Wednesday, November 30, 2011

What do Babies do All Day?

After babies grow out of the "Eat, poop, sleep, repeat" phase and before they begin actively exploring, what can you do to keep them entertained all day? In order to keep them from growing too tired or overwhelmed, it's a good idea to break the day into manageable and varied activities. Babies love routine, so repeating similar activities in the same pattern each day is a great way to fill the space between the naps and meals. Right now, Hannah plays for about 15-20 minutes at a time. This leaves plenty of time for naps and meals in between the fun. Using up little bursts of energy makes it easier for Hannah to nap and adds excitement to our day. She can learn and play by doing all these things. Plus, many of these activities accommodate free time (or free hands) for me to get things done around the house!

Here are some examples of how we fill parts of each hour:

7:00 - Belly Time

Hannah rolls and plays on her colorful mat each morning. I used to be able to leave the room for a minute and find her in the same spot, but now I stay with her. It's a good time for me to take pictures, catch up on email, or fold laundry.

8:00 - Bouncy Seat

After getting her "baby exercise," Hannah hangs out in her bouncy seat while I get my exercise and get ready. She loves to watch while I work out and gives me such encouragement by smiling and giggling!

9:00 - Baby Wearing

I've got a Baby K'tan, so I carry Hannah and take care of chores around the house. The key to this is using cleaning supplies that are safe for Hannah to be around.

10:00 - Stroller Ride

We hit the stores or stroll the neighborhood for a nice, long walk. Sometimes Hannah falls asleep, but she loves to hear about the surroundings while she is awake.

1:00 - Story Time

This is my favorite part of the day! We sing songs and read books. I'm saving more details for a future blog post.

3:00 - Activity Gym

Hannah loves to kick and pull on toys. Sometimes she'll roll over (unless I have a camera!)

4:00 - Independent Playtime

I lay Hannah in her crib with a toy for a few minutes each day. It helps her feel secure in the crib and she enjoys playing in a safe space.

6:00 - Bouncy Seat

The bouncy seat is a great spot for Hannah to stay while I cook dinner. She can watch and entertain herself with a toy.

7:00 - Belly Minutes

For a few minutes before bedtime, Hannah will lay on her belly to use up her last burst of energy.

Zulilly Sales

I am IN LOVE with Trumpette socks. They are so cute and they fit really well. Hannah wears them every day and loves to tug on the little bows on the toes :) They are an eco friendly company and they make fantastic decisions on the materials used for their items.

Today they're on sale on Zulilly. Click here to join for the sale.

Baby Agoo leggings are also on sale. These are nifty since baby can wear them instead of pants to make for easy diaper changes. Plus, they stretch and fit from 6-24 months.

 My favorite compliment to date on these socks was, "Whoa, those are like high heels for babies!"



*They take a while to ship, so make sure you order ASAP if you want them for holiday gifts!

Let's Have Some Yum Yums!

Hannah has been eating foods for about 6 weeks and she is devouring them like a seasoned pro. Making her baby food has been an exciting challenge. Overall, I feel great about doing it and the amount of work involved is moderate. I did go through a bit of a learning curve, which leads me to question why the Food Network has not come out with a Baby Food Preparation special. Since that's not available I'll offer my suggestions to new Moms and Dads that would like to cook for baby at home.

1. If you want to cook less frequently, you'll need more containers. Luckily my Mom gave me the storage contents from her Baby Bullet set to double my stash. Some parents freeze the foods in ice cube trays and use Tupperware or Pyrex to store plenty of food. Remember- there's no double dipping once you start with a container so small portions are key!

2. Store-bought baby rice may just be the best option. I tried again and again to get the recipe right, but I couldn't grind to a fine enough consistency or prevent the pot from boiling over. On vacation, my Aunt got Hannah some Beechnut Rice Cereal and she loves it. The big difference is that it's already cooked, so it's super simple. I noticed that their recommended portion is pretty large, so I divide that into three containers and then it's already prepped for the next few meals.

3. Even if you don't make baby food all the time, it's great to know how to do it in a pinch. I didn't realize until dinner time that I had forgotten to bring baby food to our Thanksgiving celebration. It wasn't a problem at all because the chef had bananas and avocados on hand. I mashed up an avocado, mixed in some water, and served it with a 1/4 teaspoon for an instant nutritious meal.

