My dear friends Pam and Dana took me to dinner last week and spoiled me with so many thoughtful and special gifts for the baby. Before I show you everything, I just realized that I don't think I've told you his name! We have decided to name him Sam! (Samuel George, actually). My dad's name is Sam, and he was named after his grandfather, Salvatore Bruno Galucci. (Sam is the English version of Salvatore.) George and I are both very traditional and into family names, and I'm just sentimental that way to begin with. Mario was named after my husband's late brother Mario. The name has been in the Singarella family for many, many generations, and I'm so glad we passed it on to our son. I'm equally happy to be naming our second son after my father. It just means so much to me. I can't really explain it well in words. So, Sam it is! Now if he would just make his debut......
So, anyway, back to the baby gifts. To give you some background, Pam and Dana and I all met when we used to work at our local scrapbook store. I worked there a few years ago when I was pregnant with Mario. We are all into paper arts and tend to be drawn to a vintage style. Our styles are all different yet have a common thread running though them. I guess it is our love of old things. These pictures do not do the books justice. In person, they are even more amazing. This first album was made by Pam and is just incredible. She made a 6x6" book from layered cardstock and filled it with pockets, tags, embellishments, tabs, pictures, quotes and more. This is the cover:
And here are some of the many pages from the inside of the album:
Pam also made this precious quilted bib and burp cloth by hand. I am amazed at anyone who can do such beautiful hand stitching. I'll have to save this for very special occasions.
She got Sam some adorable newborn outfits too, but they are currently upstairs floating in a sea of Dreft. Is there anything that smells better than baby clothes washed in Dreft? I think not.
This is the fabulous album that Dana made. Just look at that cover! There is lots of space inside to add photos of the baby. She took an antique children's book (copyright 1887) and cut the covers off. Then she created her own pages using cardstock and all sorts of vintage pictures, cards, trinkets and other special items tucked inside. Here are a few close-ups of the inside pages:
Dana also bought the beautiful sterling silver spoon that is pictured above with the bib and burp cloth. How sweet is that? A silver spoon surely to be an heirloom for many generations in our family. And she found an old children's storybook called "Cowboy Sam"! It's the yellow book up in the very first photo. I think it will look cute sitting on the nightstand in the nursery.
As you can see, I am lucky to have such thoughtful (and creative) friends. These albums are very special, and I so appreciate anything made by hand. I can't wait to fill them with pictures and journalling as Sam grows and changes. Thank you, my dear friends for taking so much time and care to create these gifts. I will treasure them.
what beautiful gifts! you are blessed to have such thoughtful and creative friends - what a fun treat!
Posted by: jerusalem | October 21, 2007 at 09:45 PM
Andrea...it was a great evening. Glad you liked everything. I so enjoyed making the 6x6 book and quilted items for you to enjoy. You are such a kind and thoughtful friend, I can't imagine not doing something special for you. Now hurry up so we can finally meet Sam!!
xo Pam
Posted by: Pam B. | October 21, 2007 at 09:54 PM
How absolutely precicous!!! And so sweet that you are naming your children after family. Love that pic of Mario in the album already!
Posted by: Natasha Burns | October 21, 2007 at 10:28 PM
What beautiful gifts. I love, love, love, the adorable baby book. How precious.
Posted by: Elisa | October 22, 2007 at 12:01 AM
We have several Cowboy Sam story books here at our house. We love those stories.
We also used family tree names as we are both German, William and I.
I think your name choice is perfect.
Amy
Posted by: Amy | October 22, 2007 at 12:45 AM
We have several Cowboy Sam story books here at our house. We love those stories.
We also used family tree names as we are both German, William and I.
I think your name choice is perfect.
Amy
Posted by: Amy | October 22, 2007 at 12:46 AM
What a fabulous set of friends - and the gifts they gave and made for you are equally fabulous. I love the Vintage style Baby Albums - very cool. Sam - love that name, and no, there is nothing better than Baby Clothes soaked in Dreft!! I remember those days Andrea...My baby is now 5, and I'll be waiting on my Sister to make me an "Auntie" so I can hold another little one!! (I wish she'd hurry up!!) This is so much fun - I love coming to your Blog, relaxing with a cup of coffee, and taking my time to learn about you and your passions. A job well done! xo Sher
Posted by: Sherri | October 22, 2007 at 01:00 AM
Ok.....well you just made me cry Andrea!!! I am so blessed to be your friend. Can't wait to meet the newest Cowboy Sam!
xoxo,
Dana
Posted by: Dana Smith | October 22, 2007 at 01:29 AM
What perfect gifts! You are blessed with such friends...
