Have you read that book? NOPE.

The first batch of people I told "I'm pregnant!" to were my former coworkers. (SN: I've since left that position and took an awesome position which is basically my dream job, working from home - bonus!) I told them earlier than you're "supposed" to, because it was a small office, and I don't hide my emotions well at all. So, they would've guessed something was up/different with me, anyway.

But, the very second I told them, I was inundated by a billion questions and suggestions - mostly about what books to read, and while I love to read...I don't like to be told what to read in order to educate myself. Reading, to me, is personal and supposed to be fun, unless you're studying for an exam. So, while I always like book suggestions, I prefer suggestions along the lines of "If you liked The Notebook, or Gone Girl, you'll loooooove..."

Anyway.

One coworker gave me a book that was entitled "Pregnancy 411" or something like that. I don't really know for sure, because it was so heavy, I didn't even bother looking at the title, and I knew I wouldn't be reading it. The thought of sitting anywhere - even the loveliest of places - with that overwhelmingly large book with cartoon characters on the front was incomprehensible to me. Then, someone else gave me another book on, hello - the same topic, obviously - and it was not as large, but it was still not a beach book. Not happening. I donated both. I felt slightly ungrateful and mean while doing so, but I got over it.

I always figured I'd be more of a 'learn as I go' pregnant woman. And, I am. I downloaded the obligatory What to Expect app, and got my husband a really concise, cute book on what partners are supposed to do for their pregnant ladies, which we both read in like, a half hour...and loved, btw. Because, when it comes to knowing things about pregnancy, there's Google. There's common sense. There's websites, there's physicians and medical professionals. I don't know about you - but I pay my copays and insurance deductibles and build friendly relationships within my OB's office so that when I have a question, I can call and they're like, "Hey, Amanda! Sure...lemme answer that question for you - or get a nurse for you." And, working on the other side of the desk in doctor's offices for many years has afforded me the knowledge of how to go about that without being annoying.

So, I don't need a pregnancy library in order to figure out and learn about what's happening in/to my body. And, people - while big ol' pregnancy books may seem like a really great gift to give a pregnant lady...it's not. It's like saying, "You are not as smart as you think you are hahahahaha...READ THIS, MORON." You know what newly-pregnant women want? Congratulations, high-fives, hugs, pizza and cupcakes.

Not homework! 

Speaking of books, I just finished The Choice by Nicholas Sparks last night, because I know the movie's currently out. And, it was such a meaningful love story. I recommend it.