Music to my ears

We have never -- not once -- watched Barney in this house. Before we became mothers, I think we all looked at our mom friends and thought that they had totally lost IT. Whatever IT is -- the individuality they used to have, the independence, the self-awareness, the coolness of being put together. I see my sisters and non-mom friends look at me that way when I get to the 18th story about my kids as I am sitting at a girls' happy hour, and I know I used to give it, too. Well, pre-kids, I don't remember how or why, but that crazy purple dinosaur became the symbol in my mind of losing IT. My 4 yo Little Angel girl watched Barney at day care a couple of years ago and recently asked if we could watch it. My "no" was challenged with her "why?" In a moment of weakness, I confessed that I did not like Barney and that we would not watch him in this house. Well, I know where Little Angel gets her stubborn streak, but I didn't expect to see it this early. Later that day, we were looking at a catalog of birthday decorations, and she deviously said, "Mommy, I want to have a Barney party!" I finally succeeded in putting the kabash on that idea by reminding her that she hadn't watched him since she was 2, but that took several days. Since then, she LOVES to sing the Barney Song to me. "I love you. You love me. We're a happy family. With a great big hug and a kiss from me to you. Won't you say you love me, too." I cringe and listen to 3 or 4 rounds of it. Who knew that Little Man was listening, too. Tonight at the dinner table, he busted out with "I uuuhh you." My heart melted! It was the first time he said it without responding immediately to one of us saying it to him. I was soaking it in, and watching the little gleam of pride in his eyes. My eyes surely reflected that pride since I was so overjoyed that he said I love you! Then, he continues. He sang "I uuuuhh you" for the entire tune of the Barney song! Little Man has been humming snippets of songs for a few weeks now -- "E-I-E-I-O" to "Ashes, Ashes, We all fall down!" He picks the most emphasized of his favorites. Who knew that Little Angel and Little Man would melt my hearts enough that I would not only tolerate the Barney song, but actually have that song top my charts!