Self Help is my Thing (Books)

Right now, I'm not really sure where I want this blog to go. I still have writing as a part of me, I just don't know if it's this writing. On top of that, my life is full to overflowing. And that's wonderful. It's what I want. It's just that it doesn't leave a lot of extra curricular time unless I want to be a zombie. (which I don't)

So as I figure it out, I thought I'd post a list of books that have helped me through various issues.

Infertility Struggles

1. Unsung Lullabies - There's a whole book club review of this chapter by chapter on the blog. Click on the books tag to find it.

2. A Patient's Guide to PCOS - Understanding (and reversing) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - This book gave me a MUCH better understanding of what I was dealing with and how much lifestyle needed to change. Highly recommend.

3. Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother - This was an amazing, raw, honest book that helped me chart my course through parenthood options

4. Taking Charge of Your Fertility - To some extent. This is where I learned a lot more about fertile signs.

Special note: Navigating the Land of If by Melissa Ford is definitely one of those helpful, wonderful books. The reason it isn't in my top three is that it came along after I was past most of the situations/help provided in the book. I loved it, but I was nearing the end of my journey. It was right before my pregnancy with E, and I had come to a very calm place with a very set plan on how we would go on according to various outcomes and timelines.

The pregnancy books are well documented and known, so let's move on to parenting and its issues shall we?

Parenting a Highly Sensitive (and introverted) Child

1. The Highly Sensitive Child - this woman has many books out based on this premise. This was not only helpful for parenting, but it was helpful for understanding myself.

2. The Happiest Baby on the Block - Love this Man

3. The Happiest Toddler on the Block - I would marry him if he asked. Seriously... if you don't like some of the "touchy/feely" language, please plow on. Wonderful gems in here.

4. Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking - Amazingly scientific study based and fascinating. Delves much more deeply into the science of what the Highly Sensitive Child discusses.

5. Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems (the newest edition) - Jen let me borrow hers. I really need to give it back. (sorry Jen!) If you use it, read as much as you can. You may be missing important bits if you don't. For example, God bless Ferber for backing us up on what we already figured. E's problems with sleep often have an anxiety component and progressive leaving (which we had done) only makes it worse (which we've seen.) He has other ways of dealing with anxiety issues. Love, love, love this.

And Best Books for Taking me Away

1. Anything by Robin McKinley. You should love her too.

2. Harry Potter series - Duh

3.Twilight series - Duh again. I don't care if it's not great literature. It was great story telling.

4. Graceling series - This is a new one for me. I'm really digging it so far. 

5. Outlander series 

6. Ender's Game

7. Lord of the Rings