Since the day that we announced there was a bun in my oven, we’ve been getting comments and emails to request details about how our house is changing thanks to our growing family. And now that Clara is two months old (time flies!) we decided that it was high time we took some candid photos to show exactly how our home has changed thanks to all of the baby gear that we’ve accumulated thus far (and yes, we know it’ll only grow from here, so stay tuned to see how we deal with everything else as we go).
The following photos weren’t edited or cleaned up in any way- they’re actual snapshots. And you know what? We really like our house this way. It’s lived-in and casual and convenient and functional- all the things that we strive for when it comes to home decor. And the best thing about every single item is that we have a place for it when it’s not in use. And we’re thinking this is the key. So although all of these photos show you how things look when they’re out and about, they could all be tucked away if we felt the need to de-babify the house for company (although all of our visitors these days are here to see Clara, so they love observing her in her natural habitat).
So without further ado… the baby-tastic-keeping-it-real-a-day-in-the-life reveal.
This is what the bedroom looks like on the regular. We don’t make the bed anymore, ever. Well, except maybe if we’re having company (even then we sometimes skip it since we somehow have this “get out of jail free” card thanks to the whole you-have-a-newborn concept). And yes, Burger sleeps in until about noon so he can usually be found in bed next to some books that we’ve read to Clara earlier that morning. The cutest thing is that when Burger does finally drag his lazy butt out of bed he immediately seeks out his little sister…
… as demonstrated by this photo of Burger hunting down Clara, only to find her in her swing in the den (it actually gets moved back and forth between the den and the office, depending where we are).
See, Clara loves her Boppy Travel swing. It’s definitely her favorite “baby item” and it’s worth its weight in gold to us. We opted for a smaller and less expensive “travel swing” (which we use all the time, not just when we’re traveling). Thankfully, it has a smaller footprint. And amazingly, it comes in a very neutral color scheme that actually goes with a ton of the items in our house. That’s definitely not a necessity, but it’s always a welcome bonus. We actually hoped this swing could multitask as a bouncy seat of sorts, since you know we’d rather buy one item that can serve a few purposes. So while it doesn’t have a vibrating setting like most bouncers, it’s low to the ground and when the swing isn’t on it serves as a convenient non-vibrating bouncy seat-ish device (which is handy to set Clara in when we eat for example). Of course every baby is different – Clara’s cousin hates his swing and loves his bouncie seat – but we’re so happy that we didn’t bring in two items when we found one that does the job of two.
Oh and see that pink blanket folded over the back of the chair in the photo above? That’s for playtime/tummy time in the den. We’ve learned that it’s easier to keep two plush floor blankets around (one in the den and one in the office) so they’re always on hand wherever we are for some floor playing, neck exercising, rolling over, and ceiling staring. It’s amazing what babies like to do in their spare time.
Next we have the laundry…
The arrival of Clara has definitely meant that there’s more to wash and dry, but thankfully her clothes are all so small that we can cram about a million onesies into one energy efficient load. Of course we can’t wait to break out our cloth diapers (Clara is still a smidge too small for them) which will add even more to our laundry pile, but will make buying the Seventh Generation disposable dipes that we’ve been using a thing of the past. Wahoo!
The bathroom doesn’t always look like this, but every other day it does thanks to bath time. Clara LOVES bath time, and thanks to a tip from John’s sister (an expert mother of three) we don’t have to struggle to store a big hulking plastic baby tub since she recommended this yellow foam version from Target (which is so easy to squeeze out and store in one of the baskets in our open linen closet). It’s super cushy and comfy, amazingly inexpensive, and it’ll work for at least a year or so (when babies get bigger they can sit on them, which is how John’s sister washes her nine month old). Gotta love a $10 solution like that.
Here’s the other blanket that we always have on hand. This one lives in the office, but instead of being folded over the back of a chair when it’s not in use (like the one in the den) this one is pretty much always on the floor with some toys on it. It’s a great little station for Clara to play, put in some tummy time, and even sleep on occasion (sometimes with Burger curled up next to her).
And since one of us is always on Clara-duty while the other one is on blog-duty it’s also nice to have so much rug space for one of us to get down there with her and hold up a few toys while she smiles adoringly and tracks them with her big blue eyes.
