I Designed My Baby a Book for Her First Birthday

When Romy’s first birthday was coming up, I knew I wanted to create something a little different. Rather than buying another gift, I wanted to make something that felt personal, meaningful, and hopefully something she might treasure when she's older.

So I sat down with my iPad, did some drawing, and created a children's book all about the idea that she can be anything she wants to be.

From astronauts to florists and everything in between, each page celebrates curiosity, imagination, and all the possibilities that are waiting for her. Seeing the finished hardback arrive and holding it in my hands was such a special moment (even if I immediately spotted a font mistake on the back cover and had a small dramatic meltdown about it 😅).

Looking through the book in Romy's little reading corner, surrounded by all her favourite stories, made me realise this project is about so much more than a birthday gift. It's a reminder that creativity lets us turn ideas into something real, and that children deserve to grow up believing there are no limits on who they can become.

The book has also sparked a few ideas for the future. I'd absolutely love to turn the illustrations into a huge A2 print for Romy's room, filled with all the different things she can be. And maybe one day I'd love to offer personalised books like this for other families too. For now, though, I'm taking things one step at a time—prints first, then bookmarks, and we'll see where the journey goes from there.

For a first attempt, complete with a typo-induced breakdown, I'm pretty proud of it.

And honestly? Seeing Romy's name on the cover made every minute worth it. ❤️✨