I know, I know. All babies are special. But this baby really is. Cristina learned to quilt with me when she was in 7th grade. She is now 30 and having her first baby. Significant facts:
1. In exchange for studio space above her parents' garage when we were popping the top of our house, I gave Cris 40 of her 50 behind-the-wheel hours.
2. Sunday afternoons when she was in high school she would come here to work on essays. That's where she learned some terrific vocabulary while John was watching the Bears.
3. She earned a degree in Fine Art at Iowa State and has a certificate in Graphic Design from College of DuPage.
4. She met and married Joe. I wasn't sure he was good enough for her. One night John and I along with Cristina and Joe went to a Moth story-telling competition at which we were judges. That night changed my mind. I love him ALMOST as much as I love Cristina.
5. Cristina started a new job - art director at FCB Global, and Joe is in nursing school at Rush.
6. Their first child, a boy, is coming soon!
Cristina's mom requested a book, even one gently used. But I couldn't just settle on one book. The upper left hand corner book is a series of short Turkish tales/parables. I think they are perfect reading for the little guy right now. "The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt" is whimsical and pretty and nails the nature of quilts. "Woodland Christmas" is a charming little pop-up book with hidden images. And of course Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, a great little rhythmical ABC book.
I could never decide whether Cristina was an honorary daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, cousin, or friend. I'm just happy to know her and excited for this new Mom chapter of her life.