The other thing to note in here is the Boppy on the sofa (we think it’s cute that it kind of looks like a C shaped pillow for Clara). Since I nurse anywhere and everywhere (the bedroom, the office, the den, the living room, the nursery, the sunroom, even the car…) I like to have it on hand, so it usually travels from room to room. But thanks to the soft blue color it pretty much fits into most of our spaces without looking too crazy. It’s certainly not a designer pillow but it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb (like some of that primary-colored kid gear would in our more subdued casa).
Next we have our much-loved Joovy Kooper stroller (we opted for one stroller that does it all from newborn to big kid age instead of having to purchase and store a number of different varieties). Thanks to daily walks around the neighborhood with Burger and Clara this thing gets a ton of action. And as we mentioned, all the items that you see in this post usually look just like this, but they do have a designated “stash spot” just in case we want to clean things up. And the stroller’s stash spot is actually the trunk of the car (we love that it’s pretty much always with us that way, but when we’re feeling lazy we don’t bother folding it up and just pop it in the sunroom instead). It definitely doesn’t blend in with the beachy white daybed, but it’s convenient and we have a two month old- so again, we’re happy to give ourselves a pass. Update: We later invested in a jogging stroller since our do-it-all-stroller couldn’t fill that function, but never bought/needed a snap n’ go stroller or an umbrella stroller, so it’s helpful to really consider what you’ll use before buying them all.
In the nursery it’s usually not too messy thanks to the big bin o’ toys under the bench (it’s so easy to pull things out and pop them right back in) but Clara has been LOVING her Bumbo so that has been making regular appearances in there. It was actually a hand-me-down from a friend, so we’re shocked/thrilled that it works so well with the colors in the room. And although it might look staged, that book in front of it was right there when we walked by to snap a pic. No funny business. If my memory serves me correctly, we were just in the middle of reading it when there was a spit-up incident that had to be tended to. Hence the half-read book…
We actually feared that the kitchen would explode once Clara joined the pack, but so far (since she’s not yet on solid food) we’ve just added three fun glass bottles by Weego and a small bottle drying rack from Target (she’s on an 100% momma’s milk diet, but on rare occasions I do pump just to be sure she’ll take a bottle). Many friends and family members warned us not to go crazy buying tons of bottles so we heeded their advice, and these three bottles have been all we’ve needed (actually we’ve probably only needed one so far). Oh and the reason we picked orange, blue, and yellow for the bottle colors were because we plan to use as much of our baby gear as possible for future bambinos, so gender neutral color choices seem to be more practical for the long haul.
So that’s how Casa Petersik has evolved thus far. And in case anyone’s wondering about our “stash spot” method, it was probably an extension of our “if everything has a place it’s easier to clean up and maintain the house on autopilot” theory. Therefore we devoted the small skinny cabinet right above the drying rack to bottles (and future spoons, sippy cups, and snack holders) while the Bumbo has a spot on the top shelf of Clara’s closet in the nursery. And just as the stroller can be folded up and tossed in the trunk of the car, the Boppy and the blanket on the floor of the office can easily be tossed into the closet in there on a moment’s notice. The foam bath mat gets wrung out and slipped into one of the baskets in the open linen closet while laundry can get folded and put away if we’re trying to tidy up. And since the swing is actually a travel swing it can be folded up and stashed in a closet (we’ve also been known to tuck it up on the shelves above the laundry behind the bamboo blinds so no one’s the wiser).
And of course we could make the bed if we felt the pressure. But lately we must admit that we’ve been loving the distinct lack of pressure around here. We’ve always been cool with imperfection (which is why we paint paneling instead of removing it and make our own DIY art instead of springing for the good stuff by the pros) but having a baby has been pretty great for hammering home the fact that a happy home is a lived-in and loved home… especially when it’s so functional that it buys you more time to hang out as a family.
Note: None of the makers of the baby gear that we’ve mentioned above have paid or perk’d us in any way- they’re just items that Clara has grown to love, so we’re happy to share the goods.
liz @ btb says
I love that your house still looks like adults live there. I always worry that when we have a baby our house will end up looking like a day care center. It’s good to see that you don’t need a million things to keep a baby happy and healthy.
