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…
Kimberly Albert says
Aww… Very well said. There are mixed emotions welcoming that second child. The guilt! The guilt is the worst. While it won’t be the same for number two, it will be better in so many ways because he will have scads of love and attention from built-in buddy, Clara. Not to mention, you will have that second-time parent ease –been there, done that!– and you won’t be as worried about things that don’t matter. Enjoy! xo
Mandi says
I love this. Not only the nursery idea, but that Clara is starting to help with the projects. I’m sure these are times that she’ll cherish for many years to come. I know this because I have similar memories of helping my dad (i.e. handing him nails) when I was about her age with his home projects. As I grew older, he taught me more (and I was using power saws and nail guns by the time I was 15. haha) I’m thankful for all the know-how that I can bring into my own home. But more so, I’m thankful for the time spent with my dad learning how to DIY before it was cool. ;)
Teri says
Yes, you will remember how to hold a baby… but man will you forget how light/tiny they actually are. The first time I picked up baby #2, I almost threw her over my shoulder. She was so much lighter than her big sister.
Yes, the experience will be different, but that’s what makes life fun and exciting.
Enjoy the adventure!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so funny! Not that you almost launched the baby, but the comparison of weight. I haven’t even thought about that! Good reminder…
xo
s
Julia says
I’ve been following your blog since the very beginning. My schedule is planned around your 10 am post (right now I’m in between workouts, my downtime is your post!) but I hardly comment.
The first part of this post, however, brought tears to my eyes. I’m from Argentina and all my family is back home while I’m in SC. Reading about John’s feelings as a dad reminded me so much of my dad. My dad is fun, caring, supportive and always so loving. John, just by the way you feel about fatherhood, and how honest and open you are to share them with the blogsphere, I have no doubts that you are a great dad and that you’ll be an even better one when the Bun comes along!
PS: I love the built-ins idea too!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s such a sweet story Julia! Hope you get to see your family again really soon!
xo
s
Laura says
Does it bother you that the built-ins will not touch the wall on the sides? Have you come up with a solution for that? With boys in the house, that little space is just prime for legos and action figures being stuck in there. And how did you decide on builtins for this room? I love to move furniture around so much and re-arrange on a whim!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, 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, etc). We sketched it all out this morning so we think it’ll work! Feel free to cross your fingers for us!
xo
s
Laurie says
Both of my “little” brothers (we’re in our 40s now so calling them little seems odd) were mine (in my head) and having each other was the so cool and fun that we’re best friends now.
You are wonderful parents and Clara is going to be an awesome big sister because she’s been taught all that loving behavior.
It only gets better and better.
Kristin says
This is going to look so cool!
We have 2 boys, 18 months apart and my husband and I both felt this way while waiting for #2 to arrive. They are now 4 and 2.5 and the best of friends. Sure, they fight daily and their personalities are total opposites and we feel like we fail at the parenting game constantly – BUT the gift of a sibling is the best thing we could have ever given either of them…it is for life and it is unbreakable.
Michelle says
I had the exact same worries when my second child was on the way. However, I quickly realized that there were just more people to love on her. Clara will pick up the slack. :) Seriously, siblings are the greatest gift that we can give our children. Barnacle will be loved perfectly. Oh…I can’t wait to see how this project turns out!
Mandy says
Seeing pics of you and Clara put furniture together brought me back! My little brother is 20 months younger than me and after he was born, my stay at home mom’s time was of course a little more busy with a brand new baby. I was a daddy’s girl to the nth power. I went to all the hardware stores with him, hung out in his shop with him, and helped as much as I could. I’m not saying I’m not close with my mom, but my relationship with my dad has always been closer because of that!
Stephanie says
It will all work out. The fact that you’re concerned about it at all shows that it will indeed work out. You won’t have the one on one time you had back with Clara, but you’ll have something equally special – the chance to watch your daughter bond with your son. The chance to watch their relationship begin and bloom. We watched it happen three years ago, when our son was born shortly after our daughter turned three. Sure it will be different, but it will be better too. You’ll feel less out of your depth and more comfortable.
