Nine months pregnant seems like an eternity when you get that little pink positive on the test strip. Today, we no longer have to wait until we start having pregnancy symptoms, which can start as late as 8 or 10 weeks for some. Instead, we have pregnancy tests that will determine a positive result just a few days after conception. This can make the pregnancy journey seem even longer!
As you grow older, suffer from morning sickness, and anxiously await your newest addition to the family, here are some ways to commemorate your pregnancy; both for yourself and to pass it on to the child in the future.
write it
If you haven’t already, now is a good time to start journaling. A hardcover journal to write in would give you the option to write at any time, while eating breakfast, in bed, or in a waiting room. Choosing the book could be something special in itself, since you will choose something that moves you. If your writing isn’t something you particularly want to share, journaling online offers a wide variety of options. Often called “blogging,” a web log has been a popular method of writing thoughts, opinions, and sharing knowledge with others. There are many blogging communities, each offering different advantages. Some provide private posting options, so your posts are visible to the general public, only those you allow. Some allow categories, giving you the option to write about things other than your pregnancy. Still others, directed are only to moms or pregnant moms. Take a look and find one that has a good feeling for you.
Pregnant Belly, Say Cheese
Take monthly pictures of the pregnant belly. Start from the beginning, or as soon as you can. There may not be much of a baby belly at 8 weeks, but when you have a full pregnancy of tummy shots, you’ll have a blast seeing where you started and where you ended!
Some tips for taking monthly tummy shots: Be consistent. Stand in the same way, next to the same wall or door (or similar). Wear similar clothing (such as a pair of sweatpants that you can wear most of the time). Show your bare belly or wear a shirt, or do one of each at a time. The more consistent you are, the more apparent the change in the pregnancy will be when looking back.
StudyPictures
You have the digital camera taking your own pregnant tummy photos, but a professional photographer will take some beautiful photos for your baby tummy book. Consider including siblings, if any, your partner, and take pregnancy photos that aren’t so “traditional.” Take off your clothes and wrap yourself in a white robe or guaze – with a dark background, this is beautiful. Siblings touching or kissing the baby’s tummy create a touching moment. And your partner’s hands on your belly, speak love. Of course, studio photos are best towards the end of pregnancy, but don’t expect too much either!
Some studios specialize in pregnancy and newborn photography; Check your phone book or ask around.
throw it in the belly
Belly Cast, or Belly Mask, has become a popular method of preserving pregnant bellies. Belly Cast kits are inexpensive and easy to find, especially online. They’re easy to do, but don’t try to make yourself a tummy cast! You’ll definitely need another pair of hands, and sometimes an extra pair comes in handy. No baby belly inhibitions? Do a party! Invite your friends over to have a little fun. In the end, you have a plaster cast of your tummy to decorate, hang on the wall, or sit on a shelf.
decorated belly
Women are increasingly willing to show off their pregnant bellies. Decorating your baby’s tummy is a fun way to show it off. Wear it at home or in public. Have a party or do it yourself. But don’t forget to take pictures!
Semi-permanent belly decoration: Henna is a type of skin dye that will essentially “tint” the skin, essentially, a non-permanent tattoo. Women have been using henna for years and years. Henna kits are widely available. A simple design or something elaborate – it’s all up to you! Be careful in the sun with a henna baby tummy. Your skin may tan and when the effect of the henna wears off in a week or more, you may end up with an inverted belly tattoo.
Paint it on and wash it off – Skin-safe paints are a great fun project to do with siblings. Put on comfortable clothes, have a glass of water, juice or your pregnancy tea and sit down. Let the children paint. Don’t forget to take photos!
belly pillow
Phew! The pregnancy has ended, or is near. Grab your favorite maternity top, your sewing machine, and some good stuffing. Sew that shirt into a pillow; square, round, or just sew all the openings and leave it full size! This is a great keepsake to pass on to the baby. Make it for each pregnancy and each child will have their own “Mommy’s Favorite Maternity Shirt Pillow”.
Regardless of how much you do to commemorate your pregnancy, enjoy it as much as you can. Those nine months, though they seem long when you count the days, when you look back, they are just a fragment in time.