personally: a little announcement

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When I shared my goals for 2014 with you, I could have shared one more: read as many books as possible for the nomadbaby arrives (on or around) August 9th. Followed quickly by: read as many books as possible while on maternity leave. Mr. Nomadreader and I are excited and terrified (but mostly excited.) I've said many times lately "pregnancy isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be." Which is true, but I think I was unreasonably terrified of it. Mostly, I'm tired (really tired.) And I have little to no appetite. What I want to eat is very specific--it's that or nothing. And it is impossible to drink enough water. But I am well, and the nomadbaby is well, so we are making do. In terms of reading, I've slowed down somewhat because I go to bed so early (and sleep so much over all.) My attention span is perfect for a 90-120 minute film, so I've been watching more of those. And my attention span also loves The New Yorker, so I'm following through on that goal too.

In terms of my blogging future, I've watched so many of you go through the transition into parenthood, and I know things will change. I don't yet know what will come, but I do know I'll still be here. I still want to write about books, both to have conversations with you and to keep a record for myself. And as The Bump's countdown calendar so kindly reminds me, August 9th is still 197 days away, so there are plenty of reading days between now and baby to think about such things.

So in the meantime--give me your book suggestions. I'm drawn far more to memoirs by fiction writers about parenthood than I am to self-help books about pregnancy. I'm drawn to compelling fiction (no surprise there) about pregnancy and early parenthood. If you have books to share, please do. Or films. I'm watching a lot of those these days too.


Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 24, 2014 at 9:01 AM

    Congratulations! Such an exciting time! I read lots of books about parenthood, but to be honest most of them are horror stories so it probably isn't a good idea for me to tell you about them! One of the nicer ones is Night Waking by Sarah Moss, but I think you might appreciate it a bit more in two years time. I can't really think of any books about pregnancy apart from 'Call the Midwife' (which is also a fantastic BBC drama) but times have changed a lot since then and I'm not sure it is a good idea to read/watch that during pregnancy either! Sorry - I'm not being very helpful. I'll try to think of something more suitable and get back to you.

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    1. nomadreaderJanuary 24, 2014 at 3:07 PM

      Thanks, Jackie! Sarah Moss has been on my to read radar for years, so I'll make a note of Night Waking for the future.

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  2. BethJanuary 24, 2014 at 9:06 AM

    Ok, so I'm totally going to get all weepy and excited over here too! CONGRATS!!!! I have a feeling you'll manage both perfectly! And I'm positive that everyone in the blogging community understands these types of changes and will always be around when you come back. I wish I had suggestions but am sad to say I can't think of a single one. Can't wait to follow along on this new journey. Healthy and happy wishes to you, the bump, and your husband!

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  3. TiJanuary 24, 2014 at 10:48 AM

    First off, congrats to you! You won't be tired throughout the entire pregnancy. It will wear off and you will feel pretty good soon. Things do change with a baby in the house but once the routine is down, you manage to fit it all in. Make sure you pamper yourself every now and then. I can't stress that enough.

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    1. nomadreaderJanuary 24, 2014 at 3:05 PM

      Thanks, Ti! I'm pretty good about pamerping myself:-)

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  4. AudraJanuary 24, 2014 at 11:25 AM

    Congrats!! So exciting!! I'm more than a little envious, I must admit, and I hope things keep going well, sleepiness aside. I don't have any good recs -- as my wife and I keep trying, I've found I can't stand books about pregnancy and parenting right now -- I'm too bitter! Hope you and nomadbaby keep feeling good (and that your appetite returns soon!) Big hugs!

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    1. nomadreaderJanuary 24, 2014 at 3:05 PM

      Audra, if it's any consolation, I was envious of other people's pregnancies for quite some time too. I hope your time is soon!

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  5. raidergirl3January 24, 2014 at 9:05 PM

    Congrats! How wonderful! I hope you start feeling better (it will happen). A funny somewhat parenting book I listened to recently was Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan. Just silliness and 5 or 6 kids. A bunch. Not really parenting, except that is all he really talks about in his stand-up routine. And when the thought of one is overwhelming, try Cheaper by the Dozen, an oldie by goodie. I"m not really much help in book titles for you, but I wanted to add something, Keep us posted.

