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…
Charlotte @ Ciburbanity says
I didn’t read all the comments, but I’m sure everyone is saying pretty much the same thing, but I personally LOVE the independence and self-sufficiency that my kids have as a result of a big family. We have 4 under 4.5 so they have to entertain themselves sometimes and it’s my favorite part of parenting to just sit back and watch them having fun with each other creating and imagining. Sure, it’s teeeccchnically benign neglect, but such an important skill set to develop. There’s NO way your kids won’t feel loved! I mean, look at how much love you show some beat up old thrift store pendant light… a kid is like WAY more exciting and important than that. :) xx
Jen in Texas says
Awwww! I just fell a little more in love with John (in a nice big sisterish kind of way). I don’t normally comment, though I’ve been a reader for years, but I had to say that this really touched me today.
Shiv says
This is a very sweet post…about built-ins lol. Congratulations on fatherhood 2.0, Clara such a cool little kid so you must be doing something right. Keep calm and carry on.
Maddie says
I think this is my favorite post ever of yours John…and you’ll be just as great with the barnacle as with Clara! I’m the fourth of four children, and it’s a pretty sweet spot to be surrounded with sibling and parent love. I also love the photos of Clara helping you build – just too cute! Can’t wait to see the nursery progress!
Katalina says
Just curious about your answer about inspiration.
pinterest is addicting for visual reference.
I have tons of torn out ideas from magazines /newspapers for home, garden, design, etc
how many binders do you have and are you good at keeping up with filing? I threw out over 85 magazines and catalogs but now i have a big ole sad pile of papers… that need to be filed in binders.
Your house looks like there is not paperwork anywhere.
how many years do you keep bank statements, receipts? I know that if you are throwing away negatives and photos and making a book that you are way more streamlined than me!
how do you organize all your magazines? do you get alot of subscriptions?
thanks for any info!
YoungHouseLove says
I have three inspiration binders that I keep in the cube cubby shelf in our office (I shared it a while back when I put some books in there by color). We also have an Ikea box that we keep in there with our receipts in it, and once a year I go through them and file them or toss them if they’re no longer valid/necessary. We also have a filing cabinet in the office across from that bookcase, which is where we keep business paperwork, etc. And magazines are in one of the cabinets in the kitchen above that desk nook. Haha!
xo
s
Jess says
John- I really enjoy your blog. You and your lovely wife do a beautiful job in every way. I just want to give a little food for thought…. As the mom of five I never, ever, ever give my children enough of my time. And long story, comment section sized short….that’s a good thing. As new babies come they change life for all…. New people change the community…. A loving community takes the new one in and says ” ok, how can we love and serve this person?” That is a beautiful thing for Clara to learn. Our thirst for selfish pleasures is rarely satiated but we often find a deep satisfaction in loving others. Your new child will definitely reduce resources…. For a time. But, as the community that is your family focuses on the physical demands of an infant the opportunity to serve and learn to give up what we desire to serve others will create such beautiful relationships. Children who grow up in homes that say the community is worth the self sacrifice learn such loving qualities that they often find themselves in an abundance of loving , supportive relationships because that is often what service to those around us breed. So , so happy for your new arrival!!! Many, many beautiful blessings to you and yours!:)
YoungHouseLove says
We have loved hearing everyone’s perspectives and wise words today guys! Thanks so much for sharing!
xo
s
Chelly says
I did not read all of the comments (there are quite a few), but I was wondering if you were planning to cut the floor moulding so that the dressers sat flush against the side and back wall? As it appears the top section of the units will be?!
Thanks.
And congratulations of the impending barnacle!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we’ll be cutting the molding and using some wood trim so they’re truly flush with the walls in the corner for a completely built-in look.
xo
s
Christine says
I am not sure if someone asked, but would you need to sand the dresser before painting it? My husband and I are currently searching for nursery furniture for our first. I have been reading all your posts regarding Clara’s nursery and keep hoping for a new nursery post like this one! We are looking at new or used furniture and I would like to try my hand at a DIY project for the room. Since you both are so experienced, is repainting furniture that hard?
