This plane ride, broken into two separate plane rides, was a little harder for her. At one point we put every barrette we could find in her very fine hair and took pictures. She loooves taking pictures and looking at them. Who knew the digital camera age would be so helpful for parents trying to buy time on airplanes with their young children? On a side note, Magnolia now has a mullet of the variety that is usually seen on young babies. She is quite aware of the fact that now she has hair. In fact, she was fully aware when she was bald that she did not have hair. Although we convinced then her that bald is beautiful, we're happy to report the hair on the back of her head is growing strong. The hair on top is of the slow-growing variety. Throughout the flight she did continue to tell people hello, and then shout, "See how friendly I am! I'm such a big girl, everyone!" while wearing lipstick and ten to twenty sparkly barrettes in her wispy head of hair.
For the funeral service, my two sisters and I decided to talk about our grandmother. We put together stories and poems and lists of things she loved that will always remind us of her. I was torn on what to do with Magnolia when we got to the church. An aunt of mine volunteered to babysit. But Jason decided that there was nothing wrong with bringing her into the service. I was just worried about a two-and-a-half-year-old seeing all of her favorite people blubbering and sobbing. But she was totally entertained throughout the funeral. She sat on Jason's lap and loved hearing Mommy, her aunts and her grandparents get up and "tell stories on the microphone." And when a soloist sang "How Great Thou Art," my Gramma's favorite song, Magnolia sang with her (with her own unintelligible words, of course).
An old, dear friend of mine came to the funeral and luncheon. We were in a band together ten years ago. She doesn't play much music anymore because she has three kids. But I still think of her as one of my musical soul mates. When she unexpectedly walked into the service, I cried hard. It's amazing what an old friend can bring out in you.
Then I hugged my mom, although not long enough after all she's been through this week, and we were off again.
Next time: Our Dallas show unexpectedly becomes Mates of State: Unplugged!
©2007 Mates of State and Nerve Media
About the Author
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Kori Gardner is the organ-playing half of the band Mates of State; her husband, Jason Hammel, plays drums. Known for their vocal harmonies and euphoric melodies, Mates of State has been described by critics as "unabashed joy", "honesty at its best", a "two piece with balls", and "a band that you must see live." Their daughter, Magnolia, was born in 2004 and started touring with the band at 10 weeks. Hear their latest album, Bring it Back, at www.matesofstate.com. |
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by Mates of State
In Dallas, our two-year-old does her best Bob Dylan.
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by Mates of State
From a packed concert hall to a sudden funeral, we keep singing.
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by Mates of State
Magnolia magically transforms into "friendly airport kid."
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by Mates of State
With our Seattle tour approaching, our daughter fights her binky addiction.
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