Christmas Shtuff

Santa, not so much a hit with the little one.  We were only there because of N's special request who then refused to sit on his lap. 

Ready to take Nadia to her first symphony concert.  She did well!  It helped that there were crafts beforehand and they played mostly recognizable Christmas music.  Good string section - too bad there aren't enough of them - which also means I will never get a call to sub despite being on the list.  Sad face.


Training is going well.  Training for what you might ask?  Another post for another day..... 

Cellowoes

You would be surprised how hard it is to find a playable cello for an almost 4 year old.  Well, maybe you wouldn't be.  For a kid who comes from a long line of tiny hands (seriously, I once had a viola teacher- he was Russian old-school which I guess kind of speaks for itself- who told me to switch back to the violin) her current 1/16 was nearly impossible to play because of the strings being too high.  Though she is now able to play notes clearly, I know (and her teacher has confirmed) that it shouldn't have taken as many tiger mother sessions as last week involved to get her to this point.  Fortunately I have a lead on possibly a better option up in Maryland..... and also fortunately is that she was so excited by the beauty of her G today (4 on D) that she insisted on playing it over and over again as we both giggled (and I almost cried) joyfully.  Ok, and besides the immense amount of time, frustration and tears, put into this miracle, was also an amazing tip from a friend back home.  Phew.  She's not scarred.  Yet.  Though she is now asking to switch to the violin - but that's because she thinks it would be easier.  Surprise!  It's not!  Just more awkward, harder on the body, and louder to what has always been a sensitive ear.