Beyond One: Growing a Family and Getting a Life

Part memoir, part survival guide, Hull's personal account of life with more than one child is a testament to an unsurprising reality: raising multiple children is tough. Disappointed by the advice in existing parenting books, journalist Hull took matters into her own hands, searching for answers to questions about how life might change with two. With honesty, humor and expert storytelling, Hull leads readers through the emotional landscape of modern family planning: the debates, doubts, disillusionment and drama of a dual-career couple trying to manage the self-imposed pressures of an expanding clan. While she offers some strategic gems, and the themes and questions posed are universal--loving two children, addressing one's own needs, working, fitting into jeans, feeling attractive, etc.--Hull leads a fortunate life that has allowed her to attain her dream ""that a second child would bring my family great joy."" An involved husband and a dedicated nanny help Hull raise her two daughters, which provides ample time for her to continue a career at home as a professional writer--facts that resurface often and may irritate rather than resonate with many families who struggle without a similar support structure. Nonetheless, if they're lucky enough to find the time, parents of more than one might enjoy a true tale of having it all, eventually, a little at a time.