What do you think?
Rate this book
Welcome to the Club: 100 Parenting Milestones You Never Saw Coming
From the comedian behind the popular parenting blog The Ugly Volvo comes a refreshing spin on the baby milestone book. Instead of a place to lovingly capture the first time baby sleeps through the night, this book shows what it's like the first time baby rolls off the bed/sofa/changing table, leaving mom or dad in a state of pure terror (it happens). These 100 rarely documented but all-too-realistic milestones—such as "First Time Baby Says a Word You Didn't Want Her to Say"—provide comfort, solidarity, and comic relief for new parents. Laugh-out-loud relatable text and distinctive paper-cut illustrations of these "bad" parenting moments make this a must-have book for anyone entering the mysterious club of parenthood.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published September 20, 2016
34 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 13, 2021
This is a book hitting at exactly the right spot just now. I've loved her work on the Ugly Volvo blog, and when I saw she had a parenting milestones book I wanted to read it, but it surprised me nevertheless. I knew it would make me laugh, because her work always makes me laugh (I especially like her blogpost "why you should never ever get a tattoo, but having a baby is fine") but I did not expect to have the tender moments be so tender. Maybe this means I have always been underestimating the base of human connection which seem like something deep in comedy--D'Apice makes me laugh because she points my attention to unnoticed things we share, and sometimes that shared attention can be to a realization which makes me laugh (the whole book is of milestones you didn't see coming) but just as often that attention can be towards something that makes me want to cry. Her milestone "First Time You Realize That a Specific Version of your Child is Gone Forever" hit hard because it's something I've been struggling to articulate myself. I also loved it because any writing about "milestones" is writing about how a child is changing, and how you and your love for that child must change to fit the person they're becoming.
October 3, 2016
This is the, hands down, funniest parenting book I have ever read, and I read a lot of parental humor books to keep me sane! I first found Raquel through her Ugly Volvo blog, and her posts had me snorting with laughter.
The book does the same and more, to the extend that my 8 year old kept asking "What's so funny, Mom?"
I have bought this book already for one friend and can't wait to buy it for every mom I know! Seriously, get his book right now.
The book does the same and more, to the extend that my 8 year old kept asking "What's so funny, Mom?"
I have bought this book already for one friend and can't wait to buy it for every mom I know! Seriously, get his book right now.
September 12, 2020
Erg leuk, regelmatig hardop gelachen! Precies wat ik op dit moment aan kan qua lezen: korte stukjes en niet te moeilijk.
October 21, 2016
I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
I thought this book was funny, charming and realistic. The voice is literate, and the style is Internet Informal, which I find welcoming.
I smiled a bunch of times; my wife, on the other hand, laughed so hard I thought she might hurt herself.
I thought this book was funny, charming and realistic. The voice is literate, and the style is Internet Informal, which I find welcoming.
I smiled a bunch of times; my wife, on the other hand, laughed so hard I thought she might hurt herself.
December 6, 2016
One hundred firsts for new parents, written with humorous "I've been there; you won't believe it" irony. Stylish illustrations depict moms and dads in all the joyful and hellish situations that are hard to fathom unless experienced in person. These experiences are channeled and described in laugh-out-loud deadpan.
February 28, 2019
I received this book as a baby shower gift last summer. I tried to read it a little while after having my son, and it was not funny for me. Instead it played into whatever exhaustion or worries I was having at the time. Now six months in, I found myself laughing out loud at D'Apice depictions of parenthood. The book is honest and filled with the type of dry wit essential for getting through the bliss of baby smiles alongside diaper blowouts in public places. Totally fun and an instant parenting classic--
Happy reading and good luck with your baby waking up at 4am ready to start the day...oh wait, that's my little guy. :)
(Book 19 - 2019)
Happy reading and good luck with your baby waking up at 4am ready to start the day...oh wait, that's my little guy. :)
(Book 19 - 2019)
December 15, 2020
Funny, but the humor feels really forced with the same exaggerated tone with each snippet. Would’ve worked better if it was longer with more room between the comparisons, or if it stayed in blog form where I read these spaced out instead of a book I sat down to read all of. That said there were a few parts I genuinely laughed out loud at and some that really tug at your heartstrings! Effective as a little pick me up or stocking stuffer.
I did find it surprising that every single person in the illustrations was white presenting, which was a bit of a bummer.
I did find it surprising that every single person in the illustrations was white presenting, which was a bit of a bummer.
November 12, 2022
Very relatable, and equal parts hilarious and touching! I got this as a gift, which I'm super grateful for since I likely never would have bothered to read it otherwise (never heard of the writer or her blog before this).
If you're wondering, "How much stuff do I need to bring if I'm out with a baby for forty minutes?" the answer is "Only slightly less than someone traveling the Oregon Trail." A good rule of thumb is to bring everything you need to survive for 4 to 6 months in the wilderness for each hour spent outside the house.
If you're wondering, "How much stuff do I need to bring if I'm out with a baby for forty minutes?" the answer is "Only slightly less than someone traveling the Oregon Trail." A good rule of thumb is to bring everything you need to survive for 4 to 6 months in the wilderness for each hour spent outside the house.
