These kids, a 5-year-old and a 2.5-year-old, were born on a farm. They have never not known what it's like to live among animals. They learned how to crawl in the kitchen next to an orphan piglet and they cuddle with newborn baby goats in their bed instead of stuffed animals.
Montessori bookshelves for young children focus on nature, messages of peace and diversity, and things going on in a child's world like life in a city, the changing seasons and family life.
An appreciation for reading doesn't just happen. It needs to be nurtured and
encouraged until a child develops an intrinsic desire to read and the self-confidence to pick up a
book on their own.
I never could have imagined the energy that I felt with you inside me. I anticipated weakness, illness and slower days. Those came but were far and few between. Instead, what was most present during this pregnancy was my creativity.
As the final weeks go by and we near the arrival of our newest family member, I'm growing less anxious and more excited about how my toddler will react to being a big brother.
I want you to know whatever you make of this life, I am so so proud of you. There's
nothing you could ever do to make my love die down or be snuffed out. No matter what choices you
make, I will forever be your greatest fan. I will always be here for every phone call and for every
time you need a reminder of who you are.
He said to me the words I say to him in the moments when HE needs to hear it the
most. It felt serendipitous, yet completely logical, and I immediately started to feel better. The
clouds began to lift. And I realized that he has been listening (whether it be subconsciously or
consciously or BOTH), the whole time.
