You may be aware that we are adopting a baby from China. It’s a long process and we still have a few years to go.  In the meantime, we’ve got something to keep us busy…

To welcome new life, a tradition exists in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei (100 good wishes quilt). Family and friends are invited to contribute a square of cloth along with a good wish for the baby. The squares of cloth are all sewn together into a quilt, and the good wishes are put into a scrapbook for the child. The quilt symbolises wrapping the child in the good wishes of family and friends.

We would love to have a quilt of good wishes to welcome our baby - and would love for you to be involved! Would you like to participate? Here's what to do:

1. Choose a 100% cotton fabric that you like. It can be from a quilting or fabric store, fabric you already have, or something that is special to you. We would like to have mostly bold and bright colours, but of course will appreciate any! We are most likely to be allocated a little girl.

2. Cut one square measuring 10"x10" (25cm x 25cm) and a second smaller square or rectangle.

3. Write your wish. The wish can be your own words or thoughts, a favourite poem or quote, a blessing for the new arrival, a prayer for them or a favourite verse. Place it on a piece of card with the smaller square of your fabric glued to the card. Your wish card can be as simple or as elaborate as you'd like. If you feel creative and want to decorate it, that would be great too. Do what you like doing. You may also like to include a picture of yourself so our child can see who sent the wish. We'll put together a special scrapbook with all the good wishes and this will become a treasured keepsake in our family.

4. Send us your square of fabric and wish card!

If you don't have our address, please email us [checkingboxes AT gmail dot com] to find out.

x0x Aaron and Emma