Growing Up Through Books
“Mom, I’m getting too big for these books.”
My heart dropped as I stared at my son’s messy bookshelf — overflowing with construction trucks, firetrucks, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Monsters Inc., Little Blue Truck, and so many more.
“Yeah, Mom. I’m starting to run out of room in mine too,” my daughter added.
They were right.
Before they were even born, my kids were blessed with a beautifully curated library. Instead of cards at my baby shower, guests were asked to bring a book — and it probably didn’t help that their mom is a teacher who absolutely adores children’s books.
So we dropped everything and spent the next two hours going through their shelves.
We talked about the memories behind the “special” books. We pulled up pictures and videos of them babbling as they turned pages, their dimpled, chunky baby hands gripping board books in wonder. We reread the books that had handwritten notes from loved ones — birthday messages, baby shower wishes, and words filled with love.
We laughed about the books I could recite from memory because we read them so many times. The books I recorded them reading over and over again because the joy in their eyes was something I never wanted to forget. We talked about the books that traveled everywhere with us — on walks, car rides, plane rides, or just from room to room.
Every book brought back picture-perfect moments. Moments I long to step back into.
Whispering through Where Is Spot?
Bellowing through sleepy eyes, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site.
Flipping and flapping through his favorite Trucks books.
Making endless “woof” sounds for the beloved Doggies book.
Now they’re moving onto to The Wild Robot, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and more. And while I’m so proud of the readers they’re becoming, packing away those small, well-loved books was emotional. It really made me realize, time does fly.
I tucked them into bins filled with cherished memories — saved for someday, maybe to share with their own children. Memories of cozy bedtime stories, giggles, laughter, and the tender moments only children’s books can bring into a home.
While the books may be longer now, I’m forever grateful for the power of children’s literature and the memories it holds.
Never forget the impact a book can have on your life — because sometimes, all it takes is a baby-tooth–nibbled board book to put everything into perspective.
