We're in Traverse City visiting the family this week. On Sunday morning we were approached at church about the possibility of Jacob filling in for the role of Toddler-Jesus in that evening's Christmas program. We were a little reluctant due to his less than stellar performance at Laura's wedding. But the time on stage was really low, no speaking parts and no real concern if he messed up. So we went for it.
We met at the church a half hour before show time, and he was to get in his costume. He didn't really go for it, wanted it taken off. But after a while he had other issues when we introduced him to "Mary" and he was really shy. We started having some success with the High-Five, but it wasn't enough.
So we sat near the front for the beginning of the program and during the 3rd song, we went back stage to await our big entrance. We sat with "Mary" and "Joseph" in a little room off-stage.
When it was time to go, Jacob was interested in getting out of the room and seeing what the "angels" were doing playing around on the stage. After about 3 seconds he was ready for Daddy and started heading back. I tried to hide behind a big Christmas tree on the stage to help him out. By then it was time for their next song and I wasn't sure if he was supposed to be in it. So I crouched down to hide behind the kids at the front of the stage and held him on my knee. Then we took off and went to go sit with Mommy back in the auditorium pews and watched the rest.
We figure it's probably good to introduce him to these roles early and in little increments. He should be ready for the big time in 10 years.
Here's a shot we took afterward for a record of the evening.
