The Best Invention

The other day, I came into the room, to find Jake sitting in Michael's highchair. Mind you, it's really HIS highchair... but still! He looks like a grown man! I don't even know how he squeezed his way in. I burst out laughing and had to take his picture.... Too funny...


Okay, I am going to sound so dorky, but seriously, the public library has become our favorite place to go lately! We go at least every 2 weeks, but lately, it's been closer to weekly.

Now, let me tell ya, we have a TON of books in our house.... I have books from when I had my own classroom and built up my personal library for my kids (ranging from kindergarten level to novels, not that Jake is readying novels yet.. although I'm sure Chris will be happy once they are done taking up space in the garage). Plus, we have bought hundreds of book since Jake was born. Everywhere I look, there are books. He begs us to read to him "More books, Momma" "More books, Dada" at night time. How could one possibly ignore that request?? No way....The boy screams for joy when we enter a book store. One time, at Barnes and Noble, he said, "Momma, I love this place... it's the best!" I couldn't stop grinning.... and then I saw the 20 books he threw in the stroller and though to myself, "There is no way we have enough money to pay for all those books!!" I am smitten with the fact that Jake loves to read. He has his favorites that he begs to read repeatedly (and that I know the words to in my sleep) and that's okay.

However, now that a new public library just opened up less than 3 minutes from our house.... we are in absolute joy!!!! There are rows and rows and rows of great books!! Small board books, thicker, classic stories, books about fire engines, garbage trucks, Thomas the Train, Dora, Blue's Clues, the Backyardigans... you name it, they got it! We carry a basket and Jake can't stop adding books. My arm starts to go numb by the time we leave. Not only can you check out books, but they have children's DVD's!! Woo hoo! Now I don't have to watch the same ole' Bob the Builder for the 100th time!!! The limit is up to 50 books. The first week I don't think we checked out more than 15 or so..then the next time it was like 20, then 25 and today, we checked out 33. I feel that we will soon meet our 50 book limit next time we check out. And, another wonderful feature is the self "electronic" check-out. I have trained Jake and he checks out the books himself! He knows how to scan the books and I just pack them out! Great team work!!
Maybe one day, I'll be able to go the library by myself and actually browse the adult section.... I'm sure there are some good books there, too!
Happy Reading!!
:-)

p.s.- Reminder to self: ALWAYS HIDE THE MARKERS!!! I went to rock Michael to sleep... and came back to GIGANTIC letter "J"'s all over the couch.... that's right, made with a red, permanent sharpee marker. I will keep breathing.... I mean, yeah, I'm happy he knows how to write the first letter of his name, BUT NOT ON MY COUCH!!!!!!