There are times when I do something as a mother, and mentally put some money aside for my kids’ future therapy fund. Although usually it’s because of a mistake I made. However, although this may put my younger kids in therapy, I’ve made a decision.
I’m not getting a baby book for Solveig. I know. Awful.
I got a baby book for Silje. I filled out a lot of it, in fact. She reminds me constantly that I have yet to complete her birthday pages up to age 5.
I got a book for David. The year he was born was really crazy because Silje was still a baby herself, and he was not an easy baby. So I made a valiant effort, but it isn’t as filled in as Silje’s.
I bought a book for Elias. However, there’s not much in it. Maybe his name. Maybe not even his whole name. I probably just put “Eli” and got distracted.
So I’m throwing away all pretense that just because I buy a book for Solveig, that I will actually do something with it. I’m saving my money and being real. It’s not going to happen. If I let myself get into scrapbooking, maybe I’d have one of those. Maybe someday I will. Maybe. Right now I have no more space for another craft in my house. When all of my kids are gone and I take over a room bigger than my laundry room and outfit it with whatever crafting accessory I want, I will probably get into scrap booking. Right now, if I start getting into it, I’d have to give up some sewing or fabric space. That’s just not going to happen.
For now, my kids’ baby books will come in the form of this blog. When they ask where their baby book is, I’m going to press the print button, wait about 3 days for it to finish printing, and then hand the book to them. (Actually, I’d probably get one of those companies who turn blogs into books do it for me. They’ll be grown. I’ll have the money for that then, right?)
So future adult children: I’m sorry. You will have no baby book. It doesn’t mean I love Silje the most. It means I got real. Please inquire about a payment plan from your therapist.
Anonymous says
January 12, 2011 at 7:42 pmI hear you! 🙂 Your blog will be a precious gift to your kids! 🙂 ~Heather Krupa
annalise + andrew says
January 13, 2011 at 2:10 amhaha!! I feel the SAME way! Already gave up with Bjørn and planned to make a blog baby/recipe book for each kid. I didn’t even buy Haakon a baby book. Why set ourselves up for failure! :o)
Mom says
January 13, 2011 at 4:34 amI think a blog is much better. You should need therapy, since I didn’t blog about you when you were little. Now, wait, don’t get any ideas! I don’t have any money for your therapy fund. 🙂
Anonymous says
January 15, 2011 at 1:42 pmHi Gretchen!
I work in a photo store and we also sell baby books. And there is actually alot of mothers out there that says it gets harder and harder to sit down and finish a baby book project.
And i also know all about this as i’m the last born of 3 kids.my sister has maybe a couple of sides written, my brother has one with only his name in it, and i dont even have a book! 🙂
GO GRETCHEN!
-Lise
bunbear says
January 20, 2011 at 3:54 pmmy kids are 20 and 21 – less than 12 months apart. i made an effort to keep a baby book for the oldest, then realized it was folly! two babies to take care of, along with a husband, and a full time job – yeah right i could barely keep up with myself let along a baby book! don’t feel guilty. most families i know have started them for the first child and then life gets in the way!