Five Friday Faves - 9.6

big changes and little reads

As expected, the lead-up to the Kindergarten transition was a bit tougher than the day itself. The night before, his teacher sent us a video of her reading 'Twas the Night Before Kindergarten, which was the cutest thing ever. He was so ready when he went to bed. The next morning, my son jumped out of bed and hopped on the bus with no problem. Honestly, my daughter had a harder time. She cried, “I miss my brother,” for about 20 minutes after he drove off on the bus! We picked him up after school, and he was all smiles—beaming and full of enthusiasm for his day! I was so relieved.

One thing we didn’t quite anticipate (though we probably should have) was the big emotions we’ve been dealing with this week. It all came to a head the other night, and I was SO grateful that on the same day, The Noise Inside Boys arrived. Catherine Brown recommended it, and we ended up reading it four times, which created a wonderful connection moment for us. We talked about the emotions he’s been processing, and he calmed down significantly. Of course, it wasn’t a magic fix, but it was a much-needed moment and a reminder that we’re all going through hard things.

So, this week’s theme is the books my kids are loving right now. We usually read two books with each kid each night, and it’s one of my favorite moments together each day. Right now, they are 2 and 5.

Five Friday Favorites:

For the 5yo

The Noise Inside Boys - This is such a delightful book about feelings for boys, and my son really loved it. Pretty illustrations and relateable.

Construction Site Books - These books are so cute! My son was so into these, and continues to love them, and I think we have all of them to date, and already preordered this new one about a Garbage Truck!

Wimmelbooks - We got the fire truck one as a gift, and they are brilliant. There are no words, so the kids can look at the pictures and make up stories about what’s going on. My son loves this book, and I think I am going to get another one soon - I was eyeing this one and this one.

I Spy - A perennial favorite, we often snuggle up and do a page together at night! We have a bunch of vintage ones and they’re timeless.

My Pet Feet - This was a gift from a friend and it’s such a fun play on words. The Rs get stollen, and I love that it’s both funny for the kids, but clever for the adults.

For the Littler Ones

Madeline - This was the first book my son could ever recite, and my daughter is equally obsessed with it. We read it every night for probably 3mo and I think I can recite it at this point.

Hello Hello - My sister gifted this to my daughter when she was little, and this was the book I read to her every night when she was really little and didn’t choose her books each night. It’s beautifully illustrated and sweet message.

Lift the Flap Books - My daughter is obsessed with the flap books right now and Spot at the Farm and Dear Zoo are two favorites. She now “reads” them to me which is adorable.

Lovevery Books - The books in the Lovevery Kits are absolute winners in our house. I think I have read Max and Nana and Bea Gets a Checkup about 1M times. I think it’s the real people pictures that help them, but these have been hard hitting favorites.

Good Night Gorilla - Another gift from my sister (she gives the best books) this one is such a hit. I love that there are minimal words and things to spot on the pages like a balloon etc. My daughter and son eat this book up and he can read it to her which is so cute.

Sheep in a Jeep - Who doesn’t love a rhyming book! This one is one we used to read as kids and my daughter loves it.

Your favorite link from last week - Uniball Pens

What’s for Dinner

Sunday - Out

Monday - Grilled Marinated Chicken (Honey Dijon from Whole Foods) and the Charlie Bird’s Farro Salad (NYT Cooking) - This salad was SO good! I am a big farro fan now.

Tuesday - Honey Chipotle Tacos - My son’s second favorite meal (as he pointed out)

Wednesday - Salmon with Broccoli and Rice

Thursday - Out

More A Day In Her Life:

• ICYMI - This week’s episode with Paige Connell is so great! Paige is a working mom of four who lives in Massachusetts. She has so many great tips for organizing her family, the mental load, and making time for herself. This conversation is a must listen!

• One Year Ago - Mini Episode with Ellie on Books and Reading - We chat about the books I read, how I read, how I track reading etc.

• I have a personal goal of getting 100 Podcast Reviews by the end of the year! I have 49 on Apple Podcasts and 27 on Spotify. I can’t see who leaves reviews on either app, except if you leave a narrative review on Podcasts. SO if you are so inclined and are loving the podcast, please leave a narrative review on Podcasts. If I reach the goal, I will give away some fun podcast merch to those who’ve left narrative reviews! HUGE Thanks to those who’ve already left reviews recently!!!!!

• If you are local to the Boston/Milton area, I am hosting a mom’s group for moms on Maternity Leave starting on October 15. I am a NAPS-Certified Moms Support Group Leader and love supporting moms in the community. This group runs for 6 sessions and you can find out more here!

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