Liz says
Just yesterday I read this post that perfectly describes how I felt about being a second-time mom…
http://www.earlymama.com/home/2013/09/30/guest-post-letting-go-of-your-first-baby
YoungHouseLove says
Such a great read! Thanks for sharing the link!
xo
s
MB says
Great to hear about the parenting thing, John. I’ve always wondered why the parenting goal has been to give all children the same experiences. We wouldn’t expect that in any other interpersonal relationship, right? No two girlfriends/boyfriends were the same, so nor were those relationships. You don’t have identical relationships with multiple siblings either. Kids get the environment they get when they’re born. You’ll love them equally and that’s all that matters!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a really good point! Never thought about it that way.
-John
April says
This post reminded me of when we were expecting our 2nd and our son helped his Daddy put the crib together….like really helped! So fun! It’s totally normal to feel that way about the 2nd but with it being a boy it will be so fun for you. From the time our son was a year old (walking) he just became Daddy obsessed and even this morning he was upset that Daddy was not home (at work) because he missed his “buddy-man.”
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!
xo
s
Maggie says
Do you have plans to put a face on the space between the dresser and the wall? This space is what always weirds me out about the “built-ins” on Centsational Girl, and about the desks in your office at the second house. It always looks much more like an actual built-in to me, when the piece goes all the way to the ceiling, and all the way to the walls nearby.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, 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
Laurea says
My parents were building our house my entire childhood (they bought an old farmhouse with no plumbing and slowly made it into what they wanted). I loved being around that. To this day I love the smell of construction of any sort :)
Vanessa says
The nursery is looking great. As for John’s insecurities – I feel the same way now and I only have one and we don’t do half the projects/things you guys do. I think it is normal as a parent to always wonder if you are teaching/giving/caring/insert every other verb in here – ENOUGH.
I am wondering if you guys would considering doing a post on the “grown up” stuff. Like how you chose a education plan for Clara (and one for the Barnacle) and just how you tackle the paperwork in general? I know you have people that “work” for you but you strike me as the type of people who DIY this part of your life too. How do you know if you need that Gerber Life Plan? Or other random paperwork sent to your house? I am the paperwork person in our house and for the most part I feel comfortable in that role but the hard stuff that requires – homework/reading up on/research/comparison – goes on the “to do” list but never gets to done. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
That would be a fun post. John would be awesome at it since he’s into that stuff! After some research we found that a Virginia 529 was perfect for us, so that’s how we’re saving for Clara’s education.
xo
s
betty says
good choice :) that’s where I work! it really is a great option and the tax incentives don’t hurt either :)
Nevin says
I hear what you say and what you are feeling. Expecting a second child makes one question so many things and wonder how will one manage 2 kids. But it always seems to work out. Because you are so conscience of how to make time and memories with both now, you’ll make it a priority. Kids are resilient and they have memories in the little things you do, such eating breakfast together. My kids are grown and gone and it amaze am e the emporia they gave off title obscure things we did together. It’s not always where you go, what you did, it’s the time spent together. You and Sherry will continue to be great parents! Be thankful that you have family nearby and hey, they love to babysit or help out!!!
Laura@JourneyChic says
As a mom of two, I had the SAME exact worries you are having now before #2 was born (both my husband and I work outside the home full-time). It’s hard to juggle it all, but my son (3.5yrs) manages to fill in the gaps with his little sister (15mo). I’m amazed at how much he’s taught her – from words to imaginary play. She was filling up a dump truck at a much earlier age than he did simply because he taught her how! Clara will keep her little brother nice and occupied, and will probably have him assembling IKEA furniture before he’s 2. :)
Alexia says
John, thank you so much for sharing your point of view on adding a second baby to the family. As an only child, I struggle to picture being able to deal with a second child. You’re right though, different doesn’t mean worse. Something that I have to remind myself sometimes when I think everything needs to be equal in order to be fair, fair means everyone gets what they need not that everything is ‘equal’. Thanks for the insight :)
Michelle @ Ten June says
The built-ins will be great, but, more importantly… you will of course be a great poppa, too! I also struggle with the thought of having two (soon! and two under two at that!) and how I will ever divide and share my time. Parent guilt is already setting in… will I give the baby enough newborn bonding time? Will I be taking away too much time from my toddler? Ah, it’s scary! You’re not alone. But you and Sherry are wonderful parents (as evident by your sweet, sweet little Clara) and it will all come together just as the big man upstairs has planned!
