The past four months of my pregnancy have been difficult. When I was pregnant with Monet, despite the morning sickness at the beginning, life went on as usual those last 5-6 months. Everyday I walked to and from work 3 miles, I was energetic, and ready to take on the world. I felt like a superwoman. This pregnancy has been much different. I have been struggling on a daily basis with intense back, hip, and sciatic problems, and as a result my normal busy-bee type personality has been put to a halt. I can honestly only do a few hours of work a day when it comes to anything that involves walking, standing, sewing, gardening, and lifting my daughter. Over the past few months, I have been very frustrated with this fact and I have struggled with it on a serious level.
When I started making Baby Jude’s quilt a few weeks back, I purposefully picked images that had a lot of hand embroidery in them, keeping in mind my situation. For the past two weeks I have sincerely enjoyed sitting and resting while my daughter plays, and I comfortably sew by hand. It has been rewarding and peaceful to say the least. I can honestly say (now that the baby is only a few weeks away) I find my mind being alright with this idea of slow and rest –I’m calling it the calm before the storm.
My moment for this week came just yesterday, when I finally finished the last 4 blocks. I know these next quilting steps are going to be much more difficult to complete in my situation, but my mind is at peace knowing that it is ok if I don’t finish the quilt until after Jude is born. So far it is spectacular!
Soon Jude will be with us, and hopefully with his arrival my busy-bee personality will also come back, as I heal and my body returns to “normal”.
Now I just need to decide how to arrange the images on the quilt. Any suggestions?
Because people, smiles and laughter, more than anything else, are truly what makes a house a home, I hope you enjoyed this weeks “moment”…
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![om [one moment] meet up](http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/alamodestuff/OM_alamodemeetupbutton.jpg)
OM is *one moment* and is a meetup designed to notice & relish a moment in everyday life. The meetup idea was created by Linda at her blog, a la mode stuff. If you’d like to participate in OM, just click the button and you’ll be taken to Linda’s post explaining it all.
Angela, your quilt is amazing. I love the images and that you did it by hand. It is so very special. You are one talented lady.
I’m so sorry you’ve had a rough go of this pregnancy. It will be over soon and you’ll have a beautiful bundle of joy to wrap in that quilt. It’s nice that you were able to savor this moment. Jude will never know when it was finished but will certainly cherish it in years to come. Hang in there!
Thanks Linda! Really this is such a minor problem. I’m just so happy he is healthy and we were able to get pregnant. We’ve been so lucky.
I love it! It is beautiful. I’m sorry this one has been taxing. I know my #2 and #3 were so exhausting. Your baby is well worth it! Can’t wait to see the finished product (the baby and the quilt!;-)
Thanks Maria! Yes, you know I’ll be sure to post pictures of both
These are lovely blocks! Truly! I too had sciatica and back problems with my 2nd pregnancy…lifting up the first child does not help at all. But we also needed a new mattress, which we didn’t figure out until a couple of months after Logan was born…so, how old is your mattress? Maybe it’s time for a new one?
Thanks Candy. Yes, the first child weighing 30 pounds is not making things easier by any means
I’m pretty sure it’s not the mattress. I actually feel the best in the mornings, after sleeping all night. When I was in college I had an abdominal tear, and ever since my hips refuse to stay in place –add hormones and a baby in the mix and things really refuse to cooperate. Hopefully after the baby comes, I’ll be able to rebuild those muscles, which should help my hips stabilize and the pain subside. Thanks for your concern 
I love the quilt blocks! And it is truly so tough that you have been in pain these past few months! So sorry to hear that.
We are thinking about you a lot. I know these last weeks are special, so I hope you can enjoy them. Can’t wait to see Jude! We never got out those boy clothes for you, so if you want me to mail them I can or we will be in Ogden for Thanksgiving and maybe could make a quick trip to stop by. . . I know it depends on when Jude makes his entrance and how things are going. And I know you might have other visitors, so no worries if it doesn’t work out. But know you can still have the clothes if you want them.
Praying for you!
kristin
You’re so sweet Kristin. Thank you for your nice words. I’m off to send you an email.
wow ! your blocks are amazing! And I love the name Jude. I haven’t seen you in a while, hopefully after you have him you can come to a guild meeting
Hope all goes well, and I’ll be sending good vibes your way!
I think when you look at this quilt in the years to come, you’ll be reminded of the restful aft of your handwork and the joy it brought you. Wishing you a healthy future in the sweet and hectic days to come.
Angela,
You continue to impress me with your quilting and creativity! This is one amazing quilt with all its intricate details and charismatic animals. Monet and Jude are two lucky kiddos with one talented mom. They will treasure their quilts long after your memories of pain have faded. I can’t wait to see you this weekend if you haven’t gone into labor (and I’m curious to see this carrot cake jam).
Hi Angela!
I am just coming out of hibernation after getting married and am so excited that you will have a new addition soon! I can imagine how difficult it would be lay low. Sending good thoughts for the last few weeks and love the quilt!
-Kristen