Busy Mom Reviews

After Busy Girl was born, boy did Busy Dad and I had some humdingers of arguments, often in the middle of the night, with a crying baby. She never, ever slept, and, neither did we.

I can remember him saying to me, "How can I help?" one night when I was dealing with her while she was crying for hours on end. I just screamed at him, "You're the FATHER! You're not here to "help" me, I'm not in charge, just DO something!"

Lovely, eh? Yeah, he couldn't win, no matter what he said.

If you're married, or have a significant other, and, have ever had a child you seriously need Babyproofing Your Marriage: How to Laugh More, Argue Less, and Communicate Better as Your Family Grows by Stacie Cockrell, Cathy O'Neill, and, Julia Stone.

It's all about what having a baby can do to a mariage. It's a humorous and practical account of what happens when you become parents, with commentary from both the mother and father's side.

Even though it's been a few years since we've had a small baby, what tremendous relief to know we're not alone in our "issues". It covers such topics as "scorekeeping" (the who's working harder? game), the extreme parenting phenomenon, family relationships (OK, the in-laws), the sex-life of parents entitled "coitus non-existus", and having more kids.

One of the parts that spoke to me:

Most women believe their husbands simply don't understand how much there is to do. What we consider mandatory, they view as optional.

That right there, my friends, is the source of much of our conflict. Don't worry guys, it gives your side of this issue, too, and, I have learned a lot from it.

So, this is one you gotta have, go out and get it now. There's even a discussion board all about how having a baby has impacted your marriage.

Love, Magic and Mudpies: Raising Your Kids to Feel Loves, Be Kind, and, Make a Difference, by Bernie Seigel is a wonderful book of good reminders, practical advice with real-life applications for parents of children of any age.

There are 8 parts, each with short, easy to read chapters, important for those of us who can't complete anything taking more than 10 minutes because our children need love. Each chapter begins with a memorable quote, and, ends with "How to Make the Magic", specific advice for activities at home.

Dr. Siegel uses his experience as a pediatric surgeon, a father of five, and, a grandfather of eight to remind us that everything boils down to love, and, how to enjoy our children at any age, and, what a powerful effect we have on them.

Mixtionary by Mia Christou, Scott Lobdell, John Nee, Shawn McManus, is a compendium of made-up words for the world we live in today.

Some of my favorite definitions:

Alcohological- the inverse relationship between increased alcohol consumption and common sense.

Bragnoy- boasting about how bad your life is, or, how dire the state of your health is.

Bidiot- people who pay far too much for junk sold on eBay.

It's funny, and, would make a great gift, but,be warned, there are a couple of PG-13 definitions.

Sun Kissed is Catherine Anderson's latest book.

Sun Kissed is a western romance, the story of Samantha Harrigan, a horse breeder with an abusive ex-husband, and, a problem" someone is poisoning her horses.

She meets young large animal vet, Tucker Coulter, at the fair when she is arrested trying to stop a horse from being abused. After she is cleared of the charges, she boards one of her ill horses at Tucker's place, and, the romance begins.

Some people think Samantha herself is poisoning the horses for the insurance money, and, Tucker doesn't know what to believe about the woman he loves, but, it becomes very important to find out who is really doing it.

I've not read any of Ms. Anderson's other books, but, apparently, the Coulter Family members each have their own book as far as I can tell from the family tree in the front of this one.

Though a bit predictable, I enjoyed it, and, it would be good beach read this year.

I received Poetry Speaks to Children. Featured on NPR, Poetry Speaks to Children is a book and CD collection of adult (no, not that kind of adult, ya perv) poems illustrated, and, read for kids through archival recordings and poets reading their own works,

There are 95 poems in the book, and, 50 performances on the CD by poets such as Robert Frost, Ogden Nash, and, Roald Dahl.

The poems themselves might be above a preschooler's level of understanding, but, the book is delightfully illustrated, and, I even learned a few things about classic poems I've heard of, but, never really taken the time to read.

This is one that can be enjoyed for years to come!

I received The Complete Book of Baby Names, but, let me make on thing perfectly clear before we begin: I DO NOT have need of it. But, I really do like reading these books.

OK, got it? Good.

Anyway, The Complete Book of Baby Names boasts that they have 100,001 baby names, and, though I didn't count them, it looks like it's true.

