Amazon.com
Less time, more demands, jealous siblings, displaced spouses, bigger bills, and bigger automobiles: given all these cons, why on earth would any sane couple consider having more than one child? Author Joan Leonard deals readers a rather loaded deck of cards as she succinctly describes the joys--but mostly the burdens--of "welcoming" a second child to the family. Despite its sweet title, this little book takes a rather acrid look at the unique challenges second-time moms and dads encounter. Luckily for the reader, Leonard presents plenty of advice from pediatricians, gynecologists, family therapists, and parents who have been through it themselves. Topics cover changes couples face during pregnancy, birth, and all of baby number two's first year.
A confessed firstborn herself, Leonard openly admits she did not enjoy being knocked off her proverbial pedestal when "The Other One," her own baby sister, arrived. Perhaps that's why this former contributing editor to Parent's Magazine and author of Tales from Toddler Hell seems to take such glee in reporting the many stresses and strains caused by adding to the family. Don't expect any gloppy, saccharin-tainted anecdotes from Leonard's contributing parents, either. Their "Tips from the Trenches" offer important food for thought about maternity leave and treating your spouse as a mate rather than as a business partner. Some of Leonard's own advice about appeasing the oldest child--like asking if the newborn can wear his or her outgrown clothes rather than just making it happen--lean a little too far toward spoiling. Most helpful are Leonard's chapters on assessing the first labor and delivery and taking steps to ensure a better one the second time around and her final chapter on effective family management. --Liane Thomas
Book Description
Just when you thought you were finally adjusting to being a parent-your stretch marks have faded and you've packed away your nursing bras and maternity clothes-you decide to have a second child. And although you may feel like a parenting expert, the second time around brings its own set of questions, quandaries, and chaos, from tighter finances to new routines. Drawing on the expertise of pediatricians, gynecologists, and family therapists, as well as the anecdotes of mothers everywhere, Twice Blessed covers how to prepare yourself for a different pregnancy and birth, your marriage for another dramatic change, and your child for a new brother or sister. With warmth, inspiration, and humor, Leonard carefully examines the brand new family of four and what to expect as it evolves during the first weeks, the first months, and finally that first year.AUTHORBIO: Joan Leonard is a former contributing editor of Parents magazine and the author of What to Do to Improve Your Child's Manners and Tales from Toddler Hell. Her articles have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers including Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Glamour, Ladies Home Journal, Redbook, Parenting, Child, and The New York Times. She lives in Northport, New York, with her husband and two children.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointed.......2007-09-15
I bought this book in eager (happy!) anticipation of my second child. However, after only reading the first 7 pages of the book, I stopped. The Author seemed to hyper-focus on all of the negative aspects of being pregnant and took the attitude "why would anyone ever do this again!" I find that pretty silly and immature. You're a Mom. Being a Mom is tough. Get over it, honey.
I wanted a book that talked about some serious differences between my first and second pregnancy - not a book that talked me INTO having the second one. I'm already pregnant... and HAPPY about it!
If you were one of those women who complained about every aspect of being pregnant and then complained about every aspect of being a new Mom, this book is for you! You will be in good company. If you are a strong woman who is confident in your mothering skills and family planning choices, you will find this book negative, trite and immature.
Easy read.......2007-08-19
This is a great book that is easy to read. It helps you get ready for the new little one!
A bit disappointing.......2007-03-08
As I was reading this, I kept waiting for the part where I was going to feel better about having a second child. Instead, I was laid in bed with eyes wide open. It seemed to be all truthful, but I was looking to set my mind at ease and it never happen.
Realistic view, good coverage, I feel much more prepared now.......2006-08-25
I read the other reviews before purchasing the book and was drawn more to it because of the great difference in opinions, either hating or loving the book. I think the book is very good and provides a realistic, balanced view. Instead of being more anxious, negative or even regretful after reading it, I felt calm and more prepared.
Good coverage and worth reading several times. I'd highly recommend it.
Review.......2006-07-27
some very useful hints for older child when bringing baby home. most of it is common sense, but there are some good ideas i am using. Some of the anecdotes are comical.
Note, the content is almost identical to "And Baby Makes Four".
Book Description
Riding the stagecoach to Willow Grove, Texas, Camille Dupree hoped to leave behind her shocking secrets. For years, she'd brazened out the whispers about her unseemly talents as a professional gambler until it was time to move to the next town. Camille longed to reclaim her innocence and believe in the goodness of others, but would she be given the chance to start over?
