She’s having a baby – a book baby – and I’m so excited.

UPDATE 4/15/13: Guess who forgot to write in the option to win The Baby Companion book? Yup, me, that’s who. I suppose my head is still in the clouds a little. Just comment below for your chance to win. For extra entries, share this giveaway on facebook (or twitter, IG, or pinterest) and let me know that you did.

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After finding out at 19 weeks pregnant with Judah that he might have something seriously wrong such as Down syndrome or another chromosomal anomaly, I wrote and wrote and wrote. Dealing with and processing all of the unknowns seemed a little easier since I could write and share the journey.

I learned so much in those difficult but sweet days – about myself, my faith, my support system – and transitioning from writing about all of that to writing about other things was a huge challenge for me. I felt like nothing else I could write about could hold any significance in comparison.

It’s a bit the same now – I’m wondering how do I write about anything other than what happened last week? (Though I certainly know that you, dear friends, aren’t sitting on the edge of your seats waiting for more of the same.)

But here’s the thing…

Long before I knew my world was about to turn up-side-down with the death of our little one, God put this wonderful author – Jessica Wolstenholm – bearing a wonderful message in my life. This week she releases her second book:

The Baby Companion Blog Blitz

And even though she released me from my prior commitment of sharing in her book launch this week, I didn’t want to pass up this important “birth”.

Because it’s like that you know – the laboring and growing and developing of a message as a writer carries it to term and then gives it to the world.

And this message of hers is so important: that motherhood needs to be bathed in grace.

The Baby Companion (follow-up to the Pregnancy Companion, which I also love) is a faith-filled guide for your journey through baby’s first year.

I am a bit of a pregnancy/baby/parenting book junkie, and honestly—honestly—I wish the Baby Companion had been published about four years ago.

A glimpse:

“With your heart now open wider than it’s ever been before, it is also vulnerable to feelings of lack and inadequacy. You desire so deeply to be everything your little one needs, yet you can’t possibly, in your own strength, measure up. Are you overcome by the reality of your weakness? Has motherhood illuminated your shortcomings? Our flesh and our heart may fail, but there is great news for us mamas. God is the strength of our heart and our portion (our provision for every need) forever!” –The Baby Companion, Month Three

As I read this section of the manuscript I was transported back to those early days and weeks with Levi and the whirlwind of emotions that come with being a brand new mom. I had fallen madly in love and I was desperate to be the best mother to this perfect little creature in my care. I read everything that I could get my hands on and I stressed about getting it all “right”.

How I wish I had given myself permission to relax a little more, to receive grace a little more, and to enjoy it all a little more!

And that’s why I’m so excited and encouraged and passionate about endorsing this book.

Co-authors Dr. Andrea Johnston and Jessica Wolstenholm (along with Dr. Heather Rupe) satisfy the information junkie like me by talking about everything from teething to eczema to diaper rash, to postpartum anxiety and depression, developmental milestones, baby care, what to expect at doctor visits, how to shop for baby, age-appropriate activities to stimulate your baby’s development, how to make your own baby food, family dynamics….

Um, you get the idea, right? It’s all in there. Pretty much everything.

But it’s far more than just your standard baby care manual with stats, information, and “how to’s”. At the close of each chapter Jessica brings much-needed spiritual insight from a mature Christian perspective with the voice of a caring big sister. She delivers a powerful word that’s particularly relevant for each month of baby’s development and mama’s journey, and also provides space for prayer and journaling as you grow as a mom.

Jessica wrote this book through her adorable son Joshua’s first year, and because of that there’s a not only a relevance to the order and the issues that she tackles month-by-month, but also an “I’m in the trenches with you” identification that is so endearing and encouraging and refreshing.

It’s gold, friends. You really should go and buy it. Like right now.

Buy it for yourself. And for that new mama that just announced her pregnancy. And for your church library. And for your friend that’s having her baby shower next month… Just buy one, and maybe a spare copy to have on hand as a loaner or a gift.

Or, leave a comment below for your chance to WIN a copy! Even better? I think, yes! For extra entries share about this giveaway on facebook (or other social media) and let me know that you did.

Dear friends, tell me. Do you wish you had received (and given yourself) a little more grace in your baby’s first year? What was/is your biggest challenge as a baby-mama?

 

I was provided a copy of The Baby Companion for review but was not compensated for this post in any way. All opinions stated are my own, and it’s a pleasure for me to help promote something I believe in.

