Chapel

Today at school was Andy's first morning in chapel.  Basically, all the kids come in with their class and practice the songs they are learning in music class on stage.  Gets them used to being on stage, sitting in the pews, that type of thing.  Akin to the Christmas program but very informal.  Still hilarious.

The two year olds were up first.  Andy ended up smack in the middle of the stage, in a long line of little bodies.  But his position gave him a good view of Ms. Jessika (music teacher) and more importantly, Madelyn. 

Mama and Aunt Serena were several rows back with the babes in tow.  For the record, Harrison can sit in a pew.  He's 3 months old and can sit up.  He's anxious to keep up with all the big kids. 

Andy didn't see Mama; Andy only had eyes for Madelyn.  He did a good job following Ms. Jessika's lead doing the motions.  This is going to be impossible to describe, and no, I did not take the video camera.  Camera + Elizabeth = not good.  Anyway, there was one song about growing up in which the kids squat down and gradually "grow" higher and higher, ending with a big jump in the air.  For all those who know Andy, you know this was his favorite part. 

What Mama and Aunt Serena didn't know was that Madelyn was encouraging Andy from her position in the audience.  Following the performance, Mad's teacher came to tell us that Madelyn was very enthusiastic about Andy's first chapel experience.  When he walked on stage, she leaned over to tell Ms. Cathleen that "That's my brother.  He's 2." and then spent the next few minutes giving Andy wise words of encouragement.  Smile!  Sing louder!  Good job, Andy!  This explains why Andy did not stay still on stage; he was following the pull of his adoring audience of one. 

To understand why this is funny (instead of sweet; anyone can see how sweet this is) you'd have to understand the dynamic of Andy and Madelyn.  We've always said they will grow up thinking they are brother and sister instead of cousins.  Madelyn will see to it as she'll now introduce Andy as her brother.  This is a departure from her convinction of their twin-hood from a few weeks ago.  It wouldn't surprise me, though, if she goes back to them being twins, just because she's decided that's how she likes it. 

What's more is that Andy and Madelyn act like brother and sister; Andy ADORES her.  He would follow her to the ends of the earth and back, willingly.  Madelyn loves him, I know she does.  But she sometimes has little patience for the little boyness about him.  She does not understand why, in a moment of excitement, he wallops her.  Nor does she understand why he always wants her to play trains; the mere fact that he's willing to share Thomas and James says it all.  He doesn't care what she's doing, he just wants to be near her.  Madelyn experiences this more as an invasion of personal space (I don't blame her) than an expression of his adoration.  But she is so sweet to him.  He will learn gentleness and compassion from her.  I love to watch them together.  I love how they love each other. 

I'll bring the video camera next month for chapel, that's for sure.  And get a seat near Madelyn so I can capture her commentary!