My one-sentence review of The Rookie Mom’s Handbook: This book ought to be standard issue upon discharge from the hospital for every mother.

I’m not just saying that because I think Heather and Whitney, authors of the handbook and the original Rookie Moms themselves, are insightful writers with sharp wits and loads of enthusiasm. This book caused me to reflect on my past rookie years and realize not just how far I’ve come, but how much I can still learn from other creative parents.

First of all, I want to define the term “rookie mom” as I see it. To me, each time you bring a new kid home, you’re starting a rookie year. Kids aren’t all alike (duh) - just because you’ve already got one at home doesn’t mean that you aren’t going to be a bit flummoxed now and then by the next one. Or the one after that. With each new child come new challenges - including how to fill those long, looooong days. You can’t just toss them all outside or down to the basement and expect them to entertain each other (like our parents did with us, right?).

So The Rookie Mom’s Handbook is for every mom. I’m in my third rookie year, and I got a bunch of great ideas from this handy book. Here’s one for every month:

• #8 - Write a “did-do” list. Genius! I still sit down at night after all the kids are in bed and wonder what the hell I did all day. A “did-do” list puts in writing all of those menial tasks. It’s a good list to show your partner, who might also be wondering what the hell you did all day.
• #44 - Photograph a nasty crying jag. Sounds mean, but it’s hilarious after the fact. Also makes for a great blog meme.
• #59 - Take a walk on the wild side. Exactly what it sounds like - take some funny pictures of your baby in front of construction sites or tattoo parlors. This one appeals to my warped sense of humor.
• #71 - Accessorize! You, not the baby. You aren’t spending money on new outfits for yourself, but jewelry and scarves and boots are always a good fit.
• #104 - Kick off some family traditions. For example, we go to the zoo each year on Easter - a tradition that we started when Tacy was a year old.
• #116 - Heighten the contrast of your photos. I’m kicking myself for not having taken black and white photos with Tacy and CJ, but you can bet I’m going to do it with Oliver (following Heather and Whitney’s guidance, of course).
• #131 - Let baby dress herself. Put some choices within reach (shirt, pants, socks) and let the baby decide by grabbing. It’ll inoculate you to some of the crazy combos your pre-schooler will dream up down the road.
• #160 - Get your baby a job as a scientist. Tons of research studies out there involving infants; CJ and I did a few. Plus, you can use the $20 to stop at Sonic for a milkshake afterward.
• #170 - Email your baby. Create a free email account for the babe and send “here’s what you did today” notes. Instant archive, and much easier than scribbling in a baby book.
• #193 - Pack a sack of surprises. Throw a bunch of goodies (wooden spoons, blocks, rattles, whatever) in a bag and then let the baby unpack it. The baby has fun discovering what’s inside, and you have fun watching his/her reactions.
• #220 - Go on an anti-shopping trip. Window shopping for babies - except that you go inside, play with all the toys, then leave without buying anything. I still do this regularly at Pottery Barn Kids. No, it’s not rude. You’re teaching the baby self-restraint.
• #242 - Get more out of Goodnight Moon. Don’t just read the words; look at the pictures and notice the details. Hint: Watch the clock(s).

Given that small sampling of activities, it’s easy to see that this book is packed with creativity. Sure, there are some basic suggestions mixed in (e.g., library, playdate, picnic), but sometimes the most nervous of rookie moms need to start slow.

So even if I’m not able to convince all of the hospitals across the country to include this book with the formula samples they hand out, I can definitely encourage all of my mom friends to buy it for themselves and for the new parents they know. Yes, it’s that good.

For more reviews of The Rookie Mom’s Handbook, check out Parent Bloggers Network - and participate in this Friday’s Blog Blast too!