Before my nephew was even born, I decided on our first tradition. Everytime I went somewhere, everytime he had a birthday, everytime there was a special occasion, I would buy him a book to commemorate it. After all, his parents had announced his forthcoming arrival with the book The Giving Tree.
I figured what better gift could I give him then a love of reading. It was what made my childhood and teenage years bearable. The ability to retreat into books. It was the gift my parents had given me. Enchanting stories of Babar and Madeleine, erstwhile lessons from the Berenstain Bears, scrappiness from the indefatigable Boxcar Children and independence from Nancy Drew. Oh, and the perfect size from Sweet Valley High.
So I came back with The Maestro Plays from the Opera at the Met, Mister Seahorse from the Chicago Aquarium and Then & Ben from the Franklin Institute. I gave him Lemony Snicket’s The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming for Hannukah. Because even if we’re not Jewish, every kid should understand that their holiday isn’t the only holiday. He received the Library Lion about a lion too loud for the library. It’ll be useful as being 1/2 Ellis, he’ll never have an inside voice.
I love picking out the books with the beautiful illustrations and the enchanting stories. I like the lessons they teach Bob-Saget-from-Full-House style. I know now to imagine reading the book out loud to him when making the purchase to spare myself boring reads.
And I think my favorite part is how much he enjoys my reading as well.
Xander on his first birthday. Me reading in the background.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
This is my second favorite picture of you, closely trailing the one of you as flowergirl. I love it because you’re obviously very seriously reading in the background, while Xander is obviously very seriously wanting to suck on that bottle.
I have the exact same reaction when you start reading to me.
Ha! That’s exactly why I love it too.
And to quote my sister’s Facebook status from Monday: “One of my favorite things is to watch Elaine read to Xander. Xander is everywhere, but by her side listening….”
It’s the thought that counts with presents, Tara.
Love this tradition!!