Missing Ethan

I'd like to think that one day, Ethan will see this blog, and amongst the "Mother!!!! Did you have to tell everyone that story", he'll also see how much I love and adore him.

Ethan visits my parents every Saturday. My mum loves to have him over, and it gives Scott and I some alone time. We were married 8 years, together for 10, before he came along, so we like the "just-the-two-of-us" time. I have a friend here, who often wonders how I can leave Ethan over night at my mum's and don't I miss him. It's not about missing him. I know he's safe and it's never more than 24 hours. I always get excited to go to my mum's on Sunday, and fetch Ethan and to hear his stories.

But tonight I really miss Ethan. I feel so lonely without him. Scott has travelled, and I've been feeling ill (food poisoning from last night). I really needed to sleep, and Ethan has no school tomorrow, so it was decided that it would be good for Ethan to spend another night at my mum's. I have to work tomorrow, and Robert will fetch Ethan in the morning. Which means I won't see him until tomorrow afternoon.

Love you Ethan!

Kids Rock

For the past few years, the Little Theatre has presented a musical every spring. Tina does an amazing job. Talented people from Dar rehearse for months, the get on stage for a week, and sing and dance, and entertain us talentless ones.

Last year, Tina's daughter, Kelly, took over. Kids Rock was the musical. The entire show was done by kids. Not a single adult was on stage. It was a great show. Nothing could outdo it. Or so we thought......

Kelly and Tina were back at it again this year. Kids Rock On has been at the Little Theatre for over a week now. Adults are not allowed on stage! Even the choreography was done by a student!!!

After our wonderful experiences at the Panto and The Wizard of Oz, I thought I'd take Ethan to see this. He loves to sing and dance, so he should love this. Nope! Ethan refused to go. For weeks I'd tell him about it, and for weeks he'd tell me he didn't want to go. Then Ethan met Harry.....

Harry lives across from us. He's in Grade 5, and one of the sweetest kids you'll ever meet. Ethan idolizes Harry. And Harry is so kind to Ethan. Whenever he sees Ethan, he makes a point of saying hi and having a conversation. I once saw Harry and said 'hi'. Big mistake. "He's my friend mommy, not yours!"

I told Ethan that Harry was in the show. Would he now, maybe want to see it. Oh yes!!!! So Sunday, Ethan and I had a date! Scott had work to do, so Ethan and I went to the Little Theatre. We had a bag of crisps for dinner, and at the interval, ice cream was the dessert.

As usual, when we sat down, Ethan decided he didn't want to be there. He climbed onto my lap, and nuzzled his face into my shoulder. But then the music started. And yes, once again, as soon as the music started, Ethan had to look. "Mommy! Look! There's Harry!!!!" And he was enthralled.

We've had to change the name of the show from Kids Rock On, to There's Harry. For the entire show, Ethan looked for Harry. The first few sets had Hannah Montana songs, which Ethan recognised. So when he couldn't find Harry, it was ok. But if he didn't recognise the song, then he had to find Harry! It was all about Harry!

After the show, Ethan asked if he could please go see Harry. When we saw him, Ethan became shy. Was so sweet. The next day, Ethan insisted on giving Harry some chocolate that he made, to say thanks for the show.

Hmmm.... is this idolization, or a crush?

The Cinema

While home over the holidays, I spent a day out with 2 of my cousins, leaving Scott alone with Ethan. Scott had a whole day planned. He was going to take Ethan out for lunch, and then head to the cinema. Ethan could choose between The Chipmunks or The Princess and the Frog. After spending numerous days in Grandpa's basement watching Disney movie after Disney movie, we were sure he'd choose the latter. However, Ethan didn't want to go. Out. At all. He spent the whole day in his pajamas!

A few days later, the 3 of us went out for lunch. While we were out, we went to the cinema and showed Ethan the 2 movies we thought he'd want to see. He surprised us, and chose neither. He seemed scared of going inside the theatre, and we let him be.

Coming back to Dar, we forgot all about taking Ethan to the movies. Then last week, Janita called. She was taking Georgie, Yasmin and Natasha to the cinema to see the Chipmunks, and wanted to know if Ethan wanted to join them. "NO!" he answered. We didn't push him. We were already at Mlimani, so we continued our shopping and went for lunch. While eating at Marry Brown, Ethan saw another Ethan. He knew he'd met the other Ethan before, and was in awe of him. Kelly (Ethan's mom) mentioned they were taking the kids to see the Chipmunks. Our Ethan sat up a little straighter, but still didn't want to see the movie. Georgie, Natasha and Yasmin all came by and invited Ethan to join them. No, he still didn't want to go. But then the other Ethan left Marry Brown's. Our Ethan just HAD to know where he was heading. This time, he felt a little braver about going to the cinema.

Just like he was when we went to the Theatre, Ethan was nervous about sitting inside the theatre. This time he chose Daddy's lap to sit on. And just like he was with the 2 live shows, Ethan loved the movie!

Who would've guessed that Ethan's first time watching a movie on the big screen, it would be in a cinema in Dar and he'd watch The Chipmunks!

Shows

For those that don't know, I'm a huge fan of the Little Theatre, here in Dar. Every Christmas season, they put on a Pantomime. This year, I decided to take Ethan along. The Theatre was putting on a production of Cinderella. And although I'm not sure Ethan knows the story, I was pretty sure he'd enjoy it.

Scott was in SA the weekend of the show, so Ethan and I had a date. We both dressed up, and headed to the theatre for some dinner and a show. Dinner, of course consisted of crisps and a soda. Ethan was a little nervous when he walked into the theatre. He decided he would not be watching the show, and sat with his face buried into the back of the seat. But as the music, singing and dancing began, Ethan couldn't help but watch. In awe. I believe his mouth was hanging open during some parts.

A Panto generally has one dame. We were blessed this year with not one, not 2, not even 3, but 4, yes that's right, four dames! Ethan called the two stepsisters 'clowns', wasn't sure what to think of the fairy, and was terrified of the step mother!

After the success of Ethan's first live theatre event, we thought we'd try it again in Toronto. The Living Arts Centre had a touring production of The Wizard of Oz. Scott's dad bought us all tickets. So once again, we're off to the theatre.

Again, Ethan was very nervous walking into the theatre. He really wanted to go home. Putting his head into the back of his seat was not going to work either. This time, he needed a lap. Mommy's lap.

But just like the Panto, when the music and singing started, Ethan was hooked. He couldn't keep his eyes off the show. He was loving every minute and even gave us commentaries on the witch. He did not think she was very nice!

It would appear that Ethan takes after his mother. He LOVES the Theatre. Now, we just have to wait another 4 years before Ethan's old enough to participate in a Panto of his own!