Mia's 92nd Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio

This is from my mom. Since I'm adopting Mia as a single woman, she'll have no paternal side of her family. So Lao Lao Jazmyn will be the only grandmother she has. But she will have a wonderful set of surrogate grandparents in Chris and Paul Perkins who are my best friend Lisa's mom and dad. "Lao Lao" is the Chinese word for maternal grandmother. My mom has taken to calling herself that. Not sure if that's what Mia will call her or if she'll just stick to "grandma". Anyway, Lao Lao Jazmyn included a really cool fabric that represents the Chinese calendar. Each year in the Chinese calendar is associated with an animal. 2006 is the Year of the Dog.

Her card reads "Krista, the first time you see Mia's face you will know what this means. I felt it the first time I looked at you." Below that is a quote from Elizabeth Stone which says "Making the decision to have a child- it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body." She included another quote from Rachel Carson that reads "If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."
Her wish "My wishes for my granddaughter Mia are: A lifetime of health and happiness, peace and prosperity, love and laughter, cuddles and cookies! From Lao Lao Jazmyn"

I love it. Thanks Mom! I mean.... Lao Lao Jazmyn.

Mia's 91st Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio

This is from Craig and Carla Stiver and their two children, Josie and Charlie. Craig and I have worked together for many years. Craig and Carla are original members of the Annual Bengals Tailgating Adventure. Click here to see what I'm talking about. They are great people and are blessed with a beautiful family. I love this fabric and the way that Carla presented the wish. It's gorgeous! Their wish reads "Mia, May life bring you tremendous happiness, wonderful opportunities, close friendships, and great adventure. But through it all, always remember one thing... you are loved by many. May God bless you."

Thanks Stiver Family!

Mia's 90th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio

This is from Teri. She is one of our secretaries at work. Teri is also a fellow penguin lover so it was appropriate for her to think to include penguin fabric in Mia's quilt. She also made her wish card very patriotic to showcase Mia's American side. Her wish card includes the lyrics to a Bob Dylan song. Very cool!

May God bless and keep you always.

May your wishes all come true.

May you always do for others

And let others do for you.

May you build a ladder to the stars

And climb on every rung.

May you always stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous.

May you grow up to be true.

May you always know the truth

And see the lights surrounding you.

May you always be courageous,

Stand upright and be strong.

May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy.

May your feet always be swift.

May you have a strong foundation

When the winds of change shift.

May your heart always be joyful.

May your song always be sung.

May you stay forever young.

Thanks Teri!

Mia's 89th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio

This is from Chris W. She works with me at Erma's House (my second job). I love this fabric. For one, it's my favorite colors but it also has this very pretty shine to it. Lovely. Her wish for Mia is "May you share a life enjoying the simple things." She also included a translation of that phrase in Chinese. Chris included a favorite poem by Fannie Stearns Davis.

"For A Child"

Your friends shall be the tall wind,

The river and the tree;

The sun laughs and marches,

The swallows and the sea.

Your prayers shall be the murmur

Of grasses in the rain;

The song of wildwod thrushes

That God makes glad again.

And you shall run and wander,

And you shall dream and sing

Of brave things and bright things

Beyond the swallow's wings.

And you shall envy no man,

Nor hurt your heart with sighs,

For I will keep you simple

That God may make you wise

I love it. Thanks Chris!

Mia's 88th Quilt Square: Waynesville, Ohio

This is from my cousin Hope and her family. Hope is the daughter of Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bob who's wish is right below this one. They all live right next door to each other in Waynesville, Ohio. Hope and her husband, Brian, have 3 daughters Chelsea, Christie, and Charity. Their wish reads "Dear Mia, Our family's prayer for you is that you will always know love, health and happiness. Children are a gift from God and we know that because of this gift your mommy has been given, the two of you will enjoy many joy-filled days through the years. Know that your family is always here for you. We know that you will be a blessing to all who know and love you. With love from your cousins." She also included two bible verses.

"You (God) alone created my inner being. I will give thanks to you for who I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Every day of my life was recorded in your book before one of them had taken place."
Psalms 139:13, 14 & 16.
"I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Thanks Hope!

Mia's 87th Quilt Square: Waynesville, Ohio

This is from my Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bob who live in Waynesville, Ohio. They included a pretty red floral fabric. Their card includes "Psalm 100: The Psalm of Thanksgiving". It reads "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good. His loving kindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations."

Thanks Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bob!

