The Expectant Parents' Companion: Simplifying What to Do, Buy, or Borrow for an Easy Life With Baby Review

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(More customer reviews)I have never written a review on Amazon before, but this book compelled me to do so because I have found it so helpful. While I agree with the reviewer who said the book is biased (Huggins' preferences for breastfeeding, natural birth, etc. come out loud and clear), it is still an incredibly useful resource for someone like me--a first-time mom who knows absolutely nothing! I have no younger siblings, rarely babysat, and just generally have not spent much time around infants, so I'm going into parenthood with a totally blank slate. For this reason, I've been looking for someone or something that could tell me what is necessary to do and buy and what is not. (Prior to reading it, I couldn't have told you what a "layette" or a "bumper" was, and I certainly would not have known what to do with a "nasal aspirator.") Registering for my baby shower made me realize how saturated the market is with all kinds of gadgets that scream "buy me!" but personally, I can't afford to buy out the baby section at Target. And I'm not so hypnotized by marketing that I believe I need it all. Huggins breaks down not only what products are necessary for your baby's care, but also what might be better to borrow than to buy. She also offers suggestions for making or doing things yourself instead of paying for them (breast pads, for instance, cut out of diapers)--welcome advice for anyone on a budget! The book is recent enough (2006) that its information on actual products, name brands, etc. is totally up-to-date, a fact I also appreciated. I highly recommend this book for sorting through all the overwhelming purchasing and planning decisions, big and small, you will face as you prepare for parenthood.

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This is the ultimate, all-around baby guide. Not only does it help you navigate the dizzying array of baby products or gear, it also helps you get ready for baby in numerous ways, from preparing for birth, to feeding your newborn, to sleeping arrangements, and to making your home safe for baby. Most other baby-gear guides make you think you need to build on an extra room in your house to accommodate all the necessary items. However, Kathleen Huggins' years of experience with moms and newborns have taught her what you'll need, what you'll want, and what you can definitely do without.

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The Amazing Dad: More than 400 Ways to Wow the Kids Review

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(More customer reviews)These days fathers need all the help they can get. My eight-year-old daughter used to think I was the coolest guy in the universe, but lately I've been getting hip-checked by the backstreet boys and n'sync. I've found myself competing for her attention; and I've been trying for the past few months to pull any fun rabbit out of the hat I can find (I got one of those "juggling for klutzes" kits and practiced in secret). A few weeks ago, a buddy of mine (also a dad- and familiar with my plight) told me he'd come across a really cool book called The Amazing Dad. I pounded the pavement till I found the lone remaining copy at a local bookstore; and I was blown away- on darn near every page there's a cool trick or fun activity that any spaz can do. Every one I've tried so far has left my children laughing, squealing, and begging for more. The diagramming makes everything an easy-to-duplicate, no-brainer. This book has become my "FUN BIBLE"- I keep it hidden so as not to reveal the source of my new-found coolness. Each time the kids ask me "Where'd you learn that?", I just give them a shrug and play it off like "Oh, I've got a million of 'em- you ain't seen nothin yet"- which means they better come out with volume two before I run out of rabbits. Seriously- a dynamite book.... big thanks to Preuss and Livera for making me a cool dad again. Maybe they can teach me to sing and dance.....

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You are a father. You are the most important man on the planet. You are the maker of moments. . . the creator of memories. . . the ultimate hero in the eyes of your child! You are THE AMAZING DAD!This fun and fully-illustrated source book presents hundreds of games, gags, crafts, and tricks that will astonish and enchant children of all ages. The definitive guide for today's busy father, it shares hundreds of astounding secrets, providing dad with powers beyond his kid's wildest dreams.* Build volcanoes!* Defy gravity!* Find treasures!* Grant wishes!* Produce rainbows!* Read minds!* Create an endless supply of Wonder and Laughter! Leave a Legacy! Be a hero! Become The Amazing Dad!

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Best Seat in the House: A Father, a Daughter, a Journey Through Sports Review

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(More customer reviews)In a world where male dominance in most sports is generally welcome and accepted, stories of women who defy the odds, dodge the criticism, and rise to success are indeed a rarity. The story of Christine Brennan is no exception. A successful writer for USA Today and The Washington Post, Brennan's ascension to a career in sports journalism and broadcasting, which was usually only reserved for men, serves as a role model for those who wish to follow their dreams despite the obstacles. However, the focal message in the book is a tribute to her father, the man who brought her up to love and cherish sports, and the man who continued to encourage her when things seemed impossible. Rather than the typical father-son journey through sports, the tide shifts, in essence, to reveal that daughters too can share that same passion.
Brennan's journey begins in Toledo, home to the Triple AAA Mud Hens and the University of Toledo. The stories of catching a ball game at the Lucas Country Rec Center (aka Ned Skeldon Stadium) or the occasional drive to Tiger Stadium were heart warming and a bit shocking as Brennan was probably the woman in the 1970's that knew how to fill out a scorecard. Baseball brings families together and nothing in the world beats a trip to the ball park to catch a game with your old man. But baseball is one of several sports that the Brennan family endures throughout Christine's childhood. Tennis, swimming, golf, football, and basketball consumed much of their daily lives and it appeared that the father, Jim, was merely along for the ride for it seemed that he was not the one doing the pushing.
On a personal note, Brennan's account of the University of Toledo's Chuck Ealey's thirty-five consecutive victories and Steve Mix's stellar basketball career were nearly tear-jerking. As a Toledo alum and fan, it was about time that both of these remarkable men receive some extra attention for their amazing feats as collegiate athletes. From a university which sees very few of their athletes go on to the professional level, the celebration of perhaps their best two athletes in a nationally acclaimed book puts the icing on the cake.
Brennan admits that the idea to be a sports journalist began at those Toledo football games where Ealey and his teammates rang up win after win. Indeed, watching Chuck Ealey on a weekly basis from 1969-1971 must have been a privilege, an honor, and certainly a launching point for a prospective sports writer. From there Brennan begins the formal training as a journalist at the campus of Northwestern University, and with the summer internships at the Toledo Blade. Northwestern's journalism program was one of the best in the country, and alums Peter McCleery, Brennan, and Michael Wilbon backed up that recognition.
But Brennan's story of becoming a sports journalist is just a fraction of the larger picture. Title IX, the law that essentially gave women an opportunity to play competitive sports, is mentioned throughout the book. However, Brennan's argument on Title IX is not necessarily a cry for women to take over these heavily male-influenced games. Rather, it is advocating for equal opportunity. As evident in her debates with the controversial Hootie Johnson of Augusta National, Brennan refuses to back down to the opposite sex, and chooses to stand up for women's rights. After all, to get to her position in her field, Brennan has always had to fight an uphill battle. Hopefully this serves as a message to young women seeking a career in sports that even though the trail may be bumpy along the way, the end result is certainly attainable.


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