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The New Parent's Guide to Saving
Memorabilia
by Brandie Valenzuela
A few years ago, I met some ladies at a friend's baby shower and at one
point they discussed the items that they had saved from the little ones
early years. It was an interesting conversation, but the more I
listened, I found myself feeling a little sad because I had not saved
many of the things they mentioned -- like my baby's Band-Aid from her
first immunization. Well, now that my little ones are 8 and 10 years
old, I have come to grips with the fact that I didn't save as much as I
wished I had, but I really didn't do that bad of a job! I also know that
I have many years left to save those special memories of the times to
come! One thing is for sure, there are bits and pieces of memorabilia
all around, you just have to know what you are looking for.
I think the most interesting baby books and scrapbooks have some
memorabilia in it. I personally have a big box for each of my children,
which I have kept those other important items that just won't fit in the
baby book or scrapbook.
Below are some ideas to get you thinking of things that you might like
to consider keeping. This list, of course, is just a guide. There may be
things on this list that you personally don't find to have a real
attachment to or items that you think might be missing. Saving
memorabilia is an extremely personal endeavor, and what one person
considers trash, another might see it as a future window to the past.
MEMORABILIA TO SAVE
THE BABY
Band-Aid from his first immunization
Lock of hair (from first hair cut)
Label from first jar of baby food
Pair of baby booties
Receiving blanket, blessing outfit, christening gown, etc.
Outfit worn home from the hospital
Cards (birthday, Christmas, birth announcement, etc.)
Baby Shower invitation
Gift list from baby shower
Plate, cup, and napkin from baby shower
Something from a game played at baby shower
Pacifier
Diaper from first package
Dried umbilical cord piece
Anything from day of birth - hospital bracelets, bassinets ID cards,
mom's menu, newspaper clippings, hospital or birthing center bill, cover
off of TV Guide. Did Dad sneak Mom a treat? Save the wrapper.
If saving newspaper of the days the baby was born, stamp baby's
footprints in black ink on the front of the paper.
First movie or sporting event stub
Ultrasound pictures
Diary of mom's OB visits (weights, etc.)
Hospital mask or piece of hospital gown that dad wore
Grocery and/or gas receipt from first week or month baby was born
Piece of wrapping paper from baby shower gifts
Copy of your rental agreement or mortgage papers
First rattle or toy
GETTING OLDER
First tooth your child loses
School art and papers
Awards and certificates
Pictures they draw
First attempts at writing letters and numbers
Sticker from first dental visit
First fast food fry bag, hamburger wrapper, or kid's meal box.
Anything from child's first day of school -- first lunch menu, teacher's
welcome letter, etc.
Attend preschool? Keep a copy of the preschools brochure or business
card
Something from their first bank account or paying job
OTHER GREAT THINGS TO KEEP THROUGHOUT ALL THE YEARS
Postcards from places visited
Nature - leaves, flowers, sand/dirt (place in a baggie), shells, sticks,
etc. from trips
Piece of wrapping paper (baptism, birthday's, Christmas, etc.)
Favorite family recipes
Lyrics to favorite songs child enjoys
Buy one new Christmas ornament each year for your child (give all to
child when he/she gets married or moves out on their own)
About the author
Brandie is a busy wife and homeschooling mom to three children in
Victorville, CA. She is a scrapbook product designer for
http://www.pagesoftheheart.com/elemental , as well as a scrapbook
teacher at Starlite Expressions, a scrapbook store in her hometown.
Brandie is also honored to be member of the Pages of the Heart Design
Team at
http://www.pagesoftheheart.net
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