My children’s birthmother had a birthday today! I feel really bad because I have been furiously knitting to try to finish up the gift I have for her, and had hoped to get it out in time, but I am still learning to make “realistic” estimates of my time, now that I have three children. That combined with the holiday last week and the festivities around it, in addition to the mail holiday, added to the delay. Truth be told, I’m generally not a perfectionist, except when it comes to my knitting. I chose this yarn some time ago, and as I worked on the project, it wasn’t what I wanted. I am a pretty “mindful” knitter – I really pour over yarns trying to find just the right one; match the personality to the pattern and color choices, and spend a lot of time praying for the person and thinking about them as I knit. This change of heart regarding yarn choice midway through the project cost me some time, and so, with the delays mentioned above, I was doomed. But I wanted it to be so “right” for our first birthday together – to do something really meaningful and not just “slap something together” for the sake of having a gift ready. But then I ended up late. Ah, guilt…I would have had it either way, eh?

We did call her, and as is our family tradition when loved ones have birthdays, we sang! She and I talked for a bit, then she got to talk to the children individually. Then she and I wrapped up as she had to prepare for work. She loved hearing our daughter sing, and thought she had such a beautiful voice, and though we are biased as mothers, it’s true - she really does have a gorgeous voice!

So, I am just about done with the gift – a few more inches – and off it will go along with creations the children have made. My daughter promised an additional gift of a picture with red hearts, “because that’s what I always do – red hearts!”

I was so thankful that we related as friends with very little awkwardness. I’m thankful for this celebration of the day of her birth, and that the children and I were able to share in it.

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them. (Psalm 139:13-16)