Waiting for Baby Mini Album

I can't think of anything more exciting than waiting for a baby to arrive! Pregnancy is a roller coaster of events and emotions, and it all passes by too quickly. I created this "Waiting for Baby" album for a friend who is expecting her third child. This is part mini-album and part journal. I think it's a wonderful place to record your emotions during pregnancy, as well as special events and photos.

Supplies:

• mini album of choice
• 5 - 6 sheets of coordinating patterned paper (mine are Die Cuts with a View)
• misc. ribbon
• buttons
• tags
• alphabet stamps
• archival ink
• black journaling pen
• baby-themed stickers and embellishments
• computer and printer

Step One:

I started my project by printing out pages that I formatted, using Microsoft Word. I used a small colored graphic, a title, and a journal prompt. I also put a spot for the date on each one, as well as lines to make writing in a tidy manner easier. The themes I used in my album are:

• When I found out I was pregnant: feelings and events
• First Trimester: first doctor visits
• Ultrasound: it's a girl
• Second Trimester: choosing your name
• Third Trimester: food cravings and health
• Baby Shower: bibs, blankies, and booties
• Your Birth Story: an event to remember

Step Two:

The second phase of this project is the most fun. Assembling the pages is fast and easy. I used a combination of the papers I chose to create one or two small photo mats. I also placed patterned paper behind the journaling page. I chose to outline each photo mat with a thin, black pen line for continuity. I chose to label photo mats for pictures of the siblings and parents, but you could leave them blank.

Here are some examples of the pages I created.

The last page, "Your Birth Story," was created with a fold-up photo mat. This allows the mother extra space to journal about this big event, or a private place for photos she may want to include but not have out on the main page.

Step Three:

The last step is to sign the back of your mini-album, and if you are anything like me to run over to your husband and eagerly show off your handiwork!