Not Maria's nursery
Last week we were finally able to put the final touches on the baby's nursery after what seemed like months of living with piles of crap up to our ears. Because before we could even address the nursery we had to tackle sixteen other projects first, and in the meantime everything we were collecting for the baby started to stack up in wobbly mountains throughout the living room. Every time we had company over I had to give a rambling explanation of why the path from the front door to the kitchen was booby-trapped, why there was a stack of burp cloths plopped on top of a wad of crib sheets teetering precariously on top of a bulk package of disposable breast pads. FOR MY CRACKED AND LEAKING NIPPLES. AREN'T YOU GLAD YOU CAME OVER TO MY HOUSE?
One of the biggest things to check off our list was new carpet in the basement, something we've been planning to do since we moved into the house. The previous owners had a cat who lived primarily in the basement, and since we never had the carpets professionally cleaned before moving in, Jon's allergies have made living his life nearly impossible. In fact, I may have brought up Jon's allergies to our marriage counselor more than once, and she may have told me that OH MY GOD SHUT UP isn't perhaps the most helpful reaction a wife can give to a husband who is complaining that his eyes have swollen shut.
So I took her advice, and the next time it happened I tossed a glass of water in his face and said SNAP OUT OF IT, FRANCIS. Much more instructive.
In the days leading up to the carpet installation I made a bet with Jon that it wouldn't take more than 15 minutes for him to declare that his allergies had been cured. He has a habit of doing this, stumbling over cures for various ailments and announcing, "I'm healed!" before he's even popped the pill or rubbed in the ointment. He will look at a bottle of vitamins and pronounce that he already feels better, and when I point out that I cannot take him seriously he will start listing off all the reviews he read about these vitamins, all the comparison shopping and painstaking research he did and A FIVE-STAR AMAZON RATING CANNOT BE WRONG, HEATHER.
And I am not even kidding, there wasn't more than five square feet of new carpet on the floor when Jon handed me a twenty dollar bill and said YOU WIN. This is just another example of how well we know each other, how deeply we accept and understand each other's various neuroses, and I'll just go ahead and admit that I have the better deal here because I am not married to someone who is Southern.
Once the carpet was in we were able to assemble all the other moving parts, starting with an antique brass bed that my mother found at a flea market well over ten years ago:
Why do we have a bed in the nursery? One, this room will serve double-duty as a guest room for the next year or so. And two, Armstrongs are not known for their peaceful sleeping habits. If this baby proves to be anything like Leta, Jon and I will most likely take turns with night duty in this room while the other one gets some sleep in our room. So let's just say that this bed will prove as vital as my Prozac to keeping the family intact.
Next we moved in the crib:
And then the dresser where all the baby clothes that Leta used to wear are now stored:
Jon schlepped down boxes and boxes of those clothes from the attic last weekend, and I spent three days washing and folding tiny onesies and nightgowns in between curling up in a ball and crying about how small Leta used to be. Where did that baby go? That irritable, chubby baby who screamed a lot every day with the screaming? I remember the moment she first discovered that she could fit both of her feet into her mouth, the delight on her face revealing that she had finally found a reason to go on living.
And then fast forward to last night as I'm giving her a bath and she goes, "These bubbles won't melt, right? Because only ice and chocolate melt. I love science!"
Just to preempt any questions in the comments, here is where I got everything:
All bedding is from Target.
Crib is the Oeuf Sparrow Crib
Lamp is the Twine Floor Lamp from CB2.
Wallpaper is Daydream in yellow by Julia Rothman for Hygge & West.
Dresser is from a local place called Specialty Furniture.
Magnetic flower art on the wall is from Chiasso.
Handmade bunnies are from Loobylu.
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Heather talks about public tantrums (from kids) on today's Momversation.
- RIP Louis Mortimer Armstrong: http://bit.ly/1R4tv6
- Hugs and kisses to you, too! RT: @Monkey_Tree: @dooce he probably committed suicide because he was tired of LISTENING TO YOU WHINE.
- Our fish just died. And I'm sitting here crying. And it wasn't even my fault!
1. Daddy Scratches said:
Congrats on the nursery, and on curing Jon's allergies. My wife suffers from brutal seasonal allergies every spring, and I'm so with you about the urge to yell OH MY GOD SHUT UP when the sneezing begins.
