diff --git a/src/fabledassistant/routes/projects.py b/src/fabledassistant/routes/projects.py
index 37d6e36..6e1e9c6 100644
--- a/src/fabledassistant/routes/projects.py
+++ b/src/fabledassistant/routes/projects.py
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ async def create_project_route():
     if not data.get("title"):
         return jsonify({"error": "title is required"}), 400
     status = data.get("status", "active")
-    if status not in ("active", "completed", "archived"):
+    if status not in ("active", "paused", "completed", "archived"):
         return jsonify({"error": "status must be 'active', 'completed', or 'archived'"}), 400
     project = await create_project(
         uid,
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ async def update_project_route(project_id: int):
     data = await request.get_json()
     allowed = {"title", "description", "goal", "status", "color"}
     fields = {k: v for k, v in data.items() if k in allowed}
-    if "status" in fields and fields["status"] not in ("active", "completed", "archived"):
+    if "status" in fields and fields["status"] not in ("active", "paused", "completed", "archived"):
         return jsonify({"error": "status must be 'active', 'completed', or 'archived'"}), 400
     project = await update_project(uid, project_id, **fields)
     if project is None: