Ways to Commemorate a New Arrival

(June 2011) - Whether it’s your first child or your fourth (or more--we’re looking at you, Duggar family!) a child is something to be celebrated. But how can you find new and unique ways to capture their first moments and growth that are as special as your new arrival? We consulted with our team of baby-celebration experts to hear about some of the latest and greatest trends:

• Invite family and close friends to share in your pregnancy experience by hosting a gender reveal party! At the big ultrasound, have the doctor’s office place baby’s gender into an envelope. Deliver it to a bakery and ask them to bake a cake with the corresponding pink or blue color depending on the results, then ice the cake in a neutral color to seal the secret. Invite your nearest and dearest and all find out the happy news at the same time as you slice the cake—and enjoy your sweet treat together!

• Not having a shower? Have a small get-together after baby arrives so that everyone can meet your bundle of joy. And since new parenthood usually means a lack of time and sleep, use disposable plates and cups and just order take-out—or consider just serving beverages for a true “Sip ‘n See.”

• Other children keeping your baby journaling time to a minimum? Try a baby wall calendar to keep track of important dates like the first time they roll over or the day the first tooth sprouts. Many calendars come with stickers to make marking the date even easier. To provide a record of baby’s development, do a quick video recording instead of journaling.

• Keep track of baby’s growth by taking a photo each month for their first year of life. Pick one location, such as a favorite chair, and a stuffed animal to sit next to them to mark their growth. Also, consider purchasing a set of monthly stickers that attach to a plain onesies to show baby’s age.