It is more than just a list, though, there are many interesting topics such as popular names by country, choosing a middle name, naming trends, and, what makes a perfect name. It also lists names by lots of different methods including: popular names of each decade, beginning letter of the alphabet as well as by connotation, such as "surfer" or "barfly", and, it even includes twin names.

The Complete Book of Baby Names is a great resource if you are naming a baby, and, it's also an interesting read. Busy Girl has been using it to inform all her friends what their names mean.

Most importantly, though, it covers what NOT to name your baby. I'll let you check that one out yourself.

I received The Checklist: What You and Your Family Need to Know to Prevent Disease and Live a Long and Healthy Life by the man about the Internet, Dr. Manny Alvarez.

You may recall there was a big media promotion about this book all over the Internets. and, Dr. Alvarez and his book were everywhere.

It's a guide to family health and illness prevention arranged by decade. I think some of the advice is pretty general, but, it makes a good overview and outline of what's important in each life phase. It's well written, and, easy to understand. There are periodic "Ask Dr. Manny" sidebars where he answers reader questions, and, he has a website by the same name.

Kudos to Dr. Manny for his stance on lung cancer screening, though some people will disagree, we don't have answers, yet, about the best way to screen people for lung cancer, but, there are people working on it.

The Checklist: will make a good edition to your home health and reference library.

The Saddle Club series by Bonnie Bryant follows the adventures and personal trials of Lisa,Carole, and Stevie, at the Pine Hollow Stables. As they approach the whirlwind of adolescence, the girls form The Saddle Club promise to remain loyal to each other and to stay horse mad.

There are over 100 Saddle Club books, and, the first four, Horse Crazy, where the girls have to decide how a new member will fit into their group, Horse Shy, where friendships are tested when there's a terrible accident, Horse Sense, where some members of the group have to decide the commitments they want to make to the club, and, Horse Power, where the girls are recruiting new members to their group, are available in a boxed set.

They are quick, fun reads, and, would make a great gift for the horse crazed reader in your family.

As a nurse, I know what I need to know about health, and, good habits for kids, but, as you well know, sometimes it's easier said than done.

So, when I got the book Good Kids Bad Habits by Jennifer Trachtenberg, M.D. for review, I was a little wary.

I was worried it would be all like, "Kids, be sure to eat 27 servings of leafy green vegetables with your tofu", when I was all like, "Kids, did you eat?", but, I am glad to report I was wrong, and, it's a really good book.

It's a guide that covers problems ranging from sleeplessness to video game addiction. Dr. Trachtenberg (who has 3 kids of her own) provides tips and preventive strategies in plain English, but, it's not condescending, either. It's built on the concept that kids' "real ages", rather than their biological ages, are getting older and older due to bad habits.

The goal of the book is simple: to protect our kids' futures.

It begins with a RealAge Healthy Kids test where you can find out where our kids are headed, health wise, and, the guide shows you how you can help your kids get the best possible shot at health in the future by lowering their disease risk, and, boosting their emotional and social skills.

Be sure to check out Good Kids Bad Habits on BlogHer's virtual book tour.

Jeff Atwood, local (to me) blogger extraordinaire, is a published author!

His children's book, Our Big, Big God, is in stores now.

Our Big Big God is a beautifully illustrated children's book that joyfully proclaims how God made everyone and everything.

The sturdy page sizes are incremented as the works of God get bigger and bigger. It's easy to read, and, very general as it describes all the things on Earth that God made.

Our Big, Big God would make a great addition to your Easter basket this year!

What the Other Mothers Know: A Practical Guide to Child Rearing Told in a Really Nice, Funny Way That Won't Make You Feel Like a Complete Idiot the Way All Those Other Parenting Books Do by by Michele Gendelman, Ilene Graff, and, Donna Rosenstein is a practical, fun book of parenting advice, that is very much like the title suggests.

The authors interviewed friends and family to get real world advice for new parents. There's no what you "should be" doing, it's all about suggestions from house cleaning to discipline, and, what's worked for other people.

If you're new to parenting, check this one out, and, before you know it, you'll be one of the "Other Mothers" who are giving the tips and hints.

Experienced parents will enjoy the humor, and, discussion. What the Other Mothers Know would make a great gift for any parent of young children. Get one for a baby shower, or, an Easter gift!

