I found this cute little sign at Target last week…
…and decided to carry our “home” Christmas decorating theme upstairs and into Steevenson’s room while he was at preschool today.
This one is on his “must read” list every single night lately:
The three of us had been sleeping in our bed since we brought him home (in late August), but the night before his 5th birthday (on November 23rd), he decided he wanted to sleep in his room. We were shocked! 😀 His only request? Mama or Daddy had to sleep in there with him. 🙂 Obviously we were thrilled he felt comfortable enough to give it a whirl, and we are happy to take turns sleeping on one of our couch cushions on the floor until it feels like he’s ready to try it on his own.
That photo is deceiving. Our couch cushion (which is down-filled and incredibly comfortable) is actually the exact same length and width as a twin bed, which is also what Steevenson is sleeping on. (You can see the true size better in the second photo in this post.)
So what did Steevenson think of all the Christmas touches? Well, when I told him I had “put some Christmas” in his room, he couldn’t get upstairs fast enough. And when he rounded the corner and stepped into the room he said, “Oooooh! I LOOOVE it! Tank you!!!“. (That’s how he pronounces the word “thank”.) After that he suggested we put some Christmas in the kitchen. 🙂 (#LikeMotherLikeSon) Like I said, we are more than happy to sleep on the cushion next to his bed. 😉 And when he wakes up in the morning and curls his little body around ours on that cushion? Well. You can imagine how happy we are about that too. 🙂
Tammie
When did he start preschool? How’s he doing with it?
Gloria
I’d love to know too! 🙂
Pat Willems
Love…Love…Love that is what it is all about!!!!
Angela K
Love it especially the plaid mixed in! I bet he is enjoying preschool. Hope you guys have a great day!
Marianne in Mo.
So adorable! Was hoping to hear how preschool went, but I guess that will wait.
When my girls were little, I always put a tree in their rooms, and had a basket of unbreakable ornaments next to it that they could use to decorate the tree. It’s look changed many, many times, as they redid it over and over. And we spent many nights sleeping on the floor as you and Kevin are doing. Or, the girls spent many nights in a sleeping bag next to our bed! ( Our bed was too small for them, us and the two dogs!)
BTW, that sign you found is the cutest!
Louise
Love the way you write your blog posts! The room is beautiful, as always! So happy for you all this Christmas!
Andrea Virnau
I have been following you since right before Kit Kat was rescued. Reading this post, and following your story, has really touched my life. Your positive outlook has encouraged me and your families perseverance has inspired me. Thank you for sharing your story! Prayers that this Christmas season brings precious JOY to all of you!!!
Elisabeth
My 5-year old is snuggled up against me too right now, in my bed! No shame in bed-sharing 🙂 He has tried sleeping in his room a few times, and I know one of these times it will stick. But, until then I get to wake up to the sweetest face ever!
Shanna
Love it! We upgraded our kids beds to Full since hubby and I spent many night snuggling with the the little ones when they were not feeling well or scared by storms, etc. Enjoy it cause once those teen year come it turns into ….can you please knock first!
Sheri
Is that cute little tree real? And if not, do you mind my asking what type is it? It is adorable!
Sara Sun
Love! I have a new word for Steevenson’s room…dreamy-cute!!! Can’t wait to hear all about his first Christmas with y’all!!! Xoxo
Mechelle
Love, love, love the room. What a great job! May I ask what the sign says?
You have such a good eye, and heart!
Michelle
It reads, “Home for the Holidays”
Layla
Oh darling lets be adventurers 🙂
Sylvia
Too cute! I, also, missed that he started preschool. Lots of growth; thanks for sharing.
Alison
His room looks so happy and festive and I’m so glad to hear that he’s sleeping in there now. Just proves that he’s getting more comfortable being “home”.
We just began our adventure with Lifeline and are looking forward to bringing our new little ones home from Poland.
Tiffany
So much sweetness.
Nancy Stone
Love Steevenson’s room. The blue quilt is lovely.
Maryanne
<3 <3 <3!!! I know you all are going to have a magical Christmas!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Jane Smith
Oh! I am so thrilled for you all! These are the most precious times of your life. Keep savoring every minute, every blessing. My two kiddos are grown up. My youngest is 16 and a junior in high school. My daughter is in her second year at Liberty U. I sure do miss those times when they were little.
Mindy
So sweet – all of it!
Christine Horne
First of all, I love his room. Second, my Mom was born in Quebec and when she was 6 she moved to Massachusetts. She spoke both French and English and always said thank you as tank you. I love hearing that Stevenson says that too. I always miss my mom this time of year and this warmed my heart.
Linda
Christine Horne, I know you miss your Mom because I miss mine to. I miss her most days but some more. Fall to New Year is difficult because of her birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and starting a new year without her. I wish you blessing throughout these holidays.
Linda
Should have been too.
Jan Fusco
Preschool…wow. When did that start and how’s he doing with that? His room is adorable.
Lin
His room is wonderful! How does he and Kit Kat get along? I have always loved seeing Kit Kat and now I love seeing Steevenson!
Layla
Thank you, Lin. Kit-Cat ran away about a week ago and we are still looking for him/devastated that he is gone. 🙁 Steevenson wasn’t comfortable with animals in the house, and Kit-Cat had started to only come in at night. Max is going to be re-adopted by another couple and is currently with a petsitter until they’re ready to take him in next weekend. Needless to say, it has been a bit of a turbulent transition for everyone.
