Earlier today, I walked into a neighboring room and overheard Ari singing “Ba Ba Black Sheep.” (Where did he learn that song? It isn’t one we EVER sing together! Maybe from my in-laws.) What surprised me wasn’t the fact he knew most of the words, but that he was singing by himself! It was the first time I had ever overheard him sing a song spontaneously without a stitch of adult prompting. I’ll admit, I got a little teary.
I continued to listen from the next room as Ari began singing another song. This time, he sang “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” which is one we sing together constantly. Again, he knew all of the words! So I did what most mothers would do. I entered the room Ari was singing in, opened up the Voice Memos app on my iPhone, and requested for him to sing.
And what do you think he did?
If you guessed that he kept on singing songs independently, well, then you’d be — wrong.
But, he did sing with me. His little voice is quite cute (if I do say so myself). Take a listen!
Maybe next time I’ll wisen up and secretly record him singing from the next room!
Raising Literate Humans 
It’s so funny that you wrote this. We went on a few longer car rides this past weekend and were amazed to hear Rose’s singing voice coming from the backseat. Her tunes weren’t quite as clear yet. We think we heard bits of “happy birthday” and “old McDonald”! Such joy!
Oh, that must’ve been fabulous to witness!
Thanks for the sweet moment between you and Ari. Balm for the soul that precious voice.
It is balm for the soul, isn’t it?
Oh, my! This is melt-your-heart sweet. That little voice!
I know. I just want to bottle it up and savor it forever!
Precious!
Definitely warming my heart and soul!
❤
Thanks, Fran!
I appreciate the opportunity to listen to this special moment. I couldn’t help but smile when I listened to the the two of you singing.
You’re sweet. It’s been nearly 20 years since I’ve had voice lessons. :0
So sweet — interesting he picked two songs with the same melody! Thanks for sharing.
That’s so great! You will have to be more Ninja about your recordings next time. I have listen to old recordings now and then and they bring me such joy!
Don’t you love when they start doing something you didn’t know they could do, and you aren’t sure where they learned it? Amazing! 🙂 (And I share your frustration at trying to capture a moment and having the act of capturing it interrupt it! Definitely go for the from-the-next-room next time!) 🙂
Mmm… that little voice makes my heart melt. And I love the way you’ve captured one of the things about my own children that constantly amazes me: they know things that I didn’t teach them. I love how they grow and change and become their own people, starting with singing unexpectedly in another room.