"Oink-Oink"

William's class performance was adorable. The kids waited in the hall while the parents gathered in the classroom. Once we were all settled, the kids filed in one by one and took their places in a semicircle on the "stage" (the carpeted area of their classroom). When William walked in, he didn't see us at first. Ed was able to get away from work to watch the show, and William had no idea he was coming. So when he did spot us, his eyes got wide and he grinned ear-to-ear and couldn't stop grinning.

Then the kids started singing. Except for William. At first he just looked around with a smile frozen on his face. Then he started oinking. Like a pig. While all the other kids sang, my kid oinked. And not just quietly. It was loud. And he thought it was hysterical. That's our boy!

I guess it was his version of stage fright. I know he knew the song, because he sang it for us the night before. I think he was just shocked to see Ed there, and a little overwhelmed by the sight of all the parents. I can't really blame him. I got stage fright, too.So my kid oinked while the other kids sang and then recited a poem. All the parents clapped, and then we had tea sandwiches and ice cream sundaes.The best part for William was that he got to go home early with Daddy. He and Ed got Seth from his class, and they went home while I went back to work.

We've asked William a few times why he oinked during the performance. He just goes all silly and I think he gets a little embarrassed. Poor guy! I hope he isn't always the kid who goofs off during a performance out of sheer embarrassment or fear. There's always one. Most parents think it's funny. (But they're glad it's not their kid.) Some parents think it's annoying. (And they're glad it's not their kid.) I guess it's a good thing I've always thought it was funny and sweet.

(William's the one in the middle.)