Our story... for my daughter

When DD was born I kept a journal of her first weeks in a small notebook. It was a scrappy little thing, but it was a home for my thoughts and a record of what we were doing and feeling as our lives changed so completely and we welcomed our new family into being. I love reading back over my quickly jotted notes, remembering those early days, our hopes, our fears, the complete lack of sleep! Over time I've moved these thoughts to my personal journal, mixing them in with my own life journey. 

This weekend I was browsing one of my fav local shops and found this little beauty *points up*. Not so much a home for my thoughts as a palace. And more, importantly, a palace to share. It occurred to me when I saw this that my record keeping is great for me, but I can't exactly give it to DD when she's older. I love the tales my Mother tells me about our family history and my time as a child. For me, memories are the most precious when they are shared with the ones we love.

Our Story – for my daughter caught my eye because it is beautiful. A hard back journal, case bound with a ribbon marker, it's 160 colour pages (140gsm, nice and thick) are illustrated with pretty designs but free of the annoying obligatory questions that these types of journals usually have. It starts in our first year together and works through until DD is eighteen. And with only a few pages for each year it's not a chore to complete. There are spaces for photos or drawings but no flap for mementos at the back - that would be a great addition. But I'm being picky there if I'm honest. It wasn't cheap at £19.99 but for me, it's worth it.

What I like most about this journal is that the prompts are general and you can make of them what you like. DD's growth, development and personality, precious family memories or just my own thoughts and feelings about our time together will all fit in with them. This journal is not prescriptive. It's an open page waiting for me to fill it with our amazing journey together.

And on her eighteenth birthday I will give it to DD. My gift to her - a record of my love.

By the way, this is NOT a sponsored review. I bought this journal with OH's hard earned cash and love it so much I want to share it with all of you. There is a boy version too - Our Story for my Son and a pregnancy and first year journal - Bump to Birthday.