I love books without a cover! they seem so vulnerable and fragile. And I guess we sort of assume our kids will somehow learn to read regardless, but the other skills are a tad trickier, so we focus on those.

On a more serious note, what a sweet and real post, my friend. What a gut-punch it is, though, to realize these details that seem tiny and yet end up having such impact on our little ones. As if parenting wasn't so monumental a task already.

I love your reflections, you look back with great compassion, honesty and self-awareness, which makes it a pleasure to read. :)