I love, love, love anything that has to do with organization. It's kind of like cookbooks for me, I could read about it all day, but, have trouble finding the time to actually do these cool things.

Amy Knapp's Family Organizing Handbook is a great little book that indulges my need for organization porn with over 300 "mom-tested tips, tricks and secrets to take care of everything with time left for what really matters".

Research has shown that the number one irritant of American families is clutter, and, that most clutter is a result of disorganization rather than insufficient space.

My house? Check.

It covers a wide variety of organizational topics from house cleaning and home office organization, to parenting and meal planning. I especially like the parts about organizing rooms according to form and function, because that's kind of how I think, but, wish I had time to perform. Amy Knapp must have researched this at my house, I could tell from this thought:

"Have you ever planned a party carefully arranging seating around the house so it is comfortable and conducive to conversation? People always end up in the kitchen, no matter how messy it is - even if the food is not in there!"

It's easy to read, and, is full of real people, practical advice, and, would make a great Mother's Day gift for someone who wouldn't take it as a hint!

The Fun Book for Moms - 102 Ways to Celebrate Family is a joyous little book full of ideas, big and small to help you make the most of family time, and, have fun..

One of my favorite ideas: "Keep pictures of your kids at a very young ages in your office or brag book, so strangers will assume that you are younger."

Wish that worked for me, I'm 42 with a 5 year old, they'd still know I'm old.

Um, anyway, The Fun Book for Moms would make a great Mother's Day gift, get your today!

Haiku Mama (because 17 syllables is all you have time to read) is a cute little bok by Kari Anne Roy.

Indeed, it is just like it sounds, haikus about mothering.

They are irreverent, and, amusing, and, oh so true.

Here's an example:

Child hugging TV
should probably not be your
Christmas card this year.

It would make a great Mother's Day gift for someone (I almost wrote, "for someone with kids", which, of course, is the entire point of Mother's Day) with young kids.

Be sure to visit her website, too: Haiku of the Day

The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College, by Harlan Cohen is the best selling guide to college life.

It's a comprehensive guide stuffed full of tips ranging from arriving on campus, living and eating with strangers, to campus life, dating, and relationships
.
I seriously wish this had been around when I was going to college, and, that was a few years ago. The website has a lot of information, too.

The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College is an ideal book for any graduate headed to college in the fall.

I loved this book.

The Dangerous Book for Boys is a "how-to" book, that is full of essential boyhood skills for boys of all ages.

Written in the spirit of the turn of the century American Boy's Handy Book, The Dangerous Book for Boys covers the essentials for any young man such as: making a bow and arrow, cloud formations, the States of the U.S., navigation, skimming stones, five knots, fishing, baseball, rules of soccer, timers and tripwires, baseball's "Most Valuable Players", and, more.

As a matter of fact, The Preschooler Formerly Known as Busy Baby and I just made "The Greatest Paper Plane in the World", and, we're going to work on "How to Play Poker", next.

There's no reason a girl couldn't enjoy these things, too, but, to "neutralize" this fantatsic celebration of the stuff of boyhood would be a crime.

The Dangerous Book for Boys website is fun, it has a certificate, and, some completion badges you can download, and, more (hint: click on the slingshot to get in).

The Dangerous Book for Boys would make a wonderful Father's Day gift, it's for boys of all ages.

Totally Wired: What Teens and Tweens Are Really Doing Online by Anastasia Goodstein, is all about our children and their online socialization.

It starts with the premise that parents don't know much of anything about the online world of things such as blogs, MySpace and Facebook, and, that they may even be a little fearful of it, thus creating a hysteria about the evils of the Internet.

My big soapbox is that you, as a parent, MUST UNDERSTAND, and, I will go further, be ABLE TO USE anything that you allow your children to use online.

Goodstein is an expert on youth culture, and, interviews teens and tweens about their online habits and communities.
Totally Wired is your resource for understanding what it all means when your teen or teen-to-be is "online".

She covers lots of important topics, including cyber bullying, blogs and 'social-networking sites' such as MySpace. I like how it emphasizes that this teen behavior is really not new at all. In fact, it's just today's version of being on the phone constantly, a behavior which many of us recall doing ourselves back when.

There's also information on how to monitor behavior and set boundaries for online use.

