Tuesday, January 20, 2009

There was Music, Sweet Music...

There was music everywhere. (That's what they say anyway, right?)

Well that's what Tuesday mornings are all about in the world of J and A -- toddler music class. A's mom and I have been taking the munchkins to this "symphony" every week since September. A time for these little ones to explore their own rhythm through fun songs like the Hokey Pokey, Here We go Loopty Lou, The Wheels on the Bus and lesser known songs like Tippy Tip Toe and Walk, Walk, Listen. 

It can be complete chaos in this class, with 20+ kids and their care takers running around, but it is one of the highlights of my week. Although I usually leave the class more tired than the kids, I LOVE it. It makes me laugh, smile, look at them in awe of how innocent and simple life can be and I feel like I'm watching their personalities continue to flourish. 

And A and J definitely experience the class differently. A loves the singing and dancing, acting out the interactive songs, following the teacher and helping clean things up. While J usually sticks to me like glue during the song and dance part, he does some bobbing and dancing but when those instruments come out he's all over it. He runs/gallops for them, gathers as many as he can into his little arms and then sits and plays and plays, where as A could really do without them. One thing they agree on though...Snack Time. (J a little more than A.)  

Why am I telling you all of this? Well because for me, it's the simple pleasures in life that show me some bright lights. It's things like toddler music class that get me through some of my darkest times. It's these things that I push for even when I'm in terrible pain as I am most days. And it's the hugs, smiles and laughs of J and A that remind me that despite my daily health struggles, I have SO much to be thankful for. And where others may hear just a bunch of racket, I hear beautiful music.

I can't understand why I'm having to go through all of the hurdles I am in trying to regain my health and my life. But I do know that one of the positive things I've ripped from the greedy little hands of my body is the ability to be a part of these kids lives. 

The pic above is J and A holding hands to cross the parking lot into music class, they have a very cute relationship. (I wish you could see their sweet faces, but alas for bloggy safety you can not.) 

Also, as a health update, I'm overcoming the bladder infection. The pain is mostly gone aside from a few pangs to remind me to stay on my toes and finish my antibiotics...none of this thinking I can stop taking them because I'm not feeling the signs anymore (that was the Al of the old, in my more rebellious days;)

3 comments:

Aim said...

Who ever knew toddler music class could be so therapeutic, fun and down right hilarious!. I love it too!!! I do have to say Ava and I wouldn't look forward to going as much as I do if you and the J-sters weren't there!

Love,
A's mom!

Natalia Ritchie said...

(in response to what you wrote about my blog..)

Al - thanks for finding me!! I just read lots and lots of your blog, and you are right, we are SO alike!! Though we do not suffer from the same illness, I know that the hardest part of having CF is it's chronic nature. You just never ever know what's next, good or bad, and that makes planning life as a young married woman, just SO hard. I am looking forward to following your blog and your life. There is so much hope for you out there!! Know that. And, also know that your decision not to carry your baby, is the brevest one you can make!! It is hard, but you are doing it all for that baby!! I am already proud to know you!

Mrs.Newton said...

That's the cutest picture! What great little people to remind you of the simple pleasures in life!