Rowing with Kermit

1 week to create and 2 years late

Like all new parents, I was imagining my baby's nursery long before she was born.  All the cute little baby things and decorations.  However, I knew it would never happen.  We didn't have a bedroom for her.  Her big brother was occupying the only other room in the house.  Now, 2 years later, her big brother is off to college and I have an empty room, a blank canvas, and a precocious little girl about to turn TWO!  The wonderful thing about waiting until your child is older, is that I know her personality so well, I know what colors she loves, and what her favorite books are already.  This was ALL about her. 

It took me only one week to prep, paint, floor, and decorate.  I give credit to Eric for installing the carpet.  A few more touches of bookshelves and toy storage and it will be totally complete.  I absolutely LOVED making this room.   I also loved how excited she was to see it transform into her own space.  Josie calls it the "Yay-yo Room".  Today she gets to jump on her bed for the first time.  I will remember this always. 

Here are some before and after shots

 

Maine and then some

Every summer since I can remember, my family has spent their summer days on a lake in Maine. We started out just renting "camps" on varied lakes in central Maine, until my folks finally found their perfect lake cabin to purchase several years ago. Up until my daughter was born, it was just another camp in Maine to me. As grown-ups, we would go there to swim, eat lobsters, drink beer, and sit around swatting mosquitoes while our brains ceased to think about obligations for a few lovely days. Perhaps take in an occasional kayak ride or catching up on that book I kept meaning to read. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? I was completely BORED OUT OF MY MIND. Who was I kidding?! I hate sitting around and doing nothing. And I especially don't get my kicks from bored games (which there is no shortage of). I remember as a kid swimming until dark, eating large quantities of ice cream, creating adventures on and off the water, and sleeping on a squeaky old mattress that felt better than my bed at home. As a kid, the camp was a never-ending playground. How quickly it disappeared as adults.

BUT! This summer, it all came back. Just like holidays and birthdays, the Maine camp is all about the kids. My daughter is almost 2 and she got her first real taste of a Maine summer for an entire two weeks. Endless days of water, boating, beaches, exploring, and ice cream. THIS is the reason why the Maine camp is going to carry on for generations. All of the things that I remember....she will remember, too. If you haven't ever experienced life at a Maine camp with your kids, make it a must do. Just ask around and I guarantee you will find somebody who has a Maine camp with open doors for you. And don't forget to bring KIDS!

Here are few snippets from our trip. You can click HERE to view the entire album.