A Little Bitty Baby and A Little Bit of Bibliotherapy!

As an Army family, it seems that we are often in a season of transition.  This time, however, the transition will not be Army-related but, rather, family-related.  In about four more weeks, we will welcome Baby Schmidt #4 to the world, and as ecstatic as we all are to meet Baby, from experience, I know that the amazing process will also be a season of transition for the entire family.  Brynn is definitely privy to Babe's arrival.  Clare understands a little bit, and Elle just likes to point to my belly and attempt to lift up my maternity shirt and say "BABEEEEE!"  Regardless of each girl's level of understanding, Baby's arrival will mean change for all of them, and, so, preparation has begun.

You might inquire why this has anything to do with homeschooling, but having been in the classroom as a teacher, I can attest to just how much life events can impact a child's ability and desire to learn.  Our children our passionate about books, and reading together gives us an opportunity to bond each and every day.  Therefore, it is through books that I am helping the girls to prepare for this exciting transition.  It's a fabulous little tool coined as "bibliotherapy."  Little by little, I have been integrating books about a baby's arrival into our daily reading.  Here are some fun ones that the girls have enjoyed:

Together we read through the books...together we talk about the exciting changes ahead...together we will welcome this precious new life into our home.  And, through it all, Scott and I want EACH of our children to know that we "can't imagine life before YOU came along...[we] there singing senseless, no MEANING to [our] song.  Call it MEANT TO BE or simply blessed fate, you fill [our] heart[s] WITH LOVE...and for THAT [we] celebrate.  [We] love you.  How much?  SO much. How much is 'so?' WAY, WAY MORE than you know..." (I Love You SO by Marianne Richmond).