your quilt will be more durable if you machine "quilt" it, but you can also 'tie' it. It will be puffier, more like a comforter. I'm not good at directions, but thought I would mention it as a choice since April is not far off. Some of these other ladies are doing a good job at helping you.
You can always buy a foot for your machine, to use later on, but if you just want to get it done faster, you can tie quilt, then you won't be under so much pressure, timewise. I admire what your doing and it's going to be treasured. :D