Our Little Bookworm

Bella has recently discovered that she can read. Or rather, she has discovered the joy of reading (she has been able to read for quite some time now, but if you asked her she'd tell you she couldn't). Since this revelation occurred, it seems as if she is seeing the world for the first time. A mundane trip to the grocery store this week was an experience filled with wonder. Her eyes fixated on the merchandise as we cruised up and down the aisles, her mouth moving silently as she read convincing superlatives and descriptions meant to catch a shopper's eye - "Best Value!" "New and Improved!" "Full of Flavor!". More than once, with her head turned towards the shelves as trailed behind me, she ran smack into my rear end as I paused to pick up an item.

Her nose is always in a book these days and she is reluctant to take a break to perform everyday tasks, such as eating... (We even needed to have a couple of conversations about the safety of reading while walking down the stairs.)
Her favorite spot is in front of the fireplace, though. That stack of books you see next to her? That is what she had already read that afternoon...

We've all been enjoying hearing her read, particularly Willem. He certainly has a wonderful role model...
I guess none of this should come as a surprise given that her first word was "book". Nevertheless, we can't help feeling immensely proud and excited at her newfound passion.