May 25, 2011

Babies 101

I'm 15 weeks today. Insane. This is going by much faster than I anticipated, but at the same time I feel like the fun is just beginning. I actually look forward to doctor appointments. Todd and I have an appointment today and I'm crossing my fingers that we'll hear the heartbeat. We haven't heard it yet and I'm getting antsy!

As someone who once thought I would never have children, I never really educated myself on babies and childbirth. Sure, I had plenty of babysitting experience. I'm the oldest of five, how could I not? And caring for three of the sweetest boys in the world was my first real job when Todd and I moved to Nashville, but they were all over a year old when they were entrusted to me. It's infants that I know nothing about. Being the oldest girl in my family, I have always felt that it's my responsibility to share with my sisters all the ins and outs of pregnancy, but being the oldest also means I really never had a formal "baby" education. It's a good thing I like to learn. I'm soaking in every piece of wisdom I can get. I'm a bit of a control freak, so I like to know what I'm up against!

I've stockpiled books the last couple of weeks. For those of you with babies, I would love to hear your thoughts on my list. I haven't made it through all of them just yet, but I'm getting there slowly. I would also be thrilled to hear your recommendations. This girl can't get enough info!

Books I have purchased or borrowed:




Simple and light hearted, this book was an easy read. It's definitely funny and somewhat informative, but Jenny doesn't go into a lot of depth. She mainly skims the surface of each topic. I loved her humor, but I was left with more questions than answers.




I'll take recommendations from anyone. I came across this book when I saw a picture of Selma Blair holding a copy in US Magazine. Inspiring, huh? It just arrived a few days ago and I haven't been able to put it down. Warning: do not read if you are easily offended. Teresa Strasser does not go out of her way to be modest, so if the F-Bomb bothers you, I would steer clear of this one. While it's definitely rough around the edges, Strasser is brutally honest and transparent. Two things that are important to me when I want real answers. She's also hilarious. I lost count of the times I laughed out loud, and that was before the third chapter.




I skimmed this one at Barnes & Noble and it seemed interesting enough. It hasn't arrived yet, so I can't really give any opinions. Has anyone else read this?




A co-worker loaned this one to me. It's a fun read. A lot of the names are overused, but our pick for a boy's name was listed twice. I guess that makes us pretty cool?




This one is pretty self-explanatory. Great for obtaining all of the info you would get from a medical professional. Not nearly as fun to read, but absolutely informative. 

These next two I haven't read yet. I'm going to wait a little longer so that I don't forget anything! The first was loaned to me from a close friend and new mom who said this book taught her everything she needed to know.  The second I bought because I need a little comic relief with this subject!







I'm constantly on the lookout for more baby reading material. I'll take any and all suggestions! 

Baby bump pictures coming soon!

9 comments

  1. Yay!! Congrats!! I know that's super belated, but CONGRATS anyway :-)

    Also, I have no baby book advice. My bad. You'll be an amazing mom- without all that book learnin', lol!!

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  2. Congrats!!!!
    Girlfriends Guide was by far my favorite. I tried to read what to expect, but it was too 'deep'. Girlfriends, covers everything from tests to delivery and post partum.
    I am so excited for y'all!

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  3. Oh, and I'm 17 weeks along! It'll be fun being pregnant with ya!

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  4. Well let me see.......
    I think that the What to Expect book was most informative. It was not a book that I sat down and read, but when I was curious about a topic, then I would go to the index and find it.
    I actually read more about when the baby gets here than before. My faves were..
    The Baby Whisperer..Tracey Hogg- this books is great for learning cues of the baby, breastfeeding, sleeping..... everything I had most trouble with.
    "What to Expect the First Year"... again very informative, but not that enjoyable.
    You are a lot like me... you want to be well informed. Let me tell you though that you will just have to learn yourself... so, don't put too many expectations on you or the baby.

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  5. Thanks ladies! Another friend also recommended Baby Wise, so I'll need to check that one out too.

    And Emily, you're so right - these books won't be able to fully prepare me - just hope my instincts kick in as soon as he/she is here!

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  6. Was SO fun to see you and chat a few weeks ago! You're going to be an amazing mama :) My favorite books to read beforehand were:
    The Attachment Parenting Book by Dr Sears
    The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley
    Happiest Baby on the Block - AMAZING, definitely very helpful, read this one!
    The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League
    Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
    A Mother's Heart by Jean Fleming

    Another one I really WANT to read now is Loving Your Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk. Not a childbirth prep book though.

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  7. Hi Tara, I am so excited for you! You will be a fabulous Mom! Two of my very favorites were Secrets of the Baby Whisperer and Happiest Baby on the Block! Congrats again! Stacey Matlock

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  8. Hi Tara! How exciting! What's your official due date? One peice of advise I learned is avoid being bombarded with too much information. If you're not careful, you'll hear all the bad stories and worst case scenarios and it left me more paranoid than prepared. I loved the book What to Expect books. Oh and get a good pregnancy workout video - trust me it will help. Good luck and keep me posted.
    Tina (Goin) Bentch

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  9. It was fun to see you and the bump last weekend. :)
    I liked What to Expect and Nursing Mother's Companion. I don't think I have read any of the others. I also like Shepherding A Child's Heart by Tripp, The Mission of Motherhood by Clarkson, and Gospel-Powered Parenting by Farley. Not a book, but I love the Desiring God website. There are tons of good articles, sermons, blog posts on parenting (and other things too).
    I'd say, in all your reading, hang on to what works for your family and let go of the other stuff guilt-free. Every child, parent, and circumstances are different. Just because it is in a parenting book doesn't mean it is right for every single baby or family. God has blessed YOU (and Todd :) ) with this baby and will give you the wisdom to parent how He wants you to parent your child.
    Ok, off my soap box about that!

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