confession

I have a confession to make.

Before Amanda was born, I secretly hoped that she would love books. No, I did more than hope. I prayed about it. I thought about it much more than a normal person should.

I know part of it is that I grew up loving to read. Those of you who have spent any time at my parents' home know how much they love books and I have fond memories of both of my parents reading to me when I was young. My mother's mom was an incredible storyteller, and I think she may have been the person that really taught me to love a good story.

I think another part of it is that I loved reading to my sisters when we were growing up. When they could read themselves, I didn't understand whey they didn't want me to read to them anymore. It was really hard for me not to have that outlet. I love to read to people to this day.

At any rate, folks, my daughter digs books. She has from a very early age. But now it is so much ridiculous fun. She has way too many books, I'll admit that. But she loves them all at different times. She totally knows what book she wants to read and when she has decided on it she comes and sits in my lap ready to be amazed. She finds different things to love. Sometimes she will point to things and want you to tell her the name for everything. Other times she will want to touch different materials or open flaps. And my favorite times are when she finds special things about certain books...she follows the mouse in Goodnight Moon. She points to the animal coming up in Silly Sally.

At almost 18 months old, Amanda's personality comes out more and more each day. And I just learn from her and watch her grow and stay completely amazed.

She makes me believe in everything good. And she loves when I read to her. Prayer answered.