Kristin says
Love the dressers and it’s so cute how Clara was right there to help out. That’s something she will remember forever. When I was 4 (30 years ago – yikes!) I helped my dad build our family deck. And by help I mean hold the tool belt and feed him Twinkies and water for lunch in the hot summer sun. :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so funny! I love that memory.
xo
s
Joy says
Looking real good so far…..love the idea. John – don’t worry – kids don’t care what you are doing together – they just want to be with you. They will remember all the togetherness….a few activities will stick with them – but they do remember just being with you and you being there for them. I have 3 grown kids – ages 38, 30 and 27. They mention some adventures but they say they remember us including them whenever we could. And they will learn things they will use later. Ours say they did. You and Sherry are natural patents – you make it look easy and you will be fine.
Terresa says
I teared up a bit reading that, but just wanted to share that of course the journey will be a little different for your second child – your lives are very different now. but what a great journey it will be and the barnacle will be blessed with the love of a big sis. Just remember — Love is all you need! :)
Grace says
Thanks for giving me my Tuesday morning cry:) If it is any consolation, I had the same panick attack when my second came around (8 years after her big brother!), but was also worried about how a child who had been an only child for sooo long could adapt to being one of two. It was all for naught. Instinct and love kick in.(Parent guilt stays for a lifetime, though, so no shaking that:)) While my kids have had drastically different childhoods, they are both better for it. So, leave the worry aside and be the super dad you are:)
Also, rock on with those built ins. I’m totally gonna copy them when you’re done, so no pressure…:)
Andrea says
Love the idea of the bookshelves on top – will totally make those Ikea standards look like built in’s which is awesome – especially since this weekend we went back into your archives and are doing the Pax built-ins for our master bedroom. That being said, the part about Fatherhood is even more interesting and such a normal part of parenting. When I was in labor with my second daughter, I was reading a book to my first daughter in her chair. I remember thinking that this was the last time that her world would be the same and that by having the second baby (gender unknown at that moment) we would be irreparably changing her world. In that moment (in deep labor, but wanting to give her one more “normal” night – one more night where it was just about her and no one else needed my attention or my love) I was in tears because her world was never going to be the same and she had no choice in it and had no clue what was coming. And of course for the new baby – I was worried like you are that I wasn’t going to be able to give him/her all the things I had given #1. In the end, as you know, your love expands to fit all of your children and their worlds, while not the same, also expand to fit their new situation. And, if we’re lucky, we live happily ever after.
Amanda says
Quick molding question: Are you removing the baseboards around where you are ‘building in’ the dresser? The gap in your picture and photoshop are a bit odd.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, 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
Leah says
You had me a little teary-eyed! I can totally relate to how your feeling…our second son is due just 8 short days from now, so I can actually blame it pregnancy hormones. :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so exciting Leah! Good luck with everything!
xo
s
Carrie G says
I totally hear what you say about worrying that the experience for the 2nd child will be not as good as what you were able to give to Clara. But you know, that’s the beauty of subsequent children — their experience is different and that’s what shapes them into different people from their firstborn siblings.
We just welcomed our 2nd child this past Oct, and I still worry about having enough time for our 2nd child. The fact though, is that she does get lots of one-on-one time, some of it just happens to be with her big sister and not just me and daddy. So, it’s not the same experience that her older sister had, but a different and equally wonderful experience.
You guys will do great at being parents of 2! As much love as you have for Clara, it will only multiply.
PS. I Love the plan for the nursery too.
-Carrie :)
Lindsay says
Please feel free to slow down on the house progress, take a break, adjust to the new baby – there’s no rush to complete the house! I like a variety of posts – and miss things like budget blooms, reader redesigns or mood boards!
Kelly says
Oh man, I totally understand your concerns about having a second child and giving him the same experience as my first child. I had our second (a boy)about 3 months ago. He has a big sister too, like Clara. The first few weeks were tough, I worried so much about that.
It helped to have the hubby take our daughter out for fun things- the park, library and movies. They got daddy/daughter time (and my daughter felt special) and I had time to bond more with my new son. You guys have a loving family and will definitely be able to figure out the balance!
Bren says
You hit the nail on the head, so to speak. Clara is your secret weapon. This little baby will love, seek and desire Clara’s attention as much as he will look for mom and dad. So that’s 33% MORE attention than she had as a newborn. And believe me, she will have nothing she’d rather do than be a big sis to the barnacle. So when you’re understandably busy, or tired, (or washing clothes, mowing the lawn, etc.) she will be entertaining him like no other. What a lucky little guy! xoxo, Bren
P.S. You’ve got this!
