“We shape our dwellings, and
afterwards our dwellings shape us.”
-Sir Winston Churchill
*****
The construction is done in our little one’s room, so I’ll start caulking and painting today.
I walked in there yesterday afternoon…just to sweep and dream for a bit.
I think I swept more dreams than dust. 😉
It’s in those moments that I can really feel the future of this space.
We haven’t received the invitation to travel this month, so it’s looking more and more like we’ll be bonding with our babe in February or March.
Truth be told, I’ve never felt like it was going to be January.
I’ve always felt late February.
Secret be told, my Grandma showed me February 26 in a dream last year. She held out her tiny, old wristwatch (which I still have) and there it was, clear as a bell, engraved onto the back side: 2-26.
The morning after I had the dream, I got up and went straight for the watch.
Nope.
No date.
Hmmmmmm? Could it be the day? The day we’re officially matched with our boy? The day that we travel to Haiti?
Feels weird to type that out loud, but who knows, right?
Shaping dwellings is my passion, but when I stand in his room, I can feel my passion aligning with a Purpose…no matter which pillows and paint colors I choose. 🙂
PS- For those wondering, the old shutter doors are 100% sealed (multiple times) and 100% chip-proof thanks to a product called Peel Stop. Once they had fully cured, Brian the Carpenter found it difficult to even scrape off a small section of the surface with his (very sharp) utility knife so that he could install the hinges. Peel Stop creates a very hard and protective surface, so I feel very comfortable about the everyday handling, and opening & closing of these doors. 🙂
You’re so cute! I love that you had that dream. Little prayers going up that God does more than you ever imagined and that works out. What a gift that would be! X0X0
Thank you, Julie! I appreciate your prayers so much, and can’t wait to share the next update with you! 😀
Love those kinds of dreams! Glad you typed it out loud. Here’s to your Haiti trip and God’s perfect timing.
Thank you, Jamie! I am glad I typed it out loud now, too. I guess we’ll find out soon enough, huh? 😀
I love that room and I’m a huge believer in “the dream”! Best of luck!
Thank you! We’ll see what happens! 😀
It is turning out so awesome. You definitely have a talent, as does Brian the Carpenter in making your vision materialize. I am looking forward to seeing the finished room and “meeting” its lucky occupant soon. Bless you, bless the lucky child that gets you and Kevin, and bless the room and all that dwells within it.
Thank you, Pam! I thank my lucky stars for Brian! I always tell him he knows exactly how to take a “dream” to a “done!”. 😀
I think this is absolutely my favorite post of your’s. The room is simply gorgeous, but its the emotion, the anticipation, and the love that makes it even more beautiful! I cannot wait until you have your little man snuggled tight in your arms!
You are so sweet to say that, Sarah! Thank you for being such a day maker! 🙂
Intuition is a strong thing for a mother. Can’t wait to meet your precious little one and see that room all ready.
Hi Stacey! I love what you wrote about intuition. Gave me the chills! 😀
Absolutely in love with the details so far in this space! What a sweet and perfect room for your little human. 🙂
Thank you, Mary! I feel blessed to share this journey here, and am so touched by all over your sweet messages. XO 🙂
Congrats Layla. The room is looking great. Please give us more detailed instructions on constructing a basic bookshelf like these.
Thank you, Billy! Unfortunately, I’m no carpenter and wasn’t in the room for most of the construction of them, but I will talk a little bit about what types of wood Brian used in the episode I’m shooting for TDN about this room. I’ll let you know when that’s up and running so you can check it out if you’d like! 🙂
You have such a way with transforming rooms. I LOVE your style and the storage/bookcase (and walls) are beautiful. Your little boy will feel like heaven’s on earth in that room. And then to wake up and see his mom and dad…too much–I have tears! He will be a blessing to you as you are to him. What a lucky child this boy will be! 🙂
Thank you, Kristin! Always so fun to see your name pop up here! I appreciate your kind comments so much, and can’t thank you enough for the encouragement you’ve shared with me and the other folks that visit. You are cherished! XO
I can’t wait to see this beautiful room finished…I can imagine how wonderful it’s going to look! Thanks for sharing your dream…keeping fingers crossed that it will be the day!!
Thank you, Amanda Mae! You are so sweet, and MY what a pretty name you have! I love it! 😀
I got all teary-eyed reading this. I’m excited for this faith journey you’re on….for what God is bringing you.
Thank you so much, Tiffany. I am teary-eyed and excited a lot these days, too! 😀
Looks amazing!!! Love the doors. Thanks for the tip on Peel Stop.
Hi Jessica! 😀 Thank you for the comment…and high five to Peel Stop! 😀
You mentioned shine in your last post… is the overcoat on the doors shiny?
Love love the textiles and doors etc. Love your exciting adventure even more! Enjoy it!
Thank you, Ally! XO 😀
I am so glad you mentioned that you had sealed the shutters because I was about to jump on my lead paint soapbox. Please keep an eye on any dust that might be created where areas rub- we renovated an old home and after discovering lead paint took both our children to the Dr.- they both had elevated levels of lead in their systems- fortunately we were able to do the chelation with diet instead of meds. They told us dust created around the window where the paint was rubbed while opening and closing the windows was quite the culprit. Love the look but please be watchful! SO excited for y’all!
