twinkle toes

On raising a girl...

There's something about little girls in tutus...tiny dancers twirling freely, unabashed, to their own imaginary tunes...smiling, eyes closed, arms swinging through the air without a care in the world, squeezing life and savoring every drop of joy, sweet bouts of laughter mingled with tiny giggles...a world of pink, frill, and glitter...a lifetime of blow kisses, paper hearts, and holding hands... I love that I've been given the opportunity to raise both a boy and a girl. There's something so special about each one. So many similarities, yet differences to make each an adventure all its own. When I was pregnant with the little pumpkin I dreamt of the day I would dress her up in a tiny pink leotard and matching leather slippers and take her to her very first dance class... ...today that milestone ripened right before my very eyes. She loved ballet. They all loved tap. She came out of the studio sporting the sweetest, sheepish smile. She cried...when it was time to go home that is. She didn't want to leave. She has a gift. The gift of love and sensitivity. The innate ability to reach out to others who are feeling shy or left out. To show them love without expecting it in return. She has a dancer's heart. And when you get the chance to sit it out or dance... ...I hope you dance!