Happy Monday, friends!
Did you have a great weekend? Ours was nice and low key. My favorite kind. 🙂
September has been pretty sweet across the board, actually. It seems like Steevenson is finally starting to feel comfortable with the “Monday-Friday = school, and Sunday = church at his school” routine. (Our new church operates out of the Pike Road School building, right here in our neighborhood.) I think the consistency and familiarity of seeing the people he knows/plays with in our neighborhood going to and from the same building from week to week has been really comforting for him. Bless his little heart, when he is able to articulate what his bad dreams are about, it always has to do with the lack of permanence he experienced in the first few years of his life.
And speaking of our Sonny boy, you never know what he’s going to remember, think up, or share from day to day. Tonight he said he was afraid to go upstairs by himself and I reminded him that no one else lives in our house. “Just me, and you, and daddy”, I said. After that, I asked him, “So, who lives here in our house, baby?”. He replied, “Steevenson, and mama, and daddy…and brother and sister”, with a smile. 🙂
I don’t know how or if our family will expand, (we’re praying and keeping our hearts, eyes and ears open!) but he sure says “brother AND sister” and “we need more children in this house!” a lot. Sometimes I wonder if he knows something we don’t. (yet) 😉
Anywho- because he still likes to be close to us at and throughout the night, we’re all still sleeping together in our big king bed. (I *love* it and our post-adoption counselors recommended we do it to help with attachment, so please don’t give me a hard time- ha!)
The room is still a work in progress, but we did get a fun surprise from the folks at Annie Selke this past week. It’s the Boyfriend Matelasse Coverlet from their Pine Cone Hill brand and it is incredible! Seriously the nicest blanket I’ve ever owned.
I wish you could feel it through the screen. It’s so “spongey” (is that the word I’m look for?) and weighty.
The Boyfriend Matelasse shams are perfect around feather-filled pillows…
They also sent this cute little throw pillow:
I love all the little rows of folded-over fabric.
The decorative pillow next to it (with the wooden beads on it) came from TJ Maxx, and the are from Pottery Barn.
I’d like to get some chunky/tall brass table lamps for our nightstands soon. I think a pop of warmth would look good there amongst all the cooler tones. Montgomery (the closest city to our town of Pike Road) is getting it’s first ever HomeGoods in a few weeks, so maybe I’ll wait until then to see what they have. HomeGoods always seems to have the best lamps!
And for those wondering about our headboard, here’s a link to the post about it:
Our King-Sized Pottery Barn Style Headboard
It’s no longer available, but at the time, it was $169.99 on JCPenney.com. It started out brass-colored but we sprayed it oil-rubbed bronze. I’m still glad we did, I just wish I had gotten the one with the footboard too. And that reminds me to ask you- do you have a headboard and footboard? I’m still debating…
Layla
PS- The lovely painting above our bedroom (that is secured to studs with screws, by the way) was created by Natalie at Hammmade Furniture!
I have a lovely headboard and footboard. That said…some footboards make it hard to make the bed. My bed has enough room to push the matt and box up to make the bed. The biggest problem is when I walk around the bed I sometimes collide with the footboard and leave a wonderful bruise mid thigh. It’s also awesome when you jamb your toes into the foot board! Just make sure you have plenty of room to do your hopping up and down when you do that. You don’t want to hit your thigh! 😉 Could be I’m a klutz! Just saying.
