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Creating Memories

How to Capture the Essence of Your Last Child-free Year

By Shel Franco

If scrapbooking is a bit too creative for you, a time capsule can help you accomplish the same goal. You'll need a decorative box (for our purposes, waterproof is not necessary – we won't be burying this time capsule). Once you have that, you'll need to start looking for items that capture the essence of who you are – before child.

A journal is always an interesting glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of a person. Try keeping a journal for the next month or more. Keep in mind that this should be a written record of all the things you love about you, your spouse and being childless.

If journaling is too much of a commitment to the written word, you can always try your hand at essay writing. You can pick one special event that captures your zest for life alone or as a couple, or you can write an essay that shares all the experiences that fill your heart with joy. If you're very persuasive, you might try to get your partner to write a few words, too. At the very least, you can ask him for his input.

Of course, you'll want to include photos, ticket stubs, dried flowers, jewelry and anything else that elicits a positive memory about your life without children. Finally, include a note about how you imagine life to change in the next five years. Do you think parenthood will change your relationship? How? Make a written plan of action for keeping these memories – and your love – alive once you become a family.

When you're done, close the lid and mark it with the date you plan to open it. Don't feel compelled to hide it for a hundred years – even a single year is plenty of time for your world to change, especially when you're bringing up Baby. Just mark it with a date in the future when you might need a little pick-me-up from the past.

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