Today I want to talk about a different kind of preservation. Yesterday I was thinking about how quickly my baby is growing up. He’s three months old already, and while I love all the ways that he’s changing and interacting with us I miss his newborn days. There is something so special about those first few days when you’re learning all about this new little person. I’ll never forget discovering my baby’s dimples just minutes after he was born. Now we get to see those dimples a lot because he’s such a happy, smiley baby.
I know that three months from now when he’s getting more mobile and can entertain himself just a wee bit I’ll be missing things about what he was like at three months. Right now he’s still small enough that when I go for walks he faces me in his wrap and I love looking down at his little chubby face. Soon – way too soon – he’ll be big enough for the backpack. Somehow in the blink of an eye they go from cuddling in your arms to being taller than you with feet that are size 12!
I remember sensations and smells but not sights as well. How do you remember what your baby looked like? How chubby or lanky he was? How much or little hair he had? With pictures! But those pictures are no good if you take them and then they just get kept in a box somewhere or on your computer’s hard drive. They have to be out where you can see them – to remember, to marvel at the change, to be thankful for all you’ve had with that child.
I used to put all my pictures into photo albums. I had absolutely no interest in scrapbooking. That is not for me. I don’t have the time or creativity for it. But then I discovered Creative Memories PicFolio albums! These things are fantastic. They were made for people like me. You just slide your pictures into the pockets – no scrapbooking skills necessary – but your pictures are safe. I did discover that I do enjoy doing a little bit of embellishing and journalling but I don’t have to if I don’t want to.
I think the journalling is important. My children love to look at our albums now and read what I have to say about them. They’re the heroes and heroines of these stories! So don’t just put your pictures in a box waiting to someday get around to books or store them on your computer. Get them out, show them off and write about the memories so they won’t be forgotten. Like the time we picked 65 pounds of strawberries in one hour! Who could remember that statistic without some help. Or the silly times when your toddler played peek-a-boo with you using a box on his head. Or the sweet times when your oldest daughter cuddled your youngest to sleep when he had a cold.
Pictures are wonderful and tell fantastic stories don’t let yours stay silent. Check out the Creative Memories web site they will have something to help you get started…http://www.creativememories.com/user/georgel I do not get anything from you visiting or buying from this site, but if you do I will be so happy that you started preserving your memories. You won’t regret it.
linked to: Made By You Monday
Intentional Simplicity 
Lovely post, Jen.
I can completely relate to this–as our baby just hot 9 weeks and he’s changed SO much. Funny thing, knowing you’ve got 8 and we have 12, you never lose that fascination with the individuality of the little soul you receive.
Love that about life. Love how each cry, each giggle, each dimple (smile) is special. Even if you’ve seen it in another baby.
What an awesome way to experience the world, don’t you think?
Enjoy every moment, my friend. Oh, and make sure you give them something to come back to. A reason to always leave a piece of their hearts with you. Now that a few of our children are married and gone, creating that bond as they were growing up has been one of the greatest blessing so of my life.
They come to visit often…and they bring their own tribes now =)
Have a blessed weekend!
Jaime Buckley
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I agree with you, Jaime. Having babies never gets old. It’s amazing how many unique personalities can come from two parents.
I just realized the other day that my oldest daughter is getting to the age I was when I suddenly realized my mom was not only my mom but also a great friend. I think my daughter and I are crossing into that territory and it is special.
I look forward to having my children come home with all the little ones they are blessed with. I just never knew I would love being a mom so much. I knew I would love it, I just had no idea to what extent.
I love that you have 12. I know so few people with lots of children. I’d love to be able to sit down with your wife. It would be so lovely to talk to a mom who knows what it’s like to have more than a few.
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Well Jen, you’re always welcome over at my camp at wantedhero =)
Maybe I can convince my sweetie one of these days to write a post.
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That’d be great if she would.
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first thing – your little guy is gorgeous! it’s been quite a long time since I cuddled such a little one of my own, but we’ll be welcoming a new grandbaby soon!
loved your simple reminders to take time to preserve those simple yet oh so special memories. I have creative memory scrapbooks for my oldest children, but have not kept up for my youngest ones. I’ll have to look at the quick and easy options they now have. Thank you!
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That little guy is two now. I need a new one to snuggle. 🙂 Enjoy that new grandbaby.
Creative Memories has gone through some changes. For a while they had totally done away with the PicFolios. It’s in the works though to reintroduce them. So, check out their site because they’ll be back soon. I love them.
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