Every
parent knows it: these years pass by in a flash, so it is
important to make memories with your children now and record
them for revisiting later. But we also know how hard it can
be to do that. If you're a diligent scrap booker, maybe you've
done a great job of documenting all those day-to-day and milestone
memories, but I suspect that's the exception rather than the
rule. So how can you keep a paper trail of your child's experiences
without losing your mind?
Let's
start with the basics. At birth, many parents send out a baby
announcement to relatives and friends. There are many options
out there for beautiful and fun announcements that you can
have professionally printed, with or without a photo. Make
it even easier on yourself: while you're still expecting,
visit your favorite stationery shop to browse the selections,
and pre-purchase your birth announcements so that all you
have to do is email your favorite picture and pertinent information.
Another
common purchase is a baby book. We all have good intentions,
but I'm guessing you're like me and you have a beautiful book
sitting in the bottom drawer, blank! A great low-maintenance
stepping stone to gathering all the information for your baby
book is an inexpensive sticker calendar. Whenever a 'first'
happens-first word, first tooth-you can record it quickly
and easily right there in your kitchen without feeling like
you have to get out the baby book, sit down and write neatly.
When you're ready, you'll have a full calendar with all of
those details.
Have
you adopted children? There are beautiful books available
for adoptive children of all ages, including pages titled
"while we waited for you" and "when you joined our family".
If
you have out-of-town grandparents or special friends, a great
way to keep in touch is with quarterly updates. Filled with
fun and quirky details, they can be a periodic check-in that
those far away will love to receive. Send it with a picture
and keep one for your baby book. 
Beyond
all of that important "baby data", also think about recording
your own thoughts and feelings for your child. My mom kept
written journals for me, and when I had children of my own
she gave it to me. It was a treasure, comparing my feelings
with hers at the same amazing time in her life. Consider purchasing
a special journal for your baby that you can have ready in
the hospital-or begin it even earlier. It's a great way to
take a step back from the daily grind and pass along those
broader hopes and dreams for your child.
Your
child's grandparents are also an important influence for your
children, and, let's face it, they probably have more time
than you do! Present them with a beautiful memory book tailored
for grandparents that ask about their lives, their childhood,
and their hopes, advice, and aspirations for their grandchild.
It will be a treasure for your kids to keep and pass down
to their own children.
So
yes, the time will pass by quickly. But rather than putting
pressure on yourself, enjoy this time; record your memories
and thoughts for your child at your own pace, and in your
own way.
