Our son will be 3 this weekend- aaahhhh! I feel like shouting it from the rooftops and throwing a big celebration in his honor! 😀
He was 18 months old the first time we saw a photo of his adorable little face on our computer screen. It popped up one day while we were looking at the Three Angels Facebook page. Our paperwork was submitted with his 6 months later, and I never would’ve guessed I wouldn’t get to hold him while he was 2. I’m thankful to have had so many glimpses of him this past year though, and it’s looking more and more like we will get to hold him sometime shortly after the 1st of the year. (Thank you for your continued prayers about that, prayer warriors!)
3 still makes sense to me though. For as long as I can remember, I always felt like my first kiddo would be a toddler. I never thought much about why I felt so strongly about that (I guess it just always felt sort of “built in”)- but now it totally makes sense. It’s because my son was my son all along.
*butterflies in my belly*
I’m so excited to meet him! I’ve heard that there are years that ask questions, and years that answer. I feel like 2015 is going to have a lot to say. 😉
***
My 5th and final episode posted over at TheDesignNetwork.com today. It’s the one about our kitchen. Hard to believe we’ve been making meals in it for more than two years already. Weird how time can tick by so slowly and so quickly all at once, isn’t it?
October 2012…
November 2014…
Working on Sweet P’s room and the kitchen for TDN this year was exciting and exhausting. It kept my mind (and muscles!) extra busy, and gave me an opportunity to do some things I hadn’t originally planned to do.
My friends with toddlers told me to get used to that. 😉
Happy Birthday to your little guy. As a mother of 4 grown boys, I remember that their third year was the BEST and most fun. You’re gonna have a great year, I just know it!!!
We both know, there is a reason for why things happen the way they do. Your Sweet-P will be home before you know it!
Blessings to you, Layla. I have so prayed for you and your husband and your little son-in-waiting. Adoption is in our family so I know a little about the waiting part – God’s timing is always right! I can hardly wait to see his little face next to yours! 🙂
Most beautiful ever!! I love you. And your boy. 🙂
Your kitchen just feels like home, Layla…love it!
Happy Birthday to your son! I believe you’re right…it’s just the way it was meant to be. And, he’s so lucky to have you as his mommy! 🙂 Can’t wait for you to have him home.
Happy Birthday to little Sweet-P ….. soon very soon.
Love the Kitchen make-over , but I have a question , you have not reinstalled the microwave ( dont blame you ) over the stove , do you have plans to install a low profile exhaust …. or leave as is – and if so how do you deal with cooking exhaust ?
gg
Hi GG!
We have a smaller microwave on a shelf in our pantry now, and plan to purchase a low-profile vent to mount under that cabinet above the stove at some point. 🙂
I love this journey you’re on and your transparency through it. Your kitchen is beautiful too. XO
Love the kitchen redo. What brand and color paint did you use on the walls, cabinets and island. Just love the look.
Thank you, Cindy! Just click on the word “kitchen” near the end of my post and it’ll take you to all my kitchen-related posts. The island is Heather Gray, the walls are Gray Owl (lightened by 50%) and the cabinets are Simply White. 🙂
First, Happy Birthday to your little one. I work in a pre-K program and have to say 3 and 4 year olds are amazingly fun!
So, is this the final episode for TDN forever? If so, is there something else in the works? I’ve really enjoyed it!
Thank you, Rachel! How fun that you work in a pre-K program! 😀
And, yes, that was the last video for TDN. They were so sweet to invite me back for another season, but Kevin and I just don’t feel like we’re cut out for/called to produce videos. It’s so much work, and we’ve never done well with deadlines- LOL! 😛 Thank you for the encouraging words though! We’ve talked about maybe doing one or two a year here on my blog, just for fun, so we’ll see. 🙂
I LOVE seeing this transformation. I love the pops of color, the brightening of the space and all the decorative details that you added. Girl I need you to come to CA for a consultation. We need to brighten this place up. You are gifted.
Dear Tacy,
You ARE a gift!
XO,
Layla
Praying for you all on this journey to your little guy. And praying for him as he celebrates his 3rd birthday. Jeremiah 29:11 for sure (For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Oh, and I love your kitchen (of course!) 🙂
Just think of all the special memories that will be made with Sweet Pea in your gorgeous kitchen. Thanks for sharing your heart Layla! May your new year overflow with God’s abundant blessings!
Layla, it’s amazing the difference a year makes. God has truly blessed Sweet Pea with wonderful parents that are waiting patiently on him. Can’t wait to see three smiling faces. Still praying.
Layla,
Your site and story are so inspiring. I love everything about your blog. I am design challenged.
