this week's adventures in motherhood: I love you, mouse {baby book club giveaway}

Coming down off the high of Lorelei's birthday week...ahhhh.

I'm so glad we didn't do a big party, because as a result we've had some lovely small celebrations with the people who matter to us -- Lorelei got to enjoy several individual visits from grandparents, her uncle and soon-to-be aunt, cousins, and friends, and they got to enjoy having her all to themselves rather than fighting through the crowd at a raucous party. Not that I'm disparaging anyone's choice to throw such a party: I love a good bash and am in the midst of planning one myself (a detailed post coming soon!). But this worked out perfectly for us.

A few birthday-related pics:

On the night of the 24th, after a picnic lunch and a birth minute kiss and a feast of avocado and birthday cake followed by bath time in her very own brand new bathtub (look how excited she is!), Lorelei settled in for story time with Daddy. They read a book we received shortly after Lorelei was born that has become one of our most cherished bedtime stories:

I love you, mouse.
and if I were a mouse,
I'd build you a furry nest.
And we'd curly up together
and nibble some cheese.


I love you, cub,
and if I were a bear,
I'd find you a cozy cave.
And we'd hunt for some honey
and watch out for bees.


I love you, baby.
And since we're people,
I've built a house for you,
and given you a bed with warm quilts,
a cool drink of water,
a kiss on the nose,
and a quiet good night.

And since we cherish it so much, we want you to read it, too!

Lorelei and I have two gently used copies of I Love You, Mouse to give away! (The book is out of print or we'd get you some brand spankin' new ones.) To enter, just post a comment below. If you blog, tweet, or mention this giveaway on Facebook, come back and leave another comment too for more entries! Oh, and remember: for Lorelei's Book Club giveaways, the only requirement is that you promise to post about the book on your blog at some point and link back here. Pictures of your little one reading would be especially appreciated -- and don't be afraid to get creative if the "little one" lives far away from you or hasn't been born yet!

The giveaway will run through next Tuesday night (June 5th) at 10pm (CDT). Good luck!