I love our baby’s room.

It’s bright and cheerful…

 

 

And meaningful.

Every piece of artwork and furniture has a story.

This is the rocking chair I found on the side of the road. Mr. R and I worked together to refinish it. He gave me the monogrammed cushion for Christmas last year.

That painting on the wall was done by my grandmother. She was an artistic soul. I miss her.

That fun little ribbon and book page garland I found at a boutique booth with Jackson’s birth mom. We were both enchanted by it and how it was accomplished.

It’s my favorite little nook in our house. Before I broke my arm, Jackson and I would sneak away for an hour or so just to rock-a-bye and sing and have a little quiet time. (Rocking is not comfortable for either one of us with this cast on!)

This branded piece of wood honors one of Jackson Cameron’s namesakes–my great grandfather. He was a hard working and good looking blacksmith who made The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s brand for their livestock, etc.

Then there are his little buddies at the foot of his bed. These were given to us by family members and friends.

Each of my boys has a sock monkey in their room. In January, we sent all the birth moms sock monkey pillow slippers to help them get through the last of the winter months.

Which brings us to the sheep. Jackson’s birth mom LOVES sheep. She gave him the one on the right and has a matching one as well. And to top it all off? My grandfather was a sheep farmer!

In keeping with the sheep theme inspired by his birth mother, I asked A Vintage Poster to do some custom artwork for Jackson’s room and, of course, a matching set for his birth mom.

These prints were designed specifically for Jackson and his birth mom. The baby sheep is on the left, the mommy sheep is on the right.

In the middle is the quote, “And then, just love.”

While hanging out a couple weeks before placement, Jackson’s birth grandma asked his birth mom what the plan was. His birth mom mentioned a few specific things about the hospital and placement. She finished her response with, “And then, just love.”

I was so touched by her words and the promise they held for the uniting of our families.

______________________

I was totally impressed with A Vintage Poster–their willingness to work within my short time frame, their custom designs, adjusting to my feedback and their packaging was totally divine. (Seriously, I would buy a print just for the packaging.)

I have been dying to share A Vintage Poster with you and today is the day!

I am giving away THREE 11 x 14″ prints–two from her site (good luck choosing) and one custom that she will make just for you.

I know, it’s a dreamy!

 

This giveaway is being hosted by Rafflecopter. Enter below.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Will you be my valentine?

Sent these valentines to our families–including birth families–in post card form.

I hope they get a giggle out of them. We sure had a blast making them.

Here’s a peek at the full Valentine package that each of the birth moms got. Those mini books are from Printstagram and they come in duplicates so you send one to Birth Mom and keep one for the kiddo’s memory box.

I know this idea is too late for you to share with your child’s birth family, but I like my kids’ birth moms to be surprised by what arrives in the mail to them. I hate for them to see it on my blog first. Just pin the above image for next year!

More birth parent gift ideas from R collection.

Compilation video of items we have sent to birth families.

 

 

Don’t you love getting Christmas cards?

It’s one of my favorite things about the holidays! But what do you do with all those beautiful cards?

Since we have an Art Gallery on the back of the door where I would usually hang our holiday cards, we do something a little bit different.

 

Across the curtain rod in my kitchen, I hang a piece of yarn. (Hint: Make it pretty taut as the yarn will stretch as you add more cards to it.)

As the cards come pouring in, just attach them to the yarn with a paperclip. By the end of the season, they run about 3 deep in some places, but I love the colorful, festive “bunting” it makes in my eating area.

Merry Christmas Card Season!