Wednesday, July 29, 2009

ANDREW ~ TEN

It happens this time every year... my middle child gets a year older.

andrew 10

I am thankful that this year is done for him and a fresh one is ahead. Nine was, by far, the most difficult we've experienced in his life. (For those new to the blog, Andrew was diagnosed two years ago with Early Onset Childhood Bi-Polar Disorder.) I am stubborn in my resolve that we are going to find the magic *thing* to help him get to a place where life isn't such a struggle. And then, one of these years, I will be able to give you a post of all the wonderful things we experienced we him, rather than the hardships we've had.

I put extra love into his quilt to help wrap him up in the traits I hope he will someday have. Hidden in the stitching of the big blocks of fabric in his birthday quilt are the words LOVE, HOPE, THANKFUL, HAPPINESS, HONEST, STRONG, BALANCE, COURAGE, KIND, and CREATIVE.

finished quilt 2

Happy Birthday Andrew, your Momma loves you.

(more photos of Andrew's birthday quilt can be found HERE on Flickr.)

14 comments:

Eileen said...

happy birthday andrew...know that when you lay down at night and wrap up in your amazing quilt it is filled with your momma's love and warmth...

beautiful quilt kerry and a very handsome young man...love and caring is on his side for sure...♥

mairedodd said...

happiest of birthdays to you andrew - and a day to celebrate for your family... the quilt is absolutely gorgeous (do you have a time turner like hermione? you get so incredibly much done! or you don't sleep)... struggles on a daily basis are brutal... but bring out a side out you that would never have been without them... i know... best of luck and just... keep... breathing!

Stories They Tell said...

The quilt is truly beautiful! With all you have going I don't know how you find the time! Too late for this year but for Andrew's b-day next year, check out "Boy Bait Blueberry Cake" on the blog Smitten Kitchen. She posted it this month. It is chock-full of blueberries and honestly, the best pan cake I have ever tasted. And easy!

Kristen said...

Happy Birthday Andrew! Wow what a beautiful quilt, handmade by a very special, talented and loving mom! I hope he knows what a very loved little boy he is despite the troubles. Have a wonderful day, and enjoy your delicious blueberry birthday cake! :)

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Andrew! May this day bring special memories and gifts like the wonderful quilt your momma made with love.

Pretty Things said...

Happy Birthday to Andrew!

deehebard said...

Happy Birthday to you Andrew....Hope it is a day filled with wonder and happiness!

Cindy said...

Happy Birthday, Andrew!!! I can't believe how big he is getting...what a great candid! Your quilt turned out beautiful, Kerry! I bet he loves it. I personally love the colors...and the great idea of stitching in those special words. I hope everyone is enjoying his big day (especially the birthday boy)!

Cindy said...

Me again...I just showed Gabriel the flickr quilt photos and boy does he like the quilt! He says it's "GREAT"! ...and "wow, Andrew has a clean room".....He also says Happy Birthday to Andrew! Nothing like reading your blog with him leaning over my shoulder!

Ellen said...

What a wonderful gift. One that he will cherish for the rest of his life.

Sheri said...

Happy Birthday Andrew. You have an awesome Mom. Kerry, that quilt is a beautiful and special gift. If he's too young right now to cherish it, you can be sure he will someday for sure. It's definitely a keepsake. Best of luck and Happy Day!!!

Nonie Fajao said...

Happy Birthday Andrew!!!! I hope you had a totally cool day!

momster said...

what a beautiful face - happy birthday, andrew.

i echo others who marvel at what you accomplish, kerry - i wear out just reading your blog postings!

Anonymous said...

kerry, the quilt is just beautiful. you are such a strong, caring, fantabulus mommy!!! take good care of yourself, lisa d., portland, oregon