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Preparations

I've always been one to try to prepare for things.
I try to make plans. I love writing out lists and making a calendar.

Infertility is hard because it takes all of that away from me.
I can plan as many pregnancy announcements as I want; they're different every month based on when the baby would be due. So far they've all gone unused. But, hey, now I'm prepared with 18 months of them, right?

When our first foster child was placed with us we were not ready.
Yes, we had gone through all the classes, read all the material, and completed all the necessary home visits & requirements from the state. Our home had a space for a child. We had a closet full of clothes and the crib set up, ready to go. But we were not prepared. Our hearts were not ready. Looking back on that experience now I think it was just too close to the heartache of our failed attempt at the fostering and adoption of the baby in the hospital whom we both loved.

We were also not prepared for all that a 4 year old brings with them. Especially a 4 year old who has just been taken from her home and separated from her siblings.

As we prepare to open our home again we are trying to plan differently this time.
Part of that planning, for me, has included some sewing projects this weekend.



 My first project was this sweet little dress and bloomers.
I got the pattern and fabric from JoAnn. This is supposed to be 3-6 month, but the pattern also came with options up to 4T. I sewed my first button holes for this project; it was SO easy on the awesome machine my mother in law got me a few years ago. Can't wait to unleash the powers of that thing when we are blessed with children some day!

The next project was to learn how to sew minky fabric. I'd read pretty much everywhere that this fabric is very hard to sew, so I wanted to start small. I went with a taggie first, then a lovie. I should have done the lovie first, but I was too eager to make the taggie I couldn't wait!






Too cute, right?!
Here is the lovie:


Next project will be a few baby blankets with minky, I've got 2 boy and 2 girl ones planned out and the fabric cut; but they will have to wait until next weekend as I've got a cookie order to start working on this week!

Have a safe and Happy Labor Day!

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