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5 Simple Alternatives to Baby Books That Won’t Stress You Out By Pam Moore
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A s a kid, I would flip through my baby book, hoping my mom had filled in some of the blanks while I was sleeping or at school. But every time I took the book off its shelf, I saw the same barren pages between the faded pale yellow covers. Listed were the date and time of my birth, my birth weight, a lock of hair from my first haircut... and that was all. I promised myself that if I ever became a parent, I wouldn’t start a baby book if I couldn’t commit to the project. As an adult, I know that I’m amazing at starting projects. But finishing them? Not so much. This is why I’ve never owned a baby book. It turns out, I’m not alone. In the age of the smartphone, many parents are finding the traditional baby book just doesn’t make sense. That doesn’t mean those of us who are sans baby books aren’t capturing the important moments. There
2. Type them up and send them off.
are plenty of ways to hold onto the milestones, the mispronunciations that are too cute to correct, and everything in between–while letting go of the pressure to fill in the blanks. 1. Write them down. Instead of baby books, I have a blank, lined journal for each of my two daughters. When I feel inclined to record a precious moment, I simply open the book and write it down. There is no schedule, so I never feel like I’m “behind.” Each entry is dated. Some are briefer than others. Some note milestones like the first step or the first three-word sentence. Others capture funny conversations or serve as a brain-dump of every word they pronounce incorrectly. Sometimes I’m just saying, “I love you.” I plan to give each girl her book when she’s an adult… but not before photocopying one for myself.
You’re never too young for an email address. At least that’s what dad Joe Meyers thinks. When his son Aden was still in the womb, Meyers set up an email account for him. Since then Meyers and his wife have been sending three-year-old Aden all kinds of emails, ranging from medical records and party invitations to notes regarding milestones, including his first dessert (mocha ice cream). This will be the fourth consecutive year the Meyers are requesting family and friends send emails in lieu of birthday cards. 3. Box them up. Boxing memories means no pages to put in order or blanks to complete, and you can include anything you want. Best of all, a memory box serves as an actual treasure chest. At her daughter’s birthday parties, mom Tangela Walker-Craft has each
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