Mallory did the normal things that little kids do when trying to pronounce words when she was very small.
“Wookit me!”
“Wisten da me!”
But it was when she was trying to learn to pronounce her own name that she really threw me off. Surprisingly, it didn’t take me long to figure out that she should probably just sing it. When it finally came to me, I decided to teach her to sing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and change the word at the end to “Mallory, Mallory, Mallory, Mallory… life is but a dream.”
It worked. She got it. It was very cute and only posed one problem: when she started pre-school she insisted that everyone was pronouncing “Mallory” wrong when they sang it as “Merrily“. They called me to school to have a conference at that point. She caused quite a disturbance insisting that HER NAME BE SUNG IN THAT SONG.
Yesterday she asked me to write “Life is but a dream…” over and over on a piece of paper. Lower case, upper case, cursive, print. Today she took that paper in to a tattoo artist and had it inked on the side of her foot. I say ‘inked’ because I, too, am already ‘inked’ and because I am just. that. hip.
It is my handwriting on my daughter’s foot. And I love that…
When my camera and computer decide to cooperate, I will post a picture so you can wook at it, too.
August 24, 2006 @ 6:19 am | Filed under Freaky Family | Permalink |
Dana Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 6:43 am
That is just awesome! I love how creative she is. And sentimental.
NursePam Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 6:55 am
That’s amazing Kelly. In a dysfunctional family, the kid would have gone into therapy over the experience. Your kid has inked on her foot a reminder that mom gave her a song that the whole world sings.
If you wanted a signpost pointing toward your good parenting skills, this is a big one.
Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 7:03 am
I hope that when Claudia is Mallory’s age we have a relationship like you two do.
You guys amaze me.
Elizabeth Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 7:04 am
I don’t think I could say it any better than NursePam did. I have tears in my eyes, thinking of your sweet daughter using your words and your handwriting to get a tattoo. That is just wonderful.
Ami Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 7:04 am
I’ve always wanted to get a tatoo but never could come up with anything creative enough or moving enough to permanently ink on my body. If I could come up with something like THAT, I’d do it in a heartbeat! Awesome, just plain awesome in so many ways!
Jennifer Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 7:11 am
That is beautiful thing to do!
Can’t wait to see it!
alice Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 7:20 am
Wow! That brought tears to my eyes. So So So So sweet. I have four girls and I hope we are as good of friends when they grow up as you and your daughter are.
Juli Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 7:29 am
For as much as I don’t care for tattoos, that is simply beautiful. I love it. You have my approval.
I think NursePam said it best, what a signpost!!
VENTL8R Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 7:39 am
Don’tcha just want to squeeze her until she squeaks when she does things like that??
Heather B. Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 7:57 am
I love this story.
When I got “inked” I was terrified of what my mother would say (I was 17 at the time and got a tattoo with a fake ID), so I called her and told her that I had to tell her something important. Of course that freaked her out and she assumed the worse, that I was ill or pregnant or something. Needless to say, when she found out that it was just a tattoo, she was immensely relieved. Even though I’m 22 now, she would shit a brick if I got another.
Nora Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 9:55 am
That is incredibly sweet and creative
And I have learned that all along I have been singing Row, Row, Row your boat wrong, I had no idea it was merrily. ; )
Lia Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 10:53 am
Beautiful. I have been inked twice and although I sometimes wish I could get rid of them, they are me.
Tracey Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 11:36 am
And you were so worried about doing right by her…
I think her actions say it all.
BIG HUG to you!
Jenni Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 11:40 am
Awesome. Absolutely freakin’ awesome.
Jenna Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 12:08 pm
What a great idea for a tattoo! i am jealous!
I have one, i am getting another after i lose 50 lbs! I had it planned what i was going to get, but now, reading this, it kind of makes me want something to represent my mom.
She used to sing you are my sunshine to me, cuz thats what i am, her sunshine!
Peace!
GeekyDiorGirl Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 12:20 pm
I think I’m going to cry. Now I’m sitting here thinking of things my mommy said to me that would make a great tattoo. And yes I am SO BITING!
Tom Stormcrowe Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 2:08 pm
Could have saved her a bunch of money using a “Sharpie” and frequent touchups!::GRIN::
Actually, it’s kind of cool!
Chase Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 3:41 pm
That’s one of the coolest things EVER! I love this post so very much.
dragon-mum Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 6:06 pm
Can that girl adore you any more? HUH? I racked my brains for ages… and I am immensely sad to admit this. My mum NEVER said or did one thing good like this that I would ever turn into a tattoo.
Bowen has that priveledge. When he finally learnt how to say I love you….. one night at bedtime….. snuggled into my neck…. “I love you Mummy… all the way round”. It took me a few attempts before I got what he was saying. And in his mind it equaled the hugs I give.. which go all the way round :)Somewhere in the near future, “all the way round” will make it’s inky way onto my body.
Did you know why Mallory wanted you to write it out? Or did she suprise you with it?
