Making Room for Baby - Part II

Once upon a time I wrote the first part of this blog post with the intention of writing Part 2 once everything was put in place. Well since then we've moved twice, each time to an even tighter space, making room for a baby quite a challenge. We've managed, and we're still managing, although I hope our next move means more space rather than less. In the meantime I choose to enjoy this season of having my little family snuggled up in one bedroom.

It's funny how things turn out. I used to be the one who thought my baby would have his own room and sleep in from day one. I also thought I would start sleep training as soon as he was old enough. Turned out I got pregnant while we were living in a one bedroom apartment and then we decided to make this big move cross-country which put saving money a priority over having separate rooms. So here we are, many months later, with a crib next to our bed and sleep training down the drain. I'm pretty sure he's capable of sleeping through the night; the problem is how many nights of letting him cry would it take and is it worth it when we're still in the same room? Some days I think we should try it out for a couple nights to test if he's ready, and then I quickly take it back because I know he'll eventually grow out of nursing so why rush it?

As challenging as it seems right now, I know one day I'll look back at this time as a sweet memory. I'll miss having my baby real close, and I'll even miss that quiet bonding time nursing him in the middle of the night. So I'll keep reminding myself to enjoy it for now.

In terms of space, there's nothing a little organization and creativity can't handle. Plenty of storage is key, as well as making every space count. The first set-up in our apartment consisted of Nathan's crib, a rocking chair (not pictured) in the corner next to my nightstand, and a shared dresser doubled as a changing station. I used the drawer space for items I would need on a regular basis, and left extra blankets and my "going out" clothes in the closet. Nathan's play gym and extra diapers and wipes fit perfectly under his crib.

Our second set-up was similar to our first, only much more spacious since we were privileged to be in a large bedroom at my in-law's house.

Our current set up is a little tighter, so we left our long dresser behind and our rocking chair is sitting in storage. I bought a smaller dresser for Nathan's clothes and his changing pad still fit perfectly on top. I use drawer compartments in the first drawer to keep all changing and grooming supplies neat and close to grab. 

In the living room, Nathan's toy storage unit is doubled as a tv stand and we even made a little room for his tent (although it looks big, it keeps the space looking clean when you just throw his toys in there)!

I dream of the day Nathan will have his own room and hopefully a play room. But for now this will do ;)