Again, if you have a teen, it is imperative that you understand, and, CAN USE YOURSELF, the things that they enjoy online. It's for their protection, as well as a way to relate to them, and, you may even find things you have in common,

It's not enough to say that your child is "good", and, your sure he or she is doing nothing wrong. Indeed, most kids don't get into trouble online, but, there are things they may not understand out there, and, other people may not be as well behaved.

Totally Wired is a great book, and, a must-read for parents of this online generation.

Additionally, here are some audio clips of: Tips for Parents, and, an interview with Anastasia Goodstein ("audio" it has sound, so those of you here at work, be warned).

Be sure to check out the website and blog, TotallyWiredBook.com, and, YPulse.com, a commentary about media and marketing aimed at young people, for additional valuable information.

Self-Hypnosis Revolution by Forbes Robbins Blair shows you how to "re-program" your mind for success in sorts of areas from cooking, sports, and your job to driving, and, sleeping.

It's a method of self-suggestion, and, positive talk for everyday life situations, rather than the "trance" you see on TV.

No, you're not going to quack like a duck. Unless, well, that's one of your goals.

If you're wondering, the self-hypnosis revolution method is broken down in to four simple steps:

* Step 1: Select an ordinary activity. Anything from brushing your teeth to taking out the garbage or putting on makeup can be the perfect platform for Blair’s method.
* Step 2: Recognize basic associations of the activity. Consider what positive metaphorical associations the activity you have selected might have. For instance, taking a shower is a way to “cleanse” and “purify.”
* Step 3: Compose and commit to memory a beneficial self-suggestion. Simply choose the area of your life you would like to improve and compose a single positive statement tailored toward improving life in that targeted area.
* Step 4: Recite the formulated suggestion as you perform the activity. Either silently or out loud, repeat your self-suggestion up to three times as you complete whatever daily task you have selected.

I've heard Forbes Robbins Blair on the radio, and, he's an great speaker.

Very interesting reading, and, his ideas are ones that you can modify for yourself, and, use everyday experiences to improve your outlook, and, your life.

Momfulness: Mothering with Mindfulness, Compassion, and Grace, is a delightful book of meditations by Denise Roy, author of My Monastery is a Minivan.

In the opening lines of the book, Roy is very clear that motherhood isn't always blissful, in fact it can be "incredibly frustrating"

Roy defines momfulness as "the spiritual practice of cultivating a mindful, compassionate, mothering presence". It's not a meditation that you schedule, it's practiced in the trenches of everyday life.

She describes six themes of momfulness: developing true presence, practicing embodiment, paying attention, cultivating deep compassion, recognizing the sacred in all things and understanding the value of community. Each meditation begins with a quote, and, includes a personal narrative, and, ends with ways to put the meditation into practice.

Though I am not a meditating type of person, there is a lot of inspiration to be found here, and, specifically, the topics of being on autopilot, and, the ideal v. the real, really spoke to me.

If had had been on the ball, I'd tell you that Momfulness: Mothering with Mindfulness, Compassion, and Grace would make a great Mother's Day gift, but, I guess you could always shop early for next year.

It would also make a good birthday gift, or, a gift for a new mother.

Remember the "letter"?

No, not an e-mail. It's what we used to do with a pen, and, paper, and, then we'd drive it to the mailbox.

For the Love of Letters: A 21st-Century Guide to the Art of Letter Writing is a guide by professional letter writer Samara O'Shea to refresh your memory about this lost art, and, help you compose your thoughts for occasions such as a goodbye, an apology, or, recommendation.

I've used it for the difficult situation of having to write a sympathy note, and, found it very helpful.

There's also a section about love, and, erotic letters.

Now that I have your attention, I'm telling you, you should really keep For the Love of Letters: A 21st-Century Guide to the Art of Letter Writing on hand to help you compose your thoughts for lots of occasions.

Reading with Babies, Toddlers, and Two's is a fantastic book all about reading with young children.

It's short, and, easy to read with fabulous lists of books divided into sections such as interactive, nursery rhymes, TV and video tie-in books (yes, they went there, and know what? It's really OK.), love, and, milestones and challenges.

There's even lists of favorite books of real-life kids of all ages, from 3 months to two.

Reading with Babies, Toddlers, and Two's is a terrific resource, and, would make a great baby shower gift.

