A few of my favorite things...

I've been meaning to write this post forever, but time seems to evade me these days. Nick has received some really awesome handmade gifts in the short time he's been in the world and I wanted to make a tribute to the crafty people in his (and my) life.

Long before Nick was even a twinkle in anyone's eye, Grandma Corkey was busy crocheting baby blankets for him and any babies that may come after him. The two blankets she gave to him are his favorite and he sleeps with them every night.



One of the first gifts Nick received after his abrupt entrace into the world was an adorable hand-knit hat from our friend Stacy. It is hard to believe it is one of her first knitting projects! Nick wore it regularly for the first six months of his life. His head is a bit large for it now, but it will make a reappearance with the next baby!

Our friend Sarah, among many other things, is an extremely talented knitter and Nick has been the recipient of several of her works of art. The first, and my personal favorite, is a red Norwegian-style ski hat. He's been wearing it all winter and I'm hoping his head doesn't grow too much so he can wear it next year! Sarah also knit him an adorable hedgehog that we affectionately named Hernie because of his resemblance to Nick's herniated belly button. The latest gift is a cute pair of Swedish mittens complete with a string to attach them (just like I wanted).

Nick's grandmother (Andy's mom), Mary Ann (Nana), is a great seamstress and has sewed and monogrammed all sorts of great gifts for Nick. Before he was born, she made a great fleece jacket with matching blanket and booties. She's also monogrammed him his own bathrobe, towel and overalls. Her showcase piece, however, is Nick's baptismal gown. It fit perfectly, and she didn't even have him around to measure!


The last gift I want to mention, while not technically handmade, fits into this "favorite things" category. For Nick's baptism, his godparents (and our dear friends) Becky & Daren gave him a beautiful engraved compass. The inscription reads:

Nick,
You can always count on God, Family and Friends to help you find your way.
Love, Becky & Daren

(I couldn't get a good picture with my camera, so the website one will have to do)

We are taking care of this until Nick is old enough to appreciate it, but we know it is something that he will treasure for his whole life.