Will do! Brian shimmed them up really well so there isn’t any rubbing, but I will watch for that in the future for sure!
Started to follow your blog about a year ago and love your sense of style and love every detail in your decorating. Your former home and current home are fabulous. More importantly so impressed by how you and your husband live your life’s. The child that will occupy this beautiful room is very fortunate to have such wonderful parents. Thank you for sharing your journey.
You are very kind to say that, Kathy. 🙂 I am grateful for every word. XO
Beautiful post Layla…I know all about feeling the future, as we did for over seven years but more so when we were deeply invested in our paper pregnancy. I can’t say I knew the date, but I did know we would have a boy…never even came up with a girl’s name! That’s mother’s intuition, my dear, and you are getting an early dose of it. Welcome to the club!
Thank you, Mary! That is so interesting and I am smiling from ear to ear over here! 😀
Hoping and praying it’s February 26th!
Looking good!
The dream thing! A few years ago I probably would have scoffed at that – BUT when I was pregnant with my first son I had a CRAZY vivid dream about a baby, and when Jack was born I laughed at myself because he didn’t look ANYTHING like my dream baby. Fast forward another two years, my youngest son Luke was born – and he was the exact baby I dreamt about. Foofy dark hair and all! So hey – who knows – maybe the 26th is the day!
I LOVE IT, Bekah!!! Thank you for sharing that with all of us! 😀 PS- #Foofy
You just gave me goosebumps. I am glad that you are content, and that when the time comes, you will be prepared.
Thank you, Jen! XO 😀
Your son’s room is awesome! I cannot wait to see your finishing touches! I love your design style and I always love to see what you create. I love the story of your dream as well. I hope that late February will be the time when your precious son comes home:)
Thank you, Erica! We probably still have a little over a year to go in our adoption process, but we are exciting about meeting our little one SOON! 😀
Love the shelving unit!!!! The doors look so cool!!! May I make a suggestion (in case it’s not already done). I couldn’t tell from the photo, but there appears to be a space between the shelf bottom and the floor. You might want to have a board added underneath a couple of inches back from the “feet”. Otherwise, you’ll be down there trying to get little cars, legos, balls out from under the shelf. I had that happen with a shelf and a playful puppy!!! I spent so much time trying to retrieve toys!!! Can’t wait to hear you got your date to travel!!!!!!!
Hey Sherri! There is actually a board under there already. I realized that you couldn’t see it very well in these photos and wondered if anyone would mention it- LOL! 😀
I love the quotes in the past few blogs. I somewhat feel like I’m reading your diary and I feel truly honoured to be a part of it.
I am so excited for you guys and wish every possible blessing as well as ‘perfect timing’ of a divine kind for you.
For me there’s a healing (past) and a hoping (future) and learning (present) in being a part of this – and I thank you deeply for being brave to share so openly with myself and all of us. I am filled with gratitude for your sharing.
I pray you and yours will know a peaceful, joyful, loving, family life and have many excellent adventures that take you all over this beautiful planet. There are SO many incredible parts to being a parent, many that left me in utter awe of the adventure. I pray you will experience the same and more.
From Barbara Coloroso (books for parents) to Robert Munsch and Roald Dahl (children’s books – must to be read with funny voices and accents!) to Disney Movies that make you think (Meet the Robinson’s – great for adoptive/step families) to re-learning how to play (finger paints and play dough and lego – woohoo!) to exploring this wonderful world, I wish you deep peace in your soul, pure joy in your heart, patience and energy at each turn and God’s love always.
May the adventure continue!
Maryjane
in Manitoba, Canada
P.S. thank you for opening my eyes to a new style of home décor.
What a beautiful little room. I love love love how its coming together!! This little boy is already blessed and he doesnt even know it yet, Im a firm believer in dreams, so the February date means something. We’ll just have to wait and see what that it 🙂
Layla, I am so very touched by your words. They are are pure poetry telling of God’s touch in your life. Dreams, felt right, are one mode of communication from God. I believe it will be late February too. Bless you.
Great story! When we were on our honeymoon in Cabo, we went into a little chapel, and I prayed for a baby. I was 39 and was told at my age, it might take a long time, if at all. WELL—we were baptizing our 6-wk old son on our first anniversary.
Chills when I read your Grandmother & “the date.” Looking forward to your journey of becoming an “us.”
I love it – as I really love your decorating style. Having said that, I must admit that as I looked through this post I got the image in my mind of your child, maybe around kindergarten age, with a friend over to play… friend looks at room and says “why doesn’t your mommy paint your closet? why did she let it get ruined like that?” (your child, schooled in design and style, with haughty look) “its supposed to be like that! Don’t you know anything about style?” 😉
LOL- Alexandra! By that time it’ll actually be MY office, but maybe he can still teach his friends a thing or two. 😀
Layla, I am praying that it is in February. I think the room is wonderful and I can see your baby there. You and Kevin will make wonderful parents. Be blessed and God be with you both through this journey.
I have a valid question……should we be concerned with old painted items coming into the home bc of lead paint?
Hey Donna Kay! I’m not sure if you read the “PS” part of my post, but as long as you thoroughly seal them, it is my understanding that it’s okay to use them. Apparently the danger in lead paint has to do with the dust created while removing it, or actually injesting pieces of it. Using a sealer like Peel Stop prevents both of those things from occurring. Hope that helps! 🙂
So glad to see a post today! My great grandmother always used to say, putting dreams into words make them less of a dream and more of a reality.
I LOVE the built-ins, feeling the need to build some in our future nursery. Also, do you think the Peel Stop would work to seal a kitchen table I just painted white then distressed? Wanting something clear and durable!
Keep little’s room posts coming!
I remember while pregnant with both of my girls, going into their nurseries on a daily basis, and just hanging out, dreaming about the days to come. Congratulations on the adoption!
The room is looking great, and I have to thank you for giving me an idea of what to do with some old shutters I have lying around.
You’re building your nest so beautifully…..now it’s time for the hatching! It’s the warmth of God’s love flowing through you to your little boy that will break open a new world for him. So excited for you and the wonderful blessing you are giving this child.
Layla,
Thank you so much for sharing your dreams and the details of this beautiful special room. I am so happy for you and Kevin, and like everyone else I too can’t wait until it’s all done and we get to see once more, one of your wonderful and extra ordinary creations. It’s been said before but you as well as that little person who will come into your home and be a part of your family are blessed. I will continue to pray for you. Also looking forward to watching the new TDN episode!
What an absolutely beautiful room! I can’t wait to see what you paint the walls with. Taking notes! I so badly need extra character in this sea of drywall house!
Closely following along with your Haiti story. So exciting!
Layla…this one brought tears….the room could be painted purple with green polka dots because I didn’t even look at the pictures…the words were enough.
So beautiful! Thanks for sharing your story! My husband and I can’t have children and it warms my heart hearing this 🙂 you never know how impactful sharing you testimony is! So excited for you; causes my heart to dream a little 🙂 Hebrews 11:1
So happy and excited for you! You deserve all the happiness in the world, sweet girl!!! XOXO
Layla, what a blessing to have a few moments to contemplate those thoughts, dreams and intuition. How very connected you already are to this child! No matter if you are actually in Haiti on that date or not, it will surely hold significance in this journey. Thank you for sharing these very private thoughts with us so that we may share in these special moments with you and Kevin.
A hauntingly poignant post, Layla. I can’t wait to see the results!
I have been following your adoption journey – it brings memories of where we were several years ago. I would stand in our newly decorated nursery and dream as we waited news from overseas. One day in May, I experienced an overwhelming sensation that I was a mom – I said, to a friend, “This might sound crazy, but I have a feeling my baby has been born.” (I noted the date, tho I didn’t put too much stock into it.) Low and behold, when we received our son’s referral several months later – he was born within a day of my comment to my friend. With the date difference between Korea and here, it WAS his birthday. So, although I am one who uses caution when it comes to relying on feelings – in this case, I have always believed God gave me that special sense. Praying that God will give you that special confirmation as well!
OMG Layla . . . This looks awesome!!!!!! I can’t wait to see if you are traveling next month on 2/26 . . . Wouldn’t that just be a hoot?? My gut (intuitition) is thinking you are on to something . . . . . Let’s hope sooooo! Can’t wait to see how the rest comes together . . . the room that is . . . . Love from RI . . . 🙂
oh layla, you gave me chills when you you said your grandma came to visit in a dream and showed you her watch!
Hi Layla,
Love your posts and so excited for your new arrival! Can you please tell me do you caulk where molding meets wall with regular caulk? I’ve been using Dap Patch n Paint and it looks nice for a while, but then starts to crack and looks bad. Thanks in advance for your advice!
Sandra
i cannot think of anything more wonderful to be in that room, dreaming those dreams. you two are blessed. i cannot wait to hear about your trip♥
Passion aligning with Purpose – so beautiful!
Love this “passion aligning with a purpose”!
Full body chills when I read about the date. God Bless you two & your babe!
Is the peel stop matt or does it have a sheen xxx thanks
There’s a wee bit of a sheen, Laura! 🙂
Aw thanks for replying I’m from the uk and will now be trawling amazon for it . Ps . Every time I come on here it make me smile my 6 year old daughters name is also Layla , beautiful name xx
Layla, I LOVE that you put it all out there 🙂 This is one of the sweetest posts ever. Keeping my fingers crossed that you and Kevin are meeting your little guy soon!
The room is looking great I can’t wait to see it finished. I know this is strange since I don’t know you, but when yo posted a while back about possibly going in January, I instantly thought you would be going in February. The Lord works in mysterious ways. So excited for you guys!
I love your blog not only because you are so talented but because the love of God you show in all you do. Thank you for being a great example of Christians!