Expecting by Marla Taviano

Next to God's Word, this has to be the most perfect book for any woman who longs to be a mommy! Marla has outdone herself with this beautiful book and journal combination--almost enough to have me wanting another baby (but not quite--and not possible:-)

"Expecting" is designed to encourage moms and moms-to-be to learn about their unborn child and to pray for him or her. Marla takes us week by week in development of the unborn baby, with images and descriptions that will have you weeping and marveling at what God has done!

Complete with Scripture references concerning God's hope and creation of the unborn, each week gives more detail about how the baby grows bit by bit. From the formation of the zygote to the development of his/her teeny upper lip, you'll get a glimpse inside...a womb with a view!

Each week has a prayer for your unborn baby that you can customize as you pray over your child. What better way to start out life! And Marla acknowledges the mixed feelings that can come with a pregnancy...she doesn't exclude the momma to be who wasn't planning on having a little one.

She includes her in beauty and mercy and grace, making her long for this tiny baby God has surprised her with. No matter how conceived, we are truly fearfully and wonderfully made. I have the freedom to say that because I was born to an unwed mother of 16--and I was no accident in God's economy, nor a punishment.

Marla closes out each week with space to write your thoughts on your baby and how your life can be more like Christ's. When she talks about the baby's hands developing, her prompt that week is to think of your own hands and how they can be used to help others.

I only wish this book had been around when my children were in the womb. Perfect for those who are longing for a baby, just found out about expecting, or for the momma who's well on her way toward motherhood, "Expecting" is the best gift book for hopeful moms I've seen yet.

And what a tribute to the unborn who go on home ahead of us! Can you imagine having these thoughts as a keepsake for the little one whom Jesus called home before his/her time? What a treasure this would be (along with some heartache and pain, of course--but oh, the memories later on!)

I give "Expecting" the Golden Bookmark for writing and publishing excellence, with a set of golden rattles as a charm...blue, for my grandson to come, Malakai!

Happy Reading!