Before + After: The Lake House: Nursery, Part 2

I've gotten a healthy flood of positive and helpful feedback since sharing Aston's bachelor pad a couple of weeks ago, which makes me all squishy and fuzzy inside. I'm flattered by the friends who've mentioned they appreciate it stylistically and I'm especially encouraged by the experienced mothers who have promised that Aston will love it. It is completely for him, after all, in the largest and most important way, a place that we want him to be comfortable and healthy and happy in. Still, for some weird reason, it's the handful of snarky rebukes that I feel instinctively compelled to respond to.

Which is dumb. I know.

I'm not sure what it is about pregnancy that brings out the opinionated sides of acquaintances, strangers, and, more surprisingly, those who are closest to us, but I've finally come to the conclusion that, for the most part, it isn't personal. When I really take the time to think about why someone has remarked on our spiritual leanings or travel schedules or mattress linens - though the turtle in my belly may be the obvious catalyst - I realize that most of the time their comments have much more to do with their own life choices than mine. Criticisms or perspectives reflected from their own private conflicts.

Either that or they're shitheads.

Anyway, I'm doing my best to keep this in mind as I answer some of your questions, uncover a bit more about my favorite parts of The Nursery, and as I continue to share our homes and our journey into parenthood. Hopefully, some of you feel the same way.



Am I not seeing a changing table?

We're putting a dresser in the walk in closet (behind the mirrored door), so there is always the possibility of putting a changing pad on top. In the past, though, it's been easier for me to maneuver dipes and squirmy infants on beds, so I'll probably go that route.



Where is the bed from?

We bought the bed at a local antiques auction. It's around a hundred years old.



Where is the giraffe from?

It's a Melissa + Doug from Neiman Marcus.



Are you worried about having white carpet slash an expensive rug in the room?

We have four dogs so we've developed an immunity to replacing sacred pieces. Luckily, there are original wood floors under the carpet.

Are you getting a monitor for the crib?

Yes. After a lot of back and forth we finally decided on the Summer Infant Day + Night Handheld Color Video Monitor. It was highly recommended by a few friends, but I have yet to bust it out of the box for a trial run. Fingers crossed.



Who did the drawing of the English Bulldog?

Marc Tetro. Now if we could just teach one of the dogs to take skateboarding seriously.

Those cowboy boots are dope.

Why, yes. Yes they are. Aston's father wore them as a toddler. When I was younger, I associated cowboy boots on children with hoedowns and barn raisings, not that there's anything wrong with either of those. They've grown on me, though.



The nook area is my favorite spot.

Me too.



Are you concerned that the dogs are going to mix their toys up with the baby's?

It's already happened.



You're going to wish you'd gotten a bright, colorful, musical mobile.

Could happen, I guess. But we'll let Aston make that decision. I've never met the kid.



Describe his room in three words.

Quirky. Comfortable. Playful.



Where is the little red stool from?

A local antiques market. It looks like it's had quite a life.



Where are the bed linens from?

The sheets are an inexpensive set from Target paired with a vintage bedspread I found on Etsy.




I noticed the architecture books, do you hope he follows in your footsteps?

I want him to march to his own beat. As long as that doesn't mean a meter maid or a drug lord.



What do you plan to do with the sitting area when he outgrows the rocker?

I was thinking of maybe building a tent and making it a play area.



Why did you choose to put a bed in the room?

Because of Andrew's travel schedule, cosleeping in our bedroom is simply not an option (not that we would even choose to). When I came across this piece I knew it was the bed that I wanted Aston to grow into, so opportunity and available space definitely played a part in our decision. But the idea of being able to use it for feedings or napping appeals to me, too. Plus, it's a good spot for jumping up and down while wearing a superhero cape. Which is important.



Where are the rocking horses from?

The large one I scored at a thrift store. The small one was from an estate sale.



Could you please tell me where you found those monkeys?

At a local gift shop. The brand is is Russ.



I have no idea how to describe your style, but it just feels right.

I'm sure the latter part is arguable, but I completely agree.



See Part 1 here.
See the feature on Apartment Therapy here.