Observations.

Last week was Observation Week at Marley's dance class.  Which means we were allowed inside the studio, rather than perched on chairs just outside the viewing window in the waiting room.  During the ninety-minute lesson covering tap, ballet, and jazz, Rudy and I had plenty of opportunity to observe a six-year-old shuffle and kick and plie all over the place.

Here are some other observations I'd like to make:

1.  It is not easy to entertain a three-year-old for ninety minutes in the waiting room of a dance studio without a continually refreshed selection of books, toys, and snacks.  Even with these things, it is nearly impossible.

2.  If I apply a scant coat of eyeshadow and mascara before such an appointment, it often boosts me just beyond the feeling that I am a bedraggled [Hi, Heather.] stay-at-home mom.  As Danielle once wisely told me, "If you've got a minute, fix your make-up."  Or something like that.

3.  Marley often exhibits slumped-shoulder-exhaustion and rubbing-her-tummy-hunger during this Wednesday afternoon lesson.  Pretty often.  It's been a couple of months already, but I think we'll have to re-assess this class and its time-frame after the studio's holiday recital in early January.

4.  By the way, I can't wait to see what Rudy does during her class's number at the holiday recital.  Based on what I've seen during her Saturday morning classes, I predict she'll be the kid standing still in the middle of the stage, defiantly picking her nose.