More Singing

"The only thing better than singing is more singing." -Ella Fitzgerald

I have sung to my daughter since the second time they put her in my arms.  I sing silly, motivational songs about the potty, I sing distraction-songs when she is upset about diaper changes or falling down, I sing lullabies before naptime and at bedtime. 

I knew she liked it because singing worked; it calmed her down, kept her from crying, relaxed her before bed.  I also know she associates me with singing because when Alicia Keyes was on Sesame Street, Maeve pointed at her and said "Mama", and I laughed and told her that Mama is not as good a singer as Miss Keyes.  But somehow, yesterday, it really sank in that she loves it when I sing.

I was just singing my usual naptime lullabies, which at this time of year are mostly Christmas songs.  I sang Away in a Manger, but stopped after one verse.  In the dark, Maeve sat up and looked at me.  "Sing" she said, because one verse wasn't enough.  Then she said "Sing" again and nodded at me, her usual way to emphasize that she meant what she said.

I launched into the second two verses of Away in a Manger, feeling as beloved and special as the good ol' Virgin herself.  After a year and a half of crooning away to the wee babe, I have found out that she really does love it. 

So I promise.  I promise I'll sing.

All ears.