A Reader, Let's Hope!

Every parent wants her child to fall in love with reading.  Especially me--but I think 66% of that hope is for selfish reasons.  First, I never really enjoyed reading myself.  In elementary school, I always viewed myself as a slow reader, so this affected my confidence and enjoyment.  The only time I remember truly craving books is when I became addicted to the Baby Sitters' Club series back in the late 80s when Ann M. Martin started writing them.  I stopped reading them, though, upon entry into junior high, when I became embarrassed about liking the juvenile books.  Over the next decade, I plugged through class-assigned literature, often skimming or just skipping to the end in order to make the "due by" date for discussion or test.   I didn't find books to "enjoy" until after college, when I became a 2nd grade teacher who all of a sudden needed to "enjoy" reading in order to motivate students to read.  The world of picture books opened up to me: the text is much shorter, the message a bit more obvious, and, of course, how could I miss the beautiful illustrations?  Just check out one of Cynthia Rylant's newer books,  Long Night Moon, which is lovely in its poetic voice and artwork:

In my "round two" of elementary school (oh, and first taste of grad school), I, Ms. McCoy also learned how to read all over again.  I found that simple metacognition really can increase one's understanding and enjoyment of text--being aware of what your mind can do and think while  (not just after) you're reading words can bring meaning to print, whether you're 8 or 31.  Which brings me to my second selfish reason for wanting Caleb to become a reader: I admit my feeling, since his mother has her masters in reading, that he should become a reader.  If I have all the "theory" in my bag, surely my own son could become a success.  (I'm sounding so full of myself right now, but at least I can be honest about these selfish thoughts.  I know reality will hit me when I realize that my son, too, like every one of my students, is an individual who has different learning needs and styles!!)

Lastly (and this one's actually for Caleb)--isn't it absolutely wonderful to be an avid reader?  (Those of you out there who actually are avid readers will have to back me

 up on this one---I can only claim what I think it might be like!)  Just look at what fun he's having already---monkey Caleb and Curious George are best buds!  We are sure to check out one of H.E. Rey's  Curious George books each library visit.  Last week's was the one with the pancakes. Over Christmas was, of course, Merry Christmas, Curious George, read with Uncles Steve and David.  Daddy Keith has always enjoyed reading, and he's looking forward to the day when he can read chapter books such as the Chronicles of Narnia and Hatchet to Caleb.  I think of how fortunate Caleb is to be able to grow up in an environment surrounded by print--so many children today do not have that privilege.  

Tennis, Anyone?

I'm sure I turn red every time Keith says, "She's really good---she played in high school and went to state."  Well, that was 15 years ago.  People would laugh now.  Needless to say, even Wii Tennis can't make up for years of lost practice.  Yet watching any Grand Slam tournament (right now it's the Australian Open) always puts the "Maybe I'll join a low-key league or something" thought in my head.  Today, taking advantage of the 60 degree January weather and apartment complex courts, we participated in the Hobart Family Team, Little Rock branch.  (I also somehow managed to find an old Cheyenne Tennis hoodie with pockets.  You'd think I was related Uncle Rico or something.)  Even Caleb came along--and he got to call the match at his discretion (after 5-1 in the first set...I won't tell who was ahead...it's too embarrassing).  Of course every parent wonders what sport his or her kid will want to play and thus begins to present "the best choices" starting at an early age.  Keith's vote?  Well...just take a look at Caleb's outfit (Avalanche).  Unfortunately, I don't think our little 12 pounder (remember, he's already 5 months) will make it to hockey player weight.  Tennis, however...well, Caleb already loves standing on his feet...I think you know my vote!

Early Spring Joys

I always jump at the first grocery store bulbs I see each New Year.  In 2008, I had to wait until the Valentine's Day stock arrived...needless to say, 2009's January spotting has made me so happy.  My sofa table's purple crocus, yellow tulip, and white hyacinth have been changing from green leaf bundles to promises of color to blooming flowers.  I can't explain the joy they bring me as I stare at them while feeding Caleb on the couch.  Maybe it's the fact that every year, there will be new bulbs to find.  Or maybe it's witnessing the process of blooming.  New.  Fresh. Fragrant. Cheery.

