We have a nursery update for you guys in the form of two new purchases that we brought home, assembled, and will now attempt to customize. After this planning post we pictured ourselves diving right into constructing our two custom built-ins to flank the crib, but then we realized that before we could actually start on those, we needed to make some decisions about what we wanted them to look like (base cabinets with doors and a bookcase top? lower cabinets with drawers instead? dressers that we could top with shelves and molding? tall armoire-ish things for each side of that wall?).
So after a lot of inspiration-room browsing and comparing measurements/product choices on a slew of cabinetry and furniture websites, we finally landed on something that we hope will be extremely functional for the long-haul. Strong sturdy wood drawers as the base, with a bookcase-like top that we’ll build to the ceiling and frame out with molding. So far we’ve picked up two of the best drawers we could find for the job (more on that in a sec) and put them together, so the room’s currently looking like this:
But eventually we envision them looking a little something like this. Except less photoshop-y.
I’ll get more into the DIY part of this post in a minute, but first I wanted to talk about some insecurities I’ve been having about becoming a second-time father, and how (oddly enough) putting these dressers together helped me work through some of them. Sorry to get sappy for a moment. Can I blame it on pregnancy hormones?
Let me preface this by saying I’m a harsh critic when it comes to my own parenting. I generally think I do a good job, but there are always things I’d like to do better – be more patient with Clara, have more adventures with her, and generally give her more of my undivided attention. It’s that last one that seems especially daunting in the context of having a second child: how do I give two kids sufficient attention when sometimes I feel like I’m falling short with just one?
Life also felt simpler back when we were expecting Clara. She arrived on the very day I was leaving my advertising job to come blog full-time with Sherry. So Clara came into a household where time felt almost leisurely. Sure, the blog was still somewhat busy back in 2010, but suddenly having two full-time employees made it feel like we had plenty of hours to soak up this new baby of ours – especially since we moved at a slower project pace and had lots of other stuff in the mix like multiple mood boards, Reader Redesigns, House Crashings, Email Answers, and Window Shopping posts along with lighter fare like Budget Blooms, random posts about mushrooms, or weird dreams.
Things won’t be that way when the Barnacle arrives. He’ll land right as we’re scrambling to finish our showhouse. Right as we’re supposed to be photographing some of our second book. Right after our secret project will finally be out of the bag. So I already worry that this awesome little boy will be meeting a busier, more distracted version of us. And sometimes I feel like I owe him an apology that he won’t get the same experience that his big sister got back in 2010.
But building these Ikea dressers snapped me out of my worry-fest. Why? Because as I opened that first Ikea box after dinner – tired and less than excited about the task – Clara walked in and asked if she could help. It made me realize that yes, this baby’s experience will be different, but in many good ways. Mainly in that he’ll hopefully have fun doing random things like assembling furniture or other house-related stuff that Clara seems to love sharing with us. And that he’ll have a doting big sister to play with him, watch over him, and love him. That’s something Clara didn’t have and that will be an exciting experience that’s uniquely his.
As usual, Clara and I had fun building together. Sometimes she was just playing or singing nearby. But the more amazing memory will be of how she actually participated in the build. She helped me pick out the pieces from the bag (“I need six wood pieces that look like this, can you find them for me?”) and even took over the task of putting dowels in the right holes.
She was quite the little helper, and I realized how cool it is that this baby’s room won’t just be created by his parents, but that his big sister literally had a hand in it too.
All of this is not to say that I’ve squashed every one of my insecurities about fatherhood 2.0 (“do I even remember how to hold a baby?“), but at least I’ve realized that I should stop comparing the two experiences and beating myself up over what will be different. Things are different, and that isn’t a bad thing. But enough about my feelings. {insert manly throat clearing here} Let’s talk about these built-ins…
Most of the other built-in projects that we saw online were either made using base cabinets from the home improvement store (a bunch of which looked a little too kitchen-y to us, or felt a bit steep in price for not-solid-wood) or with Ikea items like BILLY bookcases (like this one), the BESTA system (like this one), or even some combination of the two (like this one). But we wanted something a bit deeper (BILLY is 11″ and BESTA is 16″) and we wanted the bottoms of ours to act like dresser drawers, not like cabinet doors (for some nice deep, easy-to-access storage). So when we stumbled upon the FJELL dressers (21″ deep) online, they seemed to fit the bill nicely. And when we checked them out in person, they looked – and felt – even better.
At $299 each, they’re a little pricier than your usual Ikea dresser, but they’re made of solid wood (i.e. no particle board) and we liked some of the details like the wood grain texture on the top and drawer fronts (which has inspired us to stain the top). Plus we figure if we’re spending the time and money building these dressers in, we like the idea of paying for something a bit more substantial that will hopefully hold up for the long haul, so we won’t find ourselves replacing them anytime soon.
We’re pretty sure we’re going to paint everything but the dresser top (which we’ll stain) just so whatever wood I build the tops out of will match the bottoms. But as you can see from the rendering, we’re considering a non-white color. Maybe a medium gray or a very muted green? Either way, we’re waiting to have all of the building and painting finished before attaching the hardware (no sense in putting that on, just to remove it when it’s time to paint). So for now we’re rocking some temporary string handles. But the hardware that comes with them is actually really nice.
We also picked these because they were a good width. I know from the picture below it looks like we could’ve gone a little wider (don’t mind that off-centered crib) but we wanted to be sure that the space between them would eventually fit a twin-bed (lengthwise) or even a full or a queen (widthwise). Just typing that feels like we’re jumping the gun, but obviously we want them to grow with the room and last longer than its relatively short-lived nursery phase.
As much as I’m hoping my next post on these will be of the “yay, they’re done!” variety, I’m trying to be realistic that there’s lots of building involved here, which will then be followed by caulking, priming, painting, and staining. And somewhere in there we’ll probably be installing crown molding around the whole room (to match the crown that’s going on the built-ins). So if you don’t hear about these for a little while, you’ll know what we’re up to. Though maybe I can enlist my little building assistant to help move things along.
She does have a pretty good handle on dowels and allen wrenches…
Mary | Lemon Grove Blog says
OMG – in LOVE with that bookcase concept! I think that will be one of my favorite projects of yours to date. Super classy :) We just got done DIYing a built-in over here, too! Here is how ours turned out: http://lemongroveblog.com/up-close-and-personal/
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Mary! Yours look amazing! I love all that storage! Must be life-changing.
xo
s
Caroline says
Don’t worry, John! From the little bit we see you guys seem to be doing a great job with Clara, and probably a year from now you won’t even remember feeling that way! Can’t wait to see what you guys do with the nursery!!
marci lambert says
as a mom of two, i can tell you that yes, your experiences will be different with a new baby. your whole schedule changes to accommodate a first baby, but the second has to fit into the routine you’ve established with the first. but it’s amazing how much your heart grows to add in all this new love for the baby and you find a way to give attention to both. and let me also share two things about adding the second: 1) you will not believe how tiny babies are. even if the second weighs in bigger than the first, you will not believe how tiny babies are. conversely, Clara will suddenly look enormous the first time you see her after the Barnacle arrives. like, you will wonder how did she grow/age that much in a few hours. and 2) there is nothing better then seeing your two children form a relationship with each other. and it will happen much sooner than you think. it’s the best.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet! I laughed out loud about the whole “the baby will look tiny and Clara will look huge thing” – totally makes sense! She looks huge to us already, so I can only imagine!
xo
s
Tina says
My firstborn was still in diapers when the second one arrived. I remember changing big sis’s diaper and thinking how gigantic she was.
I was so much more relaxed with my second born. Not surprisingly, my second born is a more relaxed kid.
