“You are going to be a father!”
First words, I uttered on Veteran’s Day morning to Kevin back in 2008. Both of us were over the moon excited and yet I had no idea what was in store for me physically and emotionally being only 4 weeks and change pregnant.
But within 2 short weeks, the fun began with everyday all day nausea and acid that lasted for about 3 months.
And when I did feel hungry at all, I would crave anything and everything my eyes could lay themselves on, including root beer and ice cream floats, tomato and mozzarella salad and so much more.
Let’s not forget, the terrible mood swings that had me swinging higher then a pendulum on even a good day.
Ask Kevin, who actually got kicked out of our house for disagreeing with me on something that couldn’t have been much, because now over 5 years later I sadly can’t even remember why I did kick him out. But I do very much remember seeing the color red and then feeling terrible when I didn’t know where he went to (he actually did leave) and crying my eyes out until he returned.
Just another day in pregnancy bliss and paradise.
And this was only the first trimester. Trust me there was so much more to come and I went back for seconds a year later!
So recently, I was asked to review the book “It’s Really 10 Months,” by Natalie Guenther, Celeste Snodgrass, and Kim Schenkelberg, three friends who were pregnant at the same time, who documented their pregnancy e-mail conversations here in this tell-all book.
Before I Continue What Does Goodreads Say?
To: Moms (or Dads) to Be
From: Celeste, Kim & Natalie
Subject: It’s Really 10 Months!
No one ever tells you about all of the crap that happens to you when you’re pregnant. Like, for example, it’s not nine months, it’s ten long months.
We are three thirty-something women who were fortunate enough to be pregnant at the same time. We shared our questions, fears, humor, and experiences through emails, which became our lifeline and virtual support group. Here, we share the good, the bad, and the ugly of our experiences. We do not hold back for the squeamish or the faint of heart—you need the truth, and now!
We are all social workers with graduate education, and we have all worked in the obstetrical units of hospitals for many years. Along the way, we thought it might be helpful to have someone sane weigh in on our hormonal ramblings, so we asked Dr. Bob, a specialist in high-risk pregnancies to help us out. But, we know that all of this experience is nothing like being pregnant yourself!
So prop up your cankles, rest this book upon your shelf of a belly, and check out our email log. We made it through the entire experience and lived to tell the tale—and you will too.
As soon as I got asked to review this book, I knew I had to, because I was the poster woman for pregnancy for almost two years straight, with giving birth to my two girls 16 months apart.
Anything any pregnant woman went through, I have probably been there at some point or another.
Back when I was pregnant for that first time in 2008, I was naive and didn’t know a thing about pregnancy.
Luckily my support group was a wonderful group of women who I found on an online support group believe it or not, who were pregnant at the same time as myself and due in July 2009, as well.
I also did a lot of reading and read up on everything and anything to do with pregnancy.
Basically I embraced pregnancy and lived, breathed and ate it from all I did learn and then experience.
Reading this truly brought me back and then some to that time of my life. So many of these ladies experiences, I could totally relate to.
I loved how they did their best to shed humor on some moments that might not be so funny for a pregnant woman, like feeling you are growing to be as big as a house or going on a Taco Bell binge. Trust me, I have felt and experienced both myself.
As well as, being captivated by their friendships and how they stood by each other as they each had their own unique pregnancy experiences at the same time. I even was found crying during one part where one of the mothers-to-be thought there may be something wrong with her soon to be born baby. Again, I had my own fears with both pregnancies and just having friends to support you does make all the difference.
Simply put, pregnancy is something that should be shared among friends and especially friends who are pregnant at the same time having similar trials and tribulations.
This book proves that point perfectly and is a must read for anyone pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant or has been pregnant. Trust me you will not be disappointed.
Also, the authors wanted me to share that now through February 27th, the Kindle copy of this book is FREE! Get your copy here now.
And a huge thank you to the co-authors for entrusting me to review their book, as well as now offer my readers a chance to win your own signed paperback copy of this amazing book.
Please enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below.
All entries with be verified and US ONLY!
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massholemommy says
That's so funny and yes, it is really ten months, so I don't know why everyone says nine.
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Janine Huldie says
I don't know either, Robin 🙂
Simply D Constructed says
I counted every single day of pregnancy! It was my countdown 4 times over. And yes, even with my fourth, my family and others would say "Wait, shouldn't you be having him by now?" when we reached month #9. That's when I had to explain it, like I explained it for the other 3, that I have to complete the 9th month first.
