40 weeks.

When you first learn you're expecting, you discover that instead of the oft-bandied "9 months" (approximately 36 weeks according to my layperson's calculations), the doctor-determined ideal duration for human gestation is actually 40 weeks. In my case, once we learned we were gestating not one, but two humans, instead of a seemingly logical increase in pregnancy length (we were cooking two buns, after all), SURPRISE! My babies' daddy and I were told to prepare for a truncated window of expectancy; that twins (or multiples of any number) can, and typically do, arrive "early."

Into book acquisition overdrive I went: Books on pregnancy. Books on twins. Books on prematurity. (By the way, anyone seeking recommendations for reading on any topic related to pregnancy and parenting, of multiples or otherwise, drop me a line -- Allie@PoshCravings.com. I'd be happy to offer some suggestions.)

One book that still stands out in my mind -- and is still on my nightstand -- is Ann Leary's An Innocent, a Broad. (Not to be too Renee Zellweger in Jerry Maguire, but she had me from the wordplay in the title!)

Written intimately -- as if she'd known each reader for years -- she tells with unabashed candor, laugh out loud humor and palpable emotion her experience in  pregnancy with -- and the premature delivery of -- her first-born child, Jack. The curve ball (as if premature labor weren't enough of a curveball), at not quite 6 months pregnant, Ann was spending (what started out to be) a relaxing, romantic weekend with her husband (comedian/actor Denis Leary) in ENGLAND when her water prematurely broke.

Rather than go on and on (and I could...it is truly one of my ten favorite books ever...of any variety), I'd encourage you to read it yourself. If you know a mama at risk for premature labor, or one on bedrest, check it out on their behalf. (For a great sampling of her writing style, personality and insight, check out her new blog; and there's a great interview with her over on ePregnancy.)

Now that my babes are here safe and sound, I'm thrilled that Ann's first novel Outtakes on a Marriage, is coming out in June. I've gone ahead and pre-ordered myself a little Mother's Day present!

[And no worries -- son Jack and his mom are both A-OK.]

So Eliza, Syd and Iz...what are some of your favorite books as late?
-Allie

PS - As if the fact that I love the way she writes isn't enough, Ann is going to blog about red carpet events and premieres. Eliza, you need to bookmark her blog now!