We have a nightly ritual of reading books in the evening before bedtime. James was read to from day one. The only thing that would calm him is the continual reading of The Velveteen Rabbit. It must have something to do with the rhythm of a consistent voice. I have learned to appreciate good writing, even in childrens books.
When James was born, Lee's parents starting sending all of his books they had saved from his childhood. You could tell there were some well loved books. In particular Go Dog Go which his dad read to him over and over again. It came to us duct taped up the spine. I love the history this library of kid's books has and to imagine Lee being read to from them or even me from the ones my parents have handed down to me. The illustrations in some of them are so lovely, I get distracted sometimes.
Well Etame has definitely taken a liking to books as well. In fact she will cry if we put her in her crib without letting her join us. So now she lies in between James and I or James and Daddy as we read at least 2 books together. Both of the children love this comforting nightly routine.
Tonight we are reading Sleeping Beauty, The Tin Soldier, and the rest of James and the Giant Peach. What are you reading?
Andrew's putting Bennet down tonight since I'm sick, but I just turned the monitor on to peek in and they are reading "If You See A Kitten." It's a favorite, along with "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Goodnight Moon."
ReplyDeleteYou are a good mommy to read to your precious little ones. You will always remember this time together!
ReplyDeleteWe just finished the first boxcar children and The Apple and the Arrow--James would enjoy both of those.