“I felt like I was an arrow, pulled back and ready to be launched into something big.”
―A.B. Shepherd
Kevin and I had to update our medical exams yesterday. It’s been 18 months since we first had them done as a part of our (adoption) home study, and our first set is to expire in February. You may or may not know that going to the doctor is a pretty big deal for me (#WhiteCoatSyndrome), but I went into this appointment feeling pretty good, and I felt totally ready to roll up my sleeve and get stuck.
Well, I think it was sometime between the second and third stick that I started to feel a little light-headed. Two veins had already blown in the crooks of my arms, and the sweet gal at the front desk had rushed in to fan me with her clipboard by the time the phlebotomist was finally successful at drawing three vials full of you-know-what (I can’t even type it) out of the top of my right wrist. Blech!
I sat there until I didn’t feel shaky anymore, and I think it was sometime between lunch and supper that I felt like my bruised arm crooks and sore wrist = a new (old) side table from Red Top Market. 😉 #RetailTherapy
I thought it would be fun to break up the metal nesting tables we have in our living room, so I pulled the new (old) wooden table up next to the shorter of the two metal nesting tables we got from my friend Ashley.
I’ll find another little table to use with the other metal nesting table on the other side of the room at some point. I’m thinking something concrete like this would be cool:
Oh! And speaking of Ashley, Kevin and I photographed her house for Cottages & Bungalows magazine and the issue it’s in is on newsstands everywhere right now!
Ashley is busy getting her FABULOUS new shop set up right now (Locals, there’s an open house from 10am-5pm on on January 14th! 1614 Graham Street in Old Cloverdale- don’t miss it!), but as soon as she’s got some free time, I want to have her come over and help me make a decision about the dividing wall I blogged about a couple of weeks ago. I’m *thinking* that it’ll stick out three or four feet or so on each side of the living room. I laid a roll of kraft paper down on the floor to get a feel for the width yesterday:
(The mirrors are temporarily propped up on the floor behind the sofa, and yes, the drapes are still too short.)
I think I’ll pull the ladder out today, and unroll that paper so that I can tape it to the ceiling there, and on the opposite side of the room. I think if we see it rolled out from the ceiling all the way down to the floor, it’ll really give us an idea of what it would feel like to have walls there. I’m a very visual person, and I like to live with things for a while before I jump into them these days.
And while we’re on the subject of the living room, I met with the fireplace folks last week! Super sweet guys, and they had a genius idea about how to build out our firebox. They suggested angling it, sort of like the one in this photo:
(Architectural Digest)
They also suggested we remove our hearth and take the firebox straight down to the floor, which I love. I’d love to create a fireplace that looks like it’s 100 years old, so I think dropping the opening down to the floor will do a lot in helping us achieve that look.
(Country Living)
Oh! And before I sign off, a kind reader named Jenny sent me a photo of her living room which has the kind of “dividing” walls we’re talking about creating:
Isn’t that neat? Even though it’s not the *exact* kind of doorway or dividing walls we’re talking about, it is SO awesome to see how cozy that space looks when it’s closed in just a little! (Thanks again, Jenny!) 😀
The living room wall/doorway, fireplace, built-ins, and ceiling aren’t going to go up over night though. Believe me, I’d love to have it all finished in “blog time” (whoosh!), but we can’t afford to take these projects on all at once, and like I said, I’m not a “rusher” anymore anyway. I’ll be happy if they come together by the end of the year, but I’m not going to put a hard deadline on anything. (Just didn’t want anyone to think these projects were going to go “poof”!) Also, we’re hoping for three trips to Haiti this year (one socialization visit, one bonding trip, and one homecoming trip!), so it’ll be important for us to pinch LOTS of pennies this year. And guess what? It’s looking like we’ll be purchasing two plane tickets to Port-au-Prince VERY soon. I know I’ve said it a million times, but isn’t it WILD how slow time can drag AND whoosh by at lightning speed? I can hardly believe Sweet P will be in my (bruised) arms any day now! What a TRIP! 😀
Oh Layla, so excited about all your news. Your pain will soon be gain and joy. Wishing you and Kevin much wisdom in this new year. Much love and happiness also.
Thank you, Deborah! I love that: My pain will be gain! 😀
Layla,
That is wonderful news about your “soon-to-be” trip for SweetP! I have been looking for a “different” pair of nesting tables for a while…I really like your idea! Would you care to share your source for the metal set?
Jessica
Thank you, Jessica! If you click on Ashley’s name it’ll take you to her blog where you can find info on her shop. XO
Gah!! I can’t remember how long I’ve been reading your blog now- maybe a year or so? I’m SO excited for you to get to Haiti! If I can’t wait to get to day care after the end of a work day to scoop up my little boy, I can’t imagine what it is like for you. Prayers for big hugs really soon!