Katie Howard says
I don’t have any children of my own so I can’t speak first hand to a second baby. However, my Dad worked a lot and when he was at home he was out in his shop. I spent many evenings just playing in his shop and creating my own toys out of scraps. We didn’t talk a lot but it was our time. I’ve come to realize now that I’m 27, married, and we are renovating our own house just how important that time was. I’m constantly reminded in projects about that time I spent with my Dad. I think those memories carry a lot further than you think they might…even when you feel “busy” your child might not see it that way at all. You guys are going to be great and your little Barnacle is so lucky!
YoungHouseLove says
Such great memories Katie. Thanks to everyone for getting sappy with me this morning!
-John
Amy E. says
i love your idea of making sure a twin bed will fit between the built-ins. we’re having to do a bit of musical furniture in our house now to make way for our first-born’s big girl bed.
i’m going to file away this post for my husband (and myself) when the reality of having our 2nd kid on the way finally hits. (just got the + this morning!)
Happy says
Congratulations Amy!
Michele says
I really like the “photoshoppy” idea, thanks for sketching it out and sharing your idea with us. I enjoy the light fixture that is added to the side of the built in’s. Will you be painting the built ins that mushroomy grey color (as it is in the photoshop sketch or another color? I think this will look great with preppy black, white, and green color combo!
P.S. no guilt trips yet!!! That comes naturally when you leave the hospital with your new baby, LOL. (its the one thing they don’t prep you for – “parents guilt”)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we’re thinking about either some sort of mushroom or putty color on the built-ins, or even a deep muddy green or something. I get to play with swatches a little later this afternoon so here’s hoping we can land on something we love!
xo
s
Kimberly | Turning It Home says
Wow, it’s going to look great! If only things were truly done the way they appear to be done on the internet! I feel your pain!
And on a sappy note – your attention and your heart just expands once baby number 2 is born. It’s really sort of crazy how it happens. I shed a tear or two or three-hundred wondering how I could ever love another child as much as I love my first and then BAM, it happens and your heart capacity just doubles instantly.
Charlene says
Do you have some recommendations about where to start when planning a project like this? I have a main floor laundry that has room for storage and I would love to get the built in look on a very low budget. Are there websites that give some great ideas? Instructions? Can laminate be painted?
YoungHouseLove says
We have seen some tutorials for painting laminate just by googling although we’ve never tried it (we prefer to build with wood so we can just prime and paint it). As for how to plan, I would start by looking at finished built-ins and figuring out what you like best. Then you can research what options are available to get that look. Good luck!
xo
s
Sarah says
Love the built-in idea. And John, I’d be more worried about you if you WEREN’T worried about the Barnacle! It’s part of it, my friend. You’re gonna be awesome.
Ahem. Serious question now:
Is a changing table going to be built into these somehow? Or will that be in a different piece of furniture/apparatus?
YoungHouseLove says
We’re still debating whether we’ll work one into these (and raise or remove one of the shelves, etc) or just place that somewhere else in the room. I think once building commences we’ll hopefully have a better idea.
xo
s
Abby Kinch says
We have had four kiddos over here. And with each addition it was very different. We were in a different place in life (first daughter came in 2000, baby four also a daughter came in 2009). Each child has had a very different experience. But we have been able to love all of them and fit them into our life no matter where we were personally.
In a matter of time barnacle will just be a seamless part of life. And the fact that you even take time to worry about your shortcomings as a father (or mother) means that you are doing a fabulous job.
Sherri Eakin says
Frack, John! Ya made me cry! You and Sherry are both phenomenal parents. Absolutely nothing to worry about as long as you keep the same priorities you have always had – putting your family first and loving each other. The rest will fall into place. I have a super soft squishy spot for my memories building things with my Daddy, so this Clara post made me smile today. :)
The built-ins look great! I love that you are planning for the long haul. Little Man will love growing up in this room.
Jordan says
Aww, John! I love that you’re being so open and honest about your thoughts and feelings about the new baby. You and Sherry will do great! And of course the barnacle’s experience will be different from Clara’s, but different doesn’t mean better or worse. As a younger sister, I can say that I had a built in helper, friend and hero in my older sister from the beginning and I never felt alone.
