Family Isn’t Always Blood

“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile & who LOVE YOU no matter what.” – unknown
On September 16th, 2013 my Daughter Allie’s dear friend Stephanie gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. She named him Brayden <3
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This would be the start to an amazing lifelong relationship for all of us. Stephanie is a wonderful Mother – I am so proud of her and I love my time with her as she becomes Brayden’s best friend. It’s so sweet Steph loves to call him “little B”
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Stephanie and Allie worked together at an assisted living through out her pregnancy and it was so amazing how Brayden recognized Allie’s voice immediately! Brayden & Allie have something very special together.
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Since his first Halloween was just around the corner we gave him this super Brayden outfit. Using my Silhouette Cameo I personalized a cape and wristbands that I made along with a newborn onesie. He was ready to conquer the world! Well, at least his first Trick or Treating!

We are always excited to baby sit this little guy. It is so much fun to watch him grow! He truly melts Allie’s heart and to see them together just makes me smile!
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Now everyone knows just how important your Grandma is and Shelly is the BEST! Brayden loves her and so much joy fills her heart.
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Shelly just happened to take my favorite picture of this little guy…
With those great big beautiful eyes and that darling hat I was inspired and went out on a hunt to make what would become his upcoming Baptism gift from Allie & I.
400581_261734783979347_1188078876_nI saw this owl fabric and knew immediately that it was perfect. I wanted to make Brayden a quilt just his size, soft to snuggle with and also I wanted it to have a purpose.
DSC_0154I wanted the quilt to feature two “owls” and I knew that Steph would have fun teaching Brayden his ABC’s featured on the border. 
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When I embroidered the letter “B” I realized I had an opportunity to implement her nick name for him- I LOVE coming up with those special little personal touches!
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I wanted to put a darling Owl quote on it but for the life of me nothing felt right. I sat with the quilt loaded in my machine with nothing coming to mind that made me happy. As I sat there my phone that happen to be in my lap lit up with a post from Stephanie and it was about her new life with her son. As I read it with tears in my eyes I knew that I had found the perfect quote to write and how special that it was straight from his Mama’s heart. The timing was truly unbelievable- thank you Stephanie for such an incredible post!
It was finished and sent off to my wonderfully talented quilter Norma Riehm.

Stephanie asked Allie to become Brayden’s GodMother! His baptism took place this past June 8th. Allie could not have been more honored <3
I helped out by making the invitations and thank you cards-
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It was a perfect Sunday morning for his lakeside baptism. Godparents Allie & Nicholas, Parents Stephanie and Alex joined by friends and family.
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And we celebrated with an amazing cake! Some of us a little more than others… BRAYDEN!!!

Congratulations Allie & Brayden- wishing you two a lifetime of love
“For he will give His Angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways”

(Psalm 91;11)

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What an incredible year filled with such beautiful memories…
“We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.”

Its almost time for your 1st birthday Brayden! You are such a sweet boy and we all love you. And that Brayden is what Family is all about <3

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