Easter 2012

I'm so late with this, and I still don't have all the pics I want to share. Oh well.

Saturday, April 7, we headed to Mocksville to celebrate Easter with mine and David's families. I forgot my camera, so my mom has all those pics. Oh well.

David did get a video of the Easter egg hunt and made it very fun (using iMovie). Amelia Jayne slept through the Easter egg hunt, so you won't see her anywhere. Oh well.

It was so fun being with our families, celebrating Easter and our risen Lord and Savior! This is probably my favorite holiday to spend with my family. I love it so much! And Christmas. And birthdays. And Halloween. And fourth of July. Okay, so I love them all. But they're so much fun!

Pardon the quality of these pics, which were taken with my phone, since my camera was at home.

We had our own egg hunt at the house. Here are some pics. I forgot Amelia Jayne's bow. Oh well.

Xander insisted on wearing pajamas for his nap and then didn't want to change out of them for the Easter egg hunt. Oh well.

So now you know that my life isn't perfect. Oh well.

But it's oh so fun! :)

National Library Week

In honor of National Library Week I thought I would write a post regarding libraries.


I recently found an email that my then-supervisor, Tony Tallent, sent. He had challenged everyone in the outreach department to think of what a library means to them. This was in 2007 - I had been working for the library for 18 months.

Challenge:
Sometime in the next week, take at least 15 minutes to look up as many different definitions, ideas or philosophies about what LIBRARY means. Through that process formulate your own meaning, definition or philosophy for LIBRARY. How would you convey your own idea of LIBRARY to someone else? However works best for you to convey this is the right way (write it, sing it, draw it?).



Responses:

What is a library, you ask?
A library is a focal point of the community. I looked up focal point in the dictionary and this is what I found: “the point at which all elements or aspects converge; center of activity or attention.” Isn’t that what we want? To offer such great programs, opportunities and information that people converge at the library? But where is the library? The library is everywhere. We aren’t just four walls, a floor and a ceiling. The library is in the community. We are in the daycares and the senior centers, the schools and the businesses. The library leaves a wake in its path where the whole community can benefit. When someone is new to our city, seeks information, or is in need, they can come to us. We offer such a variety of services. Yes, we have books and videos, but we have so much more! We offer programs for every age, every race, every gender, every background, and most importantly, every seeking person. We even go beyond this, though, and strive to not only reach those who seek us, but those who are in need. We are passionate about our community to the point that we want every child to have a library card, every new mother to have a book for her baby, every senior citizen to benefit from our services, even by mail! We care enough to go into the community; we don’t just wait for the community to come to us.
-E. Little

Have you ever toured a model home and heard a room described as flex space? It might be the bonus room over the garage, an extra bedroom, or some other space that can be configured depending on various needs or desires. That’s what I picture in my head when I try to define library. A library is flex space. I’m not just referring to the physical environment of a library. This idea of flex space means we adapt and change, try new things, meet our users directly in the community. We’re flexible not just with our actual spaces, but with our programs and ideas as well. When we take a program out into the community, we’re creating that flex space right where the need exists. A library is flex space for the staff and the patrons. Visitors to the library can decide how much guidance they need from staff. Their experiences can be entirely self-directed or more structured. The choice is theirs. And the best part? One person’s experience doesn’t have to match anyone else’s. Individual and community needs are recognized and valued in this incredible, flexible institution we call a library.

- J. Hyatt

Library:  Quiet, calm, dusty, musty, Not!! Diversity, multicultural, lights, camera, action!  Busy, busy, busy! Whew what a great place to be.

- Y. Thomas

I have always had a reverent feeling for libraries. A library is just a building to some people, but not to me. I was the nerdy kid in school that loved library time and could browse for hours in the stacks. I equated finding a good book to finding treasure. I still do. I suppose I loved the feeling of losing yourself in a good book, and I have always loved being surrounded by books. All that knowledge just waiting to be soaked up…(sigh).



Now that Outreach is going outside of the four walls of the library buildings I recently redefined my perception of what a library is.


The library is portable knowledge.