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    1. nomadreaderJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:27 AM

      Thanks--that reminded me of a book I read ten years ago called Sleeping At Red Lights about a new father of triplets, but it was hilarious! I will definitely keep you posted, as now the news is blessedly, totally public:-)

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  6. LisaJanuary 24, 2014 at 10:23 PM

    Congratulations! I had the same kind of pregnancy - came home from work, stretched out on the couch in my work clothes and heels and slept until the hubby came home. Your bodies working hard right now; get all the sleep you can. Too bad you can't stockpile it for the first few months after nomadbaby arrives!

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    1. nomadreaderJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:28 AM

      I defintely change into sweats the second I get home, but yes! Last night I went to sleep at 8:30. On a Friday night! Ugh.

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  7. Sam (Tiny Library)January 25, 2014 at 9:20 AM

    Congratulations - I'm so happy for you and your family :)
    Glad to hear that the pregnancy is going well so far - I'm due June 11th and my own first trimester was horrible, I was throwing up all day every day, and wouldn't wish that on anyone. My tiredness ceased a bit and my appetite came back at around week 18, so things should be looking up soon :)

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    1. nomadreaderJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:29 AM

      Sam, I have been very blessed to not actually have thrown up, but there were times I wished I would because I was so nauseous and wanted anything to feel better. I keep hearing I will start to want to eat soon and be able to function on a normal amount of sleep soon, and I am ready any time. Also, cheers to summer 2014 babies!

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  8. debannanJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:32 PM

    First off, congratulations! I have two grown daughters, and what a ride it has been--a good ride, that is! I'd say year zero to 12 are the very very best. And the experience of giving birth is something miraculous and indescribable. Okay, a fun memoir (and one of my favorites, in fact) is Operating Instructions by Ann Lamott. You probably would enjoy it best right after you give birth, though it's so funny and rich you might enjoy it now as well.

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    1. nomadreaderJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:08 PM

      Thank you for reminding me about the Ann Lamott. It's one I've been meaning to read for years, so I'll put it in my after birth pile!

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  9. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:15 PM

    Big Time Congrats to you and the hub --exciting! My daughter is expecting Baby Girl # 2 in 10 weeks and my son & DIL, their 1st a girl as well around June 24th. We are very excited.

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    1. nomadreaderJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:08 PM

      Thanks, Diane! Congrats to you on your flurry of grandchildren! I've been enjoying your picks for children's books even more lately:-)

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  10. Gayle WeiswasserJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:06 AM

    Congratulations! Such exciting news. The baby will impact your reading time, but you'll rebound eventually, and we'll be here! Really happy for you. :)

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    1. nomadreaderJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:17 PM

      Thanks, Gayle! I just remembered you reading something (Gone Girl, maybe?) shortly after your son was born and said it was so compelling you'd stay up reading after feeding him in the middle of the night because it was so good. I hope to find a few books that good to keep me reading in those early months.

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  11. Melissa (Avid Reader)January 26, 2014 at 4:27 PM

    Congrats!!!! What wonderful news!

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  12. MelissaJanuary 26, 2014 at 7:01 PM

    So very excited and happy for you! Congratulations! As for book recommendations ... hmmm ... I'm drawing a blank now, but The New Yorkers sound perfect. All best wishes to all of you!

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  13. AnnaJanuary 28, 2014 at 4:47 PM

    Congrats! That's wonderful news! I don't have any recommendations; I didn't really read any parenting/pregnancy books.

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    1. nomadreaderJanuary 28, 2014 at 4:54 PM

      Thanks! And as for not reading books on the topic--that's an endorsement all by itself!

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  14. JennyJanuary 28, 2014 at 10:23 PM

    Omg congrats!!!!!

    August 9th is a great date... That's my bday!! :)

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