I’ve mentioned on numerous occasions that I have the greatest friends. As we prepare to bring two little girls home, I’m reminded of this over and over again. Whether it’s driving me places (we’ve been sharing one car), running errands I don’t have time for, giving generously to us in various ways, or helping with projects and the costs of our trips, I’m blown away by the generosity of our friends and family.
Another case in point: My talented talented friend Beth flew in from Toronto yesterday to paint the girls’ room. I had some ideas in mind, but since she’s a professional at this stuff, I’ve been relying a lot on her direction and suggestions. She knows my general vision: keep it simple; use soft, soothing colors; make it a relaxing, healing space. I don’t want busy patterns or tons of bright, stimulating colors. I did agree to let her paint a subtle sky ceiling, and it’s turning out really nice. I’ll have to show you the end result when we’re done.
B, who is beyond excited about being a dad, is eager to be part of all the details and decisions — and luckily, we mostly agree on how things should be and look. He even made the final decision on the wall color we’re going to use. It’s often best that way; if decisions like that are left to me, it can take weeks.
So, the next couple of days will involve lots of painting, planning, perhaps a trip to IKEA and Lowes, and some catch-up time with an old friend over wine and good food. This will distract me from missing my husband too much: He’s off to Kentucky later today to visit his mom. In another act of generosity, she’s giving us one of her cars, which Brian will drive home at the end of his trip. The extra wheels will come in handy very soon.
Do generous friends and family humble you? Oh, and I’ve got another question: Do you have any favorite stores or brands for toddler bedding — especially in the organic cotton department?
Here are a few items I wanted to share with you:
- My sister Kate told me about these fabulous toy storage bins and I love them.
- Aren’t these lampshades adorable?
- More than you’d ever want to know about toxins in crib mattresses.
- Late last year I won a gift certificate to this lovely letterpress shop on Design Mom, and I may get a couple prints for the girls’ room. What’s your favorite?
- Ever searching for a perfect brownie, I have to give these a try.
- Ethiopia’s long-reigning prime minister passed away this week.
Have a slow weekend and see you back here on Monday!
Image: Zoe Saint-Paul
Hello, I'm Zoe Saint-Paul. I'm a writer, life coach, and new mama to twins who's trying to live "slower" in a speed-obsessed world. Here we chat about life and love, food and design, and everything in between -- all at the right pace. So grab some tea, pull up a chair, and join the conversation. Feel free to 
I had two fabulous friends who helped me paint before we brought our kids home. We switched the boys’ and girls’ rooms in order to make room for a crib, so it was quite an undertaking. All for a few bottles of wine!
As for organic cotton toddler bedding, I’ve been really happy with everything I’ve bought from a company called Lifekind. And I’ve had my eye on their adorable toddler pillows for a long time: http://www.lifekind.com/index.php/site_category_product/147/?from=27
So excited for you as you prepare space for your sweet daughters!
We have those toy storage bins–the fox and the raccoon. I actually use the fox for a baby laundry hamper, as it’s super easy to toss stuff in that nice, wide top, and it’s laminated on the inside for quick wipedowns when the laundry is of the messier variety. Love them.