Monday, March 7, 2011

Nesting 101

At some point in your pregnancy, that primal urge called nesting wakes up and takes over your entire being. You fantasize about fabric and crave cribs. It's o.k. It's normal, and I'm here to help you create the nursery of your dreams, on time, on budget and just the way you want it. In fact, being the professional that I am, I'm going to break it down for you in 3 easy steps. Ready?

Step 1: Consider your space, choose your furnishings
Step 2: Form meets function
Step 3: Bring in the love

1. O.K., so let's look at the room. Consider the size, features, light, and style of the space. Often the nurseries are the smallest room in the house, so you're going to want to maximize the look and feel of that space. Choose light colored walls, and make the most of any light coming in from the windows. This will make the room seem bigger. Next choose your furnishings. So often people with small rooms make the fatal mistake of choosing small scaled furniture. This just makes your room feel even more diminutive, like a doll house. Rather, choose regular size pieces, but ones that can do double duty so you end up using less furnishings. Choose a changer that can doubles as a dresser, for example. If your room is really large, you will want to make sure you have great floor coverings to cut down on noise, and feel free to use rich, warm or dark wall colors which will help create a more cozy atmosphere. Every room has its own personality, so find out what's unique about your s and highlight that. Maybe you have beautiful old molding, if so, maximize its affect by painting it a contrasting color. Maybe you have a great arch, or window seat, or fabulous wide planked floors. Whatever it is, if its beautiful, show it off.

2. Once you've chosen your color scheme and furnishings, you're off to a great start. By now, the room should begin to take shape and reflect your style. But, this isn't just a beautiful room, its a room that has work to do. It has to provide for a safe sleeping environment, a place to change baby, and, ideally, offer a place to feed and rock your little rock star. So, now we've got to get practical. I know you've chosen a brand new beautiful crib (hopefully one from Bratt Decor) that meets all of the latest safety requirements, and you've decked it out with a great mattress and bedding. So, that area is all taken care of. And, I'm sure you heeded all of your manufacturers warnings about crib placement, etc. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check at the CPSC website for all that very important info. Next, you need to set up a changing station. Believe me you'll be spending way more time than you ever imagined doing this one little task. Make sure you have everything at your fingertips that you need, so you never are tempted to leave baby. Stock it with wipes, diapers, a change of clothes, ointments and powders, everything you could possibly need, and don't forget the diaper genie. Next, do yourself a favor and get a fabulously comfy chair, and make sure your hubby likes it too. You will be in this chair a lot. There are so many great options, one for every style. So, you've covered SEP functions. What's SEP, you ask, oh, that's Sleep, Eat and Poop.

3. Finally, the love. Honestly, if this room isn't absolutely oozing with the love, you've missed the whole point. Remember, this first room is for you. After the SEP is covered, it really is all about you. This is where you will while away the hours, as night turns into day. This is the room you will remember, as you bring that brand new baby home and place him in his gorgeous crib that you so lovingly prepared for him. So, as you love on the baby this room needs to love on you. Put things that you love all around the room. I love things from your personal history, your childhood. Do you have a favorite stuffy, or a silver rattle, or maybe your own christening gown that you can frame and put on the wall. Whatever objects you choose, make sure they are personal and that they melt your heart whenever you look at them. You will be soothed and peaceful and that most definitely will transfer to baby.

So there you have it, as easy as 123. I want you to have so much fun putting this room together, and I want you to love the end result. Be kind to yourself. Include your husband in the process. Give yourself enough time to do all the things you want to do. Create a budget and make it work. Be flexible if things don't go exactly the way you planned, it's really not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of the miracle that you're experiencing. Laugh, a lot. It's a fantastic time and one that should be savored.

Have fun little birdies.