The Nutcracker

Dear John,

I wish I could remember the words coming out of your mouth in these moments.

I just know that you would not stop talking like you were the Rat King long enough for me to get any good pictures of you and your sister with your new nutcrackers.

Funnily, after nonstop talking at home, you were so overwhelmed by the number of people at the ballet that you would not talk to anyone.

Or look at them either.

I was really skeptical about you making it through Act I (and I already knew we wouldn't be staying through Act II this year), but you surprised me.

You wrapped up in my new shawl and alternated between being held on my lap with the shawl over your face and laying down curled up on your seat, half asleep, half awake, enjoying the darkness of the theater and the sound of the orchestra.  And considering that last year you and I spent the show in the foyer, this year was a great improvement.

Maybe next year you'll watch the dancers.

Love,
Mom