Swatch # 6

And the squares just seem to be rolling in. This one is from Julie and she wrote a very special message about faith. This process has tested our faith many times but in the end we knew in our hearts that at the right time it would all fall into place- It just hadn't been our time yet. So, with being said I think faith is a most fitting sentiment to send to our daughter. Everyone who knows me understands that I am not the most patient person. I think my next square that I contribute will be about patience because this process has not only tested mine but more importantly has taught me that good things come from having some patience. Thank you Julie.

The Rick's Contribute Swatch #4 & #5

My sister and her husband, (affectionately referred to as the Rick's), dropped off their squares this weekend while visiting us from Maryland. We had a wonderful couple of days and celebrated my sister's 25th birthday with lots of good food and many laughs. I must say that we were quite impressed with the artisitc presentation of the squares and we know that the sentiments are heart-felt by both. I am sure that "Aunt R" will be primping our little girl to new levels of beauty while "Uncle N" reminds her that it is totally cool to be a girl who plays every sport. We couldn't have asked for better role models for her.

Swatch # 3

This groovy pattern is from Lisa and David. We just love the hip colors and your sentiments were lovely. I am sure she will love this square.

Swatch # 2

We had an unexpected surprise today. Paul received a swatch from a wonderful woman, Francine, who has been a life-saver in our adoption process. She is the notary extraordinaire. Francine will forever be a part of our daughter's life story because she is a part of the process. Thank you for your part and most importantly for writing such a wonderful note for our little girl.

Our first square

Well, we are off to a blazing start! Today I bought the first piece of fabric for the quilt. I was immediately drawn to the pattern and the colors just seemed right. Making the card to go with the fabric was fun. We have really tried to stay relatively unexcited about the process up to now because of the unknowns and this was one of the first times I let myself get into the process. I was actually bummed that I had to stop and head back to work. With all that being said, I will be placing the squares as they come in on the site so that everyone can see the contributions and so that we can keep track of our progress. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone picks out.

The Quilt

To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition to make a Bai Jia Bei (100 Good Wishes Quilt). When a baby is born, family and friends donate to the child’s mother fabric scraps from old clothing with a written wish for the new baby. A quilt for the child would be made from the scraps. It is said that the luck, energy and good wishes from all of the families and friends who contributed the fabric surround the child when she is wrapped in the quilt. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.As you know, we are in the process of adopting a baby girl. It is important to us that family and friends participate in this activity and bless our child. We love the idea of welcoming our daughter into our home with a quilt that represents the good wishes for her from our family and friends.

HERE IS WHAT WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO DO: 1. Choose any 100% cotton fabric that you like. It can be from a piece of clothing or from a fabric store. It just needs to have a design and color that you like. 2. Cut one (1) 9" square from the fabric. 3. On a card or paper stock, put a small piece of the fabric and include your "good wish note." Please include why you chose the fabric and your name and address. The fabric will be used to make a quilt, and the notes will be placed in a keepsake book which we will give to our daughter when she is older.

IDEAS FOR SELECTING FABRIC SQUARES: * Select a fabric that is meaningful to you. Please no cartoon prints. * 100% cotton fabric is best, as it washes and wears better. * If there are several members in your family, please feel free to send more than one good wish note and pieces of fabric.

IDEAS FOR GOOD WISHES NOTE: Well, what would you wish for an infant to have in her life? Some ideas are good health, perseverance, compassion, love, and a sense of humor. Use that as a guide for your good wish note. Keep in mind that our daughter will not see your note until she is older.It would be great to get the fabric and notes in the next couple of months so the quilt can be completed before we bring our baby home. The quilt is being designed and assembled for us by my mom. We are excited to see another fabulous piece of work from her.Please take a few minutes from your busy schedules to help us create this very special keepsake. The miracle of this adoption has been helped and nurtured by so many of you and this will be so incredibly meaningful for us as well as our new arrival!If you would like to participate, please e-mail me at talesfromourlittleworld@hotmail.com and I will send you our address. Also, if you would like to see samples of fabric and notes please check this out. (minus the cartoon character fabric) http://www.quiltofsquishes.blogspot.com/

Peace and Love.