Pictures from the Nursery!

The crib belonged to cousin Savannah, and Nana gave us the rug a few years back - a perfect fit and match. Mee Mee and Pappy gave us the very soft blankie. We love the rocking horse, which we found at a consignment shop for $10! The growth chart is a lively illustration of a tree with critters and kids playing instruments - awaiting our growing girl. China waiting families, check out the ladybug in the window;)

Here's a closeup of the crib bedding ("Nursery Time" by Gordonsbury), which we bought practically as soon as we filled out the adoption application! We think it's so sweet. There are other nursery characters around the bumper, including two mice, a frog, a couple of bears and a rabbit - and tiny bees, bugs and flowers throughout, as in the scene here.

Here's our glider rocker with blanket from Nana and pillow cross-stitched by my Grandma for my birthday when I was nine years old or so. And lots of books already, including a Dr. Seuss set from Nanny and Granddaddy Kev. Can't wait for more! Other items include: elephant book bought at the shop of our childhood friend Lou, dragon purchased at Pike's Place Market in Seattle last year, Asian-inspired hand-painted tissue box I spotted at a consignment shop, doll from our honeymoon in Jamaica, and a hand-painted box from another trip to Jamaica that holds some reminders of my dear, departed friend Anne. She would love that we're adopting a baby girl from China.

Close-up of Noelle's first Robeez from the Gratzl-Little Family - very sweet. And birds are perfect - Karen, don't you agree? :)





The matching changing table was also Savannah's. It has terrific drawer space. The artwork above the changing table (see close-up below) came from Papa - it's actually a hand-stitched piece of fabric he found at the Eno River Festival and had framed. I think I'd like to find an animal mobile to hang over the changing table as well.







Artwork over changing table. Flash from inexperienced digital camera person (moi).






We found these hairbows when shopping for a friend's baby. Bees + Carolina Blue made them a must-buy!







Lovely artwork given to us for Chinese New Year by the talented Emma Little.








Pappy and Mee Mee gave Noelle this doll, among many other things, last Christmas. Precious!










Yay! We love this adorable outfit given to us for Noelle by our friends Jessica and Jeff after their trip to China. I found the coat rack recently at a local shop and couldn't pass it up. Sitting on top of it are her first shoes, an angel given to us years ago by our friend Lucy, an Easter egg cup with a little lamb from my childhood, which my mom recently gave me, and a sample invitation for the 100 Good Wishes Quilt (please let me know if you'd like to participate and need information).


This is just a glimpse into some of the sweet gifts we've received from family and friends in addition to some of the super fun shopping we've done. I never thought I'd be quite so into nursery-making, but it truly helps pass the time on the days that are difficult, and when I'm in the nursery I feel closer to Noelle. I imagine what it will be like to rock her, and I know that in time I'll be doing just that - if she likes being rocked, that is! Next I'm looking forward to painting the letters of her name, which I'll hang over the crib, and getting curtains made - Nana says it's too bright in the room with just the half shutters, and I think I better listen to Nana!