4. Don't get tripped up on the "rule of 4." In the early days, pediatricians recommend starting foods on a four day introduction schedule. Looking back, it would have been much simpler to use that guideline as a minimum and stretch out some of the foods longer. I could have easily served her yams or rice for a week and enjoyed the break between cooking something new. However, you have to pay attention to the storage dates and freeze/thaw times since refrigerated food shouldn't be used after 3 days.

5. Although boiling is a great cooking method, heartier veggies really need the strength of the oven to cook thoroughly. Slice them in half and place them flat in a glass dish, add a quarter cup of water and bake at 375 for an hour. They come out so mushy that they are a cinch to peal and prepare. Bake some cookies or a pie for yourself while you're at it to utilize the whole oven.

6. Go ahead and buy a jar of baby food so you can see the consistency. Try blending small portions to get the best smoothness. Be careful not to wear out your blender by overusing it or leaving it on too long.


Older posts on baby's meals: Naturally Delicious and Baby's First Bites

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

I Sympathize with the Grinch

If anyone has ever wondered what Christmas was like for the Grinch the year after he carved the roast beast for the first time, the answer is that he had an awesome time rockin' around the Christmas tree with Max the dog and Cindy Lou Who. I'll admit it, I can relate to the Grinch because I was one, too. My husband nicknamed me a grinch for my miserly ways and lack of enthusiasm for "kitschy christmas crap" (as I call it.) To be fair, I think I got a little bummed by having too many families to be able to have solid Christmas traditions or even see them all on the special day. So, I shut down a little and didn't get into the spirit very well. A few years ago,  my husband took on the role of Max in my life and tirelessly attempted to create a Holiday wonderland in our home. He single-handedly hauled loads of stuff to decorate, perfected his own seasonal drink recipes, battled a pine-induced rash, and pinched pennies at my request for a limited budget. Are you picturing Max hauling the load of stolen goods up the hill? I think he stuck with the Grinch all along because he knew there was hope... albeit small.

My low Christmas point came last year when I was literally green and grinchy with morning sickness. We flew cross country to visit the in laws, but I spent nearly the entire trip in bed. Although they were wonderfully hospitable for my delicate condition, I could have happily sat out Christmas at the top of a mountain plotting to steal all the kid's toys. After all, kids cause morning sickness!

Ahh, but along came Hannah Lou Who with her wide eyes and spiky black hair and a smile that could melt the abominable snowman! My heart literally grew three sizes. Firstly because she's adorable and innocent and secondly because I get the "mommy high" of dopamine from nursing.

This year, it's like celebrating my first Christmas. I was so excited I organized our Christmas photo session in October. I sewed her a Christmas dress and am getting ready to make another because I enjoyed it so much. I bought and hung a new set of ornaments for the whole family. We splurged on decor and I even pleaded to get a real tree. The house is filled with seasonal scents and sights.

We don't need to go overboard on presents because we built our Christmas Wonderland. Sharing the time with family, spreading beauty and holiday cheer, and bringing a little Christmas magic to the house is  what we consider the reason for the season. By taking the time to make everything nicer, it's easier to believe that good things can just happen around this time of year.

I'd love to hear about your favorite holiday memories or traditions in the comments! Also, glad tidings to all those who don't celebrate Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful and peaceful winter.




Monday, November 28, 2011

Miss Movember

The judges have spoken! Last night, Hannah was crowned "Miss Movember" at Victory Brewing Company. The brewery hosted Mustache Monday to showcase all the mustaches men grew to bring awareness to men's health. Each contestant took the time to share why the cause inspired their grooming and to showcase his 'stache. We donated a dollar so that Hannah could have a mustache for her pacifier and she won the competition!

I was heartened by the candid stories the men told about family members affected by prostate and testicular cancer. It's not easy to talk about that in front of a large group, but they all explained the devotion and strength it takes to grow a mustache for a month for a worthwhile cause. We heard that a single guy persevered attempting to meet women behind the caterpillar and a married man triumphed even after his wife originally threatened to withhold... ahem... something he very much enjoyed. Even my husband was overly excited to finally have an excuse to rock a mustache in public. Seriously, that man spends more time in the bathroom shaving his face into different beard patterns than a barber.

As if we didn't already have enough great things to say about Victory, this will be an awesome story to tell Hannah when she's older.