Love Yvonne
Janice Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 7:16 pm
Original and unique…just like she is!
Not Mocha Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 8:00 pm
Wow. Everyone had such nice things to say about this story. I didn’t realize how much people would respond to it. Once again, Nurse Pam blows me away with her comments, too. Just like many others here, it brought me to tears.
Von, she surprised me with it. I knew she was getting it done and had an idea of what she wanted, but the fact that it’s my handwriting? That is what completely surprised and delighted me. Also? I, too, love you all the way round. Of course, it’s round the world as you live much too far away from me…
Thanks, everyone.
Mocha Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 8:01 pm
Apparently, my mother is leaving messages for me as “Not Mocha” and I forgot to change it… geez.
adwina Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 8:39 pm
That is very interesting and definitely funny. LOL. I linked you up again in my blog post, Teaching Through a Song. I hope you like it
Love,
Adwina
jess Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 9:13 pm
I love this story. LOVE IT. Your relationship with mallory inspires me!
Lady M Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 9:14 pm
What a beautiful story! Both the part where you taught her special songs, and later when she wanted to treasure the memory indelibly.
kate5kiwis Said,
August 24, 2006 @ 9:39 pm
how come i’m always so late to comment on your posts.. i think i must wake up too late…
that.is.so.cool.
i have a seven petalled daisy in the predictable place (daisy for freedom. seven for the number of people in our family. pink and yellow cos they’re two of my fave colours).\
hubby and i want matching fleur de lis to commemorate our paris holiday last month…..
not sure where to put them ;o)
Belinda Said,
August 25, 2006 @ 1:42 am
THAT is super-sweet. It’s better than the traditional “MOM” even.
And I have a similar story about a preschooler who had to be removed from the church nursery (this would be me) at age 3, because they were singing songs, and it must have been near Christmas, and they were going around the room asking everyone to name their favorite song, and then everyone would sing it, and then go to the next person. When my mom picked me up, I was doing that hitching-sob thing where you’re so hysterical you can’t breathe? And the teacher confessed to my perplexed mother that she had NO idea why I was so upset–I had requested “Joy To The World,” and they complied immediately with a rousing rendition of “Joy to the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her king…”etc.
And that is when the poor church nursery lady said that I lost my ever-loving mind, and the only thing she could understand that I was screaming repeatedly was “something about a bullfrog.”
You get where this is going, don’tcha? I wanted JOY TO THE WORLD that started with “Jeremiah was a bullfrog!”
I have been misunderstood my whole life.
Julie Said,
August 25, 2006 @ 6:13 am
Oh I knew that was coming Belinda! I would have been right there with ya.
Not Mocha - you are slick. hee hee Nice posting for Mocha, but not mocha.
Mocha! What a great post!! I too am inked. Twice inked. I wish I had another one on my foot, but have been a chicken. I hear it hurts even more on the feet. The small of my back was pretty bad. I can’t wait to see a photo of her “ink.” You are such a great Mom!!
tanilan Said,
August 25, 2006 @ 6:31 am
That is so beautiful! I can’t wait to see the pictures!
Much More Than A Mom Said,
August 25, 2006 @ 1:36 pm
I love this story! What a great tribute to your mothering!
EricAtRandom Said,
August 26, 2006 @ 8:01 am
My parents had friends, Brian and Merrilee (sp? - combination of Meryl and Leigh, I suppose), and I always thought the song was about her. Not to worry, though… she’s not “so vain”.
I love little kids’ handling of songs. I was surprised to find out how many have their own little family nuances. Then the kids debate those differences like adults would debate religious doctrines!
Mary Tsao Said,
August 27, 2006 @ 9:14 pm
You are inspirational. This is a wonderful story. And I saw the picture on Flickr — great tattoo, too!
Mom101 Said,
August 28, 2006 @ 6:37 pm
If that’s not the ultimate phrase from daughter to mother I don’tknow what is.
Mom101 Said,
August 28, 2006 @ 6:37 pm
HA!! that would be PRAISE. Yes, I’m on the second glass of wine. And it is a good phrase, come to think of it!
Elizabeth Said,
August 28, 2006 @ 10:04 pm
Unbelievable. I hope my girls will have that special bond with me at that age. I’d say you are incredibly lucky.
But you knew that already, didn’t you?
*hugs*
MommyWithAttitude Said,
August 31, 2006 @ 1:35 pm
Oh she is COOL!
kapgar Said,
September 5, 2006 @ 2:15 pm
So what is your tattoo?
Insparenting Said,
September 6, 2006 @ 8:58 pm
Teaching Through a Song
What would you do to teach your little kiddos when they’re not able to utter a word correctly?
MochaMomma has a very interesting, definitely creative way to teach her daughter Mallory to say her own name.
Though it caused one problem, it really w…
Steve Said,
September 7, 2006 @ 11:43 am
That is unbelievably kewl Kelly! I guess that puts you in the running for best Mom ever, huh?