by Jennifer Cram, Civil Marriage, Naming & General Celebrant, Brisbane

A civil naming ceremony and a christening in a church are not mutually exclusive ceremonies, although a civil naming ceremony is often characterised as a “secular” christening. Many families are now opting to have both.

Both types of ceremonies are very joyful occasions that formally recognise the special responsibilities of parents to their child; and provide the opportunity for others to make a public commitment to the child. At both the child’s names are formally announced. A Christian baptism symbolises the moment the child becomes a member of the body of Christ, part of a particular denomination, and parents and godparents pledge themselves to bring up the child in a godly and upright way.

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Popularity: 13% [?]

By: Jacqueline Flynn

Copyright 2006 WomanCentric Inc.
Once a woman becomes pregnant, they can become fascinated by the way that the baby is growing inside of her. It’s a miraculous process, the way that a child grows into a complete human being inside of a woman. But it doesn’t have to be a mystery that only shows itself during the ultrasound appointments. Finding out about the way that your child is growing and changing will help you become even more attached to this new little person.
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Popularity: 11% [?]

People of all ages with all budget ranges (even free!) can make their own memory books. And here’s how.

• Gather paper for the size book you’d like to create. For regular 3-ring notebook sizing, 8 ½ X 11-inch paper is the best choice. If you have no budget, gather whatever sized paper you can find, then trim to size with scissors and a straight edge (a ruler or book edge will do fine.) Those with a budget can purchase a decorative stationery sheets or printer paper, even with special occasion or other holiday borders. You can search your favorite engine on line for scrap booking supplies, check out office supply stores, dime stores and discount or outlet stores.
• Next get creative: gather together photos and other mementoes you are saving, stickers, colored pencils and markers, corners (that hold photos in place), tape, glue, glitter, ribbons, fabric swatches and any other fun crafting materials you can think of in a shoebox or other storage container.
• Then relax, turn on your favorite tunes, and begin. Focus on one page at a time of your memory book. Choose a focal point - like one main photo or photo grouping. Place them on the page, leaving room for a memory sheet; i.e. your written description of what the page is about. Then when you see there is sufficient room for all, affix everything in place. Finish the page by adding creative touches here and there; for example, sprinkle glitter framing around the photos, glue grandma’s bow at the top of the page, etc.
• Decorate a cover for your memory book! This can be made out of fabric, cardboard and photos or nearly anything. The sturdier the better.
• If you’re interested in professionally printing and binding your own baby memory book, check out local print shops like Kinkos and online companies.

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Popularity: 10% [?]

Finding the right baby name for your little bundle of joy can be quite the task. You want to find something that will be original, but also attractive. And, of course you want to make sure the name suits the child. Most people find that having a few names on their list helps them find the right fit when the time comes to pick one. Your child’s name will be with them throughout their life, so choosing the right one is important.

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Popularity: 68% [?]