Space-saving nursery tricks


Hooray! I have finally made some progress in my ongoing quest to figure out how to fit baby-gear into our small place.

Caught an episode of The Mom Show the other day — love that show, and have for the last couple of years — and it featured a couple who wanted a “modern” nursery. I am more traditional, in terms of decor, but I kept watching just in case.
I wasn’t a big fan of the finished product — kind of dull, sea-grass-ish, beach-themed — but I was impressed by how little furniture was required. Even if modern decor isn’t your thing, apparently there is a lot we can learn about the minimalist approach, like this example from ModernNursery.com.
Here are the only three pieces of furniture you need for the nursery …
  • CRIB: Duh, right? But instead of buying a regular crib, you can buy one that converts into a double-bed. Then you will have use for it, either in future guest rooms — when you have a bigger place —  or for the kiddo when he/she is older. If you’re really short on space, you could probably store wicker baskets underneath it, too.
  • CHANGING TABLE/DRESSER: Yeah, you need a changing table, and yeah, you need a dresser — but there’s no reason they can’t be the same thing. Buy a changing table with lots of drawer space for clothes and supplies. Or you can buy a regular dresser, even, and get one of those changing-table-tops that just attaches on top.
  • CHAIR: You will want a place to feed and cuddle the baby, so a chair is a must-have. But you don’t need to get a rocking chair. Some moms and dads are opting for cozy armchairs and recliners. You should choose whatever feels most comfortable for you — because you’ll be clocking a lot of hours in it!
That’s not bad — three pieces! I am a huge fan of the big tupperware containers (with drawers, lids, etc.), so I plan to get a bunch of those for storing things in the closet. They’re light to tote around to different rooms, and great for keeping things organized.
It’s nice to know there is a way to make this work without owning a massive house! There is hope for us!

On second thought …

I know I just said I want a girl, but I just remembered that this song always makes me want a baby boy …
A New Day Has Come
By Celine Dion

I was waiting for so long
For a miracle to come
Everyone told me to be strong
Hold on and don’t shed a tear

Through the darkness and good times
I knew I’d make it through
And the world thought I’d had it all
But I was waiting for you

Hush now, I see a light in the sky
Oh, it’s almost blinding me
I can’t believe I’ve been touched by an angel with love

Let the rain come down and wash away my tears
Let it fill my soul and drown my fears
Let it shatter the walls for a new sun
A new day has come

When it was dark, now there’s light
Where there was pain, now’s there’s joy
Where there was weakness, I found my strength
All in the eyes of a boy

Hush now, I see a light in your eyes
All in the eyes of a boy
I can’t believe I’ve been touched by an angel with love …

If you could choose …


You know how expectant mothers always say, “Oh, I don’t care if it’s a boy or a girl, as long as he or she is healthy”?

Well, if you meet me in real life, I will tell you that. But here on the ever-anonymous internet, I will tell you that I want a girl more.

There. I said it.

I would be very happy with a family full of boys, of course, but I would like to have even just one girl.

I am sew ready!

Inspired by the awesome Rebecca Woolf over at Girl’s Gone Child, I have decided to turn my bebe impatient-ness into productivity.

Yes, I am going to begin making baby clothes … for the kid that is still an egg, technically.

Don’t laugh! I am! I have made enough outfits for Little Dog, so I am hopeful that baby clothes are sort of similar?

I think I’m going to start off with a simple little dress, like the one Rebecca did that I love.

Wish me luck!

P.S. You may be wondering if this sewing pilgrimage is going to be done in secret (a.k.a. without telling Darling Husband). I am not sure yet.

P.P.S. I think he might freak if he comes home and sees me sewing baby clothes.

P.P.P.S. But knowing my ability to keep secrets, I’m sure he’ll know by the time I publish this post.

P.P.P.P.S. Isn’t this sewing machine adorable? Sadly, mine is much less cute.

S to the I-C-K

I rarely take sick days, because I’m one of those people who believes the office will implode if I am not there to oversee everything. But I was suffering all last night/this a.m. with a sore throat/runny nose/thick head, so I gave in and stayed home.

And … it’s a little weird.

It feels I’m in elementary school and it’s a snow day. It’s not a weekend, you aren’t supposed to be home, but yet … you are. It’s bright outside and it’s like 11 a.m., and you’re here, inside. Watching daytime TV and stuff.

I imagine it feels kind of like this when you are a SAHM? Granted, I am not looking after a crying baby, but I am taking care of myself — and I’m a whiny person — plus Little Dog. Plus, I will still be puttering around, doing dishes, etc. All in the daytime, while Darling Husband is at work.

I am almost enjoying it in a way — other than the burning/itchy throat and running nose. I am that kind of person that really enjoys being home. I am going to read, sew, watch a little TV, and make something simple but yummy for supper. Maybe something nourishing and SAHM-ish, like … beef stew?

I like this calm feeling that I have now. I like being tucked up in my house, all day, with a manageable to-do list and some nice free time. I am still in my PJs. I’m on my fourth mug of tea (oops, must start lowering caffeine consumption). It’s very nice. I’m not racing around the office halls with my BlackBerry, or herding people into a meeting. I am just … mellow-mellow.

Hmmm, this could also be the DayQuil talking.