Tomorrow’s the big day, y’all.
My 40th birthday…aaaaahhhhh! 😀
I’ll be robbing the cradle for a minute until Kevin turns 40 on June 28th. 😉
I was telling him last night, I don’t think I’ve ever thought too much about what life might look like at 40.
But here I am…living in the South (my favorite region), with my sweet & musical man (my favorite kind), working as a creative writer (my favorite subject), and in the process of adopting a little boy…just like my Inspiration did (in her late 30s, when she adopted my Dad) almost 60 years ago.
Feeling pretty grateful today. 🙂
And speaking of our sonny boy- I wanted to post this video created by the precious people who are taking care of him right now:
I can’t share which cutie pie is our boy until he is officially deemed a Palmer, but hopefully we’re getting close to meeting him very soon!
PS- Just in case anyone is curious, the camper hoop art is from ThreeRedApples, alphabet puzzle is Land Of Nod, and the Huckleberry Finn book is available at Parish. 🙂
The room is adorable and it must be so exciting to be getting closer to meeting your little guy. Happy Birthday!
Hi Layla!
I first got started following your blog because of your creativity in your home and others. But the longer I follow you, the more I cheer for your family life!!! I am so excited for you to meet your son. Thank you for sharing parts of your life with us. I didn’t know your dad was adopted until today, and how that is part of your story. I pray your son is in your arms soon!!! And you will LOVE your 40’s!!!
Cheers!
I’m so excited for you and Kevin and your precious punkin! Can’t wait to meet him!
Can I get butterflies for someone else’s joy in life? *emphatic YES!!
Happy Birthday New Momma and Dada!!
The happiest of birthdays to you! I think the 40’s are the best (at least so far)! For me, it has been a time of feeling free from trying to be in style or having to be what someone else wants, and I feel like I can enjoy being me. So you be even more of the gloriousness that is you, and we will watch and cheer and cry when that Palmer Punkin’ comes home to his room full of love! And just for fun? Try reading the words in that hoop line-by-line in a Swedish accent!
I love that you shared this video with us. Oh the things we take for granted!!! Everytime I would see a little boy’s face I would say ‘that’s him’ but I couldn’t decide on just 1. They are all precious.
Question: have you purchased any of the Bijou jewelry? I’d love to see it, if you have.
SUPER adorable room. He’s going to love it. And happy early birthday – this year is definitely going to be the BEST yet since you will be welcoming your sweet boy home. And that video – man, pulled at my heartstrings. I have a friend (single) who has adopted two sweet boys from Haiti and what amazing things you all are doing for these children. They are so so lucky to find families like yours.
happy birthday to you! that room is perfect and it’ll be an exciting day when you can share a picture of him in it 🙂
Yay for June Gemini babies!
Mine is on June 16th!
My two best friends are May 26 and June 6.
My dad is June 23 (although that makes him a Cancer).
🙂
Happy birthday!
The word SON makes me smile. So very exciting.
Laila … come to the dark side …
Seriously, the 40s are great. And as a later-in-life mom … in some ways, I think it’s a sweeter experience. I’m more grateful for my mom-hood than I would have been earlier in life.
LOVE the camper-in-the-embroidery-hoop picture.
thrilled for you in so many ways. i’m praying that 40 will be the best to date for you!
xoxo
I hope your birthday will be as special as you are Layla. I loved my 40s. Sending prayers and hope that your sweet little guy will be with you two soon!
Hoping you have a wonderful 40th birthday tomorrow!
Layla, you do 40 really well! Happy birthday. The room is adorable.
What a beautiful video. What a beautiful mission. This is what God’s love is all about. Thank you for sharing. I am praying you get to see, hold, and then bring your little boy home soon. Much love.
Layla,
I hope that your new decade in life brings along with it the joy of parenthood and for Kevin as well. How amazing it would be for you both to enter into the 40’s in the same way. I hope that you have a very Happy Bd.
I watched the video and was totally in awe of the amazing people that are there tending to the needs of the children and inspiring others to be part of these children’s life in such a caring and meaningful way. (Thank-you for sharing it).
Best wishes to you,
Penny
I forgot to add that I absolutely love what you have done with the bedroom, adorable.
I’ve seen your kitty on that bed before! I like to think he knows someone special is going to sleep there. My sister has one little boy and her 2 cats cozy right up on his bed as well. They all snuggle in like siblings!
I am approaching my 62nd on July 24 so feeling so old! I am just going through all my household as going to downsize so have to get rid of many items. When you mentioned adoption, I had just a couple hours ago found a book I would read to my son about adoption! I would love to send it to you, so if you email me with an address, I will send it off!!
Thank you for sharing your story, your joy, your gratitude and your faith. Love your spirit!
