Sturdy for Common Things

Porch Reading

Jayhawk Proud

NoLa

I’m sorry to say, there is no storytime post today. Was away for the weekend visiting a good friend in New Orleans.

It was my first time.

There was a whole lot a rain and a whole lot of sunshine.

Here are a few bits and pieces from the trip:

Rainy Day Photoshoot

It’s been a bit murky around these parts lately.

Spoiled with leave-the-windows-open-go-to-the-park type weather the last couple weeks, when restricted indoors we’ve been, for lack of a better word, bored….

But one form of entertainment has captured us – literally. Photography. To be specific, toddler photography.

The pictures below were taken by L. They are hers and hers alone.

The next Annie Leibovitz?

She has not dropped or destroyed my digital camera. Yet.

And she also enjoys using the instax.

Also hasn’t been dropped or destroyed. Yet.

Hope you’re enjoying your first day of spring.

Phone Photos

I’m retiring my blackberry at the end of the week.

We’ve been together for quite some time now, but the time has come to part ways.

This afternoon, I was downloading all the photos from it and thought I would share a few…

Apartment view from roof. Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Anna Sui, Spring 2008

Will and I on a walk, Upper East Side.

Frozen wedding cake top that didn’t make the move to Michigan.

Lake Michigan

Growing

Wesco

Quiet afternoon

Back window blooms

Day one

Summer

And summer’s end

Shhhh

3 months

We celebrate Neil Diamond

Texas trip

Growing and Growing

Last day in Ludington.

Summer she turned one.

Living in Lawrence.

Playing at the park.

Working at the library.

Halloween

Bundled up

Finger paint

“sno”

Child’s note found in a library book.

Late winter picnic.

A week ago tomorrow.

You were a good phone. Lots of news shared and moments captured through you.

But it’s time to say..

Bye, Bye Blackberry

Spring Robin

Can you see her?

She’s there.

Singing a song of new and green.

First Snow

7:21 am

My New Old Friend

Let me introduce..

Walter,  a 1950’s Royal Quiet De Luxe Typewriter. Needs ribbon to be replaced.

That’s his name, Walter.

My new old friend.

I have to admit….

when I type my heart starts to race a little bit.

Oh, the places Walter and I will go.

Obsession

Elmo is my daughter’s first true love.

She likes everyone on Seseme Street. Abbey, Big Bird, Grover, Ernie, Cookie Monster……..and then there’s Elmo. She’s reeeaalllly into her Elmo. For instance, during a Halloween party last October, L saw a little boy wearing an Elmo costume, ran towards him as fast as her little legs could carry her, and proceeded to tackle him to the ground. Poor lil’ guy didn’t know what hit him.

We don’t have cable and she was never exposed much to Elmo before we started going to the more library after our move to Lawrence. There one day she saw a little girl holding an Elmo’s World DVD and just had to have it. I thought, “What’s the harm? We’ll check out an Elmo DVD. See if she likes it.”

After that, she was hooked.

We only let her watch an episode or 25 minutes worth  of Elmo a day, but he remains a staple during playtime everyday.

Last fall, I bought her an Elmo doll. She was sick and I thought it would be something that would lift her spirits. But somehow since that day in October, grandparents and friends also started to give her Elmo dolls, toys, clothing, and books whether they be new or hand-me-downs. He’s all over the house. He also continues to be a must-have when we checkout items from the library.

Some more resent goodies include:

Elmo’s World – Dancing, Music, & Books DVD (2002)

Elmo Loves You book by Sarah Albee

Sesame Street – Dinosaurs! DVD (2008)

Elmo’s Music Magic DVD (2011)

To break up the red monster monotony, she’s finally (FINALLY!) started to show interest in other characters like Maisy and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

I’ve read a Maisy Mouse book for storytime a few weeks ago, which was what kicked off the new Maisy obsession. If you’re looking for something other than Sesame Street for a toddler or preschool age child, Maisy is a great remedy. Here are a few books and movies we like…

Where Does Maisy Live? book by Lucy Cousins

Good Night Maisy DVD (2004)

Maisy’s Amazing Big Book of Learning book by Lucy Cousins

Maisy Big, Maisy Small book by Lucy Cousins

Another alternative to Elmo is Mister Rogers. Love Mister Rogers. Have you ever sat down and watched Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood as an adult? It’s extremely therapeutic. I highly recommend it.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – Adventures in Friendship DVD (1968)

Mister Roger’s Neighborhood – A Day at the Circus DVD (1968)

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – What Do You Do With The Mad That You Feel? DVD (1968)

Needless to say, even though we are finally seeing some variety in our house, there will always be the king of the castle. A red furry king that talks like a baby.

Do your kids have character obsessions?

Did you?

image sources: elmo’s world babies, dogs, and more, elmo loves you book, elmo’s music magic, where does maisy live?, maisy’s book of learning, maisy big maisy small, adventures in friendship day at the circus, what do you do with the mad that you feel

Snapshot

Been feeling a little under the weather, but avoiding the full-blown plague-of-a-sickness that has been circulating the library and schools. And in my attempts to lay low I always end up doing exactly the opposite…

Like play around with the instant camera. I’m teaching L how to take pictures by herself.

Goofing off on pintrest.

When I should be resting.

Reading instead of sleeping.

I’m taking a short break from reading children’s middle grade fiction books and have been reading Rules of Civility by Amor Towes. Have you heard of it? It’s a delightful read so far.

Envious of those who saw The Civil Wars preform live last night downtown at Liberty Hall.

Blogging.

Drinking tea.

Wishing you a day of pleasant distractions.