Your first Mother’s Day is a day you will never forget. While many milestones and firsts are all about baby, this is one that is all about you. Here are 9 special ways to commemorate Mother’s Day for first-time mamas.

1. Document the day in photos.
There are never enough photos of moms with their babies. Go old school and use real film, like with an Instax Mini 8 Camera. Or take digital photos and have them printed so you’ll always remember this big day. Snap selfies throughout the day, and ask loved ones to take photos of you. From eating breakfast to cuddling and reading books, these are moments you’ll treasure forever.

photo: Field Trip on Etsy

2. Ease into the day.
Parents usually need lots (and lots) of coffee or tea to power through the day, so start your first Mother’s Day with a quiet moment savoring a cup in bed before you embark on a hectic day of fun with your bub. Before Mother’s Day, drop hints for a personalized mug, like this new-mom mug from Etsy shop Field trip ($10.80), or buy it for yourself to commemorate your new role. It’s simple yet sweet and something that is certain to make you smile for years to come.

photo: The Desperate Craftwives

3. Get your craft on.
It’s never too early for a craft project with your baby. You might do most of the work, but baby can supply some scribbles, a footprint or handprint, or a beautiful face for a photo. Check out our article 16 Mother’s Day Crafts to Make with Your Baby for lots of great ideas, at various artistic-skill levels.

4. Treat yourself to flowers.
Add some color and fragrance to your home with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, picked by your sweet babe (with mom or dad’s help). They’ll stay fresh for the next week or so and will brighten each day!

photo: Chatbooks

5. Create a book about those first moments.
First bath, first laugh and so many other important moments. Capture those magical memories into a book with Chatbooks. This app creates books from your Facebook and Instagram feeds, giving you an easy way to capture those moments and keep them accessible. Perfect for the coffee table, or even your desk at the office.

6. Choose your special meal.
Eat at home or dine out? Brunch or barbecue? Casual or fancy? So many options, but one main focus: Mom gets to pick! The rules are simple: Mom doesn’t cook or wash dishes. Her only job is to kick back, eat her favorite foods, including dessert, and have an enjoyable meal.

photo: Made By Mary

7. Keep it close to your heart.
There’s a reason why jewelry is a popular and traditional gift — it’s sentimental and something you can both wear and treasure. This “Mama” necklace from Etsy shop Made by Mary ($48-$56, depending on options) dresses up your outfits and shows your pride in your new role.

8. Journal the day.
We’ve all heard the new-mom saying: “The days are long, but the years are short.” Use Mother’s Day as the kickoff to starting a journal about milestones, small moments and special memories you want to savor. Make it easy on yourself with the One Line a Day journal or something less formal, like a decorative notebook. You can share these memories with your child when they get older, and then pass on the book to them when they become a parent years from now.

9. Make it a day all about Mom.
Hit your favorite place for brunch, enjoy a guilt-free afternoon nap, spend an hour at the park with the entire family, whatever makes you happiest. The day is all about you, Mom, so let others know how to help you feel celebrated.

How will you be celebrating your first Mother’s Day?

—Jane Putnam

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