I'm not in the habit of sharing much personal news on my blog, beyond my plans to watch Red Sox games (30 days and counting to opening day). But I have some personal news that is going to be relevant to my blogging, and it's well past time to share.
Mheir and I have been together for more than 20 years (we met in college) and have been married for six years. During our time together, we've given many, many children's books as gifts, and talked with lots of people about the importance of raising readers. We've purchased beautiful custom bookshelves, and filled our house with books.
And now, we've decided to try our hand at growing a bookworm of our own. This may be surprising news to readers who assumed that anyone who talks about children's books as much as I do must already have several children at home. But we're expecting our first child in mid-June. A girl. The doctors say she's quite healthy, and she's certainly energetic already. We're having all of those reactions common to first-time parents - from excitement to terror. But happy. Definitely happy.
My blog friends won't be surprised at all to learn that we're reading to her already. We haven't been able to judge her reaction to the books yet, but Mheir is starting to have some favorites. I'm already keeping a reading journal for her, as Susan recommended recently at Booklights. [Mine is html-based, so that I can easily share the lists on the blog, if I so choose.]
Ironically, growing a bookworm of my own will probably mean that I have less time to talk about children's books and growing bookworms here on my blog. But I'll certainly be enhancing my knowledge in the picture book category in the short term. And I look forward to having the chance to put my "Tips for Growing Bookworms" into action longer-term.
I ask for your patience in the coming months, when my blogging will be a bit less regular than usual. Mheir and I would also love to hear your book recommendations for babies. We've started a wish list on Amazon - I used Betsy Bird's Top 100 Picture Books poll for some ideas, and I'll be tuning into Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast with extra attention, too. Of course we have some ideas of our own, too, but we could always use more.
Thanks for sharing in our news!
How exciting, Jen!! Huge congratulations!!!!
Posted by: Robin Brande | March 07, 2010 at 10:30 AM
OMG, Jen, this is fabulous news! I am so excited for you guys. Congratulations!
Posted by: PJ Hoover | March 07, 2010 at 10:31 AM
OH, lovely news! Looking forward to hearing updates on the little bookworm and her reading adventures.
Posted by: Sara Holmes | March 07, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Congrats! Awesome news!
Posted by: Scope Notes | March 07, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Congratulations! How awesome for you both! That's a lucky kid there, getting you guys for parents. Health and happiness and really good books to your growing family. :)
Posted by: Maureen | March 07, 2010 at 10:49 AM
Congrats!!! Can't wait to suggest some Red Sox themed books! Does she have a little red sox hat yet?? I'm so excited for you!!
Posted by: kathy | March 07, 2010 at 10:52 AM
This is FANTASTIC news, Jen! I wish you and Mheir every happiness this little one will bring. What an incredible blessing.
Posted by: Vivian | March 07, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Congratulations, Jen! No matter how much you share books and reading with others, nothing compares to raising readers at home!
Book Suggestions:
All the World by Liz Scanlon
Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman
We are big fans of Sandra Boynton and Kevin Henkes here at the Miller household.
Posted by: Donalyn Miller | March 07, 2010 at 10:53 AM
What wonderful news to hear! Books are so so wonderful, but a baby! What a lucky child to soon arrive in such a loving, book filled home.
Posted by: Jeannine Atkins | March 07, 2010 at 11:04 AM
What fantastic news. My niece is expecting then as well. So happy for you!
Posted by: jone | March 07, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Congrats!!!! As I just said at 7-Imp, this baby is in such good hands.
Posted by: Jules | March 07, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Wow, Jen!! I'm so very, very happy for you both... and for your little girl. I'll do a board book recommendation post on Booklights just for you. =)
Posted by: Susan Kusel | March 07, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Congratulations! As an Australian, I suggest Possum Magic and all other Mem Fox books :)
Posted by: M Dahms | March 07, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Thanks so much, everyone! It's wonderful to feel so surrounded by joy - I love this community.
