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…
Betsy says
John — you are an AMAZING father just because you have this awareness and are willing to post candidly about this. Seriously, the thoughts and awareness will translate to your experience. I have no doubt you and Sherry will rock this Barnacle’s world with much love and help from Clara and Burger. Thank YOU for allowing us into your journey and know that many others can relate and connect to your thoughts. Can’t say you’ll definitely get over the guilt but perhaps it will become easier to tolerate and manage. Much love Petersiks!!!
(And yes, I am a therapist (work very part-time) but first and foremost a wife and mother to two girls, ages 11 and 7.)
betty says
I just love everything you all do. cant wait to see these finished, whenever that is! and you both will be great parents for the barnacle.. it def shows with clara!
Jules says
You guys will do great with a second child. It’s all worry, worry, worry, before baby comes. But after they arrive they fit so perfectly into your family and your heart, you are left wondering how you could have ever questioned it.
Seriously consider hiring some help with all those projects on the go! They are only itsy bitsy for so long, you want to soak it up as much as you can.
(Also, I was beyond worried about going into labour a second time, because the first had been such a bad experience. But when it actually came time, I was able to be calm and mentally handle it.) Best wishes to you both.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Jules!
xo
s
Cori says
Thanks for sharing, John. The fact that all of us readers can tell that you’re an awesome dad is a testament to how much you love your kids.
I love seeing Clara help you with projects. Growing up, I loved to help my dad with building/handyman projects, and at 30 years old, I still love it! Those are times that I cherish the most with my dad, and I can’t wait until my daughter (who is just 7 weeks old) gets big enough to join us!
So keep up the good work, John (and Sherry!). You guys rock!
Stefani says
John,
Your sweet words and honesty made me teary :-)
Thanks for sharing your feelings. I’m so happy for your family.
Also love the built-in plans, can’t wait to see them!
We’re not sure yet if and when we’re going to have a second baby (currently our little girl is not yet 1.5 years), and my husband and I do have lots of worries and fears when we think about a second baby… but you’re right, having a loving big sister is a BIG bonus for the new baby :-)
Stefani
McKenzie says
I know everyone else will say this but I will too. I just had my second son and was feeling exactly the same as you. This is what I learned. When I had my first I thought there could be no better feeling in the world then that. After my second came I learned that there is nothing more amazing than watching my oldest love his brother. It is truly, earth shatteringly, amazing. :)
Christine says
Hang in there John! Every kid is born into a “different” family, so to say, what with older siblings and different life circumstances. But it only gets better. We just had our fourth, and he adores his big sisters. It is the sweetest and most amazing thing to watch the big kids and baby interact. Clara is going to be awesome, and this baby boy will adore her. Watching their relationship grow will be one of the awesome set things you ever get to see.
The best advice I got about adding to the family was to give myself a fourth trimester to adjust. It takes time, but with all of my kids, I’ve found that by the time the new baby is two to three months old, we’ve adjusted, and settled into a new routine. The new normal, so to speak. The first weeks will be nuts–they always are. But you guys will be great.
Boy, it’s the greatest DIY ever, isn’t it? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Love that advice! Thanks to everyone for sharing. We’re both just soaking things up and smiling at our laptops. You guys are smarties.
xo
s
Sharon W. says
John & Sherry, Where do you get your inspiration from? If on-line, can you share some of your favorite websites? I need inspiration for both the kitchen (which we are currently in the middle of DIYing – pray for us!) and our family room. Would love some help on where to get ideas.
Thanks in advance. Sharon
YoungHouseLove says
I’m a big Pinterest fan (I pin things that I see around the web on other blogs, like the ones listed in our blogroll on the sidebar, and other items from websites like West Elm or Houzz). I also get a few favorite magazines and rip things out of them (like House Beautiful, Real Simple, BHG, Canadian House & Home, Coastal Living) and keep them all in a binder. I would check out pinterst.com, houzz.com and any website for a magazine you like (ex: housebeautiful.com) and hopefully they’ll give you a lot of starting ideas.
xo
s
Jenna says
Such a sweet post and it’s so nice to read about your insecurities because we all have them but we just don’t talk enough about them! Love the rug and dressers and cannot wait to see the room finished.
