Rock-a-Baby *review*

I’d heard about Rock-a-Baby from friends when Addie was born. Puppets, interactive play and song, other kids and parents were all intriguing reasons to sign up, but we didn’t. The problem wasn’t what I was hearing, but what Addie wasn’t. I have written A LOT about Addie’s hearing, from THIS post about the ear in general and the testing we went through, to THIS post about scheduling her surgery and THIS one about how well she did getting tubes, but what I haven’t written much about is how important music is to me and our family. I did write one post HERE that touched upon how music has shaped me, and a little blurb about Dave’s music shop celebrating their 10 year anniversary, but I don’t think that tells enough of our story. I’m sure someday I’ll get to it, but for now just know that there is a soundtrack to my life. I define myself and my phases solely by music and the tapering of my jeans.

As my interest in Rock-a-Baby peaked and Addie’s hearing seemed SO much better, I emailed founder Marc Trachtenberg about his experience with kids who have had some hearing loss and he offered to let us sit in on a class to ensure Addie would be comfortable (some sounds still startle her a bit). I was super excited because after the class we were heading to see our team in Delaware and I was sure the excitement would make Addie a bit sleepy for the long ride. Was I right? Yes!

During the class, Addie could not get enough of Benny’s guitar (such a Daddy’s girl), and she loved Melody (and Kate, too!). I was so happy that the piano didn’t scare her, as I am a hammers and strings kind of gal (and my drums, of course!). As the class progressed, Addie made her way to the middle of the floor for kisses from the puppets, to play with bubbles and to (almost) get trapped in the London Bridge, which was, of course, falling down! She got to shake, clap and give out her smiles for a whole hour. Marc gave us the Rock-A-Baby CDs and Book as we were leaving and we made plans to come back. As we made the 350 mile drive, we listened to the CDs whenever Addie was awake- so much so that Dave and I find ourselves singing the songs when Addie is asleep!

Our second week was just as great- and it was Addie’s birthday. She was sung the special birthday song, Birthday Baby, which she knew well from singing it in the car! Addie is also learning from the CDs and I catch her clapping to Clap Your Hands. I love the class, the tunes made for babies, but well composed and performed, but most of all, I love seeing Addie enjoy music. All of a sudden, in the middle of class last week, Addie started to bounce. Perched between my outstretched legs, her spine began to hunch and straighten, I peaked around to see her face, which was lit up with a beaming smile.

My baby had rhythm. She was feeling music.

I knew my emotions we written all over my face- I had to look up to prevent the tears from falling. Music is so important to learning, expressing and processing- I am so blessed to be able to share that with Addie. The bubbles are one of Addie’s favorites, but just seeing her enjoyment makes everything about the class and experience we both get each week my favorite!

I keep one CD inside with her book, and one in the car to rock out to! Her ears may not be perfect (we go to the audiologist in a few weeks and then back to the ENT), but I know that she is experiencing the sounds that please her (she loves to listen to Gotye) and some of those that shock her (she gets over stimulated by the complexity in Dave’s old band the Sweetthieves) and those that are just not her taste (she falls asleep during anything classical- which is what I listen to when I write). I’m excited to begin our next session and watch Addie learn more about music and all it will offer her in life. Thanks Rock-a-Baby!