AK"s Pinkalicious Room

AK is a passionate girl, who is passionate for pink, bananas, and ice cream.  She has wanted a Pink Room forever, and why not grant her wish.  After all, how often do you get to grant someone's wish.  Although AK was less than enthusiastic about the pink surprise, she loves how her room turned out.

AK's room was the office/family room/Renovation Command Center before we moved her in.  Other than some new windows this room was barely touched during the renovation. I could not wait to decorate a girl's room.  The Chalet Renovation swallowed up much of the cash, so I had to do this on a tiny budget.  I was inspired by Serena and Lily's bedding and color combinations. 

Here is the before:

 

And with new bedding and a bookshelf to display her favorite books, and provide easy access to bedtime reading.  She still has a few more throw pillows coming, because every bed needs a hundred throw pillows.

We found this antique dresser at an estate sale, and I just knew it would be perfect if it was made over.  It provides just the right dainty touch to her room. 

The very drab corner before...

 And after, with some snazzy curtains.   I still need to reupholster the chair, but for now Zoey loves to hide underneath the fabric I draped over the chair.  See how AK has those lovely corner windows?  The deer love to rub their necks on the corner of the house and their antlers scratch the windows.   More than once, AK has been woken up by the deer scratching themselves on the corner of the house.  On nights when her evil parents put her to bed before she is sleepy, she likes to sit in her chair and open her window and talk to the neighbors as they come home from their evening outings. 

I fell in love with this crazy fabric and just had to make it into curtains.  It is perfect for the Chalet, with it's mountain and cabin scenes in vibrant pink and greens. 

  

Mr. Man is convinced I bought it for this detail, the hot pink deer!  Maybe I should dye Rupert Hot Pink?

 This dresser was a wedding gift from my mom when I got married.  It's over 100 years old and I love it.  It presented such a challenge, because I didn't think it would work in a pink room. 

But I think it kind of works in the room... Yes?  No?

My very favorite detail of the room is this bright pink chandelier.  My neighbor was actually tossing this ivory and gold chandelier and I happily took it off her hands.   Two coats of spray paint later, it became the pièce de résistance for AK's room.

AK loves her new room, and there is no confusing that this room belongs to AK.  It is absolutely a room filled with her personality.   

 

Now that AK's room is done, I can move on to another room.  I think the living room is next!

Through an artist's eye

It had rained all morning, and then the sun came out while AK and I were running errands.  We  walked by this parking lot of shopping carts and AK gasps, "Mom it's so beautiful! Look!" 

And so we stood there for 10 minutes marveling at the beauty of the silver and red glistening in the sun. 

 

She has the eye of an artist and sees the good and beautiful in the world, which is a gift.  I just hope I can do her creative spirit justice in helping her pursue and develop her talents.

The Garbage Show

Ever since AK was little, she has loved garbage trucks.  When she was little, we would sit outside and watch the garbage trucks haul our trash away.  Now at the Chalet, AK has the perfect viewing spot from the kitchen table.   Even better she can see the truck coming up the street from almost any window.   

 You can hear her screams and whoops, "The Garbage Show is starting!  The Garbage Show!" as she runs to sit on the table.   And the night before garbage day she tells me, "Tomorrow is the Garbage Show, tonight I'll dream of rows of garbage cans."   You know what they say... one man's garbage is another man's show.

Dissappointingly Pink

AK has wanted a pink room forever and a day.  One day my brother's wife looked me squarely in the eye and said, "Look, as the aunt, I'm laying down the law, she wants a pink room, so give her a pink room." I've learned over the years, you don't mess with the aunts or the aunties.  Plus AK's room has been a disaster since she moved in last year. It was formerly the office aka Chalet Construction Headquarters, and is wired to launch a rocket.  It needs a makeover, and it's in the works, just wait until you see the new bedding!  Step one is paint.

 

 Once I figured out the color I wanted, I went to town on AK's "long day" at school and dance.   She had NO idea I was painting her room, and I thought it would be a fun surprise.  Mr. Boy even pitched in.

Zoey tried to help, or more like made a mess. It seems like common sense to not paint around a puppy, but somehow I didn't think she would get into the paint.  I was wrong, and do you know what happens when you scream and try to tackle a puppy covered in pink paint?  They run, wiggle, and shake, splattering pink paint everywhere.   The upside, now she matches AK's room!

 Finally, it was done and we picked up AK.  Mr. Boy and I couldn't wait to show her the finished project. 