Annette says
My 3 only have 16 and 17 months in between them, and each new baby still made the older “babies” look humongous! You will be fine. Just give yourselves some time to adjust and find your new groove. :)
Shelley B. says
I totally agree with the new baby looking so tiny and your older looking huge. I could not get over how big my son seemed after having my daughter a couple months ago. It was the oddest experience – his hands and feet just seemed like an adults instead of a toddler.
JenB says
Ditto. Well said, Marci. I’ll add one thing: Sure the baby will have to share your attention with Clara, but the baby will also have the ADDED attention of Clara. So that’s three people lovin’ him. That’s a great thing! My boys are 21 months and 4 years and they adore each other (most of the time). It’s fun watching that relationship grow. It’s so much fun!
Jessie G. says
too funny on the older sibling looking huge when the baby arrived!
We experienced that when our 3rd arrived (our 2nd was 20 months old). Both in diapers so it is crazy town!
I too can’t wait to see that nursery! But I tell you this, I am SURE it will be uh-mazing! The built-ins concept image looks great! makes me want to go put one together for my boys RIGHT AWAY~
Paula says
And you will brace yourself to pick up the new baby and practically throw him to the ceiling because he weighs so much less than your firstborn who you’re used to picking up.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah!
xo
s
Susan says
John,
The fact that you have these thoughts about what type of father you are/want to be proves that you are the best of fathers. Bless you and your family.
Jessica M says
Absolutely, Susan.
It takes a special daddy to be so transparent about his thoughts and feelings to thousands of readers! I can’t give any advice for the “2 kids” club, but I do know that change is always tricky until one day you realize you’ve settled into your new normal and it’s not so scary anymore. Praying for a smooth transition for your sweet family :)
Can’t wait to see this nursery come together!
Kara says
Took the words right out of my mouth-figuratively speaking, of course. I appreciate this sentimental post and find myself echoing the same thoughts as I think about having another. As I was reading I wished all fathers cared this much about how they can improve.
KiTX says
Ditto to these 3 ladies. Sherry, Clara and the Barnacle (and Burger!) are lucky to have such a great man in their lives that loves them so completely. Hurray for wonderful husbands and daddies!
julie g. says
Love the dresser/bookcase idea!
John,just the fact that you are so aware of all of the things you mentioned speaks greatly to how much you care about being a parent. I remember my husband’s greatest worry was that his heart was so full of love for our first son that he was afraid it couldn’t stretch any further. And interestingly enough, our second son is referred to as his “mini-me”!
Both of our boys have a unique relationship with each of us and each other. It is a whole lot crazier for sure and it never seems there is time to accomplish all that there is to do (and usually there isn’t) but of course it is worth it.
I’m sure your little one will idolize big sister Clara and big brother Burger and the three of them will have a blast and you will continue to do things as a family the way you always have.
Theresa says
John, I’m the youngest of three girls. My parents couldn’t find a picture of me alone for a school project. Sisters mumber one and two had lots but none of me alone. Obviously life got busier after each child but in the pictures of me with my sisters I’m the one with the biggest smile, laugh or best toy. One of my sisters is usually hugging me and today with both my parent deceased the three of us are close as can be. Barnacle with be happy with his situation because it will be all he knows and you and Sherry will let him get away with stuff that Clara never could. Just enjoy the ride.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Theresa! You guys are so nice to humor me and my dad-securities.
-John
Sara says
I just have 2 little girls who are 8 and 5 and already I have a hard time of finding a picture of the little one by herself, the relationship they have with one another is amazing. My favorite picture of my little one is when she was just a month old and my oldest put a princess crown on her head while she was sleeping to play with her..and that was only the beginning.
Shannon says
I am the in same boat as you, Theresa!I’m the youngest of four and don’t know where I’d be without my three older sisters. And as a mother of three, there is nothing more wonderful than watching the older children care for, protect, play and teach the younger ones. Just makes a person happy to be a part of the human race.
