We're doing it -- jumping into Harry Potter with Christopher.

It's a major discussion amongst my mommy friends -- whether they feel comfortable with the books at all (not all Christians do), and if so, at what age for kids. I have friends who started reading them to their kids when they were 4, which seems a bit young in my mind. And other friends who aren't sure they'll ever have their kids read them.

For me, Christopher seems ready, at least for the first few books. It will take us a while to get through the first two, so we'll see how old he is and how he deals with the first two before jumping into the third book, which is where the series begins delving into darker and more mature territory. And he's enjoying having special reading time with mom after Cate goes to bed.

We are only a few chapters in, but so far Christopher seems excited about it. He's excited to be able to talk to his friends who are reading the books and understand the characters and plot points. And I actually like the idea of reading them together so that we can discuss the topics that pop up, which are really quite good themes to talk to kids about -- what is friendship? what is kindness? do you give people what they deserve or show them grace? what is evil? What is fate -- is it given to us or do we make it ourselves? So wish us luck. I'm guessing Harry will provide a lot of relief next week when Christopher is recovering from surgery.