 We told her we had a surprise for her and brought her into her room.... Ta Dah!

 

 Uh oh!  Why the frown?  Apparently, kids consider surprises to be "toys", not necessarily paint.  Good thing to know, looks  like AK won't be on one of those Presto Chang-o HGTV shows, and that's okay.  The next morning she woke up and saw her pink walls, and woke up with a smile.  They made her happy, and that's all I wanted, even if it took a few hours to get there.  

Something to celebrate

On the eve of AK's sixth birthday, her very first tooth wiggled it's way out.  She was beyond excited and wanted to write a letter to the tooth fairy, which included thought provoking questions such as, "Do you like Sharks? Did I lose my sweet tooth?" 

On her birthday we had friends over to swim, and that evening we went out to In-N-Out  and had cupcakes.  See that massive pile of gifts, I only bought one of those gifts.  Mr. Man totally spoils his girls and he came home with a plethora of gifts for AK.  

She made her wish and I'm pretty sure it was for a "pink horse with friendly brown eyes". 

 The following day it was a day of love as Mr. Man and I celebrated our wedding anniversary.  Mr. Man took me to a swanky dinner on the town, while Auntie Cinnamon babysat.  While we were gone, the kids got to work decorating the house.

 This is my favorite, with the kids and dogs. 

While we were at dinner, Mr. Man and I paused to remember that six years ago we brought this cute girl home from the hospital on our tenth anniversary.  She was the best anniversary gift ever.  We didn't want to leave her while we went out for dinner, so we brought her with us and just went out for Ice Cream later that night.  The store was just getting ready to close, and Mr. Man, pleaded, "Please it's our 10th Anniversary, and we just brought this baby home from the hospital."

   

They obliged and Mr. Man and I toasted ten years of marriage over a Hot Fudge Sundae. Originally, I had high expectations of a swanky dinner, possibly a vacation for our 10th anniversary.  However, sitting in a strip mall Baskin Robbins with a brand new baby in my arms with my husband seemed like no better way to celebrate the occasion. 

AK turns six!

Dearest AK, 

On the occasion of your sixth birthday, I sit down to write you a note to tell you how much I love you.  Six years ago today, you were placed in my arms and I knew you were the piece of my heart that had been missing.  You have a spunky personality and are such an amazing gift to our family. You have a zest for life that is contagious and you are such a genuinely happy girl. 

You have a flair for drama, and will make up the most amazing stories.  I have had many people tell me you need to go in show business, and they might be right.  This summer, we went to see a movie, and you later re enacted an entire scene verbatim for you dad. We have been instructed to help you "find your passion" and at this point it is hard to narrow it down. 

You are passionate about so many things, horses, singing, dancing, and you have the biggest imagination.  This past year you have told many sob stories to strangers, teachers, and friends that have resulted in many phone calls that start with, "AK was telling me all about.... "  People are amazed at your imaginative story telling, and have asked if I ever thought about having you write soap operas.

 

 Last year I was unsure whether or not I should send you to Kindergarten, my gut knew that you weren't ready, but you were so social, it seemed like we should give it a try.  Hooray! You get to do Kindergarten again this year!  AK listen to your gut, it always knows the right answer, however I do not regret sending you to Kindergarten when I did.  We learned a lot about you and it gave everyone time to figure out how we can best help you.  AK, there are struggles that lay ahead for you, but you need to listen to me very carefully.... You are going to be OKAY. 

 

AK, you have this resilient strong and fighting spirit that you have had since the day you were born.  You have an unbelievable will to survive and conquer.  You have a feisty spirit and I love it.  You do not back down when it is important, and will hold your ground.  Here is the best thing I love about you AK, something I struggle with... If it is not important to you, you will give in.  You let it go, which is a concept that I'm still struggling with as an adult.

 Kindergarten was challenging this year, especially the early start time.  You love your beauty sleep and did not like to be woken up.  Many mornings I dressed you while you slept and even popped you into the car while dozing.  You go to bed early,  so it's not like we just kept you up too late, you just really love your sleep.  It takes a lot of energy to be you, and so you needed that time to recharge.  There are some nights though, you just want to party all night.  We can't figure out what causes it, but there are some evenings you stay up in your room singing to yourself until midnight.  The neighbors have also noticed your late nights as they have heard the window open and a little voice saying, "Helloooooooooo."  You love to ask them where they were and if they had fun.  They always encourage you to go to bed, but you like to tell them, "I can't sleep, tell me a story." 

