reading baby books

Like any newly pregnant woman, when I found out I was pregnant I started reading. Lots of reading. I've discovered there are really only 3 books a prego needs. But before I go straight to the book reports, I'd like to give a disclaimer in the form of a story.

I discovered that although it's good to be informed, there is such thing as too much information. My limit came at page 42 of book number 2: the section on Hemorrhoids. I didn't know what they were, but based on the description I knew I didn't want them. I researched some more to educate myself and I left horrified. Complete with nightmares. So that's when I stopped reading. That was in January. Even though books are filled with lots of helpful stuff, too much is just too much.

So I haven't read nearly as much as the typical prego. And I kinda pride myself in that. Or at least I did until recently when I realized that in 2 months a person is going to come out of my, ahem, and I really don't have a clue what to expect. I mean, I sorta do. There are friends that have told me way.too.much. But I feel like I should be a little more clinical about it and maybe read up on the situation. So, back to the books I go.

But first, book reports!

Essential Reading #1: What to Expect When You're ExpectingI know you're all rolling your eyes with how obvious a choice this is. But I would be remiss if I didn't metnion it. This is a great book for reference (FYI: hemorrhoids can be found on pages 173, 272-273, 422, 428) but it will also scare you. I don't suggest reading it before bed.

Essential Reading #2: The Girlfriends' Guide to PregnancyOne word: Hilarious. My good friend sent this to me the minute I called her with the news. It was a brilliant move on her part. This is a great balance to the other serious books I have. And it really does tell it like it is. Yes, this is the book that stopped me in my tracks at page 42, but I still skipped around the rest of the chapters and really appreciated the parts that didn't involve gross bodily deformations.

Essential Reading #3: Baby Bargains
I have to give a shout-out to my new friend Karen who let me borrow this fantastic and practical book. At 569 pages(!) it is the most thorough book on baby-ness that I've ever seen. With real-live moms weighing in on ease-of-use and pricing for most baby gadgets. It also tells you what to not waist your money on. So if you're a new mother and overwhelmed by everything marketed out there for your little peapod, then run, don't walk to your closest Amazon.com and order it. Pronto!

So those are my book reports for the day. If you know anyone who's newly pregnant, these would be great Welcome-to-the-World-of-Incubating gifts.

Now, anyone know a good book on that whole giving birth thing that won't terrify me?

my christmas list

Dearest Santa,

This year I will not be asking so much for what I want, as for what a Texan girl needs this Christmas. It may not seem like much. It isn't really. But it will make 2009 a lot more bearable. In fact, if I don't get these things, I can't make any promises about staying off your naughty list next year. Just saying.

Parched,
Karen

My lips have been cracked for the last three weeks. Jim used to say I was addicted to the stuff. He had know idea.

It's not even that I'm partial to Bath & Body Works. I just need the thickest lotion money can buy. Oh, and some fancy stuff for for my face, too, please.

If they sold intravenous gadgets that flushed water straight into the arm, I'd go for that. But a handy water bottle will do just fine, thank you. I'm starting to feel badly about all of those plastic bottles. But I m u s t d r i n k w a t e r.... It's like a desert out here.

if only i had kids..

Am I really able to say that after last week? Yes! Because if I did, I'd be tempted to make these. It's another one of Martha Stewart's Crafts of the Day. Who knew potatoes could create such cuteness? The video introduces four fun women who've made a business out of their creativity (Potato Prints) and make it look super easy.

Did you see the ladybugs?? Watch out. If you have a kid anytime soon, you might find one of these homemade creations in your mailbox.

Um, just kidding. But if you make one (I'm talking to you, Jen) PLEASE share pictures!

Santa did well this year

Here are a few of my favorite things, and a few extras.... by category:

Gift I've enjoyed the most often:

As in, listening to it nonstop. You'll probably recognize her song from the Old Navy sweater commercial, but her album is so much more than that 30 second clip. Oh, so good...

Gift I haven't yet used:

Looks scary, but it's just the most amazing apple peeler/corer/slicer. Tomorrow I'm making yummy apple cobbler for a New Year's Eve bash with friends. Should be a hit.


I asked for it, but...:

A sad disappointment. Frustrating. And not well-written. It looked interesting when it first came out, and then they made a movie. What could I say? My curiosity was peaked. I finished it last night at 3am, but mostly to get it over with. Very unsatisfying ending. Don't care to see the movie now, but probably will.


Most practical gift:

My own assortment of three, and I couldn't be more pleased.


Guilty pleasure:

Who knew I was so vain? I'm into make-up these days, specifically the Bare Escentuals mineral makeup. It's been fun to play with. My mom and I even got makeovers over the counter in Annapolis.

How about you?

my new fav in kelly green

I'm in love with this coat at Tulle. I might even be in love with their website. There are a number of blogs I check and "Tulle: hip, funky, feminine" seems to be a web favorite right now. I can see why. I'm amazed at the prices as some are as low as $35. This one isn't. It's a moderate $65 so I might have to save my pennies. Let me know which one you get!