I Do Not Have Abibliophobia

I've been re-exploring the world of children's books, mostly out of curiosity to find new books that weren't around when I was a kid and choose books I want in a family library of our own.

So with library card in hand, over the last few months, I've easily reserved over 60 picture books. I love reading through multiple books in one short sitting - it's quite relaxing. Through this exercise, I've found that I value unique or whimsical illustrations, paired with playful, clever, or educational themes and advanced diction that emphasizes learning, creativity, or imagination. It should favorably answer the one key question "Do I want to pick it up and read it again?"

My hope is to be fairly selective of the books we actually own and continue to use the library as the amazing resource that it is for greater variety and exposure. I am fully aware that children can often be disinterested in reading and go through phrases, but I will never underestimate the importance of reading aloud to a child and introducing them to important topics through literature.

Two of my new favorites are The Loud Book and The Quiet Book, both written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Renata Liwska.

Librarian at heart,

SJW

The Journey of Motherhood

I have watched babies, held babies, sung and read to babies, changed diapers of babies, put babies to sleep, and completed other baby-centric tasks. But I've never birthed a baby, nursed a baby, or most importantly, called a baby mine. In a few months, that will suddenly change! The great switch-over lingers ahead, beyond the horizon, like the first port of call off the cruise ship (yes, nausea & weight gain expected!) of pregnancy.

In Sitka on our Alaskan Cruise (2014)

I've heard the travel tales of other passengers, other parents who have docked and explored the streets of newborn-care and have parenting souvenirs to share. But you just never know how your experience will compare. What will my trip be like? I'll take recommendations of foods to try, places to go, and things to see, but I also want to make my own decisions after reading the guidebooks I've picked out, acknowledging that some of your "must-haves" and "must-dos" may not be essential for me.

One of our most memorable dinners in the San Juan Islands (2016)

I don't want to worry about other people's travel plans (no meds/epidural, hospital/birth center, doula/no-doula, mid-wife/obgyn, breast/formula, cloth diapers/disposables, pacifier/no pacifier, working full time/stay at home). It's helpful to remember that just like people vacation in drastically different ways, people approach childbirth & parenting in different ways too. Some people camp by the river, others ski for two days straight, others visit family in the mid-west, still others stay at a luxury resort. Truth be told, I've done all of these and have fond memories from each. There may be some personal preference toward one choice, but who am I to say that any are better? 

Skiing at Whistler (2018)

Plus, one important factor for every vacation is the weather - something completely outside our control. Similarly, a baby's disposition, demeanor, and DNA play a huge role in indicating their unique needs and level of attention and care. It's the reality of the classic phrase, "every baby's different." What a beautiful and frustrating reality!

Raining in Hawaii (2017)

I don't know yet what kind of mother I'll be - how I'll cope, comfort, or cry alongside my child :) I expect there will be laughter, tears, joy, heartache, pain, discomfort, amazement, and exhaustion. A great mixture of conflicting and confusing emotions. For now, I'm picking out registry provisions, enjoying the views of a larger belly, and experiencing the increasing anticipation before we land!

Windy cruise in the Mediterranean (2017)

Looking forward to meeting our little travel companion, 

SJW