Rebecca Alvarado says
Pregnancy hormones? Totally understand. I’m 7 months pregnant with the first child and my husband totally has them too. He is nesting just as much as me (mainly because my Dr has restricted my movements so if its below my waist, I can’t reach it). Glad you realized its going to be another new adventure for the little one and it doesn’t have to be the same as the first.
Like the idea of using pre-made drawers since that is probably the most complicated part of the project.
YoungHouseLove says
I like hearing that I’m not the only dad with the spillover hormones. Ha!
-John
Julie says
You’re definitely not the only dad! My former coworker told me that when his wife was pregnant, he got all the chocolate cravings and gained 10 pounds. :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s hilarious!
xo
s
Jessica says
Love the built ins! they are going to look great, cant wait to see them finished :)
and you totally had me tearing up! As a mom of two I totally understand the worry that you have but your right it is two completely different experiences. Its fun, I like to call it crazy chaos!
Gabriella says
Awesome post! I am excited to see how this project turns out. I wish that my husband and I had even 1/10th of your skill set (we have lots of ideas as evidenced by our pinterest boards, but our execution & follow through is lacking). I really appreciate that you are being thoughtful and taking your time to feel your house, live in it, and envision the future and the impact that today’s choices will have in the future (single bed, queen bed…etc). Have a wonderful day!
Erica says
Love the video of Clara in jail and singing! Too cute! I love that she was able to help you put together the dressers for the baby. :-) I’ll bet she loved helping out, and I’m sure that gave her some “ownership” of her little brother.
Can’t wait to see the rest of that nursery!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, she calls him “my baby” now, which makes my heart swell every time.
xo
s
Erica says
Love it! :-) That so made me tear up!
Jess says
LOVE that Clara is your little helper! I “helped” my Dad put my swingset together when I was probably her age. There was a lot of “Can you get Daddy the screwdriver? That is a wrench. A screwdriver looks like this …” going on. I don’t remember it, but I do love hearing the stories about it. :)
I continued to help (good news: I got more helpful!) as I grew up and now I have some pretty good DIY skills to show for it. So besides building memories (and dressers!), you guys are also prepping her to be an independent adult. Win/win/win!
YoungHouseLove says
I love that story! There was a lot of “can you hand me the one with the orange handle- no that’s an orange bag, look for the tool with the orange handle” going on – and it was hilarious. I love that you’re handy now! Here’s hoping Clara gets that too!
xo
s
Janelle @ Two Cups of Happy says
I too have fond memories of building things with Dad. I was his gopher — go fer this & go fer that. :)
Katie {deranchification} says
What a great idea – can’t wait to see how these turn out!
O, and I totally know what you mean about worrying about the second child’s experience compared to the first’s — we’re 8 weeks into living with our little number two :)
YoungHouseLove says
Congrats Katie! I hope you’re adjusting (and sleeping) well. And soaking up those tiny baby feet and fingers!
xo
s
Cynthia says
Love that she wants to be there doing it with you and knows that you will let her help right along. This 27-year-old Daddy’s girl still holds lots of memories of furniture building with my own Dad. And even with an older brother more typically ‘suited’ to handing off tools, Dad let me tag along too.
One of my favorite memories of all time was a Christmas morning when the glass on the oven door cracked (BEFORE the big family dinner). After gift opening, Dad brought out the tools and metal duct tape and called for both my brother AND ME, saying ‘alright, lets fix this.’ That Barnacle will be learning from some of the best ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Such a cool memory. I love that.
