Theodorable

Theodore Emmitt Bruce safely arrived on Friday morning, March 26. We were experiencing the drama of his birth from the other side of the International Date Line, so it felt like he was born in the afternoon of March 25, as it was late in the day when we finally got the text saying “Baby is here. Annie did awesome.”

I’ve been fortunate to be local for the births of each of my other grandchildren but Covid and the closed borders of New Zealand kept me away from this birth. It was a little maddening to be so far away and relegated to text messages. Fortunately, Facetime allowed us to chat with James and Anne a few hours later and then watch the girls meet their new baby brother later in the day. I’m so grateful for this technology.

I had four prayer requests for this birth: timing, safety, no c-section, and the arrival of the boxes we mailed three and five weeks in advance. Both packages arrived this week, just before Theo’s birthday. Anne was able to safely deliver the baby without intervention and without a c-section. Lastly, Theo arrived just a couple days after his Kiwi grandparents arrived to help out. (Both of them left aging ill parents back home so there has been a lot of concern about the timing of their trip and the baby’s arrival.)

Tucked in the packages was a baby quilt for Theo. When I decided I should get the quilt done and in the mail, I looked for ideas for a safari quilt. I found a pattern and made two lions, thinking one would be for a baby quilt and the other could be part of a larger bed quilt that I can take when I am able to travel to New Zealand. I cut out a zillion pieces without marking them and then really struggled to make the two lions–a confusing puzzle that wasn’t much fun. While I sewed I kept thinking that Simee ought to get the lion quilt since her middle name means “Lion of God.” Eventually I made an elephant piece for the new baby, in blue. This time I made one and marked the pieces carefully as I cut them. I was able to get it longarmed (quilted) in just a week and sent it off in the first box.

While Annie was in labor, I made a new elephant for the big quilt, channeling my tension into a creative project. I have finished a lion, an elephant, a rhino, a zebra, and a giraffe. It’s a lot more fun to make these one animals at a time. It’s nice to not be in a hurry and just make one every few days or weeks whenever I am motivated.

So here’s wee Theo on his quilt. He is being lovingly embraced by his family: Mum, Dad, Charlee, Simee, Granny and Grandad and cherished from afar by his American family as well.

And yes, he is adorable.

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16 thoughts on “Theodorable

  1. Congratulations! Chris! I’m glad so many prayers were answered in the affirmative. How wonderful for them to have your beautiful quilts! Such treasures made with love in every stitch!

  2. Theo arrived here healthy and safely! I am so happy for you and your family, Chris! Theo is such a beautiful baby….the quilt and sweater are beautiful. Praying for continued health for you, dear sister.

  3. So adorable! Theo and his birth are truly another gift from God. Hopefully it won’t be too long until you see him in person. I think he’ll love his sweet elephant quilt!

  4. What a beautiful quilt–you do have a gift, Chris. Wonderful to get together yesterday in the sunshine and, yes, the wind and noise. Pretty soon I’ll get to experience the special blessing of being a grandma. 🙂

  5. What happy news! Congratulations to Anne and family (including you, Chris!), and a warm welcome to Theodore. Your quilt is beautiful.

  6. Congratulations! Such a beautiful baby, and he’s gonna love that quilt! I Love the ears made with the stars fabric!

  7. Congratulations Chris! What an adorable grandbaby and your quilt looks wonderful!
    Happy that things are going well for you and hoping you can travel again soon.

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