Baby Reflections Journal/MiniBook

http://aliedwards.com/2009/02/baby-reflections-journalminibook.html

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 12×12 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.

Want to Get

Want to Get this Mix off of iTunes....noting (you can find it on iTunes by searching the iMix section for “For Baby”)

All My Days by Alexi Murdoch
Amazing Grace by Randy Travis
Angel from Montgomery by Bonnie Raitt
Blessed Be by Alison Krauss
Daughters by John Mayer Trio
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police
Everything’ll Be Alright (Will’s Lullaby) by Joshua Radin
Galileo by Indigo Girls
Gotta Have You by The Weepies
Have a Little Faith In Me by John Hiatt
The Heart of the Matter by India.Arie
I Hope by Dixie Chicks
I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan
Ice Cream (iTunes Originals Version) by Sarah McLachlan
Imagine by Jack Johnson
Just the Way You Are by Diana Krall
Let My Love Open the Door by Sondre Lerche
Little Room by Norah Jones
Lover Lay Down by Dave Matthews Band
Lullaby by Dixie Chicks
Lullaby by Jack Johnson & Matt Costa
New Soul by Yael Naïm
Night Mantra by Renee & Jeremy
Push by Sarah McLachlan
Redemption Song by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Satellite by Dave Matthews Band
Someone Like You by Van Morrison
Songbird by Eva Cassidy
Sunrise by Norah Jones
Sweet Jane by Cowboy Junkies
Three Little Birds by Elizabeth Mitchell
Three Little Birds by Renee & Jeremy
Time After Time by Eva Cassidy
Welcome to This World by Renee & Jeremy
When You Say Nothing at All (Live) by Alison Krauss & Union Station
Where Are You Going? (Live In Copenhagen) by Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
You Are My Sunshine (Pt. 1) by Elizabeth Mitchel

What I might Learn (& Re-Learn)

Things I am learning (& re-learning) by Ali Edwards - I (Kara) was reminded of this blog post b/c Ian was born about one month earlier and wanted to reflect on some of these thoughts.  This was about Ali's second child Anna.

1. Typing one handed, with a nursing baby in the other arm, is not too hard (just takes a lot longer).
2. There is nothing better than just sitting and watching her facial expressions while she is sleeping.
3. Witnessing Simon's love for Anna is totally more amazing than I could have ever imagined.
4. I now have "kids." Still feels strange to say "the kids."
5. Simon is like a giant compared to Anna. I remember a couple people in the comments a few weeks back talking about how big Simon would seem after her arrival. It is so VERY true. Each time I give him a hug, rustle my hand through his hair, and just look at his face I can't believe how old he is – I don' think without Anna for comparison I would have been able to "see" him as he really appears (I saw many more little boy features).
6. Girls clothes really are more fun than boys.
7. I am having moments where I miss Simon. In the midst of so much joy & celebration I am
missing him and the way things used to be. I am working hard to set aside time for just me and him – to chat, to snuggle, to give him my undivided attention. I don't want to lose our connection in this time of transition. Bittersweet.
8. Taking a hot shower is one of my favorite parts of the day.
9. I love how Chris put his favorite photo of Anna as his phone wallpaper so he can whip it out and see her beautiful little face.
10. I really, really miss my Mom when she leaves after being here with us right after the births of both our kids. Just having her here and hanging out with her and having her take care of us is something I am so very thankful for – love you Mom. You are the best. These emotions seem even more powerful this time around as I glance over at Anna and have those "wow, I have a daughter" thoughts. The mother daughter bond is powerful in our family.
11. I can finally cough and blow my nose again without feeling like my incision is going to break wide open.
12. Listening to Simon talk to Anna is another favorite part of my day. Yesterday he was telling her all about Harry Potter. He says things like, "Baby Anna this is Obi Wan Kenobi." or "Baby Anna do you want to watch Harry Potter with me?" or "It's OK Anna, you are safe" when she cries.
13. Wireless internet and my laptop are something I am thankful for. For those of you surprised at my posting so soon after Anna's birth, some of the posts were planned in advance (like the giveaway) and others were done while I am sitting here on the couch nursing or holding Anna. So thankful for our big brown comfy couch.
14. Having your 10 year old washer & dryer die the day before a child is born is a total pain…especially if you are planning to use cloth diapers from the beginning. I ended up waiting and will start this next week after the new appliances are delivered.
15. Simon is having a challenging time at school right now with some behavior issues. The transitions at home seem to be impacting him in different ways this time around – one of which is acting out physically when he is frustrated. Hoping that this too shall pass sooner rather than later as we all settle into our new routine.
16. Over the last two weeks Simon has gone to be and woke up saying he is sick, hoping he will be able to stay home. It's gotta be hard for him to leave in the morning – especially with his favorite person (Grandma
Pati) and his new favorite person (Baby Anna) here at home.
17. Yesterday was my first really tough day. Overwhelmed. Tired. Weepy. Anna not interested in sleeping until late in the afternoon. Fighting a cold.
18. Remembering each day that tomorrow is another day; that I need to treasure these early moments and let go of my own personal expectations for how the day should go.

