Hello, My Love,
I just finished looking back over my last few notes to you to see what has changed in your life. The entire time, you watched over my shoulder and made me replay each video over and over as you squealed with laughter while watching your absolute favorite performer: you.
Let me tell you, son: you are all about the theatrics. Your favorite form of play is to reenact whatever scene from whichever Disney movie is your current favorite using whatever toys and props you find most acceptable. This has included:
The Mufasa death scene from “Lion King,” starring your Bullseye stuffed horse from “Toy Story” as Mufasa and you (?) as Scar (I assume it’s you as I hear you sneering out “Long live THE KING!” at the scene’s pivotal moment. I choose to not read too deeply into this).
The “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” song/choreo from “Encanto”
The “Jafar gets the lamp and does all kinds of nasty stuff” scene from “Aladdin”
Again, I’m not overly concerned with how much you gravitate toward the bad guys. They get the best lines, after all. Plus, your by-far favorite scene to perform is when the Beast “dies” then transforms back into a human from “Beauty and the Beast.” This is where your stage-worthy talent really shines. You commit so much that the smaller cape you originally pulled from your toy bin no longer sufficed and I had to dig out my long red Christmas tablecloth and tie it around your neck to better replicate his look. You crash to the ground, tablecloth/cape draped over you, and lie there for a few moments, soaking in the audience’s astonishment. You then begin to slowly rise, back facing the room, as you inspect each hand and foot as they morph into human parts. Then, as the transformation is complete, you swing around, eyes wide, to reveal your true self. I’ve honestly seen high schoolers attempt this scene during musical season with far less commitment.
Looking back at those old notes, some things have not changed. You still love Bluey and Muppet Babies. In fact, we just had a Muppet Babies-themed birthday party for you, somewhat surprisingly given that they haven’t come out with any new episodes in what seems like at least five years. You still love to snuggle with me and I try to spend as much time as possible doing so as I know this phase will not last. You also still want to spend every waking minute playing with your sister, yet Lib does not seem nearly as concerned with drawing those moments out. She adores you, to be sure, but she does like some downtime after a long day in the second grade, whereas you see her return home each day as the real start of yours.
Your two favorite things: Libby and carbs.
You also once again stole the show at your preschool Christmas pageant this year. I knew some of the songs you’d be singing as I’d catch you practicing them around the house. What I did not know was that you actually had a role in the little play part of the show. I took you out the week before to get a new outfit and fresh haircut, neither of which were visible under the enormous hat and robes of the Wise Man you were portraying. You marched out in that get-up and I honestly couldn’t immediately tell it was you. I don’t remember much else from that show because I spent the rest of it desperately stifling giggles.
Who even are you?
You definitely had a few firsts this year. You rode your first horse at a fall festival after begging me for weeks to do so. Because you were so relentless, there is no way I can exaggerate the anticipation we all felt when you finally climbed up and grabbed those reins. I assumed I’d have to pry you off when your turn was over. Instead, you hopped down, said you were done, and have never mentioned it again. 🤷🏼♀️
I mean, I think you liked it.
You also attended your first Penguins hockey game. That I know you loved.
Finally, you somehow managed to turn into a high school senior. I don’t know exactly when but at some point over the last year, you went from being my baby to being an actual real-life kid with thoughts and opinions and legitimate acting chops. You’ve left your toddler self behind and are starting to come into your own as a real individual whose incredible imagination I marvel at every day. I can’t wait to see where it takes you in this life.
I love you so much,
Mummy
