A fresh coat

Anyone who really knows my husband will tell you that he's slow to make a decision. I'm not just talking about the decision to get up and into the shower each morning, or what to eat for lunch, or the decision whether or not to come to bed before he falls asleep on the couch, or the decision to propose marriage (actually, that only took 3 months), or the decision to wear a certain stoll on Sunday, but decisions in general. He's very methodical. A thinker. An analyzer. Then, we have to discuss it at great length.

Not so with me. I, on the other hand, think about something for about 13 seconds and say, "yes" or "no" and that's the end of it.

Sometimes, those two waves of thinking clash a bit, but after 8 1/2 years together, I'm starting to enjoy the challenge. I guess that's why opposites attract?

Anyway, when he came home from work last week and said, "I think we need to switch the kid's rooms around", I took that as a sign that it must be important to him and very well thought out.

I was up for the challenge. I like to repaint and freshen up rooms from time to time (though, 10 year old wallpaper removal is neither my specialty, nor my first love). We both knew that we'd have to switch the rooms around at some point, as Lars needs his own space, small and dark and quiet. While Eden has been anxious to share a room with her baby sister since the night after she was born, 6 months ago now! Out comes the paint box.

Naturally, we can't just 'repaint' the rooms. Besides moving furniture and outlet covers and curtains, taping off and putting plastic down, we also have to discuss color palates, artistic ability, and the color wheel at length. I am reminded (with a smile) that I failed Art Class in the 7th grade and never took another course to improve myself. My husband, on the other hand, has his canvas paintings covering walls in very important places (his parent's basement).

Which is why I sit here tonight tired, covered in paint, hungry, with sore muscles. While the kitchen sink is overflowing with dirty dishes and laundry is spilling out of the carpet and cascading down the steps. I'm pretty sure that I'm getting high off the paint fumes, too, but not intentionally.

One room done and one to go. We will miss the beautiful pink baby room with the flowery wallpaper, as well as the blue/green vibrancy with the tractors and farm animals adorning the walls. But will welcome the new, subdued colors and (hopefully) sleep well!