I had been vaguely aware of the cultural phenomenon “Phelps Phan,” but just enough to be disgusted with it.  That hatemonger Fred Phelps doesn’t need any more publicity.

Then I found out it’s some sports guy.

I’m Tivo-ing “women’s” gymnastics tonight—do they really count as women if they’re teenagers who’ve had their growth stunted and puberty delayed due to intense training?—so no spoilers, please.  Go Shawn Johnson!

I hope Miles has a love of reading.  I was a total bookworm as a kid, and though I don’t read as much now as I’d like to (or nearly as much as some people, and anybody who knows this person won’t even have to click the link to know whom I referring to), I still do really love books.  There’s something about an author who uses language really well that just makes looking at words a pleasure.  I find writing style to be a greater pull than plot, usually; this is the same reason I like Woody Allen movies.  I don’t care if nothing interesting happens as long as people say witty things along the way.

Anyway, it seems like Miles is showing an interest in books.  He’s kind of a little squirmy wormy most of the time; he’s not one to sit quietly in your lap unless he’s really tired.  He’d much rather be rolling around on the floor or bouncing around in one of his contraptions.  However, he’s really enjoyed being read to lately.  It’s the one time he will sit really quietly and listen and look, sometimes for multiple books in a row.

The one I’m reading to him in the photo below is called Tacky the Penguin, and it’s really good.  It was a gift from one of our baby showers, and I wish I remember who gave it to us, because it’s been a big hit around our house.  Another one we read a lot is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and I do know that that one was from Mark and Rebekah Ahrens.  Thanks, you guys.