April's Birth Quilt

This quilt has been in the works since December. There were lots of delays (and procrastinating on my part because, well, I hate quilting) but at last it is complete. This quilt is in celebration of April's birth. I was inspired by the days when people used to make quilts to celebrate big life changes such as a wedding or a baby. Friends and family each made a square and I assembled it (and made some squares of my own. You can click on the picture to see it larger.

Clockwise from the top left:
My mom made this square. It is modeled after our wedding invitations and has the initials of everyone that made a square embroidered on the tree trunk.
My friend Lindsay made this one. She traced her daughters hands. She was inspired by these quotes: "A mother's heart is always with her children" and "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”
Jon's aunt Mary Ann made this one. I'm not sure of the story behind it.
My grandmother made this one. The two large hearts are attached at the shoulder and the little heart is attached to one of the big hearts by a little umbilical cord.
My aunt Karen made this one. She modeled it after the design on our wedding program. They are two love birds and the mommy bird has a baby in her belly.
My friend Kyrie made this one. A strong family tree grown from love.
I made this one to commemorate April and my shared love of music. I hope to sing and make music with her her whole life.
My mom also made this one. When I was little my favorite thing about my stuffy was the tag on the back. I loved to rub the tag in my fingers. April loves tags too. This little bear has the perfect tag (by his foot).
I also made this one. I embroidered a baby sleeping under the stars. It is my sweet dreams square.
Jon's mom made this one. It reads Eyes Wide View Miracles. It was to remind me to keep my eyes open when April was being born (but I was so focused on pushing I kind of forgot).
Jon's aunt Joan made this one. In the center heart is a little head down embryo, surrounded by love.
My aunt Karen also made this one. It is April's initials and an umbrella. All made from her wedding dress fabric.
And finally, I made the center square. I was inspired by a quote I heard once. "Before you were born I carried you under my heart. From the moment you arrived in this world until the moment I leave it, I will always carry you in my heart."
I will hang this quilt on her wall for now, but when she is older I think I'll let her use it for special days like when she is sick or hurt and needs to be surrounded with love. I really hope this quilt stands the test of time and gets passed down to her children.
Thank you to everyone who helped create this quilt.