Yesterday my eyes were also opened to "firsts" with my son and with me.  For some reason, it struck me that I get to be the first one to show him new things--ranging from eating from a spoon to spinning a toy with his fingers.  Okay, obvious fact, BUT I just kept thinking about what a privilege that is.  Then, later on (while watching my favorite show "Barefoot Contessa"), I realized that I have never made a pie from scratch.  Thanks, Ina Garten, for giving me my new thing for January.  Anyone want to come over tomorrow for homemade apple pie?  I know Caleb will be a good sous-chef---he's already had experience in the McCoy kitchen.  Here's proof: 

Some days, I just need reminders that newness can come in any form.  Luckily, we are gifted with some that smell heavenly, taste delicious, and must be shared!!!

Just When you Think Things Havent (or Won't!) Change...

We're back in Arkansas, and things haven't changed. Or have they? Summit still obsesses through our floor-length windows in every room, attempting to "catch" or "chat with" the outdoor animals that are oblivious to her. She's started a new thing (apparently perfected during her 2-week "Home Alone" adventure) of jumping into the glass when things get really vocal between the squirrels. Between the squirrels? Yesterday this question required a double-take by me. What's going on between the squirrels? Ah, yes, "friendly" male-female relations. Translation form squirrel to human language: chasing each other up tree trunks, leaping from air conditioning unit to mud puddle...no wonder Summit's taken new interests in her "Natural State" friends.

And then there's Caleb. Things haven't changed upon return? While the obvious answer is "heck yes, they've changed," living day-to-day, hour-by-hour with a newborn sometimes blinds one to evidence of or hope for change. I'm not referring to biggo facts such as "he'll gain weight and get longer" or "rolling over and eating solids will come" but rather the timing of it all. Caleb's had his first tastes of cereal (just a bit of rice and oatmeal)--but I can't say it's the most pleasurable experience for all involved. I guess yet is the key adverb I should add to that sentence. While he doesn't seem to enjoy the new texture and utensil yet, he opened up his mouth sooner than yesterday. Today he also grabbed for the spoon, so I let him have it. Growth comes in tiny bird and squirrel steps; I must celebrate that.

As for CALEB and SUMMIT's friendship----tonight, while reading "On the Night You Were Born", my son and I witnessed the cat find a new spot: the bottom of the stroller. This must be Summit's way of saying she's on boardwith all the adventures we'll encounter as a family. Things will continue to change!!

Welcome 2009

We begin 2009 in Summit County, CO--our Rocky Mountain getaway destination--at the McCoy Mountain Home (a.k.a. my parents' place in the mountains). A little sun, a little snow, a little wind, a little football, a little snowshoeing, a little hottubbing, a little popcorn, a little Christmas cookie leftover action--ingredients of a perfect New Year's Day with the family. Oh, and the newest (and most significant) ingredient: CALEB. Today marks his 4 1/2 month birthday,and he's spending it with his mom, dad, Uncle David, and Omi and Papa. But not with SUMMIT. His feline companion, the grey and white tabby cat, is probably napping on his (Caleb's) changing table at our Little Rock apartment. She didn't make the cut of "what to pack for Christmas vacation". We all debate whether she faced that reality with relief or annoyance. Upon our return this weekend, will we be greeted by a sleeping cat or by torn-up toilet paper rolls? Two things we predict will happen upon CALEB and SUMMIT's reunion: Summit's competition with Caleb for our attention and Caleb's acknowledgement that Summit actually exists.

Arkansas, here we come again---but don't be offended when we claim another state as our home in April. I'm looking forward to the North Carolina friendship between CALEB and SUMMIT.