Baby Ephemera is a project I started from my couch a few days after giving birth. With a baby drapped across my chest and a phone in one hand I started writing poems in an attempt to capture the sweet memories that too quickly were becoming just a whisper. I sent the poems to new moms like me. Poems I turned into “Mad Libs” which turned into weekly prompts meant for anyone desperately trying to raise and remember the little ones growing right alongside us.
EXAMPLE PROMPT:
It’s Friday night. Right now you are (doing what?) while (who else is around?) are (what are they doing?). This weekend we plan on (doing what? Going where?) and I also hope we (any hopes or dreams for the weekend?).
It’s Friday night. Right now you are alternating between shoving pizza in your face and swinging to your heart’s content with daddy pushing you while I chase Nate around the playground. This weekend you, Nate and daddy will have a boys day on Saturday and then we plan on lots of pool time with Nana and Pop on Sunday! I can’t wait for another fun summer weekend! -Melissa, Jack’s mom
It’s Friday night. Right now you are settling down to sleep while your dad puts Theo to bed and I’m setting up decorations for tomorrow. This weekend we plan on celebrating you on your first birthday (tomorrow!) and I also hope we get to share this milestone and you with our family and friends. Later tonight I will put together a photo album of my favorite pictures from your first year, blow up balloons and wrap presents so that we can celebrate tomorrow. I can’t believe it’s been a whole year of having my heart break open with love and joy from every smile you give. You are pure magic and sunshine, my boy, and I am the luckiest person in the world to be your mama. -Elissa, Greyson’s mom
It’s Friday night. Right now you’re asleep while I’m reading a book and your dad is downstairs playing some music in the basement. Tonight you went to bed past your bedtime because we found a new awesome spot in Tarrytown (the next town over). It’s on the Hudson and they serve chicken fingers, booze, and have live music. It’s everything we ever wanted and we were so happy to find it. Mom got a pina colada, dad got a beer, and you got to try mozzarella sticks for the first time. You’re a big fan.Tomorrow, we’re headed to Brooklyn to pick up some new furniture we got for the basement. We’re gonna meet up with our friends, The Hoffman’s, and have lunch in their backyard. Sunday, we’re hanging with our new friends in Irvington - Hannah, Brett and baby Miles. Probably gonna picnic in the park. Then, we have early dinner plans with our friends, the Hammers. -Brittney, Stella’s mom