Those months leading up to having a baby can be glorious. Sure, your body's changing into something you no longer recognize, you have some physical aches and pains, and begin waking frequently at night. But having everyone doting on you, going shopping for the baby and having lunch with your girlfriends is just a fabulous high. Plus, you've got parties to go to, showers hosted in your honor - and you're simply glowing, so you look fabulous. Being prego is fun!

Yet after the social whirlwind that can accompany pregnancy, having a new baby can feel very isolating. Once you come home from the hospital, friends and family drop by to help out, but it seems you're at home for l-o-o-o-n-g stretches of time with just your new little bundle. What's a new mom to do?

The Rookie Mom's Handbook: 250 Activities to Do with (and Without!) Your Baby has some great ideas. The authors, Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss, are moms themselves and have been there. They know firsthand what it's going to take to help you feel confident to get out of the house with baby and enjoy some of the activities you once enjoyed before motherhood. They offer moms encouragement to take some "ME" time - something that doesn't come naturally (or easily) for new moms. Knowing the physical and mental drain that comes with being responsible for another human being, Heather and Whitney offer some realistic suggestions to get you out of the house and reconnecting with your former self in no time. After all, you're not just a mom - you're a person, too!

The Rookie Mom's Handbook was written to inspire new moms, and to help them stay sane as they navigate the world of motherhood. Whitney and Heather want to see new moms reconnect with friends, their husbands and themselves, and being their best selves. It helps make that first year of motherhood a little less daunting. I highly recommend The Rookie Mom's Handbook to any new moms, and it makes a perfect shower gift for your expectant friends (whether first time moms or not).

Check out more suggestions on their site, Rookie Moms. Whether you're a new mom, or a seasoned one, you'll enjoy their writing and may find some ideas to inspire you, whatever stage you're in!

We reviewed Rookie Moms for Parent Bloggers Network.