Mon, Jun 23, 2008
Raffi convert
When Lucy stayed at Grammie & Grandpa’s house while Rosie was being born, Grammie introduced her to the magic of Raffi. I had heard of Raffi, but I must admit, I had a bad attitude. more »
Thu, Jun 19, 2008
The Happiest Toddler on the Block, by Harvey Karp
Kelli’s excellent question about toddler-discipline has got me thinking again about one of my favorite child-rearing experts and the book that has perhaps influenced my parenting the most in the past twelve months. more »
Sun, May 18, 2008
These Three Remain, by Pamela Aidan
Pride and Prejudice has already played a great role in Rosie’s life. I bought a new Everyman’s Library edition particularly to pack in my hospital bag. We’ve already compared Rosie to Lady Catherine de Bourgh and just lately, even to the besotted crank Mr. Hurst! We (or at least our doula, Dora) watched all six hours of the 1995 BBC mini-series while labor was ramping up. And the first book I read while nursing Rosie at the hospital was this novel: These Three Remain, a version of Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s perspective. more »
Thu, Apr 17, 2008
O Jerusalem, by Laurie R. King
One way that I can tell I’m caring for my second baby is that I’m not constantly reading parenting books while I’m nursing. This frees up a bit of time for some non-baby-related reading, which is quite refreshing after a day of full of diapers, string cheese, and the exclamation, “No like it!” more »
Tue, Dec 4, 2007
My re-reading list
My friend Keri recently asked me what books (if any) I’m reading again to refresh my thoughts as we anticipate birthing another baby. It is nice to not feel like I need to read all of them again, so here are the top five that I’m currently plowing through: more »
Sat, Jul 21, 2007
A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I just finished A Little Princess, a lesser-known book by the author of The Secret Garden, and I can’t stop thinking about its inspiring story. more »
Tue, Apr 24, 2007
Lucy’s bookshelf
We read Lucy three or four books three or four times a day. That means she reads at least a dozen books a day, so it’s a good thing she really likes the three dozen on her shelf. more »
Mon, Mar 12, 2007
First lady
Jon and I just finished watching the final episode of The West Wing. We’ve been watching this TV show (on DVD) about life at the White House for over a year (cramming seven years’ broadcasts into one), so we’ve been thinking about it a lot. This prompted Jon to ask me the other day, “What would you do if you were First Lady?” Interesting question. more »
Thu, Oct 26, 2006
Getting Things Done, by David Allen
You wouldn’t expect that a mom with a six-month-old baby would gobble up tips from an efficiency consultant. But that is exactly what has happened. more »
Sat, Oct 7, 2006
The Week
A few months ago, while desperately trying to find a way to think about non-baby-related things, I stumbled upon The Week. It is the perfect magazine to help a new mother keep up with the news, with clearly written, comprehensive, brief articles; almost no ads; and only 40 pages per issue. more »
Sat, Jun 24, 2006
Sleep Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler and Preschooler by Ann Douglas
I had pretty much decided that I was done with buying books about babies and sleep. All of the experts and their fancy ideas were giving me stress (and constantly disagreeing with one another). But, I gave in and bought one more book — this new one out by Ann Douglas. And, I must say, it was worth the money. more »
Thu, Apr 20, 2006
Birthing from Within, by Pam England & Rob Horowitz
I’m not sure if every pregnant woman needs to read this book, but I would definitely recommend it for those who are pursuing non-medicated childbirth. Or those who are inclined to be “artistic.” Or those who like to ponder deep questions. Or generally interesting people. Basically, anyone who is friends with me. more »
Tue, Apr 18, 2006
Baby Bargains, by Denise & Alan Fields
I often forget to recommend this book, since it isn’t exactly about pregnancy or how to care for a baby. But it is probably one of the most useful books I can think of for an expectant couple. more »
Excited, Exhausted, Expecting, by Arlene Modica Matthews
Is it cheating to write a review of a book you haven’t read? It might be, but I’ve decided that being two days past my due date relieves me from following any unnecessary rules. more »
Sun, Apr 16, 2006
Baby Catcher, by Peggy Vincent
Jon already wrote a terrific review of this book, but I can’t talk about my favorite baby books without mentioning this gem. more »
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