I like music. I just don’t often think to turn it on. I like sitting in silence. And we don’t have a stereo system. So if I want music I either have to battle with iTunes on my very slow computer, have to switch disks in the portable cd player (which means finding the cds first) or I have to deal with the radio and annoying commercials. And like I said, I don’t mind silence.
So I guess Bella’s been exposed to some music, just not classical maybe. At least not much and not lately.
Tonight as I was looking for a washcloth I found a cd of bath time music that came in one of those gift packs with washcloths and shampoos and baby lotion and such that we received, from one of my aunts, I think, for the baby shower last year. And we decided to throw it in while we got Bella ready for bath. When the first notes of Beethoven sounded, she was captivated. (Not so much with the hip hop version of five little monkeys.) Same for the bit from the third Brandenburg concerto. She actually rested her head against the side of the tub. Usually we have to wrestle her down, she wants to grab everything in sight, stand up, splash, squirm, squeal. And she never lets me wash her face. But she just sat calmly, clinging to the side of the tub until I scooped her up in the towel and took her off to bed.
(We skipped all the kiddie music and just played the classical stuff. The cd had a very odd arrangement with the sing-along stuff interspersed with classical pieces. It felt rather like being in a car with a driver who can’t make up his mind which lane to be in. Or even which direction to drive.)
I thought she’d enjoy the music, but I didn’t expect it to have such a dramatic effect.
I guess maybe we should try music every night. If it continues to soothe her, it will definitely make bath time much easier. And it might be time to try to work out a better way to play music during the day as well.
Melanie,
Thank you for the beautiful meditation on motherhood. You are so right, that our children are not our own, but God’s.
However, I confess that I have always had some difficulties with the Samuel/Hannah story. It is hard to understand how anyone could have thought that a child that young was ready to leave his family.
You are right that we need to thank God for each day of life for our children. Sometimes I take too much for granted. I will pray for your continued healing. Take care.
Melanie,
I am very sorry you cannot hold your little Francis. I have not, to my knowledge, suffered a miscarriage. But I know what you mean about all those pricks to your heart. Yesterday alone Cecilia was crying uncontrollably and I could not figure out what was wrong (we later figured out she is getting her molars). I just wanted to say I think you wrote a fantastic reflection on motherhood. Friends of mine had a miscarriage at 6 or 7 weeks last November on Thanksgiving and I will never forget when the father told us, “Every life is a blessing no matter how brief.”
It is hard to understand how anyone could have thought that a child that young was ready to leave his family.
It is hard to understand.
Though keep in mind that in the ancient world the age of weaning was probably around three so we’re not talking about an infant.
In this country babies are generally weaned much younger, if they are nursed at all and not given formula. However, mothers commonly send kids to all-day daycare at much younger ages than three. My sister-in-law who runs a daycare has had children of less than a week dropped off at her house to be watched all day.
Personally, I can’t fathom leaving my Bella with someone else for more than an hour or two, much less all day.
That’s why Hannah’s story moves me so, I understand what a sacrifice she was making.
However, I confess that I have always had some difficulties with the Samuel/Hannah story. It is hard to understand how anyone could have thought that a child that young was ready to leave his family.
Hi, Melody,
He didn’t leave his family, really. He returned to his Father, as you said.
Remember, too, that, according to tradition, Anne and Joachim presented Mary to the temple to be educated when she was just three years old.
Thank you, Melanie, for your reflection.
Hello Melanie –
Thank you for a beauriful reflection on motherhood and loss. I too have had miscarriages many years ago. Your words brought tears to my eyes. Even though I have many children, all grown up as healthy, happy adults, I still mourn my children lost. Not really lost to me, my husband and our family, because I know that we will be able to hold them and be with them in heaven.
thanks, Melanie for giving me an opportunity to express my feelings.
Kathy