When Julie had her first baby, she simply used a little blank journal for a babybook, as she was offended by the happy quilted elephant themed books that were available at the time. It's a cute journal, to be sure. But Julie was often tired, and stickers were overused. She knew she wanted something different for her next baby.
Julie's dear friend Adriane faithfully visited her every week, taking long bus journeys without complaint, often bringing treats and a grounded presence which the very strung out new mother Julie appreciated. Over time, they came up with an idea for a babybook that reflected an alternative style of parenting, and met the needs of alternative families.
Adriane, unencumbered by an infant, designed wonderful page layouts, often using her own lovely artwork. Julie and Adriane learned how to make paper, and spent long hours in the back yard with vats of water, deckles, a baby, a toddler, etc. They came up with a method for making covers, and solved the problems of the world over Mod Podge, pressed flowers, and scraps of paper.
Over the years, Adriane got busy with her career as a middle school art teacher. Julie spent all available time on her freelance writing. The babybook business languished, until Chris, Julie's husband and a talented toddler whisperer, decided to take it over. He redid the website, came up with new designs and streamlined the process. Now one can often find Chris frisking around the edges of the forest, picking flowers to press or mix into the paper. He has tamed the deckle, and mastered Mod Podge. Adriane and Julie are still allowed to make books if they wish. Because it's an awful lot of fun.
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