Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes Part 4

[Clutterbug]

Well, there you go, way too many pictures!

That outfit is great! I really love the top and the sleeves are really perfect with the skirt. Those are some beautiful girls you have there TJ! I would never ever complain about too many pictures.

Thank you so much! I can see you covered each cd with paper and then painted (or inked) the edges. And then you used your cropadile to punch holes and put them on the ring. Very cool! Now, is this for autographs or just pictures? I am just wondering if it would be hard for some of the furry characters to sign it. Or are your bringing index cards to attach to the book? I'm sorry I have so many questions, your book is just too cute!

I'm planning on using it for autographs. A friend had one of 4x6 (?) Disney autograph books and the actual completed size was pretty simillar so, I'm hoping the characters won't have a problem with it. That's part of the reason why I also chose the larger backing to give them something a little more substantial to hold on to. Worst case scenerio we can take out the pages and have them just sign them on DS's book.

O

Go you! That skirt is darling!

 

[t-beri]

okay, so I turned the coffee pot on AUTO instead of ON and now I have no coffee. You're getting a non-caffeinated post here.

I may have to ship one to you (or Heather) and have you hem it for me. It's been staring at me for a week waiting to be hemmed!!! My mom keeps telling me that it's not that complicated, when I really want to hear "just give me the *(&%^ thing and let me do it!!"

Welcome Back T!!!

Deann...That is too funny, in a way only a beginner sewer w/ a compulsively controling seamstress mom (mine not yours) can understand!!! You know of all the times you've asked for help and she's taken over, the one time you want her to she's hands off. Your mom and my mom must have been seperated at birth!!
P.S good luck w/ that

Thanks so much ladies for all of your commiseration, great ideas, sympathy and welcome backs!!! I feel so much better since I came back! No more moping...I still have a vacation to plan for.

I never meant to imply that MYTWOTINKS called us all materialistic. I think it was more of a social commentary than an observation of the people on this board. But certainly when the kids are grown are they gonna remember that they didn't go to WDW that one year or are they going to remember the great vacation they had hanging out w/ their mom and dad? And it totally goes for me being a big baby and having to have what I want when I want it all the time too!!! Especially when it comes to WDW.

TJ- LOVE the buzz lightbeer set!!! (I think Lydia looks a little like heather in those pics) Way to go!!

I forget who posted the adorable pumpkin outfit a page or 2 back but the colors are just gorgeous.

Liliana's minnie dot outfit is D-O-N-E!!!! It was sitting for a long time looking all pathetic and then I made her try it on for the bajillionth time to have one more look and thought "the shirt needs to be shorter by about 2"...that's why it looks funny" then my mom came out of her craft room w/ 2 BIG black and white buttons and a pink jumper. A what?? A PINK JUMPER, from when she was just 1. It's not important that it was a pink jumper, what's important is that the pink jumper had a white daisey applique, which we promptly removed. I said we needed black rick rack but before I left for the store my oh so clever / pack rat of a mother found some black cording which we used to trim around the yellow ruffles (waist, bodice and pant legs) then add buttons and daisy (knotted some of that cord to cover the pink center) and VOILA!!! The best darned minnie dot out fit I ever made (also the only one but hey)pictures soon. okay, so I had a little help...my mom she likes to work on the details and I'm more of a big picture girl so it worked out.
2 down... gotta finish the bloomers to go w/ her princess pillow case dress and her halloween patchwork skirt/dress and thanks to a very generous dis'er a Seaworld outfit. Do I have fabric for a seaworld outfit??? I don't think so, but she's little, it'll only take a little bit of fabric, right? How could I NOT make her a custom to go to Seaworld.

...t.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

Welcome back to that same old place that you laughed about..... Welcome back, welcome back, welcome baacckkk.

 

[t-beri]

I don't know why you would think that I could possibly be old enough to know that theme song but I'm offended

...t.

 

[CastleCreations]

We are going on a cruise in February....what exactly does Brent do?

Stands around looking hot!! LOL...He's the cruise director for the Wonder and he does some of the other cruises as well. He's a doll!!

 

[Twins+2more]

I just got back from Hobby Lobby and Hancock fabrics. I know I know ...everyones favorite stores I have the material in the was machine now. I'm going to ATTEMPT (yes attempt) to make my daughter a High School Musical cheerleading outfit for Halloween. I can only hope that it comes out half as good as the one who posted a ways back. Please wish me luck and I will post when I'm done with it. Unless of course, Im too embarassed

 

[teresajoy]

Wow, that came out beautifully! I bet she will want to wear it every day, I know I would want to!



