Razzle Dazzle 'Em!

Dear Lia,

Tonight we had your very first dress rehearsal. Mama has happily attended your cousins' recitals many times, always dreaming of the moment I would be able to watch my own daughter up on stage. When we first tried dance class last September, I wasn't sure this would be the year. You were the youngest in your class...and you much preferred laying on the floor to participating. After you turned 3 (!) in December, we decided to try again...and you loved it from the start.

You have been singing "Robin in the Rain", your recital number, almost non-stop for the past month...and practicing hard. You and I were both giddy when we finally laid eyes on the beautiful costume you get to wear in your recital. We did a few practice runs of putting your hair up in a bun over the past few weeks. You sure don't care much for the pins necessary to hold all that hair in place...but when I assured you that Julia and Lauren would also have pins in their hair, you decided it would all be okay. And Mama is getting better at it each time we practice!

As luck would have it, Daddy was away on business today, so it was just you and me. Mama made a somewhat lengthy list so we would not forget anything and be on time. You couldn't have been better...and let me tell you, when you found out there was make-up involved, you practically threw your clothes off in one fluid movement...so eager were you to get ready!

When we got to the school where your recital will be held in a few weeks, you took in all the activity with your usual wariness. The photographer did everything but stand on his head to get a smile out of you, but you were very serious about it all. Have no doubt...I will still treasure those pictures forever. I would love them even if YOU were standing on your head (without messing up your hair of course!)

When we got to your backstage waiting area, you recognized your friends from class and you started to warm up...and smile. I could tell that you loved looking at all the costumes the "big girls" were sporting. You were especially taken by the "pink girls"...and I can see why...they looked very beautiful in their pink confections...cotton candy with legs!!

They sent the mamas to get seats right before you took the stage. I spent a few minutes in panic trying to figure out the video camera before deciding I would just take still photos. I didn't want to chance messing up the video and not having any pictures.

Lia, when your "Saturday, 10:30" class took the stage, I realized that collectively, you were a tour de force!! Each and every one of you sang and danced your little hearts out! I thought MY heart would surely leap from my chest...I was so proud! And you even smiled once or twice!

When your number was over...all too fast... you were given the opportunity to walk across the stage to thunderous applause from all the parents. You didn't miss a beat, walking and waving...I truly believe you could one day be queen of something other than this house! It was fabulous. And when you stopped at the end to blow a kiss, I was done. I am pretty sure I was one of the only mamas in the audience crying happy tears. But don't worry...I didn't embarrass you...I wiped them away before anyone noticed!

Lia...once again, you have surpassed my dreams of motherhood and how sweet it would be. I am so proud of you. You have blessed my life beyond reason or expectation.

You wowed the crowd tonight...but baby...you razzle dazzle ME everyday!

I love you.

Mama