Crib Baby

Benson's favorite new trick is that he can stand up in his crib. He usually needs a bit of help to pull himself up, but he is getting better everyday. He still doesn't crawl he just rolls around and he is getting rather proficient at the army crawl. I have been a little concerned but friends and family reassure me that he will be fine and that each baby grows and develops at their own pace.

P.S. Remember when I used to post pictures of myself and Bryce? I am sorry that all you get to see is this baby. Well, nope. Not sorry. He is too adorable to be sorry about sharing his face every chance I get. Maybe I will get brave and post a pic of myself someday soon. Then again, I might not. Until then. Enjoy Benson because he is all you are gonna get!

Park Baby

Because of a good friend who always remembers us every time she visits the awesome park by her house, Benson realized his love for the swing. Every time he gets into the swing he giggles uncontrollably. He never stops smiling as long as he is swinging. Thanks Nicole!

Another day at the park helped Benson discover that if he takes his hat off, he is going to have to squint into the sun. He and his friend Ike hung out on the blanket. Well, Ike hung out and Benson rolled away within a few seconds before I rescued him from rolling through a pile of doggie poopie.

This baby loves the park. I wish we could go outside at our house. The reasons why we cannot are as follows
1. No grass, just weeds
2. Fire Ants
3. BLACK WIDOWS and HOBOS and BROWN RECLUSE SPIDERS
Yes! I have seen each of these deadly spiders at our house. Only one of them has been in our house, but still. I have nightmares often.

I Need a Little Help

(One of my favorite children's books. My Mom used to read this to me as a little girl)

I am writing a paper on the importance of children's literature in my adv. writing class this semester. I need some new and fresh insight. If you don't want to fill out the whole survey, do at least 6-9. Thanks! (you can write your answers as a comment or send them to me @ natjolley@gmail.com)

Research Survey: The Value of Reading and Children’s Literature

Please fill out the survey and send it back to me. If you would like to remain anonymous, so be it. But, I would love to see who is responsible for the intelligent ideas I am to read. THANKS!

1) Why do you think it is important to read to children? What benefits are there to bedtime stories?

2) What have you and/or your families learned from books?

3) What skills do you think are developed by teaching your children to read? What skills are learned from reading aloud to your children?

4) What specific children’s book(s) has been an influence in your life? Why?

5) How do you think you can teach a child a “love” of reading and books? Why is this important?

6) On average, how many hours a week do you (personally) read?

7) How many hours do you read to your children?

8) How many hours do your children read on their own?

9) Please add any comments or stories you would like to share.

10) THANK YOU PROFUSELY FOR DOING THIS! This, of course, is not a part of the survey but very important nonetheless. Plus, 10 is quite a fine number to end on, don’t you think.