Life is But a Dream

Tickling the Ivories in a Piano Duet

Not to toot any horns here (pun intended), but Edmund is quite the musician. Not only does Edmund know a myriad of songs, but he he plays seven different instruments. In no particular order they are... guitar, harmonica, recorder, trumpet, saxoflute, train whistle (OK I know I'm stretching it with those last two), and drums, his new found obsession. I can't sit here and tell you Edmund is the next Beethoven, but relative to his age he is actually quite talented.

After a recent date night Steven and I returned home to learn that while we were out, Edmund orchestrated his own orchestra. Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Alison were all assigned instruments. For most of this little scenario, Edmund chose to rock out on his drums (large foam blocks he arranges to look like a drumset). As I mentioned earlier, drums are Edmund's current instrument of choice, and to his pleasure, and his parents' occasional horror, many of the recent social events we've attended have also included a full-size drum kit. Fortunately, these places have been kid-friendly and our hosts have been gracious enough to let Edmund have full reign of the drums. Unfortunately, it takes a Herculean effort to pull Edmund away from the drums. For this reason, it will be a few years before Edmund gets his own set. We feel we must spare the neighbors. Joking aside, this kid has rhythm. He can keep a steady beat while coordinating cymbals, snare, and bass. He even holds the sticks correctly. He must be observing drummers at church and concerts, because it isn't from anyone showing him how to do this. Try to show our son the "correct" way to do anything and meltdown ensues. I've learned my lesson and for fear of extinguishing this interest, I'm going to tread carefully when it comes to intervening for now.

Edmund is also quite the vocalist and composer. Edmund knows more songs than I can count and has made-up just as many. Not only can he recite songs, but can sing on pitch and imitate instrument sounds fairly accurately. Recently, however, I realized Edmund may be missing the meaning of some of his favorite songs. Below you will find a transcription of Edmund's rendering of a classic.

Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Like a spider's dream.

Despite how I've come to treasure this version of the song, one day I decided to slow down the lyrics so Edmund could catch all the words. This is what he heard.

Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life's a butter dream.

I love Edmund's little misspeaks and I've found they most often occur in song. Thus, if I hear a humorous one I'll do a quick blog post. I know if I don't write these things down while they're fresh, they'll be gone, and life will be but a dream.