Mia's 86th Quilt Square: Ontario, Canada

This is from my new blogger buddy, Catherine, who lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. I had the pleasure of meeting her a couple of weeks ago when I traveled to Detroit with Connie and Stacy for our "Blogger Momma's Meet Up". Catherine is another single-mom-to-be who is waiting for Hannah. She has a LID before mine so I'll get to watch Hannah come home and gain from her been there-done that wisdom. Check out her blog at Catherine's Chatter.

She included a lovely yellow floral fabric. Her wish card reads "Welcome Little One! You trace a soft finger across tiny sleeping eyes and wonder... God Gave you to me? Congratulations on your new baby! A sweet little gift from the Lord." She also included this verse from Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from God..."

Thanks Catherine!

Mia's 85th Quilt Square: San Luis Obispo, California

This came from fellow June06 DTC group members, The Grammer Family, in San Luis Obispo, California. They included the lyrics to a John Denver song on their wish card along with this "Our wish for you is joy and adventure with friends and family."

Thanks Grammer Family!

Mia's 84th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio

This is from another detective on my squad, Debbie. She picked a beautiful asian looking fabric with butterflies. She found a Chinese translation of Mia's name that is across the top of the card. She included a poem called "Brand New Little One" by Linda Lee Elrod which reads "She's your brand new little daughter. So enchanted, sweet and smart. With a coo, she'll have you smiling. With a laugh, she'll own your heart. It's the time for hugs and kisses. Reassurance when she cries. It's the time for making moments full of love and lullabies. For these golden days of childhood come and go so very fast. Hold her tight and love her dearly. Make these precious moments last." It's perfect....

Thanks Debbie!

Mia's 83rd Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio

This is from one of the volunteers at Erma's House, Leslie L. She made such a special square for Mia. It's embroidered and includes her name. She said she can also embroider Mia's birthdate on it after I get my referral. I think that I'll frame this instead of actually putting it on the quilt. It's too fragile to be washed. And too beautiful to not be displayed on a wall, probably in Mia's bedroom. Leslie's wish includes a poem: "Mia, you are a chosen child. You are your mommy's, but not by birth. She loves you and chose you because you're the greatest child on Earth. Mia, you are a chosen child sent down from God above. Chosen to fill your mommy's home with laughter and with love. Mia, you are a chosen child. You have given your mommy so much pleasure. Chosen above the rest, a precious priceless treasure." Her wish reads "My wish for you, Mia, is that you always celebrate how special you are as a chosen child."

Thanks Leslie!

Mia's 82nd Quilt Square: Florida

This came from my blogger buddy, Tracy, who lives down in paradise in Florida. She has 3 sons and is awaiting her daughter from China. Her blog is Our Unforgotten Daughter. She sent a festive fabric with a card that includes this quote: "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance." Her wish for Mia reads "Our hope for you is that you always keep a smile on your face, your party hat and dancing shoes on! Be ready for life's surprises."

Thanks Tracy!

Mia's 81st Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio

This came from another fellow police officer, Monica E. Monica and I have had a lot of fun over the years but now we're all grown up and settling down. Monica is now the proud Mommy of 2 year old, Madison and I just recently found out that Madison is expecting a baby sister or brother next summer. Monica put a lot of thought into her wish as well. She included a piece of an old uniform shirt, which I thought was such a cool idea. She wrote out a beautiful message for Mia which says " It took me some time to come up with what I wanted to contribute to your quilt. After thinking about it for some time, I finally figured it out. I am contributing something that connects your mother and I and symbolizes a multitude of wonderful things. My piece of cloth was cut from a shirt that was one of many uniforms I have proudly worn for several years. It represents one of the many paths in life that your mom and I have chosen and it is how we became friends. My wish for you is that you someday realize the complex family you are a part of now. Not only do you have your mother and her family, but you now have a family of hundreds of "aunts" and "uncles". When your mother and I joined the Police Department we became part of that family also. We watch over each other and each other's children, we applaud each other's accomplishments, we grieve each other's losses, and we would lay down our lives for each other. Now we will do the same for you. I want you to know, Mia Renee, that behind your mother we will stand, to make sure that you never lose your way. We don't accomplish anything in this world alone.... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that create something." Wow Monica... that is very deep. I so appreciate all the thought you put into this very special wish for Mia.

Thanks Monica!