Jenna – islandbluebird.com
Mary @ Ms. Redo says
Great cabinets – love that Clara girl!!!
HK says
Hi!
I know I am too late, but I recommend in the future to glue the dowels for sturdiest furniture assembly. Gluing dowels on any IKEA furnture help it remain steady. It won’t help the delicate feet on furinture, but works on assembly.
Those cabinets will look amazing. =)
YoungHouseLove says
Such a great tip!
xo
s
Gilly says
I am jumping on the tears bandwagon (although I’m certain this is not pregnancy induced crying..more like *ahem* opposite of pregnancy induced crying). I am a step-mom and I often wonder, with limited time with my kids, and DIY projects, and life, if they are getting enough of my attention. All of the comments here are so encouraging, and they’ve helped me remember that as a little girl I loved helping my dad with any projects he had. It always felt like we were working on something together, and I wasn’t in the way. Thanks for being vulnerable, John. No telling how many people you’ve helped today by sharing your heart.
Adeline says
I loved to help my father when it came to build things, paint or remove wallpapers… when I was a little girl and actually, I still love to help him with his DIY as a 31-year-old. In no time, Clara ‘s going to build her own Ikea dresser!
I can’t wait to see how your built-ins turn out…
Kara says
Thank you for sharing your insecurities! I’m due in July with my 2nd, my daughter will be just shy of 18 months. I look at her, and wonder if I will lose my bond with her, or if I’ll have the same close bond with the 2nd. Will I be able to give her enough attention along with the new baby…lots of insecurities for sure! I know in the end the new baby will fit right in and everything will work out…
Sally G says
My husband works a lot. Consulting can bring long, unpredictable hours. After a 9 day vacation where Daddy was around constantly our 3 year old son said, “I hope Daddy would stay another time.” Not completely understanding I responded, “Daddy would stay where?” To that he said, “At our house.”
I am very thankful for my husband’s job, but it does come at a price. All this to say, you are both there. And I think that means pretty much more than anything in the world. Obviously and rightly, we only see a portion of Petersik family life. But from what I see, your children know they are deeply loved.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Sally, that’s so sweet!
xo
s
Deanna says
We did this with our daughter’s room! She designed what she wanted and my husband built them with off the shelf base cabinets. He built the shelving portion and desk himself and then trimmed it all in. You will love it! I love your posts and continue to be inspired as we transform our own place.
http://oregoncrew.blogspot.com/2012/12/katies-roombefore-and-after.html
YoungHouseLove says
Those look awesome Deanna! Thanks for sharing the link!
xo
s
Ruben says
John,
you hit the nail right in the head….I believe all dads go through the same “insecurities”. I know I did a month ago when our second baby girl arrived. I am glad I am not the only one that has this internal debate and struggle. :)
but in the end, we somehow we always find time to spend with the little rascals and enjoy every second of it. So, keep doing what you are doing.
oh.. about the post… great idea. I might steal that idea from you and recreate that in the master bedroom.
Deme says
This is the best post – thanks for your honesty, John! Those father-daughter experiences are so sweet. When we found out we were expecting our third kiddo, our other two were not even 3 and 1 yet. I really worried about Sully (middle child) missing out. He was still a baby himself. Despite all my fears, with each child nothing was lost…they only grew our family in the best possible way. Such an exciting time for you guys! Once he’s here all will seem right!
Also. The built-ins are going to rock :)
Nichole K says
Eeee I can’t wait to see how these turn out, especially since we’re expecting our first baby (!) in late August. I love the look and function of built-ins, especially in kids rooms, and I agree that drawers could be better than cabinets for a nursery. I hadn’t thought of building in drawers!