Could brother and sister be the fur kids in the house? Max and kit-cat? Also I go without a headboard or a footboard and use 3 euros against the wall as my headboard…
No- he mentions Kit-Cat as a pet sometimes, but Max doesn’t live here anymore. He was re-adopted a few months after Sonny came home because the two of them didn’t connect. Sonny definitely says the phrase, “we need more children in this house!” a lot too. 😉
Hi Layla. Love the bedding. I’m the store designer for an American made furniture store in Connecticut. We use (and sell) Pinecone Hill to beautify and showcase our bedroom furniture. (I sound like an ad hehe). I’m very familiar with their “stuff” lol and know exactly the texture you’re talking about. Hard not to keep petting it haha! Not your run of the mill items–unique and well made. Anyhow, I have both a headboard and a footboard. But the footboard is a low footboard. It looks nice, finishes off the bed but doesn’t get in the way of our feet lol or cramp the style of my pretty bedding. Thanks for your weekly inspiration–both design and spiritual. Your little guy sounds like he’s bringing you all so much love and joy. How awesome. Peaceful low key weekends are the best. I cut and made hydrangea arrangements, gardened and made a Sunday dinner to remember lol. Love that kind of day. Blessings to you.
Oh, I LOVED reading the description of your weekend, Robin! How lovely!! 😀 Thank you for commenting today!
I actually have the same headboard from Penneys. We did purchase the footboard which I do like. At night I fold the devet over the footboard. Plus I like the look of it. 😊
Now I *really* wish I had sprung for it! 😀
I’m in agreement with Brenda. We have a sleigh bed and oftentimes I collide with the footboard portion of the sleigh and have bruises mid-thigh (same goes with stubbing toes in the dark of night). I can also push the boxspring and mattress up toward the head of the bed so our comforter fits down behind the footboard. Preference-wise, there will be no footboard on our next bed.
Our queen-sized platform bed includes a footboard BUT the top of the footboard is 2 inches below the top of the mattress. It holds the mattress in place while allowing my 6’2″ husband to stretch beyond the end of the mattress, and I have no problem changing bed sheets. Hope that helps!
Thanks for giving us a peek at the progress in your bedroom!
We only have a headboard. I wish we had a footboard – it would add stability to the bed and keep the blankets from falling into the floor so easily.
Layla, I love the paint color + sunlight in your room. I also have a sunny bedroom — what is paint brand and color please?
Thank you! It’s Simply White by Benjamin Moore. 🙂
We have both. 0ver 30 years ago I bought a King size,White Iron bed, from a Spiegel catalog, with high (ish) foot board. I bought it with my first check from selling a painted screen, so I have an emotional attachment to it… I still love it, but we have another King size bed that has neither a headboard, nor a foot board. I am considering taking the foot board off the first bed, painting it black and putting it on the other bed as a headboard. If you have a big enough room, I like a foot board, but it does take up “visual space” if it is tall. I’ve also broken a little toe on the foot board while racing through the room. Seven weeks to heal!!
In our home we have a sleigh bed large headboard large footboard we both regret now having the footboard it takes up too much space in our home plus we have an ottoman at the foot of the bed which would be fabulous for our old dog that cannot jump up on the bed so we’re going to be taking it apart and getting rid of the footboard so old Missy can jump up without me having to pick her up and down twice today. After we realized we really did not like a footboard we ordered a headboard only for our Cottage which is nice both of our dogs jumping up and down plus I don’t bash my toes whenever we’re there so that will be my choice from now on in any future bed purchase.
After I saw that headboard in a previous post I ordered one right away and spray painted the same. It was a great idea and I love mine. 😀
In previous homes we had beds with both head and foot boards. Love. This current cool, but funky 125 year old home has bedrooms under the eaves. I could use a foot board but not much of a head board! Still thinking it through. Thinking perhaps paint, Stick Wood, or other outside the box solution is the answer. Thoughts?
I just love to hear about Stevenson. I was checking out your link to your new church and I saw that Larry Bryars is lead pastor there! He was our pastor at Shalimar United Methodist Church. I taught school with his wife, Vicki. I love Larry and Vicki. You are very blessed to have them as part of your church staff.
Oh- Patrick Quinn is actually the lead pastor at our Pike Road location. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Larry and Vicki- they sound sweet!
We only have a padded headboard from Pottery Barn and a soft tufted bench at the foot from World Market. We love it! In our other home which we lost to fire almost 4 years ago had a headboard & footboard and it seemed the footboard just got in our way! Or really just the grandchildrens way! So we chose a new look and love it! Plus the bed is much easier to make up without having to fiddle with that footboard.