-John
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the arrival of baby #2, John. I started tearing up thinking about my own two kiddos, and how I sometimes feel like I’m never able to live up to the parent I’d like to be…but then I was encouraged by your point of view! I may be busier than I was with only one child, but my second has the awesome experience of having an older sister. I appreciate the wise words! :)
Danielle says
The video montage of Clara is hilarious. What a little ham you have :)
You both seem like amazing parents. We are awaiting the arrival of our first (due mid-April), so I completely understand parenting anxiety. Hopefully all of your insecurities are calmed the minute you hold you new son. :)
Bev says
You are an awesome daddy and don’t let your mind tell you anything else!
katie says
These dressers are great! I have a solid wood dresser from Ikea that was bought about 10 years ago that is still in incredible shape!!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! I LOVE hearing that!
xo
s
shanna haycraft says
I love this and did something similar in my son’s room a couple years ago!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/my-room-thatcherwilliamsville-154853
here is the full album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1773480945841.2104081.1503820523&type=1&l=43def1e68b
We still use it a lot – and have changed out over the years what we store in it – was baby blankets and diapers, now clothes in one and books in the other. You will get a lot of use out it. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
YoungHouseLove says
That looks awesome Shanna! So glad to hear that it’s still holding up!
xo
s
Carrie Lea says
Shanna, I love your son’s room! You did such a great job!
And the quote from ‘Murder in the City’ above his crib put a lump in my throat! The Avett Brothers are lyrical geniuses.
Whitney Dupuis says
Let’s look past the fact that I actually teared up when you were discussing your insecurities surrounding having enough time for a second child or the sweet realizations that you came to. Instead let’s look at the fact that Clara is going to be such an amazing big sister and this baby’s parents are going to love him so much. He is one lucky little dude.
Also, the nursery is going to look awesome!
Jessica says
I think this is just the sweetest post. I am incredibly guilty of the same fears of having a second child and just comparing my daughters life experience to children around her. It’s a wonderful reminder that no one ever has the same experience and that’s what helps make them who they are. “Comparison is the thief of joy” is something I try to keep in mind when I get in that mind set.
Mushy parenting moments aside, brilliant choice. Actual wood seems like a much better route to take than other options. I also thing having the cases a little bit away from the crib will work toward your benefit incase you have a little Houdini!
katy says
What a great idea! So excited to see the finished project! John, you will be a great Dad to two kids!It’s definitely different than one child, but it is such a good change. You will be surprised at how everything will work out!
Betsy says
You will be great!! Don’t forget to secure those to the wall, and then do it again. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
I think they’re going to be secured about 10 times when John’s done with them. They’re truly going to be built into the space (with molding around them and everything) so there will be drilling into studs and everything.
xo
s
Hannah B. says
John – those are two very lucky kids you’ve got :)
This might sound odd from someone you don’t know, but you are one of the examples of think of when I occasionally read posts on The Good Men Project (well, my dad, brother, and boyfriend are shining examples as well, but you get the point). I know that no one has it all figured out, but the happiness on Clara’s face shows that you and Sherry are doing quite well. Thanks for sharing so much of your family with all of us – it’s a joy to read along each day :) Hooray for involved and caring parenting!
(that was my turn to get sappy for a moment.. ha!)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Hannah, you’re too kind.
-John
Beth says
John, thanks for sharing your worries about being a second-time parent. I’ve been thinking the same things myself, and you brought up some really great points that I hadn’t thought about. It’s given me a lot of encouraging things to mull over (despite not having dressers to assemble while doing so). Your son is going to have such a great big sister to grow up with! I love that you and Sherry share amazing projects and ideas as well as real life stuff, too. Y’all are awesome.
Jennifer says
I totally agree, Beth. I share the same worries and found this post very insightful. Young House Love does an amazing job of mixing personal stuff into the blog, and I love it!
Kristina says
Things are different the second time around, but in the best way possible. You are busier, but having Clara help when possible will keep her involved. What helped us, is that the first month the baby sleeps a TON. (We forgot that part!) So we had a month of a transition period with our 3.5 year old son. Now, at 6.5 and 3, the love they have for each other is a remarkable thing. It’s all worth it.
