I can't remember when I got the idea to start a journal for our daughter, Tiffany, but I know I started one for Jonathan when he was born in the elevator. I kept their journals on my bedside table along with a journal for ourselves. It wasn't a terribly onerous task to keep up with them. Before falling asleep, I would just jot down something interesting they said or did. It wasn't everyday, but I kept it up until they left home.
When Tiffany was married and had her own child, I gave the precious journal to her. She says she really enjoys reading about the sort of things she did as she watches her own child discover the world around her.
I started one for KC when she was not yet born. We used to call her "Peanut" then.
I've noted that when 3 year old KC came to Hawaii in 2010, she walked into the room and preciously, sweetly said, "Hmmm...This looks familiar."
This is a picture of a ladybug that she drew when we were at the National Parks last spring. I'm happy to see she got the correct number of legs.
Maybe she'll grow up to be an entomologist.
In fall, we visited her in Chicago. I wrote of things she said, did, liked, ate.
I wonder if someday, she'll show it to my great-grandchild. Wouldn't that be something?
When Tiffany was married and had her own child, I gave the precious journal to her. She says she really enjoys reading about the sort of things she did as she watches her own child discover the world around her.
I started one for KC when she was not yet born. We used to call her "Peanut" then.
I've noted that when 3 year old KC came to Hawaii in 2010, she walked into the room and preciously, sweetly said, "Hmmm...This looks familiar."
This is a picture of a ladybug that she drew when we were at the National Parks last spring. I'm happy to see she got the correct number of legs.
Maybe she'll grow up to be an entomologist.
In fall, we visited her in Chicago. I wrote of things she said, did, liked, ate.
I wonder if someday, she'll show it to my great-grandchild. Wouldn't that be something?
30 friendly comments:
What a wonderful idea, but you are clearly a natural diarist as you show in your lovely blog.
This is such a neat idea, Kay. I love KCs "This looks familiar" comment, and her ladybug drawing is precious!
How amazing! Wish I'd done this, because kids say such cute things when they try to figure out the world and the people around them. I got those "remembering kits" for my parents to write down things about their younger years, but they didn't use them... DrumMajor
Journals are wonderful to have, hard to maintain. I wish I had done that for my son. He wants me to do an autobiography for the grandchildren.
What a fabulous idea, something to truly treasure. How enjoyable it will be to read this in the years ahead.
beautiful and yes this would be wonderful, these are the things money can't buy, what a memeory keeper.
What a wonderful thing for them to have. You are so good at that kind of thing.
My last child was born in an elevator also.
I stored things from each of my boys in a plastic tub with their name on them, but I wish I'd known about your journal idea back then.
Kay, it is funny that you wrote about this subject because for Christmas our daughter gave us a Grandparents Journal so that we can do exactly what you have done with KC's things, thought, etc.!! I love this idea and I can't wait to put all the things in it from Owen and his life journey!
Everyone loves to learn things about themselves when they were too young to care about such things. I wish I had one for me! What an incredible gift, Kay. You are just the best relative a person could ask for! :-)
what a great idea. my son does this for his children...
You sound like me, wanting your grandchild to remember you as her grandmother and all the things you did together, sharing that with the next generation. I had only one grandmother and she lived far away. I saw her once a year, at most, and she was a bit intimidating. I heard stories about her, though, that makes me wish I had known her better, and in her younger years. I wish she had left a journal.
Congratulations on the wonderful results from the colonscopy. Hurrah! Ten years is wonderful stuff.
And what a wonderful gift you are giving your children and grandchildren by keeping these journals. You are a truly wonderful person.
Gave birth in an elevator? The ladybug picture that KC drew is VERY impressive. The details of the drawing and the correct number of legs just blew me away. I wish I was more like you Kay and did sweet, thoughtful things like keeping a journal for your children. It really shows the love and patience you had raising them.
L. from W.
What a wonderful legacy!!! I really admire and respect your thoughtfulness!!!!
L from W: I thought I had written about Jon's birth, but I guess I didn't. Hmmmm.... looks like another idea for a post. :-)
Jeanie: You too!!! Wow! I'd LOVE to hear your story. I'll write mine later.
KC's drawing of the ladybug is outstanding! Wow, I can't believe it! Why don't you show off her art more often?
I admire your effort in writing those journals. Did you include negative as well as positive details?
What an amazing gift! You amaze me.
It's wonderful how you can do this Kay. Treasured memories for sure!
What a wonderful thing to do. Wish I'd thought of doing that.
You never cease to amaze me. Your handwriting looks so clear and easy to read, too. What treasures you have created!
I'm looking forward to reading about the elevator story, too.
Luv, K
Okay, wonderful journal keeping but I agree with the writer above who wants to know about giving birth in an elevator! Also, your last post...I hope you enjoyed your vanilla popcicles, I think you earned them.
If all parents followed your lead, we would have very few problems in this world.
Gigi: I tried hard to keep it positive. I was trying to help them remember growth and happy times. But yes, when there were times that were less than desirable I did sometimes record those also along with the lesson learned.
Your journals are treasures. I wish my journals were as complete and beautiful as yours.
This is such a wonderful idea, and such a gift that you are giving to your children and grandchild! You are amazing.
Such a great idea, especially since I'm going to be a granny in September. I haven't announced it on the blog yet as it is still early and she has asked me to keep hushed till she goes to the doctor but I am about to BUST! I'm going to do this! Thank you for the idea.
Wow Kay, you have the greatest treasures to pass on to your offspring!
I remember in pre-computer years how you would make scrapbooks of each kid's year of activities and mail them to your mother.
I wish I had done that..what a precious keepsake
Dina: You have an amazing memory!
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