I can’t believe it’s been a year since we moved house. Time flies!
When we told our kids we had finally found our new home, their excitement at moving so close to grandparents and their beloved park was tempered by real stress at leaving their home.
For children without any challenges, moving house is a big deal. For adopted children with attachment (amongst other) issues, moving house is A Very Big Deal, that creates a great deal of fear that they cannot vocalise or even understand. But it’s real, and it’s really quite debilitating.
For our boy, this was expressed as absolute desolation at leaving his bedroom behind. I wish it was an exaggeration but it wasn’t. He spent the last week making little videos on his iPad so he’d have his old room with him at the new house.
To try and calm his anxiety I promised him that not only would his new bedroom be bigger than the tiny box room he had in the old house, but that I would make it extra super special for him. It didn’t work completely to allay his fears, but he was certainly excited as decorating started to happen.
He has a passion for all things London since his daddy worked there a few years ago…made even more exciting for him when we had a trip there to visit Daddy. But he especially loves the London Underground, so there was only one way we could go…..
London Underground Map wallpaper on one wall.
London themed fabric for his Roman blind. It’s Capital by Prestigious Textiles.
London Underground bedlinen (thank you Nana!).
And, for hiding under and playing iPads or reading. For cuddling up in on cold mornings, or if you’re not feeling well. And for making rather splendid dens…….
……a London Underground quilt!
I can’t claim the work on this one. This is all Made By Ma! A huge pile of teeny squares lovingly cut and then put back together in the shape of the London Underground Map.
It’s totally awesome! Iconic! And very clever!
Funnily enough, our little man doesn’t miss our old house at all any more. And loves his new London bedroom.
Phew!
Project notes
Pattern: Tikki London – London Underground Quilt PDF
Pattern cost: £3.95
Fabric: Plain quilting cotton
Colourway: Various
Purchased at: Black Sheep Wools
Total quilt cost: Approx £100
Bless him. You certainly worked hard to make sure the transition was as smooth as possible for him. The quilt is a little masterpiece.
Thank you. Ma did a great job with this one. We love it!
That quilt truly is a labour of love, it’s wonderful. My older boy still loves the London Underground (he’s 15) and I always include something tube themed in his Christmas stocking! So pleased your son loves his new bedroom, all your hard work was worth the effort. x
I love the underground except during rush hour! We spend quite a bit of time at bedtimes planning where we could visit using the wall map. And Boy always gets something underground themed too! xx
Well done for your approach with him to the move. And we’ll done to you and your Ma for all the stunning creations!
Thank you. The fabric did all the work on the blind, but Ma’s quilt is just wonderful!
What a lucky family you are to find and support each other. Boys whole room and space is amazing. You are truly special people and it is an honour reading your journey K xXx
We say that they were always our kids, they were just delivered to the wrong address!
Thank you for your very kind words. xx
It must have been a worrying time for you too. It’s great that he now has such a fabulous room – and fabulous parents ?. I’m exceedingly jealous of that quilt!
We laugh that they’re a constant source of worry and expense! We don’t always get it right, but I think we did this time!
The quilt is pretty wonderful!
That quilt is fantastic!!
I know, right! xx
Moving house is hard as an adult. It must be really unsettling for a child, especially when they are already a bit unsettled with everything. I know that Sprogzilla has had a hard time sometimes when I have dragged her around with me (and I am about to do it again). I am sure that it will make them bullet-proof and adaptable as they get older though (I tell myself that). The London-themed bedroom is gorgeous and I am in awe of the beauty that is the Underground quilt. What a beautiful and thoughtful gift. The love really does shine through. 🙂 Xx
Moving house IS hard. Hubby is a forces kid, so he’s well aware of how hard it is, which does help us.
I do agree though that it helps build resilience. We spend a lot of time speaking with child specialists and they all agree that as long as there is love and routines, then everything else can be dealt with. Sprogzilla will be fine!
Good luck with the move. Where to this time? Such adventures!
Such a fantastic room! Both your mom and you are really talented. I’m happy they adjusted to the beautiful new home.
Oh, thank you.
We are so happy here now. But it was hard for them at first.