Hi-larious. Seriously, this is the funniest thing I've read in a long time. Betsy Howie is closer than she's like to be to forty and realizing that the baby issue (will I? won't I?) has be answered: she will. It's said that it costs approximately $190,000.00 to raise a child from birth to age 18 and Howie is going to find out if that's true or not. Literally. She begins Callie's Tally, a listing of every expense that can be attributed to her child...and bills her for it. Yup, Callie's not even born yet and she's already in debt. And it only gets worse from there. Howie provides detailed explanations for the charges and each is assigned a category (i.e. 1 Pampers Original - Sanitation). She debates some of the charges and provides reasoning for why she did or not bill Callie for the expense. It turns out that there are tons of billable items and Howie gets creative--weight watchers fees. The invoice from the lawyer for creating a will. The ultra-adorable clothes Howie buys for friends' children as gifts from Callie(all the while knowing that the outfit will make its way back to Callie eventually). But the book isn't just about Callie's tab; it's about the first year in the life of a new mother. It's about her exhaustion and fear. Joy and exhaustion. Guilt...and exhaustion. She talks candidly about her feelings, always with humor and wit.

I loved this book. It's funny and endearing and honest. I fully intend to bill my future child in the same manner (and btw--that ultra adorable diaper bag that I lusted after ever since I saw it despite the fact that I am neither currently pregnant, nor planning to get knocked up any time soon and then found for 75% off? first debt). Even now I am seeing my bank statement and receipts in a new light: Food Lion--$7.09--Dr. Pepper: Sanity. The Gap--$47.98--Jeans: fat clothes for the all the weight I've gained recently. Best Buy--$31.47--Wii game: entertainment to keep mind off broken heart. Of course now that I look over these recent expenditures, I realize that I should actually be billing my ex-boyfriend since all can be attributed to him in some way. Excuse me while I prepare his invoice...

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There are several laugh out loud funny parts in this book.. the first 50 or so pages in my opinion are pretty slow but it picks up quickly and ends up being a great read! Not sure I agree with her "charging" her child but I think it's more of just the point of how much it costs to actually raise a child during their first year of life! Would recommend to all moms and moms to be!!

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This is a really funny read that is great for all moms or moms to be.

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Interesting read, but I didn't think it was as funny as the author thought it was. Mildly humorous and scary for a mom-to-be.

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I thought this was a fun and light read. It shows the emotions and thoughts of a mother during the shock and awe of the first year.

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This book is great for all new moms. My sister recommended this book to me. I have a nine month old son and this book is so true! It brings all the ups and downs of the first year to light and helps you to see it in a new and funny way.

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This is an adorable tale of a mother-to-be, and the end results. So true and funny as heck. I was going to give it to my daughter who has an 18 month old, but decided she didn't have any time to read it, and besides, it would get her too depressed if she knew how much the child cost her for just the first year......it's a quick read, and very amusing

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