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Retiring the Terrible Twos
She joined the “terrible twos club” when she was 18 months old. So, why was I naive enough to presume that she would let her membership expire on the day she turned 3? Oh no, we have alumni status now Im afraid evidenced by her epic behavior on her birthday yesterday…..
Someday when she’s the principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, I want to remember the day she first donned her first ballet slippers…..For 6 months now, she has cried each and every week when she goes with me and sits through Evie’s ballet class. She has begged to join the class. She’s been in tears watching Evie have all the fun and “Miss Pink” the teacher promised her that when she turned 3, she would be old enough to join a class. Gigi has been counting down. “When I turn free, I go bowee class!”
The long awaited day dawned. Her momma was as excited as she was. New pink tutu. Hairsprayed top knot. Tights with no holes. Leather ballet slippers. Oh the anticipation! How did I not see how this was going to go…..?
We walked into class, and Gigi immediately put on the pout. She didn’t want to be in the “baby” class….she wanted to be in Evie’s class across the hall. The teacher tried to coax her from her sultry perch on the couch but she was so not interested in playing games with ribbons or jumping over a star. She wanted to do the big girl steps she’s been shadowing Evie doing with her nose pressed against the window each week. Silly games with other tiny ballerinas……
not happening!
Not one plié. Not a single pointed toe. Not a twirl. We sat out the class with a scrowl on her face until it was time for stickers at the end at which point she enthusiastically accepted.
And as we drove off with mommy contemplating enrolling her in bootcamp instead of ballet, the little rotten looked up at me with those big beautiful baby blues and said “Mommy, I wuv’d my bowee class !”
So glad. So glad.
Pretty sure we’re retiring the terrible-twos for the troublesome-threes. Good thing she’s cute.
Happy Birthday little dumplin’. You are so adored by all of us and we are so lucky to have you as the bookend to our family. Never has there been such a loved little girl.
Make a wish…..
Drama Queen(s)
Abi will turn 12 in 2 short weeks. That means I’ll have exactly 365 days to prepare myself for what is to follow. Ive just done the math….Brace yourself. Im looking at 15 consecutive years of teenage girls from the time Abi turns 13 until Gigi turns 18.
Gulp!
Thats a lot of hormones and drama and fights over the bathroom and borrowing shoes.
Poor Tristan.
….Poor C!!!
And while we know there will be meltdowns and moods in the months and years to come, I have to say, that my preteen at this moment is nothing but an absolute delight! This girl, so responsible, such a capable, caring person, is more than a daughter – she’s becoming one of my dearest friends!
Last weekend gave us a little fast forward glimpse – the girls were all part of a big gala event at their school. And end of the year musical/theatrical performance. They’ve worked so hard in preparation and performed beautifully. Having grown up as a serious ballerina, I loved seeing my daughters debut experience with stage makeup, encore flowers and poise under the lights. They were so composed and did a great job. A fun evening had by all. But good gracious….who is this young lady standing beside me and where has my little girl gone?
On the home front, we have some little drama-queens-in-training. While Im certain Im even more excited than my kids that school being out for the summer is less than a week away, (squeal!!) I have to say, I will miss my quiet mornings with these two….playing dress ups (who knew you could wear princess, pirate and pumps all at the same time?) and reenacting Frozen and reading Pinkalicious. I love these beautiful every-day mornings when they raid my closet and try on my high-heels while I shower. I love their grabby hands in my make up bag when Im trying to “put my face on” in the morning. Seeing her kissing her baby dolls face is one of those moments I wish I could freeze…… Life is beautiful!
My favorite little Elsa and Anna singing their rendition of the song…..
….and a blooper reel….enjoy 🙂
(….and just as a little “drama queen” side note…. Would you keep us in prayer? As of 4:30 this afternoon, the Thai government has just been overthrown by a coup. The military is enforcing Martial Law and there are school closures nationally. All public broadcasting and television has been cut off and there are rumors that social media and internet may be the next thing to be seized. A curfew is also in effect. While it sounds sensational, we feel very safe here and are keeping a close eye on things. A bit surreal, but with protests having been going on for months, this doesn’t feel dangerous and life carries on. Please pray with us for swift resolutions to be agreed upon and peace to be restored to this country!)
Daddy’s also need guidance – Clara
My husband and I were one of those soon-to-be-first-time-parents who thought we could handle everything on our own. We thought we’d read all the books and were planning to have the baby in a hospital with professional doctors, what more do we need? But boy oh boy, were we so wrong. If it weren’t for Mandy, we wouldn’t have had the delivery we wanted and I’m pretty sure we would have completely fallen apart by day 3 of our newborn being home.
Mandy assisted us with drafting of our birth plan, supported my actual delivery with her experience and labor tips (because of her guidance and “tricks”, my labour was as short as it is!), helped me through breastfeeding (no books really truly describe just how challenging it actually is) and even cheered me on through my baby blues and sleep deprivation.
Many a times, so much focus is on the mommy and the baby that we forget that daddies also need guidance and support to be the “strong pillar” that is expected of them – to hold everything together. She is always a phone call or text away, even for my husband.
Mandy provided both of us with not just knowledge, but confidence and assurance that everything is going to be ok. She knew exactly what to do every step of the way. The emotional support and guidance that Mandy provided to both my husband and myself is nothing something we will never forget – more than just our doula, she became our friend.
Thank you Mandy, from the bottom of our hearts.