 Hannah and Mama Rocking Muzzies for Movember.

 Dada's 'Stache is "Au Naturel"

Miss Movember wearing her sash

Sunday, November 27, 2011

24 Weeks Old

I have a feeling Hannah will be keeping me on my toes this week. She had been testing the waters by rolling side to side, but she rarely made it all the way over. Yesterday she rolled over several times from front to back and she has been rocking and rolling all day today! Sometimes she's pleased with herself and the newfound viewpoint, but generally belly time causes her to erupt into baby dragon shrieks. You'd never know she had it in her to belt when she's out and about because she will sit calmly in her chair with a delighted smile any time.

It's clear that these new skills are tiring her out. The minute I sit down with her cradled in my arms her eyes shut. She's still a little stuffy from her cold, so she's making these cute little garbled snort noises. I can tell she's so excited to play, but we need to keep a handle on it all because she is getting overwhelmed. One thing she is really enjoying is her new "magic trick." She can pass a toy from one hand to the other! You should hear the excited squeals while she does this. I wouldn't have thought much of this, but The Bump called it out and I can tell she's really enjoying it, so I guess it's a Big Baby Deal.

With all these new skills, I'm starting to feel like I have a mobile baby. Gone are the days of turning my back to throw in a load of laundry. I knew that the last few weeks were wonderful and I had a feeling this time would pass quickly into the next stage, so I'm glad I took notes about how sweet it all was :)

 Happy Holidays Everyone!

Flat Out Feast

A few weeks ago I signed up to review a book called Real Moms Love to Eat! The author sent me a goodie bag so that I could try some of the treats she mentions in her book. I have rounded out several terrific meals in a pinch with the contents. Most recently, I used the Flat Out! flatbreads to wrap up my Thanksgiving leftovers. This little "feast-to-go" was a flavor explosion!

I layered gravy, turkey, cranberry sauce, lettuce and carrot strips on the wrap and served it with a side of mashed potatoes. Keeping it in a wrap is a nice, filling way to control the portion.

I can't wait to finish the book and tell you all about it. So far the message is simple: Eat what you want and enjoy it! Balance what you love with healthy options and you will love that, too. The point of eating is to nourish your body, so if you don't feel great after a meal maybe you should try something different. Keep an eye on what foods give you the most satisfaction and enjoy them as often as you like!


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

Lots of Moms are taking the time right now to reflect on reasons to be Thankful. Of course this makes sense, because a baby and family are wonderful things to inspire delight and gratitude. Being a Mom is the greatest thing I have ever done and I'm so thankful to my husband to be sharing the experience with me and to my daughter for the joy she brings just by being herself. On top of all that, I'm thankful for the other wonderful Moms in the Social Media-sphere that are teaching me, keeping me entertained, and delivering the connection that so many stay-at-homes seek during the naps and in between the peak-a-boos.

A friend once asked if you can just be "whelmed." It would be a state of informational satisfaction- not too much, not too little. That's how I feel these days! I'm whelmed by the lovely day-to-day accounts other Moms share on their blogs. I'm whelmed when I laugh out loud to quips on Twitter to which I relate. I'm overly thankful and whelmed when I take the time to read the fine print in a review or the extra detail on a message board with careful warnings to properly care for Baby's belongings.

To all my new friends in cyber land, "Thanks for being you!" You've given me the courage to write about the excitement of the happiest time in my life. In a way, I get to live through everything twice because I take the extra time to recap it for you. Thanks for reading, thanks for sharing, and thanks for connecting.



Sunday, November 20, 2011

Motherhood the Musical

If you live in the Philly area, you may have heard about Motherhood the Musical. I am so excited to see this show! A few years ago my friend took me to see Menopause the Musical and now I'm returning the favor by taking her to this show. I have no doubt it will be awesome because Menopause was one of the funniest shows I've ever seen and I couldn't even relate to it. This would make a fantastic gift for any Mom on your Christmas list. Buy one, get one free tickets from Rue La La? Yes please!!



Saturday, November 19, 2011

23 Weeks Old!

Time is flying and I'm sure it will go by even quicker now that the Holidays are here! I absolutely adore Hannah at this age. She is a smiling sweetheart and I can't get enough of her! We play, laugh, read, and sing. Last week we went to the library for a kid's program. I got some great ideas for songs to sing with her and she got the book "Moo, Baa, La La La." The librarian read us Who Says Woof and I'm going to get a copy for Hannah as a Christmas gift. The book has beautiful illustrations and it will be a nice theme for Christmas this year since my husband is getting his puppy.