This sounds like a good read!
Janine Huldie says
I know I had that both times with both my pregnancies too and even though most people knew that technically it is 10 months by that point most seem to forget. Totally is a great read and hope you enter my giveaway, as well as even check out the free Kindle version, too.
Karen says
At first I thought you were prego, OMG…LOL…I had a rough pregnancy, but still missed that last month of kicking…
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Janine Huldie says
Oh god, please bite your tongue, lol!! But seriously I know that last month of kicking was pretty special 🙂
another jennifer says
I'm almost done with this book, and I love it! I can so relate to a lot of what the authors went through. It's nice to see a book about pregnancy and childbirth that talks about the real problems women experience!
My recent post Saving Every Baby
Janine Huldie says
I thought you were reading and reviewing this one, too, because I remember us talking about it. And I am so with you I could relate to so much in this book and truly brought me back to both my pregnancies, but especially my first with everything being completely new and uncharted for me. Really was so refreshing to see a book written by these women on the real problems during pregnancy and just couldn't agree more.
Billybuc says
Nice review, Janine, but somehow I don't think this book applies to me. LOL Have a great Tuesday!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Bill and wishing you too a great day once again! 🙂
tiffani says
Looks like a fun book for prego mommies. Luckily I am all done with the phase in my life.:)
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Janine Huldie says
Totally is and will admit I also am done, but still was fun to remember and recall all I did go through reading this book!! 🙂
day-with-kt.com says
What a very cool book! With my first pregnancy I was teaching and there ended up being about 5 of us pregnant at the same time so it was fun to go through together!!!
I think there should be a book about the after, too.
I remember being devasted the day after I had my oldest to still look at least 6 months pregnant!
My recent post Time to Make a Few Changes
Janine Huldie says
I would so read that book and wish you would have written about it and I know I totally still remember looking 5-6 months pregnant the day after labor, too. So not a pretty picture and definitely didn't feel attractive at all!
flemily says
Sounds like a fun book…I loved being pregnant all three times. I know that sounds crazy to some, but I never felt better/healthier in my life. I once had the idea to write a book with labor and delivery stories – perhaps it's been done already?
My recent post Gratitude
Janine Huldie says
Emily, I am not sure if it ever has been done, but know I have never read anything quite like it and would so love to be a part of a book like that. I wrote out both my birth stories for both my girls and think that would be a great idea for a book to publish.
flemily says
Hmmm, maybe I'll look into it! I'll let you know if I decide to pursue it!
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Janine Huldie says
Please, totally keep me posted and seriously I would love to be a part of it if you do 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
What a fun book, Janine. And why IS IT that nobody does tell us that it's really 10 months? I had to chuckle at your kicking Kevin out story – I told my husband to leave one day too and can't even remember why that was now!!
Janine Huldie says
We totally laugh about it now, Kristi, but back then it was a true eye opener to Kevin not to piss off the pregnant hormonal, crazed person I had become. Thank you for telling me though that it wasn't just me, because I seriously will never forget throwing him out and yet I swear I still can't remember what my rationale was!
katbiggie says
I just downloaded this book last night and can't wait to dig into it! What a genius concept!!!
Janine Huldie says
I know it really is an awesome book and never would have thought to do something like this myself. Let me know what you think when you read it and good luck on the giveaway, too!! 🙂
Rosey says
It seemed like a year or two that I was expecting with my last one, hahahaha. I guess because I was older, but man it took a long time. Things were easier when I was younger.
That's a great share that the Kindle version of the book is free!
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Janine Huldie says
I give you tons of credit Rosey, because I was in my early thirties for both my pregnancies and they still felt like forever and a day long!! 🙂
tamaralikecamera says
Can't wait to read it!!
I honestly don't think I could do it again because nine months (or ten, really) is SO LONG. That's like..nearly a year. I just don't know anymore. We're not in a place for a third but I did tell Cassidy I would not be carrying our third!
He said, "That's cool. There are options."
(wonder what THAT means)
My recent post Sunshine Feels Like Being Two.
