ALL THE FIRSTS

Almost all moms and dads get that first year baby book as a present at their baby shower. The one where you document all the first times of everything. There is a place for pictures, the first haircut, which even has a spot for that first lock of hair. These books are wonderful to go back and look through, remembering all the firsts. And where did the time go...?

The second book of firsts for my first born

All the extra things I collected stuffed into the pages of the book of firsts

At the end of that first year, I decided to continue this baby book throughout my girls' lives. I went to the store and bought a few blank journals. I started just after the end of their first year and began writing a new journal every month. I kept them in a spot that was safe, but where I would be reminded that they were there and to write in them. Each time I wrote, I dated the page. I wrote whatever they were doing in their life at that time. I wrote in a positive, fun way, but once in a while, if something occurred that was sad, I included it.

A look inside the pages of the second book of firsts and a picture my first born drew

I also stored their important school items and certificates folded into the pages of these books. As the book filled, I labeled its back the year and a number depending on how many I had written in that year. Then I wrapped them in a bag and put them away in their baby storage box. They are now grown adults and I still keep a journal for each of them.

As my girls have aged and time has flown, I haven't gotten the chance to write in them as much as I wish, but I still do make it a point, every few months or so. One day they will be able to go back and recount their entire childhood. It was easy to do, giving simple memories and will be fun for generations to follow. For me this is priceless.