If I had to list the 3 things that bring Eli the most joy in this world they would be:
1. Any kind of sweet treat
2. Playing Minecraft on the iPad
3. Music
Junk food and screen time are probably pretty high on most kids’ lists, but Eli’s love of the most random assortment of music seems a little quirky.
In order to indulge his musical senses, I created his own playlist for him on Spotify. I’ve learned to be prepared, always keeping pen and paper nearby, as he requests songs to be put on his playlist. In the car, in a commercial, on an elevator … something always catches that kid’s ear.
Last summer we were concerned that multiple seasons of incessant ear infections had compromised his hearing. The ENT we consulted was adamant that he have tubes put in. It was suggested we see a speech and hearing therapist. The day before he was to have surgery, we were in the car with the radio on. For weeks prior to this, Eli would repeatedly sing the lyrics “Please don’t call me out.” We couldn’t figure out what on earth he was singing, and his attempts to clue us in were fruitless. It was then, listening to the Black Eyed Peas “Just Can’t Get Enough” that I heard that very lyric, sung once and tucked into the middle of the song.
We cancelled the surgery. We had his hearing checked. He’s totally fine.
We have no earthly idea how Eli picks the music he likes. His current favorites, which can change with the wind, are “Gangnam Style” by Psy (2012), “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, (2003), “Talk” by Coldplay (2005), and “Africa” by Toto (1982), and “Fur Elise” by Beethoven (1810). Yeah.
He can hear a song twice and have the lyrics nearly memorized. If only he could be so quick to pick up on putting his shoes on the mat or the toilet seat down.
Five-year-olds, they’re the best. After last Friday’s horrific events, I’m vowing to pay more attention to these quirky, happy little things that make our kids who they are. I can’t bear to listen to the news, but what I can bear is listening to the parents remember their kids in all their six and seven-year-old glory. It’s heartwrenching, for sure, as like Jennifer Rowe Walters writes, I know what six looks like . It looks an awful lot like my sweet Eli. But hearing about Jack Pinto‘s love for Victor Cruz and the NY Giants, or Noah Pozner pretending to be a taco factory manager, these things are good and pure. It reminds me not to focus on the evil, but to celebrate the joy and comedy these kids bring into our lives every day.
I have a blogging connection to Noah’s aunt, Victoria. If you’d like to help the family, a trust fund has been set up through Noah’s Ark of Hope Fund. You can also send notes and cards to the family at:
Noah’s Ark of Hope Fund
261 S. Main St. #332
Newtown, CT 06470
In the meantime, love and treasure each other, and listen to more “Africa.” You know it’s your favorite song, too.
Sounds a bit like me (I too have a quirky and wide variety of music I like)… I’m assuming that, as a responsible parent, you explained that while it was okay to enjoy the current music of the Black Eyed Peas, they did in fact, “sell out” and their earlier music is far superior? As a fellow music appreciator, I put together a short list of some stuff you can try out on him and see what he thinks.
1) K-os – Superstar Part Zero (similar to, but superior to BEP)
2) Pokey LaFarge – La La Blues
3) Keith Frank – Co Fa
4) Gaelic Storm – Swimming in the Sea
5) Dirty Dozen Brass Band – We Got Robbed
6) The Slackers – Wanted Dead or Alive (yes it’s a cover)
I went back through and I’m 95% sure they’re all okay for a 5-year old (#6 was only slightly iffy), but you can listen and confirm yourself, obv.
Awesome … we’ll be checking them out on Spotify! Yeah, so not a Black Eyed Peas fan, either, but if we only let them listen to stuff we like there’d be a lot less Justin Bieber and One Direction in our lives.
This is perfect, Angie. I haven’t been able to watch much of the news either. But, like you, I think of those children daily as I watch my own kids. It has made me more patient, slow down, and spend more time with them. I think what those parents wouldn’t give for just one more day with their babies.