Now I know my ABC’s (and that’s about it!)

11/28/2011

Yes…that’s the only song I sing to Princess E. One fussy day while driving, I probably sang my ABC’s 20 times just to keep her from crying. Why only one song? It’s the only one I know!!!

As I was singing ABC’s over and over and over again, I thought, what happened to all that valuable time I spent learning songs in Kindergarten and early elementary? I figured nursery rhymes and songs were like riding a bike; you never forget them. Turns out, it doesn’t always work that way.

This week, in my Mommy Connections class, was the second time we were required to sing. We had a librarian from Edmonton Public Libraries showcase their baby/toddler programs. The first time was a presentation from Gymboree.

I’m not the silliest person in real life. I say that because mommy-life is a bit different. In my mommy-life, I repeat things over in different volumes, voices, tones – basically whatever makes Princess E flash her gummy smile. Sometimes my mommy-life and real-life personalities clash. The presentation was overall, very good. The speaker was engaging, had a decent singing voice, and the babies all seemed to enjoy the songs. With that said, it still didn’t prevent my inner voice from screaming, “Get me out of this silly singing circle. Now!” I was laughing to myself about what my childless friends would say to see me singing and clapping to my baby who probably has no idea what is going on. I’m sure she was laughing at me, not with me.

I can see how moms are drawn to these sorts of classes. It is nice to take off my serious face and become a bit silly. Until I take the plunge to enroll in any type of singing/rhyme lap-time class, Princess E will have to be OK with her ABC’s.