Love the Pine Cone Hill bedding!! Especially the coverlet!! Well I love it all really!
Thanks for your insights & updates on your life at home! You are blessed beyond measure to be parenting your Steevenson! He is a treasure just as you are to him!!
Where did you get the painting above your bed? I love it. It looks so good with the neutral bedding.
Thank you! There’s a link at the end of the post. XO
We currently have sleigh bed with a head and footboard, which takes up a LOT of space. If I had to do it again I wouldn’t have a footboard, but that’s only because the room is on the small size. I think if your room is large enough to accommodate a footboard without looking cluttered, then go for it.
Got it. Something to think about for sure!
Thanks for sharing this update, Layla! Can’t wait to see how the wall is coming along 🙂
I’m so glad your sweet boy sleeps in your bed. I have 2 boys, one adopted and one bio, and I love when they still want to crawl into bed with us. They are both older than Steevenson. I believe our kids have a subconscious knowing of what they need, even if that can’t always articulate it. And your bed looks cozy <3
I dislike foot boards for the same reasons others mentioned, bruises and stubbed toes. I fostered many infants, my kids were 4 and 6 when we started. They understood the babies were going to be with us short term but they had been in a secure setting since birth. Your darling boy may not understand if the foster child left it doesn’t mean he would have to go. Just thinking……
Hi Layla – I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented by I’ve read your blog for a long time and just LOVE hearing about Steevenson. My boys are now 18 and 20. I’d have 10 more if I could go back in time. The years go way too fast. Anyway, my now 18 year old went through a phase where he didn’t want to go upstairs alone. He would casually make excuses or wait for one of the rest of us. I had forgotten about that until I read your post! Looking back, I’m thinking how cute it was. He also slept in our bed A LOT for many, many years. Even though our queen bed got really crowded, my husband would remind me that one day I would miss his warm little body right against my back and gosh-darn if he wasn’t right!!!! Just enjoy these years, every phase seems to end all too soon.
Your little guy’s early years were spent around a lot of other kids, so I wonder if “normal” to him is to have other children around. I’m sure God has the perfect plan for your family, regardless of how many are in it. 🙂
Eventually Steevenson will want his own sleeping space. Until then you are giving him the comfort and security he needs. Thank god for king size beds.
I grew up in a small one story house. I remember being much older than Steevenson and afraid of walking into the dark hall on the way to my bedroom. I never told that to my parents. It’s good that he tells you.
In my house, A bed isn’t truly a bed without a footboard. I have to have it! It’s very pretty to toss a throw over it. Sometimes I lean against it to snuggle with the kitties. Your footboard doesn’t have to be the same as the bed, how about a tall settee or a church pew?
Layla, Everything looks great! About your baby and sleeping with him. I did that with my babies when they were little from time to time! We loved it! As he gets older and more secure he will sleep on his own. I slept from time to time with my parents too. You all are such great parents and God knew Stevenson was yours! Just use your God given parental instincts. Blessings!
Layla,
Thanks for posting the link to your church. Looks like an awesome family of believers and a body we would fellowship with if we were in your neck of the woods.:)
And yes, don’t allow anyone to determine your sleeping arrangements in your home. Lol.
Our children had no early circumstances like your Sonny, yet still wanted the comfort of Dad and Mom’s nearness. It will be one of those things you look back on and be glad you did what he needed. Too soon they are bigger than you and driving cars.;)
Your bedroom is so tranquil and stunning.
Praying for your family to continue to grow in the Lord’s perfect plan.
Blessings to you and your sweet family!
I have four grandchildren 10-7-3 – and 9 mo. Until the baby was born – when one of the kids needed to go upstairs for any reason – bathroom, get a pair of socks etc they all trooped upstairs together! Even though they all sleep upstairs there is something scary about going up on your own. There has been a child or four in mom and dad’s bed for almost 11yrs. Most times they wake up with three kids and the dog in their bed. My granddaughter asked once why would someone put their baby in a crib??!!