Thank you for sharing your life. I want you to know I was told at one point I could never have children and I was blessed with two beautiful young ladies: one will be 21 in a week and the other, my Christmas miracle, will be 18 next month. Your child will be blessed and loved and make you and your husband even better people.
Happy Thanksgiving <3
Love the kitchen reveal. We just started demo-ing our kitchen a couple weeks ago. Going for light and bright too after 29 years of golden oak on golden oak. So ready for an update. I noticed you changed your little window above your stove from “pies” to “lunch.” Both are great fun. Love your eye for the details.
How do you like the white counter tops now that you’ve lived with them for a few months? Pros and cons of the white?
Happy Birthday to your Sweet Pea!! And continued prayers for your family to be together soon.
I adore your backsplash tile, and I located the manufacturers website, can you tell me who you ordered it from?
OH Layla, once again you have given us so much inspiration. Your kitchen transformation is amazing with a capital A. I have been following your decorating and blog and now adoption journey for years and I love all that you do. I too just wanted to mention that 3 is THE MOST fun age with little boys (especially). When my son was three, he was my little buddy, full of fun, cuddles and kisses and just wanted to be by my side, which of course I didn’t mind one little bit. I can’t wait to see you with your little man in your arms after he’s lived in your heart for so long. I look forward to the next chapters you have to share with us. xx
The kitchen is adorable! I can just see your little guy running around there! I will continue praying for you 3. God is so good!
When you said, “For as long as I can remember, I always felt like my first kiddo would be a toddler. I never thought much about why I felt so strongly about that- but now it totally makes sense. It’s because my son was my son all along.- but now it totally makes sense. It’s because my son was my son all along.”, I got the biggest goose bumps and knew that it was true. I understand the feeling because I have adopted three beautiful children and have had witnesses to my soul that they “were meant to be part of our family all along”. Wishing you every happiness
Happy Birthday to your sweet boy! I agree with your reader…God’s timing is always right! Amen!
Love the kitchen!
My boy just turned 26 the day you wrote your post but I remember 3..it was all about Thomas the Tank Engine, and having moved from California to Canada was still very new.
so I made a 6 car train cake, and invited a few neighborhood kids. Can’t wait until Sweet P is in your arms and his room to make memories.
As well, I like the comment..that some years ask questions and some years answer. the last 5 years or more have been long and tough with many questions but praying 2015 will bring God’s “now I understand” answers and provisions.
Glory to His name!
Lalya, What an exciting time you you! I’ve prayed for you and the long journey that you are so patiently and gracefully taking. I check your blog every day for news about Sweet P! You and Kevin are so inspiring – willing to provide a loving home to a child in need, being lead by God, and tackling the ‘red tape’ of adoption in a foreign country. You are in my prayers daily. Anxiously awaiting to hear further news of your journey!
Your friend in Nashville, Susan
Layla, I’d read somewhere when my first-born child was small some 20 years ago that the words that drop from the lips of 3 to 4-year-olds are like gems and that one should be ready with paper and pen to write down those drops. I came to it late and wasn’t always prepared but I remember little Peter saying about our weekly family get-togethers, “It’s the loving time.” And I laminated a little drawing he made around that age, which still serves as the insert to my checkbook on which I can write without going thru the other carbons. Sweet Pea will arrive at the perfect age!
Praying for all of you especially on your son’s birthday and hoping you’ll be united soon. And thank you for sharing the wonderful quote that “there are years that ask questions, and years that answer.” So true, and a positive perspective to have in life. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Your kitchen is beautiful (and I’m guessing it will look even better when it’s covered in little kiddo fingerprints and sippy cups!)
My family adopted my little sister over ten years ago, and I still get teary every time I read this:
Not flesh of my flesh
nor bone of my bone
but still MIRACULOUSLY my own.
Never forget for a single minute
you didn’t grow under my heart
but in it.
Happy Birthday to your sweet little man!
Your home just makes me so happy.
I thought of you today as I spent the morning at the airport recording friends bringing home their daughter from China. What a joy to be a part of God bringing this family together. So many tears after so many years of waiting. It’s worth the wait!!! And the dang mascara runs…
It looks so beautiful, Layla! Would you mind sharing where you sourced the sunflower Ming backsplash from?
Thank you!!
Your kitchen is AMAZING & practical. We have been leaning towards a 2 tiered island as well. What made you go for that style. I have been loosing sleep over this! Our house is not big and we are opening wall up into living room. Thought 2 tier would give it separation…Just wondering your thoughts! And what are measurements of top piece?
🙂