Read All About It, January 30

As I've mentioned in previous posts, the boys love them some books. We've recently switched from song singing to book reading at bedtime. Liam is especially enjoying hearing all the different stories. He is learning the difference in Mark and my styles of reading and developing a preference for certain people reading certain books. His very favorite though, is getting a new person to read a book to him. Try as we may, it is tough to muster the level of interest in the story one has the first time they read it on say the oh, I don't know, 437th time. Aunt Doris came for a visit today with Memere. You bet within the first 20 minutes she was asked to read a few books. As you can see, the boys enjoyed every minute of it.

Storytime, January 16

I have read Food Friends: Fun Foods That Go Together at least 5 times a day for well over a month now. I don't mind, I love reading with the boys, plus it is a short book. Apparently food really isn't that friendly as there are only nine pairings. Both Connor and Liam love the book, but it is Connor's absolute favorite. He will pick it up and walk over with the biggest grin on his face, and say "Buh". Which, if you don't speak Connor, translates to book. Today's picture is my view of this daily (hourly?) ritual. I'm enjoying sharing one of my favorite activities with my children. It is really great to see they're enjoying just as much as I am.

Embracing the Addiction, January 12

I have always been a veracious reader. From the time I can remember I pretty much have always had a book with me. I remember being too young to read myself and begging every adult who entered our house to read me The Cat and the Hat Comes Back, my favorite Dr. Seuss story. When I was old enough to read on my own I used to look forward to our weekly visits to the library like most kids look forward to Christmas. I'd puruse the stacks picking out books until I literally couldn't carry any more. I'd usually leave with two grocery bags full. Sounds like a lot, but I was on a two or three book a day habit at that point in my life. I spent all my allowance on purchasing Scholastic Books from the circulars passed out in elementary school. When I started babysitting all my cash went to books. God bless the Waldenbooks at Lincoln Mall, I swear my purchases alone kept that store afloat. I even worked at a bookstore for 7 years of my life. It is one of the habits I carried over into adulthood, one can almost always find a book in my purse. I must admit since becoming a parent spare time is something I just don't have. One of my New Year's resolutions is to spend more time on things I enjoy. Reading is at the top of my list and I must say I dove right back in. Today's snapshot is of the items I'm currently in the middle of reading. What can I say? I'm hooked.

Help a Brother Out, January 8

The boys are finally at the stage where they've begun interacting with each other without adult intervention. I mean, don't get me wrong, there has been plenty of interaction prior to now. It has recently gotten to a point where I am pretty sure they are enjoying each others company. Connor has become more than window dressing/fun thing to push over to Liam. Liam is starting to become more than that big kid I have to watch out for for Connor.

Today I had the pleasure of witnessing a random act of brotherly kindness. Connor really wanted to read a book. They are kept on the top of the toy box and even my acrobat in training can just reach the bin they are in, but can't get one out on his own. Liam saw the trouble his brother was having and without a word climbs up and grabs a book for them to read. If you look closely you can see the copy of Beatrix Potter's 'Tale of Peter Rabbit' in his right hand.

As much as we want them to grow up and be independent free-thinking, free willed men, it still breaks my heart just a little to see it happening so quickly.