Making Memories

Your baby is growing and changing so fast. How will you capture his precious "firsts"? To preserve baby memories best, plan ahead and purchase the right tools. Read on for eight of our favorite classic preservation methods and new, high-tech alternatives.

Classic Keepsakes

Capture those tiny little fingers and toes with a handprint kit. (Available from Pottery Barn Kids, $36) You can use easy to mix tins of casting materials to easily cast imprints of little one's tiniest parts every year.

Because she's such a treasure, consider commissioning a portrait. An oil painting is a keepsake you can enjoy today and in the future. And it's more reasonable than you might think.

If you're bitten by the scrapbooking bug and want something you can personalize yourself, try Aimee J.'s (www.aimeej.com) handmade books. The 13x13 albums are constructed of silk paper and are available in a three-ring format with page protectors. The cover is personalized with name and birth date. From $65.

High-Tech Heirlooms

Using digital photography you can take as many photos as you like and edit before you print. When it's time to print or share photos, upload them to www.shutterfly.com or www.ofoto.com printing services with easy to use editing and sharing tools. Uploading your photos is free, and 4x6 prints are as low as 29¢ each.

Record those first words and steps with a digital camcorder. Her first steps are at a friend's house? No problem - you're portable. And if you're a true techie, consider picking up video editing software from Pinnacle. You can use it to create movie-style videos by adding music, voice-overs, subtitles, slow motion and other effects.

Bronze baby shoes are lovely traditional keepsakes. But today's version is a step ahead - it?s a clear acrylic coating that allows you to preserve both color and detail in the shoes. You can even add a pacifier or favorite toy to the keepsake. For more information visit www.clearpreservations.com. From $70.

Create and publish your own personal baby story. With a new kit from Creations by You, simply layout your pages and add photos, stickers or text. Then mail it in, and in a few weeks you'll recieve a hard cover, keepsake quality book. To order, visit www.chimericinc.com. $29.95.