"Like A Ballerina"

Last summer, Ava and I tried one Mommy and Me dance class. It was a disaster. She was in the mist of her terrible "fits" {which she still throws, but not as often, thank the good Lord}. This year I decided to give it another go, but this time in a pre-ballet class. No mommies allowed. She was fantastic for the first 10 minutes...and then she realized what a beautiful ballerina she was, and how large the mirror in the studio is. She also decided that playing is more fun than dancing. We now lovingly refer to her as our ADHD Ballerina. 

She has now been to dance class three times, and her teacher says that her attention span is improving....I'm not exactly sure that I agree but it's best to be optimistic! 

An unexpected plus of ballet is that we can now we have a super sneaky and cool parenting trick that helps us get Ava to obey when she is being difficult...which is quite often. I feel so smart and overly excited about this silly line....

"Ava, eat your dinner, like a ballerina!"

"Ava, go potty, like a ballerina!"

"Ava, get in your car seat, like a ballerina!"

"Ava, please let Mommy brush your hair, like a ballerina!"

"Ava, don't hit your brother, LIKE A BALLERINA!!!!!"

Getting Away

I often don't realize how nasty (for lack of a better word) the emotional climate of our home can become. It's largely due to me, and the difficulty that I've had in dealing with this situation. It's no secret...I hate all of this. Alas, not every day can be a terrible one, so on Labor Day we packed up the car and headed for the beach. I don't think any of us realized how desperately we needed to leave the house, to leave our misery behind. I sat upon the beach, bundled up (it was freezing), listening to our babies squeal with delight. I felt peace. I was able to sit and write, to work on a project that will take our business somewhere amazing...but more on that in a few months. 

Last year, Ava wanted to nothing to do with the water. She sat in a chair, or in my arms, and scowled at the ocean for 8 hours. This year, our girl explored....but just a little bit. She is lovely, and mysterious, and sensible, and outrageous all rolled into one tiny three year old. Sometimes....I wish I was her. 

(A wave tumbled my little boy within minutes of arriving, not a happy moment, but he recovered)