I know that the library was already ‘portable’ as patrons could take the books with them, but now I’m talking about library services. When we go out in the community we are taking a piece of the library with us. I love how portable the library has become because I still get to be the nerdy kid who recommends her favorite books to people. Now I have the opportunity to be nerdy with a larger, more diverse group of people and it makes me very happy.
Library = portable.
- A. Craig

L earning information, experiences, languages, people, universe



I nfinite kingdom of experiments for humanity


B reaking the walls of ignorance


R ivers of opportunities to grow for all


A bides in the curious minds


R eason to believe in growth


Y es, oui, hai, ja, да, jawel, Sí for free thinking !!!


- I. Patterson

Childhood Memories,
My grandmother took us to the library every day, to hear stories and enjoy programs of all kinds at our small neighborhood branch. In my neighborhood we had wonderful Librarians who assisted you with any school work assignments or helped you take on adventure through movies or books. Once I reached Middle and High School it was the social place to meet friends, hang out and, most of all, it was a safe haven from city noise. Yes, I was one of those bad kids who pluck your nerves daily and stay in the library all evening, clowning around until someone asked me to become a volunteer.
This is a dream job, where I can now share the joy of reading to other children who secretly love books, to expose literacy to a hidden community which some have left behind in resources and lastly to continue growing in a career I love.


What is a library?


A library is a collection of information, sources and services used by people, body, institution or individual.


(The library is still a safe haven for homeless, lost teens, tired moms and grandmothers. The library is still a place where you can learn new skills, have adventure through books or various media.
- C. Ellington

families, couples, individuals, groups, students, teachers, toddlers…


I think of a place filled not only with books, but with people. Yes the library has computers, magazines, Cd’s, videos, etc,etc, but I think that in this world where people have less and less contact with each other, the library provides that contact with an individual. How many times have we heard of someone getting stuck on the phone, on an automated call, only wanting to talk to a person. The library for me means seeing a face of an individual that can lead you to the answer you are looking for. Having families come together at a story time program, getting together with your friends to study, and learning about crocheting with others or sitting next to your beloved while each reads their book or magazine. The library means having personal service, where an employee will go to a senior’s home to help them find lost (hopefully misplaced) materials, or fight traffic to reach those who do not step into the four walls of a building. Without people the library would simply be a bunch of dusty stuff.
- V. Corral

Libraries are more akin to organisms than they are to organizations. Organizations are impersonal, data-driven and structure-minded institutions. These are everything the library is not, or at least should not be. Libraries are alive with people that engage in human contact in order to facilitate knowledge. Transactions should be measure in the currency of improvement and enjoyment instead of that of numbers; structure is there as a means to an end- knowledge exchange- not as the driven force to preserve the status-quo.


At a day and age where people have become more disconnected from others, where the public is well-versed in factoids but suffer from true-knowledge deprivation, how wonderful it is to still have libraries that offer human and intellectual treasures to both those actively searching and to the lucky ones who are searched for.


There is this poem by the Spanish writer, Juan Ramón Jiménez. It would go something like this:

"What is poetry?", you ask me


whilst you pierce my pupil with your pupil of ocean blue.


"What is poetry? and YOU of all people want to know?


Poetry is YOU.


To borrow this concept and to use a bit of author's license, I could say:


"What is a library?


(skipping the romantic stuff)


The library is YOU.
-C. Farrell

I'm thankful to have the job that I have and even more thankful that I so thoroughly enjoy it! Thanks especially to my supervisor, Meryle Leonard, and my department co-workers, Veronica Corral, Dot Siler, Amy Kukla, Varanrat Torok, Connie Ellington, and Irania Patterson. There are so many others that I've worked with along the way who have influenced and guided me through. To name a few - Julie Ward, Geri Sponaas, Tony Tallent, Emily Nanney, Joy Scott, Wanda Williams, Linda Sherman, Angela Craig, Jason Hyatt, Darcy Patai.
To me, the library is you. :)
Much love to you all.

Encouraging

I was close to tears the other day as I read this article. It absolutely changed my thoughts on motherhood. Far too often I count the minutes and the hours without really appreciating things in the moment. Time does stand still when you stop counting the hours.

About AJ - Four and Five months

I kind of missed out on Amelia Jayne's four month post, so I decided to combine months four and five. She was five months on Saturday - can you believe it?!?! Me neither!

