Baby Gifts

As soon as I found out my best friend was having a baby, my mind started turning with ideas of all the things I could make for this little one. Of course, I had to wait until she found out she was having a GIRL until I could get started. I loved quilting, sewing, and crafting for this little one. Her momma is extra special to me and Baby P already has a special place in my heart.

The quilt was the first thing done. It was definitely a labor of love, but so much fun. It was my first experience quilting, so I did a lot of learning along the way. This series of tutorials by Diary of a Quilter was incredibly helpful! I would have been completely lost without it and the YouTube videos I watched. Despite the many mistakes and imperfections, I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

I made a Onesie Dress with a tutorial from Barefoot in the Kitchen. I love how it turned out!

My absolute favorite gift I made was this appliqued owl onesie. I was so in love with it when I was finished that I wanted to keep it! I had never done applique before, so it was a learning experience. It took quite a while and resulted in a few injuries, but I finished victorious. I used this printable owl pattern.

Apparently tag blankets (or taggies) are all the rave lately. I see them all over the place. I think they're great for sensory integration for the little ones. I used some scraps and my ridiculous ribbon supply to put one together for Baby P.


Every new momma needs a good nursing cover and burp cloths! This nursing cover from Sew Much Ado is my favorite to make. Obviously I don't have any experience using it to know how well it works, but it sure is cute! Burp cloths made from cloth diapers and a flannel insert are also a favorite of mine to make for new moms.

What's a little girl to do without some cute bows for her hair?!? I made a couple to go with the onesie dress and the owl onesie, plus a few extras. I found this collection of 40 hairbow tutorials, which was amazing and super helpful.

Finally, I made a little wall hanging for the nursery. Brittney's mom and Ryan's mom sang this song to them when they were both babies and I'm sure Baby P will fall asleep to it every night too. I used my Silhouette for the letters.

Visit Home

This past weekend I flew home to Illinois to attend my best friend's baby shower and spend some time with my family. It was a quick trip, but a lot of fun and much needed.

My parents and sister picked me up at the airport Friday afternoon and we headed out to lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. We all stuffed ourselves and picked out cheesecake to take home for later. We did a little shopping and Dad wanted to take me to buy a new lens for my camera. I've been wanting to get a new lens for quite some time, but can never make myself spend the money. So Dad gave me a little push and shove. Thanks Dad!

My new lens!

A shot with my new lens. 35 mm/f2.4

Saturday morning was Brittney's shower. She didn't know I was going to be there and it was fun to surprise her. Brittney and I have been best friends since 6th grade and have been through a lot together. It was really special for me to be there and see her cute little belly. The shower was a lot of fun and I stayed a few extra hours to visit with Brittney and her family. There is never enough time to catch up when you live 1000+ miles away and haven't seen each other in almost 2 years.

Me and Brittney

I worked on several special projects for Baby P, including my very first quilt. I learned that it is a lot of fun sewing for a little one, especially girls! I enjoyed being able to work on the gifts and imagine a mini Brittney enjoying them.

Pile of gifts ready to be packed.

Brittney opening the quilt I made.

Sunday evening we visited with my grandparents and went to supper at a Mexican restaurant. Mom, Tasha, and I had stopped at a cake shop before the shower and picked up cupcakes for teh family. We enjoyed those Saturday night after our Mexican. They were delicious! They are made by the same cake shop that did our wedding cake, Patty Cakes. The owner has been on (and won) several different cake competitions on Food Network. Tasha and I did some cooking for lunch at church. We were especially excited to make some colored deviled eggs. We also made a carrot cake cheesecake and chicken artichoke lasagna.

Patty Cakes in Highland

Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Our colored deviled eggs, as inspired by Pinterest.

Sunday morning we attended services at the church where I grew up, Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church. I enjoyed visiting and catching up with everyone there, especially the little ones. Sunday night we just rested and enjoyed some time together as a family. Dad grilled for us, which is always yummy!

I had an early flight Monday morning. It's always sad to leave, but we look forward to the next visit.

Anna Maria Island - - Church Beach Trip

This past weekend, a group of our church family headed down to Anna Maria Island, FL to spend the day at the beach. It was such a beautiful and relaxing day! I'm ready to go back! We enjoyed soaking up the sun, listening to the soothing sound of the waves and seagulls, playing in the sand, laughing together, eating a delicious lunch, and thanking God for his beautiful creations.

Britt has been talking about going swimming for several weeks now. He had this idea that Chris (or Bruder Chwis) was going to take him swimming. They played at the beach together for quite a while.

I love this picture. Later in the day as we were getting ready to leave, Britt came up to Chris (unprompted) and said, "thank you for coming to the beach" in his sweetest voice. It was adorable.

Grandma wasn't all that excited about the beach. She stayed up on the porch of the beach house most of the day, asking if it was time to go home yet. We did get her to come sit down by the water for a bit in the afternoon.