My kids and I loved the beautiful video … (they really love your blog too!) We are praying for your precious son and for all those precious children of Three Angels. Joyeux Anniversaire chere Layla… tu seras une maman merveilleuse! Happy Birthday…you will be a wonderful mama! I used to be a French professor before being at home with my littles and wanted to send you wishes “en francais” since it is among the languages your sweet little boy hears each day : ) Maybe you could teach him Jean 3:16 when he is a little older… (please excuse the lack of accents): “Car Dieu a tant aime le monde qu’Il a donne son Fils unique afin que quiquonque croit en lui ne perisse point mais qu’Il ait la vie eternelle.” So happy for you and Kevin and your little son! His room is adorable : )
Thank you, Laurie! I loved reading through your comment…especially the French parts! 😀 I took French for a few years in high school, but I definitely need to do some brushing up before we go to Haiti!
Oh darlin’ life begins at 40!
First of all A Very Happy 40th Birthday to You!!!! Forty isn’t so bad–wait till you hit 50—that was really a hard time for me. Now I’m well passed it and wish I was only 50 again. 🙂 All those precious little babes in the video are so darling–you want to bring everyone of them home to you as you watch it. You and Kevin must be so full of love and excitement to know soon you will all be together as a forever family! You all are so very blessed…
HaPpY bIrThDaY!!!! Enjoy your Special Day!
I too will be 40 next Friday and not sure if I’m approaching it as joyful as you, but you sure are an inspiration!
xoxo
Happy Birthdyay Layla! May you have a wonderful day tomorrow full of all your favourite things. I think the next year is going to be an extra special one for you 🙂
Thank you so much, Elaine! 😀
Loved the video! Did I spy your t-shirts on some of the workers?! Your 40s will be filled with excitement as you create happy family memories! Happy Day to you!
Good eye, Kate!!! You DID see a Daydream shirt on Shannon! She was so sweet to purchase one before she went down to Haiti on that trip! I look forward to meeting her in person one day. 🙂
Where did you get that amazing brown plaid blanket from? I want one!
Hi Rachel! It came from Schoolhouse Electric a few years ago. I just love it, too! 😀
Oh what sweet sweet children and special cause. I would love to see his face when you bring him home and he gets to see the room for the first time.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Layla……may all your dreams come true 🙂
I can see why you chose Three Angels. It looks like a wonderful mission. It is a place I will keep in my prayers, as well as your family. 🙂
Just loved this. When you go for bonding and to bring your son home make sure you find unique items from the country and it can be a wonderful way to give him a gift every year on his birthday until he turns 18. A way to keep him connected to his culture! Blessings!!!
Happy Birthday, YOUNG friend! I’m glad that you’re happy and that you paused for a moment to recognize how much you’ve already accomplished in your “relatively short” life. Even with all that you’ve done and all that you’re thankful for, I know in my heart that the “best part” is still to come!!
Your son’s room is amazing and I know that he’ll love it. I also know that you’ll spend many moments with him in the very special place that the two of you have created for him (even if it’s those rare, stolen moments when you’re simply watching him sleep). Enjoy your day…and ALL of the days to come!
xoxo, Kimberly
Happy Birthday. Remember, you’re just one day older than you were yesterday and everyone else is one day older too. That thought always helps me. The room is precious. I have never heard of this organization. Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to meet your new son.
Happy birthday, Layla! I’m facing down my #40 at the end of the month and I must say you’re being far more gracious about it than I am! lol Praying you get the most wonderful birthday present ever and get to go meet and bring home that sweet boy soon!
Oh Sweet Baby Girl…..
Happy Birthday Early!!!!!! 40……… A mere baby!!!!
Just who is in Sweet Pea’s bed!!!!! Little kitty wannabeee????? Ha!
Loved the video. I could swoop in and adopt 8-20 of these kids!!!! Such beautiful children. I simply cannot wait til “our Sweet Pea” comes home. You know that precious boy will have 200 sub-grandma’s!!!!! Myself included.
I looked up Bijou Jewelry……and saw so many companies/people that would not benefit Three Angels. How can we purchase pieces that will benefit your Three Angels? What can we, the little sub-grandma’s, do?????
Have a wonderful day tomorrow……….sending you loads of prayers and good wishes.
Love your blog…. Love the Three Angels Haiti Orphanage and what an awesome video, gotta love living in times like these where we get an insight to this at the click of a button. I sponsor a little girl there and I so look forward to following your adoption journey xxx BTW that little man is going to LOVE that gorgeous room. Happy 40th!!! ( I am less than a year away myself ;/) xx
I saw that hoop art just the other day–loved her work! Also, my husband loves to say someone is “his age” as I am 11 months older than him, yet born in the same year. “. As if he were 33 and I was 46–ha! It drives me batty! He has finally started saying “our age”. Most important, I follow your blog but have to say I have never received so much wonderful information regarding Three Angels and the wide range of services they provide! A wonderful video. I will be checking back into this when we return from vacation to find out more about sponsoring a child. Sounds like a good thing and something that I would like to seriously consider at this time in my life. And Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Kristin!! 😀
I am so glad you were inspired by the video, too. I can’t wait to share lots more blog posts about Three Angels while we’re down there bonding with our boy! 🙂
Happy Happy to you! I will turn 40 next year. God has an amazing sense of humor in the “plans” department. My vision of 2 kids (boy and a girl) in a volvo with my golden retriever and groceries in brown paper bags (Fresh Market)…cue the classical music and smell of fresh roasted coffee…. ended up as God blessing me beyond belief! You are in for God’s treat for you! 4-0? You are just getting started my friend!
