Bypassing the Wiggles!!

It’s funny to me to watch the girls interact. Of course, I’m always sensitive to McCanless as a big sister. As the oldest of four, I know exactly how difficult it can be. …all eyes on you, the one that “knows better” and the one that usually just has to give in. In regards to parenting with the oldest, everything is usually done very carefully, perfectly and expectations are set! (This I know in hindsight.) Although Mary Clare took a little more time to walk and talk, she is definitely holding her own way more than McCanless would have as a toddler, and continues to amaze us with her determination and love for life. We realized that she could walk and talk probably much sooner than she was willing to show it off. (We threw those ideas of perfect parenting out the window a long time ago…along with all of those parenting and baby books.) She seems to have grown up much faster and has that little sister spunk about her. I should know, I’ve seen it before. I have two spunky little sisters. Big sisters may reach those expectations sooner, but little sisters definitely have more fun getting there!

I came to this realization while driving in the car just recently. McCanless is into Hannah Montanna these days, and we almost always have her CD blaring in the rear. Break Out, the new Hannah CD is actually pretty decent, and even sounds a bit Nellie Furtado-ish. (She has even re-made Girls just want to have Fun) A CD I can definitely live with. It is too fun to hear your little girl sing songs that you sang as a child, and even better to sing them together. McCanless thought I was way cool when I already knew the words!

Mary Clare has begun to rock violently and shake her head and clap when she hears any sort of music, especially in the car, and especially Hannah Montanna! As I watched in the rear view mirror at my two rock stars singing and rocking out, I recollected a time when Mel and I actually sang the Wiggles in our sleep, doing chores, or riding alone in the car without McCanless. (Accidentally, of course.) She was our first and I certainly didn’t want to expose her to “foul language” or “obscenities” in any normal, non kid-friendly music. We lived a life filled with nursery rhymes and classical music that eventually led to obnoxious Raffi, Wiggles, and Barney tunes. Last year, it got better with Laurie Burkner and more modern bands that boasted songs that wouldn’t quite embarrass parents who accidentally began to sing them aloud in the grocery store.

Although Hannah sings songs of texting and hangin’ out with her friends, I can deal with that. McCanless just sings what she thinks she hears anyway, so I’m sure Mary Clare won’t become corrupt just yet. As I think about it, my baby brother probably wasn’t affected being exposed to my music growing up. His favorite song just happened to be a Red Hot Chili Peppers tune when he was in first grade. So, what’s wrong with that?

Mary Clare always wants what McCanless has, be it Princess sippy cup of milk, Barbie doll, Make-up kit, etc. Those baby toys just don’t do anything for her. In a way, it makes me sad that she is growing up so fast, trying to keep up with McCanless. But, I also get to watch her admire her big sister and strive to be just like her, music and all. I love my two beautiful girls: my free-spirited, independent, strong-willed McCanless and my loving and spunky little fighter, Mary Clare. Life can’t get any better watching these two grow.

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