Steiger turned five

(his birthday was actually April 10 -- I am a little late on this...)

Oh my Steiger Jay. (his name rhymes with "Tiger," by the way)...

I really like being your mama. At this moment, you are battling a mylar balloon we got you for your birthday, telling me how great your fighting skills are.

There are many things about you that are very stereo-typically "boy" (as pictured in the Iron Viking costume above). While I was typing, you put down the balloon, and climbed in to the chair with your sister, surrounded by pillows and quilts. You two are chatting about something. You are an excellent brother.

For your birthday, I gave you a "yes" day. The rules were that as long as you were being nice, I'd say yes to your requests. You had pretzels for breakfast, PB & J for lunch, and dinner, at your request, was "chicken, rice, crunchy carrots, cheese, and pizza for dessert." We changed pizza to ice cream and Dad pulled down a candle off the mantle to light. I wanted to ask you what your wish was. :)

All morning, you watched videogame walkthroughs on youtube. I think MineCraft battles is what you were on. I make you mute the volume, because some of the people who do videogame walkthroughs, even for kids' games, do not have the nicest language. You then love to tell your dad and I all about the "mods."

When we took you to your friend Jack's farm a few days ago, you didn't really show your farmer's boy roots... You were squeamish of moving the chicks, and your dad can't get you to grab worms. I will take the blame for those genes my dear boy... along with a few others. BUT, you sure do know how to play. You guys ran, and squealed, and poured water down the slide.

You love to be squirted and play games. You're actually very, very good at playing games with other kids. So conscientious. Almost too conscientious at times... when we were watching the pigs, you were more concerned with making sure the smaller kids didn't get too close to the electric fence than you were with watching the piggies. ♥ You notice everything and care mucho.

You and your sister are best friends. And it is my greatest joy.
I love snuggling you, listening to you, going on "dates," and being your mama. You are an exceptional boy my Steiger, and we all love you.

Your birthday Interview
Nicknames: "I don't have any nicknames" (with a name like Steiger, who needs 'em, right?)

How old are you? 5

What is your favorite color? Red

What is your favorite animal? Bears

What is your favorite book? Creepy books

What is your favorite TV show? Power Rangers (He also loves Wild Kratts)

What is your favorite movie? Star Wars

What is your favorite song? "I don't have a favorite song"

What is your favorite food? Rice (now that's fitting)

What is your favorite drink? Milk

What is your favorite snack? Pretzels

What is your favorite outfit? Black

What is your favorite game? Star Wars on the Wii and computer

What is your favorite toy? "I don't have a favorite toy"

Who is your best friend? Cooper (his cousin)

What is your favorite thing to do? Snuggle (for real... you see why I love him so much?)

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Running and squirting the hose

What is your favorite holiday? "My favorite holiday is Christmas"

What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Bears

Where is your favorite place to go? Cooper's house

What is your favorite restaurant? "the toy restaurants"

Where do you want to go on vacation? to the beach.

What do you want to be when you grow up? a police man 

What did you do on your birthday? go bowling

Dreaming of rainbows.

If you aren't familiar with that quilt there, it was made by the lovely Lindsey at Happier than a Bird Quilts. She made it from my Linky Love pattern, and Vanessa's Simply Color ombré jelly roll.

She sent it to me this past week. ♥

This winter has been very bittersweet for me.
This blog has been quiet because I had been working on the best kind of WIP, but the baby lost his or her heartbeat around the end of 2013. :( It was our second loss in a row, and just hard. And confusing.

My heart has been so soft to the women who go through these things without two littles at home to snoogle. And I've been even softer to those two littles at home. Appreciating them more. Seeing them better. And their wonderful dad too... who has been so incredibly good to me.