John, you and Sherry are GREAT parents and are sort of my parenting role models. I’m sure two kids will be different than one, but I’ve heard that going from one to two is an easier transition than from zero to one. :)
YoungHouseLove says
You’re so sweet Nichole! And congrats on your bun on the way!
xo
s
mary | millay vintage says
I just love that picture of John holding baby Clara with a Burger bean on his lap // You’ll definitely have to post an update with the new addition, Clara, and B all on laying on him — a baby party indeed! We have a sassy little chi too who always needs a lap to sit on, so we totally relate ;) xo
Danielle R says
This comment might seem a little odd, but please secure your dressers to the walls if you don’t already. I read the most HEARTBREAKING story on FB the other day about a woman who lost her 4 year old daughter after a dresser fell over on her while the family was asleep. I could literally feel that mothers pain through her words, and now I feel like I want to warn everyone.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Danielle! We’re extremely into that – we’ve even posted multiple times about anchor systems we’ve used to secure everything from bookcases and leaning mirrors to TVs so they can’t tip). It’s so heartbreaking to hear about someone losing their child to such a tragedy.
xo
s
bella says
I think I’m gonna really like this build. I think it’s perfect the way it will be able to fit a twin bed lengthwise and then grow to fit a double or queen bed width-wise. Smart thinking.
And I’m not a parent, but I was a kid once =)…the youngest of four, and let me tell you, by the time I came around, my parents were probably over it. ha. I don’t have a baby book dedicated just to me like my two oldest siblings have. Everything I got was hand me down, etc. But I seem to be okay and I know my parents love me just as your barnacle will know you love him. No one can be a perfect parent, but you can be the perfect parent for your kid, as I’m sure you will be. =)
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says
What a lovely post! You will be a great dad the second time around, especially, as you point out, with Clara to help you! I’m a big sister to a brother and I loved helping my parents with him. Made me feel important, you know?
Matt says
It’s getting dusty in here…..
As a father of 2, I felt the same way you do now when #2 was to arrive…but those insecurities go away fast and you can really enjoy it. Sure there are things that the first got to experience… because she (or in my case He) was first, but the same can be said for the 2nd child. There are things that will be unique to him (and your family) and I found security in that.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Matt.
-John
Asha says
Thanks for being so open and honest John. I’m a new mom for the second time and oh my gosh! you are right. Life is so different for you as a parent and the the sweet second bean. And for better or worse nothing will be the same again. But it’s amazing to see how much our Big Bro loves his lil bro. It’s like nothing I ever expected. I can imagine how crazy life will be when he arrives but I know you and Sherry will be the same amazing parents to baby as you are to Clara. Also be prepared to call him “baby”. It’s like his actual name. At least in our house. I swear we named him! ;)
Good luck juggling it all. And thanks again for sharing.
Amber @ Wills Casa says
Love your honest about having 2 kiddos. Ours are spaced out nearly the same as Clara and barnacle are. Ramona turned 4 just 2 weeks after we had Beckett. His newborn experience was/is entirely different than hers, but it’s still just as wonderful. Relax you’ll get in the swing of things again and make a routine. It will all seem normal the second he’s born or maybe after a few weeks. Either way you’ll be overjoyed and won’t remember life before 2. I’m so excited for Clara and y’all.
Ana Silva says
Looking good. Quick question. Do you plan on closing the gap on either side of the dressers against the wall? Wouldnt it look funky with a space on the side like that? Are you going to have to remove the baseboards where the dresser touches so it can sit closer/more flush to the wall? Only then will it look more built in…unless you leave a significant gap on both sides all the way up. Hope I didn’t confuse you.
Ana Silva says
I see you already answered this :)
Of course you all already thought of this.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Ana!
xo
s
thelady says
I love when you guys do this sort of DIY built in: taking an existing piece of furniture and adding onto it. Reminds me of your first home bedroom Pax wardrobe built in which to date is my favorite project you’ve done. Plus most homes could use more attractive storage so this is very inspirational.
teresa says
John, I’m a veteran mom and now grandma. My husband was (is) one of the BEST daddies I ever saw. I can honestly say this without being prejudiced. Why? Because of the wonderful testimony of my daughter and son regarding their daddy. What was it that made him such a great dad? He spent TIME with each of them. Please don’t get wrapped up in the saying that “it’s not how much time you spend with them it’s the QUALITY of time you spend with them. That’s baloney! Children need their dads to BE with them. My husband was as busy as anyone else with a full-time job and a farm to take care of, but he put his priorities in order and it made all the difference to OUR children. Hope this helps!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Teresa!
