Welcome back Cecilia! Steve is back now too.
A light colored square in the middle that you sign is all I ask. Miriam says Ashleah is bright and cheerful, I'm sure she'll like anything you do.
Yes 3 rows of 3. Cut each square 3 1/2" on each side. When you sew them together it will give you an unfinished square 9 1/2" across. 1/4" or scant quarter inch, either is close enough. When it's sewn into the quilt the finished size will be 9". There will be variations with everyone's measurements so don't worry about it if it's not perfect.
I usually press toward one side. That, too, isn't critical. Go with what's easy for you.
Still friends? Of course we're friends and thank you very much for signing back on for this. I hope you decide to stick around again.
Thank you!
Rodney