So I hadn't been doing a lot of sewing. But it's picking back up again. And it felt like time to get back to the blog. I anticipate you'll be hearing more from me again, more often. You can find me on Instagram too (Hubby bought me an ipad for Christmas). :)

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I'm going to be running a few pattern sales in the next few weeks, because not only have the last few months been kind of rough, they've also been burdeningly expensive. So the Linky Love pattern is on sale for $6 for a limited time if you'd like to buy one! Here and on Craftsy. :) Thank you! ♥

(and P.S. Go look at pinksuedeshoe's version of Linky Love that lives on her bed! It's amazing!)

2 1/2

My little Scarlet Grace. ♥

You didn't get a post when you turned 2. You will get one now.

You have a smudged face in this picture because you insist on doing all things yourself. "I do it." So I (usually) let you clean your own face.

Your bright blue eyes still surprise me.

You are an amazing little shopping buddy, and you know just what you like. "I no like dat." "I want dat one!" You exuberantly exclaim, "Pretty Mommy!" when I try something on (even if it's just so-so).

Daddy says you are all "Fire & Ice." He is on to something. Mommy says you are equal parts "Sweet & Sassy." I am also on to something.

You love to have your back rubbed, with mama's piano fingers.

You, like your brother at this age, like to be told stories. Cinderella is your current favorite. Nemo is a frequent contender for top spot in the rotation.

You love Anna. Steiger loves Elsa. This correlation fits not only your birth order, but your personalities as well.

You hop, skip, or jump almost everywhere. I adore watching you run more than most anything I can watch, or jumping on the trampoline.

I could also listen to you talk all day. You repeat highly sophisticated phrases with a newly forming voice and diction, and it is adorable.

You still love your "banties" (blankies). Thank goodness you are not discriminating against which of the 8 little flannel receiving blankets you hold. Though you prefer to have all 8 of them at once. ♥

You suck your thumb when you hold them.

You're still rear-facing in the carseat, and I attribute the blankies for helping make this as stress free as possible.

You love your brother utterly, but I still don't think as much as he loves you.

You want to sit on our laps to eat your dinner lately. You ate more independently at 8 months than now at 30 months... hmmm...

You love soups and broth. Which makes me really happy because I love them too. You also love broccoli.

You love to copy Steiger. When he writes his name, you must write yours... you make a mean backwards S. :)

You do not have any trouble voicing your opinion, but can be flexible too. Again -- sweet & sassy.

You love to hold on like a monkey, be loved, be in control, be independent, and be comforted all at once.

You have your mama's heart (Daddy's and Steiger's too). We love you little Scarlet Grace.

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(and yes, I am aware I've been gone for quite some time... I'll give you an update shortly)

#ifIwasoninstagram

Yes I feel left out!

So I'm doing a pretend Instagram post. :)

If I was on there myself, here's a bit of what you'd see (from the last week or so):

Scarlet meeting my dear friend's new baby Emily. ♥  She was so sweet with her!  It reminded me of when Steiger met Scarlet for the first time, and didn't want to share her with his grandmas.

Steiger falling asleep in his little chair after a big day playing and too many days in a row of staying up late waiting for Daddy to get home.

You'd probably see a close-up of his amazing eyelashes too.

You'd see what Scarlet could do with ONE hershey Kiss (that I gave her to distract her so I could finish the dishes)

And what she thinks when I put a youtube music video of a song she doesn't want to listen to at that particular moment.  (She loves to watch music videos on youtube, but has very particular taste... this is how I get dinner ready during this crazy busy season).

Not much working on quilts to photo in the moment sadly, but I am trying to get this one done for my God-sister's college graduation gift.

And one more... an oldie, but a goodie.  This photo is from the summer of 2008... This is my hubby, dad, sister-in-law's dad, and Grandpa Jim.  My grandpa passed away yesterday morning, so I went and found this picture after the kiddos and hubby were asleep.  ♥  We'll miss him, but I'm glad he lived a long and full life and is no longer suffering.  We love you Grandpa!

WIP Wednesday - to market, to market...

I leave for Market tomorrow!

I don't really know what to expect.  I'm really excited and a bit nervous...

I've got about 2 hours for Scarlet's nap; do you think I can finish this?