November 10, 2018
I really connected with this book. I was literally laughing and tearing up as I read is. The conceit of the "milestones" is funny but inside the descriptions is a very relatable description of what being a parent is truly like.
I also found this book really helpful in knowing that I am not the only crazy parent who, for example, felt compelled to check if the baby was breathing in the middle of the night.
I also found this book really helpful in knowing that I am not the only crazy parent who, for example, felt compelled to check if the baby was breathing in the middle of the night.
January 17, 2021
I've read far too many parenting books in the past decade, but this one hits the nail on the head when it comes to being painfully, hilariously accurate.
Educate yourself on all the do's and don'ts you want, one boring and repetitive parenthood manual at a time, if you so please; but this book will prepare you for reality. That reality will involve your child finger painting with feces on the wall one day.
Educate yourself on all the do's and don'ts you want, one boring and repetitive parenthood manual at a time, if you so please; but this book will prepare you for reality. That reality will involve your child finger painting with feces on the wall one day.
August 16, 2019
I LOVE THIS BOOK
Smart, hilarious, insightful, inclusive. I feel like any parent would get a kick out of this. And not least, even formatted for her audience. Most chapters were the length of 1-2 pages on my phone. It made me feel good to both laugh aloud on a regular basis, and 11 months after my first child was born, finally finish a book! (As a plus, the illustrations were really cute, too!)
Smart, hilarious, insightful, inclusive. I feel like any parent would get a kick out of this. And not least, even formatted for her audience. Most chapters were the length of 1-2 pages on my phone. It made me feel good to both laugh aloud on a regular basis, and 11 months after my first child was born, finally finish a book! (As a plus, the illustrations were really cute, too!)
March 12, 2022
Great little funny book, that's all about making you understand how all the stuff that make you feel bad as a parent are just what everyone goes through, and written with some truly hilarious jokes. Great gift for new parents! Was even funnier once I read it again after having my second child and could relate even more.
August 23, 2018
Got some good laughs out of this. Check out the blog to see if the sense of humor appeals or offends. Probably a good baby shower gift, for something to pull out while being the primary caregiver for a baby and wanting to feel less alone in the hilariously gross reality of it.
March 1, 2020
Cute, funny and relatable.
I wish that I would have had this book from Day 1. It helped to further normalize a lot of things I used to worry about. It got a lot of laughs out of me in it's honest, raw and judgement free "firsts". If you're a new parent, I highly recommend.
I wish that I would have had this book from Day 1. It helped to further normalize a lot of things I used to worry about. It got a lot of laughs out of me in it's honest, raw and judgement free "firsts". If you're a new parent, I highly recommend.
August 22, 2020
An entertaining and honest look at some of the amusing, challenging, and heartwarming/breaking parts of new parenthood. I appreciated the format of the book with short segments that were conducive to read while actually being a new parent with limited time.
February 12, 2021
My husband and I loved slowly making our way through this cheeky milestone book when our first baby was born. I never would have picked it up myself, which is why I think it makes such a thoughtful gift for new parents. Everything is relatable, hilariously so.
October 30, 2024
Hilarious and extremely relatable. Someone gifted this to me when my baby was 1-2 months old and I had zero capacity to even open the book. I finally read this at around 6 months, which I think is a good time because much of the “worst” is past and I can now laugh at my past self!
December 13, 2016
The author of the blog The Ugly Volvo describes early parenthood in all its disgusting, surprising, tender glory. Laugh-out-loud funny, perfect for new parents.
September 7, 2017
Chapter 99, though.
Funny, truthful, and heartfelt. This book was a total success, indubitably.
Funny, truthful, and heartfelt. This book was a total success, indubitably.
April 6, 2018
This might become a de-facto baby shower gift.
July 18, 2018
It was enjoyable. Reading this book and her blog as well keeps one sane when all is not as advertised in movies and commercials.
January 23, 2019
Amusing book where the author takes things happening to you (e.g. lack of sleep, baby vomit, playing at the park) and turns them into amusing "milestones."
Not amazing, but worth a chuckle.
Not amazing, but worth a chuckle.
January 23, 2019
Lovely book!
Really enjoyed reading this one! It is funny, realistic and touching at the same time. Totally recommend it to any new mom and dad.
Really enjoyed reading this one! It is funny, realistic and touching at the same time. Totally recommend it to any new mom and dad.
September 18, 2019
Hilarious!
February 25, 2020
The cathartic read you need after trying to get your child to go to sleep for the last three hours. It is SPOT ON.
February 27, 2020
Serious laugh out loud
August 15, 2021
Absolutely, brilliantly, irreverently hilarious.
November 18, 2022
Super quick read, but twice I laughed so hard I cried. I also took screenshots to share with a friend.
October 10, 2023
I laughed, I cried!