And Kathy, we don't have a Red Sox hat for her yet. But I have two brothers who still live in Boston who will be pretty happy to remedy that, I think. I do have a Red Sox A to Z written by the Red Sox Wives a couple of years back...
Donalyn and M Dahms, thanks for the book recommendations. I've added them to my wish list (well, we already have All the World - that was one of the first books that we read to her). And Susan, I would LOVE to see more recommendations on Booklights.
Thanks so much, everyone. It's not even noon yet here, and this has already been an amazing day.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | March 07, 2010 at 11:44 AM
What wonderful news! We started with GOOD NIGHT MOON, GOOD NIGHT GORILLA, and THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR. We quickly moved onto Boynton (MOO BAA LA LA LA is the favorite) and the oeuvre of Leslie Patricelli (NO NO YES YES, YUMMY YUCKY, etc.). And of course, there's the Pigeon.
Posted by: EM | March 07, 2010 at 11:48 AM
I am so happy for you!! Congratulations!!
Posted by: Liz B | March 07, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Congratulations! What exciting news! Best of luck to you all!
Posted by: Christine M | March 07, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Congratulations! One of my favorite books for babies is "Time for Bed" by Mem Fox (gentle rhythm and rhymes, animals, great for reading during quiet snuggle times).
Posted by: Jacquie | March 07, 2010 at 12:06 PM
Congrats! I bet she'll be a great reader! And a lover of dystopian fiction, LOL!
Posted by: Lenore | March 07, 2010 at 12:09 PM
Thanks, guys! And EM, thanks for the recommendations. Some of these were already on my wish list (who could NOT have the Pigeon?), but I'm actually not familiar with Leslie Patricelli, so I added a collection of hers to the list. This is going to be fun!!
Posted by: Jen Robinson | March 07, 2010 at 12:11 PM
Jen, such wonderful news!! Congratulations to you both!
Posted by: Melissa | March 07, 2010 at 12:12 PM
I am dancing a happy dance for you all, how exciting! And it is even more special to learn about it as I play here in Arkansas with baby William as he continues to show me the wonder of the world from a baby's eyes and actions.
Posted by: Rasco from RIF | March 07, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Hi Jen,
This is wonderful news, congratulations! One of the things that I love best about being a Mummy is the weekly library visit - you're going to love it too!
Posted by: learning parade | March 07, 2010 at 12:52 PM
That's the best news I've heard in eons! I am SO HAPPY for y'all! Yay, yay, and yay.
Posted by: Susan (Chicken Spaghetti) | March 07, 2010 at 12:57 PM
JEN! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is fabulous news!!! I'm so, so happy for you guys (seriously - I'm sitting on the reference desk at work and grinning ear to ear)!
Thanks for sharing your fabulous news with us! :D
Posted by: Abby | March 07, 2010 at 01:01 PM
Congratulations! I would definitely recommend Who Do You See? By Will Grace!
Posted by: Becky | March 07, 2010 at 01:02 PM
Congratulations! No book recommendations off the top of my head, but definitely go browse the board books section at your local bookstore - looking through those makes me want little bookworms of my own.
Posted by: Sarah Rettger | March 07, 2010 at 01:09 PM
Such fabulous news, Jen! Congratulations! I often give Debra Frazier's ON THE DAY YOU WERE BORN as a baby gift, which I am sure is on your lists ... but I couldn't resist mentioning it anyhow.
What fun to have a new baby to discover and re-discover the world of books through!
Posted by: Melissa (Betty and Boo's Mommy) | March 07, 2010 at 01:10 PM
Saw this on Facebook earlier, and knew I had to stop by here to add my congratulations! I hope you find motherhood rewarding (I'm sure you will), and you nurture and raise your little girl. I'm sure she will be precious! Congrats!
Posted by: Melissa (Book Nut) | March 07, 2010 at 01:12 PM
Congratulations, Jen.
Posted by: Sherry | March 07, 2010 at 01:24 PM
Congratulations, Jen and Mheir! So happy for you :)!