I'm nervous and excited for this addition to our family. I've never had a puppy before, and I have no doubt that it will be a ton of work. Plus, I really want him to be a good, neighborhood walker so that will take time for training. It seems crazy to get a dog with a 6 month old in the house, but we desperately miss our loveable Brutus that passed away last spring and my husband needs another male in the house to balance things out. Hopefully Baja (that's the new puppy) and Hannah will be playful pals. I have a feeling adorable photos are in store...

Last week, Hannah amazed me with her wonderful temperament. It was easy to take her out on fun trips and have friends over. She even spent some time at the campfire with us, which is her Dad's favorite pastime. She's polishing off her solid meals so quickly and with such enthusiasm that I'm adding a second meal into the mix. At some points she'll try to grab the spoon from me, and I'm constantly working around her hands to get food into her mouth. I guess it's only a matter of time before we start some finger foods. Meal time sure is getting more messy now that she is becoming an active participant! It's obvious that she is growing more interested in other foods and drinks, too.

As much as I love and enjoy all the new activities Hannah can do now, my favorite time is holding her while she falls asleep. Her cherubic cheeks make me melt and the little twitches on her face are so entertaining. She often smiles and moves her mouth like she is nursing. I suppose she is dreaming about milk and that makes all the hard work of breastfeeding worth every minute.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Today is "World Prematurity Awareness Day." The March of Dimes has asked parents to share their experience raising premature babies as a group today.

As you know, Hannah was born 5 weeks early and just made the cutoff of preterm birth. At 5 pounds, 13 ounces, she was a healthy, good sized baby, but the early days brought many unique challenges. The main concerns for babies in this age range are iron deficiency and weight gain. Full term babies arrive with stores of iron and fat to get them through the first few days until Mother's milk arrives. Even though I wanted to exclusively breast feed Hannah, it was not an option at first. However, we persevered with the help and encouragement of a lactation consultant and my aunt.

Essentially, because Hannah could have spent an extra 5 weeks in the womb, the early months needed to replicate that experience. All babies can benefit from this type of care, but it is especially important for preemies. I have so much admiration for the nurses and doctors that care for babies born any younger than this. It must be such a stressful time for the parents as they rely on the network of talented professionals and volunteers to help them get through that time.

If you know a new parent to a premie, there are a few things you could offer to help out. The most important thing to keep in mind is that Mom and Baby both need rest and time in close contact. Consider bringing the new parents dinner and offer to hold the baby while they eat. Another option is to help with simple household chores so that Mom can relax with her newborn (i.e. empty the dishwasher, vacuum, or dust.) Play it by ear, and follow Mom's lead. If she'd like to nap, encourage her to take a break during your visit.

Now that Hannah is a bright eyed 5 month old and she clocks in at 15 pounds it is hard to believe that she was an early baby.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Fitness at Home

Which is heavier... a seven pound newborn or a fifteen pound infant? It's a trick question, and it depends on the Mama. For many mothers, carrying a new baby 24/7 can be a huge strain. To help prepare for baby, it's a good idea to do pregnancy-safe exercises with weights in the second and third trimesters. Lindsay Brin has a great series of fitness videos for mothers in every stage. If your physician clears you for exercise, I highly recommend walking as much as possible and following the Moms Into Fitness prenatal DVD series at least three times per week.

Lindsay is an enthusiastic fitness expert with three kids of her own. She'll coax you through the workouts with inspiration about your baby. There is a cardio and toning segment or a yoga routine for each trimester. You will need two sets of weights in the 2-8 pound range depending on your pre-pregnancy fitness level. Post-pregnancy, Lindsay kicks up the challenge with the Moms Into Fitness Bootcamp. This DVD is awesome because it allows you to customize different mini-clips so your workout can always change. You'll tone in different ways each week so you won't get bored with your workout.

Working out at home has many benefits. It's much cheaper and more convenient than the gym, plus you don't need to worry about child care. When you're pregnant, your baby needs you to exercise, particularly in the second and third trimesters. After you've recovered from the birth, you need strong muscles to carry around the baby and all her gear! By the time she's a toddler, you'll want to run around with her. There are a million reasons why working out will improve your life, but the most important reason to work out is for your children. Set a positive example and be the energetic and strong Mom kids will choose to look up to!

