Handmade gifts - bread boards...

I love making handmade gifts for Christmas when I can. I decided that this year I wanted to make something that I've been lusting over for quite some time, and that is bread boards! I think they are so beautiful! I would love a stack of worn bread boards sitting on my kitchen counter someday. Here are some pictures I looked at to give me some bread board inspiration:

 

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There are a ton more on my kitchen pinterest board if you want more bread board eye candy.

I have to say that I have learned that even though I have a father in law with lots of wood working tools and a very willing husband, I really do get in over my head with these wood projects sometimes. This was one of those times! My husband did most of the work. Turns out I get a little scared of using the band saw and it's hard to work in the garage with a newborn that can't be out there. I'm so grateful that my husband was a good sport and did most of the cutting for me and that I was able to do the sanding and the oiling on my own ;).

But here is my first attempt at making my own bread boards...

Not too shabby! We did two different types of handles, and I loved them both!

We spent an afternoon at MacBeath Hardwood looking at all the different pretty wood they have there. I loved the walnut, but that stuff is so expensive! So we went with this pretty Ash wood.

The board on the left is after I rubbed the food grade safe conditioning oil on it. The other boards are the raw wood. I found some butcher block conditioner at Home Depot that I rubbed them down with once they were all sanded and ready. 

It was a fun project! But a lot more work than I anticipated and could really handle on my own ;). They aren't perfect, but made with lots of love.

My own bouquet...

I've been overwhelmed at how truly amazing people have been since we had our baby. We have been poured upon with presents, dinners, service... it has been a beautiful thing to feel so loved by so many people around us. I've just been amazed as to how giving and loving people are. We've been really blessed, and it has been so nice to be able to sit back and take care of my baby while other people have helped take care of us.

I wanted to share this sweet card that I got from my cousin after we had the baby. Sometimes the gifts that touch our hearts the most are the ones that are so simple, yet hold so much meaning. She gave me this little tiny picture...

Once upon a time I poured my heart into this post about white daisies and the meaning that they have to me. She said that she thought about getting me a bouquet of daisies but she wanted to give me one that would last. I cherish this little card of white daisies. The thing I have longed for the most for so many years is finally in my arms.

I've been on a super emotional roller coaster ride this last month. The lack of sleep, the not feeling well, recovering from the birth, and then the realization that I really do have a baby. It's been hard, but it's been so worth it. We are so grateful to have this little boy here. Sometimes I want to pinch myself, because I can't believe that it really worked out, that we really have a baby. It's been surreal.

Twins...

My cute sister in law is expecting twin baby boys any day now! I am so excited for them. I can't wait to see their cute little faces. It was fun to put together a twin package for her. I haven't done a gift for twins before so I decided to do everything similar, but not quite the same. I put together some of my favorite baby things...

 I love these little guy ties. This is such a great pattern! They aren't too difficult to make and they don't take too much time. And what couldn't be cuter than a little baby boy in a tie?

This is my favorite baby book ever!!! I wish I had read it before I became a mom, or shortly there after. I didn't read it until my son was almost 5 months old and it totally changed our lives!!! I know I sound dramatic, but it really is so good. I try to give this to all the new moms I can because it was a real life saver for us {well... more of a sanity saver really}.

These are my favorite baby pacifiers. I'm a big believer in pacifiers. Once again, a sanity saver for us as parents. I also made a few binkie clips to go with them from this wonderful tutorial here.

Last but not least, a pair of knit hats. I found the pattern from Ravelry, and they knit up super quick. I love it when I can start and finish a project in one day! These were perfect for that. I just love little cute hats for babies.