Posted by: jama | March 07, 2010 at 01:27 PM
Congrats Jen and hubby! You will both make fabulous parents just for the mere fact that you both are wonderful educators/teachers. Enjoy every minute, because they get big so fast!
Posted by: The1stdaughter | March 07, 2010 at 01:39 PM
Fantastic Jen!!!! Congratulations!
Posted by: Natasha @ Maw Books | March 07, 2010 at 01:47 PM
Yay!
Posted by: Miles | March 07, 2010 at 01:50 PM
You all are awesome. Thanks so much! Extra thanks for the book recommendations - I've been adding to my wish list all day.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | March 07, 2010 at 01:52 PM
Congratulations to you and Mheir! I'm very happy for the both of you!
Posted by: charlotte | March 07, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Congrats, congrats!! Wonderful news.
Posted by: Jennifer@5 Minutes for Books | March 07, 2010 at 02:09 PM
Jen, what marvelous news! So happy for you. Nothing beats reading to your own little one. :)
The Boynton books have been consistent favorites with my 2-and-under set (and 3-and-over, for that matter), as well as the Byron Barton board books---my toddlers have all adored those---and Each Peach Pear Plum and the Rosemary Wells Mother Goose books & her Max books too.
We have loads of other favorites for slightly older children, but those have been the great favorites of my babies. And for a baby-themed picture book that makes mama and daddy choke up, there's no beating All the Places to Love.
Posted by: Melissa Wiley | March 07, 2010 at 02:16 PM
Oh, Jen, this is terrific news! Congratulations and felicitations to you!
Posted by: Els Kushner | March 07, 2010 at 02:17 PM
Congratulations Jen!
Posted by: Jackie | March 07, 2010 at 02:23 PM
wooooohoooo! This is such exciting news. Congrats and thanks for sharing! June will be here before you know it:-)
Posted by: Franki | March 07, 2010 at 02:29 PM
This baby is definitely going on my Reviews That Made Me Want to Read The Book list.
Congratulations, Jen - so so happy for you.
Posted by: Aerin | March 07, 2010 at 02:38 PM
Congratulations Jen..so happy for you two...tra-la-la-la. And what a lucky little bookworm!
Posted by: Marge Loch-Wouters | March 07, 2010 at 02:43 PM
Terrific news! It's about time you had a little bookworm of your own! Super awesome congratulations! I third(?) the recommendation of Sandra Boynton. My son loved her books, and Moo Baa La La La was one of his favorites, too.
Here's the best tip I got when my son was born: sleep when the baby is sleeping!
Posted by: Sheila Ruth | March 07, 2010 at 04:17 PM
Congratulations to all of you. My son is 34. If I can give you anything, write down the funny things she says and does because you will forget over time.
Lots of best wishes,
Posted by: June Morgan | March 07, 2010 at 04:21 PM
Congrats Jen, that's fantastic! Much happiness to you.
Posted by: Amy @ My Friend Amy | March 07, 2010 at 04:31 PM
From reading your blog, I know your personality well enough to know you will be such a lovely mother to your new baby--congratulations! And happy picture book reading... My top board book picks are Goodnight Gorilla, Jamberry, Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, and Leslie Patricelli's books, e.g., Yummy Yucky. Oh, and definitely Rosemary Wells's My Very First Mother Goose, also Jane Yolen's Here's a Little Poem.
Posted by: Kate Coombs | March 07, 2010 at 04:36 PM
Jen, wonderful, wonderful news. I can't stop smiling, hearing your news. Just wonderful.
Hello Baby, by Mem Fox, is another wonderful one to add to your wish list.
Pio Peep! and Muu Moo! are great collections of nursery rhymes in Spanish & English.
No wonder you've been tired juggling everything lately! Hope you get some extra sleep. Many many best wishes.
Posted by: Mary Ann | March 07, 2010 at 05:00 PM
Lucky little girl! Here's one I love: When I'm Sleepy by Jane Howard.
