Generation NeXt Parenting

Guest Blogger...Cara Putman

As most of y'all know, I'm in the middle of a pregnancy that's not my first.
As a result, I've flipped through more than my share of "what to expect while pregnant" websites and books and even tip-toed into the "what you're baby should do" sections. This isn't my first child, so you'd think I'd be more than prepared for anything that could come my way.

While I may be, I well remember the excitement and angst while expecting Abigail. I was thrilled out of my mind to know I'd soon hold a baby that was mine. At the same time, even though I'm the oldest of four children and an involved aunt, I knew I had no clue about what was coming.

That's where Trish Berg's latest book Rattled: Surviving Your Baby's First Year Without Losing Your Cool comes in. Released by Multnomah, it is a wealth of information for first-time moms and their families. I see Tricia posted about this book last week...but I justed wanted to share my thoughts on the book too.

The book begins with a quick survey of pregnancy and what to expect at the hospital then saunters into four additional areas:

1. Changing Seasons: Survival Mode, Blazing New Trails, and Covering New Ground


2. Living Simply: Setting Up Base Camp, Coordinated Efforts, and Exploring New Territory


3. Choosing Joy: Reaching the Summit, Camouflaging Your Imperfections, and Discovering Camp Palooza


4. Nourishing Mom: Renewing Your Faith, Restoring Your Health, and Reviving Your Friendships.

The book has a wonderful layout that makes it very easy to read, and the author's style is very conversational. It made me think of the Girlfriends' Guide in that respect. The author is very honest about the journey into motherhood, but keeps our eyes focused squarely on the truth: we can do this with God's help.

My sister and I have decided that this book will become a routine part of our baby shower gifts. It's a book every new mom should own -- it won't take long before it is dog-eared from use.

Finally, in the Additional Resources section, she has a chapter on Discovering the Footprints of Heaven.

This chapter is the book that I searched for as I experienced a miscarriage and in the aftermath of the pain and questions. I cried cleansing tears as I read it and whispered, "she understands. She gets it." It probably didn't help that I received the book the week after the first anniversary of my miscarriage. But I urge you -- as strongly as I can -- to get this book and read that chapter if you've had a miscarriage or if someone you love has and you can't understand the depths of the pain. That chapter is one I would write and probably will write when I get further from the pain.

Bottomline, this book is a keeper. And it makes a great gift for expectant and new moms!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of this book, leave a comment on my blog (http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/) with a question that's burning in your mom about parenting or leave a tip for someone who's going to be a mom for the first time. Let's see those comments! The contest will close February 23rd.

Cara C. Putman
http://www.caraputman.com/
Canteen Dreams -- October 2007; Sandhill Dreams -- May 2008 and Captive Dreams -- September 2008 (Heartsong Presents) Deadly Exposure -- May 2008 (LI Suspense)
Craftie Ladies of Suspense http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com



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posted by Tricia Goyer @ 8:41 AM