Baby Ballerina

Today was Johanna's second ballet class. It was technically supposed to be her third, but we missed the first class because I was sick. Last week, we didn't have a chance before class to get the appropriate attire. But this morning, as you can see, we were an absolute vision to behold.

We had occupational therapy at our house with Carol beforehand.

Johanna did a great job threading beads on a string by herself. And she was also able to name all the colors--red, yellow, blue--something she's never done before.

But then, everything's easier when you're a beautiful ballerina.

Meanwhile, Teddy got in touch with his feminine side by taking a plastic tomato for a ride in Jo Jo's pink stroller.

The motorcycle came along for company.

After therapy, Jo Jo and I headed to ballet class. It's hard to tell how much she's really getting out of it, but she loved waving her pink butterfly wand...

...and dressing up as Madeline...

...except for the minor annoying detail that her hat kept falling off and she couldn't figure out how to get it back on.

But her favorite thing? Admiring herself in the mirror.

This must be some weird modern dance move....

But for me, today was amazing because I watched my daughter fulfill one of the dreams I've always had for her. There's no reason why she can't continue to dance for as long as she wants--more and more, places are offering adaptive dance programs for kids with special needs (check out the Boston Ballet's program for children with Down Syndrome, here: http://www.bostonballet.org/community/adaptive-dance.html)

My little ballerina girl. I am so proud of you