Growing Up Christmas Eve was always special and filled with many fun traditions. However 22 years ago, Christmas Eve changed for us. It is the day we had our first son. He came just 26 weeks into my pregnancy. The day he was born the neonatologist told us we just got on a roller coaster ride that may be the scariest we had ever been on. On Christmas morning they told us he was on a jet ventilator to help him breathe (the last resort type of ventilator at the time), and if he did not make it on this ventilator he would not survive. He was christened several hours later. In March 1994, 78 days later we brought him home for the hospital.
Conor turns 22 today. Christmas Eve has become even more special for us. We ALL made it through a very tough time. You can imagine that it is hard to have your birthday on Christmas Eve. We have always tried to make it his day among the Christmas preparations. I used the Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge as my inspiration for his birthday card this year.
I found the fun chalk board Happy Birthday Wrapping Paper at Paper Source. Any one who loves paper needs to check this store out. I wrapped his present and decided a bright Pacific Point blue ribbon would be perfect.
Now to create the coordinating card. Using the sketch I cut a section of the wrapping paper and mounted it on Crushed Curry card stock. I heat embossed the stars from Celebrate Today stamp set for the balloon using Crushed Curry Embossing Powder (Retired) and cut it out using the SU Balloon Framelits. Then I watercolored the balloon using Pacific Point ink.
I love how it coordinates with his gift.
On the inside I used a NEW stamp set that will be available on January 5th called Number of Years. It has a coordinating set of framelits. I predict this will be a very popular bundle.
I think the sentiment is fabulous and perfect for Conor’s birthday card.
So we have two births we celebrate on Christmas Eve. It is a very special day indeed! Enjoy this special time with your friends and families. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Conor!
Stampin’ Hugs,
Michelle
Please play with the Pals Paper Arts this week. The challenge will remain open for two weeks.
Products used for this project:
Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
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What a fantastic combination of new products and your amazing talent!
How special Michelle! It made me cry…my son was born in 1999 at 24 weeks. I can’t even talk about it without crying. God Bless our miracle boys and Happy Birthday to Connor! I wish him a long, healthy and happy life!
Love this fun card! Thank you so much for sharing your personal story. A great Christmas present to all of us.
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Love the finished card, how you so carefully brought all the elements together, and your precious story:)
Love that chalkboard card! It’s so different and fabulous.
Wow, this is a fabulous set!! Your balloon really pops on the chalkboard! Happy Birthday to Conor!