Dees Girls' Book Review

An interesting week this has shaped up to be! It was supposed to be busy with playdates, but it seems the girls' pals are dropping like flies to colds, strep, bugs and all that. Our weather all week is forecasted to be cold and rainy, too, which I love, but it brings with it its own host of mothering challenges.

Yesterday I almost made the uncharacteristic decision to blow off naps all day and go to a mall to play (and sneak in some shopping!), but my "mom instincts" put that idea to an abrupt rest...why on earth, when my girls have remained WELL despite all the illnesses swirling around them, would I expose them to an indoor play area??

Oh, and did I mention my man's been working late almost every evening this week due to meetings and such? So yeah, it's been challenging all around!

We're turning to books a lot to keep us entertained. Luckily we've made more trips to our local libraries lately, so we have lots of supplemental reading material onhand. I thought I'd share a few of my personal favorites!

Baby Day, O'Keefe

If you could see my library record, you'd giggle at how many times this one is found in my rotation. It's such a lovely, simple book. The text is only a few words per page, so my youngest stays interested. But my three-year-old loves it too! The illustrations are beautfiul...I've always been a sucker for fuzzy animals! I think what I like best about it is that it captures the simple beauty of the infant care routine. So much monotony, but so much to love in all of the daily things that have to be done over and over again with a little one.

My favorite line? "Baby work is never done. Good thing baby work is fun!" This book is such a nice, calming, reassuring source for me in this phase where I'm doing much of the child-rearing on my own as my husband's career is on the rise.

The Cat's Vacation, Schoch

I'm not at all a fan of cats, in fact I'm crazy-allergic to them, but my oldest loves them. This book is a humorous take on what life might be like for a cat while his family goes on vacation!

On a personal note, I love this book for its color schemes. It's mostly bright, primary colors and mutliple patterns, all of which I love to decorate in.

I love all things hospitality, and the story is fun to read from that standpoint as the cat entertains his animal friends. It's a fun book for me--it lets me daydream about having a bigger home with room to entertain and take care of guests!

Night Ride to Nanna's, Koralek

The prose is soothing and pleasing in this one! Can't really pinpoint why. And it brings back so many memories of roadtrips to my grandparents' house in Michigan. A lot of those trips were made in the night for sure! And the little girl's observations mirrored many of mine when we took those trips. It also allows me to daydream about what a traditional grandparent situation for my girls might have been like. This book just plain makes me happy! :0)

Baby Cakes, Wilson

This book is just plain fun! Easy, simple rhymes. There's no way it won't make you smile!

When we do go to the library, I'm careful to always allow M to pick books that appeal to her. Many of these selections are ones that she chose. I'm so impressed! I make a few selections myself, in fact many times I already have books in mind when we walk in the door. But my childrens' excitement about going to the library and reading really makes me happy!

This week has been fun even though our activities are limited. I'm enjoying curling up with my little girls in our "reading corner" by the patio window and digging in to some of our old and new favorite books.

(And any of these books mentioned above would be welcome additions to our personal collection if any of our family is looking for gift ideas!)

We hope you're finding your own special ways to stay warm, cozy and entertained this week, too!