Val says
John I love your post. I don’t have kids so I’m not sure what it’s like on the parent level but as the kids level I’m one of three and you have siblings so you know you grew up all differently. You may not feel like you’ll be able to give them all the time you want to but remember for us to grow up as good adults we needed to learn how to be by ourselves and depend on ourselves so alone time doesn’t mean abandoned. Also my mom was an at home day care provider. Different than what you and Sherry do but being able to be home (even while working) will enable you guys to spend more time with your family then most people can. And because your kids will grow up seeing you work they’ll understand how important it is to be good workers. You guys are going to be great!
jeannette says
thank you for letting clara help. not just in the building but in the processing of new baby with a family that’s different, or busier, than it was when clara arrived.
please also know the baby will have three humans looking out for him and loving him and building his nest. plus burger. good job, papa.
jeannette says
p.s. I hope you will include some pirate witch design elements in baby’s room. maybe not this one. maybe not johnny depp in eyeliner.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/151150610395?lpid=82
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahah!
xo
s
Stephanie S. says
And like assembling the dressers once you’ve done one the second one goes a little easier because you have the experience from building the first…continue to enjoy the journey~
YoungHouseLove says
You guys are full of infinite wisdom. Your comments have us laughing (ok, and Sherry’s tearing up because she’s one big hormone) over here.
-John
JustAng says
Love that, Stephanie S.
Caitlyn says
I remember those feeling with each child we had. (We have 4!) I have to say that with each child it is a totally different experience, in such an amazing way. I still feel like I could do better by each one of them but that, my friend, is what make you a good parent. It’s amazingly fun with the second one because you realize that you still remember everything and yet it is so much more relaxed because you have SO much more to give. Congrats to you both you are great parents to that little cutie and will be to the barnacle too!
Also, I LOVE those dressers I have been eyeing them but wondering if they were worth the cost. So glad to see they are! Can’t wait to see the nursery!
Amy says
I love this project but what I really love is John’s honesty and his fears about welcoming a new family member. I just wanted to say you could write this blog with no words at all and see the love you all have for one another. I remember seeing those snow pictures the other day and thinking gosh look at the guy actually out there experiencing this moment with his child instead of just watching from the window. The pictures are proof enough that you are an amazing father and parent!
I think sometimes we forget the world seems a bit more jaded and full of expectations as adults than it does as children. The simplest things make them happy and that is why as adults I think we love living in a world filled with them! You have both shown Clara how to love with abandon and I know she will reflect that in her relationship with her little brother.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Amy. You guys are all saying such thoughtful and kind things. We’re grateful to read them.
-John
Kim says
Really enjoyed this peek into the musings of a soon-to-be father of 2 :) Your kids are lucky to have you, John! Now a quick question about the Ikea dressers… I’ve been thinking of getting the Tarva 6-drawer chest, but the thing that worries me is the fiberboard backing. Do yours have that? It always worries me because of the tipping-forward issue. I know they say that they have to be mounted to the wall, but I hate that. Think if I added a solid wood back it would help?
YoungHouseLove says
Good question. Ours does have a thinner back-board, but I’m planning to switch that out for something more substantial when I build the upper shelving and attach everything to the wall. Will try to cover that process as we go.
-John
Jenny M says
We have a pair of old three-drawer dressers from Ikea — nothing fancy, but three big drawers, low waist height (good for changing table, and little kids can reach everything easily). I always figured attaching them to the wall wasn’t a big deal because they’re so low and wide and squat. And then a couple of weeks ago, the 2-year-old had two drawers open at once and I saw the whole thing start to slowly fall forward onto him. Picture a slo-mo running push to shove him out of the way and take the full brunt of the (really not so heavy) dresser on myself (really! not so heavy, no problem), and I now understand why even for those short pieces, they’re not just trying to cover vague potential liabilities with those warnings. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
SO SCARY! So glad you were able to intercept!
xo
s
Richard says
Wow, I really love your ideas. I wonder though, do you worry at all about this boy being a climber? Will he be able to reach those things from the crib?