Janine Huldie says
Tamara, I am seriously with you and again as you know I am done. You conversation with Cassidy on this made me laugh and not sure what I would answer Kevin either if he said this to me! 🙂
christyb says
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I bet it is scary with your first child – very cool that you found an online support group to help 🙂 Hugs to you for the day and hope it is going well!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Christy and it truly was a scary time, but the online group made it quite a lot better to have those going through the same thing at the same time to lean on. Hugs right back 🙂
dianeroark says
Janine,
I love reading about your pregnancies. I entered the contest.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks again Diane and wishing you a ton of luck now, too 🙂
realhousewife says
Oh my gosh! I do have to say tho…I never carried a baby past 36 weeks…and I was so grateful…never understood how anyone could survive that last month! I had gestational diabetes too and my babies were fat little butterballs:) lol.
I'll have to check the book out! Wish I'd had a nice computer support group when I was pregnant…with my first one – we didn't even have Internet yet!! LOL
Janine Huldie says
Ok, now I am jealous of not going past 36 weeks, but not the diabetes and will always be forever grateful I didn’t have that with all my other high risk issues. That said I do remember a time without Iternet, but seems like a lifetime ago! 🙂
gigigirl says
Sounds like a good read and a must for pregnant women everywhere! xxoo
Janine Huldie says
Totally is and thanks Aunt Gloria!! xoxo!!
Nellie says
fantastic giveaway, and man yes, I always correct folks, I don't know why folks think 9 months is the time it takes, we pregnant folks feel every single day of that TEN months! You looks so cute at your shower!
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Nellie and I know and remember feeling every bit of those ten months each and every day for both my pregnancies!!
Sandy_Ramsey says
I had my last two kids 19 months apart so I know exactly what you mean about being pregnant for two years! That's tough on a body, especially when you're "over the hill" pregnancy wise.
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Janine Huldie says
Definitely tough and seriously hope to never go through that again now either, Sandy!
dishofdailylife says
Mine are all around 2 years apart so I felt like I was pregnant forever. I just entered for the book! And will go get the Kindle version!
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Janine Huldie says
Michelle, totally feel your pain and know you can totally relate then. Glad you got the Kindle book and fingers crossed on the giveaway, too!! 🙂
pfchico says
Some woman adore being pregnant. I was not one of them. I had TEN horrendous months of nausea, heart burn, carpal tunnel, nose bleeds & every other strange symptom you could have. Ick. I read every book I think on the market. I wish I had this one.
Janine Huldie says
Definitely wasn't a woman who was a happy pregnant either, so trust me I wish I would have read this book back then, but will admit that it was worth the read even after now 🙂
The Vanilla Housewife says
Got the kindle version! Thanks!
Janine Huldie says
My pleasure and so glad you got the Kindle version. Enjoy, Jhanis!! 🙂
plutrell says
Congratulations…one way or another…it will be over soon…enjoy each second…they soon grow and move away!! Thanks for sharing on the Thursday Blog Hop!
My recent post I Matter, So Bring On the Fun….Plus the Thursday Blog Hop!!
Janine Huldie says
So true and as my grandmother used to say, "This too shall pass!" Thanks for hosting again and have a great weekend now!! 🙂
Brittnei Washington says
Too bad I'm not pregnant around the same time as anyone. I was prego around the same time as my cousin. We delivered our first kids 6 weeks apart. I feel like we got close more at the end of her pregnancy, maybe because she was working the whole time and tired often. I'm not sure. But, I do have women I talk to who have experienced it multiple time in my same faith which is pretty awesome still. Definitely sounds like an awesome read. I can see why you would have loved it 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Brittnei and I was truly blessed that first time out and even had a few of those same women pregnant the second time around with me, too! Hope you get to read this and think you would totally enjoy it!! 🙂
spiritedlife says
Pregnancy is no joke. I always say to new moms, it's 10 months… They lied about how long you're pregnant what else do you think they lie about? Second I say "everything is normal". Well, not completely everything, but almost everything that moms go through is considered "normal" including being put on bed rest. Of course, each pregnancy is different, but gosh does it suck sometimes! Thanks for sharing with Countdown in Style.
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Janine Huldie says
My pleasure sharing and I know they tell us some much of this is normal, but really when you are going through it as a pregnant mom doesn't at all feel normal.
catherine gacad says
believe me, i understand those mood swings!
Janine Huldie says
Yes to the mood swings and could write my own book on that alone lol!! 🙂