Posted by: Dawn | October 22, 2007 at 07:12 AM
Both books are just beautiful! Your friends are talented and so thoughtful!
Posted by: Jennifer Sizemore | October 22, 2007 at 08:28 AM
I know these lovely gifts from friends mean so much to you...they are beautiful and so very thoughtful!
I love the name Samuel for your son...and to honor your father by giving his name to a son is a lasting expression of that love. Samuel is a name I tossed out to my daughter to use when she becomes pregnant...guess that's the first order of business before a name is chosen...but a future grandmother can dream...can't she?? I really do love that name...hmmm...my daughter will probably not use it...b/c well...mom thought of it...she'll most certainly come up with a very wonderful name on her own...but she should use Samuel...just sayin!!
And looking at those preious pics or Mario...won't he make just the "BEST" big brother...
Take time to enjoy the few days before your new joy arrives...let the nesting begin!
Blessings...
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa | October 22, 2007 at 12:39 PM
What sweet gifts! Sam is a wonderful name. I love that you are carrying on family names!
Karla
Posted by: Karla | October 22, 2007 at 12:44 PM
this is really beautiful!
Posted by: shona | October 22, 2007 at 01:53 PM
What gorgeous gifts, Andrea. You certainly are blessed with such creative and caring friends. Love the name Sam. Big hugs to you!!!
Kari
Posted by: ArtsyMama | October 22, 2007 at 02:12 PM
what FANTASTIC gifts!!! How sweet are they?!! great goodies!!! Sam is such a cute name!! :-)
Posted by: britt-sparkledvintagecharm | October 22, 2007 at 04:24 PM
What sweet gifts!! The books are darling! You are blessed to have such thoughtful friends!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | October 22, 2007 at 07:05 PM
Oh what PRECIOUS gifts!!!! Everything is just pricless. Welcome, Sweet Sam that is almost here! I've got a sweet little boy here and am so enjoying him. Hope the next days aren't TOO uncomfortable...
Hugs to you and well wishes...
Cheryl :)
Posted by: Cheryl Dack | October 22, 2007 at 07:39 PM
all your gifts a re adorable.
I love your names. it probably means allot to the people they are named after. good luck!
jessi nagy
Posted by: jessi nagy | October 23, 2007 at 09:23 AM
Hi Andrea,
Good luck! I read about you over at Julie's. What an incredible set of gifts!! That was a great lollipop you sent her! I look forward to seeing you come back.
~ Diane Clancy
www.dianeclancy.com/blog
Posted by: Diane Clancy | October 23, 2007 at 05:05 PM
Omg those gifts are fabulous, I so love the books!
Posted by: Monicaa | October 23, 2007 at 05:28 PM
How adorable!
KJ
Posted by: KJ | October 23, 2007 at 06:00 PM
Andrea,
What lovley friends you have. They gave you some wonderful things. So cute and sweet.
I love the name Sam. My grandmother's brother was Sam.
I am leaving for my daughter's wedding on Friday. I will be back Saturday with the pictures.
I think you and I are both very excited for our big upcoming events.
I wish you the best with the new baby.
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | October 24, 2007 at 12:28 AM
What special gifts for your sweet baby boy. I love that name Samuel from the bible. You have some very
special friends. Pinkie Denise
Posted by: Pinkie Denise | October 24, 2007 at 01:14 AM
oh Andrea, what precious gifts you and your new little one received!! Just now catching up with you, hope you are doing well and still just baking and nesting.
Lidy
Posted by: frenchgardenhouse | October 26, 2007 at 10:35 PM
What lovely, thoughtful gifts! Such a wealth of beautiful ideas I'm sure you and your family will cherish them forever.
xoxo,
Mary
Posted by: mary | October 29, 2007 at 10:31 AM