As far as the dresser built ins, I can’t wait to see the finished project! I’m sure they will be lovely! My husband and I are just learning about woodworking and plan on getting some projects under our belts soon. You two have been a huge inspiration to me!
Lauren says
Love this idea! Do you plan to fill the gap between the dresser and the wall (which is narrower at the bottom than the top) with molding or caulk? curious to see how you execute this as it’s such a great, practical and beautiful idea!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, 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
Jessica says
Great post! I had many of the same feelings about welcoming baby #2, knowing that he wouldn’t get our undivided attention like our first had. And also feeling guilty that child #1 would have to share our attention with the new baby (she was Clara’s age when little brother came along). Honestly, the first few months were a big adjustment period since babies do require so much constant care. But once my son started to get more responsive, it has been so fun to see the kids’ relationship develop. My son is 20 months now and loves his big sister so much – follows her around and copies everything she does. They make each other laugh like no one else can. Of course they don’t get along every second, but their relationship is very sweet to watch. So even if you have some rough patches adjusting at the beginning, seeing your kids grow together and interact is so worth it! You guys are great parents!
Becky says
We’re expecting our 4th baby any day now so it was especially sweet to see this post. We have three daughters and will be surprised by gender of the newest addition to our family. Thank you for posting your story and all the love and devotion you have for your family. God bless!
Sarah says
Even within the same family, everyone has a different family – especially the first and second born kids. Parents are completely different people with the second born kid, and having older siblings is so different than being the oldest yourself. It’s actually pretty great how families evolve!
Amy says
I can not offer any real life stories as hubby and I are waiting for baby #1 in June but a good friend said they didnt want to have two because they couldnt imagine loving anything as much as their first. The advice they were given really stuck with me: Your heart doesnt divide it multiplies. :) You guys will be awesome!!
Have to share: I won the stenciled rug from your book in the auction a while ago…this weekend we had friends over with their two little boys. The littlest one (almost 3yrs old) was pooped from playing and crawled UNDER the rug like a blanket and said “I just need to take a little break mommy, i just neeeeed a break” Then his big brother joined in and they were both “snuggled” under a jute rug in my entry hallway….LOL!! I would love to send you pics, it was hilarious!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s hilarious about the boys snuggling under the rug. And I love that you have that stenciled rug. I look back at the photos of that fondly. Tell “him” we say hi! Haha!
xo
s
Amy says
Louis says hello right back! BTW, he has held up really well, this is a very high traffic area for us and the paint still looks great. Very little patina going on, very easy to clean. That rug is one of my favorite things in our house!
YoungHouseLove says
LOVE THAT! Aw, I’m all beam-y and weird over here. Love that little guy.
xo
s
kylie @ wearethebrewers says
I used the same setup for our first baby. I tore apart a large built-in entertainment center in our condo and used either end piece to flank the crib. Here’s where I wrote about it. And a few of my inspiration pics are in the post also.
http://wearethebrewers.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-other-thirds.html
YoungHouseLove says
Those are gorgeous! What an awesome project!
xo
s
mp says
Oh, that picture with Clara in the Snuggli and Burger on your lap! I loved it so much I used it as wallpaper for a while! Looking forward to following this project.
Kristen | Popcorn on the Stove says
LOVE the dressers you guys went with (I’ve been admiring them since IKEA introduced them because I prefer the non-particleboard options). Also, I think you’ll be a great dad (again) with the barnacle! Clara has turned out wonderfully thanks to you two and she’ll be a great role model for him. :)
Theresa M. says
Only the best parents worry they won’t be up to the task. You’ll figure it all out. Hopefully, the pregnancy hormones will subside enough you can do “manly” things. Break out the nail gun!! ;)
(wish me luck…no babies on the way…but I’ve started the kitchen cabinet painting process…I feel like crying already…maybe it’s hormones.)
Can’t wait to see the less photshopy version!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, sending you lots of hormone-free luck on those cabinets!
xo
s
Rachael says
What a wonderfully honest post! Don’t worry, we all feel this, whether it’s the second, third, etc child.
There’s a great book I heartily recommend called, “Two children, Three Shoes, One Sock and a Hairbrush” by Rebecca Abrams that’s all about what to expect when you have your second child.
And, remember, it’s like riding a bike. As soon as you’re back on, you know what to do.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the book recommendation Rachael! We’ll have to check it out.
xo
s