YoungHouseLove says
This wood is nice and raw and roughed up, so we could sand it to smooth it but we wouldn’t need to sand it to help the primer and paint stick since it’s already raw. If you have smooth wood furniture (especially anything sealed) you definitely want to sand it first, then use a liquid deglosser, and then prime and paint it. Good luck!
xo
s
Kelly says
What a sweet post! I think all good moms and dads have these insecurities; it is natural and just shows how much you care. Clara and Barnacle are two lucky kids to have great parents.
I love how putting furniture together made you realize it’s all going to be fine. Isn’t there a saying: “The family that builds Ikea furniture together stays together”? Well, there should be.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Leigh says
Gah John you made this pregnant lady cry! Maybe it’s my pregnancy hormones or maybe it’s because you echoed a lot of what my husband and I have been talking about. Either way it’s nice to know others go through similar emotions when expanding their family.
Clara is an absolutely adorable helper. I think you have a future DIY’er on your hands. My husband handed our 2.5 year old son a drill the other day. I just about passed out when I saw it. Turns out the little rascal is better at drilling than I am!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s hilarious! I’d be biting my nails the whole time too!
xo
s
Susann says
Hi, I never leave comments but thought I should today. Although I am sure you will be perfect parents, may I suggest the following book: Bringing up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman.
I am not sure if you read this already, but I think this helps a lot with (American) parenting insecurities. (I am German and live in Switzerland, therefore relate to a lot of the French parenting philosophies). I hope this is helpful
http://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-B%C3%A9b%C3%A9-Discovers-Parenting-ebook/dp/B005I4JG80/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390334493&sr=8-1&keywords=bringing+up+bebe
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Susann! I read that back when I was pregnant with Clara. It was really interesting!
xo
s
Jennifer says
Such a sweet post! As a soon-to-be-mom (really soon…. Our little bun was considered fully cooked as of last Wednesday. So any day now!), sometimes I get caught up in my own anxieties/hormones about our little addition and my new role that I forget my husband is going through this too. Thank-you for the reminder and wording it so well!
lindsay says
Nicely put, John. Know that your concerns make you ‘normal’, but that all will be well. The barnacle is so fortunate to be joining your sweet family, and you will be happy ever after – I’m sure of it.
Leah says
This is a really sweet post. One of my favorites in the last long bit. I blog about becoming a parent for the 2nd time (my husband and I aren’t quite ready for #2…but we’re close…kind of) and I can so relate to your feelings and I’m not even pregnant yet! Looks like you have an awesome kid, so you are clearly doing something very right.
http://www.nextstop-baby.blogspot.com
Allison says
I really enjoyed reading this post – good job John!
AngD says
Love the idea of unlit ins! It will look great!
Also, as a mom of 2 I understand the fears before the second baby arrives. I had a scheduled c section and that morning I cried and cried. Not because I was so excited to have my second precious baby ( though I was). Rather, because I was sure we were going to ruin our first child’s life! She was almost 2 at the time. Fast forward 4 years and we have found our new, happy normal. The most beautiful part of all is the relationship our children have with one another. They are best pals and I pray they will be for life. They will have one another long after they no longer have us. You guys seems like great parents and your hearts will grow to accommodate even more love than you can imagine! Best of luck to you and your precious family!
AngD says
That would be “built ins”. Dang autocorrect!
Kendra says
You guys are such an (diy) inspiration to me. We’ve lived overseas (in the middle east) for 9 of our 10 married years and we can’t even imagine ever owning a home but you’ve inspired me to try some things in our various apartments over here and I appreciate it. But that’s not why I’m writing (I think this is my first time to comment but I’ve been reading along for a couple of years). We just added our 3rd girl in October (big sisters are 4 1/2 and almost 3) so we went from man to man defense to a zone defense and I was worried about it but it’s been so wonderful. You’re right – little man will have a big sister to dote on him and I think it’s easy to forget how low-maintenance (in some ways) newborns are. We get some good quality time with the littlest one once the big sisters are down at night — I’m pretty sure that’s her favorite part of the day :) All that to say give yourself some grace and space to adjust and you’ll find a new rhythm in time as a family of 5 (can’t forget the burgs!;) And this is random but Sherry I just read your breastfeeding post for the first time the other day and may I just say (as one who is currently in the throes of nursing) that I have mad respect for you! Thanks for sharing your journey!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kendra! You’re so sweet! It’s so awesome to hear how awesome your new little one is fitting into the fold. All the best with everything!
xo
s
Natalie @ WipesAreNotWeapons says
First off, that was the SWEETEST post! My kids were born 14 months apart (HELLO little surprise!), so my husband and I went through so many “How the heck will we possibly handle this?!” moments. I think the main thing that we learned was that somehow everything works out. You can somehow handle everything, and your parental ninja skills kick in (the kind that makes you walk into your 2 year old’s room because you have a “feeling she doesn’t feel well” just in time for her to barf…and you catch it, naturally, in your hands), and everyone comes out feeling so loved in the end.