Posted by: Barbara Shoup | March 07, 2010 at 05:02 PM
We are most excited for both of you, and our darling granddaughter, and we're eager to meet her.
Phyllis and Ken Robinson
Posted by: Phyllis M. Robinson | March 07, 2010 at 05:03 PM
Congratulations to all three of you! What wonderful, wonderful news. You guys are going to be great parents.
Posted by: adrienne | March 07, 2010 at 05:13 PM
What wonderful news! Now a very personal reason for reading! Don't forget the parenting books too! :)
Posted by: Jen W. | March 07, 2010 at 06:10 PM
Aw, Mom and Dad left a comment - how cool is that? I am so happy I could burst - but you knew that already.
Sticking with the baseball theme, we loved Players in Pigtails. It's not the Sox, but it is a great piece of baseball history.
Anything Mem Fox - Especially Time for Bed and Ten little Fingers, Ten Little Toes.
Posted by: Terry Doherty | March 07, 2010 at 06:18 PM
I'm so happy for you Jen - so so so happy! I'm just gobsmacked with sheer joy!
My book recommend is for Jamberry by Bruce Degan. We had that in a board book and I read it a zillion times to Pierce - it's my go-to book for every new parent and such fun to read.
Posted by: Colleen | March 07, 2010 at 06:59 PM
Congratulations, Jen! I'm very happy for all three of you!
Posted by: Sheila Beaumont | March 07, 2010 at 07:07 PM
Congratulations, Jen! For babies, I'm crazy about any of Sandra Boynton's board books. My favorite is Blue Hat, Red Hat.
Posted by: Sondy | March 07, 2010 at 07:24 PM
Congratulations, Jen! Being a mother is a fabulous adventure. I'm sure you'll love it. =)
Posted by: Mama Librarian | March 07, 2010 at 07:25 PM
Holy smokes, Jen Robinson! I wasn't expecting this! I had assumed that, for whatever reason, you and your husband had no plans for children! I'm so so happy for you! My stomach literally flipped when I read this post! What a lucky little girl! Congratulations!
--Kate, regular reader and mother of two little ones
PS I got a little crazy on the exclamation points, but I'm just so excited for you!
Posted by: Kate | March 07, 2010 at 07:29 PM
Oh, Jen. What wonderful news! I'm delighted for you and your husband. I'll be thinking of my list. :)
Posted by: Angie | March 07, 2010 at 07:47 PM
Oh Jen,
What joy, what joy. From this point forward, you will never, ever experience another boring moment. You will never lack for something to talk about, think about, worry about, pray about, and laugh about. I know the bookcases in her bedroom are already filling up. June is a MOST auspicious month to be born. Thank you for letting your fairy blog mothers here share this happy news.
Posted by: BookMoot | March 07, 2010 at 08:21 PM
Congratulations!! This is wonderful news. I recommend Cynthia Cotten's Some Babies Sleep. It's gorgeous.
Take care of yourself and enjoy the spring. Store up energy for June and beyond!!
Posted by: Jenny Schwartzberg | March 07, 2010 at 08:30 PM
That's fantastic news, Jen! Congratulations!
Posted by: Kim | March 07, 2010 at 09:02 PM
Oh, Jen, I am so happy and excited for you! Ditto to what Barbara Shoup said--that's going to be one lucky little girl. :)
Posted by: aquafortis | March 07, 2010 at 10:52 PM
Oh, Jen. I've been AWOL, but saw this on Facebook and, really, I am so, so happy for you. A little girl, a new bookworm. I wish you and Mheir the very, very best.
Posted by: Kelly | March 08, 2010 at 12:00 AM
You are going to be such great parents. My book recommendations would be Mo, Mo, and of course, mo' Mo.
Posted by: MotherReader | March 08, 2010 at 12:56 AM
I'll add my shout of CONGRATULATIONS! to the long list. Fun, fun, fun! You and Mheir will be great parents!!!
Posted by: Mary Lee | March 08, 2010 at 02:33 AM
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!
