The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan  (Also, Maine)

As Weston gets more and more into books, I get more and more excited to introduce new books to him. When I was sent a review copy of A is for Artisanal: An Alphabet Book for the Hip, Modern Baby, I was beyond thrilled. And, upon opening the book, I couldn't get over how incredibly smart, witty, adorable, and humorous it was! A is for Artisanal is written by Matthew Goldenberg and illustrated by Benjamin Schwartz. When Goldenberg, a practicing psychologist at Yale, started spending time with his brother's new baby, Ava (see: A is for...), in the yuppie/hipster area of Park Slope, the idea of the book, which is a take on modern parenthood and childhood, came to him. Illustrated beautifully and playfully by Schwartz, who draws for the New Yorker, this book is sure to become the next big baby shower gift! I mean, I can't help but love the book...because O is for Olivia!


I have to say, before I even read the book to Weston, I read it about five times myself. As a pop-culture junkie, I love all the references to movies, TV, radio, technology, and all the new popular baby names. I'm telling you, check out A is for Artisanal and you can't help but smile!

Ever since I've had Weston I've read just about nothing...but I quickly realized that I can't keep living like that! Mama needs to read, as it feeds my soul. I'm going to be buying a Kindle this Fall, so I'm keeping a list of books I want to read going. Here's some of the top picks...have you read any of these?

I've been reading Chaunie's blog Tiny Blue Lines since before I even had a blog. I loved her honest, raw, and hilarious accounts of being a young mother. Before I ever thought about having kids, I loved her posts, and then when I was pregnant and had a baby, her writing became so important to me, as she covered the real life topics which many other mom writers steer clear from. When she announced she was writing a book I was thrilled for her, and lucky for me, she sent me a preview copy to read! Even though I had an infant at the time, I plowed through the book and loved it to pieces.

First of all, there is no other book on the market like Tiny Blue Lines. Chaunie addresses a group of young women who aren't normally considered when discussing pregnancy: college-age, college-educated young women who aren't "teen moms," but, have a life plan, goals, dreams, and just happen to be young and have gotten pregnant. I really respect that aspect of her writing: she doesn't beat around the bush, she wanted a family, just not at that moment. Tiny Blue Lines is the journey of a scared young woman, in college, as she finds out she is pregnant, and is determined to continue on with her life, albeit, wearing maternity clothes.

When discussing book reviews, you could not have chosen someone further from Chaunie's background to review this book, which is another reason I really enjoyed reading it: it opened my eyes! I'm a Jew-ish, Unitarian-ish, college educated woman from the Northeast who uber-planned my pregnancy. She was a college aged, Catholic woman who had an accidental pregnancy. However, Chaunie is warm, welcoming, and engaging in her writing. It doesn't matter how old or young you are: pregnancy can be scary and isolating, and Chaunie does her best to make all young women feel not-so-alone, normal, and loved.

Tiny Blue Lines is truly an inspiring book, full of life, love, and hilarity. I can honestly see this book as a life-changing tool for many young and scared pregnant women. She takes us through all her stories, from finding out she was pregnant, to deciding to finish school, to telling her parents, and more. These stories, and her tips for figuring it all out are invaluable to all women. Not only does Chaunie make the journey a little less bumpy (ha), but she also reminds us that pregnancy is a wonderful blessing, even if it isn't at the exact moment you thought it would be. It is en empowering book for women who want to both be a great mama and live out their own dreams (and live out her dreams, she did! Chaunie is now an accomplished writer, and preparing for her fourth baby!). Chaunie takes young women by the hand and says, "We can do this, together," as she helps them navigate pregnancy, childbirth, school, family, faith, and life. I highly recommend Tiny Blue Lines for any pregnant women, new mama, or anyone thinking about starting a family and also...continuing on with their own dreams.

• For the bald dad that you love, check out Dad's Bald Head by Paul Many.
• I wish that they had had books celebrating both dads and stepdads when I was young! Dad and Pop by Kelly Bennett is perfect for any child who truly loves their dad and their stepdad.
• My Dad's a Hero by Rebecca Christiansen and Jewel Armstrong honors the hard working dad in the war. 
• Building With Dad by  Carol Nevius Jones takes us on a journey as a young boy gets to see what his dad does all day. 
• One Dad, Two Dads, Brown Dad, Blue Dads by Johnny Valentine is a truly wonderful children's book which lets children see that a daddy is a daddy, no matter their skin color or whom they love. 
• My Dad is a Firefighter by firefighter Jaden Colbert, shows kids how hard their dad's work at not just being a firefighter, but at being a great dad, too. 

I've been following Jordan Reid's progress into the world of blogging since before she was a blogger. Back in my hey-day of fun, I was a sort-of graphic designer and did some unpaid work for Julia Allison of NonSociety. Jordan was on the outskirts of their group back then, but as she got pulled into their blazer wearing posse, she quickly became the standout star. Jordan has qualities about her which you don't find in many women. Simply put: I should really hate Jordan. She's smart, funny, creative, a great writer, and you know, did something I've always dreamed of doing (no, not owning a house, THAT will never happen!): writing a book (and now two!). Like I said, I really should loathe her. But...I don't. I adore Jordan and her work. Jordan is the every-women, if the every-women wore stripes and leopard print to a meeting, and walked around Manhattan in a superhero costume. She's unbelievably friendly (I've emailed her to discuss what crib to buy, relationship issues, fashion and home help!), and honest. But, what I like most about Jordan is that she is 100% authentic. She has flaws, and she calls herself out on them. She has marriage spats, and she discusses them. She has fears, and she shares them. Not for nothing, but her three-month-check-in post pretty much got me through my first three months with my son.

Which is why, when Jordan announced she was writing a book, when I normally would say, "What! Another stupid blogger got a book deal?!" I instead said, "Oh my god! Jordan got a book deal! I am so so excited for her!" I've never actually met Ms. Reid in person, but I consider her a friend (true confession: when my husband and I emailed everyone to let them know Weston's sex after the sonogram, she was on my list and responded right away!). And, of course, Jordan's book, Ramshackle Glam: The New Mom's Haphazard Guide to (Almost) Having It All lives up to everything Jordan always accomplishes.

Jordan takes you through the entire spectrum of new parenthood. From pregnancy woes and fears, to maternity fashion; then, onto labor, delivery and breastfeeding...and married life post baby; she also touches on how to make your life feel wonderful, even if you don't; fashion post baby; baby food, and easy adult recipes to make; and also, how to accomplish everything you want, even with a haphazard life. Whereas most "mommy books" totally miss the mark ("Nap when the baby naps!"), Jordan totally gets it. She knows how hard life can be, and how hard it is to get out of bed some days. She's honest, compassionate, and the helping hand most new moms need. She's the older sister/best friend every woman needs.

My only complaint? She needs to make an audiobook! I'm going to buy this for every new mom friend I have, but I'm worried they won't have the time to read it...an audiobook would solve that issue!

Do yourself a favor and get a copy of Jordan's book; it will become a much loved, dog-eared, staple of a book for the new generations of mamas.