It's the Bijou Bag from Sew Serendipity.  I just a la patchworked it.

I want it to be my carry-on, but don't think I have time to get it done.  I should just let it go... and fold laundry instead.  Or pack.

Especially since Kelly sent me this adorable bag (that I'll be carrying all around)! (I'll have hubs take pictures of me with it tonight or tomorrow).

Anyway -- just saying hello!  I am not on instagram (don't have a smart phone), but I will take lots of pictures and update when I get back with all the new and exciting lines coming out!

(And P.S. I'm so nervous to leave these little people!  I am rarely away from them, and think I'm having some Mommy separation anxiety!  I think once I get there I'll be great, but driving to the airport could be a little sad!  Yes I'm a sap!)



Anything you especially want to see pictures of?  Leave a comment and I'll do my best to get it up!

Hi!

oh my goodness... it's that time of year! (planting season for those who might be new around here -- the number or hours my hubs worked last month is equal to the number of days in the year if that gives some perspective...)

I didn't get my "just three" post up for the month! Do you all want to keep going with "Just three?"  My linky subscription expired, and they re-charged me, but I wasn't sure if I should ask for a refund, or keep going, or what... I have a few other ideas I want to start.  So hmmm...give me feedback!  If there are people who want to keep going, just let me know.  I kind of liked writing up a short list of goals for the month. :)

Anyway.  Hubs and kiddos are sleeping, and I wanted to say hello before I turn in myself. :)

I turned 34 yesterday.  It was a pretty normal day mostly... though it is the first birthday in five years I haven't been either pregnant or nursing a baby, so I suppose that's a little strange.  I think that realization made me a little sappier and more sentimental than usual (as if I'm not already those things in spades)... I do love those little people...

I'm also leaving for Quilt Market in a week and a day!

I hired Kelly to make me a cool handmade market bag, because sadly, I don't think I will have time.  Poor girl, you should have heard me trying to tell her what I wanted.  It was a bunch of indecisive nonsense that ended in "Just make me something that's pretty big, but not huge and have fun with it!"  I trust her. :)

Hmmm... I'll close these ramblings with a little round-up list:

1 - Need to get binding on this custom order.

2 - This is the Version B quilt top of a pattern I'm working on... I'm calling it "Starcrossed," and it is figured up with two different block sizes and lots of bed sizes... I just wanted to combine two of my favorite quilty motifs -- the sawtooth star and Irish chain.  The smaller stars version is done, and I need to quilt this one.

3 - My children get the priority of happy and sanity.  So I change their clothes at least twice/day so they can play in the mud and hoses.  And laugh a lot.  It's been good for all of us.

Run Steiger Run!

Squirting Big Brother is FUN!

Good thing he's so strong and can take it. ♥

He is the best big brother... seriously...

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P.S. The sale on patterns is still going on! 20% off with code "SpringMarket"

Holler at me if you're going to Market so I can meet you!

my Steiger is four.

Today my little man turned four.

Last night, while Daddy tucked him in, he was asking "Will I feel different when I'm 4?"

Steiger, this is a little about you:

I bought you a wii game today.  It is your second one.  Your other one is Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
   This is LEGO Star Wars III The Clone Wars You danced around for five minutes while we loaded the game.  You're jabbering on and on about "you know how I play the wii?  It's Star Wars Clone wars!  It's Clone Wars!  You got me a new wii game!  I haven't had a new wii game in all my life!  I know Star Wars Clone Wars."

You don't hold back your excitement.

Yesterday, Scarlet was whining at me and pulling on my legs while I was getting breakfast ready.  In not my nicest voice, I said, "Stop whining at me!  I can't help you when you're whining at me!"   You were in the living room, walked over to Scarlet, and gave her a big hug.  I was instantly softened, and humbled.  Thank you for loving your sister so much.  You have been this way from when she was brand new, and it is a special answered prayer for me to see.

You go through cycles of testing your boundaries and powers of manipulation.  Getting you to "fold" and put away your clothes the other day was a prime example of that.  You worked to come up with every excuse you could about why you couldn't.  Four time-outs and the collecting of your Bot-Shots and you finally tackled the job.

