Waltz of the Beanie-Bean Beanie

Marley and watched the Boston Ballet perform the Nutcracker on Sunday. She was enchanted and delighted, which was everything I had hoped for. As promised, we got dolled up beforehand, although we didn't have time for the manicure she wanted. Here she is, about one hour after her pre-show meltdown and six hours before her post-show meltdown.

Here's how I know that Marley will be a performer of some kind. For real. In the past, when I've gone to friends' performances or watched something like the Nutcracker, I've thought, this is fun, or entertaining, or beautiful. I've thought about the work that's gone into it. But I've never thought that I want to be on the stage. And during the show, Marley turned to me and whispered, "I wish I could be up there." Later: "I can't wait until I'm up there."

She had another great line during the show. Towards the end of Boston's production, the Sugarplum Fairy dances with the Nutcracker Prince while Clara watches with Drosselmeyer. Marley was confused. "Why is he dancing with that girl?" she asked. "I don't know," I replied. "Maybe Clara's too little to dance like that?" And then my Beanie protested, "But, no. She met the guy first." Oh, Marley. That doesn't make nearly the difference you think it should.