Opera Bites

Before you read this "twincident," I should prepare you: I have always been a little weird. And I'm cool with it. This may come as a shock to some of you. ;) I'm quirky and silly. I can definitely be serious and even dark at times. But I can also be lighthearted and fun. If the context is right, I can find amusement in the simplest and most random ways.

Well...for the longest time, I have suffered from--what should I call them--..."opera outbursts." I control them in public, but when I am alone or in the comfortable company of loved ones, I just let 'em on out. If I am cold or bored or just feeling silly, I am compelled to release my energy by way of a shrill yell, a sort of opera note. Sometimes I use an Italian line from my days of high school or middle school choir, but most of the time, it's just an extended...note.  I may even dramatize it further with a raise of my fist or an open hand--And then I carry on as if nothing has happened. Now, that may seem odd to you. If you were to witness it, you may question my sanity, but for me, my family and those who know me well, it is perfectly normal. My husband sees it as a mild nuisance. He rolls his eyes or tells me to "stop it." I think he secretly likes it though. He won't admit it, but I think he'd remember it fondly if I weren't around. ;)

Emma always smiles. Mommy's feeling silly! Yay! It's a signal to them for fun and carefree expression. They bang on the table and yell out chants or songs. Emma's face mimics mine when I opera outburst. And then she smiles eagerly, like she too wants to make that shrill, vibrato sound. Ethan tends toward opposition. But he opposes everything. I think he gets it from his daddy. ;) "No singing, Mom! Stop doing that! Don't do that--Any. More. Times!" But I think I detect a smile behind those crossed eyebrows. The boys will come around...maybe. 

But get this! I have now discovered a practical use for opera outbursts! Yep. If Emma won't eat her dinner, I try to spoon feed her with an enthusiastic face and voice. She won't open her mouth. I have an outburst, and she opens wide! Viola! In goes the spoon! "Good girl!! That's wonderful! Yummy!" And she is proud when Mommy is proud. Ethan sees this and he responds as well! 

"Aaaahhh....."--gulp.  "Aaaahhhh....."--gulp.

Wow! Who knew this silly quirk of mine would come in handy someday? It almost seems like an involuntary response for them, like a baby's deep gasp when you blow in his face--and like a toddler's wide open mouth when you have an opera outburst--a perfectly normal reflex! Ha! 

The other day Emma decided that she didn't need my help with her "opera bites" anymore. She could do it herself. I sang out; she sang out...and then she took a big bite.   "Good one! Keep practicing!" I say.  

 

And she did.

"What's the deal in there?" their dad yelled from the living room.

"We're just eating dinner, Dad!"