The Very Hungry Caterpillar

When I was pregnant with Abbie, I was obsessed with getting her books.  Lots of books.  Some of my fondest memories as a kid are of reading – I was an only child for 9 years, and I spent a lot of time with my nose buried in a book.  It hasn’t changed, and I still love books – and I always wanted to be sure Abbie loved them too.

One of my favorite books for kids is The Very Hungry Caterpillar – I love Eric Carle’s illustrations and the whimsy of the story.  She’s finally at the point that we’re able to start reading books that are a little bit longer, so it’s one I’m trying to insert into our reading rotation whenever I can.

Then I saw these pajamas at Gymboree.  Well, actually, I couldn’t decide which pair…. but that’s ok.  A quick text to my BFF solved that little problem.

Abbie wore them to bed for the first time last night, and they might be the cutest pajamas ever.  As in, I want to go back and buy all of them.  I love the illustrations on them, and they’re really soft and well made – just like every Gymboree item I’ve ever gotten her (in fact, I often get Gymboree on consignment for Abbie, still in great shape).  Of course, since she was wearing the Very Hungry Caterpillar, we had to read it.

Well, try to read it.  This stubborn girl is very particular about which books she wants to read at any given time.

Bedtime is one of my favorite parts of the day because for most of it, it’s just Mommy-Abbie time.  Chris participates at the beginning, but it’s usually me that Abbie wants right before bed.  I’m not going to lie – I kind of love it.  Abbie has never been much of a cuddler or snuggler, and I love this time we get together to snuggle and read.  No matter what kind of day we’ve all had, it just makes everything better.  Plus, what’s cuter than little girls in pajamas?

In celebration of the collaboration between Eric Carle and Gymboree, all Gymboree stores held an Eric Carle event on September 5th with crafts and storytime.  Unfortunately, I was unable to go, but my friend Courtney did, and it looks like they had a blast!

They’re also hosting a #WhatDoYouSee Photo Contest from 9/2 to 9/30 for the chance to win an Eric Carle gift basket worth nearly $150!  They include books, stickers, sipply cups, games, and other fun things – I don’t know about your kids but Abbie loves stickers.  Entering is super easy – have your kids take a photo of what they see, then you can upload it to Twitter, Instagram, Tumbler, or directly to the photo site here using the hashtag #WhatDoYouSee.  Abbie’s will probably be of her toes.  Or one of the cats.  Or both cats.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to snuggle my toddler…and then maybe buy her more pajamas online.  Maybe.