a special gift for J

I’m usually fairly frugal and do a good job on budgeting for my kid-related purchases (along with the rest of my expenses!) --- I get most clothing at consignment sales or end-of-season retail discounts, diapers on the cheap with coupons, and I resist the temptations to buy treats and toys “for no reason” other than special occasions.  One of my weaknesses though…. books!

I used to splurge on books for both me and Jackson – I would hit up Books a Million and grab a couple just browsing through the store.  Or I would score new ones via Amazon (both of our wish lists are quite book-ish).  Often I did shop (and re-sell) used through half.com (I’ve been using them since the days of buying/selling college textbooks!), and I considered it the happy medium of frugal and splurge.  But with the recent financial constraints of being a single mom combined with a mortgage-and-a-half, I had to show further restraint on this area of spending.  So now I’ve become accustomed to using the library…it’s actually quite convenient since I can reserve a specific title online in advance for myself, and then just peruse the children’s section and grab a handful for J while there.  And the closest branch is actually only about a mile from my house.  (Two thumbs up for the country library system EXCEPT for the fact that they won’t accept my library card via CardStar on the iPhone…. <<rolls eyes>>.)

I love*love*love reading, and definitely hope to impart this passion along to J – we have been reading books as part of the bedtime routine since he was spitting up on my shoulder in the newborn reflux days of early 2008.  :)  Since reading is such an important activity in our home, I definitely use gift opportunities as a means to “splurge” and bring in favorite titles to keep in our own library.  I have always given Jackson books for birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays.  But this past Christmas, I decided that since they are something I plan to consistently give, and to keep around throughout his childhood, I’d plan to start inscribing a message to him in the front, and record the year.  Awww, look at me getting’ all sentimental.  (my close friends and family know this is very out of character! haha)

At Christmas, I decided to give Jackson a couple of books on the subject of bedtime, since we had recently been having some troubles with being frightened of the dark, needing extra light, and in effect, more difficulty falling asleep.  I chose Llama, Llama Red Pajama (we LOVE the Llama Llama books!) and Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!  Both books are super cute!

  

I wrote a little message in each book – here’s the little inscription in the Pigeon one:

Dear Jackson,

I do so cherish our nightly bedtime experiences – talking about our days, reading together, singing songs, and tucking in my sweet boy. You are always so adorable at bedtime. I hope you can enjoy this book for many years to come, and maybe one day, you can share this story and “bedtime bargaining” with your own little one :)

Love you always,
Mommy

With his birthday coming up in February, I’m still in book-shopping mode.  Shhhhhh….. don’t tell him!  I’ve *already* bought one about garbage trucks! :)