As soon as (or perhaps even before) baby is born, parents are planning his or her first professional photos. To preserve these special moments, many parents opt to choose a professional photographer who specializes in portraits of newborns. Kylene Cleaver owns and operates Leave It To Me Photography, a custom portraiture business, from her home in Maryland. Although she photographs all ages, newborns and pregnant women are one of her specialties.

Cleaver is able to capture details that other photographers miss in her portraits of children. She takes the time to elicit a natural, unscripted reaction from her subjects as she shoots them candidly, without a “pose and shoot” mentality. All of her photo sessions are done “on location,” in the client’s home or a place of the client’s choosing, using natural light. She has taken photos of my son many times, always with spectacular results. In fact, she is the only person I would trust to take portraits of my family. You can check out some of her stunning photos at LeaveItToMePhotography.com. While she is based in Maryland, she has clients throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and surrounding areas.

Are you looking for a fun way to show off your new baby, or a great shower gift? Look no further than this great Production Onesie from Mitetees. You choose the color of the print, and enter the last name(s) of the parents and Mitetees creates a witty onesie. They are available in sizes from 3-6 months up to 6T. Versions are available for twins, siblings, etc. I think this is a great idea that will bring smiles to the faces of all who see it. You can check out all of the options and purchase one for $24 at mitetees.com.

While surfing the Internet today, I came across something I’d never heard of before - a Diaper Wreath. Of course, I know about diaper cakes, but a diaper wreath? This was something I had to see. I soon discovered that there are many crafters selling diaper wreaths, as baby shower items, gifts, and as a way to announce a new arrival. They vary wildly in price, from an elaborate one like the Lion Safari Double Wreath (above) by “Nancy” for $95, to some that are a bit more reasonable, like one on MyKidsCloset.com selling for $35. You get what you pay for, however, as the Lion Safari Wreath not only includes 45 Pampers Swaddlers diapers but also a Carter’s bib, socks, teethers, onesie, medicine dropper, aspirator…the list goes on and on. Basically it contains everything new parents will need when they bring that little bundle of joy home from the hospital. The smaller one that is $35 contains some of the same items, just not in the same quantity. I think this is a wonderful idea for a baby shower gift or a gift for new parents. Not only is it functional, it’s also very attractive!

I have to admit that I am not very organized when it comes to my children’s keepsakes.  We recently came home from the hospital with our newborn’s hospital bracelet tucked into an envelope with her discharge papers.  Unfortunately, that is where both remain over a week later.  When I saw this picture frame from Pearhead, I knew it was right up my disorganized alley.  This great product allows you to find a perfect home for this important early keepsake where it will remain out of harm’s way.  While a picture goes in the top portion of the frame, the cut-out at the bottom displays a hospital band.  You can purchase one for a very reasonable $25 at tottini.com.  A white finish is also available.

So simple yet so lovely: that describes not only this “Welcome to the World” handmade card but pretty much everything from enfantterrible.com. Imagine receiving something so sweet and unique for your little one. I know I’d put it in my baby’s scrapbook, along with a picture of the newborn babe.

Made by Flaunt Handmade Correspondences, it is not only handmade, but also crafted with mulberry paper and feathers, adding to the look with texture. At a reasonable $6.50 (that includes postage), this card is a keepsake to go along with your gift to a newly “hatched” child.

Don’t be tempted to send an email to announce your baby’s birth, send something a little more personal and a lot more tangible to receive. These Photo Birth Announcements by Mini Flower GIrl come with matching envelopes that can also be personalized with your return address.Viewing this item at tinyprints.com will show you the myriad of styles from which to choose.

If you’re thinking of a baby shower gift, you can pre-order these announcements and they will pre-ship the envelopes to the recipient. The new mom can then choose the announcement design and provide baby’s vital information. The announcements come in sets of 25 to 500+ beginning at $42.95 per 25. Matching Thank You cards are also available.

The border of this Fairy Birth Announcement by Inviting Smiles says “Thank heaven for little girls!” I was just looking through a line of birth announcements that include baby’s picture and there were certainly many designs to choose from. These Birth Announcements  caught my eye because they look three-dimensional with the watercolor flowers design printed on a vellum overlay and the attached organdy ribbon.

There are several styles from which to choose from at  InvitingSmiles.com, all or most of which are adorned with a vellum overlay and matching organdy ribbon. These announcements are priced at $1.79 each with a minimum order of 25. You can pre-order your baby’s birth announcements or purchase them as a baby shower gift. The new mom will then be able to decide on a design and provide the new baby’s vital information. I think it’s a nice idea for a shower gift because it’s thoughtful and unusual.

I love this clever birth announcement idea from Garden-in-a-Bag.  Each “announcement” is a packet of seeds, so those who receive your good news will be able to enjoy a beautiful bloom in honor of your new arrival.  The “It’s a Boy” packet contains forget-me-not seeds, and the “It’s a Girl” packet contains an assortment of pink flowers.  All the recipient needs to do is add water and put the bag in a sunny place. What better way to celebrate your new addition?

Each Garden-in-a Bag Birth Announcement packet costs $8, and can be purchased at chasing-fireflies.com.