Parenting is total chaos and madness, but it balances out with the most fierce love imaginable to make it all worth it! That thing they say about how your love doesn’t divide, it multiplies, is so true!
Annie R says
Love this concept!! I think it’s so smart you’re building a room to grow. :)
John- you are obviously a great dad but I understand you insecurities. Change is always that way! Kind of like how you thought crown molding would be crazy hard… Now look where you’re at :)
When my third child was born my oldest son who was 5 at the time came to visit us in the hospital and he hopped up on my bed with me, held his new little brother, and, without taking his eyes off of him, he said- “mom- how could anybody NOT love him?” Melted my heart. Enjoy it!!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet, Annie!
xo
s
Dee says
Oh my John, this was just too sweet. The fact that you’re so worried about being the best parent already means you are one. There are many many people in this world who are less deserving of the privilege of having kids and you my friend are definitely not one of them. Ahh still can’t handle how cute (read manly, ahem) your post is…
Dawn says
Your Barnacle is going to have the coolest room every – love the concept.
Also: I’ve always felt that those who worry about their performance a bit are the great parents. :)
Emily says
I was a second child, and I always feel more connected to my friends’ second babies. They all turn out to be low maintenance, independent kiddos- not surprisingly since they come into already busy houses. No better, no worse– just different!
Emylee says
dressers look great, john is great, you are all great. We had a useless vanity space in our master bedroom that we wanted to fill with a built in dresser. My 76 year old grandfather just finished it up – made entirely by (his) hand – drawers and all. Maybe one day, john!
http://flic.kr/p/joYf5v
YoungHouseLove says
Holy cow, that looks awesome! And the hardware is so much fun too!
xo
s
Pamela @ Little Red House says
I always loved doing projects with my dad. Still do, actually. His projects were for hobby/home upkeep but I think I would have loved the time with him just as much if he had to do the projects for his job. You may be busy with YHL projects but so many of them are ones you can do with the children and that is great.
Karen says
I can’t wait until Clara starts helping you with the blog! I’m sure her first solo post will be great!
Tatiana says
Noooooooo why do you want to paint this gorgeous wood :( All of your wood in the house is painted, it is killing me. Why are you so afraid of texture?
YoungHouseLove says
We actually love the wood texture, and we’re staining the tops! We just want to paint the rest because the lumber we use to build the shelves on top and the molding we add won’t match the dresser (paint will make it look like all one piece). We have a ton of other unpainted wood items in our house though (freshly stained lower kitchen cabinets, our bathroom vanity, two console tables, our kitchen & dining table, a wood media cabinet, and dressers in our closet and Clara’s room) so we definitely don’t just lean towards paint :)
xo
s
Robyn in Chicago says
Just the sweetest post ever. John, you are such a good dad…just for being so mindful of your parenting. It’s admirable and adorable. I had a lump in my throat the whole time reading that. And then every time I read “the Barnacle” I laugh out loud a little. That is just so funny.
xo
Leanne says
I am LOVING checking out all the stuff you are doing to your new house… particularly the new nursery as my husband and I are expecting too! We are not due until early August(yay for hitting 12 weeks and sharing our happy news with all of our family and friends!) but it is so fun to see what you did with Clara’s nursery and how you are changing things up for the Barnacle’s nursery. Thanks for sharing all about it!
Here’s hoping your all day sickness passes soon, Sherry!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Leanne!
xo
s
Tishlee says
I know I am just a spare “comment-er” in the 1’000s ya’ll encounter, but I hope you both know how inspirational you are. I understand your parenting dilemma, though I only have a 2 year old girl, life is a constant struggle with giving her the attention she deserves among my college classes and 2 jobs. You two are fantastic parents and encourage me to share my tasks with my daughter. Life may not allow us to spend hours at the park each day, but involving them in our daily life is possible. Children just want to be involved whether they help us clean, spend time helping us cook, or watching a movie together after a long day. I think that is the most valuable thing because it makes them feel like they are a part of something. It’s hard to remember that but I am trying. Thank you for always indirectly encouraging this online community.
