Baby books are helpful for recording the milestones of your baby's first year or two. Baby books record the facts but not the feelings. I think that's why so many of us let them collect dust after the first few months. Writing "June 22nd, weaned from nursing" is not at all the same as, "When he woke at 2:30 in the morning and wanted to nurse, I said no. He cried for about 15 minutes. Then he got out of bed, walked into the kitchen in the dark house and screamed at the refrigerator for his juice. I put water in a tippy cup and handed it to my outraged son. He went back to bed. I held him. He drank his water. Finally, we both fell back asleep."

Writing the stories of your pregnancy, birth, and parenting experiences gives you a much more complete record for yourself and to share with your child. Children love to hear the story of their birth. Writing it down soon after the fact helps you remember all the details. And details are what make a story strong.

New writers often worry that if their ideas aren't bestseller quality, than why write them at all. Do you not take photographs of your child just because you're not a professional? Focus on the little things, the amazement of the first kick you feel, the texture of your newborn's skin, the look on your child's' face the first day of kindergarten. Small moments contain big feelings.

You may find that writing about your children triggers memories of your own childhood. Write those stories too. You can learn a lot about the feelings and emotions your have as a parent by looking at how you were raised.

In my writing class for pregnant women, I am constantly amazed at the diversity of stories that all started with the same topic. Although we share many commonalties as parents, each persons experience is uniquely their own. Writing reminds us of that.

To get started, buy a special notebook. Hardcover blank books are ideal. Spiral bound ones give you more flexibility in where you write as well as the freedom to include photos or other memorabilia.

To get the creative juices flowing, start with some of these ideas. For pregnancy, write a letter to your unborn child, write about how you felt when you found out you were pregnant, write about your own birth or write of the changes your body is going through.

Definitely write the story of your child's birth. Try to get both parents to write their version. You will be amazed how differently two people can see a shared experience.

Once you're a parent, write about some regular event in your child's life such as meals or diaper changes. Try writing it from your child's perspective. Write about your child's favorite toy or food or activity. Write about your family history, religion and traditions. Tell the story of your child's first birthday. How did you feel? What did you do?

One writing rule does apply, "Show, don't tell." There's a big difference between, "Emily loves music." and "When I came home last night, Emily and her dad played me a duet on the guitar and the harmonica. Two-year-old Emily sang the words, 'Oh mama honey, I love you'."

Writing the stories now will give you and your family a cherished gift for years to come. Write about your personal experiences as a parent. Then when your grown child asks if you remember what they were like as a baby, you'll be able to say, "Yes, I do."

Copyright © 2003 Anna Stewart. All rights reserved worldwide.