago and Clara thought it would be fun to bop her brother on the head with a sudsy hand, and thereafter, Our Hero was having none of his sister in the bath with him. Tonight, however, Julie was going to be flying solo and she told Ted she was going to give it a whirl. He said, "Good luck, and Godspeed," and high tailed it off, as Julie looked wistfully on.

BUT FANS! The bambini were ROCK STARS! Bathing beauties, if you will! Initially, Joe balked. Full throttle whining commenced straight off. Julie mused, as though to herself, "Well, I know Graham and Connor take a bath together. And Elise and Charlotte. And Eli and Emma.* They all have so much fun. I just thought you would have fun, too. . .Anyway, that's what we're going to do!" This last said with much bright, hip-hip-hoor-AY cheer! that accompanies such Parent-As-Steamroller Edicts. Joe sniffled his ascent.

So, we rolled into their room and got undressed. Usually, disrobing occurs in the bathroom so this, too, was different. Then, we rolled into the bathroom and everyone brushed his or her teeth. Joe does this all on his own now, save the toothpaste load. Usually, he insists on standing on the bathroom stool, but not tonight--perhaps because he was so distracted by the novelty of this whole operation. And then, of course, we rolled into the tub. Joe requested his "special toys," otherwise known as the Thomas the Tank Engine trio of Thomas (naturally), Percy (where Thomas goes, Percy goes), and Captain (the boat, and thus, apropos). Julie feared derailment was imminent when she said that special did not mean exclusive, and Clara would have to be permitted to play with whatever floated her way. Surprisingly, bubbles did not fly. Joe looked at her like, "Duh, Mommy." As if he hadn't just referred to them as "special." Whatever. We will concede the battle if we win the war.

Bubbles were pointed out, talked about, handled; Thomas and company were played with; Clara put the orange rings on her arm and foot; hair was washed.

All good things must end however. Clara wanted out first, which meant Joe wanted out. So they got out and then pattered into their room in their towels where Joe got into his pajamas on his own, while Julie got Clara squared away.

Then, we all pattered into the living room and read books. This was actually the trickiest part of the whole bit. Joe's books are too long for Clara; Clara's books are to basic for Joe. Clara thought it was a glorified playtime. Joe didn't, but is eager to show all he knows and must be held back so Clara can participate in your flap lifting, animal identification and noise making, and what have you, especially if she is going to understand that it's still book time and not free-for-all time. But we will get there.

And then we all pattered off to bed!--!!!!!

*Whether Eli and Emma bath together is actually unconfirmed, but desperate times call for desperate measures.