Pregnancy: Month 9

Thanks to everyone for sending your Blessingway beads & wishes! I had so many different kind of beads, from large pendants to tiny faceted stones to charms. Instead of trying to figure out how to attach them all to one necklace, I had another idea: turn them into a quilt square! I had an old formal dress made of wine velvet from my high school days (I usually don't hang onto things, but for some reason had never donated this one). Perfect for this project! I embroidered three "chains" out of silver thread and then attached the beads. And the best thing is that I can continue to add new beads when/if they arrive.

So, this square is named "Beads" in honor of my ninth month of pregnancy. 

The finished birth quilt will have 3 more squares on the bottom row for the birth & postpartum period, bringing it to a total of 12 (3 wide, 4 high). I sewed the 9 together already and might even start quilting them together with the batting & backing fabric. It's always easier to get things done before the baby's here.

I also put everyone's Blessingway cards & letters into this baby's memory book. Remember how my family usually does Christmas crafts? This year we made handmade books. It's a great way to spend the evenings once the kids are in bed. The adults get to talk while our hands keep busy. I made two memory books: a leather-bound Japanese stab binding book with multicolored paper for Inga, and a Coptic-bound book for this new baby.

Since I'll be putting pictures and cards in, I put inserts between each page to account for the extra bulk once the books are filled.

I've really enjoyed reading your words of encouragement and support as my labor draws nearer.

I was awake for a few hours early in the morning with very strong, but sporadic, contractions. I wondered if they'd turn into labor, but once I got up they fizzled out. I did have some clear mucous for the first time--the kind I've always seen when my labors began. So no action for the moment, but it's definitely drawing nearer.

My mom is in the area, helping another sister who lives an hour away pack & move cross-country. So she's ready to come as soon as I need her.
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