In the burgeoning West, a good heart was a valued commodity, and Camille developed a reciprocal appreciation for her neighbors . . .especially the town's mayor, Tyler McKinnon, who saw more beauty and virtue in Camille than she'd ever seen in herself. With his help, she became a respectable businesswoman.
But ill-wishers threatened to destroy her hard-won acceptance, and Camille found herself in need of the town's forgiveness . . .and Tyler's. Could she trust the man she loved to bend his principles and extend the pardon that would bless them both?
Customer Reviews:
Historical Fiction at it's BEST!.......2006-08-03
For my first Gillenwater novel, I am blown away. I have already re-read it more that twice! The sweet and cute love story Gillenwater brings to me is adorable. Nothing like seeing two people who are God-fearing and in love.
Ty McKinnon is the town mayor. When along comes Camille Dupree to deal cards at the local saloon. Realizing that the women of the town would look down on her, Ty persuades her not to become a card dealer. She transforms into a respectable businesswoman. Until her past comes back to find her. You can't change your history. They are falling in love until Camille's ex-boyfriend comes back with claims of adultery. Ty disappears and leaves Camille to face the music alone. When he realizes that he loved Camille Dupree, not the old sinful one.
Best love story I've read in months! Keep on Writing, Ms. Gillenwater, Keep On Writing!
Book Description
In "Twice Blessed, A Diary of Secondary Infertility: One Woman's Journey," Ninotchka Beavers chronicles her experience with what she thought would be a brief journey to conceive her second child. Unaware of the possibility of encountering any delays in conception, Ninotchka is devastated early on when month after month passes without a pregnancy. Because there is so little information readily available specifically about Secondary Infertility, Ninotchka struggles alone to endure the varied emotions that arise when one has conceived easily before but finds themselves unable to do so a second time.
What started as an uneventful continuation of her existing personal journal soon became a journal onto itself. Consumed with grief and ever-looming depression, Ninotchka pours her heart and raw emotions into her entries all the while desperately trying to brave the uncertainty of her situation.
Either resented by couples who have no children or dismissed by couples who do, she finds herself desperately needing but sorely lacking the support and validation she seeks. Not a part of the childless community, yet not the "Fertile Myrtle" she once thought herself to be, Ninotchka is helplessly caught between two worlds.
"Twice Blessed, A Diary of Secondary Infertility: One Woman's Journey" is a candid and touching memoir of a woman's struggle to understand, cope with and ultimately overcome Secondary Infertility. With a Foreword by Dallas OB/GYN Angela Angel M.D. and a comprehensive Resources page, this book is a must-read for any couple trying to conceive.
Customer Reviews:
Not for those going thru secondary infertility.......2006-06-03
I'm sorry, I just don't see how someone who takes a little over a year to get pregnant, and never has to have intervention can call it true infertility. I'm not saying it's disappointing to not get pregnant right off the bat, for anyone ... but perhaps this should have been sold as some sort of diary on the road to conception, and not sold as a book about infertility. I will say this about the book: the author is very up-front about how painful it is not to get pregnant right away. Nobody should have to go through that kind of pain. It may be helpful for some to see they're not alone in wanting a baby NOW, and not being able to have one. But from my viewpoint, and from other women I know who have gone through years of secondary infertility, this just seems a bit insulting for some reason. At any rate, I'm very glad the author was able to add to her family, and I hope she encounters no difficulty the next time. I'm wishing I'd saved my money & not actually purchased the book, though! Should have ordered it from the library.