Hi Layla – love the decor in your bedroom! Can you tell me where you purchased the sconces above your bed?
Thank you 🙂
Thank you! They came from Schoolhouse Electric. 🙂
We have a head board and foot board , and toe stubbing does not seem to be a problem with the foot board , and it keeps the blankets from falling on the floor. It does make it a bit of a challenge to flip the mattress though , but I would do it again, as I like the cozy look. Off topic….Glad to finally find out what happened to Max , ( in the comment/reply section). He has been missing from photos and blog posts for so long, I had been wondering about him. Are you able to keep up with how he is doing at all ?
I am a staunch anit-footboard person. I had one…once…for one day. We were living in Greece and forgot to shut the windows before nightfall and the room filled with mosquitoes. I hurried behind the bed to shut them and as I turned to get out I tripped over the footboard. The upper part of me was facing one direction and the lower half of me was facing the wall. That’s when I dislocated my knee and spent six weeks in a cast. Oh they may be all good looking and suave, but they’re dangerous. 😉
Hi Layla, I remember that post on your headboard and it came out gorgeous! I have an antique brass headboard and footboard from the early 1900’s. I’ve had it for at least 20 years. And I have at times considered painting it, esp. when I saw your post on the headboard. I never have though. It is linear in design, much like your headboard. Anyway, the footboard came with it, so now I have one. There have been seasons where I want to remove it so I can sit at the foot of my bed! Good luck with your decision!
Hi Layla! Room looks gorgeous. Love that Annie Selke bedding! Might need to look that one up. Re: footboard, we have yet to buy a bed for our new king size mattress, but I think I’ve decided against the footboard. We visited a cottage this summer where all the beds had footboards and I ran into those dang things so many times! I’m in agreement with the others re: those bruises. Think I’ve decided to do an upholstered headboard and just put a really pretty bench at the foot of the bed. I do like the looks of the footboard, but alas…I have to give in to my clumsy nature and go with what makes sense! Good luck with your family planning. Lotsa prayers seem to bring those answers eventually!
I have the same headboard (thanks to you) in a guest room and, since it is so light, it moves when someone gets on or off the bed or shifts around. Did you do anything special to secure yours? Love your posts!
Thanks,
Erin
P.S. This room is dreamy!
I love that Steevenson sleeps with you! They’re little for such a short time and when the time comes that he sleeps in his own room, you’ll miss having him so close. My daughter and son-in-law have 3 children and I don’t think they’ve woken up in their own bed by themselves since having the first 🙂 They grow up so fast, don’t let anyone tell you what’s best for your little guy. And, I think you’re right, he may know something about the sibling situation that you and Kevin don’t…just yet 🙂 Best wishes for your sweet family!
Hi Layla!
No on the footboard for me. I found it too bulky for the room, in the way and I would always stub my toe on it.
As for Steevenson sleeping “in the big bed” as we called it in our home, that’s wonderful! Don’t let anyone give you a bad time about it! Brett slept in our bed until he was about 9. He’s now 11 and loves his own bed, in his own room! All is good in the hood. No harm, No foul.
If you don’t find any lamps you love at Home Goods, try Kirklands. They have great lamps & always onsale. You can find online if you don’t have that store in your area.
Happy Fall – Shelley
I had a foot board but sold that set and bought one similar to yours off Wayfair several years ago (spray painted mine as well) with no footboard and love it so much better than one with it. I love that it’s not in the way when making the bed and I love that it makes the room feel bigger without it. 😉
When my husband left me for another woman many years ago, my then little 4 year old refused to sleep in his own bed. He wouldn’t stay put in his own room with his brother who was 6 at the time. I asked him why he wanted to stay with me and with his little quivering chin and voice stated, “I don’t want you to go away.” Broke me up in bits, I can tell you. My counsellor at the time told me that kids need that sense of security and it can be for a long time. He eventually graduated to sleeping on the floor next to me, so he could reach up and feel me in my bed, on a little mattress. He then after a couple of years moved back into his room. You gotta do what you gotta do, and to heck what others think!