Thank you so much, Amy! 😀 XO
Oh my gosh! So much to be excited about in this post! When I read that you might be flying to Haiti soon, I got actual chills running up and down, lol. 🙂 And the fireplace idea is FANTASTIC!
About the dreaded lab stuff, you might ask for butterfly n**dles next time. That’s what they use on children and small adults, and they are MUCH more kind and gentle. You may not even feel it at all. I’m speaking from experience…I got breast cancer as a young mom and had to have loads and loads of lab work done. (Still do.) I learned to ask for the butterfly. It’s made a huge difference. ((hug))
Hi, Julie!
Unfortunately he *was* using a butterfly n**dle, but maybe I’ll have better luck with it next time. Sometimes it goes easy-breezy…sometimes, not so much. 😛
in addition to the butterfly, they are now using my hands or blood draws. and I am yet to experience any bruising or even pain. also, they have had me lie down for several trips and the woozies are completely over.
said it was something to do with blood pressure that is always low.
Aw, man…so sorry the butterfly didn’t help. 🙁 Have they ever tried using Emla ointment on your hand/ arm before doing the lab test? It’s a numbing gel that has to be applied about 30 min or an hour before the lab test, but a doc can get you an Rx for it so you can keep it at home and apply it before going. Or just arrive an hour early for the lab test and they can apply it there. it can really help numb the area so you don’t feel nearly as much. I’m really sorry it was so rough….
Here’s one more tip that might make it less painful if you have to get lab work done again. Anytime you are in pain (or anticipating something painful), if you open your mouth so your jaw “drops,” and exhale slowly and with a little bit of force, then breathe in and out again, but focus your attention on your exhale breath…that can elevate your endorphins (which relieve pain) and lower your stress hormones. Try to relax your shoulders, too, at the same time that you exhale. I teach birth classes and this is a really simple, but effective technique to relieve pain. I use it all the time. 🙂 Also, if we know ahead of time that you have a lab test coming up, we’ll pray for you!
Just like you – I love separate spaces. Open concept homes just feel cold to me. I need some walls for pictures and little corners to put tables or plants. I think the separating walls is a great idea for your space.
So happy to hear that there’s been progress on your socialization trip! However…you might want to think about dropping the firebox because you’ll soon have a toddler at home. If it’s on ground level, he’ll be all over it. Having it a little higher up will save your sanity 🙂
Thank you, Em! We’re actually thinking the elimination of the hearth will help prevent future bumps and bruises, too! 😀
it’s also unlikely he’ll be out of your arms for at least a year after he comes home! 🙂
Sorry about your arm, I hate the doctors to :(. Retail therapy always helps bring my spirits up!
I love these ideas for your up and coming projects and I can’t WAIT to see “the making of” photos and the finished product!
Those tables are awesome and I really like how they’re not “matchy matchy” the mismatching is becoming more apparent and I feel that it adds a bit more character! Great choices! & Great post!
Lauren Baxter
LB Designs
Xx
Layla,
I am so thrilled for the year ahead for you and Kevin. I can’t imagine the continued patience and longing for your son to be in your arms. You will be rewarded greatly and once he’s in your arms time will melt.
I met you briefly at the very first chapel market and gave you a book of short stories on motherhood. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers since. My husband and I have traveled twice to Haiti for mission work before we married. We hope to return one day soon and continue our mission work.
Much love,
Betsy Gordon
I keep hoping you will be united with your “sweet P” soon. I know he must also be longing for his “forever family.” Thinking of you!
Ariel
i just can’t wait for you to meet your little one.
I enjoy your blog so much for all the ways you provide inspiration and connection. Praying for you and your little Sweet P. I sense your heart might explode with love and anticipation if you aren’t together soon! Wishing you safe travels, easy medical encounters, and a Happy New Year!!
I can’t wait for the day when I open your blog and it says – We’re Going, We’re Going!!
I love the idea of dividing walls that cozy up the space. And I also like the idea of taking your fireplace all the way to the floor.
Ouch for your sticks. My veins always roll so I end up with lots of sticks and bruises too. But oh how exciting for your soon to be trip! I just want you to know you all are in my prayers.
Hugs
Cecilia
Layla,
I know we’ve never met and probably will never meet in person since I live in NC (although I would love for it to happen), but I, too, got chills when you said buying the “tickets” was close – the 3 trips also give me chills! We have adopted children (Romania) in our family and I know the anticipation and waiting is hard – the end result is beyond wonderful! Praying for your family.
