Reading List

Truth be told, by the time I was ready to deliver Dia I thought I had read it all.

Don't get me wrong--I read A LOT! Especially when you're planning a home-birth, I think it's just a natural preparation tool to read as much as you can possibly get your hands on.

So I've been compiling my Must-Have Mommy Reading List for new mommies, mommies to be and anyone who loves children and family. One of my dearest friends is newly pregnant and I'm hoping Rory will get a second job so I can not only buy them all of these books (there really aren't that many), but I can also buy them my other mommy must-haves: the BOB stroller and a good mei tei wrap. I think he'll go for it...

Let me preface this list with the fact that it is based on my Judeo-Christian, whole-hearted belief in the inerrant Bible (old and new testament). It is also based on my strong belief that children are never accidents, mistakes or burdens on the life and well-being of either and both mother and father. Let me also preface this with the fact that I am a well-experienced mother of exactly seven months now, so I reserve the right to change my mind at any time. :)

• Ina May's Guide to Childbirth-- This book was/is critical for me in providing a positive, empowering birth experience. The first half is solely real-life birth stories in the mother's own words and I was inspired to tears many times as I read and re-read for my marathon miracle.
• A Mother's Heart-- This one is new to us and we are taking it chapter by chapter. The topics aren't exactly ground-breaking, but she is able to articulate and help us define what motherhood means. She even includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter to really help you understand your role as mom.
• For the Family's Sake-- This one is also new and I already know that I will be re-reading and re-reading it. Rory asked me about it and I struggled for quite a while to define it, finally ending with a silly, "It's about home-making." To which he replied, "Oh, like how to do dishes and stuff?" I laughed outloud! If you have ever struggled with the idea of home-making, either believing it too old-fashioned, too boring, too stagnant or too oppressive, then you are in for a treat! I am still in awe of her beautiful, intellectual approach to this most sacred role.
• Gymboree Play and Learn: 1001 Fun Activities For Your Baby and Child-- No mom should be without this one. Dia and I jumped right in with their suggestion of (gently) playing tug and war and she was in giggles in seconds! Each page is chock-full of excellent, creative ideas and it's color-coded, broken down by age so it couldn't be easier to use. A definite must-have.
• The Dr. Sears library of books-- I love how Dr. Sears and his wife Martha marvel at how they have had to coin the phrase, "attachment parenting." They say it used to just be called loving your kids! They are honest, down to earth parents and grandparents who have compiled all their knowledge--medical and otherwise--into a handy reference guide for just about anything you need. They also offer a great book on becoming a dad, something rarely on bookshelves.

And of course, none of these would be anything without the basis for all truth, the Holy Spirit-inspired Bible. I keep that one handy at all times.

The list is growing and I have many more titles to recommend, but these are my must-haves for now. I so appreciate the honesty and wisdom of those who have gone before!