I meant to buy a baby book and record every moment of my daughters’ waking moments. I really did. But then they each came two months early. Suddenly, I was a preemie mom and all plans and goals were thrown out the door. I went into survival mode. Can you relate?

At the time, Facebook and Instagram were growing in popularity–even among the grandmother and great-grandmother set. So recording moments on social media trumped any recording I did with a book and pen. While I captured a lot for family through Facebook posts and even some through a family blog, I regret not being more diligent to physically record NICU milestones and memories the way I might have if everything went as planned.

Enter My Preemie Baby Book. I stumbled across this NICU journal during the early research stages of my blog this summer and couldn’t get it out of my mind. I even included it in an early Links We Love roundup article. That’s where I connected with the book’s author, Kristin Moan.

You can buy a copy from their website or on Amazon via my affiliate link.

Book inspiration

Kristin and her husband, Eric, had identical twin girls born at 23 weeks which opened their eyes to the world of prematurity and the unique needs of preemie families. The Moans started a nonprofit called the Potato Head Project to provide Mr. Potato Head and Mrs Potato Head toys to families in NICU to measure their babies’ growth—the same thing the Moans did with their girls. These plastic toys are great for scale but most importantly are easier to clean and disinfect than a plush toy.

However, the idea for the book was always in the back of their minds. While in the NICU with their girls, they purchased two traditional baby books which remained untouched. The fields for milestones were meant for full-term babies and did not match up with their reality in the NICU. Instead, the Moans kept a journal for their girls recording their daily events and feelings toward them. They envisioned a baby book and a NICU journal combination. That idea is now a beautiful reality.

A “MUST” for every preemie mom

While I was a fan before I held the book in my hands, I am a straight up cheerleader of the book now. Kristin was kind enough to send me a copy to review in person and it exceeded the high hopes I already had for the book.

The spiral-bound, soft cover book is more than 200 pages of encouragement and empowerment. Each page features a new vibrant yet whimsical illustration by Megan Kampa. Perfectly gender neutral, the book is designed in shades of grey, orange, muted green and little pops of dusty pink that work together nicely. Woodland critters and botanical scenes of acorns, trees, mushroom fields, and wildflower sprouts are sprinkled throughout the pages. On one page, a momma snail leads her six babes across a trail. On another, an owl snuggles with her chick.

While the book would look great on any shelf, it’s the content that will have me recommending it again and again. The book does not simply stop with daily recording prompts where one would record the date, gestational age, size and notes from the day. It also includes numerous journal prompts for NICU milestones:

• First time we saw you
• First time we touched you
• First time we did cares
• First time we held you
• even first poop!

It also includes a space to secure keepsakes like the hospital bracelet, jaundice treatment “sunglasses,” and other items for remembrance.

I truly could go on and on, but here are a few other features you’ll find in My Preemie Baby Book:

• Notes from procedures
• Ready to go home checklist and memories
• A calendar for follow up appointments
• Guest book for family and friends
• Common NICU terms
• Advice from other preemie parents

Plus, dozens of quotes and notes of encouragement to keep your spirits up during your NICU stay.

Enter to win a copy of My Preemie Baby Book

***THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED****

The Moans have generously donated a copy of My Preemie Baby Book for one of our Campers to win—that’s you!

***I’m sorry international friends, but this is a US and CANADA prize only for shipping costs and liability.**

To enter:

1) Share the link to this post on your Facebook or Instagram page.

2) Tag @preemiemomcamp and @Mypreemiebabybook in the post.

I will comment to let you know you are in, so make sure your posts are PUBLIC.

3) For an EXTRA entry, sign up for the Preemie Mom Camp newsletter launching in November. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage and sign up on the lower right hand side.

The giveaway closes at MIDNIGHT US CT on Oct. 21 and the winner will be announced Oct. 22.