Earlier in the year, I started to browse through fabrics & patterns for a project I was dreaming up for Emily’s birthday present. Just when I thought I knew what I was making, I changed my mind. This happened more than once.

It needed to be something that jumped out at me. Something colorful and fun and happy. After all, you only turn 8 once.

So last week when Miss Kate was released early I had my answer. I would combine that with one of my all time favorite fabrics Ruby and make Emily a birthday quilt. It all made sense. It was exactly what I had pictured all this time & what perfect timing. Oh how I love when things like that happen. Don’t you?

As moms we are always wearing our super hero capes. We all have a multitude of things on our ever growing to do lists: cheerios to sweep up, jobs or work to take care of, sippie cups to fill, devotions to read, laundry to wash, friends to text, pantries to fill, etc. etc.

But this girl right here. Emily Ann. She is turning 8 on August 9th and I want to finish her birthday quilt no matter what it takes.

Why?

Because my daughter was born with a rare chromosome disorder, has speech apraxia and can’t talk, she has a seizure disorder and takes medication twice daily to help prevent them. Sometimes she struggles with her body because she has low muscle tone. She is globally developmentally delayed and gets nervous when taken out of her environment. She has a hole in her heart and only eats Cheez Its because she doesn’t like any other food touching her hands and mouth.

And because I want to make something special just for her.

She is amazing and beautiful and despite those struggles ….. wakes up every morning happy & looking for a reason to smile. I want my birthday girl to have a beautiful quilt to open on her special day. The day 8 years ago she came into our lives and began her mission to show us and othes what life is really all about.

I will make sure that happens. With my cape on….. of course.

Sincerely,

Emily’s mom