What you may not know is that Jeff’s wife, Dani, is AWESOME. I only found out recently myself. Sure, I’ve known her for nearly as long as I’ve known Jeff. And I knew she was pretty cool. Knew she was a school teacher. That she was into a bunch of the same alt. country music I’ve always been into. And that she is the dynamo behind Jeff’s success, taking care of their two great kids. I knew all of that.

What I did not know is that Dani knits and crochets and sews all kinds of wonderful things. Take for example the incredible cap and booties she made for Patrick.

Pretty great, huh? And she didn’t stop there.

She also sewed two of the most radical, bad-ass quilts you will ever see. I realize that’s not the language you normally associate with baby gifts or quilts. But you haven’t seen the quilts.

YES. THOSE ARE FLAMES AND SKULLS. Because they are made for a future rock star.

Some might say “is that really appropriate for a little baby?” Jordan and I say, “yes, appropriate and awesome.” She takes one of them to her Birth, Baby, and Beyond motherhood group every week. So now that we’ve finally sent Jeff and Dani a thank-you note (yes, we’re very slowly working through them), we thought we’d thank her again in our blog.

Speaking of blogs, the links above are to posts in Dani’s outstanding blog. The photos above are also Dani’s. Jordan and I have both become avid readers.  And even if you don’t know Dani, you should read too. In addition to her outstanding kraftwerks, she’s writes about cooking, sports, and her kids. All in a voice that’s refreshingly taut and funny.

Dani’s been a huge fan of our band for years. I’m only too happy to return the favor.

Today I told my coworkers at our staff meeting, and my boss got me a nice card and this plant.

We have a terrible track record with plants, but now seems like a good time to work on sustaining a life. Just add water, right?

We also got some flowers from the bass player in my band. Of course, he didn’t just buy us flowers. Johnathan Andrew Sage is a professional. He did our wedding. He does huge pro events all over Houston. He’s awesome. But when he found out Jordan was pregnant, he just asked for our address and sent over a really nice table-top arrangement.

He also gave us his copy of The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two. Apparently, you do get an owners manual for your baby. In fact, there appear to be several available. If you have other suggestions, please let me know in the comments.

I can never have enough books to avoid reading.