Posted by: Andromeda Jazmon | March 08, 2010 at 02:45 AM
You're happy, so I am happy! (I have three teenagers right now, so babies don't sound good at all!)Still, you will survive. The thing to remember about books is that the titles don't matter. Just the amount. I bought tons from the thrift store, and I think having constant exposure helped get all of my children interested in reading. Congratulations.
Posted by: Ms. Yingling | March 08, 2010 at 03:18 AM
CONGRATULATIONS, Mheir and Jen!!!
Posted by: Tarie | March 08, 2010 at 03:58 AM
Congrats and best wishes!
Posted by: annette simon | March 08, 2010 at 05:39 AM
HUGE congrats Jen! Speaking as a relatively new Papa I can say that it's AWESOME! Welcome to the fold! :)
Posted by: Jim Di Bartolo | March 08, 2010 at 06:36 AM
Jen, I am so happy for you. And it's just so cool to think of a little one getting your love of reading and everything you know and believe about books pass on to her. She is going to have such a full, happy life, surrounded by shelves and shelves of books!
Posted by: Becky Levine | March 08, 2010 at 07:14 AM
Thanks so much, all! Every single comment has made me smile today. And the baby's book wish list is growing by leaps and bounds. Thank you all!
And Pam, I would have been disappointed if you hadn't suggested Mo. He's on the list!
Camille, I love "fairy blog mothers".
Hope everyone has a great week!
Posted by: Jen Robinson | March 08, 2010 at 08:44 AM
Yay!!! That is one lucky child to have you two as parents. Thanks for letting us celebrate the news (Greg says on behalf of the smaller contingent of fairy blog fathers!).
Posted by: Gregory K. | March 08, 2010 at 09:03 AM
Thanks for representing fairy blog fathers, Greg! I didn't mean to leave you all out. ;-) And in fact, in our house, so far, it's Mheir who's doing most of the reading to the baby.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | March 08, 2010 at 09:22 AM
Congratulations to you both! What great news on a Monday morning!
Posted by: sprite | March 08, 2010 at 09:56 AM
Congratulations! What a lucky little girl she will be.
Posted by: Dawn Morris | March 08, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Congratulations Jen! That is so exciting!
As my baby story time moms will tell you, I love Sandra Boynton books for infants!
Posted by: Jennie | March 08, 2010 at 02:23 PM
Woohoo! Congratulations! This is fantastic news. Your little bookworm has clearly chosen her parents wisely. :-)
Posted by: darla d | March 08, 2010 at 03:35 PM
Congratulations!! Best wishes.
My husband always loved reading our daughter a book called HUMPHREY'S BEAR. (Don't remember the author.)
RJ
Posted by: Readingjunky | March 08, 2010 at 07:23 PM
Congrats! That's so exciting!
Posted by: melissa @ 1lbr | March 08, 2010 at 09:24 PM
I'm a little late responding, but I'm justing reading your news now. Wow!
Congratulations, Jen. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
Best.
Posted by: Patty Palmer | March 09, 2010 at 01:33 PM
Congratulations, Jen on your good news. What a blessed childhood your daughter will have, surrounded by books. Are the Pigeon books (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, etc.) on your wish list? These are what I've been giving at baby showers lately. I see you are now reading The Lock Artist. I hope you like it. Thanks for linking to my blog over in the list of books catching your eye.
Posted by: Stephany Hughes | March 09, 2010 at 05:34 PM
Congratulations to your family! I wish you all the best of health, and to you, Jen, I wish an easy delivery. :) Congrats!!!
Posted by: Little Willow | March 09, 2010 at 06:35 PM
What happy news. Reading to my daughter, and watching her become a reader, has brought me so much joy. You have amazing experiences ahead.
Baby books: my favorite board book to give is Peek-a-Who by Nina Laden. Always a hit, and Laden has created several other cheerful, colorful board books.
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell was one of my favorites to read aloud.