Baby Deux Messmore Lists

Prep for Him...
- inquire about some good therapy if I need it after baby
- set up a massage place
- have someone clean or volunteer to clean for 1-2 times a week for weeks 2-9 while getting on my feet
- plan trip to previous home
- maintain our FRIENDSHIP in our relationship
- have a training goal (swimming, walk/running, yoga, weight training, pilates)
- 2-3 babysitting dates set up beforehand

Before He comes...
- read childbirth techniques or do class
- clean downstairs carpet
- sort Ian's toys
- get good pajamas & clothes for hospital stay (have clothes I think....need pajamas)
- stock up on lots of frozen veggies
- call Dr. Weber's office for pediatrician
- clean out/sort baby clothes boxes

Thankful

Thank you Dawn Morris Christman for allowing me to borrow the maternity clothing loot (I am a new woman with some style) and Jill Smith for the loot you mailed to me in the diaper box :) Just received it! Waayyyyy cool!

I am truly excited about what other things we might receive for this second little man. It feels weird to refer to him as little man b/c Ian has been our "little man" or "little guy" for so long. It is truly a new season of life.

FALL Weather Makes Me...

FALL Weather makes me.....

* want to write
* reminisce of Louisville and Grad School (the studying, enlightenment, frustration, conversations & friendships)
* in Louisville our weekends of long runs (12-20 miles) while marathon training together as a couple, then going out to eat as a reward to awesome restaurants
* watching Ohio State football games (especially when we had cable)
* in Jasper, going to cross country meets as Mark coached
* when I was growing up I specifically remember going to soccer games in the morning in the Fall and then resting or going places in the afternoon of Saturdays
* the running races that are every single weekend and could fill up your calendar if you want them too
* the 2008 year where I prepared for little Ian to come into the world and relaxed to the hilt because I could (I was done with Christmas shopping & all of my crafts by the end of October that year)
* watching the FALL clouds roll over my head as an adolescent (it's wasn't too cold yet but just warm enough to wear a light sweatshirt & jeans to take walks in the woods or walk to my tree down the road)
* revisit old friendships that Life has interrupted
* think about my Birthday celebrations in years past (LOVED my 30th birthday & that year!), my 17th bday surprise party thrown by friends, a party I think before 1st or 3rd grade when I was "popular" in elementary) and just the intentional thinking that comes with one more year of life passing and one more year of life in front of me where I want to accomplish more things

 Yes, FALL weather I do think is my favorite weather....50s-80s.  Maybe someday we'll be in Colorado where it's experienced quite a bit.

Mentally Train Myself to Be Ok with Taking Time to Workout after Baby

Guilty Pleasures

The True Confessions of an Athletic Mother

By Kristen Hench  

I confess.... I am guilty. I love, love, love to workout and compete. I love to set a goal, push my body past where I have pushed it before; I like to sweat, to give it my all as I tackle a challenging workout or athletic pursuit. In this confession, I also feel the need to mention that I am a Mother. Many of you know that I am a Mother to two boys and wife to one amazing husband. I love them all dearly and devote my days and time to their growth and well-being. Of my loves comes my inner battle. Let me elaborate.....  

I am sure that most, if not all, Moms can identify with feeling "motherhood guilt". I know I sure can. After I became a mom, the idea snuck into my head that it was selfish to make the time to exercise. Suddenly there was always so much to do, so many new demands and responsibilities; getting in a workout while the baby was sleeping seemed selfish because there were so many other "more important" things to get done. I am here to tell you that while those feelings are normal, to fall prey to them is not the best choice. Remember, "putting the family first" does not mean that you should ignore your personal well-being. Feeling good physically and mentally undoubtedly makes us better at parenting; but in order to do that we need to mentally train ourselves to put aside that voice in our head.