You can buy these DVDs and your weights on Amazon or at some Target stores.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

22 Weeks Old!

Hannah is in the middle of a growth spurt and is constantly hungry right now. At first I thought she was going through another sleepless phase, but her cues that she's hungry have been strong during the day, too. I was going to try feeding her an extra meal of solids in the afternoon and instead settled on figuring out ways to increase my milk supply. I've been pumping between meals in the morning, eating oatmeal, drinking TONS of water and clustering Hannah's feeds at the end of the day. We also took an extra long nap together so that she could have some sleepy meals. Both of us woke up with lots of energy and had a great afternoon together!

At five months old, she is much more observant of the world and interacts by putting everything into her mouth. She can pull her toys toward her with her whole hand and is starting to develop the pincher grasp using her fingers. I love that she puts her legs into the air and rocks back and forth. This is called "Happy Baby" pose in yoga, and it's easy to see why! We can even play "airplane" with her now because she can hold her head and legs. Belly time is a blast! She's talkative and playful. Her smiles are captivating and her eyes are bright. Everywhere she goes, she draws a crowd of admirers. They love her hair, her smiles, and especially her socks. Hannah rocks Trumpette shoe socks with bows and everyone loves them. 

We spent most of the week getting back into the swing of things. Unpacking was almost as complicated as packing since she grew out of more clothes that needed to be stored! Hannah is growing so quickly in so many ways. She's sharpening her skills using her hands and feet. We play peakaboo a lot and I regularly find her pulling her blanket over her face when she wakes herself up. I think she is playing peakaboo without me!




Hannah is sporting an adorable hat my Aunt Trina made her!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Fun in the Sun

Hannah and I had a wonderful vacation visiting family last week. We were in town to celebrate my Grandma's 94th birthday! I was so impressed at the impact having a baby around my Grandmother made since she has an advanced case of Alzheimer's. She asked questions about Baby Hannah, smiled with her, and answered our questions about her own babies. I really treasured the time with her being so present and am happy that she enjoyed seeing her 12th Great Grandbaby.

We stayed with my Aunt Jeannette and got to visit with a lot of our family. I've always enjoyed spending time with my namesake. She is like a mother to so many people (including myself) that I value the chance to learn from her. It would be hard to call her a "Stay at Home Mom," because she rarely spends a day at home. In fact, when I used to stay with her during the summers in my younger days, we called it Camp! Her home is always a home to more kids than her own. She reaches out to others through volunteer work in the community and at her church. Nearly every day, she visits her Mother to keep her company with her sisters, brothers, and in-laws. Most notably, she has a generous nature, especially with kids.

Now, more than ever, I think to myself "What would Aunt Jeannette do?" as I raise my own baby. I'm so appreciative to have her in my life and hope that I can take what I've learned from her and pay it forward to the next generation. I know that if I do I will have a fulfilling life, rich in love.

I love you Aunt J!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

21 Weeks Old!

I'm celebrating Hannah's 21st Week with a beer. I need it and my Aunt says one beer is good for my milk supply anyway. This 25 hour day has been one of the longest since Hannah was born. It started yesterday with a too-long nap in the afternoon. This led to delayed naps and meals for the rest of the night and a late bedtime. Fast forward to 4 am and Hannah was ready to wake up.

At this point utter confusion ensued because she woke an hour earlier than usual, plus daylight savings added an extra hour to dawn. I spent the day trying to figure out when she might like to eat and what time she thought it was for her nap. I'm pretty sure I didn't get a single time right. See, the difficult thing about falling behind is that you're late to meet baby's needs and that rarely goes over well.

Even though it was a hard day, I'm glad to have a baby like Hannah. She helped get me back on track for her needs by voicing her opinion. Plus, she really is a dream when she gets good naps. It's funny how having children can turn your life upside down. For the first time since I can remember, I'm looking forward to losing an hour in the spring. I've had plenty of practice losing sleep, so I'll be a seasoned pro by the time the clocks roll again.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

First Flight for Baby Hannah

I haven't had a pleasant flight in over a year, so I was very nervous the trend would continue for Hannah's first flight. Even with morning sickness last year, I remember thinking it would still be easier than flying with an infant. Happily that isn't the case at all! Hannah slept soundly in my arms and I can't think of a better travel companion.

