Entering a new phase

Just a little over eight years ago, I painted the nursery. I chose "French Blue" as a gender-neutral colour that I could live with.

When Lisa was born, the painting was the only thing that was done in the room. I came home from the hospital, surprised to find that Homer had gone out and purchased a change table, a tallboy shelf, baskets, a diaper pail and a baby bath. A couple of months later, we added the crib, a gift from my parents.

The room stayed essentially the same for each addition to our brood. The nursery is the smallest room in the house, so as a new baby moved into the nursery, the big kid would move into his or her own big kid room.

This week, we said goodbye to our nursery and goodbye to our baby days. Our baby is too big for a crib, too old for a nursery.

It was a family affair transforming the room. Maggie's only request was that the room be purple and pink.

It was more emotional for me than I expected, painting over that French Blue. Taking apart the crib, knowing that my baby would never sleep in it again was agonizing.

But then, the new room started to take shape. The purple walls, the bed linens I had found months ago, the little butterfly carpet my sister gave her - they all worked together to create a pretty, fun room. Maggie squealed with delight when she saw it all set up.

She told her friends and teachers at daycare that she had a big girl room that was only hers. This room, the way it's decorated and accessorized just screams MAGGIE. She deserves that.

Sweet dreams, big girl. You'll always be my baby.