Made With Love

When I was pregnant with my first born Nadine, my tita gave me a plastic bag full of baby clothes, "pamana" from my younger cousins. In this plastic bag were small crocheted booties. I've always believed that my maternal grandmother, Lola Cely, was the one who made these (although my tita wasn't really sure). My Lola has always been nimble with her hands and she enjoyed making things for her children and grandchildren. Since my sister, Mabel, is having a boy, I passed on the blue and green booties to her while I kept the pinks and yellows. Here is a picture of these booties that were left with me:


I love the booties! Usually newborn shoes are too big for 0-3 month old infants. So you'll have to make them wear socks or go barefoot. These crocheted booties made my girls look all dressed up even with the simplest clothes. Yes, they were not just cute. They looked so fashionable.

While pregnant also with Nadine, I bought flannela in Kamuning to use as receiving blankets for my coming baby. My Lola Cely patiently crocheted the edges of these blankets. I love the crocheted look plus the love and patience that came with it. She crocheted about a dozen blankets for me and a number of cloth diapers too for me to use as lap pads. These blankets were used by Nadine, Raya and Alyssa and I will definitely be using them for our coming baby girl:

Now while waiting for this coming baby, I thought of crocheting the edges of diapers once again. I actually enjoyed doing these. It's just a simple crocheted blanket stitch and not difficult to do.


And one afternoon while busy with my hands I thought of a name for my baby --- Cecilia Amarise. Cecilia is my Lola Cely's real name and is the patron saint of music while Amarise is a Hebrew name meaning "Given by God." I've never really heard of the name Amarise so I  was surprised that it came into my mind and the meaning of the name. Perhaps it is from my baby letting me know about it and deciding for herself what name she wants. Yes, still in the tummy and already having a mind of her own! Her nickname will be "Cerise" which I also love because of it's uniqueness.

The booties, the blankets, the diapers all made with love by my Lola. Cerise, made with love by Mier and me. So much to look forward to. Another heart to love, another soul to nurture. We can't wait!