Life as a New Mom: Banishing the Baby Book

I was looking through my daughter's baby book a few weeks ago and realized it was abysmally empty. I'd filled out the first part during my bedrest/house arrest/ pre-eclampsia struggle, but since Dolores' arrival, I'd hardly filled out a single page. I felt like the worst mother ever, but then it hit me--I don't need the baby book.

For years, moms have filled out the traditional baby book for their little ones. It was a journal of a child's first year with notes about milestones and photos and other mementos. I was given a baby book at my shower and had every intention of completing it for Dolores. It would be a keepsake for me and for her.

But then reality hit: babies keep you BUSY. I'm always on the go--chasing after Dolly, feeding her, changing her, playing games with her. I didn't have time to write in a baby book. I felt guilty about it, so guilty about it, but then...

I looked at the gallery on my smartphone (I have a Galaxy S3, which I LOVE, BTW). It was filled with photos and videos. I had an idea--I'd make a 21st century baby book.

I started a blog for my daughter. I call it "Hello, Dodo!" I use Tumblr, which is a free blogging platform. It has an app for my phone, so I can take a picture, add a few notes and instantly upload them to the blog. It's easy, and it's something of which I am proud.

I write notes to Dolly. I tell her how I felt when she hit special milestones. I share my favorite memories with her as well as pictures and videos. It's my hope that one day, she'll be able to look at the blog I have created for her and know just how much her mommy loves her.

It may not be a traditional baby book, but it means so much to me.

Sidenote: the pictures in this post are from Dolores' nine-month photos with the super-awesome David Smith of DSmithImages. David did our first set of family portraits last year, and we loved his work so much that we had to hire him again. I think our latest set of portraits are absolutely perfect and if you need portraits for your family, your children, or your wedding or event, give David a call.