October 18, 2016
Welcome to the Club
By: Raquel D'Apice
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
There is a sense in today's world that good parenting means "perfect" parenting. We strive hard to do everything just right. Our goal is to raise children who will change the world and still exhibit impeccable manners. We hide our mistakes from our friends (aka - card carrying members of the "mommy patrol"). Really, raising a child is a daunting responsibility because there are so many things that can go wrong. You accidentally tip your child out of their baby buggy, your dear but naive husband lets your small child toddle up a marble stairway by herself, you forget to bring baby wipes to the symphony and mayhem ensues. Yes, all of these things and more have happened to me. My mother-in-law still hasn't forgiven me for accidentally pinching my child's small, pudgy arm in her car seat snap, Most of us (whether we admit it or not) mess up in small and major ways on a regular basis. That's why thIs book is such a relief. You are not alone and no, you are not a bad person. You are a parent. Welcome to the club.
This book is laugh out loud funny. I read this while my daughter was at swim team - two hours of intense training for her and the one time during the day that I get to sit down and just read without guilt . Yes, I love being a swim mom. Anyway, this whole book is written in a relatable, chatty style voice. Part of what makes this tome funny is the relief you feel at reading that someone else has experienced the same not great parenting moment. These are things I would never admit to another mom. For instance, section 25 is about the first time your child puts something disgusting in their mouth. I will never forget the day I discovered my own little peanut in the pantry noshing on those little bone-shaped dog biscuits. She tells me she still remembers the taste of those things. She's an only child and our dog is sort of her sibling. Apparently, the injustice of the dog receiving those treats and not her was just too galling. Please no comments about how I should have locked the pantry door. Anyway, what a relief to discover that this is very common - not just me at all!
Author:
I checked out Ms. D'Apice's blog (theuglyvolvo.com) and it is just as endearing as this book. It is a lovely mixture of funny snarkiness and heart-breaking pathos. Really worth following
Pictures/ Layout
The book is adorable. They made it look like your traditional baby book. There are rounded edges and the illustrations and section numbers are all in soft baby pastels. There are gorgeous end papers covered in baby bottles. The illustrations, at first glance, look like traditional baby book pictures. A closer inspection, however, reveal the more subversive humor of the book. For instance, in section 70 we see a mom playing peek-a-boo with her baby. A closer look reveals a tour guide explaining to some innocent camera toting tourist about the details of this particular circle of hell.
Overall:
This book (and her blog too) are just what the world of parenting needs.
P.S.
Ideas for the next volume:
1. Foreign objects inserted into body cavities. My story involves the dog (of course) and a very special magic act. I know I can't be the only one with a good story in this category. Right?
2. The first time your child's intelligence level finally exceeds the dog's understanding. Quite a red letter day for your little one (not so much for the dog).
By: Raquel D'Apice
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
There is a sense in today's world that good parenting means "perfect" parenting. We strive hard to do everything just right. Our goal is to raise children who will change the world and still exhibit impeccable manners. We hide our mistakes from our friends (aka - card carrying members of the "mommy patrol"). Really, raising a child is a daunting responsibility because there are so many things that can go wrong. You accidentally tip your child out of their baby buggy, your dear but naive husband lets your small child toddle up a marble stairway by herself, you forget to bring baby wipes to the symphony and mayhem ensues. Yes, all of these things and more have happened to me. My mother-in-law still hasn't forgiven me for accidentally pinching my child's small, pudgy arm in her car seat snap, Most of us (whether we admit it or not) mess up in small and major ways on a regular basis. That's why thIs book is such a relief. You are not alone and no, you are not a bad person. You are a parent. Welcome to the club.
This book is laugh out loud funny. I read this while my daughter was at swim team - two hours of intense training for her and the one time during the day that I get to sit down and just read without guilt . Yes, I love being a swim mom. Anyway, this whole book is written in a relatable, chatty style voice. Part of what makes this tome funny is the relief you feel at reading that someone else has experienced the same not great parenting moment. These are things I would never admit to another mom. For instance, section 25 is about the first time your child puts something disgusting in their mouth. I will never forget the day I discovered my own little peanut in the pantry noshing on those little bone-shaped dog biscuits. She tells me she still remembers the taste of those things. She's an only child and our dog is sort of her sibling. Apparently, the injustice of the dog receiving those treats and not her was just too galling. Please no comments about how I should have locked the pantry door. Anyway, what a relief to discover that this is very common - not just me at all!
Author:
I checked out Ms. D'Apice's blog (theuglyvolvo.com) and it is just as endearing as this book. It is a lovely mixture of funny snarkiness and heart-breaking pathos. Really worth following
Pictures/ Layout
The book is adorable. They made it look like your traditional baby book. There are rounded edges and the illustrations and section numbers are all in soft baby pastels. There are gorgeous end papers covered in baby bottles. The illustrations, at first glance, look like traditional baby book pictures. A closer inspection, however, reveal the more subversive humor of the book. For instance, in section 70 we see a mom playing peek-a-boo with her baby. A closer look reveals a tour guide explaining to some innocent camera toting tourist about the details of this particular circle of hell.
Overall:
This book (and her blog too) are just what the world of parenting needs.
P.S.
Ideas for the next volume:
1. Foreign objects inserted into body cavities. My story involves the dog (of course) and a very special magic act. I know I can't be the only one with a good story in this category. Right?
2. The first time your child's intelligence level finally exceeds the dog's understanding. Quite a red letter day for your little one (not so much for the dog).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews