Things I Wish I'd Known
So, Shower gift part 2:
I wrote a little booklet of some of the tips and tricks that we've learned with our kids. I titled it 'Things I Wish I'd Known Before June 2000' (June 2000 is when Princess was born). I spent a lot of time putting this together. It surprised me (kind of) that I found this much to put in the booklet. I spent a lot more time on this than I did on the bibs and burpcloth, actually.
I used cardstock for the cover and used my bookbinding book to bind it properly (or... close enough :). I just used embroidery floss and a needle.
Anyway, I was thinking that other people might enjoy this, too. I know that most of you are already moms, but maybe some of you are newer parents. Or you might want it for a gift. The last page is mostly empty, so you could add your own tips to it.
I'm not trying to proclaim myself a parenting expert at all, but I consider myself a fairly well-informed parent and I think that many of these tips would be useful to new parents. You know how it is, you finally find something that works and you think "If only we'd known that before!" (hence the title). Plus there is a little section on cloth-diapering, if you're interested. So I went through and changed the kids' names and changed the cover page.
A few of the section headings are: Sleeping, bathing, diapers, travel. And you just might learn a couple of funny things about my kids, too. I copied and glued dosage charts from Tylenol and Motrin to the back cover. I got mine from a doctor, but you can also find them online (google search). I think this will be my standard baby gift from now on. Maybe with a bib...
Here it is to download if you would like to pass this on. I suggest printing the cover on cardstock. There are two versions. The first is if you would like to read it online. The second will look completely out of order - because it is in booklet-ready form. Print it double-sided, then put the pages together and bind (you can just staple it - or sew down the spine).
Enjoy! And if you use this I would love your feedback. (Click on the links below to download).
Mommytips booklet - Booklet Ready
Yeah! I am so excited to read this... too bad it is 7 months late (just kidding) I still have a lot to learn.
Posted by: rachelle | January 18, 2007 at 09:56 PM
Wow, Kirsten. This is a wonderful gift. You've included a lot of great advice. my faves: how to get yourself a shower, feel good if you've accomplished one thing a day (so true) and buy slipcovers now!!! Ha!
Posted by: joanna | January 18, 2007 at 10:16 PM
How cool! Thank you! Even though I have six, I'm sure there are a few things I could learn from you. I've often thought of doing something like that, too. Some of my friends say I should write a book. I'm definitely going to download your booklet.
Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: lera | January 19, 2007 at 06:56 AM
I wish I had something like this before I had my two little ones. What a great idea, I think it is sucha thoughtful gift!
Posted by: Soo | January 19, 2007 at 08:04 AM
Kirstin, that is INSPIRED! I tried to e-mail my SIL a bunch of these tips, but an entire BOOKLET! Now I want to find out someone is going to be a new mom so that I can give her one! Way to go (when do you find the time?), and thanks for sharing.
Posted by: laeroport | January 19, 2007 at 08:59 AM
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: beki | January 19, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Holy MOLY! You wrote a whole BOOK! Very cool...
Posted by: Amy | January 19, 2007 at 09:40 AM
what a great idea!
Posted by: capello | January 19, 2007 at 10:20 AM
Wow what a great book, perfect gift.
Posted by: carolyn | January 19, 2007 at 11:52 AM
This is a wonderful, generous offer! I love the cover you've designed. Would you mind if we linked to your booklet from RookieMoms.com?
Posted by: RookieMom Whitney | January 19, 2007 at 12:02 PM
What a fantastic idea - I wish I had, had a copy back in 1999. I learnt the hard way to nap when baby naps, I was given this advice but didn't heed it - so stupid of me. And so true that no cup is ever totally spill proof.
Posted by: caroline | January 20, 2007 at 10:03 AM
What a beautiful and creative gift! And I love the cover with the button. It's one of those things I would love to do, but don't manage to find the time or energy...ever. Bless you for doing it for your friend. It will be wonderful for her to have and neat for you and your kids to look over when you're a grandma. :o)
Posted by: lindiepindie | January 23, 2007 at 03:17 PM
Late to the party as usual but I just have to comment: how lucky is the friend who's getting this book! I would have never been without this during my daughter's first year. Nice work!
Posted by: angelique | January 31, 2007 at 07:19 PM
I just wanted to say thanks for this great booklet of information. My wife and I are expecting our first child in about 3 months or so and this is really great advice. Thanks for your direct and practical delivery. I've even sent it over to another friend of ours who is expecting her first as well. :)
Much appreciated!!
Posted by: Covert7 | February 21, 2007 at 09:37 AM
Hi K, I am pregnant with my first bubba and like your little booklet - good size to keep in my bag!
Posted by: esther | March 22, 2007 at 05:07 PM
This is such a sweet gift.
You did a beautiful job.
It is especially nice that you will be able to give it to your own children when you become an "expecting grandma" and give peer-to-peer advice from your "mom-in-the-trenches" writing.
Posted by: clkl | May 27, 2007 at 09:44 AM
Awesome collection of advice & information, thank you! I've saved it for 'someday' but have recently passed it along to friends expecting their first. Thank you for taking the time to organize and produce it!
Posted by: Anne | June 22, 2007 at 08:32 AM
I really appreciate your effort in creating this collection of tips!It's very helpful for first time mummies.
Thank you!
Posted by: christy | July 16, 2008 at 08:08 AM