Shake, Rattle and Roll

Today was Joanna and my first 'Shake, Rattle and Roll' class at the YMCA. Now, I knew from the moment Joanna had her first stumble that she was going to be 'one tough cookie....' because she rarely cried or cries when she falls, hits her head, gets her finger caught in things etc. (I didn't think her lack of reaction was anything unusual until other parents out in public places would gasp and shutter at the sight of Joanna flying through the air, as she tried to take her first steps only to pop right up and keep on moving like nothing happened....) Unfortunately, I think her grin and bear-it attitude has made her a bit intimidating among her peers! Perhaps Joanna took the title of the class to literally mean 'shake, rattle and roll' because from the moment she arrived at the gym she was off! Shaking her way from this toy and that, rattling every musical instrument and ball in sight and yes....rolling her classmates on the floor! I know Joanna means well, she just isn't very aware that not everyone is as sturdy as she....today at class, Joanna ran up to, who she thought was going to be her new best friend in the whole wide world, screeching and giggling with every frantic step closer to the girl, with arms outstretched, Joanna made what could be interpreted as a flying leap maneuver to catch the poor, confused, and frightened little girl in a giant bear hug....you can guess what happened next! Timber!!! Down goes Joanna's new, not so, BFF! And after a second of shock, the little girl cried like anyone having a Joanna released on them would....I don't know which was worse: Joanna tackling the girl to the floor with only the best intentions in mind or the fact that Joanna gave me this absolute heart-broken look (with hints of tears welling up) as she tried to figure out why her new buddy didn't want to hug! :(

The calm before the 'shake, rattle and roll' storm