Because of an extremely generous gift given to us by Matt's cousins, we were able to take the girls to see The Nutcracker ballet in NYC yesterday. It was the first time I had seen it, and it was Matt's first ballet (big surprise, huh?)
So, before I go any further, a huge THANKS to Bob, AnnMarie, Jeannie, Mike, Maureen and Tom for such a lovely and thoughtful gift to all of us.
We all LOVED it. We're so happy the tickets were for yesterday and not today with the horrible weather we're having- the day was perfect on Saturday. Cold, but clear and the girls did great. Matt managed to find a parking garage only a very short walk from Lincoln Center that did not have any time constraints and accepted on line reservations. We just pulled in and they valet parked our car- super easy and convenient.
I was a little concerned that a two hour ballet would not hold Natasha's interest, but all I can say is that both she and Vica were mesmerized by the entire thing.
How wonderful for me and Matt to be able to watch our girls have this experience. To see them staring literally in wide eyed wonder was nothing short of amazing. As it turns out, Natasha is quite the little ballet fan, she was VERY into clapping enthusiastically for the dancers, and while I'm sure she was taking most of her cues from others around her, she really seemed to appreciate the more difficult choreography and applauded accordingly. Vica was extremely curious about the musicians and the sets. I don't even have to tell you how my sparkle loving girl was floored by the lights!!
This was an incredible experience for any child, but we feel for our girls it was all the more special. A normal childhood, one free from the kind of stress and worry inflicted on our kids early in their lives is the one single thing we're striving for as parents. That's not to say we're not raising them to be responsible, but the trick for us is teaching them, especially Vica what's appropriately responsible. In a million different ways I see her taking responsibility for Natasha as if she were her Mother. It's a very tight rope for me to walk with her. Vica had to be her Mother and now she doesn't- she's not sure what she's supposed to and not supposed to do half the time. While it's great to see that bond between them, the best thing I hear some days is Vica telling Natasha to go and tell ME what she needs or wants. It doesn't help that Natasha is a complete tyrant with her sister and orders her around in the worst way!
Ahhhhhch, I'm rambling- you can tell how confused I am most of the time.
Sounds like every other Mom I know.........
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2 comments:
We are soooo very happy to hear that The Nutcracker was so memorable for the girls. We were praying that the storm would be delayed and our prayers were answered.
It is in giving that you receive. Knowing you were all together experiencing the beauty of the ballet at Lincoln Center is the best gift for Bob and I this Christmas. With Love, Ann Marie & Bob
You can count me in the confused category too. It seems like you are doing a great job. Unfortunately, it takes a lot more time than we ever expect for these children to be able to feel comfortable and safe in their new homes. I think they are always waiting for us to show our "true colours" and treat them badly, after all, that's what most of them are used to. Sad, but true.
Anyway, I'm glad you got to see the ballet and that the girls enjoyed it. We have terrible weather too right now, we're all going to be having a white Christmas at this rate....
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