I was thinking, maybe Sonny is so used to having tons of kids around back at the orphanage he is missing all that noise and action? Just a thought.
I used to have a foot board but ended up like most people, smashing my tootsies or knee or behind on the darned thing! Plus losing 18 fingernails a day making the bed was driving me nuts! I love the blanket, on your bed. Totally gorgeous!
Lovely bedroom! We have a footboard, but I would much prefer we did not. I get up really early for work and am forever getting bruised hips bumping into it in the dark! It’s kind of a sleigh style and the curve takes up space in the room. What’s the status of the bungalow barn? Haven’t seen a post on it in a while.
Kevin and his mom are headed to Ikea today to get a kitchen! 🙂
Layla, This is beautiful. Where oh where did you get the plaid shirt dress you had on in instastories? Its so cute!! Can you share?
Vici Collection! 🙂
instead of a footboard (which, in my mind, is a waste of space and makes the bed more difficult to make), i have a cedar chest. great for storage and doesn’t make the bed hard to make. picked one up for $20 at a garage sale. love it.
hope no one gives you a hard time about your son sleeping with you. we aren’t in your home, you know what is best for for your own child and his sweet little heart.
Layla,
I’m so glad you asked the question. My friend is moving, and I offered to buy her Mendocino bed from Pottery Barn, if it fit in our guest bedroom. She said it was hard to make the bed with the footboard. But, it’s so pretty and a good price! After reading the comments though, I think I am going to do the hard thing and pass it up.
Girl!! You keep co-sleeping as long as you all want to. It’s the best isn’t it? They are only little for such a short time and will transition to their own bed when ready. My guy is just newly 5 and spends most of the night in his bed but most nights comes and crawls into ours at some point. And his snuggles are the best. Enjoy this time while it lasts and good for you for meeting your kido’s needs!
Sweet Layla, don’t ever worry about the decisions you make as a family. Everyone has his own opinion of what’s best and easily “voices” that opinion behind a keyboard. I think it’s wonderful that y’all are so close and can sleep in the same bed together. 😊 I’ve been following you for almost 10 years now and have read about the struggles you’ve gone through and how God has blessed you tremendously with Steevenson. I’ll continue praying for your family and am looking forward to reading about the memories you’re making. ❤
Enjoyed reading about everyone’s experiences with footboards – and here’s mine: When we retired and moved to NC, we had a lovely white (distressed) MBR set, and didn’t want a footboard when we bought it years ago, and to my delight, the bench now at the bottom ‘finishes’ it off wonderfully. I bought it on line – Mayfair on sale, and it’s perfect for changing shoes, and for our little dog to have a spot to jump on and off. Also, my philosophy with your wonderful little guy is this: Whatever works for your family!
Enjoy approaching Fall – love your posts! Michelle
I love your new bedding! It looks so cozy! It is beautiful and your plans for the room sound great! I love that your son sleeps with you! I miss the day when my girls did and still relish the mornings they crawl into bed with me to connect! Such a bonding time! Your bedroom looks perfect as is! Our bed is a four poster bed so it has a lower footboard.
I love this spongey bedding! 😊 thanks for sharing. Also I’m so glad to know they’res a fellow mama whose got a babe in her bed. My son will be six next week and still sleeps with us, but I secretly love it, minus the boob kick now and then. Ouch! Do you ever get those? Lol! Love and hugs to you!
Hi Layla! We have just a headboard for our king size bed. We did have a headboard and footboard when we had a queen size bed and I loved it so much it’s now in the guest room. Not having a footboard did open up our bedroom more. Your new bedding looks so soft, but I think I loved your bedding from pottery barn better. I loved the pattern and color.