Kuttyma never had a room called her own. When we lived in Houston, I did not indulge in the typical parent-to-be chore of setting up a nursery. I was too unsure and practical about things. I did not even buy a crib – I used a travel playcot for nearly 8 months before buying a cheap crib (which she still uses). The playcot (and the crib) stayed in the master bedroom while we were in Houston and it was perfect.

In Singapore we had playroom where all of kuttyma’s toys and our toys (the computers) resided. I also put the ironing board there. It was a multi-functional room often strew with toys, dusted with glitter and sticky with glue. The crib stayed in the master bedroom (which was a huge one).

When we decided to move to Gladstone, we realized we will be living in a 4+ bedroom house and I sort of started hoping I could play being an interior decorator and give kuttyma a room of her own. As we prepared for the move, the room sort of became a bribe/carrot to motivate her to move. She kept talking about the room and we debated on ways to decorate it.

It was quite evident from my discussion that the room will end up being a true girly room with pink and purple. Butterfly was our chosen theme. I spent sometime on Pinterest looking for inspirations. I didn’t want the room to be completely pink and purple and tulle. I wanted to keep it simple and practical (yes that is my middle name).

I had a practical list to work with. No painting (rental unit), keep the crib (yes it has traveled the world with us and I am just not ready to invest in a toddler bed) and keep it simple. I had the brainwave (read crazy moment) and decided to surprise kuttyma on her birthday with a brand new room.

It meant we had to do most of the work late at night and keep everything within wraps. But we did it! Totally worth it watching her face as she went from corner to corner checking out her new room.

Pool Noodle Wreath at the door

Decals on the wall – new sheets and a butterfly pillow on the old crib

And the best part – the new bookshelves loaded with all her favorite books

Solar night light on the window and her workspace

It was a truly spectacular 4th birthday for kuttyma (another post on that coming soon). She had a blast while I was the one shaking my head in disbelief. Remember her 2nd Halloween costume (Oct 2010) – she was a pink and purple butterfly with homemade tutu and wings from the Dollar Store (you can see the same wings above her crib on the 2nd picture). Time does fly fast.