-John
Olivia says
What an awesome & thoughtful post – and one of the most clever titles yet! Of course we can always improve, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Clara is clearly surrounded with love and has an awesome life. And the Barnacle will be one lucky dude as well. :)
Mary says
Please be sure to build in some more security for your precious little ones: http://www.meghanshope.org/
YoungHouseLove says
Of course! We are freaks about anchoring things to the wall and have even posted about various systems we have used to secure everything from dressers and bookcases to TVs and leaning mirrors. It’s such a tragedy that children get hurt and even killed from tipping furniture.
xo
s
Kelly says
Great link, thanks for sharing that! It is so heartbreaking that this happens to children and families. The examples on the website, where it is a short dresser one wouldn’t really think of as being tippable, or incidents where parents are with their children in the same room but can’t prevent an accident because it happens so fast, really lit a fire under my butt to make sure EVERYTHING is secured in my house. Better to take the time to make the environment as safe as possible than to be sorry later. I can’t imagine how horrible it is for those parents.
Tania @ Run To Radiance says
Such a sweet post! I don’t even have kids and am already nervous about all my short comings as a mother. Maybe that’s normal? Either way- ya’ll will do great! :) And I love that dresser- I pet it everytime we pass it at Ikea. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Reading the comments today has been awesome! I now am convinced it’s totally normal!
xo
s
Sarah Murphy says
What a great memory to create with your daughter! Can’t wait to see how these turn out!
Melissa@TheChicDream says
The fact that you have worries and wish you could do some things differently proves that you care. Some parents say they have no regrets. I can’t imagine! I have a seven and a one-year-old and I would do a million things differently. It is obvious that you guys make a huge effort to be the best parents that you can be and when y’all set your minds to something you knock it out of the park. Adjusting to your new life will be no different. You won’t believe how full your heart will be when Barnacle gets here. You think you’re happy now? Just wait until it’s doubled! Can’t wait to see the built-ins!
Lucy says
You guys will do GREAT with baby #2, but I can completely identify with the impending stress. To paraphrase my mom, if couples waited until the ideal time to have baby #2 (or 3, or 4, ….), there would be no siblings! It’s always more hectic and crazed, but truthfully I think that makes the second one more independent and creative. They don’t have your undivided attention so they find ways of entertaining themselves much quicker than the first born. At least that’s the case with our little guy (first-born girl, second-born son – sound familiar? : )) Have fun! And good luck with it all–as crazy as it was, I would do it over again in a second : )
Carolyn Williams says
Oh my. This hits home. I have a 2 year old, Alma, and a 5 month old, Harriet. I had so many insecurities during my pregnancy. Would Alma adjust well? How could I ever love another baby as much as I loved Alma? It’s tough. Especially with pregnancy hormones (yours count, too, John!). Here’s something I wrote when Harriet was three months old. http://andthenthey.wordpress.com/2013/12/03/from-sisters-to-friends/
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet Carolyn. Thanks for sharing!
xo
s
Laura says
Thank you for sharing your insecurities! I often feel that way as well. We unexpectedly, but happily, found ourselves entering second time parenthood last year. While I find myself questioning my parenting skills often, it is comforting to hear I’m not alone! Funny how something so simple as putting a dresser, decorating a room, or silly time with your first “baby” makes everything okay again!
Carrie says
My two kids are 4 years apart, and I had the same fears when my boy was due. But my little girl was the biggest help! And she’s also a great IKEA furniture assembler.
You two are going to do just fine. Just don’t be surprised if things HAVE to slow down a bit. The pace of home renovation with 2 kids certainly slowed from when there was only one!
Robin says
The first child gets the benefit of your attention….the second gets the benefit of your experience.
Yes, our second doesn’t have our undivided attention, but she is showered with love from the 3 of us which is really just priceless!
It will all work out!!!
Kayla says
You are AMAZING parents! I saw how you were worried about having two and you guys are going to be great! With all you do and still always seeing Clara smiling that gorgeous smile and they way you guys involve her with everything is awesome! I am sure you have a lot of readers who strive to follow your model! Keep it up!
Sylvia says
Guys, you are the best parents! Need proof, watch one Clara video or read one Clara conversation and tell me she isn’t awesome – she is the product of one great family. I understand the self doubt though when going from one to two kids. My hubby and I both FREAKED out when we found out we were expecting number 2, when our first was only 6 months old…but seriously, it’s going to be awesome. Clara will have someone to play with and the barnacle won’t know what it’s like to not have a big sister and if he’s anything like our little guy, he’ll think his older sibling is the bees knees.
