While I was visiting family in Germany a good amount of time was spent with my niece, Nadine. Nadine took time off from her work as a hairstylist as we had made plans to visit museums and art galleries. It turned out that the exact week we made plans for was also Anni’s, her daughter’s, transition time in daycare. Anni had turned three and was moving from the toddler group to the 3 – 5-year-old group. Ensuring a smooth transition was a priority that I fully support as a former Kindergarten teacher. When Nadine and I get together we share similar interests, and this time we tackled the big Christmas surprise… or better, the big and only wish on Anni’s Christmas wishlist: A dollhouse!
Anni and her mom are very organized and Anni’s wishlist was prepared and sent off in good time!
Nadine had started the huge job of remodelling her childhood dollhouse. The renovations were well underway by the time I arrived on the construction scene. Nadine had already installed new floors, freshened the wallpaper and finished the outside. The mauve was a specific request by Anni. After all, it is her absolute favourite colour. The roof was also getting reshingled!
Nadine had also started collecting and painting the furniture. I wondered how I could possibly contribute to the project… It only took a few moments and I was sitting with needle, thread and various fabric scraps in hand to create custom drapery. There was no sewing machine, so hand sewing it would have to be. It was the logical activity for me because Nadine loathes sewing. 😉
We spent every morning in Nadine’s dining room chatting about historic world events, politics, child-rearing topics, and childhood memories while we both concentrated on the task at hand. I finished the drapes. With the sewing machine, it would have taken a couple of hours to create the curtains for various rooms and connecting doors. By hand, it was a much more involved job but in the end, it all looks fabulous!
Nadine sent me images of the finished dollhouse this afternoon. It looks amazing and just calls out to be played with. The family is waiting for the one person who will create new memories with the “old” family treasure. Thank you, Nadine, for letting me be a teeny, tiny part of your labour of love. I will always treasure our time together!
The finished dollhouse!
The facade and the family waiting for Anni!
The entry doubles as the dining room.
The well-appointed kitchen.
The cosy living room. The carpet is a stand-in for the hand-stitched carpet I completed a day ago and will be going into the mail tomorrow!
The carpet…
The master bedroom upstairs.
The children’s bedroom.
And last, but not least: The spacious bathroom complete with roll-top bathtub!
Oh, how I wish I could see Anni’s eyes when she discovers the dollhouse under the tree! I do hope Nadine will send me a video capturing the excitement! I will keep you posted on how it is received. I have no doubt there will be squeals of delight…
How absolutely beautiful! Lucky Ani! Lucky Nadine! Lucky you!
Merry Christmas to all of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s the highlight of her Christmas! Nadine sent a video of first reactions – Anni had eyes for nothing else!!!
LikeLike
How sweet!
LikeLike
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
I had tears in my eyes when i read this.It was such a beautiful time with you and i miss you very much.I’m excited about Anni’s reaction this evening.Sending you hugs and kisses from Germany…
LikeLiked by 1 person
You and Anni are always in my heart and on my mind. Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
It is such a true act of love by both if you. Anni is a very lucky little girl.
LikeLike
Thank you, Eileen! This was one of the best Christmas surprises to have been involved in!
LikeLike
So delightful Anna! What a great way to introduce keepsake crafts into a child’s life! Eventually, Anni will pass it down with the story of how Aunt Anna “….hand-stitched this tiny rug….”
What a blessing!
Hoping your holiday season is HYGGE!! 💕🙏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Denise! Our Christmas is definitely hygge! Very quiet! Looking forward to above normal temperatures in Saskatchewan with little snow all around…
LikeLike
Yes, quiet, like eternal dawning 💕🙏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person