Her First Formal

My "baby" is not so much a baby any longer. She attended her first formal a few weeks ago, and looked beautiful. Her friend Meredith fixed her hair into a style that was becoming to Abigail and accented her dress nicely. 

 Her shoes? Simple, clear jelly flats. They looked like glass slippers!

Which was quite fitting since the formal was held in a real castle. And after all, she is Cinderella!

Grant

...and then came spring. One early morning as we were running through town and had just come over the crest of a hill, she said, "I feel like I'm running six weeks pregnant." Again, words failed me. My mind raced. Is she pregnant? Is this her way of telling me? What if she isn't, and I ask: will her heart hurt even more? I remained silent, and we finished our run and parted ways.  

Several days later as we ran in the hour before dawn and we were talking about upcoming races, she counted herself out for a fall marathon. That's when I knew. And I had the courage to ask, "Are you...?" Yes, joy comes in the morning! My heart was happy, and light, and thankful. 

The months passed and Amy kept on running until finally we had to train separately as we approached our marathon date, and she approached her due date. But still, nearly every day she'd check in with me, asking me for updates, and coaching me along the way. At the local fabric store I spied a piece of number fabric and was instantly drawn to it for a baby quilt for Amy's little one. Runners are constantly crunching numbers, trying to set PRs, and so forth. The rest of the fabrics were chosen to coordinate with the colors of the numbers, and to suit a baby boy. The pattern is from Allison Harris of Cluck Cluck Sew, and is called Kaleidoscope. 

I started cutting pieces in early September, and had the hand-quilting done by early December. I just had to wait for the new little babe to make his appearance so I could label the back with his name. Waiting is hard, even when you aren't the expectant mother. ;-)

Finally, on December 16, Grant came into the world healthy and loved. I shared with Amy how much I loved his name, and how I thought it was so fitting since God had granted her another baby after losing Jack. (I was reminded a bit of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1.) Two full weeks passed until we got to meet this new little beautiful person, and it was good to finally hold him. 

It was good to see Verne holding him, too. It took me back to the days when our children were newborns. He definitely still has the touch, and was able to put Grant to sleep.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

Natural Beauty

photo by Collin

Thirteen. Do you remember feeling awkward? I do. And I know Abigail feels it, too. I don't see it in her, though. All I see is beauty. Though she isn't perfect and has her faults like anyone else on this earth, she is sweet, and kind, and gentle. She loves to snuggle with me, and has a tender heart. She's loyal, and funny. She's naturally beautiful, inside and out. I make sure she knows that I think so, too.

I was never comfortable in my own skin, but I want my daughters to know how precious and special they are. I want them to be confidant in my love for them. It's important for both mother and daughter.

Smooth Sailing

Ten tiny toes made their appearance this week after much anticipation. Asher McConaghy came into the world Wednesday evening, and you better believe I was at the hospital Thursday afternoon to hold him. And to see his mama, Rachel, and his daddy, Patrick, of course. But, I won't lie- I went mostly to hold the baby.

I also couldn't wait to deliver the gift I made for him over the span of several months. You've seen little glimpses of it already, here, here, and even in this month's header photos!

Smooth Sailing- that's what I call this quilt. Why? Because as I was sewing I prayed. I prayed for a safe and easy pregnancy and delivery. I also prayed that little Asher would be a joy to his family, and that he would know the Lord from the first days of his life. Smooth Sailing. It fits!

The finished quilt, freshly laundered and ready to be given. Asher is the fifth boy in his family. When I found out he was on the way, I started thinking about what to make for him. When his two older brothers travelled to Canada for a summer of sailing, I thought a quilt with boats would be just right.

The back of the quilt. Abigail chose the fabric for this side, and as Mary Lou pointed out, it's buoys for a boy! Enough of the quilt. I know you want to see more of this baby than his toes!

Abigail and I planned to go visiting while Collin had a college class, but Collin was glad that we waited for him.

He looks pretty comfortable holding a new baby, don't you think?

Like the quilt pattern? You can find it for free, without my adaptations, here.

Compassion

I mentioned several months back that our family decided to sponsor a child through Compassion International in lieu of Christmas gifts this year. After looking through many profiles, we decided on Melisa. She lives in Columbia, and is 15 years old. I've been praying for her daily, and I often find myself surprised with just how much she's on my mind.

As I was getting a letter ready to mail Melisa today, Abigail decided that she wanted to include one as well. And she fancied it up...

with lots of green glitter.

A green glitter butterfly. Yes, I think it's just perfect.

I'm looking forward to receiving a letter back soon from this dear girl, already so close to my heart.

Wrong Side of the Bed

Ever have days where you feel like you can't do anything right, please anyone, and feel like crying for no particular reason? I do, and apparently it runs in the family. Prescription? Hugs, kisses, and words of affirmation. 

 I love you.

I think you're amazing! 

You bring so much joy to my life! 

 Sometimes, though, my words fail.  They aren't enough. 

But His always are. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you.  ~ 1 Peter 5:7

Collin Gets His Permit

With five birthdays ranging from mid-October to mid-December it's no wonder that some of us choose to have birthday pie over birthday cake. Collin's choice? Derby pie. It's sort of like a big chocolate chip cookie in a crust. I baked it shortly before dinner, and it was still warm when we served it with Neapolitan ice cream.

On a side note, the leftover crust was made into two quiche for tomorrow night's supper. It'll be a busy day with an MRI for Verne, and this way we can come home and quickly heat the quiche in the oven, which is preferred to eating out for a second time in one day.

Back to the birthday boy. I remember the day he was born, although it was sixteen years ago, just like it was yesterday. Labor was easy, and the wonder of the Christmas season made birthing this tiny babe such an emotional experience for me. My mom had the two older children (then just two and three years old) at her home, and baked gingerbread men with them. Later that evening the children brought those gingerbread cookies to me in the hospital. As I recall, nothing ever tasted so good. I nibbled my Christmas cookies and nursed my new little boy, and felt very much at peace.

Collin and I went to the courthouse today, and on to the testing center where he passed the written test to receive his driver's permit, and then he drove me home. Though some things have changed, he's still my adorable boy, and his dimples still get to me today just like they did sixteen years ago.

Coffee in the Morning

It was a much needed respite to sit leisurely around the table this morning, sipping coffee, enjoying conversation. Mac stopped at our favorite donut shop yesterday afternoon on his way home from university.

He walked in the door bearing a dozen of assorted donuts in a bakery box. It put a smile on my face when he announced, "These are for Mom!", and handed me a bag of assorted coconut-covered donut holes. Yep, I raised him right!

It's such a joy to have him across the table from me where I can see him in person rather than over the computer screen. I'm definitely having a good Thanksgiving; I hope that you do, too!

Ten Toes

Today I had the privilege of holding one very sweet 5 day old baby girl. I'm much obliged to her mama who let me not only snuggle, but photograph her. And she didn't even think me strange ( at least she didn't let on, if she did think it!) when I asked if I could undress her a bit. I had to see those sweet baby toes, you know.

OH! how I wish I had one of these sweet little things at my own house!