The first year of Elle’s life was joyful and exciting. It was hard and scary. It was fun and exhausting (perhaps the understatement of a lifetime). I was given the advice to write something down every day because the time would pass so quickly that I might blink and forget it all. I heeded the advice for about a month and, as promised, much of the day-to-day that got us from February 2016 to February 2017 has vanished from my mind.
There are certain ways, however, that I’ve found to preserve the memories from Elle’s first year. These mementos, small as they may seem, are pieces that I look at to trigger the feelings of those first days. I thought I’d share my ideas in case you’d like to borrow them for yourself!
FRAME THE CALENDAR FROM THE MONTH THEY WERE BORN
I love stationery, so this idea came to me because I couldn’t bear the thought of throwing away such a lovely piece of paper with Elle’s actual birthdate on it. If you wanted, you could circle the date with a heart or write a note to your child on the back of the card (something I wish I’d thought to do!). I’m envisioning this memento living on Elle’s nightstand or makeup table when she’s older. For now, it’s hanging in my office.
PICK A PRETTY BABY BOOK
I scoured the internet to find the perfect book for us, and simply love the one we ended up with. Its design is modern and clean, it asks just the right amount of questions (read: not intimidating) and it’s made by a small business (love shopping small, when possible).
CHOOSE A PRAYER AND READ IT EACH BIRTHDAY
We had a baby naming ceremony for Elle when she was three months old, and Michael and I read a special prayer, chosen for the occasion. For Father’s Day I had the prayer written in calligraphy and framed. I love the idea of reading this prayer to Elle each year on her birthday as a special family tradition.
What are your favorite mementos or keepsakes from your baby’s first year or from your own life?
Favorite First Year Mementos
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