Amelia Jayne turned 4 months old on Xander's birthday, February 24. She had another doctor's appointment this month where she again got two shots and took an oral vaccine. I find the whole immunization scene to be much easier this time around. I guess I know it's for her own good and I've seen her brother go through it and survive. She really did well - she's such a trooper. Best.Baby.Ever. :)

Here are her four-month stats:

Weight - 15 pounds, 6 ounces (63%)
Length - 25.75 inches (78%)
Head Circumference - 16 inches (20%)

As compared to Xander's at four months:

Weight -  14 pounds, 1 ounce (34%)
Length -  25 inches (55%)
Head Circumference -  17 inches (76%)

She still has a petite little head! Oh, if only she had come first, perhaps a c-section could have been avoided. Oh well. :)

What's new with her? Well, she's a roller now. She's been rolling over for two months, but there was a period of time when I thought she'd forgotten that she could do it! It's not unusual now for me to go in her room after nap or in the mornings and find her on her stomach or laying sideways in the crib. She also likes to reach for things on her activity mat and will roll over or kick her little legs until she moves to get what she wants. I've left the room and come back to find her inches from where I left her. Mobility, here we come!

She's starting to sit now. Her bottom is still pretty round (as my mom would say) but she can keep her balance for about 15 seconds or so. I usually keep the boppy pillow (or C-pillow as Xander calls it) around her to cushion her fall when she tumbles over. :)

EVERYTHING goes in her mouth. Except a pacifier. She still won't take one of those. But she loves to suck on her hands, toys, blankets, your fingers, chin, shirt...pretty much anything she can get her hands on. Xander wasn't as much like that, so this could be interesting. :) She actually prefers to suck on fabric. And she loves to have her blanket up by her face when she sleeps. Oh and watch out - she loves to give kisses, the sloppy kind. :)

She is still nursing well with no need to supplement formula. We started her on cereal this past Sunday. I'll post the video soon. :) She also has her first tooth! She went through a little fussy period last week and then Monday I felt in her mouth and there it was! The second one isn't far behind. She has a pretty massive bump in there just waiting to break through.

She still loves to watch Xander. She smiles when he comes in the room. Sometimes his loud shrieks and outbursts startle her, but it doesn't seem to bother her too much. He can make her laugh like nobody else.  It's so cute.

Just this week she's started really preferring me to anyone else. Even when David holds her, she looks around the room until she finds me. She won't take her eyes off of me if I'm in the same room with her. She also doesn't like me to leave the room. She'll cry now if I leave, even if nothing's wrong. I feel it..I know it's coming...the "separation anxiety" stage...aka, "Mommy can never have a moment alone" stage, lol.

Her hair is really starting to grow. She has a lot more than Xander did at this age. It's lightening up, too. Of course, I've posted enough about hair recently. :)

She's still an absolute delight! I just love her to pieces and I feel so blessed to have such a sweet girl!!

Sucking on that bottom lip

A new friend from GG.

I like to sit!!

Daddy just walked in and grabbed her attention.

She loves her daddy!!! 

Oh boy!! It's Daddy!!

Library stories

These videos share great stories about the Charlotte Mecklenburg library and what we're doing to make a difference in our community.

What great stories can you share about your library and library experiences?

Work - Every Child Ready to Read (a new version)

Remember this post...and this one...and this one...and this one...and this one...and this one...and this one? Ha! Well, it's still going!! The grant was for 3 years and we're now in our 4th of 6 sessions. I've had two childcare centers each 6 months, so I'm now with my 7th and 8th centers. It has proven to be an amazing program and I'm so honored to be a part of it. I love giving 15 books to each child and 50 books to each childcare center when the program ends. It is a wonderful feeling!

Interestingly, though, in the middle of this grant, the model we've been using changed. "Every Child Ready to Read" no longer uses the 6 pre-reading skills they originally taught (see the posts above) but has changed it to the 5 simple practices to help children get ready to read. My department posted about this a couple of weeks ago on our outreach blog.

We will continue to use ECRR first edition because that's what the grant states we will use. I'm excited to learn more about the practices in the second edition, though. I'll try to post more about them as I learn them - very exciting!

Xander Update - 3 years

Not much has changed since last year. Okay, a lot has changed. :) Xander, however, remains fairly consistent. His little personality is very clear.

