For the Mama-to-Be

by Jennifer Donovan

Whether you are having your first or your fifth child, each pregnancy is special. It might be especially dreadful or especially delightful, but we want to remember it–if for no other reason that our children might want to know about that time–before they were born.

A pregnancy journal is a great way to not only record some details about your pregnancy, but also to educate yourself month-by-month.

The Happy Baby, Healthy Mom pregnancy journal is a covered spiral bound notebook, organized in tabbed sections by the three trimesters and then postpartum. This is divided up week by week full of information about that stage of the pregnancy, nutrition pointers, and journaling questions. There are questionnaires throughout to help you determine if something in your pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor (such as excessive morning sickness). This book is very comprehensive, and if used completely would be a great reference in trying to coach a friend or sister or even your own child through her own pregnancy later. My two pregnancies were different. I remember things about both of them, but I’ve forgotten more than I’ll ever remember.

The Belly Book is a bit more low-key. It also has the hardbound, covered spiral notebook format that is so handy in a reference book. It would be great for a first-time, second-time or seasoned birther. However, the simple format lends itself to the busier schedule of a pregnant mom who is also tending to other little ones, while still affording her the opportunity to focus on her newest addition. It is also divided into trimesters, but it focuses more on journaling and photos. There’s a spot to preserve your ultrasound photo and a belly photo for each week, with a space to journal about that week of pregnancy. There is a place to record information from each doctor visit, and of course to journal about “birth day” as well.

Some pregnancies are not expected, and that can fill those nine months with conflicting emotions. Rachel Brignoni has written an encouraging book called Hope. . . Joy (and a Few Little Thoughts) for Pregnant Teens. This book offers pregnant teens a course in finding hope and in remembering their worth and the understanding the power of positive thoughts and joy, even in the midst of an unexpected circumstance. Brignoni writes from the perspective of one who saw her pregnancy at 17 as a huge bump in the road at the time, but is able to encourage with the wisdom of looking back over many years.

I will draw two winners for these books. One winner will receive the book for pregnant teens  and one of the journals. Feel free to try to win this book for someone you know. I’m sure that it would be a huge encouragement to her.

A second winner will receive one journal of her choice along with Post-Partum cards, which are designed to help the “barely conscious” mom to stay in contact with the outside world, with simple check the box or fill in the blank notes that you can send to your friends and family.

Please leave a comment, and tell me which book most interests you.

The contest will close on May 28.



Email Author    |    Website About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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{ 103 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Heidi May 15, 2008 at 11:25 pm

I like the Belly Book. And those cards are TOO cute! :)

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2 Tara R. May 15, 2008 at 11:42 pm

I like the Happy Baby, Healthy mom book- I would give it to my sister-in-law.

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3 Krista May 16, 2008 at 12:43 am

I have a cousin who’s maybe 20 and pregnant (not married) so I’d like to have a copy of the teen book for her.

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4 Laura W May 16, 2008 at 12:45 am

I’m expecting baby #2, and either journal sound fun! I’m not as good at writing things down this time. ;) (But I’m not a teen, so that wouldn’t help.:) lol

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5 Cindi May 16, 2008 at 1:34 am

Hello!~ I would enjoy winning the “Post-Partum” Cards and the journal. Please enter me in your fabulous contest. Thanks very much…..Cindi

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6 Rebekah aka babiesabroad May 16, 2008 at 3:09 am

ooh! Please pick me for the belly book! I bought one of these for my best friend and I would love to have one for my next pregnancy, which hopefully isn’t too far around the corner :D

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7 Mom to 2 Boys May 16, 2008 at 6:02 am

I’d LOVE the Belly Book and the Post Partum cards. Thanks!

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8 chyk May 16, 2008 at 6:29 am

healthy baby healthy mama looks interesting

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9 Adventures In Babywearing May 16, 2008 at 7:25 am

These books sound wonderful! I’d love the Belly Book for this fourth pregnancy and the cards sound perfect!!

Steph

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10 Liz C. May 16, 2008 at 7:38 am

I’d love The Belly Book and Post-Partum cards for my next pregnancy!

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11 Ashley May 16, 2008 at 7:52 am

Happy baby healthy mom looks fun for a gift!

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12 Courtney May 16, 2008 at 7:55 am

Thanks for a great giveaway!