You're much more enthusiastic about other jobs.  You feed the doggie every night.  You help Scarlet fill up her water.  You and Scarlet empty the silverware (she hands you the items; you put them in the right spot).  You like to use the squirter while washing dishes.  You love helping in the garden.

You give Scarlet, Mom, and Dad lots of hugs during the day.

You love to be tickled and thrown around by Dad.

You like getting Scarlet to say things after you.

When you dance, you shake your booty like a Latin ballroom dancer.  (You just don't want anyone except your family to see).

You still love to go stay at your Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We recently started reading through the The Jesus Storybook Bible Collector's Edition Every night now you ask to read from your Bible Story book.  After we read, you want to snuggle.

You give your sister a kiss night-night, and you both give the cutest pucker-up face... ♥

You love to play Star Wars outside.  We go to "your hill" (which is a little ditch levee) and get those droids! (because we only shoot droids).  Sometimes we're power rangers.

Words is your love language.  You say things like, "Mommy, you're the best Mommy."  and "I love you Daddy" and "Isn't Scarlet such a little sweetheart?" and "Mommy, thank you for making me such good things for dinner" or "Thank you for getting me a birthday present Mommy."  You thrive on praise, and hand it out freely.

We took you bowling a few days ago for your little birthday party.  You told everyone what a great job they were doing.  My heart was beaming.

You wanted to ride in the tractor with Daddy today.  You stayed with him for about 4 hours before I came to get you.  You really looked like his miniature, with your "work shirt" and "jeans" and hat.

You know 23 of your 26 letters - M and W still give you trouble, and I can't remember what else right now; we'll have to check again tomorrow.

You're great with numbers.  I didn't even teach you the digits, and one day you just read them to me.

You want everything quantified... how many minutes, how many bites, how long something takes.  It does make me batty, and I'm hoping it's a stage.

You sleep in your big bed, but occasionally sneak in and lay on the floor next to our bed, or climb up next to Daddy.

We finally got a little table to eat on (since Mommy's sewing set-up takes up where the dining room table used to be), and you love it when we all eat dinner together "as a family."  You actually love it when we do anything all together as a family.

Steiger, I tell you my "secret" every day that you are my favorite little boy in the whole world and I love being your mommy.  You are a JOY. Truly.  Your heart; your love; your spunk.  Four years old, and still, after you're in bed, Daddy and I talk about your antics and quirks and spirit and how blessed we are with you in our lives.  And since you would ask how much I love you - it's bigger than the whole sky.

And you would say you love me the same.

Happy Birthday my sweet boy.

my little lady

She is sixteen months old today.
And we spent our morning at the doctor to make sure she didn't have an ear infection.  I was relieved that her two week grumpiness has just been a cold and the fact that she has cut 6 teeth in the last two weeks, with two more swelling up her little gums. (yes... poor baby/poor mama).

BUT -- last month, when she turned 15 months old, I was remembering when I talked about her brother at the same age, so Scarlet baby, this post is for you...

Thank you for the quilt Amanda!  We LOVE it!

• You dance.  You shake your arms, pump your fists in the air, and try to shake your booty.  You (and your brother) both love Gangman Style. :)
• You snuggle in so cozy when it's nap time and bed time.  It has been mama's favorite time of the day the last couple weeks, and reminds me of what a sweetie you are.  You fell asleep on my chest this morning while I was trying to keep you quiet so Daddy could have a few more minutes of sleep.
• You go crazy for bananas.  I have to hide them, or you'll see them on the counter and throw a fit if I don't give you one.  Even if you've already had two for the day.  You're trying to say "nana."
• You are SO in to books lately as well.  You grab them, bring them over, and plop yourself on one of our laps.
• You suck your thumb and hold a blankie when you're tired.  Your grandma tells me that your mama did the same thing. ;)

• You do a "boo boo lip" and "shaky face" on command.  

