May 8th, 1927 ~
Today we finally started decorating our cottage. Oh, we had already cleaned and painted and moved the basics in, but today we got down to decorating our bedroom. I never really thought I would find it this exciting, but Anna always sees the best in things. She gives me incentive for everything that I do.
We weren't really sure about our bedroom though. Anna didn't know exactly how she wanted it so I took the liberty of drawing a little sketch for her and I have to say that she loved it. I wasn't expecting her too, it was just a raw draft of some ideas that she shared with me…but I must say, in the end it turned out really well and I'm quite proud of it. It will take us a few days to put everything together but soon we will be able to sleep in the room of our dreams. Oh, the walls are pale yellow.
I've just run over here to the hotel to check on things, since I've had to be away from it more than I should have this week. Thank God we hired Sarah and Caleb. They tell me everything is going smoothly. Nothing urgent and of course I am right next door. And they've moved into our old rooms at the hotel. Things are working out quite well for everyone.
For now, William has his bed, and a carpet on the floor where he likes to play, but that's about it. His room is upstairs, right next to ours, so we can see to him better at night, and when the twins arrive they will all share. Both Anna and I think it is better for us if the children all stay in one room for the time being. They won't feel so alone and it's easier for us to tend to them as well, less walking to do… Oh, I had Caleb trim up the old tree outside William's window. End of the tree monster, I hope.
Now, I should go back and help Anna with the house. I have to watch her like a hawk else she'll over-do it. I know I probably worry too much, she keeps telling me that all the time but still…. Her belly is growing so fast and I know it is hard for her to bend over and even get up from a chair. I can't even imagine how hard it is on her to walk around carrying two babies. I need to help her as much as I can.
John
I ran next door to the hotel to get something and I grabbed the Journal too, knowing I wanted to write in it tonight. Anyway, as I walked back I had to stop in the garden that separates the hotel from our cottage and just take it all in. The light was spilling through the downstairs windows. I could see John and William's shadows on the walls as they played. I could smell the lilacs and honeysuckle and the moon was full. I felt so very blessed.
I see that John has already written about his drawing. Oh my, when I saw it I couldn't believe believe my eyes. It was exactly what I had dreamed of. I always knew my husband was good with his hands but I couldn't imagine that he was a proper artist! I even made him sign his name because all artists should sign their works. Of course he denies his talent all the time, he is a stubborn beggar, but I'm glad that he said he was proud of his drawing. He should adopt that optimism more often.
I'm writing this after a long day of work. I'm not sure how much sense it will make. It's almost bed time and John and William are reading a story together, and even though I am as tired as I could be I have never felt so happy and accomplished. I truly feel like this is our dream home and that soon, when everything is settled we will live so happily here. John, me and our little family. I can't wait for the coming years.
But, truth to be told, I'm more tired because John spent the day telling me not to do this and that, and that makes me anxious. I know he's just being caring but I am not ill and as much as I tell him that he won't listen. But then, I do like when he's being over protective. It can be annoying, yes, but it makes me feel loved. He's just a wonderful husband and father, if I was in his place I would probably be exactly the same.
I must end this entry here, I'm so sleepy, and soon William will want me to kiss him goodnight. It has been a long day and I feel that tomorrow will be just as long.
~ Anna