Top 10 Favorite Bed Time Stories On Our Shelf

NUMBER 7:

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round

I can't do these post with out including Addilece's current obsession.  We read/sing this book over and over again.  I think that she likes that its a song with in the book.  She wants it read over and over again.  So, here's my confession.  Sometimes (after about the 5th time through) I pull the song up on youtube rather then reading/singing it to her again.  A momma can only take so much.

NUMBER 8:

The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss

I love this book because I loved it as a kid.  I'm a sucker for the way Dr. Seuss makes his books flow.  On top of it the illustrations are great.  Addilece now knows to sit if she wants to get her shoes on (which she usually does b/c it means she going some place) and I will often quote this book to her.

Top 10 Favorite Bed Time Stories On Our Shelf

NUMBER 5:

Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?  By Dr. Seuss

This book is FULL of fun sounds that let kids imaginations go crazy.  It is fun as a parent to immitate each sound.  And like most classic Dr. Seuss books you get quit a mixture of craziness involved.  My favorite sound is a fish kiss: pip. 

NUMBER 6:

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

I actually find that there is nothing increadible about the words to the book.  However, the way the book flows and sooths it what draws me in.  It is a great book to calm a child down with.  Addilece loves the contrast as a pictures go from vivid greens and reds to black and white.  This is an all over bed-time classic

Wisdom from Those Who Have Been There

While browsing some of my favorite blogs I can across a post from Jessica at Life As A Mom .  She has dealt with her own season of infertility after the birth of her first child.  She is now a mom of six.  I love reading her posts that deal with the practical side of the everyday life of a mom.  Here was some advice she gave to others who have friends dealing with infertility and loss:

1. Realize you can’t make it better.


As much as we want to heal our friend, bring back the heartbeat, change the diagnosis, we can’t. Only God really knows the whys and wherefores. And nothing we can do or say will change the harsh reality that a baby has been lost.
2. Listen.

It really helped me to be able to tell my story. I’m thankful for the girlfriends who didn’t mind hearing the gory details. They listened as I processed. They asked questions. They tried to make sense along with me of this wild experience that women have walked through together for eons.
3. Provide practical help.

Whether it is physical incapacity or mental strain, it can be hard to focus on household chores and meals when one is mourning the loss of a baby. Offer to bring a meal, either homemade or a take-out pizza or their favorite Chinese. Something as simple as organizing the freezer so mom and the family knows what’s available can be a great help. Offer to do laundry, watch kids, just hang out.

No, these things aren’t going to make it better. But, they do help ease the journey.
4. Watch your words.

Ouch. That one stings, doesn’t it? I am probably not the one to give advice in this department because I am constantly putting my foot in my mouth. On the other hand, I did hear some of the wildest things during my miscarriages that the speakers probably never intended to hurt me.

• There was probably something wrong with the baby.
• Well, you can’t afford a baby right now, anyway.
• It’s better this way.

These aren’t always the most helpful of words. I would have taken those babies in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer.

Less is more in many instances. And sometime a shoulder to cry on is more valuable than a well-meaning platitude. But don’t be afraid to reach out. Just do it wisely and slowly.
Try to communicate:

• I love you.
• I’m sad with you.
• I want to walk through this with you.

I don’t think there is a “right way” to console a grieving friend.You know your friend better than I do. But, as I look over the years, I realize these are the things that helped ease the pain a little bit.
God has done the rest.
Whether it is physical incapacity or mental strain, it can be hard to focus on household chores and meals when one is mourning the loss of a baby. Offer to bring a meal, either homemade or a take-out pizza or their favorite Chinese. Something as simple as organizing the freezer so mom and the family knows what’s available can be a great help. Offer to do laundry, watch kids, just hang out.
No, these things aren’t going to make it better. But, they do help ease the journey.

Top 10 Favorite Bed Time Stories On Our Shelf

NUMBER 3:

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

Barnyard Dance is more like a song then a story.  These funny animals sure know how to have a good time at a hoe down.  While the pictures aren't my favorite the beat of the book keeps you going.  It's not a read once type of book.

NUMBER 4:

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle

This was a gift from Nana and Papa for Addilece's first birthday and immediately became a house favorite for both mommy and daddy.  Boy do they have the girl nailed.  This is about a little girl who wants so badly to be a princess but also loves to be a rough and tumble little thing.  I love the way the book confirms that the little girl is special because of who she is.  The very end tells the child listening that they are special for who they are also. 

Top 10 Favorite Bed Time Stories On Our Shelf

We love to read in this house.  In fact bedtime is one of our favorite times.  We get to sit down w/ our Little Miss and read her the Bible, read her a story, sing a song, and say a prayer.  We love spending that 15 minutes together as a family just enjoying each other.  Addilece has an amazing collection of books on her shelf and all are so amazing.  However there are a few that just push themselves up over the others a bit

NUMBER 1:

Olivia by: Ian Falconer

Olivia is a rambunctious little pig who continually finds herself in trouble.  She is full of spirit and spunk.  The illustrations of this book keep you laughing.  Every parent can relate to the trials Olivia puts her parents through. Falconer has several books in his serious.  While all are amazing, the original Olivia remains my favorite of the group.

NUMBER 2:

A Fly Went By by Mike McClintock

This is Tony's FAVORITE book to read to Addilece.  Each thing is being chased by the thing behind it.  The thing behind it is not actually chasing it but being chased by the thing behind it.  Is the man with the gun the "one in back of it all"?  Or is it something completely different.  One brave little boy gets down the root of the confusion.  We love the fast pace, flowing sentences of this book.  It is a fun way to open up a child's imagination of what may be causing that thumping and bumping.