Maile's Big Girl Room

I've received a lot of Instagram and email requests for photos of the entirety of Maile's room. I've been putting this post off for a long time -- primarily because I never feel like I can call the room officially finished. As I type this, I can think of a beautiful sampler my youngest sister made for Maile, and a frame I'm dying to use, that need to be incorporated into the space ...

Thankfully, Tim convinced me that I should put my OCD aside long enough to share with you. So, here it is! I took these photos myself (and I don't own a tripod), but I hope you love it as much as I do.

This room has been quite the labor of love for me. When I was pregnant with Maile, Tim was going through some job insecurity, and we had nothing to spare to put toward decorating a nursery. I don't think you realize how much of the excitement of having your first baby (sadly) revolves around material items, until you aren't able to purchase those "must-have" items. We scrimped together enough to purchase a basic car seat/stroller combo, a co-sleeper bassinett, a few clothing items, and that was that.

Blessedly, Tim found work again about a month before Maile was born. We painted her room, and planned to purchase a crib and a dresser. I couldn't bring myself to spend money on a nice crib bedding set, but dreamed of owning this. I mentioned it in passing to one of my best friends (who was also pregnant), and it showed up on our doorstep 10 days later. Yes, I cried. In fact, it still brings tears to my eyes! Maile never was a crib sleeper (more like an occasional napper), but that amazing gift served as the inspiration for Maile's big girl room, which took us almost two years to "complete." ;) My mom made the beautiful balloon curtain you see, and Tim painstakingly selected and installed his princess' chandelier.

I suppose that because this space has a story, I needed to tell it here.

Maile has loved Elvis music since infancy -- a hilarious and endearing little quirk I wanted to include in her room.

Converse have been Maile's shoes of choice for the past year. 

I think this gives you a good idea of Maile's space. It's definitely her favorite play spot in the house, and my favorite room, so far! I love seeing her little imagination at work here. Talking with her dolls and stuffed animals, "making" coffee, noodles, and cupcakes. Reading. This is truly her room. Our little, big girl.