Btw, I took your advice about spray painting my ugly ceramic pear. It came out pretty nice. Here’s a link to the pics.
http://bontempsbeignet.blogspot.com/2010/07/pear-repair.html
Thanks again!
YoungHouseLove says
Looks awesome Liz!
xo,
s
Lauren says
It’s so fun to see how you’re adapting to life as a family of three!
Meredith says
I am pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl, and I love that your house still looks great!!! Gives me hope!!! HEHE!!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- twins! Congrats!
xo,
s
kat says
thanks for the helpful advice! We just sold our 1667 sf house to move into a 930 sf apartment and found out we’re pregnant, so trying to fit a baby in with all of our stuff is a little tight, we’ve been trying to figure out the best things to consolidate since we won’t have room for an actual nursery, and I love the tub idea! Out of curiosity, do you guys have a car seat with a handle that detaches from a base or a convertible car seat that lasts longer?
YoungHouseLove says
Kat- Very good question! We actually contemplated a do-it-all convertible car seat (since you know we hate buying two things when there’s one that can multitask) but everything we read stated that an infant car seat (the kind with the handle that can be carried) is better for smaller babies – and then a convertible one is better for when they get a bit bigger. So in the name of safety we got an infant carrier car seat which lasts until 30 lbs (the Chicco Keyfit 30) and then we’ll upgrade to a convertible one a little later (since she’s only 11 lbs, we have a ways to go). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
LM says
I didn’t think so–you guys are way too “parentally knowledgeable” and on top of things!
Are you guys planning on doing a “baby week” the week of May 14th each year on your blog (like you do a “wedding week” each year)? I bet readers would love to see an annual round-up of DIY/house/child posts in Clara’s honor every year!
YoungHouseLove says
LOVE THAT IDEA LM! We’ll definitely try to work in some baby-centric posts every year around C’s b-day (along with some regular home improvement ones for the non-kid-centric peeps out there). Thanks so much for the suggestion!
xo,
s
Nicole says
I feel the same way bout the primary colored baby stuff. I don’t mind if it’s in my kid’s room (they share), but i don’t want it out in my living room. My problem is finding a spot for the Bumbo. Thanks for the idea about the closet, I think that may work! And I have the same drying rack: it doesn’t look babyish and definitely gets the job done! Thanks for sharing your house as-is. Us other moms don’t feel so bad about our “lived-in” houses now! :)
Jaya says
We love that Fisher Price booster chair too. We have been using it since Brynne was 9 months old to now when she is 3 and a half!! The only thing is that it has put some scratches on the seat of our wooden chair where it has always been clippped on so I think maybe a little pad underneath would solve that problem- if you run into that!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for the tip! So glad it’s working for you!
xo,
s
Erin says
If you want a truly awesome travel high chair/one that is super easy to store away I highly recommend the Phil and Teds Me Too. It folds totally flat, weights just 2lbs and can be attached to any table/breakfast bar and so forth(except a pedestal) had a harness and means your little one can be right at the table with you. We recently bought one for vacation and love it. At home we have the Svan which we also love(matches dining furniture, has tray, can fit right next to table without try and can be used as a toddler chair. However, if we had known sooner we would have just gone with the Me Too. Better for babies who are fully sitting on their own and don’t need any support so not great for the first few months of feeding.
erica says
This question isn’t necessarily related to this post, but I am curious about how you introduced Burger and Clara. He seems to be doing really well with her!
I have two ‘fur babies’ and am concerned that when we do decide to have children that they might act out. Do you find it difficult to give him the same amount of love/time/attention now that you have a baby around?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Erica,
Burger is AWESOME with Clara. We’re so happy that they get along so well (Burger literally thinks she’s his baby, he checks on her and snuggles her all the time). We did a few things to make sure he was happy with the family edition:
1. John brought home a baby blanket with Clara’s scent on it the day after she was born from the hospital (we stayed 4 days due to complications, so that gave Burger two days to get used to the smell of his sister- and two months later he still sleeps with her blanket in his crate).
2. We got him a special treat (food and a toy) and on the day that we took Clara home we presented them to Burger, so he associated Clara with fun stuff for him.
