Letters from a Pregnant Coward

In this collection of humorous letters to her parents, in-laws, siblings and friends, television scriptwriter Armor details the joys and terrors of her pregnancy, beginning with ""My first reaction was blind panic. Then I rememberedI'm married.'' The nine chapters correspond to the months of pregnancy. Month 5: ``Our book of Irish names arrived. . . . Which do you like best, Deasmhumhnach or Feidhlimidh?'' 6: ``The volleyball it looks like I swallowed is starting to look more like a basketball.'' 7: ``Not only am I obese, but my bellybutton arrives just about a half hour before I do.'' 8: ``There is no way this 300-pound baby is going to fit through my pencil-thin birth canal.'' 9: ``Can't believe I pulled this off.'' Although they will appeal most to expectant parents, some 80 letters cover more than the amusing anxieties of Armor's pregnancy. Entertaining observations span a wide range of topics (square dancing, television, childhood memories, freelance writing, friends and lost dogs), providing witty and intimate insights into Armor's life. (March)