Many hats

(Recent edit: Okay, this post kind of sounds like I'm bragging. I'm just trying to record some of our experiences so I don't forget them. Sorry if I sound a little too proud of myself!)

I  wear many musical hats.

I am an elementary music teacher, elementary choir director, children's theatre musical director, primary chorister, nursery singing time leader, and sometimes performer.

Because of this, my little Ellie has been exposed to a lot of music that she wouldn't ordinarily have been.  I would belt out the song "Defying Gravity" from Wicked as I was practicing for a performance--and Ellie would look at me--transfixed!  I've even put her to sleep in my arms as I was walking around the house, singing at the top of my lungs. (And this was during her colicky stage!)

Earlier this year, I performed "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady, and "He Came For Me" from Women at the Well.  It's been a while since I've sung these at home, and when I sing them now, Ellie turns around and stares right into my eyes while I sing--like she's remembering a song she's forgotten.  It is so cute!

 As I taught over 30 different Disney songs to my school choir for their Disney Spectacular show, I'd come home with them stuck in my head--and sing them to Ellie all evening.  Someday My Prince Will Come, Heigh Ho, Candle On The Water, A Dream Is A Wish, Zipadeedoodah...  Such fun songs!

I "wore" Ellie in a baby carrier (hanging in front of me, facing outward) during almost all of our rehearsals for "Alice in Wonderland Jr."  Ellie loved watching the kids sing and dance!  She would cry when they stopped!  Now she loves watching the DVD of the show!

Every Sunday, Ellie helps me fulfill my calling as Primary Chorister and Nursery Singing Time Leader.  Her favorite Primary song is Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam, because she loves jumping on all the "BEAM"s.

I love my many musical hats, but my favorite ones are "baby entertainer" and "lullabye specialist".