 

About Author

Adriel Booker is an author, speaker, and advocate based in Sydney, Australia who believes storytelling, beauty, and the grace of God will change the world. Adriel has become a trusted voice in areas of motherhood and parenting, Christian spirituality, and global women's issues. She's also known for her work with the Love A Mama Collective—serving under-resourced women in developing nations through safe birth initiatives—as well as her years spent as a Bible teacher and leadership coach. Her latest book is Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss and she's made the companion grief journal available for free. Find Adriel across all social media platforms at @adrielbooker or sign up for LoveNotes, Adriel's 'secret posts' that aren't published anywhere else online. ✌️

24 Comments

  • Jessica W
    13 April 2013 at 6:45 am

    Thank you Adriel for your support. So honored to call you friend. Praying for you daily.
    Jessica W recently posted..Dear Pregnant Woman: Don’t Forget You Are Having A BabyMy Profile

    Reply
  • Malloree
    15 April 2013 at 8:58 pm

    As a first time mom, I find myself constantly scouring the Internet trying to find any resource or other mothers story that will assure me that “I’m not the only one” who feels like this or experiences this or whose kid is behaving like this… Although the Internet isn’t always so kind to first time moms 🙂 if anything it brings more anxiety than peace of mind. During my pregnancy I had the same sort of feelings as well. I read about “the Pregnancy Companion” on your blog and bought it immediately. My information junkie side was appeased as well as the tender, emotional side and left me with a sense of encouragement rather than leaving me horrified. I would love to win “The Baby Companion” to have as a reference, a reminder, and a peace that I have been called to motherhood, although weak and imperfect, that I am capable, and no… Those sleepless nights really WON’T be forever. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to gain not only practical insight, but insight that eases our mama hearts too.

    Reply
  • Querida
    15 April 2013 at 9:05 pm

    Looks like a lovely book. U need a good guide with ur first baby. Just remember every bubs different and boys and grls r very different from each other. I lov kids and take every one a blessing.

    Reply
  • Justine M
    15 April 2013 at 9:23 pm

    Always looking for good resources while raising our little girl! This book sounds fabulous:)

    Reply
  • Ashley
    15 April 2013 at 11:29 pm

    This looks like a great book to read and a wonderful resource!

    Reply
  • Ashley
    15 April 2013 at 11:31 pm

    I shared this on Facebook and my pinterest page.

    Reply
  • Lindsay H
    15 April 2013 at 11:33 pm

    Sounds like an amazing book! I would love to win a copy!

    Reply
  • Jessica M
    16 April 2013 at 1:49 am

    I’d love a copy as I know nothing about babies. 🙂

    Reply
  • Claire
    16 April 2013 at 3:22 am

    I would love to win this book – I have a 4 mth old little girl and just found out we are pregnant with our second!

    Reply
  • tracy dickinson
    16 April 2013 at 3:46 am

    i would love to win this. then of course, i would have to decide whether to keep or give it away. maybe i could just buy another!!

    Reply
  • Jill Janse van Rensburg
    16 April 2013 at 2:44 pm

    Would love to win a copy of this book – sounds amazing! 🙂 Could always learn more in this department. 🙂

    Reply
  • Sarah
    16 April 2013 at 2:54 pm

    Not only would I love this, but I’d love to share/loan it out as well. Of all my siblings & friends I was the 1st to have a baby. I was kinda left in the trenches to figure it all out. My mom & mother-in-law helped out but with all due respect, their ways are a tad old fashioned. I’d love to read a fresh faith-based perspective.

    Reply
  • Lori
    16 April 2013 at 4:54 pm

    I would love to win this book. Sounds great!

    Reply
  • Rachel
    16 April 2013 at 10:47 pm

    Pick me! Pick me!
    Rachel recently posted..mark twain on travelMy Profile

    Reply
  • Rachel
    16 April 2013 at 10:47 pm

    shared on FB!
    Rachel recently posted..mark twain on travelMy Profile

    Reply
  • […] Have you entered to win a copy of the Baby Companion yet? Entries are still fairly low, meaning your chances of winning are very good! Don’t miss […]

    Reply
  • Rachel J.
    21 April 2013 at 2:35 pm

    I love the idea behind this book. The first year can be such an overwhelming and trying time for a new mother – this type of encouragement is exactly what is needed.
    Rachel J. recently posted..The Beauty Of Turning ThirtyMy Profile

    Reply
  • Nylark
    25 April 2013 at 12:29 am

    A “faith-filled guide”, how wonderful! So needed!

    Reply
  • Sera
    25 April 2013 at 4:26 am

    Thank you for sharing such a great resource. I’m a mother with an 12 month son and need grace so very much.

    Reply
  • Jess S
    25 April 2013 at 11:59 am

    My biggest challenge is balancing the mom guilt – my hubby is in school full-time so I work a lot of hours. Every day feels like a trade-off and some are better than others!

    Reply
  • tracy dickinson
    30 April 2013 at 6:40 am

    just wanted to check back in to see if you had picked a winner!!?? can you tell i am excited about this book? hope you are having a great day.
    tracy dickinson recently posted..what we’ve been up to……My Profile

    Reply
    • Jason Deutscher
      30 April 2013 at 2:36 pm

      Tracy – I’m sorry, I haven’t! I really need more people to enter in order to do the giveaway!! I’m re-launching later this week and so plan to promote this giveaway again. I promise, you won’t be in suspense too much longer. Thanks so much for checking in!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Jason Deutscher
        30 April 2013 at 2:37 pm

        oops, this is Adriel! forgot i was logged in as jason. haha!!

        Reply

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