Writing Motherhood: Tapping Into Your Creativity as a Mother and a Writer provides inspiration for chronicling your experience of motherhood.

Lisa Garrigues artfully addresses a variety of topics, such as reasons to write, where you can write, and, learning to listen. Each chapter ends with an "invitation" to try it out rather than an assignment or exercise.

There's a lot of information, and, I think it's meant to be read as you go, rather than all at once.

Some of it is a little cheesy to me, but, I do recognize it a being nicely written. There is some great advice if you want to begin chronicling parenthood, and, don't know how or where to begin.

Once again, I suck, and, didn't write about this before Mother's Day, but, you can always shop early for next year, or, Writing Motherhood: Tapping Into Your Creativity as a Mother and a Writer would make a good baby shower gift for a creative mother to be.

The fourth annual Junie B. Jones Stupid Smelly Bus Tour is a national tour that brings everyone's favorite first grader, June B. Jones to life through a live theatrical performance.

Junie, and, her faithful bus driver, Mr. Woo (not this one) are traveling around the country in a bright pink "Stupid Smelly" school bus until mid- July.

The events are free, and, are recommended for children ages 5 and up.

Make plans now to see Junie if she's coming to your town!

Jamie Whitfield is a working mom right in the middle of Park Avenue society.

Though she married into the money and prestige, she is really a Mid-Western girl at heart who is trying to deal with her 9 year old son who needs a male role model because her high powered, self-absorbed workaholic, attorney husband is gone all the time.

Her own job as a television producer is busier than ever, so, when she sees Peter Bailey, a 29 year old who has a gift for working with children, she hires him to be the "manny", to care for and be a father figure to her son, Dylan.

Peter is young, good looking, and, down to earth, and, quickly connects with Dylan while seeing straight through the Park Avenue pretenses, and, reminding Jamie, that despite her protests to the contrary, that she's not "one of them".

Find out what happens when they become attracted to each other, and, he reminds Jamie of the important things in life, and, her marriage and family.

The Manny, by Holly Petersen, is a great look with vivid detail at the ways of New York's Upper East Side society, and, raising children in the midst of conspicuous consumption.

It's an engaging read, with humor, heartbreak, and, suspense, I really liked it.

The Manny will be released on June 19th, reserve one now for your summer vacation, or, for heading to the pool.

You can thank me later!

Seeing Redd is the second in the trilogy from Frank Beddor, author of best-selling The Looking Glass Wars.

The Looking Glass Wars is a dark take on Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. That book is the story of Alyss Heart's escape from her Aunt Redd who killed her parents, the King and Queen of Wonderland.

When she jumps into the Pool of Tears, she emerges in Oxford, where she emerges from a puddle, lives on the street, and is later adopted by Reverend and Mrs. Liddell. But, back home in Wonderland, the Alyssians are trying to overthrow Redd, and, Hatter Madigan searches the world for Alyss so she can return to Wonderland to be the Queen.

In Seeing Redd, Alyss has just begun her rule as queen, and, trouble finds her early on, and, there's even rumor that her evil Aunt Redd has returned.

Science fiction, and, fantasy isn't usually my favorite genre, but, this was pretty cool. It's dark, and, violent, but, what an amazing imagination!

Seeing Redd is available in stores as of August 21, 2007.

First, if you have never read any of the Sweet Potato Queens' books by Jill Conner Browne, you should.

Right now.

When you're finished with all those, the read the newest one, The Sweet Potato Queens' Guide to Raising Children for Fun and Profit.

The Sweet Potato Queens are not Alpha Moms and the motto is "laugh through the hard stuff".

If I were a real writer (you know, "writer" with a capital "W") and not some hack with a blog, I'd want to be Jill Conner Brown.

She is absolutely hilarious, and, oh so right about so many things, and, captures life in the American South superbly, but, everyone can relate, too.

In The Sweet Potato Queens' Guide to Raising Children for Fun and Profitis a "hilarious (though not scientifically tested) wink at the time-honored mysteries of parenting, for anybody who has ever had a kid or has ever known one, knows that the experience is neither fun nor profitable - so, you might as well laugh!".

I read it in one sitting. and, Browne covers topics from pregnancy, traveling with kids, and, potty training, to the Toothfairy, and, as with her other books, she does not disappoint.