Cradle the Thought : A Journal for the New Mother's First Year (Spiral-bound)

by Tracy D. Nelson (Author) "When did you first know you were in labor?..." (more)
Key Phrases: above milestones, baby react, baby sleeping, Mother's Day (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Cradle the Thought is an insightful weekly journal allowing a new mother to capture the most important moments of her first year with her baby. Each week, Cradle the Thought supplies thought-provoking questions, prompting the new mother to reflect on her own feelings and activities, and providing a guided diary to record information about the growth and development of her baby. Topics include baby's sleeping and eating habits, mother's relationships with friends and family members, pediatrician well-visits, developmental milestones, baby's mobility, baby's personality, and nicknames. Charmingly illustrated, each page provides plenty of space for the new mother to write her answers to each question.

Cradle the Thought is the perfect baby shower gift for any new mother. This journal is different from traditional baby books, offering more detailed questions which allow the new mother to record exciting day-to-day developments and changes.

From the Author
Excerpt from Cradle the Thought -- Introductory Letter from the Author:

Dear New Mother,

Welcome to motherhood! You may find yourself asking, "How can one tiny baby invoke such an overwhelming, fierce feeling of love and pride?!" In your first year of motherhood, you may find that you become totally immersed in everything about your baby, with little regard for other aspects of life. In this period of wonder and excitement, Cradle the Thought will be your weekly companion, allowing you to chronicle many special thoughts, emotions, and moments.

Each week, Cradle the Thought asks one or more unique questions about your feelings and activities as a new mother, or regarding your baby's growth and development. You will also find a summary at the end of each month and holiday entries at the very end of the journal. Many questions repeat throughout the journal, because, as you'll soon find out, babies change very rapidly!

Please use this journal to fully capture the essence of your experience as a new mother. Enjoy reflecting on the wonderful relationship you and your baby are shaping. Celebrate loving your baby. Cradle the thought.

All the best,

Tracy D. Nelson

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 200 pages
• Publisher: Little Bit Publishing (January 1, 2001)
• ISBN-10: 0970394705
• ISBN-13: 978-0970394705
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #329,483 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for this Army mom!, August 21, 2003

By A Customer

My husband left for war in Iraq 13 days after our first child was born. He was heartbroken to have to leave, knowing that he would miss the first precious months of our son's life. As it turns out, he is going to miss the entire first year. Thankfully, a friend gave me this journal when our son was born. I fill out the pages, copy them, and send them off to my husband each week, allowing me to keep him informed about our son's development and, more importantly, the more subtle occurrences in every day life with an infant. Questions like, "Describe your baby's personality" and "What have been the greatest joys/challenges of motherhood this month" help me share things with him that would otherwise fall by the wayside compared to things like rolling over, sitting up, teething, etc. Also, questions about how your baby reacted to visits to the doctors office and out in public share a world that he would otherwise be completely unaware of. This journal has helped mend some of my husband's broken heart. That said, even if my husband was home, I would still love this journal because it allows you to capture priceless thoughts and lovely memories that a typical baby book doesn't inspire you to write about. I highly recommend this journal for every new mom. I know I'll read it and enjoy it for years to come. Then, when my baby boy has his own baby, I will pass his journal on to him. Just be sure to fill it out for all your babies or they'll end up jealous when they are adults!

UPDATE: I now have a second child, 3 months old. First, let me say that it is so much harder to find the time to fill in this journal but I definitely make sure I get it done. My first child's "Cradle the Thought" is now like the ultimate family reference. With my second child, I seem to always be trying to remember my first child's milestones and my emotions dealing with motherhood. How interesting and enlightening it has been to look back less than two years and see the similarities and differences between my children and myself as a mother. I'm sure it will be even more fun to look at with my children when my grandchildren arrive many years down the road! Also, my husband came home when our son was 11 months old and felt like he knew him despite his absence. This journal definitely provided some therapy for both of us and a link between my husband and my son.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'D GIVE IT TEN STARS IF I COULD!!! BEST JOURNAL!, August 9, 2002

By	"a_mommy_again" (Saugus, MA United States) - See all my reviews

I cannot tell you how much I love this book! I almost didn't buy because it's pretty expensive and my baby was already three months old when I discovered it. I am so glad I bought it anyway. This book is so great! The author has thought of great questions to ask. Things you'll be glad you wrote about, but never would have thought to write otherwise. I suggest you buy this before the baby is born, as there are several pages devoted to the labor and such. If you are undecided about this book--buy it! You'll be so glad you did. Buy it soon though. It's amazing how much you forget! I know. I had to try and go back and fill in the pages for my baby's first three months. I look forward to sharing this with my son when he is older. It will be a treasured keepsake!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect gift, January 28, 2001

By A Customer

Cradle The Thought allows new moms to chronicle the first twelve months of their baby's life in a week by week format. It asks the new mom all *kinds* of thought provoking questions, like what was your husband's reaction when you told him you were in labor, and how do you feel about breastfeeding. It suggests you include a photo of your baby each month next to an object (the same object each month) so you can watch how their growth has progressed. It includes space to record the achievement of certain milestones, and so much more!

It has such a warm and charming feel -- perfect to be given as a gift to a special new mother.