Saturday Snapshot - March 19

Last weekend we celebrated my nephew's 2nd birthday.  Those of you that have followed my blog for awhile know that I absolutely adore this little guy!  He is the spitting image of my brother when he was a baby, with the exception of the light hair.  We had his party at one of those indoor jumping facilities.  Everyone had a blast, but the best part for me was watching him enjoy this pizza.  Even after the cake was brought out, a gift overnighted from his aunt in Florida with his favorite cartoon character on it, he still wanted the pizza.  I'm not sure if he ever ate a bite of that cake!

Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books.  To participate, just post a picture that you, family, or a friend have taken.  The amount of captioning is up to you.  Pictures must be clean and appropriate for all eyes.

Snapshot Saturday - February 12

So, I haven't had a picture of my nephew on the blog lately and I couldn't resist posting this one!  I debated even posting it because of what he's doing, but most of you, my readers, have or have had little ones and you know that they can put themselves in some strange places. 

My sister-in-law was taking clothes out of the dryer the night before our big winter storm.  She was standing there folding them and she and my brother were discussing whether or not he would get up and drive to work in all the ice.  Well, you can guess how my nephew ended up sitting in the dryer!  He threw his ball in there and when he couldn't get it out, he just climbed in to retrieve it and had a seat!  I laughed so hard when my brother texted this picture to me along with a note, "we can't take our eyes off him even for a minute."  All my mom could tell him was, "After all you put me through, I just have to laugh."  My brother didn't think any of it was very funny!

For those of you who are worried, no, he can't open the dryer door by himself as it locks and is hard even for adults to open.  Yes, my sister-in-law and brother watch him like a hawk, but even hawks have their moments!

You can join Saturday Snapshot by posting a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky at Alyce's blog, At Home With Books. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see.

Saturday Snapshot - January 22

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky over at Alyce's blog, At Home with Books. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. 

 

This is not the best picture, as it was taken with my mom's phone, but it is one of my favorite pictures of my nephew.  He has loved books since he was big enough to hold on to one!  My brother, who doesn't read unless he has to, has a hard time understanding my nephew's fascination, but Aunt Shelly continues to spoil him with books.  

Two for Toddlers

I have been dying to share these books with you this week!  Board books have been on my radar this past year because of my nephew.  A year ago March 3rd, he arrived and our family was so exited!    You might remember this blog post from last year.  Well, I have been a doting aunt and try to get my hands on all kinds of books for him.  He loves them!  Thanks to Chronicle Books, I have 2 more to add to his collection.

Brayden a year ago...and Brayden today...see, he has his tub of books beside him.  My sister-in-law has to change them out periodically because he has so many.

Now, for the books...

Title:  In My Flower
Author/Illustrator:  Sara Gillingham and Lorena Siminovich
Review Copy Provided by:  Chronicle Books

About the Book:  Turn the colorful die-cut pages of this irresistible board book to discover just what makes little butterfly's flower so cozy. Bright pictures, sweet reassuring messages, unique layered pages, and an adorable finger puppet combine to create interactive reading and playtime fun!
My Review:  What a perfect springtime book!  I love the cut-outs on each page and the way that the parent or child can manipulate the butterfly as a finger puppet.  Board books are great for the little ones, but they are so much more fun when they are interactive.   The pictures are bright, which makes them very eye catching for the baby or toddler.  5 short pages that are sure to delight your little one!

Title:  High Five with Julius and Friends
Author/Illustrator:  Paul Frank Industries
Review Copy Provided by:  Chronicle Books

About the Book:  Julius and his friends offer up high fives on every page of this irresistible board book! Each spread encourages kids to celebrate amazing everyday achievements—from sharing their toys to just being themselves—and features a touch-and-feel texture that will keep little ones engaged as they strive to be and do their very best.

My Review:  This is a touch and feel book and my nephew absolutely loves touch and feel!  High Five is a very positive book.  The monkey, Julius, gives high fives for being a superstar, sharing, looking both ways before crossing the street, eating, putting away clothes and being a rock star.  I really like the positive message that it sends to kids.  The bright, vivid colors make it very appealing to little ones and the touch and feel is a huge plus!  Each character holds up their paw, which is enlarged, and the baby/toddler gets to feel it.  Just a cute book that is sure to keep your youngster coming back for more!

Snapshot Saturday #7

As many of you know, my nephew was born this week.  I would not be the proud aunt if I did not share him with you for this week's edition of Snapshot Saturday.  I am madly in love with this new man in my life!

Brayden James, born Tuesday March 3 @ 2 PM.  7 lbs, 12 oz, 19 3/4" long.  Welcome to the world little man!

Wednesday Wanderings 3/4/09

I wander around the blogosphere and bring you what I find.

This week's wanderings post will be short and sweet.  I just want to point each of you to the Book Giveaway Carnival that is going on over at Bookroom Reviews  this week.  There are many, many giveaways for you to choose from. 

Oh, and one more thing.  Many of you follow me on Twitter and know that my sister-in-law went into labor yesterday.  Well, my nephew was born yesterday at 2 PM.  I am so excited and couldn't wait to share him with you.  This isn't the best picture, but it's one my brother sent from his phone yesterday before I could leave school and get to the hospital.

Welcome to the world, Brayden!

I am a very proud aunt and plan on immediate spoiling!