Remembering with Dance
I blog to remember.
I remember in those dizzying early days, when sleep was a luxury and the days were fuzzy with drunken exhaustion, I would lay on the couch with a newborn Alexis. She would be sprawled across my chest, content to cuddle as the two of us slipped in and out of consciousness. I remember how her soft, sweet-smelling little head fit so perfectly on my shoulder as her feet kicked me in the stomach, much as they had for the months leading up to her birth.
I remember months later flipping through channels on the TV and glancing down to notice that the child who had just moments before been twitching with the boundless energy only a one-year old can muster, was suddenly silent as she sat gazing intently at the women in the fancy dresses and the men in their ruffled, sheer shirts. Alexis watched as they spun and leaped and pranced, her eyes lighting up like a Christmas tree.
I will remember the moment it dawned on me that Alexis would probably like to watch that show again, now that she's older and wiser and most certainly a fan of dance. I will remember how she slid up on the couch, politely asked me to join her, and then snuggled in at my side, her little arms wrapped tightly around my right arm and her head resting peacefully at my side. I will remember how I decided that the moment was precious and perfect and needed as I cast aside all distractions and pulled my little girl into my arms so we could watch the show together. I will remember how her now bigger and definitely fuzzier head still fits perfectly on my shoulder, but how her legs have grown longer and how her kicks now graze my shins. I will remember the glimmer in her eye, the twinkle in her voice, and the joy in her face as she soaked in a full hour of cuddles while we sat on the couch together, watching Dancing with the Stars.
Yeah, it's a lame show, but I will remember it all.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Reader Comments (17)
I bet she loves it! The sparkles and the twirling! It's made for little girls to love! (Except for all the half nekkid costumes... those are kind of slutty)
Enjoy remembering!
Love this, it takes me back to that feeling - and remembering. The shows are different and he's a boy; but I remember.
what a sweet post :) my mom used to take me to see the nutcracker @ the benedum every single christmas & i'll never forget it. i used to love going to see musicals and ballets downtown with her - i felt so grown up.. i'm sure you and alexis will share some very similar memories if her love of dance keeps up!
xoxo
Time to start dance lessons!
What a sweet post! Love it! Those are the moments that make the No Nap Monster moments totally worth it.
I have no idea why, but this made me tear up.
Such a sweet post.
An email to you just bounced back to me. Could you email me please?
Laura at BlogHer dot com
Thank you!
Those are the things that we cherish as parents. Not going and doing and spending money, but sitting and snuggling, and kicking, and giggly whispers. It's like weaving childhood magic.
What a great memory, and what a great gift that the two of you share together. Thanks for giving us a peek into your treasure chest of memories.
Not lame if it bring that much joy!
My kids does this with kung fu movies. I should probably be concerned.
Awww. And now she will, too. I remember being her age and cuddling with my mom on the couch, watching her favorite movie with her. I can remember the feel of her fuzzy yellow robe. It's one of my favorite memories of my mom, and I'm sure this will be one of Alexis's favorite memories of you.
The show can't be that lame if it brings such moments. :)
What a sweet post! It is more like 'Dance With The B-List Celebrities', but Cooper and Maren have the same adoration - Cooper even told me last season that the girls "are pretty!" I can only imagine how much Alexis LOVES it!
I am ready to make some TV memories too. My wife would argue that I should make more relevant memories but dammit I love TV.
Oooh, this makes me excited to snuggle with my girl. Although my boys love DWTS too! ; ) Sad, I know.
Sweet post...
stop tugging at my uterus!