Ok, first of all:

1) I do not understand the directions for the sleeves at all. And I really want to, because they are so cute. Can you take a picture of the "banana" pattern you used please?

2) I do not know if I have a rolled hem foot. Do they usually come with the machine or did you buy one? I was thinking if I ever attempted that pattern I would add a ruffle or use bias tape for the hem. Your hem looks really cute!

3) I hope Arminda feels better! Give her a hug from all the DIS friends!

1.)I'll get some pictures of that piece up later for yah! I made it sound more complicated than it was I'm afraid! I basically just made a little skirt for the sleeves

2.)Corey's machine had one with it. I'm sure there is a tutorial in the bookmarks so you could check to see what it looks like. Or, probably do a serch for it.

3.)Well, Arminda said she felt fine when she woke up today, and wanted to go to school. I told her to call me if she started feeling sick, and I'd go get her. But, she was really perky and smiling, so I'm hoping she's ok!

It would break your heart to see all those little children in those RUssian orphanages...I know, here I go again about the orphanages...but you just can't imagine it unless you see it...10 baby orphanages in one region - and 400 orphans in one orphanage...all you see is cribs lined up what seems like forever...and these little blank faces...no soap, no diapers, no milk, no bottles, no pacifiers, no baby food...just some type of gruel and sweet tea 3 times a day...and mix matched girl/boy outfits that were donated or left by someone. How blessed we are to have our sweet boy Nicholas Alexi---would you believe that he told his parents the other day that when he was a baby his name was Alosha? He was 13 months when he came here and Alosha is a nickname for Alexi which was his given name.
I will post pictures of him when I get home...he is such a cutie - looks like a California surfer boy!

Wow, that is amazing that he remembers that! And, I'm going to ask a dumb question now, but why did they change his name when they adopted him? I konw that happens a lot, and I wonder if it's a way to separate them from the life they had before they were adopted, like a fresh start?

Did you go with you daughter to Russia? It breaks my heart to think about all those babies. Is there anything that you know that we can do to help them out?

Yeah! I finished the Buzz outfit!!!
A close up of the fabrics.

Lydia under the tree
-------------------

I really like this outfit. I am still scared to try one of these skirts and the peasant top scares me too .

The peasant top was really easy. Or, it would have been really easy if I didn't get all fancy with the sleeves! I had never made a peasant top before, and I couldn't believe how simple it was! It's a modified version of the YCMT pattrn, but I didn't like the way she said to put it together, so I used the directions from http://www.sewingmamas.com (in the bookmarks too) instead. The spiral skirt really just looks more intimidating than it is though!

Ok I finally got up the nerve to get on the sewing machine and learn! Here is a picture of my first skirt! Yay! I practiced on this one with fabric that was $1. I know it's simple and not Disney, but I just can't believe it turned out ok to wear!

I also picked up more fabric last nite. I think I'm going to make twirl skirts and overalls. I am working on appliques, but haven't figured it out yet. Any tips?

Your daughter is gorgeous!!!!! Look at those eyes!!!! And, you did a great job on the skirt!!! We've got you now!!!!

Tips, do we have tips??? Oh yeah, we've got tips!

Sorry, just me being stupid for a minute there! Have you checked out the bookmarks in my signature and also in the first post of this thread? There are a lot of links to applique directions there. And, the people here are VERY helpful if you get stuck. I have yet to attempt an applique, but some of the ladies here are VERY talented at it!

Susan,

I don't usually speak about my daughters adoption journey, because of all the emotion involved. But yes, I completely understand what you mean about seeing the children in the orphanage. When I traveled to pick up my daughter, I was "invited" to visit the orphanage where she spent the first part of her life. I will NEVER forget those faces. The day I was there, there were over 200 babies in care all with special needs. It was heartbreaking. There was one girl with the SWEETEST smile, she stole my heart. To this day I work to help that little girl still in that orphanage. (She is now able to go to school!)
I remember watching my daughter walk around a room full of cribs and touch the babies, she was so gentle.

My daughter is from a part of the country where they do not do many adoptions. They were doing about 1 adoption a year. There is no money to feed or care for the children. No toys, no color, very little food. To hear my daughter speak about some of the things she remembers is VERY hard to hear.

