It's a video showing Daddy reading the book that AJ is holding in his lap.
Both kids LOVE the Sesame Street classic There's a Monster at the end of this Book. So much so, that on a recent evening, Sydney picked it as a bedtime story. Then, when it was AJ's turn to pick, he chose to have us read it again. How wonderful is that?!?A few days before Jeff left for Ripley, big surprise here, the kids chose "the Grover book" at bedtime. Jeff gets quite animated as he attempts to imitate the lovable, furry ol' guy; so I videotaped him with the kids as he was reading it.
Last night, big surprise here, the kids wanted the story again, so I set them up in front of the computer and started the video. AJ knows the book so well that he had no problem turning the pages at the appropriate time. Sydney, meanwhile, just kept pointing at the screen, alternating her squeals between, "Daddy!" and "That's Sydney Bean."
I've heard of military wives using this storytelling technique as a way to keep kids connected to Dad during deployments. And let me just say, I am again reminded of the incredible strength of these women to keep their families going during such lengthy separations. We're just on day six of Jeff being gone, and I've already had to deal with tears from AJ twice, along with comments that bring tears to my eyes like, "I don't want to talk to him on the phone. I just want to give him a hug."
For his part, Jeff's been doing a great job finding time to call home daily. Last night, he lined up a group of soldiers in the background who shouted on cue, "Good night AJ!" (Had I been thinking, I'd have coached AJ to respond, "Hoo-ah!")
One last note about the videotaped story. There's a particular bonus in this technique for me, as well. After five straight nights of reading this blessed book in my best Grover voice, it was nice to get a break and let Daddy take a turn.
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