3. We slowly let Burger sniff her and see what she was all about (without any quick movements or licking or anything) so he could satisfy his curiosity- as opposed to keeping her from him until he couldn’t stand the suspense or felt snubbed).
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Denice says
J&S-
Never commented before but feeling the need today! I love the tips from today – so helpful. Our first born, Emmy, was born the day after Miss Clara (and by c-section too – what are the chances?), and it’s been awesome seeing how you two are handling everything as she grows. I so enjoy your gear suggestions as – the A&A muslin wraps, which I never would have found on my own, are a lifesaver!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Denice,
What a small world that your Emmy was born the day after Clara (via c-section as well!). And we’re so glad that you’re enjoying the A&A swaddle blankets. Love those. Clara’s rocking one right now!
xo,
s
Martha says
Loved seeing “Goodnight Moon” and “Pat the Bunny” in that bedroom pic. My kids (now 24 and 20) LOVED those when they were little! So glad you are reading to her already.
Kim says
hi guys,
i love that you are so conscious and so laid back about clara at the same time. i teach 3 and 4 year olds and it is such a breath of fresh air to meet parents who aren’t always freaking out. thanks for keeping it real!
sherry, what kind of breast pump do you use (if you don’t mind me asking)?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kim,
I got the Medela Swing pump since I wanted a high powered one but realized that because I work at home I didn’t need a double (that saved me at least $175!). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Erin says
Hi Sherry!
I’m about 20 weeks and getting to register, so seeing the products that you really like was so helpful. I was reading about the Joovy kooper, and from the Amazon description, it appears that it is from 6 mos age and older. Is there some sort of car seat adapter you use? And I like to go on power walks, and occasionally (as in VERY occasionally. :)) go on a jog–do you think the Kooper would work for those instances? Thanks so much!
Erin
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Erin,
Yup, with the addition of an infant insert (called a Snuzzler) it works from newborn age on (just recline the seat all the way back and add the insert). Clara has been loving it since two weeks old!
xo,
s
Julianne says
My little cousin has the exact same Bumbo as the one in your photo. It works like a charm, he is only 6 months old and already sits up by himself!
april says
Your place looks so real and cozy! Love it! And that looks like the Joovy kooper stroller…do you love it? My son is almost 6 months old and I think this is the “big boy” stroller we’re going to get soon. Do you find that it is difficult transfering baby Clara from the carseat to the Joovy when you are out? Just wondering :) As far as the bumbo goes, they say not to put the baby in it until he/she can support their head enough. I know my son hated it and never really fit into it until he was about 5 months old. Now he does pretty good with it! Congrats again on your beautiful new family!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey April,
Yup, we love our Joovy Kooper! We’ve been using it since Clara was about 14 days old and she loves it. We don’t find it difficult to transfer her from her car seat at all (she’s a go with the flow kinda girl). And as for the Bumbo, Clara has been holding her head up for weeks now (thanks to her love of tummy time- you can see pics of her on our flickr page). The girl is super strong- and she totally sits like a champ in her Bumbo while we read to her!
xo,
s
Amanda says
ok I know this isn’t a baby blog but I’d LOVE to know more of your registry items and what to buy and what is stupid to buy. I am 4 months preg and totally overwhelmed. I am learning words like boppy and bumbo and I want to die.
Help!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amanda,
This is pretty much our registry in this post (along with an organic changing pad, some cute organic outfits, a bath towel, a few burp cloths, etc). Our best advice would be not to register for (or buy) too much since there are a million and one things that marketing execs will try to convince you that you need- when in reality you only need about 5% of them!
xo,
s
Samantha says
Did I spy a repainted daybed in the picture of your sun room?? If so, it fits in great!