I am proud to say my daughter raised over $100 earlier this year to give to "her babies" at her orphange. A wonderful friend of ours was able to visit and give the money to the director. He cried when he found out where the money came from.

People always tell me what a lucky little girl she is, but no I am the lucky one. I am truly blessed to have been given this amazing child. She is truly a gift from God.

Cindee

Aww Cindee! You probably just wanted to take all of them with you, didn't you! How wonderful that you are helping that little girl! How can we help them?

okay, so I turned the coffee pot on AUTO instead of ON and now I have no coffee. You're getting a non-caffeinated post here.



TJ- LOVE the buzz lightbeer set!!! (I think Lydia looks a little like heather in those pics) Way to go!!

Thanks!!! Buzz Lightbeer! Funny! All my kids resemble Heather, so I told her she had to have one that looked like ME, but she didn't! NOT FAIR!
Liliana's minnie dot outfit is D-O-N-E!!!! It was sitting for a long time looking all pathetic and then I made her try it on for the bajillionth time to have one more look and thought "the shirt needs to be shorter by about 2"...that's why it looks funny" then my mom came out of her craft room w/ 2 BIG black and white buttons and a pink jumper. A what?? A PINK JUMPER, from when she was just 1. It's not important that it was a pink jumper, what's important is that the pink jumper had a white daisey applique, which we promptly removed. I said we needed black rick rack but before I left for the store my oh so clever / pack rat of a mother found some black cording which we used to trim around the yellow ruffles (waist, bodice and pant legs) then add buttons and daisy (knotted some of that cord to cover the pink center) and VOILA!!! The best darned minnie dot out fit I ever made (also the only one but hey)pictures soon. okay, so I had a little help...my mom she likes to work on the details and I'm more of a big picture girl so it worked out.
2 down... gotta finish the bloomers to go w/ her princess pillow case dress and her halloween patchwork skirt/dress and thanks to a very generous dis'er a Seaworld outfit. Do I have fabric for a seaworld outfit??? I don't think so, but she's little, it'll only take a little bit of fabric, right? How could I NOT make her a custom to go to Seaworld.

...t.

WOO HOO!!! I can't wait to see pictures!!! How cool that you could take something from an outfit thay you use to wear and make Liliana an outfit!!!

Stands around looking hot!! LOL...He's the cruise director for the Wonder and he does some of the other cruises as well. He's a doll!!

You cracky me up!

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Stephres asked for some more detailed pictures of my CD album, so here you go!

This is the front CD covered with chipboard, patterned paper and embellished.

This is very cute. I love it.

Yeah! I finished the Buzz outfit!!! Lydia loves it!!! Me too actually!! I even finished the top! I decided to go with a paesant blouse with spiral sleeves. I need to put the ric rac on the top yet, but other than that, I'm done! YIPPEEE!!!

Lydia was in "model mode" so she was doing some goofy silly 4 year old faces! And, she insisted that that leaopard print material "headband' really went with the outfit!!!

Ok, here are way too many pictures for yah!!! We tried to take some pictures where you could see the ric rac glowing in the dark, but we haven't figure out how to do that yet! Just believe me when I say it looked really cool!

A close up of the fabrics. The blue "moon" fabric is also very sparkly.

-----------------------


Well, there you go, way too many pictures!

I love those fabrics together. Never too many pictures. Is that a You can make this pattern? How do those work? Do you print them out at home? Do you end up having to tape pieces together? DO you have to enlarge them yourself? HMM sorry to ask so many questions. It turned out really cute. I have to find some of that glow in the dark rick rack.

 

[HeatherSue]

Okay, SO now to catch up on some much missed posting; I made the top 10 ya know, gotta keep up my reputation.

So, I'm gonna stop being a big baby and come back, cause IT WAS KILLIN' ME!!!! I hate being left out-even when I do it to myself.
...t.

T!!! I'm so glad you're back. I was so depressed when I read your last post that I totally abandoned one of my most awesomely obnoxiously long multi-quotes ever! So glad to have you back. Don't worry, I just took a shower.

For all of us wallyworld shoppers. Thought you would enjoy this....

HOW did these people find my husband?! He used to stand up on the balcony at our local Meijer store when he was a teenager and yell to my mom "Barbara, Barbara, don't leave me. I love you." He still likes to embarass me with any cylindrical shaped vegetable in the produce department.

