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Capturing Development
Thursday, February 25, 2010 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Time flies when you are having fun. It also flies when you are a sleep deprived new mama who is busy taking care of a baby. Parenthood is quite a ride.
As I recently mentioned, my munchkin just celebrated her 3rd birthday. I still can't believe it. Three years? Seriously? Wow. It feels like I've just blinked. How could so much time have gone by? This picture was taken the day she turned one month old.
How do you capture the magic of this journey? There are a lot of ways you can do it. Many of them cost too much money and time. There are a few that are cheap and easy. Don't let too much time slip by.
Capture it:
- Photos. Take one photo of your child on their monthly birthday, especially during their first year. You'll be amazed at the changes you witness (and preserve) from month to month. At the end of the year, buy a simple frame (your local craft store is a good bet to find one) and put all 12 photos together. Ta-da.
- Journal or simply take notes. Grab a notebook and write down the random thoughts of the moment. Even if time is short and you don't even complete the sentence, it's amazing what you can document. These notes can also be what you are looking for the next time you are going to see your pediatrician and are trying to remember those questions you meant to ask.
- Paint. A baby's creations are a wonderful way to celebrate the moment. Your first painting may include finger smears across the page. Another painting may include the moment when your baby obtained the fine motor skills to hold onto a paint brush. These works of art will be cherished for years to come. They also make great conversation pieces when displayed in your home!Remember to take a quick snap shot of your child engaged in the creation process.
- Measure. Each year (perhaps on their birthday), don't forget to make that pencil mark on the wall which notes the height of your child.
How do you capture your child's successes? Share your ideas! I'd love some new ones too...
Infancy and toddlerhood are magical. It's fun to capture the moment today that will fuel the memories of tomorrow.
Enjoy the ride -