Tishlee says
PS I love the ideas for your nursery!
YoungHouseLove says
You’re so sweet Tishlee! I love what you said. It’s so true. Kids just want to be a part of something. Even simple stuff like cooking and cleaning. Clara LOVES to clean. It’s amazing to watch (and then I clean up after her “cleaning” mess, haha).
xo
s
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
What a sweet post :)
Can’t wait to see the built-ins when they’re built-in!
Mia says
Just sharing thes concerns (and thinking them in the first place) shows what a great dad you are. Keep up the good work :)
Helene says
I know this blog is mostly for the hip and the young who are setting up house, so I don’t really have any business being here but I couldn’t help but comment today. I am in my forties and my husband and I are expecting our eleventh child. We so enjoy our big family! And as they say, you don’t divide your love and attention….you multiply it! You are right to think that each child will have their own unique experience of their parents. But every child IS unique. And they each deserve their own unique life experience. I come from a large family also. When we older kids did something like write on the wall, there was bound to be some discipline to follow. But by the time my baby brother (#9) wrote on the wall, my Mom was tickled pink and took a picture of it! It’s all good. Anyway, half the battle with the little ones is simply having the energy….and it’s clear you both have an ABUNDANCE of that! God bless you guys, you are wonderful!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s hilarious about taking a picture of the writing on the wall! You’re so sweet Helen. Thanks so much for the awesome advice. It has been so much fun for both of us to chat about this stuff today.
xo
s
Harma says
There ain’t no video, no how. Just a black rectangle. Sorry if this has been addressed. Have not had time to read through all the comments.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! Anyone else have this issue? It’s youtube.com, so maybe it’s blocked if you’re at work? Or updating your flash plug-in will make it pop up?
xo
s
Shara M. says
A bit late with comments…
1. Sherry, you have an amazing eye to be able to visualize how fab the gold chairs look with your table. Apparently only 3 percent of the population has that gift! BTW my new favorite thing is white cabinetry/case goods with gold hardware and accents along with blue wall paint.
2. My reaction to the first pic of the bathroom was “that blue is heavenly.” Duh, so of course it looks great on the ceiling! The entire bathroom is beautiful. Again, amazing that you are able visualize that in advance.
3. Seems to me both you and John are, and will continue to be, superb parents.
4. Clara has got to be the cutest, sweetest kid ever,
5. Sorry I’m so wordy. Promise I won’t comment for at least a month :)
YoungHouseLove says
You’re so sweet Shara! Thanks so much for the kind words!
xo
s
Kelly Binfet says
You just made me like your blog even more. You will be just fine :) Keep doing what you are doing………love their mom like you do…and all will be well. Trust us :)
Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says
I’m with you on wondering what it will be like with two. We are two weeks away from adopting a little girl from Hong Kong. For the past two plus years Noah has been the only child. She hasn’t had to share mommy or daddy and all that will change in a few weeks. I pray for her and her knew sister every day. That God will already be preparing them for the drastic changes that are about to happen.
http://www.colortransformedfamily.com/adoption-story/
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so exciting Krystle! All the best!
xo
s
LibraDesignEye says
Thank you on behalf of parents everywhere. Admitting to the kinds of things we worry over and expressing them in concrete form / watching how life unfolds and we work through it . . . we are lucky to have your willingness to share the honest apprehensions that document a natural step in life. Or as my mother said “that is why god gives you 9 months to get used to the idea!”
So, thank you for sharing. Remember too that the youngest gets you all to themselves at a different stage – my last of three sons is now greatly enjoying high school with only parents at home (though he would rather have his college brothers drive him and his friends around to things) and being the only one requesting friends over, having us broken in, so to speak (we won’t admit to broken down yet!)
