A Gift for Daniel

A view of my lap during the process.

I started crocheting this afghan when Daniel was still a small bundle of cells, intent on making me sick all day and night. It's taken me a while to finish, mostly because who has time for large crochet projects when they have a baby to take care of?! Daniel's new-found independence has seemed to really improve his mood and his ability to get what he wants. So lately, I've been able to actually put him down to play by himself(!) sometimes and get creative. I'm so happy to be getting back into crochet projects.

Laid out for assembly
(Eddie just can't stay away.)

Before this project, I hadn't completed anything made out of granny squares before, but I do enjoy making them. When I found this free pattern from Lion Brand for a baby afghan made of large granny squares, I knew I had to make it. Jaymz will tell you that I found the pattern well before I was pregnant, and he me made me promise not to start making it until there was an actual baby on the way. In return for that promise, he went with me to the fabric store to choose the yarn (I used Cotton Ease from Lion Brand) after we saw those two pink lines.

We have at least a dozen baby blankets already (including swaddling blankets), most of which were made for him and/or given as gifts. Because of that, it felt a little silly to be making yet another one to add to the pile. But I started making this one so long ago, and this one is a special gift from Momma.

I love snuggling under a blanket and reading, watching a movie, or listening to music. I hope Daniel's new afghan brings him comfort, keeps him warm, and reminds him that I think he's special and will always love him.

Finished product!

Daniel and his new afghan. He's been enjoying
playing with my biggest crochet hook (Size U) lately.

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Visit Code Name: Mama and Living Peacefully with Children to find out how you can participate in the next Families, Create! Carnival. Our February theme is "Heroes and Heroines" - what can your family create this month to celebrate the heroes and heroines in your lives? Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:

• What's the perfect way to snuggle up on a cold winter night? Acacia at Fingerpaint and Superheroes knows the answer: make the perfect soup!

• Simply decorated jars by children bring warmth and light to cold Winter's days at Living Peacefully with Children.

• The ArtsyMama teaches us how to create a no sew fleece throw inspired by your favorite snuggle time book.

• Movies made from books are often pretty poor representations, but this family-made movie from Dionna at Code Name: Mama is monster-ific!

• Aunalise at My Sweet Potatoes created a cozy for her Kindle, to protect it from little hands that think they need to cuddle with it.

• What better way to cuddle and get cozy than in new jammies made by Mama G @ Z everyday things?

• Inspired by her family's love of the Harry Potter series, Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children decided to make a series of ornaments based on the theme.

• Laura at Nestled Under Rainbows shared a reflection on and a celebration of snuggies, lovies, cuddlies and specials.

• Little Hedgehog got a wonderful idea when his red hat from Father Christmas didn't fit, and Megan at Purple Dancing Dahlias got a wonderful idea to knit a sweet hedgehog!

• Monster-inspired artwork by a monster-clad kid. Despite the growling, he really is cuddly! Monster love courtesy of Dionna at Code Name: Mama.

• Arpita at Up, Down and Natural shares a quick tutorial on how to make your very own Pippalily inspire pouch sling, with zippered pocket & key ring, and a matching nursing cover to boot!

• Amy at Anktangle finally completed something cuddly and warm for her son Daniel: his very own afghan, crocheted with love by Momma.

• Who'd want to cuddle with a cuttlefish? Aunalise at My Sweet Potatoes thinks you might want to cuddle up with this sweet plush cuttlefish!

• In an attempt to slow down and relax while watching her children, Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children decided to give knitting another chance.

Join us in February to create something with (or for) your own family. Visit Code Name: Mama and Living Peacefully with Children to find out more about February's "Heroes and Heroines" theme.