Watching their Recitals

All those hours of practicing during the year and you see a tiny fragment of their performance during 2-3 minutes on a given day. My daughter said she was so nervous so I told her to pretend everyone in the audience was relaxed and wearing pajamas. Her dress rehearsal was a little shaky, but she coasted through the actual recital. :) My 5 year-old says she pretends nobody is in the audience with her ballet shows. They both look like they are having fun on stage and they tell me they do. As long as they are having fun, that is all that matters. And as I watch their smiles while they practice or during the concerts, I smile along with them.

Handprints

Whether they are in clay, sand or prints made with paint, chalk or water, those little fingers in visual art form are definitely a moment in time.

Learning a New Language

I always see a smile when my daughter remembers a word in another language, without me prompting. "I know, I know, Mama! It's 'shapka!'" Shapka is 'hat' in Russian. The more prevalent languages they hear are French, Spanish and Korean, some Japanese. I try to speak to them in Korean and French when I can so they hear other sounds - I think it's important they hear the variety. "Kham-sa" is five in Arabic whereas "gham-sa" in Korean is to thank. It's fun learning these new words with the kids - they usually remember them better than I do. :)

Their First Steps

One step, two step, three step!
Fall on diaper-padded bottom.
Yay!

Waterfront

An ocean or a lakefront with soft waves lapping on the sand provide a refreshing break from cityscape. Soothing water sounds and gentle waves always relax me. Little girls' toes and feet running towards and away from the waves definitely bring forth a smile.

Donating Hair for the First Time

Both my girls love long hair and they wanted to grow their own as long as Rapunzel's. However, my older one realized that as soon it got too long, it was getting in her way. She announced "I'm ready to donate and cut, Mama!" They both had watched me donate mine (10 inches) last summer, so I guess she was inspired. As soon as she saw her two, cut ponytails and her chic new bob, she laughed with delight. "I love it, Mama! And a girl that has no hair will be able to wear mine!"

Her First Fireworks

"It's so beautiful, Mama!"
That's what I hear from both of my girls the first time they witnessed late-night fireworks. Mind you, it was at Walt Disney World and their fireworks are spectacular. Their faces of awe with shining eyes and open mouths said it all.