He's quite the perfectionist. He gets that from his daddy, for sure. There was a time when he wanted an adult to do everything for him because he wasn't satisfied with what he could do, i.e. coloring, making things out of play dough, etc. He's gotten over that somewhat, now that he's in preschool and sees other kids work. He still likes for us to do things with him, but I now think it's so he can have one-on-one time with us.

He can get easily frustrated if he can't do something or something doesn't work out the way he anticipated. Right now we're working on channeling his frustration to other things besides the object or other people. He used to hit on occasion if he became frustrated. He's much better about that now, but we do have to redirect him at times.

One of Xander's love languages is quality time. He loves to play with his toys and is a very good independent player. However, he also loves to play with us, too, and will use any excuse to get us to spend time with him. I probably give in more than I should. :) He often comes up to me and in a sweet, sing-songy little voice says, "Mommy? Wanna snuggle with me on the couch?" It's very hard to resist. :)

Xander is very sensitive, like me. He easily gets his feelings hurt. He doesn't like to be chastised and can burst into tears if you tell him not to do something. It pains me sometimes to see how sensitive he is, mainly because I know exactly what he's feeling. We're working on toughening him up a little bit. :) I kind of expected to have a sensitive child, I just didn't realize it would be my son!

Xander continues to enjoy the company of adults, especially "his people" (people he is accustomed to and knows well). He still does not care for the company of other children. He's fine when they're around and he'll even talk about them once we're home, but he's not the social butterfly I thought he might be when he was a baby. However, he has a very outgoing personality and will talk to any adult when we're out and about.

He still has red hair!! I'm so excited about this! My hair was red when I was little, but by the time I was three my hair had turned blonde. I kept expecting Xander's to do the same. It still could, but for now it's a beautiful strawberry blonde. And I love it. Apparently other people do, too, because they are constantly stopping to tell him how much they like it. This is when Xander gets into long conversations with total strangers.

He is extremely neat for a 3 year old. He actually asks for a napkin, will wipe his own face and hands, cleans up the table, puts his dishes in the sink, throws away anything I ask him to, and has gotten in the habit of going directly to the bathroom to wash his hands after he eats. He's less willing to clean up his toys, but I think that's because he goes back and forth between different toys and likes having options.

He can play with toys for hours on end. He is very focused and attentive in his play. Lately he has started playing board games like "Hi, Ho, Cherry-o" and "Memory." He plays by the rules and is incredibly good at them.

He still LOVES preschool. He has never had a problem at drop-off and just waltzes right in. He's very confident and comfortable there. He loves his teacher, Ms. Jean, and she loves him. They're a great fit for each other. I'll be sad when she is no longer his teacher next year.

He continues to amaze me with how smart he is. He has an incredible memory. He often tries out new words or phrases he's learned. I love it when he doesn't really know the meaning of a word, but tries it out anyway. Like when he told me, "Mommy, that's too fake for me." I think we were talking about a song. I can always tell when he's trying out a new word because he looks at me out of the corner of his eye when he says it like he's wanting to read my reaction to his usage of the word.

I got an idea from pinterest a few months ago. "Interview" your child each year (with the same questions) starting at age 3. When they turn 18, make a book for them with all of the interviews. I hope to be consistent about doing this because I think it would make a really sweet keepsake. I had to explain a few of the questions or concepts, but he answered each one all by himself. Here was the interview this year:

Favorites -
TV Show - Curious George
Movie - Cars
Song - Party Rockers in the House Tonight
Musician - The Avett Brothers and Ms. Jean (his teacher :))
Food - Peanut butter sandwich (He said, "Mmm, mmm...that's delicious.")
Candy - purple candy hearts (we just finished up Valentine's Day...normally I think he would say M&M's)
Toy - cars
Activity - coloring/reading stories/ride the train
Cereal - Chocolate yums/Daddy's own cereal (that's what he calls chocolate frosted mini wheats and quaker oatmeal squares)
Vegetable - carrots
Drink - Milk
Game - Cars Memory
Book - Curious George and the Dump Truck
Restaurant - the burger place and Chick-fil-A
Holiday - Christmas
Animal - a puppy named Scout
Color - blue
Vacation - to the beach
If you could change your name to anything, what would it be? X
If you could have anything you want this year, what would it be? Lightning McQueen
What do you love most about Mommy? She can clap.
What do you love most about Daddy? He can clap, too.
What do you love most about Amelia Jayne? to be happy