That said – great choice of base, and allow me to suggest you look at the camoflauge neutrals that are technically green but some of them look gray or khaki . . .they are warm and neutral . . .. bm cos cob stonewall or sabre gray, desert twillight, arctic shadows, fieldstone(top pick), . ..ese kinds of grays warm . . great against wood tone (stained tops!!!) Even the drabware colors that are a bit lighter but green underneath bm mosaic tile . . .paris rain!, nantucket gray!!, horizon gray, and then back down and over to creekside green . . . well that can add to your already very long list of fun color choices to consider.
And. . . a note of boy parenting caution. Yours may be as hhelpful as big sister, but you are more likely to be presented with a bull in a china shop (comparatively). Action before consequences are (in my experience) perhaps a bit more likely with the male gender version of help. Set him up to succeed and always guard the tools even more closely. At least Clara will be in school even more by then so you won’t get “mine” v “mine” over who will be the helper all day long. We are all so happy for both of you.
YoungHouseLove says
So much good advice! LOVE the paint color suggestions, and the amazing insight that younger kids get you all to themselves later in life. Never thought about that!
xo
s
Stephanie says
I guess I’m an odd man out in saying I have had terrible luck with IKEA furniture, including solid wood pieces. We bought the Leksvik dresser, wardrobes, and night tables and they have all crapped out after just a couple years. The dresser is the worst–the drawers are always coming off the track and it just seems to lack overall stability. I love IKEA’s style and prices but I hate that so much I have bought from them has turned into throwaway pieces despite being careful with them.
I would suggest giving the drawers of your IKEA pieces a good test run to make sure they are stable and will last for the long haul. Good luck!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! That stinks! We definitely will give them some use and will report back on how it goes (good, bad, or ugly!).
xo
s
Cory Laine says
Loved this post! Our experience going from one to two was an adjustment for sure. With baby one we felt like an instant family, when baby two came I felt like our family was a little divided for about the first 6 weeks. My hubby was busy making sure our oldest was getting all the attention she needed and not feeling left out and I was busy taking care of baby- but that passed quickly enough and we found a new pace. I don’t say that to scare you, just to let you know that if you do experience that feeling, it won’t last long and you’re not alone. Absolutely my favorite part of having two (now three!) is seeing the two most amazing people in your life loving each other. Siblings are a huge blessing.
On a design note, if you are considering green for the built ins check out BM Alligator Alley. I have it on our interior doors and Bailey McCarthy from Peppermint Bliss used in a client house for built ins recently. It’s a really great muddy green.
http://www.peppermintbliss.com/?s=alligator+alley
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Cory! Such good advice, and we’ll have to check out that paint color!
xo
s
Megan says
The shelves will be great!! anything with that amount of TLC in them would be! We just had our second (girl 3.5 and boy 7 months). The first few months were a definite adjustment but the very fact that you have concern about the amount of time or care you could give your son says so much about how you will be just fine! you will you will. We learn more about ourselves with every new addition. Soak up this Clara time – I can tell she’ll be a mini mommy just like our first. Its so helpful.
Thanks for the honesty!
Maria says
Is the Fjell tall and wide enough to be a changing table?
YoungHouseLove says
We think it could work for that, although we’re not sure if we’ll add a pad to the top of one or if we’d rather have that somewhere else in the room. Will keep you posted!
xo
s
Christine says
OMG the feels this post brings up! Dang.
That fear of if I can properly give my attention to my children has been one of the big factors that have put me and my husband off having kids so far. Well that and a lot of medical reasons.
I’m a terribly selfish person and I know that and the thought of turning that focus off of me and my husband and putting it onto a child is a terrifying thought. What if I’m unable to do that and my child then grows up resenting me for it.
I do however love watching the way you both are with Clara (and especially the fact that Burger is still treated very much like a big brother and not cast aside to ‘make way for the baby’) and it does go a long way to helping me get over this mental barrier in the hopes of maybe one day my husband and I having a family of our own……Maybe
YoungHouseLove says
You’re so sweet Christine! If you’re anything like us one morning you’ll wake up and say “we could do that… I think.” We just felt “nooooot ready!” for so long, and they say you’re never ready (we certainly weren’t balls of confidence when we decided to go for it) but it was like a switch flipped and we saw our friends and relatives doing it and we said “dude if they can do it, I’m sure we can feel our way through it… right?!” It’s actually pretty hilarious now that we look back on it.
xo
s
Beth says
This post really hit close to home for me. Our daughter was born in 2009, and I had some health issues that kept delaying getting pregnant. Now we’re expecting #2 in April. When our daughter was born we had unique work situations that gave us a lot of bonding time with her, and a chance to adjust before going back to a crazy life. Now things are busy as ever, and I wonder how things will go. We’re pulling things out of storage and panicking a bit about all the things we’ve forgotten. It’s also amazing how parenting rules have changed in just 4 years.