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13 Christy May 16, 2008 at 7:56 am

I’d love the Belly Book journal & cards. :)

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14 Laura May 16, 2008 at 8:00 am

Would love to win the belly book and the post-partum cards. Thanks!

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15 Heather H May 16, 2008 at 8:35 am

I’m a first-time mom-to-be and have quite the ghetto spiral notebook going that I’ve been less-than-impressed with how well I’ve kept up with it. I would love the Belly Book as a guide for my journaling… Thanks!

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16 Laura G May 16, 2008 at 8:39 am

The Belly Book and the Post Partum cards would be perfect for my niece

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17 grubmama May 16, 2008 at 8:39 am

I would love the belly book to record the things I’ve already written down!

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18 Louise A Brouillette May 16, 2008 at 9:03 am

Post-Partum….how clever!

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19 Shannon B. May 16, 2008 at 9:45 am

I would love to win the Belly Book for myself since we’ve made the decision to try for #2. My husband is a high school teacher and unfortunately could probably give the teen book to several girls at his school.

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20 Belinda A. May 16, 2008 at 10:16 am

Wish I kept a journal during my pregnancy. I’d like to win The Belly Book for my sister. She is almost 2 months into her second pregnancy.

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21 Karen Gonyea May 16, 2008 at 10:19 am

Consciously creating your legacy !!! Sounds so interesting !

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22 Richelle F May 16, 2008 at 11:13 am

Either of those first two would be great!

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23 LaDonna - in Canada May 16, 2008 at 11:15 am

Hi! These are some great books. I am expecting my 6th baby and would love to have such a special book to document this pregnancy. I like the Happy Baby, Healthy Mom and the card set! They look like a lot of fun!

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24 LaDonna - in Canada May 16, 2008 at 11:16 am

Just wanted to add that I’m going to post this on my All Things Birth Choices website as well, for other pregnant moms to find!

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25 Laura H. May 16, 2008 at 11:17 am

Post partum cards!

laura_licious101@hotmail(dot)com

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26 Grace May 16, 2008 at 11:44 am

I’ll love the Happy Baby, Healthy Mom because I am planning to get pregnant this year and want to start a pregnancy journal – something I wasn’t able to do with my first born.

Thanks for the giveaway!

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27 Sandy May 16, 2008 at 12:35 pm

The Belly Book sounds great! any of these would be perfect for some women i know that are pregnant…thanks :O)

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28 Alice Scruggs May 16, 2008 at 1:02 pm

I would love to be able to give the pregnancy journal and post-partum cards to my stepdaughter who is expecting her first child in September of this year.

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29 Judy Johnston May 16, 2008 at 1:47 pm

The journal/photos idea would be perfect for a young gal in my life. Thank you for the opportunity!

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30 charline s May 16, 2008 at 2:11 pm

I would like the belly book for dear daughternlaw.

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31 linda May 16, 2008 at 2:21 pm

Happy Baby

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32 Arlene May 16, 2008 at 4:25 pm

The belly book is just what I have been looking for. I am expecting my first.

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33 Jennifer Mowers May 16, 2008 at 4:46 pm

the belly book

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34 Colleen Jensen May 16, 2008 at 6:03 pm

Would love to give this book to my future daughter in law.

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35 Tyler May 16, 2008 at 6:32 pm

I’d love to win one of these to gift out! (I’m totally done at 5. Phew. :P )

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36 Hannah May 16, 2008 at 6:33 pm

the belly book

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37 nell May 16, 2008 at 6:50 pm

The Belly Book and cards sound great for this third pregnancy of mine!

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38 Kristin May 16, 2008 at 7:15 pm

A fourth baby for me! I’m not a teenager anymore :-) , but I’d love the second prize!

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39 Linda Moeller May 16, 2008 at 7:16 pm

The Belly Book

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40 Tanya Moyer May 16, 2008 at 8:01 pm

My sister-in-law is pregnant with her first. I’m sure she would love the Happy Baby, Healthy Mom journal. Great idea! Thanks for offering this!
~Tanya
the4moyers(at)msn(dot)com

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41 craig varney May 16, 2008 at 8:32 pm

the belly book

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42 stampedwithgrace May 16, 2008 at 11:39 pm

I like the name of The Belly Book :)
the Post Partum cards sound fun too!

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43 Shannon H May 16, 2008 at 11:40 pm

Happy Baby, Healthy Mom sounds right up my alley–I’m not recording as much this pregnancy as I’d like.