Sam
YoungHouseLove says
Gotta wait for the sunroom makeover (in the works after we finish the office)! Stay tuned…
xo,
s
Megan says
Hey Sherry but I don’t see the post you mentioned in your response…? Is my computer blocking it?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Megan,
Sorry about that… I blame mommy brain! Here’s the link: https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/05/on-your-mark-get-set/
xo,
s
Amanda says
http://richmond.craigslist.org/fuo/1841040199.html
I saw this yesterday on Richmond’s craigslsit and loved it and couldn’t think of where I saw soemthing similar until I just looked at your photos. If I had a cute little sunroom off my kitchen I would buy it and completely steal your room design.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s super cute! Thanks for sharing the link.
xo,
s
Andrea says
Sounds like you guys are getting a tish annoyed at all the, “You’re house is going to look as awful as mine, bahahah!” Comments. But so far so good you guys. My house is always a wreck, and I have no excuse and I tend to just not care. Yay to the laid back attitude!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Andrea,
Haha, nope, we’re not annoyed yet! We just know that every baby and every family is different, so we’re taking a wait-and-see approach and trying to learn as we go (all while doing our best not to sweat the small stuff).
xo,
s
magnoliachica says
With about a month to go before our Peanut arrives, I’m learning all I can about what we need for our baby without having too much stuff that we have to find a place for. We follow the same rule y’all do – a place for everything – and it’s proving a challenge in a smallish one-bedroom apartment! So thank you so much for first showing new parents-to-be what an apartment looks like with a little one, and for giving some great suggestions for multipurpose and compact items!
And, your posting on your “built-in” wardrobes in your master bedroom inspired a better way for me to put storage in the bedroom-soon-to-be-nursery that’s more sensible and put-together than the random dressers I was looking at!
Jane says
I reckon when you start babyproofing you should switch the baby stuff and the tools. The fantastic thing about storing kids things in a drawer is that they can get them themselves and put them away themselves (I’m big on independence). Speaking of which, I’m already dreading the babyproofed pictures of your beautiful house. All those artfully arranged ceramic things *sigh*. And the drying racks of cloth diapers all over the house. Just keep posting the old pics for me, please?
My experience of high chairs is that folding ones are pointless. You have it out three to five times a day, plus when you’re cooking/cleaning and they’re painting or chasing cheerios or whatever. I prefer to have a really small and attractive one. We had an IKEA Antilop, and often had no tray attached, just pulled the baby up to the table.
Mary says
I have been waiting for this post. Thanks for all of your insight on the overwhelming world of baby gear. I’m 15 weeks and just started doing some research on the big items like carseats and strollers.
Gretchen says
Good Work! Just curious if you’ve talked about what it might have been like if John had gone back to his other job? How would your days be different?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Gretchen,
Well, the blog would have ended right then and there! So we’re so thankful that we could figure out how to make the two-of-us-at-home thing work! She’s so fun to watch and I definitely rely heavily on John for dad and blog help all the time! Here’s a post all about that decision back in early May: https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/05/when-we-grow-up/
xo,
s
Jeni says
I’m sure you aren’t looking for the approval of total strangers from across the country but apparently I am(!) so I totally loved this post! We really try to keep things simple with our babe and have the same swing, 1 umbrella stroller and used the bath sponge thing too. I’ve gotten a lot of “looks” over the months when I when I mention our lack of bouncy seat, gigantic stroller, 8,000 toys, etc, (and we won’t even talk about the eyebrows raised over our cloth diapers) but it’s nice to see that other people out there are attempting to use less “stuff” too. Thanks again and keep enjoying that sweet girl of yours. Best!
Pam says
It’s so refreshing to see that you are “real people,” and that your home does not always have the right-out-of-a-magazine look. Casual, comfortable and functional — that’s the way to go.
I love your blog. Keep up the great work.
Krystle says
Your house is lovely even with baby gear out! I laughed because my house used to look like that and the bigger our son got the bigger his toys got. My little boy and his toys have taken over!! Hopefully as he gets older I hope that his toys get smaller again because I would like my house back!! LOL.
Rob says
Sherry and John — I’m always impressed with your level of creativity. Not only in your house, but your blog postings. To publish so much content must be really difficult, but you continue to treat us readers to solid ideas, stories and photos. Thank you for all of your hard work!
Mel says
Hi!!!