• If I shower when you're awake, you like to open, and slam the door.  You crack up when I say "whoa!"
• Your best word is "uh oh."  You say "mama," "Daddy," and try to say "Elli," and I think you try to say "Steiger."
• Your hair is so wispy. And blonde.  I'm still surprised by how blonde you are!
• You love Elli.  She is so good at putting up with you when you "pet" her, or pull her tail, or take over her bed.

• You can be quite animated, and walk around saying "whoa whoa whoa whoa." 

• You understand A LOT.  I can give you directions, and you follow them (unless you're in one of your diva moods.)  But normally, you love to help.  I often can't keep up with all your helping and trying to figure things out, and I'll find you doing something like this on your own. You've been known to put dirty silverware away, or fill the washing machine with a new load. :)

• You are a mama's girl.  You still love to be worn, and you scream at anyone who you perceive as coming between us.  Even your Papa.

• You're pretty good with a light saber (aka swiffer handle).  Steiger calls you his Padawan.
• You're tall for your age (97% a couple months ago!).  You did not get this from me.
• You like to put on your brother's shoes or slippers and wander around the house proudly.
• You've discovered babies.

• You think burping and tooting is hilarious, and try to imitate the sound. And then laugh.
• You learned to say "please," this week.
• You are enthusiastic. And it shows.

Scarlet, you make all of us smile.  Every day.  And as Steiger would say, "We love you more than you know."  Your fresh little face, and sassy little steps, and tender little needs, and tenacious little spirit, and joyful little heart sure make me blessed to be your mama. ♥

Happy.

I say "Babies come first" often around here.  Or at least I say it to myself in my head... and to God in my heart.  It might come out with a sigh or a grin or a growl, depending on the moment.

But this picture I took this evening helps to remind me why.

I was trying to think of a New Years' Resolution tonight. 

I can think of about twenty off the top of my head.  I could even neatly categorize them from things that might give me back more of a waist, to things that might make me more fiscally solvent, to things that would build a business, to growing my spiritual life, to to making my home more visitor friendly.

But those little bunchkins... they were playing this spitting/squealing game, without any instruction or intervention from me tonight during their bath.

And I laughed at them and at myself.

"Babies come first Tracey."

And then I yelled for Jay to (please) grab the camera and bring it to me.  

I have about 20 shots of them looking at one another with various expressions of spontaneous glee.

I am smart enough to realize that the only resolution I really *need* to make is to remember that these babies come first.  And to let myself enjoy them.  And to appreciate that even though my waist to hip ratio is not ideal, my body grew those two little critters, and I should be kind to it (in both word and deed).  

"Babies come first."

Before my blog re-design.  

Or figuring out Illustrator.  

Or making another block for my new idea.

Or having the laundry all caught-up.  

(And if you're wondering -- no, tonight's dishes are not all done.)

So I suppose my resolution is the same as it was last year.

And the year before.

And the good Lord willing, he can figure out a way to continue to work on the growing of my heart and mind and spirit and servant heart and wifey love and cleaning habits and exercise and budgeting skills in the midst of that.

At least that is my prayer.

Happy New Year y'all.  I have many happy things planned for 2013.  Hopefully most of them will show up in this space soon, but it really depends on those two little squishy smilers up there.  ♥ ♥

Merry Christmas! (a finished quilt!)

Priorities around here...

Presents = about half-way wrapped.
BUT the quilt is done.  

This quilt started over 2 years ago, with the help of some wonderful ladies in a little Christmas Bee we did... (Thank you Kelly, Cherie, Amy, Rene, Natalia, and Karrie!)  

The wheels are the "Cartwheels" pattern from Tula Pink, and the trees are whatever the creative ladies came up with!

I have more presents to wrap, family to visit, cousins to play with, and a house to tidy, but I wanted to share this before Christmas was gone!

Blessings to you this Holiday season, and as the New Year comes!

♥

Treasure Boxes - cutting

It's still Friday where I am!

What a week!

