Mother’s Day is coming so I’ve been trying to think of books for mothers. And what mother doesn’t need a laugh? The Baby Blues comic book collections are fantastic. I think all parents can relate to the adventures of Wanda and Darryl McPherson and baby Zoe, no matter if they are new parents adjusting to life with baby, or those of us whose baby days are long over.
These comics, written by Jerry Scott and drawn by Rick Kirkman, include all those moments – playing possum so that your spouse will get up and get the baby, adjusting to breastfeeding, visiting the grandparents who instantly snatch the baby out of your hands, the mountains of baby equipment, diaper tabs that won’t stick, getting an uncool family car, the mixed feelings of packing away maternity clothes, and trying to take a family portrait.
There are rules for new fathers – don’t look happy about leaving for work until you are out of the house. And there are cue cards for husbands who need help remembering their lines “You look tired dear. Let me change me the baby this time”. And there are familiar songs with the words changed to reflect the adjustments of parenthood.
The books do make fun of all those moments, but they also show Darryl and Wanda enchanted by their baby, thrilled when she gets over colic but sad that she is growing up, and Wanda admiring Darryl’s soft spot as he holds their baby girl.
Baby Blues: This is Going to Be Tougher Than We Thought makes a great gift for any mom or dad. Or just pick up one for yourself and laugh in recognition. Also consider one of the later collections like “If I’m a Stay-At-Home Mom, Why Am I Always in the Car?” or “Guess Who Didn’t Tap a Nap?” or “Threats, Bribes, and Videotape”.
Also See:
If These Boobs Could Talk – Adrienne Hedger and Shannon Payette Seipat