When Madigan was only a month old, we realized that she had two favorite bands. One was The Laurie Berkner Band, the other being The Wiggles. For the first couple of months of her life, we had to attend visitation with her biological parents. These days were stressful on everyone, especially Maddie. When she would be returned to us, she would be so "overdone" as we called it, that the ONLY thing that would soothe her would be to listen to songs from these two groups. We tried numerous other ways and other music, but this was it.
Now, having owned a preschool I was privy to the ways of The Wiggles and had been introduced to Laurie Berkner's early discs. I knew the effect they could have. But I remain in awe over the spell they have on Madigan. Sure she likes to listen to other things as well now, but those two have a stronghold on her. If she needs to fall asleep, Laurie Berkner is key. For whatever reason, her voice takes her to La-La-Land.
As for those 4 men in colored skivvies, she adores them. "Sam" was one of her first words. "Rock-a-bye Your Bear" was the first song she knew the movements to. She will watch their DVD's with barely a blink. She plays her guitar, that she got at The Wiggles concert last year, with Murray. She even started saying "Okay" with an Australian accent.
Some people roll their eyes when we mention her love of The Wiggles. I don't see it that way. See, I think children should be children. She was (and still is) exposed to all sorts of age-appropriate music (and not just "children's music"), but she showed her preference for these certain bands. She relates to what they have to say, they bring her comfort and giggles, and I enjoy them right along with her. Maybe it is the eternal preschool teacher in me, I'm not sure.
What I am sure of is that The Wiggles' latest CD "Let's Eat", was released today and you can bet that it will be part of the collection soon. I am also sure that when they come back on tour, we will be there front and center singing and dancing our hearts out.
Finally, I know that I thank both The Wiggles and Laurie Berkner for giving Maddie such peace in such an uncertain time in her life. They have been such a wonderful part of her young world and I appreciate that more than anyone will really understand. I hope to be singing along with her and them for many years to come.
