The Curse

When I was pregnant with Harvey I had dreams about reading stacks and stacks of books to my soon to be baby.  I wanted her to learn to love books at an early age so that it would continue on later on in life.   I never developed a love for reading and I really am jealous of those who can sit down, relax and enjoy a good book.  

Well, I got what I asked for for sure.  This child cares about nothing else other than reading.  

On multiple occasions we've picked her up from the church nursery and the first thing they say is, "She sure loves to read!" Which is code for, "She seriously would't shut her trap until we gave in and read to her for the entire hour and half she was in here."

In another instance I picked her up from our small group sitter and found her hysterical, tears running down her face and screaming "READ! READ! READ!," over and over again at the frazzled babysitter.  The poor lady had 2 other crying babies she was tending to and Harvey relentlessly followed her around with her stash of books the entire night.   

She propped herself up to the table next to Brad while he was working and read all by herself.

While I shouldn't complain about her having a love for something so positive I sometimes struggle with how to mold that into a healthy passion.  While Brad and I really do enjoy reading to her we've found that we have to put constraints on it so that she will learn to play by herself some as well.  The good thing is I can entice (yes, bribe) her into doing just about anything with the promise of reading her a book.  Picking up her toys, brushing her teeth or getting her jammies on.  As long as she knows she will get that coveted story in the end she is happy to oblige.