Our lil J isn't so little anymore.

I'm starting to understand "simplify" on a whole new level. Living simply, means living in the moment more consistently and having an awareness that allows the days to linger a bit more. Slowing time and savoring the remaining days we have with our kiddos home is always a good idea!

Lil J is walking; saying ma-ma, da-da, ba-ba; waving hi, bye & night-night. She now giggles with an impish smile and continues with whatever she's told "no" to (not such a great thing, but I still find it funny, lil imp). She's into everything these days, ever curiouser. She lunges for her sibs when they arrive home from school or anywhere else and squeals with delight. She loves to be chased & chase (crawling). Still loves her game of peek-a-boo and raises the blankets over her head herself so well. Still does her "arms up" wave at the dinner table as well as any other time the urge strikes her fancy. Lil J has just started talking and playing with her lil glo-bear in her crib when she wakes in the morning. Love listening to those sweet sounds of her discovery & playing.

We worked hard to get her on a good schedule before DH and I headed out for a much needed mommy & daddy vacation. (More about that later...) Thankfully it worked and she did wonderfully while we were gone! She's a dream to put down for naps & bedtime these days. Such a wonderful blessing! This mommy really appreciates her beauty sleep and her Lil J.

N is all about video gaming and sports. He's all boy and always has been, but now he's on the cusp of those tween years at 10 1/2. He desires a more grown up space of sorts to fuel his passions and as a more private hang out for the occasional friend to join him in his gaming pursuits.

inspiration pics:

I recently read that a couple should keep their room all about them. When it comes to the decor of the space that is. This is the vein my thoughts have been frequenting for some time now. As much as any and every parent loves their kids and as frequently as their kids intrude into their couples' space on a daily basis, the room really should reflect and be about the couple and their relationship with one another. It is the sanctuary in which they retreat each night together to and the cocoon from which they rise and begin each new day from.

With those thoughts here is some eye candy. Things that are inspiring me on the journey to our new shared space:

For those who've been wondering why the need for kids' room inspiration and where is this going....
It seems in a growing family that change truly is the only constant. Growth and change of the individuals that make up the family = more changes for the household.

So here's a summary of what's coming on the bedroom front at our house:
Our boys ages 10 1/2 and newly 9 yrs, have desired to have more individual space for some time now (several years now). In an effort to keep expenses down, we decided that swapping bedrooms might be the surest solution to the challenge as opposed to an expensive move and upsizing our home's footprint. Likewise our eldest DD has desired to share space with her new younger sister (lil J). Our former master bedroom will become the boys' new shared space (aka: kid hangout). The kid hang out will include a shared desk space for the boys (to create and later do homework at); organized shared toy storage; a couple cozy chairs & a game table for board games and a video gaming nook. Lil J's nursery (formerly tiny master WIC) will become big J's bed nook (tiny bedroom). We'll finish off half of our attic (under eave) storage space on the back side of the old master for N's new bedroom. Our master will move to the smallest bedroom that formerly belonged to C. With the recent addition of a family closet on the main level we no longer need extra space for dressers & such in our room.The girls (C & lil J) will move in together into the boys' former room.

inspiring words/phrases:
masculine neutrals, pops of color, raw edged, comfortable, livable, classic, edgy/funky, typography, stripes, fun, quirky, so them (N & J), rotating kids art display, award/trophy wall of fame, board game table & chairs, organized toy storage, longevity, hang out


pics: