Playing House



Enough with the sale talk, I know. Bit by bit, small investment by small investment, we're getting our room finished.



I found a good deal on velvet World Market curtains in "Latte", 2 neutral beige 3x5 rugs on clearance with free shipping from PB Teen, and stalked Craigslist until I found a glider that was good quality and affordable. The glider is a little awkward, visually because it's red gingham and the rest of the room is neutraled out and somewhat modern. I'm not sure how to tone the the "country" look down. Any suggestions?

We already had a mid-century walnut dresser, mid-century teak desk, and 2 Adrian Pearsall end tables (all found over the years on Craigslist). Charlie made the sconces out of ipe wood. My knot painting, still unfinished, hangs above the bed, and an affirmation banner from Secret Holiday hangs on the wall across from the bed.
So far everything else is pretty sparse and I like it that way; we have too few "sparse" spaces in our house. I think I've told Charlie every single night before bedtime that I like our grown up bedroom. It's fun to play house with him.



Ch ch changes



Mabel drew a picture of her little brother, something Charlie and I both celebrated somewhat quietly. A drawing felt like a huge step in the direction of acceptance: acceptance that change is on it's way, and will (has) arrive with the arrival of a little brother.

It's been trying, interesting, and a slowly evolving experience letting Mabel know she has a safe place with us and will not be replaced by her brother. M's first reaction was that she didn't want a brother, he must be a sister. She eventually accepted that he will be a boy, but firmly (and often) let us know she would not be sharing her strollers, her toys, or anything else of hers with him. All the while, when I sit on the couch and she snuggles up next to me, Boy-in-my-Belly maneuvers into a ball next to Mabel, so my belly is bulging off to the side. I think he already knows and loves her voice. We point it out to M, doing our best to know she's an integral part of the family.



Following a link from Aesthetic Outburst, I landed on Molasses Candy. It's comforting to read stories of similar anxiety over transition and celebration of artistic expression. Her post on drawing faces inspired me to look into the stages of children's artistic development. I loved reading this blog post from The Wonder Years about the Pre-Schematic Stage.


Winter to Spring




It's not so easy to put a picture of myself online, but I also don't want to hide behind cute pictures of Mabel (though I think they're far more interesting than pics of me). I don't look in full length mirrors very often, so sitting in front of one for an hour and a half (yes, it takes that long for me to get a hair cut) provides a rare opportunity for self-scrutiny, but here I am in the car post hair cut.

Not only am I simplifying our "stuff" and purging the studio, I'm shedding my own layers in preparation for the addition of the new branch on our family tree. I had well over a foot of hair cut off! A literal weight has been lifted and I'm ready for another weekend of house preparations. Out with old winter drab, and in with a cool and fresh spring!