Harvest started this week... 'nuff said.  Good news is that it's the last crazy/busy season of the year, so I just have to make it until a little in to November.

Here are the cutting instructions for the Treasure Boxes Quilt Along.
This is our "assignment" for this week. :)  Add your pictures of your fabric!



Here is a pdf of the cutting instructions.
*Please note: you can cut your squares at 8 7/8" instead of 9" if you prefer not to trim when done.

I hope these directions are pretty clear!  When I'm done with the Quilt along posts, I'm going to compile the graphics/pages in to a pattern that will be for sale with all proceeds to benefit Quilt Hope In.  So if you think you might want this pattern -- save/copy the file now. :)

And so this post isn't left without a pretty picture --

The little etsy shop Quilt Hope In had its first sale since re-opening.  I listed this little color wheel dresden I made; it sold and shipped off this week. yea!

If you would like to list something, email me with pictures, the price and all that jazz.  The payment goes directly to Heartline, so if you need compensation for shipping, please make sure to let me know, so an arrangement can be made with the buyer aside from their payment.

Anyway -- I gotta go to bed.

Much love to you all.

And I'm praying I adjust to the hubs working a lot again soon... quality time is my main love language, and I miss that big hunk... *sigh*  At least I'm not 37+ weeks pregnant or caring for a newborn this year... so there's that...

July's Just Three (with bribery!)

I am SO happy to say that spray season is almost over!
It is huge reason to celebrate... because even though it's only a month, it's a month that the hubs' alarm goes off at 4 am, and he doesn't get home until 8, 9, or even 10 at night!  Every day!  I'm so proud of him, but am VERY GLAD they only have a couple more fields to get, and that he spent the last couple days at home with us.  I really do love that guy...

BUT - why I'm here.  It's time to report July's "Just Three."

If you're new, here's how it works --
1) Pick three quilty-type goals for the month.  OF COURSE you can do more than three things, and there is no gestapo to come check in on you if you decide to alter your course, it's really just meant to be fun, and maybe give a little direction/report.

2) Blog about it!  Reflect and report on the previous month, and then set course with what's coming.

3) Come link up during the first week of the month. :)



This month -- if you link up, you'll be entered to win this custom charm bundle, of 50 charm squares, lovingly cut from my stash, and used in my "Glassy" quilt (that will one day be going in Scarlet's nursery that is very much still in progress).

(If you don't have a blog, leave a comment telling your three goals -- if you do have a blog, link up!)

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So here's my report:

Last month's goals were: 

1) Quilt those three quilts I basted.  (I am tempted to leave my goal at this honestly... but I will go on). 

- I got the baby triangles partly quilted, the Sophie Chenille finished, and the baby Hunky Dory finished!

2) Make window coverings for my baby's new rooms (I'm thinking ruffles for Scarlet, and colorblock for Steiger).

I ordered the fabric for Steiger's, and decided on patchwork for Scarlet's.  I got all the panels pieced, and one of them lined (still need to hem).  I really like them, and they make a great photo backdrop for my little cupie doll as well. :)

3) Work on, or don't work on whatever best helps my sanity.  This is our busiest month of the year -- even busier than planting -- and if I get through without a complete meltdown, I will be proud proud proud.  I'm a Mom first... and will be working to show my babes how much I adore them.  (And make sure my husband is fed... but I won't really be seeing much of him, so I'll adore him next month). ;)

I did all right on this one... I worked on some fun projects, and sent the boy to his Grandma's when I started to feel like I was losing it.  And now we're almost done!  I can see the end! (and want a vacation). ;)

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July's goals!

1) Get Penny Candy done! 

It's absurd how long this is taking... but with the time of the year it is, and my previous goal #3 above there in place well... it just hasn't been at the top of the priority list.  My favorite quilter also just had a baby, but I don't know if I want to quilt it myself... it's kind of big!  Those are my excuses, but NO MORE I say!  Time to finish!

