Being Elmo

This documentary popped up on Netflix recently. I had read about it on Cup of Jo and have been wanting to see it.  We all watched it, including P. She's rarely interested in  live action so just to get her through it was a big thing.  

I really loved this story. I think what I loved most about it was a lesson in parenting.  Kevin Clash, ie Elmo, grew up in a low income neighborhood of Baltimore.  It wasn't above average schooling, or an unbelievable opportunity from his neighborhood or anything of the sort that allowed his dreams and interest to blossom. It was his parents.  

He talked about an incident when he cut up his father's coat. It caught his eye because of the great fur lining. Kevin thought it was the perfect fabric to make a puppet.  When his father came home, instead of being mad he said "I just want you to ask first next time".  How understanding, insightful and calm is that?  

Coincidentally, a few days after watching the movie P cut up some curtains. They were part of a fort I had made for her.  Had I not watched the movie I would have been upset but instead I said "next time just ask because I actually have a whole roll of that fabric in the office".  She said ok.  

I think the greatest gift anyone could have is a parent who supports their interest, whatever they may be.  I think that may trump education or financial means.  Where there is a will, there is a way and having your parents support is an extra dose of will.    

A Good Year

The beauty of having a second or third child is that you know EXACTLY what you're in for.  I now know that a baby can sleep through a good portion of the night but I may be up pumping because my boobs are hurting so bad.  I now know I'll probably be house bound for the first few weeks as we try to settle in a routine.  

I hated the Baby Whisperer btw!  That book was useless and horrible for me.  I believe if you have the patience a schedule will evolve but to implement a schedule onto a being who's life is about needs not wants just seems insane to me. My 2 cents worth.

Anyway, and I now know what can make those middle of the night feedings or pumpings so much more enjoyable.  Dave and I were hooked on the movie "A Good Year" with Russell Crowe. I've watched it probably close to 20 times!  Late at night when I was up alone, hooked up to the pump like a cow,  I would turn the movie on and escape to the south of France.  It wasn't just the scenery. It was the dialogue, the characters, everything!   I just ordered it on DVD. Four years ago we had it DVRed so it disappeared at one point. I hope it has the same magical effect for us this time around.  

I'm also praying this baby sleeps as much as P did. P had 5-7hr sleeping sessions pretty much from the start. I only remember one night of being up for hours as she cried and cried. I finally turned on a light and saw that she had a rash all over her body.  Cool wash cloths calmed her down, reduced the redness and she went back to sleep.  To this day I am grateful for P's ability to sleep well and to sleep through anything.  

These are some of the images that make me love this movie so much:

Images from IMDB

Rio

We took P to see Rio a few weeks ago.  She loved it and was dancing in the theater.  A few days ago we had a conversation:

P:  I like Rio music!

Me: It's called Samba. It's what they play in Brazil.

P: I like Samba! It's in my blood! I want to get some Samba!

Today P woke up and wanted to listen to Samba. Clearly it wasn't a phase.  I went onto iTunes and downloaded a few songs from Sergio Mendez and Astrud Gilberto. I texted Dave "want to be a hero? can u buy d soundtrack to rio? she wants it n u'll be d hero for bringing it home".  

Dave came home with the disc and the happiness/surprise/adoring look on her face was priceless....as was her dancing the rest of the night.  I love it when movies inspire culture like this!

When we sat to eat I started crying. I went to Rio 12 years ago. Twelve years ago I dreamed of sitting at the dinner table, with my family, listening to Samba and it was now happening!  It was so emotional to see my dream come true!