Not for couples who have experienced treatment.......2005-08-06
This book discusses the journey up until treatment but the author has 1 infertility counsel before getting pregnant. For those of us who are in the throws of infertility treatment the book is somewhat frustrating. There is no discussion of what it is like to have secondary infertility AND seek treatment with a child. After 14 months the author is preganant with spontaneous conception. The author misses the crux of secondary infertilty
Awesome book teaches about infertility and about LIFE!.......2004-09-25
In a world where most people hide their true feelings, I found "Twice Blessed: A Diary of Secondary Infertility - One Woman's Journey" a breath of fresh air because of its honesty and rawness. From the anticipation of 5 years before she even starts trying to over a year of month after month of different procedures, attempts, and disappointment, you feel Ninotchka's every emotion on this journey. I cannot imagine being so ready - having my life together so young, being so happily married, with a great husband, an awesome first child, a beautiful home, having a great career, running marathons, surrounded by so many great friends with whom you share your life with, et cetera - in other words, having and living such a fully complete and fulfilled life - and then finding myself unable to add on to that life and family with another child. Isn't that what we all dream of? Wow! How frustrating indeed to not be able to conceive, especially for no apparent reason. Whether for a month, or 13 months (as Ninotchka's experience was), or 5 years, I think the disappointment is all the same. Any woman who has tried to get pregnant and couldn't, or has been blissfully pregnant and knows what it's like to plan and actually bring a child into the world, could totally feel for Ninotchka. I know I did. Infertility is described as being unable to conceive after one year of trying but gee, no one shares what one goes through during that horrible year. One often hears about infertility but not secondary infertility too and, honestly, I don't know which is worse. My husband and I are about to start trying for a second child and I can't even fathom not being able to give my little boy a brother or sister. I am hoping our journey is not as arduous as Ninotchka's and her husband's but at least now I know it is a possibility so we probably won't be as bewildered and shocked if it happened to us. But that's only possible because of this book. Thank God I read it and thank you, thank you, thank you for writing it! I am basically ahead of the game in 2 major ways because of this book. One is that after much research in preparation for our second baby, I feel as prepared as I can possibly be to deal with both the social and emotional issues and not just the physical ones should I be unable to readily conceive. And two, this book has made me so grateful for what I already have (my son) because of Ninotchka mentioning how grateful going through this made her for her own daughter. Children are indeed blessings and miracles and I'm glad that because of this book, I am present to it yet again. I can think of more ways I have been impacted by this book too -- it brought up compassion for me for a fellow human being, faith, hope, love, determination in the face of adversity and despair (to just keep going with one's life even when so disappointed and sad is just so admirable!), and triumph -- and as I write this I realize that's the HUMAN SPIRIT! No wonder this book landed as so good to me! I now see that Ninotchka having gone through this is actually a BENEFIT because due to her sharing her story, anyone who reads it can learn about this much-too-little-discussed issue AND life itself. This book has really helped me and I will for ever be grateful. Thank you again and may I also be Twice Blessed!
Repetitive and insulting, just too much drama........2004-09-22
Infertility is such a deep reaching issue that engulfs one's soul. I won't go into my own story here. However, what I will address is this horrible book I purchased in a moment of need to connect with other infertiles. What I found was a drama queen that cries wolf. As per RESOLVE, infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected well-timed intercourse. While true, Ms. Beavers did take 13 cycles to conceive, she started crying infertility when she didn't get her way after cycle #1. I was insulted and easily bored. This is a quick read. I skimmed through a lot of it because it was soooo repetitious a la "dear diary, I'm not pregnant. I'm so mad. Boo hoo why me! I just knew I'd get pregnant the 1st time I had unprotected sex!" She defines infertility as having wanted to have an "oops" baby for years because she always hoped her diaphragm would get a hole? Seriously, don't waste your time or money. There are better resources on the web!
Complete Disclosure.......2004-08-07
Twice Blessed will take you for a ride on an emotional rollercoaster. Ninotchka intimately discloses feelings, procedures, and thoughts that are generally regarded as private. She "outs" all of the raw emotions that build up inside when facing infertility. Her honesty will bring you to tears and laughter. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. It's not only a must read for those facing infertility, but for women everywhere considering childbirth. When I finished the book, I looked at my 8 year old son and thought - Life is truly a miraculous blessing!
Amazon.com
In Twice Blessed, Christie Balka and Andy Rose have assembled a brave, eclectic mix of contributors, including Rebecca Alpert (Like Bread on the Seder Plate) and Evelyn Torton Beck (Nice Jewish Girls: A Lesbian Anthology), who write with authority, wit, and candor as they negotiate the gap between religious observance and sexual independence. The essays address everything from growing up in a yeshiva to finding a new Judaism-based theology of gay sexuality, from the search for Jewish gay role models to Jewish marital commitment ceremonies. This is a necessary book, not only for Jews who live their sexuality in silence, or gays and lesbians who long to reclaim their Jewish upbringing, but for family members, lovers, and friends of those who struggle to unite both worlds and to discover "the blessing of affirming both our Jewish and our lesbian and gay identities, and to living our lives based on the wisdom of two cultures." --Kera Bolonik
Book Description
Contributors include Rebecca T. Alpert, Martha A. Ackelsberg, Linda J. Holtzman, Judith Plaskow, and Evelyn Torton Beck.
