I've been planning for months now to write a little essay about how much annoying advice I get whenever someone finds out that 1) I'm trying to get a book published, 2) I'm going to be a father soon, and/or 3) I vote.

As you can see, however, I haven't gotten around to it yet. And, while some people have been so passionate about their advice ("You have to do such and such...") that I'm inclined to tell them to buzz off, most of the advice has been well intentioned and not overly dogmatic.

Got a great piece of advice today, though, about the upcoming arrival. Said a good friend who recently became a mom: for the first couple of weeks after the baby is born, don't let anyone come over to visit unless they bring something. And most especially, grant no one baby-holding privileges if they didn't bring food. Since, for the first couple of weeks, the new parents will not have much opportunity to step out of the house, it is most helpful if others bring what you need to you.

I like it. Good advice that allows me to act in a silly and autocratic fashion and *justifies* it! :-)