What Haven't They Told Me? Parenting Book review and giveaway (12 winners!)

Don't we all wish that when  your baby was born, he or she came with an instruction manual??? I mean, you spend 9 months doing everything you can to get ready and when that moment finally arrives you are totally clueless! All those baby tips go out the window! Well Lorraine Fisher of Off Ramp Publishing has put together some of the best tips in a wonderful guide called "What Haven't They Told Me? Practical Tips for Surviving and Thriving During Baby's First Year"  This book is full of tips on a broad range of topics: how to make life easier, who to call in certain situations, even how to take care of yourself!  


I love that there are quotes and tips from real moms, to give you another take on things or ideas that make  you say "ah-ha! why didn't I  think of that?"  Who better to tell you what you really should do or expect than someone who has already been there? They give you advice on everything, and it is a great collection of tips!! Some of my favorite tips include putting a changing station on each level of a multi leveled home, to enjoy every moment with your child (even the ones when you are up at 4 am with a sick kid), because they don't last forever, and to keep changing supplies in the car for emergencies!  These are just a few of so many tips in this 96 page book!   


One tip I wish I had known with my first one? Page 85 has this tip from Elizabeth in Colorado, mother of 2 yr old Joey:  "NEVER put a Band-Aid on a baby's finger! You may come back to find it's no longer on the finger, but in your baby's mouth!"  When my oldest daughter was around 6 months old or so, she cut her finger on a can someone had on the table when they were holding her. We put a band-aid on it to keep it clean and stop the blood. The next morning we were in the kitchen and she started choking pretty bad.  She spit out the band-aid!   Definitely a scary situation!


Here is the product description: 
Being a new or expectant parent is a scary proposition. After all, babies don't come with "how-to" guides. Filled with tips and helpful hints for restful sleep, easy travel, and clever comfort, "What Haven't They Told Me?" is just what every first-time mom and dad needs.

You will learn "tricks of the trade" from experienced moms and dads:

• who to call when parental patience and energy wear thin
• what to have on hand before baby arrives
• when to put coffee in the baby's room (it's not for the parents to drink!)
• where to stash snacks and water during baby's wakeful nights
• why you should schedule doctor appointments early in the morning
• how to bathe the baby without worry

This book of tips is a must-have for any new or expectant parent. Give it as a baby shower or Mother's Day gift or buy one for yourself.

I also was fortunate to get to read the Let's Get Ready series of books! They include:

Let's Get Ready For Kindergarten!
Let's Get Ready For Kindergarten! Spanish and English

Let's Get Ready First Grade!

These books are a favorite for my daughter who is going to Kindergarten in September! They have everything: abc's, numbers, telling time, opposites and  so much more! All the core curriculum  packed in a fun book! This book is fun for parents and kids! You can even use a dry erase marker on the books! Each page is filled with learning in a beautifully illustrated book! The series is by Stacey Kannenberg.  These books are each $17!

Lorraine has graciously offered 12 readers an autographed copy of her book,  "What Haven't They Told Me? Practical Tips for Surviving and Thriving During Baby's First Year"  

Read on to figure out how to win!

*MANDATORY ENTRY* THIS MUST BE DONE FOR ALL OTHER ENTRIES TO COUNT. PLEASE BE SURE I HAVE YOUR EMAIL TO CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!  

Go to Off Ramp Publishing and tell me one other thing you would like to have! 

Tell me in a comment below!  Be  sure I have your email so I can contact you if you win!

Extra entries: (leave a separate comment for each:)
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Contest begins now and ends August 21, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Winners will be selected via Random.org and will be notified by email. Winners must respond within 48 hours or forfeits prize. Good luck!

Lorraine of Off Ramp  Publishing provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product