www.micahandlindsey.com

I grew up in ballet classes.

I loved them. But unfortunately, they provided the setting for one of my infamous stories. The one about how I would go to class and be the boss. And then when it came to dancing, I would be one step ahead at all times. You would think it was because I just lacked the ability to stay with my class. But I will admit that the story is true. I was always one step ahead because I wanted to show everyone that I knew the routine. When I was little, I just always had to be the boss. Since then, I have really changed (as long as you don’t ask my husband or my mom!). It makes for a good laugh, and when I watch videos of me from those performances, I think they are quite funny. But when I think of my mom in the audience of our recitals, I feel bad that she had the daughter that was “always off”.

Fast forward to today. It was a very exciting day to take my daughter to her very first ballet class! I had visions of her leaping and performing the perfect arabesques. I should have known form the night before. So we obviously needed to get her ballet outfit and bag all ready before class. I went with a traditional black leotard and pink tights because that is what I grew up wearing. But while we were at the dance store, Navy had different ideas. She “loved” the blue tulle tutu, and “needed” leg warmers. Beyond the fact that we were in the store with a hungry newborn and a body-casted boy, Navy was OUT OF CONTROL! You would think the others were the spectacle, but Navy was the main offender of curious glances. So after I threatened her within an inch of her life, we got out of there with the basics — and a darling bag I couldn’t pass up. (But at least I made her earn her bag by being respectful, nice and happy until we left for ballet.)

My one proud moment is that my daughter controlled herself until 10:30 the next morning, and went skipping out to the car with her cute bag full of her ballet shoes, a water bottle and two string cheeses (one for her and another for Ivy).

When we got there, she immediately met Miss Sharon.

Navy liked her just fine, and took a seat right next to her. You would think it was because maybe she was timid, but this girl was letting everyone know that she was partially in charge.

The class was really cute, and had two of her friends — Ivy and Olive — in it.

The stretching went really well.

And wand time started out pretty good.

But this girl, not wanting to just be a regular part of the group, made her way outside the circle.

Then she made a habit of running off from the group to deliver kisses to me and her “baby brother”. After the third time, I told her to get back to class or we were leaving. It did the trick.