Hey, HeatherSue....thanks for the Burda patterns....very helpful!!!!

As much as I enjoy basking in your , that was my wonderful sister who posted those patterns! But, we think so much alike, we're practically the same person!

That's my fabric!!! I am working on a Cinderella themed outfit with that pumpkin fabric. I absolutely love what you've done with it! Hopefully I'll get mine done one of these days.

Thanks! Did you need a little more fabric? I haven't finished the top yet but I think I will have some left over.

You are too sweet! I finished the outfit without the cat fabric, but thank you so much for the offer!

Great Job!!! Don't apologize for the hair - she's simply adorable!

I think it's time for a new rule NO APOLOGIZING FOR YOUR CHILD'S HAIR!!
I have yet to see a child on here that is anything other than stunningly beautiful, whether their hair is disheveled, wet, or downright ratty! So, just go ahead and say "Look at my absolutely gorgeous child in their fabulous creation".

 

[HeatherSue]

Heather could relate! She lived in my parents basement for 9 months (wasn't it Heather?) while they were buiding one of their houses! It was a very nice finished walk out basement with a full kitchen, but, it was a little noisy!

This reminds me of Cronk from the Emperor's New Groove!!!! I can also see my BIL Henry (Heather's husband) doing all these things!
[\QUOTE]
Yup, it was a little noisy (my mom had a daycare with 12 kids over our heads), but we didn't have to pay rent! Besides, we didn't have any kids yet, so it was okay.

It's so funny that you said that about Corey because I didn't see your post before I posted practically the same thing! See, I said we are practically the same person!

I am SUCH a sap! I'm getting teary looking at the pictures of my beautiful nieces. I just love them so much! You did such a wonderful job on this outfit. I absolutely love the glow in the dark ric-rac and the spiral sleeves! I also love how well-pressed it looks!

 

[lori123]

Y'all look so cute together, squinty eyes and all!!! Love the skirt and Christmas fabric, where did you find that?
[/SIZE][/B]

I found it at JoAnn the other day - I think it was like $8.99 a yard - but I was able to get it 50% off.

 

[t-beri]

Yah, I knew you guys would miss me.

TJ- NO, that would be cool, but the jumper was LILY'S. Still, I'm totally down w/ repurposing stuff.

BTW I have yet to comment on the FABULOUSNESS that is the CD autograph book. It is fantastic. I'm not sure I'm that talented but I may try that!! My DS could help, he would get a kick out of it. Last night he sewed a drawstring pouch for some rocks Ah, 9 year olds..Then Liliana got one of the rocks and hit my dad in the head Ah, 2 year olds.

Hold on, I'm still laughing...that cracky'd me up!

Still funny- you know you love it!

 

[lori123]

Arminda woke up a bit ago and told me she threw up. UGGH! They are having MEAP testing, and I hate for her to miss that. It's hard to tell if she really threw up or if it was just a little spit up, yah know? She hasn't been looking good all day though. And, she started crying hysterically earlier when I told her she couldn't go to Mackinaw City for an overnight field trip with her class, since we will be at DISNEY WORLD!!! She actually said, and I quote, "But, we go to Disney World EVERY year, I've NEVER been to Mackinaw Island!" And then, lots of incosolable hysterical pitiful heartbroken crying insued. I actually felt BAD that I was making her go to Disney World!! She was so excited when she came home, telling me they got some great news at school, then I saw the dates on the note she brought home, and my heart just dropped. I wish they had checked with the parents before telling the kids about all the exciting things they were going to do!!! I feel awful. But, when I mentioned to her that she would be with her cousin Sawyer, (and I went on to list the rest of my entire family) she did perk up quite a bit!!!! What a day, what a day! I have now promised her a trip to Mackinaw Island sometime in the next year!!! MMMMM FUDGE!!!

Glad she is feeling better this AM!

Were not materialistic, we just love material things ! LOL

Ok I am !!!

Too funny.....LOL... I can't believe you leave in on Saturday. I wouldn't be able to function!! Enjoy every minute and take tons of pictures. Tell Brent to hurry home...his dinner's getting cold....

again! You guys are too funny!

Ok I finally got up the nerve to get on the sewing machine and learn! Here is a picture of my first skirt! Yay! I practiced on this one with fabric that was $1. I know it's simple and not Disney, but I just can't believe it turned out ok to wear!

I also picked up more fabric last nite. I think I'm going to make twirl skirts and overalls. I am working on appliques, but haven't figured it out yet. Any tips?

Great Job!!! I can't wait to see your next creation!

I am so thrilled.

Yesterday we went on a field trip with our home school association to Hill Ridge Farm. I had my girls wear the candy corn outfits I made. It was so neat that people kept commenting on the outfits. I have never really had people coming up to me like that before.

My sig has a pic from the farm. My poor ds had an allergy attack so was not feeling well. I gave him his allergy meds, but that turned him into a zombie.

Doesn't it feel good! I love it when my kids proudly answer "my mom made it" with a smile! Hope DS's allergies are better today.

It would break your heart to see all those little children in those RUssian orphanages...I know, here I go again about the orphanages...but you just can't imagine it unless you see it...10 baby orphanages in one region - and 400 orphans in one orphanage...all you see is cribs lined up what seems like forever...and these little blank faces...no soap, no diapers, no milk, no bottles, no pacifiers, no baby food...just some type of gruel and sweet tea 3 times a day...and mix matched girl/boy outfits that were donated or left by someone. How blessed we are to have our sweet boy Nicholas Alexi---would you believe that he told his parents the other day that when he was a baby his name was Alosha? He was 13 months when he came here and Alosha is a nickname for Alexi which was his given name. You should have seen us trying to put a diaper on him...he went wild! and he just picked up the food we gave him and laughed..he didn't know what it was...by Russian standards, he lives like a king now...how blessed we all are... Susan

Susan,

I don't usually speak about my daughters adoption journey, because of all the emotion involved. But yes, I completely understand what you mean about seeing the children in the orphanage. When I traveled to pick up my daughter, I was "invited" to visit the orphanage where she spent the first part of her life. I will NEVER forget those faces. The day I was there, there were over 200 babies in care all with special needs. It was heartbreaking. There was one girl with the SWEETEST smile, she stole my heart. To this day I work to help that little girl still in that orphanage. (She is now able to go to school!)
I remember watching my daughter walk around a room full of cribs and touch the babies, she was so gentle.

My daughter is from a part of the country where they do not do many adoptions. They were doing about 1 adoption a year. There is no money to feed or care for the children. No toys, no color, very little food. To hear my daughter speak about some of the things she remembers is VERY hard to hear.

I am proud to say my daughter raised over $100 earlier this year to give to "her babies" at her orphange. A wonderful friend of ours was able to visit and give the money to the director. He cried when he found out where the money came from.

People always tell me what a lucky little girl she is, but no I am the lucky one. I am truly blessed to have been given this amazing child. She is truly a gift from God.

Cindee

What a sweet DD you have! I have a niece and nephew that were adopted from Haiti. My BIL said it was so hard to leave any of the kids when they visited the orphange. He would sit on the floor in the middle of the room and the kids would just flock to him - starving for attention. The workers do the best they can - but there are simply so many kids and not enough of them.

You are too sweet! I finished the outfit without the cat fabric, but thank you so much for the offer!


I think it's time for a new rule NO APOLOGIZING FOR YOUR CHILD'S HAIR!!
I have yet to see a child on here that is anything other than stunningly beautiful, whether their hair is disheveled, wet, or downright ratty! So, just go ahead and say "Look at my absolutely gorgeous child in their fabulous creation".

Your welcome! And I am so with you on the no apolgizing for hair - these kids are all adorable - no matter what their hair is doing at the moment!

 

[HeatherSue]

I don't want anyone to think that I posted that because I thought you ladies were being materialistic! Believe me when I tell you that I can waste money on my kids clothes with the best of them!!!!

I didn't take it that way at all!!

When I posted that picture I thought to myself, "Deann is going to say something about that chain!" I knew Heather would be asleep, so it would be you! That is Brian's boat trailer that you see there!

But, when I mentioned to her that she would be with her cousin Sawyer, (and I went on to list the rest of my entire family) she did perk up quite a bit!!!! What a day, what a day! I have now promised her a trip to Mackinaw Island sometime in the next year!!! MMMMM FUDGE!!!

Look at me......babble babble babble sorry about that!!!!!

I can't believe I didn't notice the chain! Couldn't you have let her run around for a few minutes, just for the pictures? Sheesh...

That Arminda is so sweet! She LOOOOVES her cousin, Sawyer.

