Other Creative Ways to Immortalize Baby
Whether you choose to bronze baby's first shoes (as was so popular in the 1950s and '60s) or to mount a small collection of baby things to hang in your living room, you will want to find some unusual ways to remember those beautiful and loving early days. These are keepsakes you will cherish while you have them, and that your children will appreciate taking with them, especially when they're ready to start families of their own. Whatever form you choose to immortalize baby, know that you are preserving memories for future generations, too!
A Painted Portrait
Have a local artist paint your baby's portrait. It doesn't have to be the standard, run-of-the-mill pastel (unless that's what you want); it can even be an abstract or computer graphic.
Photo Portraits
Once you have a baby, you'll find that there's no shortage of direct-mail advertising encouraging you to have your baby's portrait taken at one of several dozen photography studios. Pick one that's not only a good deal, but that also seems to have the style of photos you'd most like to keep and share with friends and family. Shop around, and ask other new parents where they went for baby portraits — or where they got their plates with the mold of baby's hand and foot prints.
Some photo shops offer newer digital technology called Magic Portraits that allows you to take a photo of baby in a particular pose, then merge that image with a fantasy background that makes baby appear to be sitting in a flower, in front of a castle, or even on a unicorn. These are beautiful pictures to frame and give as gifts!
Essential
Have a professional photographer shoot black-and-white photos of baby dressed as an angel, or wearing an unusual hat, or with a puppy. The best black-and-white photos of babies are the ones when the photographer catches baby in a candid moment.
Mounted Mementos
Collect a few items that are of sentimental value to you from baby's first days. Have them mounted and framed in a Plexiglas frame, with a printed note card explaining the significance of each item and giving the date. Suggestions include a favorite photo, baby's birth certificate, baby's hospital cap, dad's hospital shirt from the delivery room (some even have the baby's footprints on them), baby's first rattle, and a christening gown with the invitation next to it.
