First Ballet

Yesterday we went to Leeloo’s first ballet. Her dance studio was performing Firebird and a Midsummer’s Night Dream. We picked up one of her best friends, E, and wen to the matinee performance. The girls were so excited just to be in a real theater. 

Once the music started the chiquita was riveted. She was so thrilled to see the Firebird come out. I had to keep reminding her to keep her voice down! She would exclaim, “Firebird!”, “Prince!”, “Monsters!”. She also kept jockeying for the best position to see. It was so much fun to have her on my lap and feel heart heart beating fast. She truly loved it!

During intermission the girls got some time to play and talk about the show. They even made friends with the teens sitting behind us who were giggling at their questions.

By the middle of the second act, Leeloo was ready to dance. She kept whispering in my ear “I wanna go up there mommy”, “I wanna dance too!”. 

After the show we happened to win the raffle. The firebird dancer’s toe shoes and a private lesson! Hopefully they’ll let E come too! 

5/24/15

Mommy & Me: Dancing

Our first Mommy & Me adventure was swimming (which needs to be revisited soon), our second was dance. This is California, so water is abundant. The swimming lessons are a necessary survival need. Dance on the other hand was purely a mommy need. Leeloo loves to move and jump and jiggle, so I didn't have any worries about her interest, but her discipline was another issue. Luckily we began with a basic movement class and any participation (even if it was circling the class at mach speeds like a crazy child) was regarded as valid. 

The first class was promising, the chiquita seemed genuinely interested in mimicking the teacher. However, after the newness wore off, the class devolved from a dance space to a "let's run around and be silly" space. She's two. I didn't expect much more.

However, to my surprise, at the end of our lessons she knew some things. If you ask her what First Position is, her little feet mermaid out and her hands move up to hold an imaginary ball. She will then open to Second and do a little plie. She can also point and flex her toes and move across the floor on her tippies (while flitting like a butterfly). The chiquita even learned how to bow!

We are gonna take a dancing break (and return to swimming), but I can't wait until our next lessons to see what else sinks in!

Having tea in her new favorite ensemble.

On a colder day, taking baby to class.

Butterfly time.

Mostly she just puts the scarf over my head while the teacher dances with hers.

First position.

Break for some music time (on dress-up day - explaining the bee wings)

Finished with class - ready for the world!

Dance prepares you for everything.

Frozen

Frozen was the second movie Leeloo got to see at the theater (Despicable Me 2 being the first). She was super excited to be there with her brothers and her abuelita, but we were a little late, so instead of row seating we were at the far back right corner of the theater sitting two by two. She seemed fine sitting next to me and was really excited by her snacks, but as the theater went dark I realized that she was wearing her sparkle boots. The cute ones that have twinkle lights that turn on with every bump. She soon realized that we could have our own private disco! Mom fail.

The experience (despite the shoes) went very much like her first time. She sat for about half an hour, then wanted to explore a bit. We went in the lobby and wandered about, looked at movie posters and then moseyed back into the theater (maybe 20 min later?). Then after a bit she wanted to wander again, and sit with her brothers, and have more disco time, and look at the movie posters some more... Fairly typical behavior for my just 2 year old.

Since there was so much meandering I didn't think Leeloo particularly liked the movie. She had fun, but turn Tinkerbell on and she's zombied out into fairy land - complete attention. However, despite all the distractions, the music from the movie completely resonated with her. Everyday she brings me the iGuy and asks to watch Frozen songs. She'll start with "Let It Go", then "Snowman" and "Summer". Not only does she smile and dance, but she sings! Her whole being lights up and she loves it. Just one of the many highlights in our day.

One and a half

This morning at breakfast the chiquita banana ate a full kid's meal. One scrambled egg, bacon hashbrowns, avocado and wheat toast. The whole time she was giggling and saying "mmm, yummy!" It was fantastic and only one smidgin of the joy that she is at a year and a half.

Our days are a haze of the park and grocery stores. She loves water and the sandy beaches. She smiles and waves at everyone and is so very excited to see animals. The neighbors down the hall love how she squeals at their pet bulldog, "doggie! doggie! doggie!" she exclaims!

She is such a busy and curious girl. All day she plays and dances and sings and smiles. There is an absolute light that radiates from her and commands attention from so many strangers.

Her brothers may occasionally get jealous of her toys, but they still adore her and play every chance they get. They love to show her off and are so proud to introduce her as their sister. And she is equally thrilled with them. They are her own private jungle gyms, her comedians, her protectors. She has learned to quietly say goodbye when they leave and she jumps for joy when she hears them return.

Food is great fun. She is a snack-o-holic, eating all day long. We let her try everything, even the salsa when mama makes it spicy. Occasionally she makes a face or spits it out, but her palette is impressive. I'm sure there will be a day when asks for chicken nuggets and macaroni, but right now she's at my mercy.

Leeloo is so excited about the world that she doesn't want to miss anything. She is never really happy about having to sleep. Sometimes we're lucky to have a three hour nap during the day, but our night time ritual starts at eight and sometimes lasts until ten. Luckily she sleeps in (but so does mami).

Our house is overflowing with things. Most recent purchases (from a Craigslist shopping spree) include a mini play kitchen and a Tonka truck (which I have always wanted!). I swore up and down that I would never spoil her with material things, and here she is, spoiled with everything! I can't help it. Hopefully I can teach her generosity and kindness and help her to appreciate everything. If she becomes bratty and overindulged - I am in for it!

A year and a half! I am so lucky and thankful. I am savoring every second of our lives and enjoying it all.

At breakfast this morning - look at that empty plate!

She love to dance and spin (note the awesome Tonka truck!).