Friday, July 25, 2008

Little Pleasures


New grandmas are apt to go overboard. How can you walk into a department store without seeing something just too cute to pass up? I steadfastly assert that I am not yet one of THOSE new grandmas.

My latest purchase was only $5 and it was for a good cause too. The other day while paying for some socks, I noticed the Kohl’s Cares for Kids books and plush animals near the checkout registers. Kohl’s says it donates all of the net profits to organizations working with health and education programs for children. Eric Carle’s “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?” caught my eye. Carle, illustrator of the classic, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” creates wonderfully bright and charming tissue paper collages.

Depending on your age, you probably grew up with Carle’s books or bought them for your children or grandchildren or as baby gifts. My son still has his tattered copy, which has now been passed along to the newest family member, Nicolas.

So, this little hardback became the latest addition to Nic’s blossoming library. You would imagine a family of writers would love books, wouldn’t you? I don’t know if Nicolas will be a writer or set out on his own course, but so far, this little guy has had one incredible journey. For now, his parents are telling his story on their new blog, Illinois Preemie. Later, Nic, Grandma Sheila expects to hear from you.

9 comments:

Sarge Charlie said...

Good Morning Sheila, Grandma Sheila, holy crap, I made the Great Grandpa list. Grandkids are fun and then they go home.

In reference to your world traveling Messiah, I think his snub of the military was a bad move on his part. Frankly, I expect that the soldiers are relieved that he did not show up as planned. It is always difficult to be nice to someone most of them do not like. Photo op, it would have been just that but he choose to workout in the Ritz instead.

Marshamlow said...

Reading with kids is one of my life's greatest pleasures.

Sheila said...

Hi Sarge, I think it would have been better if Obama had made the visit too, but I do want him to keep in good shape so that he can make those basketball shots.

Marsha, You are absolutely right. Plus, reading pays huge dividends later on. The gift of time spent reading a book is to quote the Mastercard ad, "priceless."

Marion said...

Well. I've just been reading Jeff's and Natalie's blog...what a time you've had! My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family for the last while...and now I know why!

He is as cute as the dickens (what are dickens?), and looks as if he's ready to take on the World! What a hero he is for hanging in there and what great parents he's got, not to mention his Grandma!

We read to both Graydon and Bree as soon as they were born. It is amazing to see their ability to comprehend, at such an early age.

My heartiest congrats to you...and go on, buy all those little things that remind you of him...you're allowed, he's your grandchild!

You're in for an incredible ride, lol!

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed reading Nic's blog. What a story! I'm sorry it's been so stressful but I'm glad everything is looking better now -- and yes, what a cutie!

My grandmother read book after book after book when I was little. By the time I started 1st grade I was bored with the easy books they were reading. Reading is an addiction I will never get over.

Sheila said...

Marion and Lorelei, I am glad you could read about Nic. I wanted to write but it is really up to Nic's writer parents who are talented and creative in addition to being great new parents.

Jackie said...

I have always found that the simpler a present the more a child likes it.

Funnily enough I didn't know about Eric Carle’s books, they seem rather fun. I tend to only give Beatrice Potter's books to all the under 6's I know, as they remain favorites of mine, and I found her biography just as fascinating.

Sheila said...

Jackie,
They are wonderful. The first book I gave Nicolas was a small copy of Peter Rabbit. I do love her work and the illustrations are classic. I still remember my mom reading the stories to me.

Naomi said...

I've just been over to Jeff and Natalie's blog Sheila. It sounds like it has been an incredible journey for all of you, especially little Nic. He's a lovely little boy. A real little hero! I'm sure you will enjoy reading with him when he gets a little bit older.