Oh, Baby!

I recently saw a news piece on the declining birth rate in the United States. They were bemoaning the fact that young people didn’t want to have children any more. They only want to make money, travel, and not be tied down. That may be true for some people, but my personal experience is that a lot of those young people have a great deal of faith in the future because I’m still making lots and lots of baby blankets for bouncing new arrivals.

I sat down and started calculating how many blankets I’ve crocheted over the years for nieces, nephews, greats, friends, extended family, and employees. It is rapidly approaching four hundred. I’m feeling a little old when I’m now making blankets for the children of the babies I made a blanket for decades ago.

In the nineteen years I worked at the hospital, I made sixty-three blankets for employees in my department. Early on the creations were smaller receiving blankets but they morphed into crib size covers that matched the paint chips the happy parent-to-be provided me. I was told soon after an employee’s mom and mother-in-law that a bundle of joy was on its way so I’d have plenty of time to make a blanket. I even made one for a baby who wasn’t due until six months after I retired!

I enjoyed making them. Crocheting the familiar pattern was a relaxing thing to do while watching TV in the evening. Double bonus is you can’t snack while working on a project. In the book my staff gave me when I retired, some of my “babies” appeared with their blankets from ten or fifteen years earlier and some toddlers brought their blankets to the retirement reception. It was a wonderful reminder of how quickly they grow up!

I know the blankets are dear to the recipients because I’ve been asked to repair a seven year old blanket and had to retrieve my great great nephew’s blanket from the motel after they realized three hours down the road they’d left it here. When I took it to the post office to mail, the clerk asked what was in the package. I said “my nephew’s blankie”. She laughed. She had given her son’s blanket to his bride to be saying he couldn’t sleep without it after twenty years.

I’ve made other baby things like sweaters, caps, and booties, but I enjoy thinking stitch by stitch about the love I’m packing into each blanket that will wrap around the new arrivals whose parents are brave enough to bring them into this crazy world.

I know there are lots of people dealing with evil and illness everyday. I hope you can feel the love I’m sending to blanket you in peace and that your woes quickly unravel to be recreated into something wonderful. You are loved!

20 thoughts on “Oh, Baby!”

  2. So glad to read this, Kim. Thank you for the kindness you are sharing with the world! So meaningful!

  3. My only grandson was a recipient of one of Kim’s blanket. He is now a year and 4 months and he clings on that blanket awake or sleeping. Thank Kim for that precious gift. I truly enjoyed reading your article. I miss you and Dr. Jim.

  5. Thank you for the blankets you made for our grandchildren!!! They are cherished. Janice and Kelly Wells

  8. You and your beautiful blankets bring such joy to so many people. We love our grandsons blanket and our scarves!

  11. My friend, you definitely received Godly talents! My 30 year old son has a blanket you crafted and now his newborn does too. I couldn’t cherish our friendship or these blankets (socks, scarves, hats) you made with those precious hands of yours. Keep on earning those angel wings 💕

  12. I love this. What a satisfying feeling it must be knowing you’re creating something so precious for the parents and the children.

  15. So thankful for people who can see and “be” the love in this broken world!!!! Way to shine brightly, my friend!

  16. It’s not only the creations you’ve provided to newborns, we adults also love them.❤️

  17. Such a beautiful and positive message, Kim! And what heart and talent you have for spreading joy and comfort to others. I know every blanket you provide will be loved and cherished, along with the sentiment that comes with it. Bless you, my friend.

  19. What a beautiful and uplifting post, Kim! Thank you! And each baby blanket I received has been a treasure, waiting for the moment to pass down to another generation of babies.

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