The house looks great considering all the new baby gear. Quick question….I did check the HOW TO but could not get the answer, What do you guys use for flea prevention for the Burgermeister? I’m not into chemicals either. Have you ever had them and what did you do? Thanks so much in advance! MEL…Clara looks so sweet.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Mel,
Thanks to Burger’s short hair (he’s practically bald on his whole underbelly and only has half-inch hair on top) we actually don’t have to worry about fleas and ticks since they don’t seem interested in him- probably because they have nowhere to hide! If we did have an issue we’ve heard that natural remedies like essential oils (lavender maybe?) can work wonders without those nasty pesticides. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
tara says
Quick question, the joovy stroller says it’s for 6 months and up…how do you fit your newborn in there securely? I’m just asking because I would love to purchse just one stroller also when our time comes, but the month/weight regulations always make me hesitant…
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Tara,
We actually learned that with an infant insert the stroller can work for a newborn when in the fully reclined position. We picked up a Snuzzler and Clara has been loving her stroller since around 12 days old! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
Allison says
Thank goodness! You’re human!
Handy Man, Crafty Woman says
oh our house looked MUCH, much worse when we first had our little man. Our son didn’t like to sleep much, and liked to cry constantly!
We still kept him around though, and now he’s 9. ;-)
It helps that you had “a place for everything” before baby came.
Handy Man, Crafty Woman says
just finished reading all the comments and I agree w/ the poster who said not to buy one of those GINORMOUS baby high chairs (when the time comes!) They have seats that attach to a chair or table that take up much less room.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Handy Man, Crafty Woman,
Not to worry! We already got that tip from a family member, and registered (and received) a Fisher Price booster seat. So small, easy to store, and just as convenient! Plus it fits around our table so easily since it attaches securely to an existing chair instead of cramming in an entire highchair. Can you tell we’re excited?
xo,
s
Oonafey @ Little Pink House says
Great post! I don’t even have (or ever plan on having) a baby, but I appreciate your candid photos and helpful tips on keeping things organized.
Lesley says
Looks like you guys have got this baby thing under control! The house still looks wonderful. Just wait until she’s crawling…
maria says
if we’re playing the same game as yesterday, my daughter has 2 of the same onsies as clara!!! as seen in laundry shot ;) hahaha…..
YoungHouseLove says
Haha Maria- too funny. It’s a small world!
xo,
s
Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says
I love this post. Your house always looks so nice. Mine can be a total mess sometimes. Blame by 2 (almost three) year old. I do try to keep things hidden, but still accessible. Here’s a post all about it: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2010/07/15/how-to-store-toys/
Lesley H says
What an indulgence you’ve given us today. So nice to know you really do keep it real AND your home still looks great. You’ve clearly got your priorities in order. Hugs to Clara and Burger :)
Amy says
Hi guys! 2 things:
First- this might be a dumb question but, (Im expecting & have lots of questions!) Ive only ever seen friends/family use strollers where the car seat attaches. I was wondering how you get Clara from the carrier/stroller to the car seat without bothering her- especially if shes sleeping?
Second- I dont know why everyone keeps saying you wont be able to keep all of your ceramic things and other breakables out when Clara becomes mobile. My parents didnt baby-proof anything for my brother and myself and we turned out fine- never had any issues. They said they just taught us what we could & could not play with. I plan to try to keep my house looking normal when our baby arrives, I dont see any reason for that not to be possible.
sorry for my little rant there :) love the blog & keep up the good work!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amy,
We just unsnap her and transfer her to her stroller. She’s a go-with-the-flow girl and since we’ve been doing this since birth she’s totally cool with it. We actually think it has helped her learn to sleep though a lot more (noises, being moved around, etc). She has been sleeping for 6-8 hour stretches at night since two weeks old- we don’t know if there’s a connection but it doesn’t hurt!
And as for babyproofing, we have heard time and time again that every baby is different so our plan is just to learn as we go and see how things all work out. We’re just trying to stay flexible and learn how our house can work best for our family!
xo,
s
Jill Stigs says
I am not suprised that your house still looks fabulous. I, too, believe in “getting by” with only what you NEED. See, Clara will be getting both smarts and good looks from you two! :)
Stephanie says
Great post! I have a 14 month old, so remember those days well. Our Boppy still follows me around room to room (and looks pretty cute in our house, too). :)
Our home has evolved so much over the past 14 months. Once my son became mobile, we did relocate some of our breakable, knick knacky things. We didn’t have to get rid of them all together, though. We did get rid of some furniture, just because we live in a small space (1,200 square food condo) and we wanted room for him to roam and play. It’s a constant project, but a wonderful one!