GREAT job on the skirt!! What a gorgeous girl you have!

How blessed we are to have our sweet boy Nicholas Alexi---would you believe that he told his parents the other day that when he was a baby his name was Alosha? He was 13 months when he came here and Alosha is a nickname for Alexi which was his given name. You should have seen us trying to put a diaper on him...he went wild! and he just picked up the food we gave him and laughed..he didn't know what it was...by Russian standards, he lives like a king now...how blessed we all are... Susan

Susan,

I don't usually speak about my daughters adoption journey, because of all the emotion involved. But yes, I completely understand what you mean about seeing the children in the orphanage. When I traveled to pick up my daughter, I was "invited" to visit the orphanage where she spent the first part of her life. I will NEVER forget those faces. The day I was there, there were over 200 babies in care all with special needs. It was heartbreaking. There was one girl with the SWEETEST smile, she stole my heart. To this day I work to help that little girl still in that orphanage. (She is now able to go to school!)
I remember watching my daughter walk around a room full of cribs and touch the babies, she was so gentle.

My daughter is from a part of the country where they do not do many adoptions. They were doing about 1 adoption a year. There is no money to feed or care for the children. No toys, no color, very little food. To hear my daughter speak about some of the things she remembers is VERY hard to hear.

I am proud to say my daughter raised over $100 earlier this year to give to "her babies" at her orphange. A wonderful friend of ours was able to visit and give the money to the director. He cried when he found out where the money came from.

People always tell me what a lucky little girl she is, but no I am the lucky one. I am truly blessed to have been given this amazing child. She is truly a gift from God.

Cindee

Thank you so much for sharing those stories! DH and I were going to adopt from Russia when we were having problems conceiving. It breaks my heart to hear about all of those babies/kids over there that just need a mommy and daddy. I would still love to adopt from there someday (I've always wanted 3 kids). I have heard a lot of adoptive parents say that they are the lucky ones for being blessed with their children. How true!

I just got back from Hobby Lobby and Hancock fabrics. I know I know ...everyones favorite stores I have the material in the was machine now. I'm going to ATTEMPT (yes attempt) to make my daughter a High School Musical cheerleading outfit for Halloween. I can only hope that it comes out half as good as the one who posted a ways back. Please wish me luck and I will post when I'm done with it. Unless of course, Im too embarassed

Woo-hoo! Can't wait to see it!

Did you go with you daughter to Russia? It breaks my heart to think about all those babies. Is there anything that you know that we can do to help them out?

Teresa, I remember you printing out a pattern for some little pants or something for kids in Russian orphanages once. Do you remember what I'm talking about? They were like footed overalls that tie on the shoulders.

Hold on, I'm still laughing...that cracky'd me up!

Still funny- you know you love it!

You know I do!

 

[livndisney]

I feel awful. But, when I mentioned to her that she would be with her cousin Sawyer, (and I went on to list the rest of my entire family) she did perk up quite a bit!!!! What a day, what a day! I have now promised her a trip to Mackinaw Island sometime in the next year!!! MMMMM FUDGE!!!

Look at me......babble babble babble sorry about that!!!!!

Did someone say Mackinaw Island FUDGE? You know the only thing better than Mackinaw Island fudge is Frankenmuth Fudge! (And Frankenmuth is easier to get to )

Cindee

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

I don't know why you would think that I could possibly be old enough to know that theme song but I'm offended

...t.

Oh I figured you would know if from nick at nite.....

 

[bsusanmb]

