Reading together

Last month I got upset with myself for missing the Borders Fair at Singapore Expo. For as long as I can remember, I seldom missed Book Fairs. Because I love to read. And I love how reading makes my mind work. I love how it transports me right smack into someone's life and thoughts. It made me feel alive. An escapade from my own life.

Despite how much I love reading, I hadnt been making it my priority. Life had swung out of control and I was barely keeping my head above the waters. Therefore, I have not been setting a good example for you. Again, I stew in my guilt.

Then I decided enough is enough. I whisked you up and brought you to the library despite feeling exhausted from work. Well, anyway the fatigue that has been constantly absorbing me cannot be any worse. So we arrived at the library and I spent the next few hours picking up behind you while you amused yourself non stop with all your finds.

I am so glad we made this trip to the library. I felt rejuvenated even after all the running after you. The rest of the things in my life didnt just go away, they still swirled on but I feel more balanced now. Ready to embrace life again. A date with you is definately a perfect remedy for a work-battled soul and body.

Not as Easy as ABC

I think I am on the right track to raising a reader. SO glad that you seem to have shown an enduring fondness for books. At least you don't chew them up! You will do anything to get your hands on the books around you. Be it your own books, my novels, your dad's magazines or our organisers. Most of the time, you will put them in front of you and go through them page by page patiently. You would flip every page using your thumb and index finger till you come to the end of the book. Sometimes you would blabber as you turned the pages. I think this is your way of Reading Out Loud. And you can spend a long time doing that!

My little reader!

Look how serious and engrossed you were!

Cool Gals Read

If I have to name a sacrifice I had made for you since you came to this world, it would be the time I have for reading has reduced significantly. I love to read and I miss those long afternoons spent at Harrods or Times. I used to never forget to lug around a book just like I will not forget your diapers these days.

We used to spend many hours lounging at the airport during your first year. You would have your milk and take afternoon naps while I sip my starbucks and have a good read. But we stopped going there for a while due to the H1N1 issue. Now we are back again. I brought you to the major bookstores and most of the Expo Book Sales. And library is next on my list.

I believe kids who grow up surrounded by books will more likely than not read earlier than children whose experiences with books are less significant. So I am trying to make books a daily part of your life so as to bring about an enthusiasm for reading and listening to stories. I really hope that in today's technology dependent world, you will inherit your Dad and my love for books which I feel is important not only for your literacy development but reading will open new doors for you to other parts of the world, new ideas, new concepts, new innovations.

There are a plentiful of beautiful children's books at the bookstore. I had started 'Keri's Library of treasures' and hoping to grow the collection. I bought those durable board books specifically for babies and also books with vibrant illustrations and flaps with characters underneath them. You also inherited from your cousins a number of books that enable you to explore your sense of touch by feeling a woolly sheep. (Will elaborate on the books we had read later)

There are so many books to choose from and sometimes I am at a lost. But perhaps the single most valuable book I can count on to help me to promote the love of reading in you is the book titled Babies Need Books by Dorothy Butler (Heninemann,1998 ed). The author, a new zealand literacy specialist is an advocate of reading to children from birth. This book provides a comprehensive list of suggested titles from birth til you turn six.

So my dear Marsh, let's embark on this reading journey together! I sure hope I am able to raise a reader. Happy reading for life!

My Marshmellow checking out her inherited book.

Wow. This is cool!

I am busy reading, mum!

Cool Gals Read!

Ok.... This book is interesting.

I have to finish the book first, mum! I can't put it down!

They say that readers are the leaders that others follow. I better start reading!

Guess How Much I Love You

Came across this book and I know I have to get it for you. You are still too young for this book so I am adding it to your collection of books.

Can't wait to read together with you. I am having a tough time controlling myself from flipping through the book. But I am saving it till you are a little older when you stop chewing on your books and enjoy the book together with me.

Guess How Much I Love You, Marsh?