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44 Liliya May 17, 2008 at 1:38 am

Recently I made a website for moms with tips on the harmful ingredients in baby care products and more.
Please, check it out:
http://www.squidoo.com/the-best-all-natural-baby-care-products-neways-generations

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45 Sharon Jones May 17, 2008 at 5:24 am

The Belly Book for sure. THANKS :)

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46 Melissa Reeder May 17, 2008 at 9:27 am

I would love the Post-Partum Cards. I have a 3 month old baby girl and could definitely use these. Thanks so much!

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47 Ken May 17, 2008 at 9:50 am

This sweepstakes has been featured on Sweepstakes Advantage, http://www.sweepsadvantage.com. The Web’s Largest Directory of Free Online Sweepstakes. Good Luck to Everyone!

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48 valerie mabrey May 17, 2008 at 11:22 am

pregnancy journal

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49 Linda Lansford May 17, 2008 at 1:20 pm

The Belly Book sounds good!

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50 Kristinia May 17, 2008 at 2:07 pm

Definately Happy Baby, Healthy Momma! I’m preggo and this would be awesome!

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51 Michelle Rosborough May 17, 2008 at 4:42 pm

I like both books

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52 Frances Watson May 17, 2008 at 9:32 pm

These books sound wonderful

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53 MerryMom May 17, 2008 at 11:38 pm

Great site …

Hey Moms, If you’re looking to make a few dollars from home … great money making and saving tips below.

http://sevensenough.com/freedollars/

Take Care, MerryMom

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54 Valerie Mitchell May 18, 2008 at 11:01 pm

fabulous!

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55 Judy May 19, 2008 at 1:53 am

Pregnancy journal and belly book are my favs.

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56 Sarah May 19, 2008 at 10:30 am

i’d like the Happy Baby, Healthy Mom

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57 Bess May 19, 2008 at 12:02 pm

The Belly Book sounds great! I am pregnant with number 2 (a boy) coming sometime at the end of July/beginning of August. With a 2 1/2 year old to care for and two businesses to run from home, I’m afraid of forgetting to record those special moments with this one. Thanks!

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58 sandra kao May 19, 2008 at 4:41 pm

the belly book sounds cool

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59 Caroline May 19, 2008 at 7:35 pm

The teen one sounds great, there aren’t enough books out there like that.

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60 Erica G May 20, 2008 at 3:20 pm

I would like the journals and cards.

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61 Christy Hickman May 20, 2008 at 4:13 pm

I just love the idea of the Belly Book. This is my third pregnancy and I find that I have forgotten so much. Thanks so much for offering these books.

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62 Sara May 20, 2008 at 9:45 pm

Neat contest! I’d love the belly book to put the ultrasound pics and notes in!

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63 Mary Casper May 20, 2008 at 10:03 pm

Happy Healthy Mom
sounds great!

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64 jeanette malan May 21, 2008 at 12:27 am

Belly Book sounds great

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65 Aniela R. May 21, 2008 at 11:53 am

I like the Belly Book.

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66 Steve Scott May 21, 2008 at 9:59 pm

Belly Book would make wife wife happy.

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67 Donna Coughlin May 22, 2008 at 6:46 am

Happy Baby

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68 Kathy Scott May 22, 2008 at 10:49 am

The Belly Book would be great. Thanks

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69 Mathi May 22, 2008 at 3:09 pm

The Belly Book is just what I need. Because, I’m a really busy mom who have an 18 month old daughter. When I was pregnant with her I had time to keep a journal and make this entire memory book for her, but with this second baby I hardly find time to do anything and it make me feel guilty. This book is exactly what I need. I would be really happy to win this book.

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70 Jacqueline O. May 22, 2008 at 9:46 pm

I really need this.

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71 Kristyn Martin May 23, 2008 at 6:12 pm

I would love to win the Happy Baby, Happy Mom mbook, along with the Post partum cards. Thanks for the contest!

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72 Anthony Hedden May 24, 2008 at 8:17 pm

the belly book

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73 Liz May 24, 2008 at 11:30 pm

I would love to win the Belly Book! Great giveaway.

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74 K. Cleaver May 25, 2008 at 11:12 pm

I’d like the Happy Baby Healthy Mother journal. I also forget more than I can remember with my first birth.