And--you'll have to trust me on this one--Mrs. Mustard's Baby Faces. It's barely a book at all, but babies love it.
Posted by: LaurieA-B | March 09, 2010 at 09:50 PM
What exciting news Jen! I'm so happy for you-you're going to be a wonderful mom and I love that you're already reading to your daughter. :)
Congrats!
Posted by: Sarah | March 10, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Thank you for sharing this glorious news! I am excited for you and your hubby.
Posted by: Stephanie | March 10, 2010 at 05:14 PM
Congratulations! That's wonderful news! We read to both of our children while they were in utero also and they're both book lovers :)
Posted by: Sherrie Petersen | March 10, 2010 at 08:02 PM
Many thanks, all! I've been adding books to my wish list like crazy (and yes, the Pigeon is on there). And continuing to feel warmed by the generosity of this wonderful community.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | March 11, 2010 at 09:36 AM
Thanks for sharing this great news! I did my fair share of storytimes when my first was in utero and he really could be soothed by the sound of my voice after he was born. He is still a book lover! Congrats!
Posted by: Kendra | March 11, 2010 at 11:49 AM
Major congratulations to both of you! I read to my two in utero (as my mother did to me.) I also played music to them, and that is something that is part of both of their lives today as well.
Have you seen the Begin Smart board books? They are colored coded (by cover colors) for different ages. Susan Raab sent them to me. They are just right for infants - interactive with bright bold shapes.
Enjoy!
Posted by: Anastasia Suen | March 11, 2010 at 04:49 PM
BEST! NEWS! IN THE WORLD!!! Oh, Jen, huge congratulations to you all! That is going to be one lucky little book-loving butterfly.
Posted by: Esme | March 12, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Congratulations, Jen! How cool! I wish you all the best and can't wait to hear what books you guys enjoy! :)
Posted by: Lori Calabrese | March 15, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Jen, I just saw the news! Huge CONGRATULATIONS goes out to you! What exciting news! I'm with Pam on Mo, Donalyn on Henkes, and everyone who suggested Boynton! Anything Eric Carle, Margaret Wise Brown, or Mem Fox. And you can't forget Pat the Bunny! So, so excited!!
Posted by: Dawn Little | March 15, 2010 at 08:03 PM
Many Congratulations! My daughter loved Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Clean Your Room, Harvey Moon when she was a baby. Oh -- and the Nancy Shaw Sheep in a Jeep, Sheep out to Eat books. Wishing you many wonderful days ahead!
Posted by: Mrs. Pilkington (olugbemisola) | March 16, 2010 at 06:45 PM
My continued thanks to everyone for your good wishes and book recommendations. I continue to add to our wish list on Amazon every day. And, people may have noticed, my tally for picture books read grows every day, too. Though I may not have much time to document them once the baby actually arrives. Anyway, many, many thanks!!
Posted by: Jen Robinson | March 16, 2010 at 07:14 PM
more Yay to you two.
You will love DEBRA FRASIER,s On the Day you Were Born, which is our all time favorite new baby gift, deliciously now in a board book form.
You two will love SYLVIA PLATH's THE BED BOOK,
not in board book form. "..not a white, little, turn out the light little, bed. No! A bed that's much more interesting..."
This is a silly, rollicking, intelligent read for wee ones & their grown ups. Truly.
hugs & our best vitamins to you
from a Mom,
Jan Godown Annino
www.bookseedstudiolwordpress.com
Posted by: Jan Godown Annino | March 25, 2010 at 01:16 PM
Thanks so much, Jan. I appreciate the good wishes and the recommendations.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | March 25, 2010 at 04:02 PM
Holy SH*T! How did I miss this announcement?! You are going to have one very lucky little lady. Congrats to you both.
Posted by: Tricia | March 29, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Thanks, Tricia! I snuck the announcement in on a weekend a couple of weeks ago. I actually knew at Kidlitcon, but just barely...
Posted by: Jen Robinson | March 29, 2010 at 11:13 AM