Wednesday, January 6, 2010

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!

8 comments:

Jeanne said...

Wow, moving and a new child within weeks! You are very brave!

I would love to participate in the quilt--such a great project.

Anonymous said...

I would be honored to send a square! I was going to make him one out of train/Uk fabric to have for his journey home. Would that be OK, also? Crazy Carolyn

Lori said...

So much going on for you and all so exciting!!!! :)

I would be very honored if you would allow me to send a square from one of Matthew's lovies...actually, it's a lovie I bought for *Emma* when Kyrygz was our plan, then was going to be Matthew's when we found out who he was going to be. I have loved tht lovie with each child I thought it would belong to and would love for your sweet little Pudding to have it.
New life, new hope...always the love.

Margaret and Tom said...

Allison, this is a great project, count me in! I never got my Christmas cards mailed yet of course, but one of these days, and I will get you the fabric too :)

Christina said...

Very excited for you. We left China with Lindze in 2005 on the 1st day of the Chinese New Year. There were some great fireworks to see and it got very crowded before we left. Can't wait until you get your travel dates. Like I said before China is a great country to travel to.

sweet momma luv u said...

Any news yet about your TA? I so would love to meet other families while there! Keep me posted!!

We have CA March 8th. I can't believe this is all happening..... I feel like I am in a dream! You too?

Hugs,
Jody

Akuehn1511 said...

Alli-
Do you have all of your 100 squares, or are you in need of any more?
I would love to help if not too late. If so, sending all of our love to Puddin!!

JennStar said...

Have you gotten 100?? Ifr not, let me know, I'd love to send you one!