YoungHouseLove says
Thankfully there will be some nice space on each side (it’s hard to tell in photos, but a twin bed can fit into that space longwise) so the built-ins won’t be within his wingspan – even if he’s tall like daddy!
xo
s
Michelle says
I think the dressers will look amazing. Your projects always do. From one parent to another, I think we all feel like we fall short sometimes. There are always things we feel we could do better. That is human nature. You will have plenty of time for this next one. I think that is something we all worry about when we have children. I wondered that too. How was I going to divide my time and make sure I still spent plenty of time with the other child so they didn’t feel forgotten about or ignored. Mine are now 25, 15 and 7. Crazy, huh?! :) I made sure to take them out and do things one on one with them. The younger two still like it and ask for it, a Mama-Ben day is what my little one calls it. Each of mine were so used to being an “only child”. Clara will be such a big help. Once you get a routine down with this new one, it will be fine. You two are such great parents now. Don’t worry too much about it.
Lissa says
Such a great post, John, and made me a bit misty-eyed. Our baby girl will be one in February and every time we talk about having another I’m filled with crazy guilt over how having another baby will diminish the time and attention I have for my daughter. And being an only child myself, I haven’t experienced the upside of siblings first-hand. So I’m relying on you guys to show me how great two will be! No pressure or anything :-)
ash says
I can completely understand being worried about Barnacle. As a solution, you can adopt me instead. No pressure, just sayin’.
;)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Ashley says
Dang it, John. Why do you have to be such a sap and get me crying into my coffee by the 4th paragraph. You need to get those pregnancy hormones on lockdown before my coworkers start questioning my own hormones.
YoungHouseLove says
Ha! I’m working on it!
-John
Emily says
Our first came home to a house we had lived in for almost two years and a completed nursery for her. Live was very constant and we had a great routine. Our second came home to the same house in the midst of moving out, then lived in a condo for a few months, then moved across country to our new home. He’s 10 months now, two months in the new house, and I’m just starting to feel like we’re getting into a normal routine. He’s already lived in three different homes and two different states, and he doesn’t seem to mind a bit. As long as he’s with you guys he’ll feel right at home.
P.S. My favorite thing about having two is watching my older daughter entertain my younger son. I love watching them interact, and it is the best when she makes him crack up laughing.
FRECKLES CHICK says
Dang it, John…..you made me do the ugly-cry. Only Sherry gets that honor.
Seriously, this is such a sweet sentimental post. I held a friend’s newborn the other day & it felt like I was awkwardly holding a sack of flour. Who the heck entrusted me with my own a couple years ago?! But I think when it’s your own, it’ll all come flooding back. Love the direction the built-ins are heading, too!
xoxo
stephanie @ Housewife Mama says
I can’t wait to see this project completed (as do you I am sure)!
I have 2 littles, now 2 and 4, and your attention is definitely divided but you will be able to navigate through the murky waters of finding time for everyone and come out with your own system that works.
Plus, it will be so great for Sherri to have John at home to help figure things out. When my hubs went back to work after #2 and #1 decided she was not longer in need of naps that also mean that I had to find a way to no longer be in need of naps whilst getting up several times each night. I was a zombie-mom for a while but #2 started sleeping through the night at 10 weeks and I no longer attempted to eat humans, I mean I was no longer a zombie-mom.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, that sounds so hard! And I’m relieved you didn’t attempt to eat humans, as a sidenote.
xo
s
Lydia Geisendorfer says
Oh that video! Your sweet little blond haired beauty couldn’t be any more adorable!! I love that she gets involved and helps out, those a great traits going to make for one fine big sister!!
tom says
I bet I can guess the answer to this, but if you are worried about durability, why not DIY the full built-in like you’ve done in the past?
YoungHouseLove says
We really want these to last, and we have never built any base cabinets with drawers (which seems like something that could be rickety and sub-par unless you get all the measurements perfect) so we were glad to buy the bases and build the tops, which we thought would be a nice way to get a custom look without worrying that our first-dressers-ever weren’t going to hold up over time.
