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Babies Today Book Review

Babyhood

By Paul Reiser

Paul Reiser, star of TV'sMad About You, wrote a funny and accurate portrayal of life as an expectant and new dad. Titled Babyhood, and following on the heels of his earlier book, Couplehood," Reiser describes how he and his wife (also known as his 'bride' and his 'beloved') decided to try and conceive after seeing harried parents struggling with children onboard an airplane. He goes through the conception period, finding out they were pregnant, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and early parenthood with ease. Writing in conversational tones, Reiser makes it seem like he's simply talking to you rather than writing.

"When you're trying to get pregnant, you both take a veritable crash course in biology and anatomy. Names of procedures and body parts that were once faraway places on that big map in your doctor's office become second nature. But for men, this transformation is even more remarkable, because before this, they knew next to nothing. It's remarkable -- sad, but still remarkable -- how little they know of the actual mechanics operating within women's bodies. The whole business is referred to simply as 'Down There.'"

The book flies by, with many out-loud laughs and a poignant ending that comes full circle on board an airplane. Babyhood is recommended reading for dads and moms alike, especially for those who want to hear about the lighter side of pregnancy.