Baby Reflections Journal/MiniBook
One of the things I am hoping to do over the next few weeks after the new baby arrives is document some of those thoughts, feelings, emotions, and observations in a little journal/minibook. The concept is simple; putting it together is simple. In this case I wanted something that was smaller, that could go in a bag or sit on my bedside table, that was easy to grab and jot down my reflections.
Am I going to have another more traditional baby book? Maybe. Most likely I will just start doing some scrapbook pages that document the stories of her life that will go into a 12x12 album. I imagine that some of those stories may come from what gets written down within the pages of this journal.
I envision adding a few photos to this little book (photos glued back to back and added in as pages) and other pieces of "stuff" maybe from the hospital, tags from clothes, etc.
The inside follows a simple formula of printed journal cards and patterned papers. I have been holding on to these patterned papers from Anna Griffin for years and was so excited to finally put them to good use. They are some of my favorites.
The "A" stamp is from the See and Stamp Jumbo Uppercase Alphabet Stamps
set. Ink is Color Box/Hero Arts (it's the perfect little selection of six pinks).
The album I am using is a new three ring Memory Binder album from Heidi Swapp/Janet Hopkins that fits 5 inches x 7 inches pieces of paper and should be available in March. Here's a link to scrapbook.com where you can sign up for notification when it becomes available. It comes with a bunch of different pockets and pages and envelopes and such but I removed them for this particular project. I did leave two page protectors in the back as collection pockets.
The interior pages are a combination of patterned paper and "reflections" journal cards that are available for download through Designer Digitals. Simply open on your computer and print on white cardstock. What's cool about these cards is that they don't have to be used in a baby journal. The cards include the words: reflections, remember,
memories, moments, today, and together. Use them to document a new
life, one that has passed on, an adventure, your one little word, a
time of transition, daily thoughts, etc. So many possibilities.
The scalloped edges on the patterned paper were created using the Fiskars Threading Water Border Punch and the new Scallop Sentiment Border Punch (scallops without the holes). For the pages like you see above, I took two small strips of the patterned paper, adhered them back to back, used the border punch and then adhered it between two journal cards. These pages are a bit wider than 5 inches with the scallop border added.
Making Memories dimensional hearts "sweets" adhered with a glue dot. Perfectly simple.
Making Memories Trim + Heidi Swapp Heart Ghost Shape + Tim Holtz Trinket Pin
I repeated the basic foundation pattern and flow for each spread: metal-rimmed circle accent, plastic
"sweets" heart from Making Memories, and finally a piece of trim with
a heart and dangling accents.
"Exhibit A" stamp from Catslife Press.
Making Memories Trim + Jenni Bowlin Felt Heart + Making Memories Love Charm
And repeat again. I didn't do the patterned papers in any particular order - just adhered them to the backs of some of the journal cards.
I have no idea where that butterfly stamp is from anymore. Anyone?
Here's a look at it standing up:
I can't wait to begin filling it up. For now I am leaving the cover plain - maybe I will do something with it or I may just leave it as is. It is now tucked away in my hospital bag - ready and waiting for this next experience to begin.
Just Lovely! Can't imagine how you manage to get so much accomplished! Do you sleep?
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Beautiful, as always, Ali. I love how it's reminiscent of the December Daily...already finished, but adaptable. That takes so much of the stress away from the process. Looking forward to "meeting" your baby girl!
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So sweet, simple and beautiful!! You are going to cherish those thoughts some day!
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Ali, This is just simple & so beautiful! Wish I could have done this too. Your so creative & talented. Wish you tons of luck with your next experience :)
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As usual beautiful, simple, elegant. You are so talented. Love Love Love your stuff thanks for sharing and best wishes to you and your family. Can't wait to hear the happy news.
Annette
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Looks gorgeous!! What a great idea, your little one will love to look through it when she's older.
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This is simply amazing Ali! What an amazing book. I was just wondering, where did you get the antique key that you hung on the spine of the binder?
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Oh...just sooooooo beautiful!!!
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I love it!
I am way beyond my own babies, but a colleague of mine is expecting in April. I am going to make her one! My dilemma is that many of these online stores do not ship to Canada, and if they do, the cost of shipping is greater than the item itself! Bummer! I will have to search out another option for the binder. Wish me luck!
...and blessings to you as you begin a new journey in the next few days!
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Oh my goodness, this is so, so sweet! Such a wonderful project and yeah for you having it ready to fill! Your daughter is one lucky girl...enjoy your time together and your moments of reflection.
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Comments re: newborn, first week home.
1. Forget all the "have to do."
2. Just enjoy the baby, help Simeon feel comfortable and sleep when you can.
3. Do not feel guilty if you are sleeping when your Mom is around. She wants you to sleep and recharge.
4. Breastfeeding (if you decide to do it)does take practice, but can do wonderful things for baby immunity and maternal wellbeing. Don't be afraid to ask for help starting out. The disposable breast pads from Target (more expensive ones -Lansinoh)but your kind of product, totally worth it. Same for their lanolin ointment for initial soreness.
5. Write down poops /wet diapers / # mins breastfeeding per side or # ounces formula. When you are sleep deprived you forget what you did 20 min ago. Believe me.
6. Let your husband help with feedings. If you do the late night feeding 11 pm or 12, let him bring the baby to you at the 3 am or 4 feeding (if the baby sleeps that long). This way everyone gets almost 4 or more consecutive hrs of nighttime sleep. It really does help.
7. Don't forget things for regularity after delivery. You don't want to get stopped up at this point. Be proactive on this one.
8. Dring lots of water. Keep a pitcher on the counter and plan on drinking it all every day. That way you don't have to remember how many glasses you have had.
9. JC Penny nursing bras don't look that sexy but hold up pretty well, and they are easy to access. Oh - and if you do nurse the baby, a "boppy" really helps.
10. Every baby is different. All are a gift. Enjoy every minute you can - time goes fast.
Best wishes to you and your family!
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I wish you good luck for the birth!
Your journal things are so nice that I got interested in some scrapbook-matters.
May I ask how (with which medium) you adhere paper to paper, e.g. this patternd paper to the white cardstockpages. (you probably told 1000 times, sorry to ask, didn't find your recommandation for this simple task so far).
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Ali - very cute. I love the patterned papers.
I have a question for you: what do you do if you mess up while you are writing? Do you white it out? Cross it out? Not care? Care a lot? :)
Thanks and good luck on the next adventure!
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This is gorgeous! I particularly love the green, yellow, pink and orange paper (with the butterfly tag). The colors match my 3 year-old daughter's bedroom. Is that also by Anna Griffin? If not, do you know who the manufacturer is? Good luck in the next coming week! :)
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Beautiful! What an amazing way to preserve and share you thoughts and experiences with your new daughter.
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beautifull book!!
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I totally LOVE your baby book! You are an inspiration! All the best! =)
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absolutely GORGEOUS!!!
xoxo
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Ali, wish you the best for the delivery. My prayers are with you. Good luck.
Love your little album, but I think I love always your work :-)
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Ali, wish you the best for the delivery. My prayers are with you. Good luck.
Love your little album, but I think I love always your work :-)
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love the mini-album!!!
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The papers are really lovely, as well as the embellies, great journal!!
I can't wait to see your baby's face and know her name {heart}
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So simple & so perfect!!!
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It is so lovely!
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Simply beautiful!
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