There once was a baby boy who liked to dance. He would shake his tiny booty to the slightest hint of a melody, be it a song on the stereo, a movie soundtrack, or even the cacophonous bleating of a so-called "musical" toy. This boy impressed all his relatives with his ability to discern a tune and squat rhythmically in response. His parents looked for different ways to expand his musical repertoire, playing a multitude of genres for him as he stacked blocks or pulled Legos apart in the living room. He danced more, and even threw in a little clapping here and there.

When researching local playgroups and other baby activities, the little bumshaker's Mommy and Daddy heard about a series of music and story programs at the local libraries. The little boy and his father both enjoyed a quiet story program at the closest branch, and decided to try a larger and more musically-inclined program at the larger library inside the city's beltline. The program promised, "songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and lots of interactive fun for ages birth to three years". 

The big day finally arrived. The boy and his dad rearranged their morning routine in order to be at the library before "Rhyme-Time" began. They eagerly followed other parents and babies into "Program Room 6A" as the Wiggles sang a prelude from a boombox. After the room was almost full with 40 or so humans of different sizes, the doors closed and Mrs. Stacy began the program. The little boy was very excited, and shook his butt to the music, clapping along with the rest of the group when appropriate. He enjoyed song after song, not bothering to stop dancing between musical pieces. He happily obliged his father during the rhyming stories, becoming a willing puppet to the various waving, pointing, and stomping motions. The little baby boy even showed marked interest in the other babies around him, taking particular note of a crying Gavin Highsmith, as I held my son tight and exited the room, exchanging a knowing smile with the father of the giddy Rhyme-Time participant. Gavin continued to whimper until we left the noisy group far behind us, taking shelter in the tranquil Non-Fiction section.

I had high hopes for our first Rhyme Time, and even though Gavin clutched me tighter as each new and scary person entered the room, my spirits were buoyed by the sight of that little baby boy and his father, eagerly lapping up the noisy music and dancing. Upset upon entering, Gavin was crying out loud halfway through the first song, and I decided to leave as the third song began without Gavin's agoraphobia abating. I am not worried or upset in any way, however, and I will certainly be taking Gavin out more, not less, after today. With the common cold making it's rounds through our family, we haven't been getting out much over the last month, and a streak of shyness seems to have taken hold of our little Gavin. He'll come around, he does like him some music. Much like the aforementioned baby boy, Gavin will shake his tush at the slightest hint of a melody. On the way home from the attempted Rhyme Time, we stopped at a teacher supply store and picked up some baby castanets with which Gavin may further explore his sense of rhythm. Next week holds another Rhyme Time, and another opportunity for Gavin to learn about the sounds and sights around him.