One Little Monkey

Yesterday was The Punk's end-of-school pageant and we parents were treated, as always, to the heart warming spectacle of our children not singing and not dancing while wearing extremely cute costumes.

The Punk and the rest of the three year old class were at one point dressed up like monkeys, including ears and tail, and were supposed to sing the classic "Five Little Monkeys" song, complete with dramatic hand and body motions that were supposed to indicate what was going on. Alas, they never quite got it together, and the result was like some kind of surreal toddler interpretive dance recital instead, which I'm pretty sure was not the effect the teachers were aiming for, but I enjoyed it immensely.

One or two of the kids were inevitably seized by severe stage fright and had to be led offstage, weeping inconsolably to find their parents. I felt for them, as The Princess used to be that weeping child, and will still have a major hissy fit if she thinks she has to stand up and say something in front of more than two people.

But I'll admit to you, just between us, that it's kind of nice for a change to have the kid that's absolutely fearless on stage. My son distinguished himself from the horde, yet again, with his exuberant clapping for everyone and everything, and I must say his wild waving and frequent very loud shout-outs to his fans in the crowd really outshone his previous Christmas pageant best. I was a very proud parent. I know that sounds snarky, but it's true. As a matter of fact, I swear to God if they gave Oscars to three year olds for waving and clapping he would win hands down, he is that good.

Okay, that last bit was snarky, but the sentiment remains true. He really is quite charismatic; my sincere hope is that he models himself along the lines of someone like Tom Hanks, as opposed to say, Bugsy Siegal.

Here he is at the end, excited at having done such a good job. Just look at that beaming face - every time I see that grin, it cheers me right up.

Hope it works on you, too!