We have been attending baby story time at our local library since Elliana was about six weeks old. It quickly became my salvation as a new mother. A reason to get out of the house at least once a week that didn't involve a doctor appointment for Elliana or myself. A reason to shower, blow dry my hair and possibly even shave my legs. Those 45 minutes of structured reading, singing and playing helped me to discover the identity of myself as a mother and no longer as a career woman.
I rediscovered the joy in rhyming, rocking and reading. I learned new words in sign language to add to my limited vocabulary and received the encouragement to keep signing. And shortly thereafter, my daughter started signing back to me. :)
It's hard to tell who has grown more over the past year and half of story time. My daughter or myself. Elliana, obviously grew far more physically than I did. She morphed from this cradled infant, to fully sitting up, crawling, and then a walking and talking child. She went from being attached to me, clinging for comfort and familiarity to dancing around the room and randomly sitting on the laps of others (primarily our librarian and friend, Denise). She went from being surprised when we pulled into the library to practically begging to go each time we drove past the now familiar building.
Elliana's physical growth is truly incredible, although I think we both grew more than the growth described above. Together, we learned songs that can instantly bring smiles to both of our faces. We learned the joys of plastic eggs filled with rice and the delightful noise they make, which we will forever call "shaky eggs." We've learned to utilize the library and the free resources and classes they have to offer. We've made friends with other moms and kids and look forward to their faces each week. We joined a MOMS club through the friendships we made, which has provided hours of fun and an abundance of opportunities.
I've grown into a more confident and fun mom. A mom who no longer checks out every child-rearing book the library has to offer, but instead books on playing and laughing. A mom who WANTS to read the same book 42 times a day (assuming I've had enough coffee) because it can bring a smile to my daughter's face. A mom who makes our trips to the library an essential part of our week because it is something that we both look forward to.
This week we participated in our second baby story time Halloween party (which I like to think was extended to 23 months of age, specifically for Elliana). As with last year, I had a blast. Watching my little pirate run around as if she owned the library (and she probably thinks she does as it is home away from home). Watching her play and borrow Savannah's horse as galloped around the room. It is a long way from the barely walking giraffe I brought to the Halloween party with me last year. I can only imagine the growth we both have in store for us in the year ahead.