 

You will try anything once and are eager to do anything that puts you in the spotlight.  This past summer while in San Francisco, we drove slowly down the windy Lombard Street.  With the windows rolled down, I taught you the funniest thing ever invented.  You leaned out and in your sweet voice, said, "Pardon me" to all the tourists who were standing on the sidewalk snapping pictures, "Do you have any Grey Poupon?" You never batted an eye and we all laughed hysterically. 

 AK, I want you to know how much we love you.  You have taught me so much about life and I hope I can teach you some things in return.  We live in the most amazing place and the world is full of opportunities.  I hope your self confidence and spunky spirit never fades. I pray it will carry you through Junior High and High School, and you can emerge your teenage years filled with the self confidence to be a success in the world. 

I love you, 

Mom

First Day of Pre K..

Somewhere along the line, AK's first day of school pics were uploaded but never published. Forgive me girly girl... Here is the first day of school breakdown. In an effort to break you of your dress habit, I bribed you into wearing shorts with the promise of ice cream. You also demanded "Two Ponies" in your hair. (ponytails)
Somehow, I misplaced the shoes we bought at our annual back to school shopping trip, so we had to run out the night before to get new tennis shoes. School kind of snuck up on me, due to the awesome laziness of our summer days and I felt horribly disorganized. You love that these have a star and real laces. We took our annual pic in front of the sign, and you were anxious to run off to be with your friends and your teacher, who you love, love, love. You have three pals in your class who you've known forever... ALL BOYS! When I left, I had a flashback to the many times I have fretted over milestones, and here you are talking in ginormous monologues all the while balancing on one foot. It seems silly that I worried about when you would walk and talk, obsessed over your weight in grams. Those days are far behind you. Mr. Boy was stoked that he hadn't started school yet, but wore his old school shirt to show his support. That entire morning he asked, "When is it time to pick up AK?" You were excited to tell us all about your day when we picked you up, and kept saying how you got to do things because "I'm bigger this year, because I'm four."

Raising a Little Shopaholic....

An old friend of mine recently had a baby girl and I am so thrilled for them. My automatic reaction was "Ohhhh congrats... and you will never be wealthy... little girls clothes are more costly and more powerful than Kryptonite." Just in case anyone needed some photographic evidence of such... Here is AK's little shoebox of a closet crammed full of dresses. I'm really hoping the next house has a couple of giant closets, one for me, another for my beloved shoes, and one for AK. I think Mr. Man & Mr. Boy can share some hall cupboard somewhere...

Farewell long wispy curls...

Remember this cute picture with her long-ish locks.And it was two years ago AK had absolutely no hair during a tough few months. I had big plans this week to take a pic of AK and Santa and compare them side by side with this picture, along with a tribute to how far AK has come in the last two years. We tried and tried, and AK, as always, was a total trooper. So was Mr. Man who took over for me and told AK stories to take her mind off on the tugging and twisting going on. Finally, after we used every concotion and pulled out several tools from the toolbox, we came to the decision that the only viable option was scissors.

And while it is so incredibly short... it is really cute!

You are all Invited....

Who: AK's Wild Party....

Where: AK & Mr. Boy's Room

When: 4AM

I heard footsteps, then giggling, lots of thumps and thunking. At first I thought we were being robbed and cursed the dogs for being useless. Then I heard music... that was when I knew the kids were up to no good. A quick glance at the clock to see that it was 4AM. I walked in to see AK making "a big nest with all our toys". Mr. Boy was awake but curled up in a blanket on the floor. AK was dancing around ready to start her day. There are NO PARTIES at 4am in this house! I tucked them both back in bed and turned out the lights for a few more hours of zzzz's. I couldn't resist taking a picture of the aftermath once the sun finally rose. AK has such a zest for life. When she wakes up in the morning, she gets out of bed and takes off running. You always know when she is awake, because you hear her running around the house at top speed. Mr. Boy, Mr. Man, The Dogs, and myself like to lay in bed and chill for a bit while we work up the courage to face a new day and leave our peaceful slumber behind.

Imaginative Play

A few months ago, we were discussing AK's growth and development, and we both were concerned about whether or not she was given enough opportunities to develop an imagination. Mr. Boy, a born leader, is usually leading playtime....

With Mr. Boy in school 5 days a week, along with a social calendar with playdates and birthday parties, AK has had some much needed time at home to play with her toys uninterrupted. Mr. Man and I were in our home office staring at our hard hit stock portfolio trying to will it back to life, while AK happily played at our feet. We both turned our attention away from finances, and watched our little girl narrate the most elaborate story, through song and words. Apparently, the cow& sheep are driving cars to see their friends in the Wizard of Oz. After watching her for some time, our fears have subsided... and again we are amazed at how far she has come.

AK turns Three

Dear AK,

It is on the occasion of your third birthday that I write to you. I cannot help but think back to the first few months of your life and remark at how far you have come. You are in one word, "thriving." A word I desperately wanted to hear uttered by the medical staff that helped you during those first eight months. You have overcome incredible odds to be where you are today and we are so grateful for you.

Physically, you have grown by leaps and bounds. One year ago you were running around in size 12-18 months and looked like thisCurrently, you wear the size 4T. Your growth spurt has left us with boxes of brand new unworn clothing because you simply grew too fast to wear them. However, no complaints from us, we are thrilled to see you thriving. Secretly, we think it is all the premium dog food you have ingested. I have watched you wander outside and grab a tomato and a handful of strawberries to eat from the yard on numerous occasions and caught you snacking on dog food. Totally gross, but mildly comical and it will come in handy if we ever need to tell embarrassing stories about you later in life.

Your joy is contagious and you often will fall over with laughter. We have recently spent some time watching a television show that involves people falling off big giant rubber balls and have laughed so hard together as a family that you told me, "My tummy hurts, no more laughing". As we watch you laugh and embrace life we are reminded that life is too short not to marvel at the small things and laugh at the funny parts. You have a great time wherever you are and are not afraid to make your own fun. You are fearless, which has made for scary moments as we watch you hurl your tiny body off tall steps. You enjoy jumping off things, tables, the jungle gym, and the bed. You rode the Matterhorn at Disneyland and laughed during the whole thing while I clutched onto you and screamed. AK, don't lose that gift of being fearless. It will provide many great opportunities in your lifetime.
This year you have discovered the joys of pretending to be a Princess. You love to watch movies about Princesses, read about them, dress up and meet them. Often people have told you, "Oh what a pretty princess you are!" and you will always correct them. "I'm not a princess, I'm AK". You have a strong sense of self and take ever opportunity to assert yourself. You will fight to get your way and are willing to take on whoever dares get in the way. You are also very girly, but also have a strong tomboy streak. You have a fascination for "didosaurs" aka dinosaurs and love to play with cars. We love your well rounded personality. For your birthday you requested at first a Princess Party, which quickly morphed into a "Dinosaur Princess Waterslide Party with Nachos". It is the perfect event for your birthday, it embraces the sweet girly, the fiercely independent personality and your fearless nature. This year you've becoming increasingly more social. We've thought that as a second child you would love one on one attention, however it has become more obvious that you want to play with more people your own age. You attended summer camps these past few weeks and I have NEVER seen you more happy than when you are playing in a group of people your own age.
I have watched with joy and horror as you imitate me as a mother. You aren't discriminating and imitate my good and bad behavior. I have learned not to curse or make gestures while driving this year as I caught you imitating me in the rearview mirror. I have also watched you with Baby Roller Hand and seen my moves and words imitated. It has made me a better mom, because I am much more aware of my actions. Also, this year, your language has grown by leaps and bounds. You went from uttering the phrase "Mine" to complete sentences. Last year you acquired Pink Cowboy boots because you rarely talked and pointed at them and said, "Mine". Also, our favorite phrase you said earlier this year was "Here bop!" instead of "Here you go". Your dad simply cannot get enough of hearing you utter the words "Dee-Do" instead of Thank you.

We would be remiss if we didn't comment on your eating habits. You would be in utter bliss if you only ate bananas or ketchup. It is the only thing you actually request to eat. We were looking over an old letter from your beloved birthmom who wrote that while you were in utero she craved bananas non-stop. Also, when we pretend the banana is a telephone, that joke for the last 730 days or so has NOT gotten old. Thankfully, you still find us amusing.

On this day, we take time to pause and give thanks for the birthparents who placed you into our arms. We love them in such an undescribable way and they love you more than you will ever realize. Adoption is an amazing thing AK, I hope you can one day grow up to understand that it intertwines two families forever, and essentially doubles the amount of people who love and are cheering for you. It is a decision that was made out of a love so deep and intense for you. I cannot imagine the courage that it took your birthparents. I hope you inherit their courageous spirit, and have seen snippets of it in you already.

With Love,

Mommy