I love your decorating style – your home is so lovely and you give such beautiful style ideas. Thank you so much for sharing!
Patty
Sorry to here about your rough lab expirence, I’m actually a Phlebotomist and deal with tough patients like you all the time. Next time you know your going to have blood drawn drink plenty of fluids the day before as well as the day of the test, if it’s a fasting test you can still have water. Drinking fluids keeps your veins hydrated which makes them easier to find & hopefully less pokes for the patient.
I saw an article in “People” magazine last week about a family that had 2 biological children & they have adopted 4 morem from Haiti. I didn’t get to read much of it, but thought it would maybe make you smile knowing that 4 other kids where blessed through adoptions from Haiti.
That’s what so strange KC. I drink between 6-8 glasses of water every day, so it seemed like they were sort of confused as to why my veins were giving them so much trouble. They said my you-know-what was extremely thick too, so it was extra challenging to get it to go through a butterfly n**dle.
Love the design plans and so happy you are nearer to your trip to Haiti. I also have lots of fun with bl**d draws. Now, I am proactive. I ask that the tech apply heat to the top of my hand and avoid my arms. Most labs will have the one time use heat packs. This method has proven to work well for me. I still don’t like the stick, but once does it.
Wow, can I relate to the blood draw! I just tell them they will WANT to lay me down on a table in the back room and which arm doesn’t have a rolling vein and they are HAPPY to know it ahead of time. The butterfly needle is smaller and I used to ask for that. I joked that I should have a butterfly tatoo-ed to my left arm with an arrow! I never drink coffee before and drink lots of water right up until they take me away. It’s a hurdle that I have worked at for years and am getting so much better at doing. Thanks for being so honest about the experience. I was right there with you while reading it!
Praying that you and Kevin will soon be buying plane tickets to visit with your little one. I also love your inspiration photos of your makeovers.
Love all your ideas for your living room and so excited about your upcoming adoption. I loved Ashley’s house in Cottages and Bungalows and your photos were fantastic. x
Hi Layla! Reading all your adoption updates these last few weeks reminds me of when you blogged about your FEB dream. Was that last Jan??? Anyway, what if your FEB dream was for FEB 2015 and not 2014 like originally thought??? As a woman with a heart for adoption, ever since I saw the movie Annie when I was a kid,I am so excited for you!!!! Blessings to you and Kevin!! -Jenny
Hi Layla,
Sorry to hear of your experience. I am so excited for you though in regards to Sweet P. It might be worthwhile to try and get on the wall project sooner than later just in case you have your hands full soon.(Hopefully)
Take Care and all the best to you all with everything for 2015.
PS
I like the idea of the tables being mismatched
Thank you, Penny! XO
I agree with Julie. Ask for the butterfly needles. I have to get extensive work every 3 months and it is much easier with this tiny needle. I asked my GP nurse why they don’t use them and she answered “cost”. Come on, we are talking pennies here.
Good Luck and pray that”sweet pea” comes home very soon.
Thank you, Carolyn! And would you believe the phlebotomist actually did use a butterfly n**dle. Yep. And, unfortunately, because my bl**d is so thick, it filled the vial E X T R A slow because of the tiny needle. Ack!
I think I may have that same phobia…. about Dr. visits!! 🙂 BUT…. the resulting gift will so be worth the journey!!!!!! 🙂 …. Love the idea about the dividing walls!!! Do you ever watch Fixer Upper on HGTV with Chip & Joanna Gaines?? A lot of her reno’s result in dividing walls… changing entrances into rooms….. Really cool !!! Have a blessed day and am so enjoying your posts!!!!!
Yes! I love Fixer Upper! (Fun fact: our pilot episodes were actually created by the same production team, at the same time, a few years ago!) Space planning is my FAV, so I LOVE that Joanna gets in there and starts dreaming in that way, too! 😀
Thanks for the fireplace and table inspiration. I’ve been trying to come up with fresh ideas to use my Sweet In-Law’s furniture that we’ve inherited. This has given me a new perspective. I also wanted to say congratulations on the lovely “Layla Mint” by Miss Mustard Seed! I love the softness and have an idea for a couple of twin beds I might be able to use it on. Love Marian’s blog and yours as well. Will be keeping you and Kevin in our prayers as you journey towards your little Sweet P!
Your “idea” pics look AMAZING Layla. Your decorating is so awesome and I can so visualize it all!!!! So exciting:)
And so happy things are starting to move forward for sweet p:)
Lisa
Layla,
Love the tables together…great idea you had there. How exciting that you and Kevin will get to go meet Sweet P soon…so very happy for y’all!!
Blessings,
Linda