I get asked quite often what some of our favorite things are right now for the boys or what we like or haven't liked, etc. Before Grayson was born I asked the very same questions to friends who already had kids. It's always nice getting recommendations, ideas, opinions from "real" moms who can give a genuine Yay or Nay!
So, I've decided to start sharing about our baby/kid favorites! Things we loved when the boys were very little, to current. No order, kind of like me...completely random! ;)
First up: books. For my baby shower, the guests were asked to bring a book in place of a card if they wished. It was a wonderful idea (thanks to my friend, Katie who had done it at her baby shower!) and really helped Grayson's library to get a great, big start!
We LOVE books! When I was pregnant I would read one of the books from my shower to Grayson and then when I was pregnant with Liam he could hear too as I read to his big brother! ;) I kind of have a "problem" with buying them, too! I just can't pass up a .50 hard cover book when I see one at Goodwill or a $2 one at Marshall's, brand new! We have many many shelves in our home full of books! There are books in every room of our downstairs. Both boys now love to pull one (or 10!) down and flip page by page (or try to eat it in Liam's case usually ;))
Some of our current favorites are shown in the photo above. I'll explain why below.
Llama Llama Red Pajama (+all the other Llama Llama books)- We got the two shown above last year at Target and I am so glad Kristina (my bestie) told me about them being there! Grayson and Liam both love the rhyming in each story and the fun illustrations.
God Gave Us You- This was one from my baby shower from my Aunt Crystal and I remember her telling me how much her daughter loved it as a little one. This is a really sweet story and one I have read many, many times. SUPER special book and a great baby shower gift!
The Jesus Book- Right before Grayson was born I remember seeing this book recommended on another mama's blog and decided to scoop it up. I am so glad I did! It's summarized perfectly for little people and Grayson loves learning about Jesus and seeing Him on the cover! ;) It's simple, easy and perfect for reading a page or two each night before bed (each page has an illustration along with a paragraph and verse).
Zip Pop Hop and other fun words to say- Funny tidbit, this book came from a bundle I bought from a local girl offline. Most of them were older and not super well taken care of. I wiped down and sanitized as many as I could "save" and this book was one of them. Thankfully. Because it is definitely one of Grayson's very top faves! It's small and old, but he LOVES it. We've had it about a year and as he was learning to talk this one seemed to be a big help in helping him. He identified the pictures on each page ("boat, hose, truck, ball, pizza!" he would/does say!) and loves the rhyming. I need to purchase another copy soon for just in case.
Are You My Mother?- Another baby shower book and another top, top fave! The version we have is the board book and it's simple and short. Perfect for on the go or for a quick story. Both boys enjoy this one for the rhyming and because it's short (about 6 or 7 pages) it holds their attention perfectly.
The Noisy, Noisy Farm- Grayson just received this one a couple weeks ago for his second birthday. The night of his party we sat down to read it and he was instantly in awe! It's interactive with a button on about every other page that he or I can push for a farm animal sound. Liam also likes this one because of the sound. Grayson loves seeing each farm animal and gets to excited about how the animals are looking for the rooster! This one isn't very long either, so again it's perfect for holding both of their attention.
Tootle- Hello, classic. This was a Goodwill find when Grayson was just a baby and as he's gotten a bit older, he is loving it (as it fits perfectly with his love of trains!) It's a bit long for him to sit all the way through for, but he will listen and watch for most of it. This is one he usually picks from the pile right away.
Peek-a-Who?- My cousin, Stephanie purchased this for Grayson last year when he was about 9 months old or so and from day one it's been a huge hit! You can see in the photo how well-loved it is...the sides are quite worn. :) It's perfect for little hands. A big reason we love board books so much here! Liam loves this one now too. It has cut outs in every other page to "reveal" the peek-a-boo and the back has a mirror for the child to see themself in. Super cute!
Those are favorites right now. I'm sure they'll change by next week! ;)
Cuddle up and read a good story with your kiddos. They'll love you for it and you'll love it too!
