For Tara

My best friend from college is expecting her first baby in January. She's in the middle of quitting her job and moving across the country as her husband begins a new job. Somehow, in the middle of all this, she remains creative, generous, and gracious.

We have not lived in the same state for almost seven years. I miss her lots, even though we have both grown and changed in such different ways over those seven years. I am so excited to see her stepping onto her own path of motherhood. It's hard to express to her how much having a baby -- such a small thing, in so many ways -- really changes everything. But I know that she'll be the perfect mother for her sweet wee boy when he arrives.

She visited for a short time on her way to her new home, and I gave her these baby gifts. I made her a sling and a silk and flannel blanket (similar to these, minus the $60 price tag!). It's a bit hard to tell in the picture, but the flannel is blue and white striped (Elisabeth picked it out, and at first I wasn't too sure about it -- there was another flannel I liked better -- but it really ended up growing on me). I love the batik print I got (at JoAnn) for the sling -- so much so that I think I'm going to get some more for a summer wrap skirt for me!

Anyway, blessings to you, Tara: for your move, your birth, and your motherhood journey. xo