Just 2 weekends ago we went to IKEA and purchased a dresser for baby. My husband assembled it, and our daughter helped out the same way Clara helped you. I always intended to have my kids closer together, but the more we get ready for baby, the more comfortable I am with 5 years difference. I’m looking forward to watching my little girl help with the baby, and be an awesome big sister. :-)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet! I think that age difference is perfect – you’ll have a little helper!
xo
s
Pamela Bertone says
So glad you were able to work it out in your head. My kids are grown but I remember acutely the days before my second child arrived. Was I ready? Could I offer this new child the same that I gave my first child? How would my relationship change with my first child? Then, little man came along and I thought, “Silly girl-there’s more than enough love to go ’round.” The time piece will fall into place, especially if the love is there, which it certainly is to this YHL fan!!! I appreciate VERY much your willingness to share your thoughts. This was good stuff, all ’round :)
Gemma says
I am 43 and I still love hanging with my dad! Only difference is now he’s teaching me to DIY on my very own home…and I get a lot of inspiration from your blog and beautiful home! :)
Rhapsody says
Real wood is so pretty, I especially like the grain you see. Seems a shame to paint over it. Maybe you could stain the entire dresser(s)?
YoungHouseLove says
We thought about that but the lumber we will use to build the top probably wouldn’t match perfectly with a stain unless it’s really heavy and dark like paint anyway, so that’s why we lean towards just staining the tops as an accent :)
xo
s
Jose Gonzalez says
First, your nursery seems to be coming along a little smoother than ours. But, I keep reassuring myself that we have until May to get it all done. We have almost got the ceiling done. Here is the link if you want to check it out. ( http://joseandcharityspemberley.blogspot.com/2014/01/hear-ye-hear-ye-we-finally-started-on.html ) Second, I really enjoyed and share in the fatherly worries part of the post. We are expecting only expecting our first, but I have similar worries. I am excited about our little nugget due in May, but with myself being in laws school and my wife working full time I often wonder (read: constantly and tirelessly agonize) over how I will be able to dedicate all the time I need and want to our upcoming new family member. I know I have enough time because we have plans and we both are really excited, but still I worry whether I will really, really have enough time for all the important things.
Having said all that I leave you with two things. (1) I know you will be great with two little ones running around and I know I will enjoy our first with all the joy that I already have for him. And, (2) I truly enjoy your blog, general attitude toward life, and constantly when doing DIY project I think, “What would Young House Love think about this?” Thanks for the post.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Jose. It has been awesome to hear from everyone on this subject. It’s funny how universal it seems!
-John
Jessica says
Thanks, John. Thanks as always to you and Sherry for sharing your family with us. That video is priceless. That’s what life’s all about! My dad took countless videos of me and my siblings back in the 80s, and when I was a young twenty-something living in a big city far from my family he converted them to dvd and gave them to me for Christmas, and it’s probably the best present I’ve ever received. I cry-laughed so loudly every time I watched one that I learned to give my roommate a warning before I started watching a new one. So much love shared in the simplest moments.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet!
xo
s
Julie says
haha Loved the video of Clara.
And I like the concept of the dresser/bookcase and how no matter his age, the new bean will get use out of them.
I was 3 1/2 when my sister was born and I used to “read” to her. There are a couple pictures of her sitting in her bouncy seat and me sitting next to her with a pile of books. Maybe Clara will do the same for the Barnacle!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s adorable! I hope so!
xo
s
Ecee says
Oh my gosh! This is the first time that I’ve watched a video on YHL (I am usually browsing from work, and it’s blocked there) – and I am shocked and laughing at the cuteness of John’s accent! Clara has it too!
I’ve heard Sherry’s voice in one of her videos with Katie Bower… didn’t hear much of an accent there. I guess that’s why I am so surprised :)
In any case, looking forward to seeing the final product, as always.
E.C
YoungHouseLove says
So funny! They’re my little southerners.
xo
s