Pregnancy Due-Date Calendar: Crafty Ideas to Make Your Own

When it comes to pregnancy, no two are alike; documenting your pregnancy should be no different. I believe everything should be one-of-a-kind, right down to your pregnancy calendar. I compiled a few ideas that may interest those who are expecting, or know someone who is expecting. Here are the top three ideas:

1. Make a pregnancy scrapbook--This is a wonderfully creative way to share memories and count down the days to labor. The nice part about this idea is that you can keep small tangible items like baby bracelets from the hospital and cards from the baby shower.

Items needed-- A large photo album with at least 15 pages or partitions, glue stick, scrapbook paper (you can buy this at any hobby store) Glitter, bows, ribbons, stickers (All optional)

Here is where it gets fun! Create away! One idea you can try out is dedicate the first page to the first day you found out the pregnancy was a reality. Take snapshots or video of the positive test and the reaction dad gives when he hears the news. Make the nine following pages calendar-style, with pockets made from paper and the glue stick. Place small mementos in the pockets and record happenings in the days of the calendar. I made one and I still reflect on it from time to time. I placed an identification bracelet in one pocket, and name cards from the hospital on the side. The nice thing is you can customize this any way you want. (Hint: For beautiful free scrapbook cutouts, you can use Microsoft Word and look at the baby shower invitations and cards. You print them out, and cut and paste them to the scrapbook.)

2. Make a calendar using Microsoft Word-- Do you have Microsoft word on your computer? If so, do you know they have calendar templates for any occasion, including pregnancies.

Items needed-- Printer paper, Ink, Printer Access to Microsoft word.

Simply click the office button, click "new," and choose from the templates to the left. You even have the option of downloading other templates by going to the Microsoft website. There is one template in particular that is good for any occasion- Simply go to the templates section of Microsoft word, and type the word "baby" in the search field.

3. Make an audio calendar-- This is a new trend in documenting the momentous occasion.

Items needed-- Mini cassette tape, audio recorder. Every week, or as the occasion arises, document each milestone in the pregnancy with your voice. Simple note the date, day and time, and say what you want to say. Suggestions may be from how mom is feeling a certain day, the day's events, Ultrasounds, first kick, you name it, and you can say it. This is something that you cannot duplicate, and it is especially handy to have and keep in your Home made baby calendar scrapbook.

As you see, all it takes is a little creative thought. All these ideas are reasonably inexpensive, if not free. However, the memories are priceless sentiments of your pregnancy. Have fun!