One way to do that is through looking at our calendar and seeing what is there (and in some cases what is not). If there are many trips to the grocery store, doing laundry, and taking kids to camps, but no time to workout, then a change needs to be made. Once you can say "no" to something that is not a priority, you will feel much better when you use the free time to attend to something that is.

Thus, my guilty confession. This past Monday night I chose to take an hour out of my evening for a run rather then spend time with my family, I loved every moment of it, and we are all the better for it. I came home a rejuvenated mother and wife, ready to take on the tasks the evening had in store for me. I encourage all mothers to mentally train their inner voice, to take time for themselves, and make fitness a priority.

    

About Kristen Hench

 Kristen is currently a full-time triathlon coach, personal trainer, and kid wrangler. Her love and passion for the sport can be seen in many aspects of her life- as a competitor, coach, and fitness writer. Kristen races in sprint to iron distance races, 5K's to marathons and is the founder of Moms Who TRI (Train Race Inspire). She holds a Masters in Administration as well as a degree in Sports Medicine and a degree in Education with a Kinesiology focus. She is a Nationally Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified USA Triathlon. For more information about Moms Who TRI, visit www.momswhoTRI.com.

Mind Games - Keeping the Motivation

I'm hoping to tap into this article after baby...we'll see. After doing the Yellow Springs Simply Women 5k last Saturday, I'm motivated to continue running even if baby and the belly is a little overbearing for me right now.

5 Easy Ways to Train Without Getting Bored or Giving Up

By Amy Cotta 

1. Use the "next one" technique.  Focus on something in the distance and tell yourself, "I'm going to keep going at this pace until I hit that next ___." Then once you make it to that object find the next object to focus on. This technique can be used while running, biking and swimming. 
2. Rock it out. A great play list on your iPod can make a long run or bike ride fly by. Load up your player with music that moves you and makes you want to move. Some of my favorite music has lyrics that inspire me. Other tunes have  a great beat to which I can set my running cadence. Yet other songs are just fun and fast and make me smile.   
3. Remember you "why." If you read my last article Finding Your Why you'll remember that your why is that reason to be out there training or racing in the first place. My why  is my USMC son and our military. When I'm training or competing and I feel like giving up I remember that our military doesn't have that option. The thought of them gives me strength and carries me home or to the finish line. Your why, is a very powerful tool and inspiration. 
4. Do intervals. It might sound simple (and it is) but it's very effective in making time go by faster. For example, if you are running, you might do speed intervals alternating from fast to slow. You can set your iPhone or training watch to count down the intervals for you. I use an iPhone application called Round Timer. It works great; it will signal me even as I'm listening to music. You can also do intervals in the pool by doing speed, stroke, or swim style intervals. On the bike or trainer you can do cadence intervals. When I do cadence intervals on the trainer time fly by!
5. Scan your body. This is a great technique to use while doing any sport. Start by being aware of every muscle and joint in your body. Do you feel tightness anywhere? If so, focus on relaxing that area. How does your kick or stride feel? If it's not the way it should; fix it. This will help keep your mind busy while saving energy. As a bonus, this technique will help you save energy and avoid injury, because a tight body uses more energy and is more susceptible to injury. 

Follow my 70.3 Ironman in combat boots journey at http://www.GetUncomfortableDare.com and http://www.crowdrise.com/GetUncomfrotable.  

Amy Cotta is a buys mom of 6 (grandmother of 2), the best selling author of Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans, and a contributor for JaneTV [www.jane.tv]. At age 39 Amy learned to swim to become an Iron Girl at the 2009 Lake Las Vegas IronGirl. Today you can find her preaching her motto "Get Uncomfortable" to all those who will listen. Her passion for mixing athletic events with charity is infectious. Amy has dedicated 2012 to raising money and awareness for the many needs of our military. You'll see Amy running 5k, 1/2 marathons, Iron Girl triathlons, and her first 1/2 IronMan all in USMC combat boots. Why in combat boots you ask? Her eldest son, Tyler is a United States Marine; every step she takes is a "Thank you" note to the men and women of this country who make sacrifices for us everyday. Besides, anyone can run in running shoes. Monies raised goest to support The Boot Campaign [www.bootcampaign.com] and Not Alone [www.notalone.com]. You can follow Amy's adventures via her websites www.GetUncomfortableDare.com and www.AmyCotta.com Later this spring you can watch a documentary on Amy's training for the Beach to Battleship half IronMan on Jane.tv