-John
Taya says
Love the idea of these built ins!
And, John, we all read how you gush over Clara (a sure sign that she is cherished) so I think this new baby boy is coming into a family that has plenty of love for him, too!
Rachel @ My Urban Oven says
Love the book shelf dresser built in ideas! I love the fun light addition on the side too! John- loved this post! Shows that daddies have fears too! Good luck working on the room :)
Jess says
Oh. I can’t wait to see this. I think it’s going to look great!I really love the feel even of the natural wood with the dark floors and white crib! Also, I never really realized I did this, but when I was a teenager, I had BILLY bookcases (actually, I STILL have them), and I unknowingly/unintentionally turned them into built-ins. They were great!
Also, on a side note I have had the same BILLY bookcase for 23 years… and it still is holding up REALLY well, and it barely looks like it’s lived through practically my entire life! … not sure if it’ll hold up on my cross-country (or cross-pacific?!?!) move next year, but here’s hoping!
Anyways, things look great! And don’t worry, you will both be amazing parents, and things will be just fine.
xo!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so amazing to hear Jess! Wow!
xo
s
Brad says
This might just be my favorite post… DIY aside, I can totally relate to the whole fatherhood concerns/insecurities/etc. Really, John, this was a great post. Thanks for sharing.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Brad. Let’s insert a manly fist bump into the discussion. You know, for solidarity.
-John
Caitie says
That post almost brought years to my eyes! So sweet.
I love the dressers! Can’t wait to see the finished built-ins. What is your plan as far as a changing table? I know you used a pad on top of the dresser in Clara’s room- are you going with a more traditional changing table in the barnacles room?
Also, I entered my daughter into a photo contest for Parents magazine & wondered if you’d mind if I share the link to hopefully get some more votes! She’s in 7th place right now! Would be much appreciated!
http://www.parents.com/photos/kid-of-the-week/2014-01-20/11oku
Thanks y’all!
YoungHouseLove says
She’s a cutie! Good luck Caitie!
xo
s
Lizzy says
Have you ever heard the phrase “you don’t know what you don’t know?” 2nd kids don’t know that the world was any different for their sibling… they know what they know. And they know that they are loved by mom and dad, and a big sister in this case (and a dog)… I promise you… there’s enough love, there’s enough time, there’s enough of everything. And there’s the feeling that you’ve ridden this bike before, and while the scenery is different, the feel of the bike is still the same. You’ll be great.
btw… that’s a nice dresser
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Lizzy!
-John
Kristen says
I did the same exact thing as Clara when I was her age and my dad was taking home videos. I would be doing whatever, and then after 1 minute “Okay can I watch the video of me now???”
Can’t wait to see the built-in’s project unfold!
YoungHouseLove says
She’s so funny about that! She wants us to record the strangest things so she can watch them back (ex: “take a video of me eating this banana!”) – it’s pretty funny!
xo
s
Miranda says
I like the idea…but is it going to be odd that they’re not flush to the wall? In the rendering the shelf part looks flush, but the bottoms aren’t. Maybe there’s a plan to address that, or maybe I’m just having difficulty visualizing!
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll be making them flush with the wall on each side for that built-in look (by cutting out the baseboard, adding some wood pieces on the side, caulking and painting it all, etc). We sketched it all out this morning so we think it’ll work, but feel free to cross your fingers for us!
xo
s
Michelle says
PS.. you never forget. I forgot to mention that. You never forget how to do all of those things with your baby. I never did. The nurse in the hospital when I had Ben tried to tell me I did. But I didn’t. I have a HUGE gap between my three, and I didn’t forget. It sure was nice to have that extra time with my kids. It came with a whole different gambit of things/issues than someone with their kids much closer together. But it all works out in the end. Wishing you all the best!!!