Customer Reviews:
Making Room.......2007-01-18
Balka, Christie and Rose, Andy, "Twice Blessed: On Being Lesbian or Gay and Jewish". Beacon Books, 1989.
Making Room
Amos Lassen and Literary Pride
Before you say, "Here he goes again on his Jewish stchick", read this review. I am going to say; once again, that you can substitute any minority group for the word "Jewish" and this book maintains its relevance as a way to understanding yourself.
Andy Rose and Christie Balka have assembled an amazing anthology of writings about and by lesbian and gay members of the Jewish religion. Here are personal testimonies, oral histories and essays that include accounts of coming out and growing up, interpretations of the Bible, a mother's reaction and eventual understanding and acceptance of her son's homosexuality, a lesbian rabbi's personal feelings about having to be in the closet, a description of a commitment ceremony, an essay about parenting and so much more. It is a virtual encyclopedia of living as a double minority.
"Twice Blessed" challenges and informs and is a wonderful resource for every person and each community which works toward liberation and renewal. As much as I read, there is always a copy of this book near me as it is, for me, the answer to so many questions. The introduction by the editors alone is worth its weight in gold. Whenever I feel at odds with my religion and with God, I reread it and it always has something new to say to me.
The entries in the book are sound arguments for identification with and claiming acceptance by a religion that has always held one of its major tenets to be non-conformity. (We don't eat pork and seafood, do we?)
Judaism is one of the world's first organized religions and it is always in need of fresh thoughts and ideas. We, the gay and lesbian populating of the world, can provide just that. We have been raised by the very nature of Biblical law to value social justice and the equality of all men. We spearheaded the civil rights movement because we know what racial hatred can do; we have integrated into the larger society and at the same time maintained a separate identity. We, like gays and lesbians, are everywhere and like gays and lesbians we are invisible until asked to expose ourselves. Our religion is very different and many know little about us but more important than all else is that we exist. To exist as a Jew and a gay person is a double bind that does not have to be. We are all family and we want to be included. So what if we observe the Sabbath differently and we circumcise our males, so what if we pray in a strange language. This is our heritage and just as Catholics burn incense and sprinkle holy water, we observe our rituals. Like most we believe in a supreme being and we worship and adore him. Maybe we have trouble reconciling faith and sexuality; it is not much different than eating mashed potatoes with roast beef. It all mixes together it form a whole and we want to be part of the whole.\
I cannot recommend this book enough. It has been my Bible since it came out and I never tired of it. Just as it answers questions, it poses others. It increases awareness of who we are and how we became who we are. Finally, it is one of those rare books that makes you think and to me that it is the true purpose of literature.
Old but good.......2005-08-13
Some of the information in this book may be old, but it is still a worthwhile read. It is interesting to see how attitudes towards gay Jews stood 16 years ago, even if some of the facts aren't true anymore (though they might still hold true--I honestly don't know), and to see what gay Jews did to try to make themselves accepted members of the world community and the Jewish community specifically up until 1989. Also, the rather inspiring personal stories told in this book never expire.
Good Insight.......2000-04-21
I loved this book. I received it as a gift from my jewish best-friend. You see I am a convert and I am still learning all about Judaism even 9 years later (my conversion that is). After reading this book I was never so proud to be a GAY JEW. I reccomend this book very highly!
Average customer rating:
- A wonderful Christian devotional for all walks of life!
|
Twice Blessed: Encouragement For The Caregiver And The Carereceiver
Laura Z. Sowers
Manufacturer: B&H Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Eldercare
| Aging Parents
| Parenting & Families
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Devotionals
| Spirituality
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Devotionals
| Worship & Devotion
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Caregiving
| Physician & Patient
| Medicine
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Parenting Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
ASIN: 0805427155 |
Book Description
It will happen one day in every family. Yet too many faithful Christians are still taken off guard by the demands of a parent's (or other loved one's) final illness. During such trying times, merely handling the physical necessities can threaten to dominate our time and monopolize our thoughts while simultaneously depleting our spirit.
Uniquely structured to address the cares and concerns of both the caregiver and carereceiver in a single volume, Twice Blessed seeks to help fill this spiritual void with devotional readings of God's presence, promises, and peace.
