Midwest Mary

I’m in love.

My niece came to town with her husband, almost two-year-old son, and infant baby—my first great-niece. Baby Ellie is perfectly beautiful–a precious miracle in the dawn of her life–and I was privileged to hold her.

A newborn baby in my arms warms my whole being. I know I’m seeing one of God’s most recent creations, innocent, pure, and perfect in every way.

Everything works. She yawns, stretches, and blinks her eyes open, then falls back to sleep, comfy in my arms. Ellie’s walnut-sized heart beat against my own. I soaked in her sweet scent of newness and her shiny hair, tiny fingers, tiny toes, and feet that fit into the palm of my hand.

My eyes were locked on her because I knew, if I looked away, she’d already have grown. Infants quickly become babies, then toddlers, children, adolescents, and before we know it, full-grown adults.

I spent the last six months designing, planning, cutting, and sewing a quilt for Ellie. Every stitch holds a prayer that my great niece knows, wrapped in this quilt, she is loved.

The pattern is basic because I want her to see the prints with Minnie Mouse, little dancing girls, unicorns, and princesses. The backing is a plush, very soft fabric called Minky.

I also added an embroidered message on the back that reads, “Made with love for Ellie by Aunt Mary.”

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025