We got to the airport plenty early so that there was no rush. The extra time allowed me to change her diaper before getting in line to keep her content. I have a bag hook on the stroller that I love using because it makes it easier to access the bag and keeps the basin empty so that it's simple to fold the stroller. (A must for sailing through the security checkpoint and boarding!)

I wrestled with the decision to take the stroller in the first place, but I'm happy I did! I had a chance to grab a bite while she sat in her carrier and I haven't had to haul around the stuffed diaper bag. Speaking of diapers, you're probably wondering how that's going to work on this trip- right?

We're using G Diapers, a hybrid system. There are two parts; a flushable insert and a reusable, washable cover. The G's are chemical free and compostable so they're better than standard disposables. However, they generally cost more. I try to avoid things that are Eco friendly and not economical, but I found a half-off offer online, bringing the cost for the inserts down to $7/40. All the covers can also be used with cloth inserts*, so even at $9 each (also half off) they are a justified expense. Plus, the pink garden Gpant may just be her cutest diaper to date!

Our diaper bag has a handy clip-off pack that was ready for an inflight change. It holds 5 inserts, a pack of wipes, spare cover, changing pad, and a small wet bag.

The midday flight allowed Hannah to keep her regular schedule without interruptions. She nursed shortly after boarding, took a break to look out the window, and then finished during take off. We played a little, then she laid down for a snooze in my arms. There were extra seats on the flight so I was able to bring the carrier and let her sleep next to me part of the way, too. I realized too late that I should have warned the person in front that she wouldn't be able to recline with the carrier. At least I'll know that next time.

I think new parent apprehension could have made the flight really difficult. The best thing about having a regular schedule for Hannah is that I didn't have to misinterpret any cries as distress from the new experience. I just responded to her needs at familiar times and she didn't mind the change in scenery at all.

She endeared the surrounding passengers. A few commented that she was such a good baby and I have to agree. The grandmother in the seat next to us told me to have five more. It's crazy, but it doesn't sound like a bad idea!

*If you're thinking of trying Gcloth, think again. Even after just a few wears it irritated Hannah so I would recommend a prefold or flat from a different brand instead.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Breaking the Baby Language Barrier

If you've ever spent time in a foreign country you know how exhausting it feels at the end of a long day hearing only another language. The toll it takes on your brain can be maddening. While you try to process the new words, your body fights your brain to allow you to sleep. I imagine that this is how babies feel on some level during the first three months. It probably continues beyond that, but it's clear that babies have greater understanding than they let on early in life. Even the act of mimicking shows that they are beginning to understand our words and why we say them.

I like to keep things simple for Hannah during this early stage. Often I'll slow down my sentences or repeat words that she responds to. We also have one favorite nighttime lullaby. It's a helpful cue that it's time for bed and it keeps her from straining to understand a new song each night. Last month I started to learn and distinguish her cries. Often I find myself saying, "she told me she needs a new diaper" or "she says she's tired." When you start to think of cries as baby language, it's much easier to remedy what they need. Because she anticipates that I will respond, she trusts me. It amazes me how easy it is to calm her or ease her into a new situation. During her cold she even let me aspirate her nose without the slightest fuss!

Everyone tells you to speak, sing, and read to your baby. It's a joy to do this and it's important to listen to her, too. She can be so talkative when she plays independently with a toy or when we talk while I change her diaper. I have no doubt that this little girl will be a delightful chatterbox.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Mama's Reading List

Recently, I've been fortunate to be on a roll of selecting great books. Maybe it's because pregnancy, motherhood, and raising children are topics to which I can easily relate and I'm finding wonderful authors about the subjects. It's easy to find a wealth of information on the internet in this genre, but it's so relaxing to absorb an entire book.

If you haven't read a book in a while, but would like a suggestion, leave me a comment about what stage of motherhood you're in and I'll help you find a great one! Before you buy your next book, think about borrowing it from the library. Their online resources for finding and reserving books are fantastic these days. You can even borrow electronic books.

What's up next on my reading list? I'm in the middle of Mother Shock: Loving Every (Other) Minute of It. After that, I'll start on Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapers. I'll try posting reviews of books regularly on this site. Near the comments section there will be a link labeled "Books" to help you find all of these posts.