Caroline
How sad and awful for those poor fur-babies that have trusted you for so long and have always looked so comfy and content in your beautiful blog photos. Just devastating to say the least. ??? I would be extra careful when Stevenson is around Kit-Cat in case he tries to harm the cat. Not trying to be rude, just a seriously real possibility. Hopefully you can Steevenson how to properly respect and love animals and correct this behavior early. Now my science brain is gonna go wonder why he’s reacting like this. ?
Caroline
*teach
Layla
Oh, you’ve actually got it backwards. Max is NOT a fan of kids (or most people in general) and loses his ever-loving mind if someone even STEPS on our porch (forget about coming inside), and when kids have gotten close to Kit-Cat, he acts like he’s going to attack them. (Crouches down, pins his ears back and hisses) Also, you have to understand that Steevenson comes from a place where most folks don’t have pets, or even *see* cats. I’m sure he probably wondered why we had “wild animals” in the house when he first came home. He’s always been very respectful of/gentle with them though. And even though both the dog and cat are inside with us most days now, it is clear that Steevenson isn’t able to fully relax with them around. He pulls his feet up off the floor if he’s seated in a chair (and is always looking down to see if they’re nearby) and has a hard time falling asleep if he thinks they’re also on the second floor.
Caroline
I figured the animal situation in Haiti is not good. I’ve read that there are dogs everywhere in Haiti and they are treated very badly. I’ll have to do more research on cats. Absolutely despicable how animals are treated in countries like that. ?
Your poor cats though, how many years have you them? I bet they’d get used to Steevenson eventually if they had ample time to adjust. Time seems to help everything, doesn’t it? I wouldn’t just give up on the fur-babies yet.
Plus Steevenson is so young you shouldn’t have a problem educating him about animals and correcting his behavior early on. Well, that goes for any age is really ?, just have to make it important (as animals certainly are!). Great place to start is the zoo, petting zoo, cat/dog rescues, animal movies, etc. Good luck ?
Layla
Oh, I don’t know about animals being treated badly in Haiti (vs. anywhere else in the world), but I do know it’s the poorest country in the western hemisphere, so unfortunately most folks have to worry too much about feeding and taking care of themselves and their families to be able to feed/take care of a pet.
We have one cat. His name is Kit-Cat and he spends most of the day outside, around the house, and then comes in when it starts to get dark.
As for Max, the chihuahua- he is precious, but is *very* high-maintenance/loud/territorial. Steevenson tolerates him and has even been able to fall asleep with him at the foot of the bed lately. His bravery never ceases to amaze me! 🙂
Caroline
…Oh, and farms of course…no shortage of those here in the South! ??????
Layla
Edited to add: Kit-Cat came home! 😀
Lin
Yeah!!! So glad Max has a great place to go.
Debbie V.
So glad to hear Kit Kat came home – we love our fur babies! Stevenson’s room is darling and I especially love the sign from Target!
Angela
Yay! So glad Kit-Cat came home!
Renee Cuerden
I’m so glad that Kit Kat came home too! I’m so sorry the Steevenson is uncomfortable with the animals in the house, I’m sure it’s hard to have to rehome Max, hope you’ll get to visit him. 🙂 Is he okay with Kit Kat or will he need to be rehomed too?
Karlene
Wow! I must have missed a post about Steevenson in preschool, he must be doing very well in his socializing! How sweet that he ASKED to sleep in his own bed!!! I hope he is enjoying all the Christmas decorations he sees outside ( instead of the scary Halloween ones!) I wonder who in your family is most excited about Christmas? It adds so much for the adults when a young one is around?
Enjoy this Holiday season and all of its delights this year!
Monica
Oh, this just warms my heart. So fun to see him taking new steps—sleeping in his room and preschool. I love the Christmas you put in his room too. So festive and cozy!
hello haha narf
i love that he is so brave. and that you (and kevin!) are so encouraging and encouraging.
Dorothy Sadler Hemphill
Hi Layla,
Oh my, Christmas began with a Child and what a blessing that this Christmas you will have a child in your home. The room is so wonderful and decorated with all the things your little sweetie would want. I really do like the blue star quilt – would love to know where that is from. Thank you and a very Merry Christmas to your family.
Dorothy
Carla from Kansas
Does he miss having other kids around all the time? So different than at the orphanage for him.
Layla
He’s not able to articulate that, but I would imagine so. Preschool and all the kiddos in his class have been so much fun for him though, so I am grateful for that blessing!
Kelly
LOVE IT!!! Where’s that gorgeous blue quilt from?!
Annie
You are loving him so well.
Annette
Co sleeping rocks!!! It’s great he’s feeling ready to transition too. So lovely of you to give him what he needs at his own pace. :). My guy starts off his night in his own bed and then wanders into our room to finish the night. It works for us and the morning snuggles are the best. Keep up that awesome work you two!!
Amanda in ATL
Remind us where the snail faux taxidermy cane from! I love it!
Layla
Characters by Julia on Instagram! 🙂
Deborah D
So happy for you all. His room is so cute and so happy he’s adjusting. I bet the adjustments have been many and will keep coming. Still praying for you all.
Beth Q
I saw that sign in target also…perfect for steevnsons room! What a blessed Christmas you will have this year. I love reading how you are growing as a family..hugs to you all xoxxo
Ashlea
This is so cute!
Linda
Merry Christmas to the Palmer Family! Praying that the New Year is even better!
Lisa w.
How very sweet?☮️ I’m sure before long he will feel comfortable enough to know mommy and daddy are just down the hall!!! He’s such a lucky little boy !!!!
And as always the Christmas touches in his room are absolutely beautiful!
What a very special time for you all! Reminiscing this morning as my first born is 29 today (and truly missing while my kiddos were little?)
Merry Christmas ❤️?❤️
Lisa