Calm Before the Storm

It has been so nice to get back into routine after our chaotic Christmas break. The boys do so much better when they are on a schedule, which makes me a better Mom.;) I'm trying to enjoy these quiet days while the boys are at school and it's just us girls at home. I know these days are quickly coming to an end and I want to absorb every last second before our lives are turned upside down (in a good way). We closed on our new house last week and take possession next week. I think we've got at least 3 weeks worth of work we want to do in it before we actually move in. And, of course, we're awaiting our TA (travel approval) for Pudding. We are hoping to receive it in the next couple of weeks. But, as I've said before, we don't expect to travel until late February/early March due to Chinese New Year celebrations in February. While I hate to wait even a second longer to pick him up, it will be nice to get settled in our new house before we travel and bring him home.

Since I don't have any idea how to sit around and twiddle my thumbs, I've embarked on a new project. While we are waiting for the arrival of Pudding, we are starting to work on a "100 Good Wishes Quilt" for him.

To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or "100 Good Wishes Quilt." It is a custom to invite 100 people to contribute a single square patch of cloth. The 100 patches are sewn together into a quilt that contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.

Anybody that knows me knows how much I adore blankets. I still sleep with my baby blanket under my pillow (yeah, I can't believe I just admitted that!!). There is nothing I like more than cuddling under a big blanket. I can't think of a more wonderful idea than covering Pudding each night with a quilt that was made with love and joy from our family and friends. I get all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it....

If you'd like to participate, all you need to do is send one 9×9 in. square of 100% cotton, washable fabric. It can be any pattern or color; just something that is special or meaningful to you. And the fun part: send us a card with a good wish for Pudding and a scrap of your fabric (glued to the paper). Your wish can be simple or elaborate, handwritten or typed. It can be something you wrote or a favorite poem, lyric or quote. Be as simple or as creative as you want. These wishes will be placed in a 12×12 album so that your wishes will always be remembered.

If you would like to join, just leave a comment and I'll shoot you an email with the address where you can send the fabric.
I cannot wait to see our little Pudding wrapped in his quilt!