SPECIALTY SHELF
My Baby Book - Amy Krouse Rosenthal (2010)
A welcome continuation to The Belly Book but great on its own, this book, subtitled A Keepsake Journal for Baby's First Year, is split into three sections. The first section "my arrival" asks for all the details of the baby's birth from ultrasounds to what mum got at the baby shower. It's also filled with some cute information like the baby's astrological sign, birthstone, and birthday flower. This section goes into details of the baby's and parents' life, including the address, any pets, and even silly questions like what the baby's room used to be before it became a nursery. Plenty of spaces for pictures, and even picture requirements (baby's first car ride, pictures of me with mum's side of the family, pictures of me with dad's side of the family, etc). The second section of the book, "My First Year" is a month-to-month picture diary and questionnaire following baby's first year. Even includes a section about baby's first birthday and a birthday questionnaire. The last section, my favourite, called "My Firsts" is a picture gallery of baby's firsts and asks for pictures of everything from baby's first mac and cheese, to baby's first winter. Another great keepsake for my daughter to look back on. I love the personality that shines through this book. (AV)
The Belly Book - Amy Krouse Rosenthal (2006)
Separated by trimester, and then week, The Belly Book: A Nine-Month Journal for You and Your Growing Belly is full of activities and funny questions. Each week gets its own picture spot, a place to write the date the picture was taken and either a spot for notes, or silly yet relevant questions. My favourite question so far has been "My energy level has been: __ relatively normal __a bit sluggish __can't even complete a senten". At the end of each trimester you are given a space to fill out appointment stats which include weight gain, belly measurement, estimated fetal size, and questions or notes from the appointment. At the beginning of each trimester there is a cravings/aversions section which I think is funny. One month I am craving pop tarts the next, it's an aversion. Littered with tons of humorous questions, this book is sure to please any expectant mom. This book will be a great keepsake for my daughter to look back and read one day. (AV)