Customer Reviews:
A wonderful Christian devotional for all walks of life!.......2005-12-06
This book was written primarily with a caregiver/carereceiver in mind. However, I've found it to be a great blessing for daily Christian life, no matter what season you're in. I am in a caregiving role in that I have a husband and 2 small children which demand most of my time and energy. I have found the devotions are a great supplement to my daily quiet times. Mrs. Sowers has a unique perspective on her Biblical text, often pulling out an aspect from the passage that I had overlooked upon first glance. Her theology is sound and her experience adds to the depth of her message. Amazingly, with only about half of her book completed, she was diagnosed with cancer. This was after she walked both of her parents through their last sicknesses (each of them them with cancer as well). She's able to write with the unique experience of being the caregiver as well as the carereceiver.
It seems to me that many devotionals are becoming a 5-10 minute sugar rush. They are sweet and savory at first, but lack any nutritional value to keep you going through the day. I found that this devotional is not sugar-coated, but honest and true to God's Word. In a time when solid truth is harder and harder to come by, this book is a refreshing change. I will continue to use it as a reference and supplement to my reading, and I will whole-heartedly recommend it to family and friends.
Average customer rating:
|
TWICE BLESSED
JOAN LEONARD
Manufacturer: Unknown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S5PD0O |
Average customer rating:
- The best horror book ever made!
|
Twice Blessed
P. Wallace
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Horror
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Historical
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0821732595 |
Customer Reviews:
The best horror book ever made!.......2002-05-04
This book is indeed the best book i've ever read. In it Edana Morgan's life is full of pain and heartbreak as she loses her husband at the beginning and thenher son gets hit by a ca and you follow her through her desperate journey to keep going.
Average customer rating:
|
Twice Blessed
Art Metrano , and
Lee Goldsmith
Manufacturer: Wrs Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Spinal Cord Injuries
| Disorders & Diseases
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Social Services & Welfare
| Poverty
| Current Events
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Surgery
| Specialties
| Medicine
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 156796060X |
Average customer rating:
|
Twice Blessed
Leigh Bristol
Manufacturer: Warner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Historical
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0446350753 |
Average customer rating:
|
Twice Blessed
Manufacturer: Warner Books Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GYW3AU |
Average customer rating:
- Wonderful cross-cultural experience
- A vivid evocation of the history and people of Zimbawe.
|
Tonderai: Studying Abroad in Zimbabwe
Perrin Liana Elkind
Manufacturer: Lost Coast Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Women
| Specific Groups
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Travel
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Africa
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Zimbabwe
| Africa
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Essays & Travelogues
| Reference & Tips
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Southern Africa
| Africa
| History
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 188289720X |
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful cross-cultural experience.......2000-07-03
A wonderful account of a young college student's experience in third world Zimbabwe. Though focusing mostly on a feminist aspect of the country, Perrin's travels are well rounded and insightful. She takes you out of your comfortable lifestyle by showing us what and how we take our lives for granted. Very motivating in you are interested in world relief.
A vivid evocation of the history and people of Zimbawe........1998-09-24
"Tonderai" is the Shona name that was given to Perrin. Appropriately, it means "Remember." Tonderai conveys a vivid sense of Zimbabwe - the land and its indigenous people; readers feel they are literally looking over Perrin's shoulder. Embedded in the book is a concept of education as an active process of doing, of experiencing life with all the senses, and learning through interaction with others.
Books:
- Ungrateful Daughters: The Stuart Princesses Who Stole Their Father's Crown
- Villard: The Life and Times of an American Titan
- Warren Buffett:: Master of the Market
- Warren Buffett Speaks: Wit and Wisdom from the World's Greatest Investor
- With Malice Toward None: A Life of Abraham Lincoln
- A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael
- A Creed for My Profession: Walter Williams, Journalist to the World (Missouri Biography Series)
- A Life of Her Own: A Countrywoman in Twentieth-Century France
- A Marriage of Inconvenience
- A New Testament Guide to the Holy Land
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- How to Write Articles for Newspapers & Magazines, 2/e
- Belushi
- Things a Computer Scientist Rarely Talks About
- Warfighting
- Approximation Algorithms
- Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change
- Berlitz French Phrase Book
- Accounting and Financial Reporting for Governmental Units and Not-for-Profit Organizations
- Uncertain Volatility Models - Theory and Application
- Selected Poetry And Prose Of Shelley
From One Child to Two
I'm a Big Brother
My New Baby (New Baby Series)
And Baby Makes Four : Welcoming a Second Child into the Family
I'm a Big Sister