2) Finish curtains for kiddos' rooms, and a couple other pretty little projects.  I'm trying to choose prints... Steiger is easy, but Scarlet's a little trickier.  I'm having trouble deciding.  

(Links are, clockwise from left- Meant to Be, LOVE, cherry tree flowers, Believed, and Peony)

3) Make something amazing...

Like my Glassy quilt, or Pickledish, or the new design I've been working on...

OK -- Link up, and enter to win that charm pack!  I'll pick a winner after the linky party closes in a week. :)

I'm linking to Lee's! 

Sweet Sophie Chenille

My Scarlet turned 8 months old last week!



No, I can't believe it. :)

She's sweeter than sweet, and adorable too.

I made her this quilt (the girl is going to have a hope chest full of quilts before she moves out, I'm sure...I'm just going with it).

I paired charm squares from the Sophie by Chez Moi collection with squares of chenille.  I did use a 3/8" seam allowance, because the bumpy edges of the chenille are a little trickier.  I just made half-square triangles and arranged them in what I believe is called the Dutch windmill design.  (It's one of my favorite HST lay-outs).

After auditioning a bunch of different fabrics, I went with more chenille for the border. 

And it's so soft.

The borders were whatever width would make it so I could use one WOF for the backing.  It's just one of my favorite prints from the collection.

The selvages are still in there... that's how close of a fit this was.

I used a pretty little pink houndstooth for the binding.

Speaking of binding -- I LOVE binding with a chenille border.  You just sew the binding to the front, flip to the back and machine stitch it down.  All your stitching on the front disappears in to the chenille (it's actually why I like to use chenille for a border like here and here).

It's a very pretty quilt in all... but not as pretty as this girl.

_________________________________

Now if you'll indulge my mommy side for a moment; I'm going to take this opportunity to record a bit about my girl.

Scarlet -- everyone tells you how cute you are, and I agree, but really you are just so sweet.

You have started talking to us a lot more.  Chatty, chatty, chatty -- this kind of scares your father.

You make lots of happy little sing-songy sounds when you chat.  Sometimes you get squealy and sing in a very high pitch.  Your brother likes to talk back to you when you do this; he calls it your happy talk.

You scoot around the room just like your brother did... the good 'ol army crawl.

Mama dresses you in pink all the time.  I alternate between calling you peaches & cream, or strawberries & cream.

Steiger still adores you.  He calls you "Little Missy." ♥
Daddy calls you "Special Ghost," and Mommy calls you "Smile Box," "Sweet girl," and a number of other little endearing terms.

Except when you first wake in the morning, and you're quite hungry, you give me the biggest little grin every time you see me.  Your mouth goes out like a line, and you get even cheekier.

The neckline or strap of my shirt is your "blankie" when you fall asleep.  You lay your head on my chest, put your thumb in your mouth, and grip my shirt in your hand.  Mama always says that rocking you to sleep is therapy in its highest form.

You always suck your left thumb.



You are an amazing little eater.  Mama breaks little bits of pretty much everything on your tray, and you get both hands in on the action.  And can I tell you how much I love that you're not picky?  Thank you baby.  It is however, impossible to eat anything while I'm holding you, because you yell until I share.

You share your mama's obsession with Pirate's Booty (see first picture).

You yell now to get attention.  It's a very staccato little "Meep!" and "Mop!"  I usually just laugh.

You also growl.  I love the growls.  So does Steiger... he tries to figure out how to make you growl.  I think it's for you to say, "hey, watch it." ;)

You wave your arms when you're excited.  You hadn't seen Daddy for a couple days this week, and saw him just before bed last night... you yelled for him, smiled, waved your arms... you clearly missed him.  He felt very special.

You raise your arms above your head, and make little fists.  You usually give some kind of punctuated shout.  We call it your "fists of fury."

You sit on my lap, content, for the longest time.  It's amazing really.

Scarlet -- each day, I am more and more happy to be your mama.

Between you, and this big guy here (who insists that he's a "little boy and doesn't want to get big," I am blessed indeed.

We love you both to bits!