As her third birthday approached, we decided that since her love of Mr. Dressup was so great, we would make her a Mr. Dressup tickle trunk (filled with costumes and hats of course). My husband built it and I painted it. My daughter, of course, loved it!
Then my daughter's fourth birthday approached. Her love for Mr. Dressup was still great, so I painted a picture of the Wise Old Owl for her.
We are now less than a month away from my youngest daughter's first birthday. We of course want to make her a homemade gift. After some planning and discussion, my husband and I decided that a Waldorf doll would be a great gift for a first birthday. However, since my husband can't sew, this project has rested 100% on my shoulders. He's been the design advisor but I am in charge of the creation and assembly.
As the days go by, I am getting increasingly nervous. I quickly made the body, but I am struggling to make the doll's head.
The other day, as I was working on the doll's head, I began to contemplate just why exactly do I feel the need to create birthday gifts for my children. Yes, homemade is nice and all but why this NEED to create. As I asked myself this question, the answer came to me just as quickly....
Making my daughters' gifts is therapeutic for me. As the needle plunges in I remember carrying her in my womb... her kicks, her nudges, her hiccups... and as the needle comes out I think about her birth and our first few days in the hospital. As the needle plunges into the fabric again, I reminisce about milestones that have been met and as the needle comes out, I marvel about the inches my daughter has grown. As I create, I think about the laughter, the tears, the quiet moments and the loud ones. For me, it's not just a gift, it is a time to recall memories of a year that has passed. A moment to reflect on the past and embrace the future. For me, it's a gift from my heart, soul and mind.
This is so cool, and so much more heartfelt than store bought gifts I am a new follower from Bloggy Moms
ReplyDeletehttp://theovulator.blogspot.com/
Handmade gifts are heartmade gifts. A little bit of us goes into each one and it's a part they can take with them. Can't wait to see the finished doll!
ReplyDeletewow, these are beautiful creations!
ReplyDeleteand, yes, mom-child connection is never ending for me too! :)
I love the metaphor. love Love LOVE the emotions it evokes. I never really thought of my need to create that way before... And seriously? You are so talented! :)
ReplyDeleteYour kids are not just going to cherish these treasures because the pair of you poured yourselves into the creation, but also because its so thought-full and tailored to them. I bet when they get older and pass these onto their own lovies, there will be so many memories to share...