I am feeling a bit despondent about cello playing at the moment. I had originally thought I'd be able to return to orchestra in January, but with the lack of practice and reality of the little monkey – there's no way. I love playing in orchestra, it's the reason I took up this instrument and came back to playing. Chamber music is fun sometimes, and being able to sit down and play music on my own is enjoyable – but it's the incredible thrill of creating a huge sweeping sound with 30 people (or more) that gives me goosebumps.
Elliot is all unsettled in his schedule, and at the moment is very clingy and wants to be sitting on me all day. I can barely make my own lunch without six interruptions for cuddles, waving toys around and singing silly songs – washing my hair regularly is a challenge. Unfortunately cello playing comes a bit down the list from hair washing. I love spending all this time with him, and my frustration over lack of cello practice, I admit, only features in my thoughts for about 2 minutes a day. I'm still struggling to find a time to make it work. I may have to realise that once a week is all I can manage for awhile. Of course, this is all coming from the land of sleep deprivation, and I need to keep in mind that things will seem much more possible when I've slept for more than three hours at a stretch.
Speaking of orchestra, I brought Elliot to rehearsal to meet everyone a couple weeks ago. It was hilarious to stand at the front with him to greet everyone. I played a concert when I was pregnant, and everyone had seen my scan pictures, so they all knew Elliot was on his way. He was fascinated by the instruments. Elliot got up close and personal with a violin, and our conductor who is a pro cellist played for him at tea break. Gorgeous. What a lucky little boy!
