My grandfather Irv was an amazing woodworker.
The homes of his family and friends are full of gorgeous handmade pictures, furniture, and children's toys. As he and my grandmother traveled the world together, he collected wood from the countries he visited to use for future projects. The woodshop attached to my grandparents' home was his pride and joy and he treasured the time he spent there crafting gifts for the people he loved. I miss my grandfather every day. His death in January 2007 was one of the hardest things I have ever been through. But I am comforted by the things in my home that remind me of him. The clown pictures that he was well known for.....
The chess board he made and shipped to me in Fairbanks, Alaska when I decided that the long, cold, dark winters there were a good time to revisit my chess game.....
And recently, my mom brought me several wooden toys that he made for me when I was younger. They're waiting in Baby Peterson's room for her to be old enough to play with them. 
One of the most treasured pieces my grandfather ever made, however, was a cradle that he completed in June 1978, 3 months before I was born.
This cradle is now 30 years old and has criss-crossed the country numerous times. Each time a new grandchild was born, it was packed up and sent to the expectant parents. Since my brother and I were here in Colorado, and my three cousins were born in Florida, that makes 4 cross-country trips! It's been with my Uncle Chet and Aunt Barbara since the youngest cousin Ali was born 22 years ago. Plaques with our names and birthdates were placed on the cradle after each of our births.
Now that the next generation is on its way....this old cradle made the trip yet again. My uncle Ray built a VERY sturdy crate for it and it arrived on Hogan Court last week. Brian recruited some neighbors to help him break into the crate. 
Ryan and Chris then got to work putting the pieces together to reassemble the cradle. 
It didn't take long until it was in one piece and had taken its place in our living room. 
Every time I come downstairs, I see this beautiful antique cradle that was so lovingly made by my grandfather. The wear and tear of the wood is testament to the lives this piece of furniture has touched. And after being empty for over 2 decades, it's patiently waiting for a new baby to arrive and fall asleep inside. Although my grandpa will never be able to hold his great-granddaughter in his arms, I think this is the next best thing and I am so thankful to have this piece of him to share with my daughter.
A pretty table, yummy food and drinks, lots of chatting amongst the women in attendance, and plenty of oohing and 
It meant so much to me to have them all join me on this very special day!
Luckily I was not involved in the decapitating process...
As I talked to my mom about this shower, I told her that I wanted it to be a little different. I yearned for a meaningful, genuine gathering of the most important women in my life. In order to facilitate that goal, my mom included the following request in the shower invitations she sent to my friends and family. 
I received so many beautiful, thoughtful, and useful gifts at this baby shower. We're so lucky to have such generous people in our lives who have provided us with almost all the baby gear and clothes we'll need. However, the best gifts I have received in preparing for Baby Peterson's arrival are the words that were spoken by all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 
It was a gorgeous Colorado Sunday. The snow was falling outside and the fireplace was burning inside. Many of my favorite people were there...including some special out-of-town guests. 
Brian's aunt Julie and cousins Alison and Katie Sharp were in town and were able to join us for the shower. 
Soon-to-be Great Grandma Sharp also made it just in time (despite a few airplane mishaps along the way). My mom, mother-in-law, sister-in-law Susie (and her sister and mother), as well as many great friends were able to join us.
What a wonderful holiday season it was. Despite all the frantic running around and preparations leading up to Christmas, it was a joy to spend time with both our families, enjoying each other's company, and relishing a few luxurious days off of work to do nothing but read, knit, eat, talk, nap, and wear pajamas. 
The day after Christmas, we headed up to my parents' house to celebrate with them. Dad was resplendent in his Christmas suspenders...as usual....
And I even got to see my dearest, oldest friend Angela (who was home for Christmas for the first time in years). We're going on 28 years of friendship!!! 
It was a wonderful weekend with both our families. Afterwards, however, this was about all we had energy for......
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