Mia's 80th Quilt Square: Billings, Montana

This came from my cousin, Sarah, who lives all the way out in Billings, Montana. Her wish reads "Mia, I wish for you a long life full of good health, happiness and love. And when the final sun sets, may your joys outweigh your heartaches." She included a fabric that was special to her and she explains that on her card. "When your Momma was a little girl, I made a dress for her for our family gift exchange. For your quilt, I chose a fabric that reminded me of that little dress and pinafore." I love that she chose a fabric that has some meaning behind it.
*Updated to add the photo of me in the dress. Click here to read the cute story of how I found this picture.

Thanks Sarah!

Mia's 79th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio

This is from Jennifer G. Jennifer is a fellow detective on the Burglary Squad. She put a lot of thought into her wish card. It starts out with a message for Mia and even includes that her name means "mine". It reads "Through your mother, you will see so much. She will show you the world, good and bad. Hold on to each day as a memory, for it will mold you into who you will become as you grow. Your mother will encourage you and make you confident. She will challenge you and make you strong. Your mother will teach you and enhance your wisdom. But most of all, your mother will love you unconditionally, which will teach you to love, Mia. I have but one wish for you, a full life... of happiness, love, laughter, memories, challenges, achievements and smiles!" Jennifer then includes a message for me "Krista, motherhood is one of the greatest blessings God has given us for our earthly lives. We are eternally mothers... from the time they are small enough to hold in our arms until they are big enough to put our arms around them. Cherish your daughter, God did give her to you!" This is such an awesome message for both of us. Jen should know a thing or two about motherhood. She's the proud mommy of Cameron and Taylor.

Thanks Jennifer!

Mia's 78th Quilt Square: Louisville, Kentucky

From fellow June06 DTC group members, the Krauth family of Louisville, Kentucky. The fabric is lovely. Very unique. The wish card reads "To the world you may be one person. But to one person you may be the world." ~ Bill Wilson. Very sweet.

Thanks Krauth family!

Mia's 77th Quilt Square: Secret Pal Land

This is from my June06 DTC group Secret Pal. So until the big reveal, I don't know who this is or where they are from. But I know they send wonderful, thoughtful gifts every month. This month I got a wish and quilt square with my gift. I love this cute ladybug fabric. The wish card includes one of my favorite adoption poems. "Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone. But still, miraculously, my own. Never forget for a single minute, you did not grow under my heart, but in it." ~Fleur Conkling Heyliger. My Secret Pal also wishes Mia a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness.

Thanks Secret Pal!

Mia's 76th Quilt Square: Dayton, Ohio

This is from Judy at Erma's House. Judy's wish says "Little angel, I wish for you a long, happy, healthy life."

Thanks Judy!

Mia's 75th Quilt Square: Ontario, Canada

This came from Charlene Bickle and her beautiful baby daughter, Amelia. Charlene is a fellow single-mom-by-choice who lives in Ontario, Canada. We "met" through a SMBC internet message board. I love this fabric and she did such a lovely job on the wish. Included on the card are two very meaningful quotes. The first reads "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson. I think that is so appropriate, especially considering our shared circumstances of blazing this trail of motherhood on our own. We certainly are not following the path. The second quote is from Walt Disney and reads "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." Again very appropriate!

Thanks Charlene & Amelia!

Mia's 74th Quilt Square: Newaygo, Michigan

This is from members of my June06 DTC group, Daniel and Lea Porter, of Newaygo, Michigan. They are logged in the day before I am. We may end up in China at the same time. I love the Snoopy fabric. I still have a stuffed Snoopy that was mine as a baby. He looks pretty rough now after many years of love. I'm so glad I still have him to give to Mia someday. Their wish card reads "My wish for you is a lifetime of laughter."

Thanka Daniel and Lea!

Mia's 72nd & 73rd Quilt Square: Montreal, Quebec

These two wishes came from fellow bloggers, Dan & Doris, of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are waiting on their future daughter from China who they will be naming Daphne. They were logged in on 3-28-06 so Daphne will be home a few months before Mia. Both of these fabrics are beautiful. I love this asian inspired fabric. Their card includes a Chinese proverb which reads "Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still." That is a perfect example of this wait. Their wish for Mia is "May you always dance to the music of your heart, walk to the beat of your own drum, and run towards the adventures in your life."

I love this fabric, too. The froggies are so cute and there are little ladybugs on it. This wish card reads "Our wish for you: May your life always be filled with sunshine. May you always be surrounded by love and happiness. May you always be proud of who you are. May you always feel a sense of belonging in this world. May you attain all of your dreams in life." Beautiful. You can check out their blog at 3 D's Adoption Journey.

Thanks Doris & Dan!