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75 marybeth i. May 26, 2008 at 12:22 am

happy baby, healthy mom or the belly book – both sound fantastic

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76 Kathy Conley May 27, 2008 at 10:47 am

I would actually like the book for teens – as a high school teacher, this would be a great help in dealing with a difficult situation.

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77 Lara Aleff May 27, 2008 at 1:55 pm

I like the Happy Baby, Healthy mom book. I can’t wait to read it!

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78 Cassandra May 27, 2008 at 2:14 pm

I work with teens, and teen pregnancy is an issue with which they are faced and one which we address–so I would like to win Hope. . . Joy (and a Few Little Thoughts) for Pregnant Teens. Thanks!

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79 Kathy May 27, 2008 at 2:15 pm

belly Book for my sister………..

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80 Janet May 27, 2008 at 4:00 pm

Winner’s choice of pregnancy journal and Post-Partum cards.

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81 Ed Nemmers May 27, 2008 at 5:05 pm

Pregnancy journal…sweet niblets!

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82 philip halter May 27, 2008 at 6:04 pm

love to win

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83 Melinda Smith May 27, 2008 at 7:10 pm

I would love to win these to give to my 21 year-old niece who is pregnant with her first.

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84 Susanne Troop May 27, 2008 at 9:17 pm

The Belly Book and cards would be great!

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85 Carissa D. May 27, 2008 at 9:38 pm

I like the Happy Baby, Healthy Mom book. Thanks!

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86 A. Ashley May 28, 2008 at 4:45 am

The pregnant teen book. I know a young woman who would appreciate it and I want to be supportive during this difficult time.
Thank you for the contest.

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87 Laci May 28, 2008 at 8:51 am

The Happy Baby, Healthy Mom book would be a great gift for my coworker/friend :-)

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88 kathy pease May 28, 2008 at 8:54 am

the Happy Baby, Healthy Mom book

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89 Tiffany G May 28, 2008 at 9:14 am

I like the Belly Book. And those cards are TOO cute!

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90 Carol Drury May 28, 2008 at 1:33 pm

Happy Baby, Healthy Mom sounds great for my first time mom to be daughter in law!

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91 June May 28, 2008 at 3:31 pm

I would love either!!! :)

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92 Amira May 28, 2008 at 3:58 pm

i would like happy baby healthy mom.

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93 Rene D May 28, 2008 at 5:20 pm

the teen pregnancy book would be a wonderful read for some of the kids i teach………

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94 sarah woods May 28, 2008 at 8:02 pm

Let’s hear it for the Healthy Baby; Happy Mom; Many thanks for your contests. SW

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95 Rosanne Morrison May 28, 2008 at 8:40 pm

Don’t know any pregnant teens and hopefully won’t but would use the other for my daughter in law.

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96 Timothy Sternberg May 28, 2008 at 10:47 pm

I like the Belly Book.

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97 Anna May 29, 2008 at 2:22 am

Belly book looks cute!

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98 Corrie C May 29, 2008 at 2:25 am

Copy of Hope… Joy (and a Few Little Thoughts) for Pregnant Teens: Consciously Creating Your Legacy by Rachel Brignoni and pregnancy journal

Only because i would gift the book to my niece who is a teen and pregnant.

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99 Lily Kwan May 29, 2008 at 3:56 am

Please enter me into the contest for The Belly Book. Thanks!

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100 MerryMom May 30, 2008 at 7:14 pm

I love this, thought I’d share …

The Quick Change Baby Crib

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101 junalyn February 21, 2012 at 11:20 am

I’ll love the Happy Baby, Healthy Mom because I am planning to get pregnant soon and want to start a pregnancy journal. It’s something my mom wasn’t able to do for us, which i want to let my future son/daughter know how i’m excited to see them. I hope you will have a raffle draw for this year. :)

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102 Bill Timax February 21, 2012 at 12:15 pm

I’m going to recommend healthy baby happy mom to my wife. We have had our first baby, but we’re planning on a second pretty soon.

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103 Mary Stewart February 21, 2012 at 9:51 pm

I’ll love the Happy Baby, Healthy Mom because I am planning to get pregnant soon and want to start a pregnancy journal. It’s something my mom wasn’t able to do for us, which i want to let my future son/daughter know how i’m excited to see them. I hope you will have a raffle draw for this year. :)

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