Maelyn's Bedroom

There are moments when I have a hard time believing that I am in fact writing this post. We have waited three years to be able to paint and decorate our child's room -- and the time is finally here!

Around our house, March Break was spent in construction mode. My focus was on Maelyn's bedroom and bathroom.

Before the March Break, we had put some furniture in her room and even tried out the bedding set. I looked for hours online to find the PERFECT bedding set and accessories. I don't know why it meant so much to me, but it did! I finally found the set I was looking for -- ladybugs and butterflies -- but a set that didn't make it look like a newborn's room.

The first big job to complete was painting the room. I knew that I wanted to go with a colour that had a grey tone to it - to soften up all of the colour. My sister helped me pick the colour and we ended up loving it!

I also had to paint the change table. It was given to us by Julie and we absolutely loved it, but we wanted to paint it white, to match the rest of the room. Honestly, it took me longer to paint the change table than it did the entire bedroom!! I still have one last coat to apply, but I am very happy with how it ended up looking -- love it!

Once the painting was done, we were able to put up the blinds, valence, butterfly moblie and some of the furniture into place!

I then got started on painting her bathroom. We chose a colour on the same palate as the room colour, just one shade darker. I think it will work well with the reds, ladybugs, and shower curtain.

It has been a blast getting Maelyn's room ready -- it is now the best-looking room in the house! I am looking forward to getting the final touches finished -- and then on to the playroom!

3 & 18 months

This past Tuesday we celebrated the anniversary of receiving Maelyn's referral. Can you believe that we have known about our little one for three months now?! Wow!! The part that really resonates with me is that we have about three months left until we travel! Time has absolutely flown and in no time at all, we will be boarding a plane headed for China and we will be meeting our little girl.

Yesterday was another milestone - our little girl is now 18 months old!

We find ourselves fascinated with children Maelyn's age - trying to imagine what she looks like now and what milestones she might be experiencing. We cannot wait to be with her for future milestones and be able to celebrate with her, in person.

In the meantime, we continue to shop prepare for Maelyn's arrival - will post pictures of the progress on her room very shortly.

Happy 18 months, Maelyn! We love you!

A Life Lesson

Have you ever had a long, long day, week, month? Then have you ever had something happen that makes you stop and realize that life is wonderful and that perhaps you just need to stop and take life a little easier?

Tonight I called Lianne to check on how she and the girls were doing with packing for their upcoming trip to China. Lianne wasn't home, but I was able to chat with the girls for a little while. Did I ever mention that I adore 'my kids?!' Chatting with them always brightens up my day, but this time was even sweeter...

At the end of the call, Cassidy said goodbye with four little words that made my day...."I love you, Jan." Then Bryanna grabbed the phone to reiterate her sister's sentiments. Those words...hmm....how to explain? The pure innocence of them fill me with a wonderful sense of calm. Kids have an uncanny way of making you take stock of what is truly important in life, don't they??

Thank you, girls, for reminding me that it is the love of friends and family that is truly important. The rest of the stresses in life just aren't that important....

A coulple of oldies, but goodies....

Had to throw this one in AM....the kids all look so young!!

Lianne - when you all get back from China, I need a play date with my kids! I haven't played spa or salon in so long that I am experiencing withdrawal...