I am amazed at some moms who seem to be able to pull everything together the second they find out they’re pregnant and start crafting clever baby books for their children. Some moms have pregnancy books that record every craving, every kick, and who knows what else.

As for me, I spent my first pregnancy working tons of overtime at the mortgage company because it was right smack in the middle of the huge refinancing boom of 2003. I was also in a production for The Sound of Music, and in case you were wondering, yes…the whole cast thought it was hilarious that I was playing a nun while pregnant. Luckily the audience didn’t seem to notice.

My second pregnancy was spent chasing a toddler around while also finishing up my degree. I was also getting my writing career of the ground, so I was pretty busy.

It wasn’t like I didn’t intend on making the books. Every time I got an invite to a scrapbooking or stamping party I considered going just so I could get started on a book. It just never happened. As my babies got older I felt guiltier and guiltier that they didn’t have cute little books that recorded their first words and all that jazz, but I think it doesn’t help that I’m not crafty at all and I just don’t enjoy sitting down and making fancy books. Hey, I know my limitations.

I don’t know if I’ll ever get around to putting a bunch of their milestones down on paper, but I don’t think that means I love my kids any less. Maybe I’ll get around to it someday.

Babies need so many clothes, and they grow out of them so fast! What can you do with all those teeny onesies, pants, dresses and shirts?

The first thing that comes to mind is to save them for the next baby. Plastic bins or boxes are the best thing to store baby clothes in, or those plastic bags you zip up and suck all the air out with a vacuum cleaner. Store them somewhere in the house, not the garage or basement, to keep them dry and away from creepy-crawlies. The law of the universe, however, dictates that if you keep all your little boy clothes from your firstborn, the next baby will be a girl, and vice versa. It’s a good way to choose the sex of your next baby!

And if this little one completes your family? Women’s shelters, and teen maternity homes are usually in need of clean, good condition baby clothes, toys and supplies. Look in your telephone book, or contact your local United Way for a referral to a local charity.

Are you a crafty mom? Or can’t you bear to get rid of those tiny onesies? Why not turn those little clothes into a memory quilt? Ticche & Bea sell a $35 kit with all you need to make a quilt from baby clothes. Or, for an extra $40, they’ll make it for you.