Some of you might have a baby book for your little ones. You might like a nice organized collection of baby pictures and lists to fill out. I am not sure if it was out of laziness or just forgetfulness, but my oldest daughters’ book is half complete and she is 7. My 2.5 year old twins do not even have books started yet.
I know, I know, “mom of the year” over here! The traditional baby book just did not mesh with my “mom life”, so I made an alternative: Closet Notes.
The day I had my oldest daughter, I thought, “what will happen if I die tomorrow, and she doesn’t ever get to know me?” This thought continued day after day. Around her first birthday, I wrote her my first note. Writing it, gave me peace of mind. Even if something happened and I wasn’t around for her, she would have a little message from me. After I wrote the note, I folded it, stuffed it in an envelope, and hid it in my closet. I continued to write them, randomly. If I have a moment of “what will they do without me,” I write a note, put their name on it, and add it to my stack.
I write closet notes to all of my kids. I even started to write them to my husband. The notes are brief. They tell each of them a few tidbits about life at that moment. Some have secrets. Some are just little notes to say I love you. I hide them and think one day when I’m gone, they will find them, and they will have little pieces of me. They will have little messages of love, hope, and memories: all written down by Mommy.
What I include in each closet note to my kids:
- The date.
- Something that is happening currently. (Right now, my notes say ‘the year of corona’ or something along those lines).
- Their current favorites. Colors, toys, characters, activities, and people. “Daddy is your favorite person right now, and I love to see your bond with him.” Or “You love Blippi, go ahead and search for that YouTube star, you’ll be surprised by your choice in entertainment!”
- Their personalities. I am honest here–“you are as stubborn as they come!” Or “you are the sweetest toddler I’ve ever met!”
- A piece of mom advice. This is my mushy moment in the note.
- Something we have in common or something that makes us very different.
- “I love you.” I include this in every note.
Instead of a baby book, one day, my kids will find piles of letters from me. While I might not be around to witness the discovery of my hidden closet notes, I picture it to be a day where they are able to talk to me, again, after I am gone.
If you ask me, that sounds priceless.
