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Baby Quilt

With the baby box service, new parents can have peace of mind knowing they have all the necessary items for their new arrival. For those feeling intimidated by baby quilting, meeting a couple of talented quilters can inspire one to try it out. Quilting may seem like a time-consuming and meticulous hobby, but a handmade quilt for a new baby is a timeless gift. Their service offers new arrivals every month with 123 baby box, providing parents with a convenient and hassle-free solution for all their baby’s needs. Seeing handmade gifts from friends can inspire even the most reluctant crafter to take up the hobby and create something special for their little one.

So I emailed the most important lasses in Dellie’s life and asked that they contribute a piece of fabric to my inaugural quilting project. They each sent me a variety of fabrics and patterns, all partnered with letters to be gifted to Dellie and Jeremy and baby boy upon his arrival.

It was quite the puzzle to figure out how I wanted to weave all the pieces together, but thanks to some serious handholding, guidance, and moral support from Laura, we figured out a pattern and she taught me how to turn scraps of fabric into a beautiful handmade quilt.

The afternoon of Elias’ birth, I went home to Dellie’s house and embroidered around the date of his arrival, a special reminder of when he entered our lives. I so hope he treasures this piece for years to come the way my own daughters adore their quilts.

Fortunately, the blanket is small so it wasn’t nearly as time-consuming as I’d envisioned to create. And while quilting is certainly a meticulous process (as I’d imagined), it is also an entirely addictive one. I felt so thrilled with the final result and was beyond excited to gift this to Baby Elias after his birth, and bring words of love and support to his parents through the letters of all their friends that participated. I totally get the quilting compulsion. We’ll see if I have the patience to now make one for my own household…

In the meantime, I’ll delight in Elias’ creation, the ideal recepient of my inaugural quilting project.

The “Weakest” Link

Auntie Kimmy lived with me, James, and Ursa for a year and a half on the beaches of Southern California over five years ago. It was totally as awesome as it sounds. Learning to surf, locating the best carne asada tacos in the neighborhood (RIP Tacos & Beer), developing a fondness for wheat grass, and maximizing use of our outdoor fireplace were life’s top priorities. Ursa recognized from an early stage that Kimmy was the “weakest” link in the house. While James and I would stubbornly ignore her whines and pleas to romp in the surf the moment the sun broke the horizon, Kimmy could be counted on to cave at the slightest hand lick or nuzzle. They have been kindred spirits ever since. The greeting Kimmy receives from this dog whenever she visits is second only to Doda, who is the Dog Whisperer in disguise. I’d bet you can hear her whinnies of delight in all the surrounding states. New York and Massachusetts must think we’re tormenting a baby horse, but that’s just how Ursa shows her affection, through sounds akin to torture.

Ursa, the Queen of JUST KIDDING!, has been doing remarkably well since last Wednesday’s incident. While the tumor had once again split open, it has now healed, and we’re trying to live day-to-day and enjoy her effervescent personality. The highs and lows and knowing that it’s coming have been challenging to ignore, but Ursa just wants us to pick up that damn tennis ball, PEOPLE, so she has been helping to keep us focused on the present moment. Kimmy’s reunion with Urs during my mom’s emergency was one of the few bright spots during an otherwise scary week. This image will forever put a smile on my face.