Rose says
Doesn’t Burger want to play with those wonderful squishy baby toys?
YoungHouseLove says
We got SO LUCKY with Burger. We trained him when he was very young to understand the command “leave it” (mostly for his safety in case we dropped an un-dog-safe food in the kitchen and didn’t want him running over and sucking it down) so now when he makes a move towards anything that he shouldn’t play with, including Clara’s toys, we just say “leave it, good boy!” and he’s downright happy to ignore it! We usually redirect him by tossing one of his toys or petting him like crazy, just to reinforce his good behavior. Works like a charm!
xo,
s
Kerri says
Just wondering, when Clara does start on solids, are you planning on making baby food or buying premade stuff (jarred and whatnot).
I’m a nutrition student with an already growing background in prenatal/infant nutrition. So I love the idea of making baby food. But that’s just me!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kerri,
We definitely are taking it one day at a time, but we do plan to make at least some food (along with going with things like organic puffs and crackers, etc). Sounds like fun!
xo,
s
Alison says
Honestly, I dont think I started making the bed until our second child was 20 months. My son and I snuggled a lot and its much more fun to snuggle in an unmade bed. My daughter has come to love it too so she doesn’t really like it when I make the bed. Some days, its still goes unmade. You are so much more organized as new parents. Way better than we were. Kudos.
Jessicah says
We have the same swing! Someone loaned it to us, and Eleanor loves it. Ours lives downstairs next to the carseat (someone gave us one of those baby carrier type ones, so it’s inside most of the time) in a little baby corner I made in the living room, but otherwise all baby stuff is contained to her bedroom. We were also given a bouncer (people are amazing btw, we were gifted so much stuff!) and that lives upstairs in her room. It’s nice to have something to set her in upstairs and down, without having to lug stuff around.
I’ve got to get around to sending you pics of our nursery before and after, since it was greatly inspired by YHL. Eleanor is only 3 weeks older than Clara, so it’s been fun to follow your baby journey as we were on ours!
YoungHouseLove says
Clara sends lots of smiles to Eleanor! And we’d love to see your nursery makeover!
xo,
s
Shannon says
Both of your “tummy time” blankets are adorable. Do you have any details on the brand of either? I am especially interested in the one featured in your office.
Thanks,
Shannon
YoungHouseLove says
That blanket was actually a gift from a friend in San Francisco. The company is called Baby Jak (maybe you can order one online?). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
jeanie says
I love how you answer so many comments in such detail & w/ so much thought. It is truly validating – thank you. I love this blog so much & i’m a DIY empty nester who would love a precious grandbaby. You are truly blessed and now you know a love you never dreamed possible till you saw her. Enjoy every day.
Sarah says
Hey there youngstahs! Is the office done? Will we be getting a big reveal???
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sarah,
Nope, we’re still working! We share our latest progress every Tuesday (since it takes us some time each week to tackle the next project, photograph it, and blog about it). And this coming Tuesday we have a huge art wall reveal! Stay tuned…
xo,
s
Beth C says
It’s so cute that Burger looks for Clara as soon as he gets up. A few years ago we had a kitten that needed to be bottle-fed. He slept in a crate in our bedroom at night, and the first thing our dog did every morning was to look for the kitten!
YoungHouseLove says
Now that’s adorable.
xo,
s
Lindsey Rockers says
love this post! i will be posting a review on my blog in the future (i’ll send you the link once it’s up) but i definitely have to recommend the boon spoon to you! I look for some of the exact same criteria that you guys do when it comes to buying baby gear(never buy something i wont use all the time, do my research, purchase gender neutral items that go with my decor and will last for multiple babies and serve multiple purposes)and the boon spoon is definitely one of my favorite relatively unheard of items!!! I use it ALL the time now that our little Madelyn is starting solids. It is awesome for on-the-go, no-mess multi-tasking and really does make messy baby food a breeze. here’s the link….
http://www.booninc.com/squirt.html
oh, and they have a super cute drying rack that i think would look soooo cute in your kitchen. happy parenting!
lindsey rockers
http://www.housemadehome.net
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lindsay,
Thanks so much for the Boon Spoon recommendation. It looks awesome and we love that it’s BPA, PVC, and Pthalate free!
xo,
s