Helena's new favourite song is Bonne Fête — that's the Happy Birthday song, in French. She likes to mix it up a little: it's alternately bonne fête Mama, Papa, Helena, Elmo, Émile (whose recent birthday celebration at the daycare I'm guessing is the inspiration for this burst of song).
I was afraid for a while that Helena's love of music might not translate into ability. It took some practice I guess, but finally, yes, the girl can carry a tune.
When she steps up to the bathroom sink, she routinely sings the hand-washing song: "Savez-vous laver les mains, à la mode, à la mode..." I'm told the actual song goes "Savez-vous planter des chous..." ("Do you know how to plant cabbage" — whatever.)
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star is so last week, and Panie Janie (that's Frère Jacques in Polish — any attempt I make to sing it in French or English results in a vehement NO, NO, NNNOOOO!) has fallen by the wayside.
We are treated to occasional renditions of that They Might Be Giants number (thanks, Blue's Clues) and the Alphabet Song (no, she doesn't get all the letters right, not even close; and ya, I know it's the same tune as Twinkle, Twinkle).
But Bonne Fête is definitely the song of the moment.
She belts it out proud. Then she whispers it. She switches from a low and gravelly "big" voice to a falsetto.
Over and over.
Toddlers are weird.
(Lest you think I've not been reading or thinking much, I'm a quarter of the way through Don Quixote. Yay me!)
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2 comments:
My eldest couldn't carry a tune for the longest time as a toddler (in fact, she was over 3 when she got it) so it can take time for some kids to do that. Now, however, she corrects the slightest off pitch note if she knows the tune.
Karin
Personally, I don't think we all hold onto holding a tune nearly enough. If children can belt out
Blue's Clues at breakfast, why can't we?
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