A date

Freddie and I had a date over the weekend. We headed to Carnegie Hall's Family Concert showcasing Mambo music. Freddie was definitely interested when I mentioned there would be dancers. "When are the dancers coming out, Mama?"

 

We arrived early for the educational presentation where some musicians spoke about their instruments.  Freddie like hearing the baritone saxophone.  

He seemed rather impressed with the percussion, especially when the timbales player pulled out glow in the dark drum sticks.  He pretended to play the trumpet for most of the performance, but when I asked if he would like to play the trumpet he asked for a piano.  Of course, as soon as we move to a house.  I say that once a day it seems.

After the concert we strolled through the city, looking at this and that....sculptures, window displays, cracks in the sidewalks.  The city is easy with only one child!  He chose McDonald's for lunch, even at my listing nearly 10 other selections.  It has been quite a while since he's had "Old McDonald's" chicken nuggets. 

I loved my time to focus on just Freddie.  He seemed to like it too.  He's better at being just with me, not wondering what Hans and Dada are doing without him.  In addition to being amazed at how easy having one child is, I was amazed at how mature my baby has become.  I lose sight of how much he is changing in the chaos of our days. 

An added bonus of the date:  Freddie's been requesting Tito Puente when we turn on the music!  And we've found Puerto Rico, Honduras, and Cuba on his world map.  Arriba!

In case you are wondering about Carnegie Hall's family concerts:

• They are awesome.  I highly recommend them.  It is a perfect introduction to music and all things involved with watching a concert performance for young children of all ages.  They are truly family friendly events.  Freddie is definitely on the younger end of the range in ages, but you certainly don't have to worry about your child causing a scene, talking too loudly, or bothering anyone. 
• Reasonably priced with tickets as low as $9.
• I love being in Carnegie Hall.  Nothing like the grandness of an old theater.
• You can select your seats from an interactive seating chart.  I appreciate being able to do this so I can get seats on the front row.  The balcony works for us, and Freddie wasn't quite as scared of the edge this time around.  Not sure if that is a plus or minus.