Boys and Books

The new year has started well for our little family--in the normal slightly chaotic way. We're enjoying the coziness of indoor activities this time of year.  But of course when the sun shines and it's not too bitterly cold, we definitely get outside.  And naturally there are times we need to be outside shoveling sidewalks, scraping windsheilds, tending to our chickens or hauling in firewood.  But when we can be inside, it doesn't get much better than to be near our new (to us) woodstove with a warm beverage and a good book. 

All of our children like reading books and all starting enjoying this pasttime at a young age.  But our Little Babe seems to be rewriting the record books.  His interest in books seems to be starting at a much younger age and on a deeper level than his older siblings.  Several (hundred) times a day he brings a book to Shawn, the Little Miss, me, or any other adult who might be in our house for more than 10 seconds.  He presents the book and utters his universal I-want-this word..."nah-nah".  If you're sitting down, you're literally a sitting duck.  He seems to think that sitting down means you've assumed the "read-to-me-position".  He's definitely developed a few favorites: Go Dog Go, Hand Hand Fingers Thumb, and a farm animal lift-the-flap book.  But he's not picky.  Really any book will do.

The other day I took these pictures of the boys enjoying some books at our kiddie picnic table that we've set up in the living room post-Christmas.  They were quite into their books.
Despite his active age of 17 months, the Little Babe can often be found sitting at the picnic table, in the kiddie rocking chair, or just on the floor by the bookshelf perusing a pile of books.  It doesn't always last too long, but for his age and attention span I think he actually spends quite a bit of time enjoying books.

Here's to your healthy love of books, Little Babe.  We hope it stays with you throughout your life.