Our baby announcements

My husband and I decided to wait a while (18 weeks) before we announced our pregnancy to people. Since I had a long time to wait, I had lots of time to think about how I wanted to announce. I originally planned on making these boxes, but by the time I got out of the craft store I had completely different supplies, and a different idea.

So, here is a little step-by-step to show what I made and how they turned out:

Some supplies I used to make the boxes. Everything that I didn't have I bought from Michaels.

More supplies.

The stain I used on the boxes.

I stuck these butterflies on the squares that go in the windows on the boxes and those are name tags I was deciding between.

Here are the boxes after being stained. They were originally the same color as the squares the butterflies are on.

I took an ultrasound photo to FedEx, told them the dimensions I needed them to be, and had them print me a sheet. $0.14.

I used mod podge to stick the photo to one side of the square.

On the other side is the butterfly. The butterflies are facing the outside and...

when you open the box it has the photo.

Here are what the boxes look like closed.

Supplies to fill the boxes. Michaels.

I got some light pink, sheer paper, cut it into the size of our printer paper, and printed the note we wanted to go inside the boxes on it. Then I cut it into strips. 

Background paper. Cut it into strips to fit under the sheer note.

Cut and layered.

I used these little button clasps to attach the sheer note to the background paper.

Here is what the note looks like all put together.

Back side, to show the clasp things.

I rolled up the notes and tied them with pink ribbon.

Poured pink rocks into the boxes and added an "It's a girl" tag on the top flap.

What the boxes look like filled.

And here is the final product.

And there you have it.

Fun story, in order to get my mom's new address and let her know I was sending her a package without giving away the surprise I told her I was sending her Easter decorations. She had NO idea it was a baby announcement. She thought the box was nice and was 100% expecting to open it and find some Easter poem or something of that sort so she was really shocked. I'm not good at surprises so I was really proud of how good I fooled her.

I had some left over supplies so I sent out letters to other family members and close friends that I thought would appreciate getting a physical announcement. Each had a personal note written inside along with roughly the same contents as inside the box, minus the rocks, and were sent out in pink envelopes with a pink bow glued to the back.

I had a lot of fun making everything and our families loved them.

The experience was also healing. I have had a lot of fear this pregnancy that something would go wrong and my fears prevented me from feeling connected to the baby and being excited. I kept saying things like, "after this date, or that test I will know that this pregnancy is legit and then I'll be happy," but that didn't make things very fun or leave much room for hope. Making these boxes (and also getting the news that all our tests came back clear and baby girl is healthy mid-process) helped bring the peace I needed in order to relax and enjoy this wonderful time in my life.

Now I am filled with joy, hope, and love, and it's only getting better.