P.s. Really like where you’re going with the built ind, I vote grey!
Stephanie says
John, I had similar feelings we were expecting our second child. I remember reading something that really rang true: Your first child has the benefit of your undivided attention. Your second child has the benefit of your experience. You guys will be fine, you’ll see.65
Amy says
What a great plan! I like that the spacing allows nice air circulation around the crib.
When I was having my second, I was terrified that I had done a terrible thing to my first child’s life and wouldn’t be able to do the right thing with my second. My son was on a big “Guess How Much I Love You” kick. I’m hoping you have that book! There’s a picture where the dad is holding his baby and looking kind of pensively up at the moon. I used to look at that picture and rock my son, feeling like that picture explained exactly how I felt. Nervous, protective, and loving. I have it hanging on my frame wall now, as a reminder. My second is a glorious delightful happy little girl, and now I can see it and remember how scary the unknown is, and how axing it can turn out.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s the sweetest book!
xo
s
Karen says
John –
1. Clara is one of the happiest chillen’ I’ve ever seen! I did not have the best parents, so I know good ones when I see ’em.
2. Of course it’s going to be different. You will notice how *different* the baby is from Clara. They will have different personalities. Supposedly, even in the womb you can tell the difference. Sherry, didn’t you say that he’s really active in there compared to Clara?
3. Clara was born in house #2, (right?). So already his experience is different – this is your forever house!
4. Like someone else said earlier, just the fact that you’re thinking about this proves you’re a wonderful father.
:-)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Karen! You’re right about this guy already having quite a personality. He’s crazy strong (John felt him through my belly super early – even the doc was surprised, and he continues to give me some great ninja kicks every day) so I can’t wait to see what he’ll be like in the outside world. Hopefully not super violent or anything though, haha!
xo
s
Alisa says
I was worried my daughter would be super violent in the outside world because she was bonkers and could kick something fierce. She is two now and is the craziest dancer I’ve ever seen. Seriously. Fist pumping all over the place. Not a violent bone in her body :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s hilarious!
xo
s
Amanda says
I love that you are a man and wrote this blog post, which made me cry because I am expecting my #2 in early April and am having so many of the same insecurities. I’ve been reading your blog since way before Clara was a bean – since fall 2009 I think. I just love the honesty you put into this.
Ashley Calaway says
We had our second just a little over a year ago and I am currently expecting our 3rd. (That wasn’t planned, trust me!) so I totally get your insecurities. I will have 3 kids 3 and under and I have no idea how I will give them all the attention they need. But it is so amazing to watch the interactions of your children together. My son absolutely adores his big sister. She still gets a little impatient and has issues with sharing, but she also loves to play with him and chase him around the house. The thing that gives me hope that my kids will be ok is the quote, “there’s no one way to be a perfect parent, but there are a million ways to be a good one.” As long as you love your kids and want what is best for them, I think you’re gonna be ok :)
leila says
First of all, I love the built-in concept and for what it’s worth I’m on Team Paint-Them-Gray. :)
Secondly, John — thank you for your honesty, it’s so refreshing! Don’t worry about Little Bro, speaking as an oldest sister (actually he and Clara will be about the same age apart as my brother and I) he will a pretty fierce advocate from Day One. Also, you will have the special opportunity to take photos of the two of them dressed as Princess Ballerinas (at least that’s what I did to my Little Bro).
Janet Wight says
You are an awesome Dad! Just the fact that you consider all these things really is meaningful and important. I admire you.
Shauna says
I’m loving all the moving anecdotes and comments on this post. Everyone has said it for me. But I must comment because it’s important, this desire to bond and be at one with your family, which you will be.
This project is definitely going to be followed. I really admire your dresser choice–going for something robust as a base is smart. I’ll be so curious to see where it goes!
Enjoy, savour, wallow in every instant of your parenthood!
Nicole says
Oh, goodness! This post and ensuing comments have made my day. We added a baby to our family of three (four if you count the doggie, which we do) this past summer. In short, it has been amazing. #1 got the undivided attention. #2 got/is getting the experience. It’s not always Kumbaya, but we love the craziness. Can’t wait for you to experience it :)