Well, let's see, I want to answer the questions posed, no I didn't go along. DD and DSIL took lots of video. And DD called me on a cell phone daily. It was a long and exhausting trip - you go twice to Russia. First to meet the child and then you are invited back to adopt your child or children. A 50 year old couple was on the same trip and adopted 2 school age sisters. It is amazing what love will do for children.
It is so expensive to ship anything to Russia, and you never know if it is going to get to one of the orphanages. DD took as much as she could with her in donations, and $700 in cash - she bought 3 strollers there and shopping carts full of medications that were requested by the orphanage doctor. I could go on forever, but I will just hit the highlights.
The first referral was they received was for a 7 month old baby boy who weighed 7 pounds...and it was heart wrenching because the adoption agency sent photos of the child. The international adoption doctor told DD she needed to think with her head and not her heart as there are thousands and thousands of adoptable children in much better health. It took months and then Alexi's photo came and his medical records...and they decided to take a leap of faith and went to Russia to meet him...after a long jouney...they got to the orphanage in this coal town that looks like it is from the depression here in the USA and were told Alexi wasn't there - he was in the hospital...after discussion, they were taken to the hospital and Alexi was in a bed rubbing his face on a bare mattress, crying and crying..no diapers, no medications, and he had pneumonia. They were permitted to take him back to the orphanage and DD and SIL bought him medication at a pharmacy. He had terrible asthma...he was 10 months then. They had chosen the name Nicholas prior to ever getting a referral...and used Alexi's name as his middle name. His other two names were long Russian surnames. Yes, a new life, a baby and new name. Had he been older and really knew his name, they wouldn't have changed it. They had no idea that it would take so long to get him...he ws 7 months when they got his referral which is Russian law and then it took until he was 13 months to bring him home. DD said that as far as you could see there was a sea of little toddler boys, all just as cute as can be, blue eyes, brown eyes, blonde, brunette, and they all knew Mama and Papa and would cling to them. In the visitation room, only the potential parents and adoptees were permitted. DD was invited to visit Alexi's bedroom which is considered an honor. DSIL was not permitted. Babies are potty trained when they are infants. At meals they are not permitted to touch the food, and if they do or they spill something, they go hungry. Our video shows Alexi crying hysterically when his food was all gone...like he lost his mama and dada....it was heart-breaking. When he had a bm they held him under a faucet and ran water over him...no soap....and just changed his clothes. He was wearing pink and yellow pajamas. The workers obviously love the children, but there is only one for every 10...of even less. There are toys that are donated, but they do not appear to be played with. The Russian people are very proud and very different from our culture. When SIL started to cry, he was hushed immediately...it is very insulting to appear that you feel pity of believe that the children are in some way suffering. The most difficult was that a young teen was Alexi's God mother and she came to say good by and cried and cried...in Russian she told them that the last baby who left, the adoptive parents promised to send photos and never did...DD and SIL wanted to adopt her also, but they were only approved for an infant...you must be approved for certain ages...but they have corresponded and have sent things to her via other parents travelling to Russia...and she sent a photo of Nicholas Alexi's baptism..which was so special. Nicholas was a very sick child. He is doing very well now. He received a year of speech and occupational therapy...my DD is an occupational therapist and she is just amazing with him. He is an angel. I wrote to the adoption agency and told them that he will never get from us the joy he has given to us.. we are the blessed ones to have this God given angel in our lives...it has been a huge financial burden, but God knew that Nicholas was to be in our lives. He knows all about Russia and he will tell you he is from Russia...I recently purchased a book written and signed by Barishnikov about a little boy and his grandma...it was perfect. DD was a classical ballet dancer with NYC ballet in school years ago and had the opportunity to take class with Barishnikov. We want Nicholas to know and appreciate his Russian heritage and the sacrifice his mother made so that he would have a good life.
So now they are saving for a baby girl and perhaps a boy too...Nicholas wants a brother, DD wants a girl...whatever happens, it is in God's hands and I know that He has a plan for us....
God bless all you mothers and grandmothers and all of the adopted and waiting to be adopted children....
Susan

PS I donate money every payday through our united way to the adoption agency that DD used as they give 85% of my donation directly to the orphanages....it isn't much, but every penny helps.

 

[EnchantedPrincess]

I have a question about making a three-tier skirt...the third tier is made out of 3 pieces, and the directions say to center one of the seams on the center of the back middle tier....so does that mean that the other two seams on the third tier isn't alligned to the two side seams from the middle tier? I hope I am making sense... thanks!

 

[HeatherSue]

Oh Susan, I'm practically blubbering now. My heart just aches to bring one of those children home to bless our lives. Thank you so much for sharing.

I also have a sewing related question. How do you keep the bobbin thread from unraveling off the bobbin when you are storing them? My "bobbin bin" is a mess of tangled thread and it's driving me nuts. Any tips?

 

[pixiedust_in_ak]

Hello everyone. I just wanted to check in and let you know everything is going well here. DH is home and baby is doing wonderful. I'm off all restrictions and should be in the clear with this little one. I've spent the last few days resting, hanging out with my family, etc. The internet when down for a while so I have some catching up to do!

You guys are making some lovely creations! Keep it up!!!!!!!