On December 8th, 2012 at around 1 pm you had your Theatrical Stage Debut.
Actually, on December 8th at around 1:03 pm you had your Theatrical Stage Debut...because they kind of had to drag you on the stage.
You had been talking about this Dance Recital at your "school" for months. Every day you go to school (Thursdays and Fridays) we asked you what you did at school and you said "DANCE!"
For about a month leading up to the debut you would tell us about dancing and even show off a little bit for us at home.
You'd tell us how you would "rock out! rock out, man!" and "dance!"
We had no idea what to expect on performance day...and apparently neither did you! You were so excited to wear your costume and go to your "dance show." But, apparently no one mentioned to you that when the stage door was opened, about 50 people would be staring at you. So, you did what any normal person would do in that instance. You decided not to come out.
But, eventually they convinced you to come on stage. And we were so happy that you did!
I don't know what kind of expectations parents of 2-3 year olds have for a performance like this, but ours were so super met! You didn't cry, you didn't come running to us (both would have been acceptable too!). It was a beautiful disaster. I loved every second of it.
And then...costume change for 20 toddlers, two dances and about 40 minutes later, it was time for the grand finale. And this time, with a larger ensemble production, you decided to not even make it on stage at all. But, that didn't keep you from rocking out with your bad self. I saw you, in the wings, jumping, and dancing and just rocking out like a bad-butt rock star!
We'll work on getting you on stage for next year. But in the mean time, at least you had fun. You were really, really energized by the show.
Afterwards I asked you if you had fun, and you told me "Dance Show! Funny Kids!"
Backstage after the performance, a.k.a back in the classrooms, you continued the energy of the show by rocking out even more.
And then, you got to share a special moment with the Director of the show, and your favorite teacher, Miss Jessica. She was so proud of you!
Even your little sister got to tell the director how much she loved the show!
After the show, and post-show, you returned to your trailer, like a true star, for a little relaxing and a juice box.
Whether you made it on stage or not, you're our little rock star, Aidan. And, even though I'm extremely biased, you stole the show!
Wow, you blink for one second and suddenly your daughter's first Hanukkah has come and gone.
Julia, one of the virtues of having an October birthday is that you were born in a super cool month!
One of the drawbacks is that your first holiday season (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years) are kinda, well, uneventful for you. You're still a newborn, you know? So next year, your second Holiday season, you'll be a Holiday season seasoned vet, but probably won't know it.
So, your first Hanukkah was, like I said, a bit uneventful...for you! But not for the happy people who got to hold you, celebrate with you and just be with you. Heck, you even got some pretty cool gifts (diapers! rattles! chew toys! (baby kind, not doggy kind) dolls!
So...you may have been a bit concerned about all the fires being lit nightly.
But, I think every thing turned out quite well for your very first ever Hanukkah.
After all, you'll fight and win each fight you win, but you are only 2 months old!
Now, Aidan, this was your Third Hanukkah, and you definitely got the gist of it now.
Granted, when we told you what we were going to do, "Candles! Singing! Donuts! Presents!" You said "Happy Birthday!"
But, then we told you more and taught you a new one: "Happy Dreidel!"
Donuts!
Family!
Dreidels!
The Menorah!
Presents!
We Promise, you'll like them!
Fun fun fun!
And singing!
We had a lot of fun with both of you every night of Hanukkah. Sure, we got some pretty cool gifts, like a new water bottle, new sweater and books. But, you two are the only presents we truly want and need. And getting a smile out of you, or watching you spin like a dreidel, or sing your version of the Hanukkah prayers while playing with your new wooden menorah (l'shanah, l'shanah), or just watching you coo in front of the fire is enough gift for us for a hundred Hanukkahs. Every day is a celebration when you're a parent, especially of two lovely, creative, smiley, children like you. It's just not every day you get to celebrate with donuts, latkes, candles and dreidels!
Posts
