The Library

Monday was President's Day and Madison's school was closed. Kim and I spent a wonderful day with her and I realized how much I miss having one on one time with the kids. I also realized how long it had been since I had last spent one on one time with McKenzie and it broke my heart. I did a little research Monday night and made a plan to spend this morning with my sweet middle child, who was long overdue for some special attention.

This morning began as any other with the exception of McKenzie staying home with me. She played Barbies and watched cartoons while I showered and dressed. We went to McDonald's for a hashbrown and biscut. We sat across for one another and chatted - me and the four year old. We talked about Malia and how quiet the house is without her. McKenzie asked if I was sleeping better since I didn't have to get up in the night with Malia. I was touched by such a sensitive observation. We talked about going to kindergarten in the Fall. We talked about her sisters and how McKenzie wishes they could sleep outside sometimes. She played on the playscape for a few minutes and then we headed off for the library.

One of McKenzie's favorite books is Lola at the Library. However, this is McKenzie's only point of reference for a library since I have never taken her. Our first stop in the library was to the lady's room. The next stop was the big snake in a glass, square thingy that he called home. McKenzie was fascinated. I, on the other hand, needed to thoroughly inspect the floor in front of the glass thingy. I hate snakes.

And then she saw it. McKenzie caught her first glimpse of the children's section and her eyes nearly popped out of her head. She ran down every aisle, touching as many books as she could with me on her heels yelling, "SSSSHHHHSSSHSHHHHH!" We took a brief moment to remember Lola's trip to the library and how quiet that was.

McKenzie went from one shelf to another touching every spine she could reach. Occassionally she would pull one out and finger the pages. I marveled at her love of books and thought how quick my breathing becomes when I walk into Barnes and Noble. I hope she will always love books this much. She is only beginning to know of the adventures waiting for her between these pages.

I inquired about a library card for McKenzie and then checked out 2 books on her behalf since a child must be 6 years old to carry a library card. With her 2 books tucked securely under her arm, we made our way to the reading room for the Children's Hour. McKenzie and I sat on the floor with many other moms and kids to listen to 4 or 5 books read by a lovely woman with an even lovelier British accent. We sang songs and even watched a short movie. McKenzie was in heaven, which put me there too!

I had an incredible morning with McKenzie and I hope to do this more often with her. I spent only a few dollars for a hashbrown, biscut, and some juice, but made an awesome memory with my daughter. I can hardly wait to read her books tonight before bed and to re-tell the story of our time together. God is Good!