Happy Birthday to both you and Kevin! I love that you guys are living out your talents and dreams! What a blessing, and a gift to the world! Your little boy’s room looks amazing! Praying you get to meet him soon. 🙂
We share a birthday, only we are exactly 2 years apart. I actually loved turning 40 (crazy huh?), It helped me see what was important in life, and that does not include laugh lines. Live it up!!
That’s awesome, Katy! I hope you have an awesome birthday tomorrow, too! 😀
Happy birthday! I have to say, there is no way you look like 40. Keep it up.
i have enjoyed your blog so much..i gave my baby up 36 years ago…i love to read how excited you are and the wonderful room you’ve made him…i dreamed for years my baby had a mom just like you…when i met her 16 years ago i found out she did have a great mom…what a gift that woman gave me…i ended up marrying and having 4 sons..boys love their mamas…enjoy, and thanks for sharing your excitement..it let’s me see the other side
Happy 40th! Hope it’s a terrific year for you. Sounds like it will be a full one. Love the kitty on the bed! Are you going to have something to reflect your new son’s heritage? I think it would be lovely for him so he doesn’t have too much a culture shock. I wish you guys could come do my place over, I love your style. Kisses and loves and lots of lamingtons for your birthday!
Thank you, Maria! 🙂 I’m sure we’ll pick up some fun things for his room while we’re in Haiti. Hopefully that’ll be soon!
Happy Birthday, Layla! You’re my favorite! Can’t wait to meet your little man! Praying you all of the way through.
P.S. The 40’s rock!!!
Happy 40th Birthday! It’s such a milestone, and you’re approaching it wonderfully. 🙂 I hope that you get your little boy soon, and I cannot even imagine the anticipation and the nervousness that the both of you must be feeling right now. Best of luck!
Oh happy day Layla…sounds like you are grateful and I love how you listed them all..The photos in the blog are adorable, all of them..I caught sight of our favorite book between my “son” and I..Guess how much I love you. So amazing how the Holy Spirit can fill my heart with so much joy and best wishes for you..someone I have never met. :}
God bless!
ok..just reread my post…and where it says “Guess how much I love you”..it means the title of the book in the background photo..didn’t want you to think I was some strange person..I had to laugh but also had to quickly explain..cause it freaked me out too..haha
Happy 40th!! I loved seeing the pics of your house. Sweet P’s room is adorable (of course!). I hope you have a wonderful day.
Girl, 40 is the new 20..so this will be a piece of cake for you! (30 was the hard one for me.) Your son will be running around that cute cute room of his before you even know it, and next year this time he will be smashing your birthday cake all over his precious little face (and ice cream too!) Enjoy enjoy enjoy your day! It will be a happy one. 🙂
Dear Lelah! HAPPY BIRTHDAY #40! For an intelligent, beautiful, sensitive, spiritual, happily married & creative woman like you? Facing Birthday Number Forty?? NO PROBLEMS! I am approaching 65 & my message to you is this: keep on growing & sharing & loving, just as you appear to be doing with your life to those of us who enjoy & read The Lettered Cottage. I’d say you appreciate this great gift of life to the fullest & that this wonderful life will continue to give back to YOU, as you give so generously of yourself. Prayers go with you, too, as you await the pitter patter of your “soon to be” son’s precious little footsies, when they finally come “home” at last – to run all over your lovely new (well, still sort of new to you guys, right?) home. BTW, loved everything you did with your previous little cottage & I think the neighborhood in which your current (new!) home is located is just lovely! Love everything about it – the trees, the open spaces, your porch etc. So pretty – so NOT like the normal streets & cement “look” of tract homes here in Southern California, where I live. It’s nice here & I am in a good neighborhood, nicely situated as far as shopping, freeways, hubby’s commute, all that we need. I also can be at the coast in less than 20 minutes, which is great. But they don’t plant too many trees here in this part of So CA, never have. And we can’t afford the nicest neighborhoods around here, such as those in Irvine or Laguna Beach or Corona del Mar etc, where the scenery truly is lovely (but still can’t compare with your neighborhood). But, I am safe & comfortable & live in a neighborhood that should do well by us when hubby retires & we go to sell it. Thank you so much for sharing all that you do! We, the followers of The Lettered Cottage, REALLY enjoy your blog & learn so much from the things you share! Again, have a truly WONDERFUL birthday & stay just as young at heart & engaged & as sweet as “ya’ll” already are! You are SUCH a cutie pie! Your enthusiasm for all that you experience & all that you see & do shines through clearly in your blog. Very glad I saw the link to your blog one day & decided to follow it (found it vla a quilting website & blog, BTW). And, also, can’t wait till you get to embrace your son & bring him HOME! What a thrill that will be & I know you will be blessed abundantly for giving a home to one of those precious babies. Best wishes always, From A Friend & A Reader (regular!) Georgia Koenig, Garden Grove, CA