2. Anonymous said:
Looks lovely - any little girl would love to have it!
3. Marisa said:
I love it! So interesting. Youthful and fun, but not glaring or annoying. A room you can enjoy and the baby can grow into. It looks like a garden plot for the imagination. Okay, that metaphor is a bit wonky, but you get my idea. I'd love to dream in that room.
4. Sherry said:
adorable.
5. Milla said:
Cute! Cute! Cute!
maybe i suggest "Milla" for a girl's name? How about Juice? ;-)
6. Jenae said:
You are one heck of a designer and it looks absolutely amazing. You made one of the most peaceful looking rooms ever & after looking at it, I now feel at peace. Good job!
7. Robin G. said:
Very, very nice color scheme. I also give those adorable rabbits about a week of lifespan before they come out of Coco's butt.
8. jentifred said:
I think a bed in the nursery is a FABULOUS idea!
9. lyne said:
Wow, Not Maria sure has a pretty nursery. it looks a thousand times better than my childhood bedroom of fierce-looking race car wallpaper and a huge clown hanging in front of the window.
Bravo, Armstrongs
10. Labradoris said:
Congratulations on finishing. Looks so cute and comfortable, all snugglylicious!
11. Anonymous said:
Totally gorgeous room Heather. I love the bird wallpaper and framed pictures.
12. Marie said:
Lovely! Love the dresser!!! Great idea with the bed! I know that our guest room is really my husband is snoring to loud to sleep next to him room. :)
13. Liesel said:
Wow, gorgeous. The haters will be hard pressed to judge you harshly on this one. Very chic and adorable at the same time. I wasn't sure that was even possible until now. Though you are already insanely successful, might you consider a new career and begin immediately on my house?
14. Melanie said:
Anyone who asks why there is a bed in the nursery has never tried it. BEST THING EVER.
We just moved into a new house and my daughter is now 2 so we thought we could ditch the bed in her room. I think about crying every day because I miss that bed in her room so much.
15. Sarah said:
Beautiful nursery! You're an awesome designer!
Love your site!
16. Karen said:
Very pretty. I like that you have a bed in the nursery ... I'm pretty sure I will be doing the same. I'm 19 weeks with baby number 2 and we find out next week if it will be a boy or girl, so then I can start planning. Good luck to you these next few weeks!
17. A said:
You have excellent taste. I should know because I have that same crib, the little sheep mobile above the crib, and the lamp next to the crib.....
18. Laura said:
Very cute and welcoming! At first I thought it was weird having a bed in the nursery, but it totally makes sense if she's anything like Leta was! The one thing that could be missing? A nursing chair. Did you have one for Leta or is that a general purpose chair somewhere else in the home?
Congrats and good luck when Not-Maria arrives! :)
19. Leslie said:
Oh, Leta is going to be so excited when she figures out cheese melts, too. I know I was.
20. Erin said:
I am in love with that antique bed.
21. Lori Magno said:
Apartment Therapy, Dwell and Martha Stewart Living all need to pay attention. This room is lovely and sweet and even better, I can see the love that was put into it. (I can also see you and Jon taking turns getting some sleep on the brass bed.)
Any bets on this child sleeping like a dream from day one?
Cheers and cheers and cheers to you,
Lori
22. Erica said:
It's beautiful, you have very good taste.
23. Kris said:
Outstanding job! I love the color scheme and the modern-mixed-with-old-fashioned touches. Please come do my bedroom next.
24. flybigd said:
So glad to see that someone else has a bed in the nursery as well. I felt foolish at first for having one in our little guy's room, but then it worked out for the same reason you gave. Your nursery is very pretty BTW.
25. SAHM: Surviving Assorted Home Mayhem said:
Darling colors and decor! Now, cue the comments from the critics re: "how on earth could you be using BUMPER PADS in the crib now that we know they are unsafe?!"
26. Stacy said:
The nursery is beautiful!! I especially lovelovelove the flower art. :)
27. Laurel said:
Holy crap, that's adorable! I want to live in that room. And because you so love bossy people, do NOT let Coco near those cute flower magnets. Magnets (plural) in the digestive system are not good, for humans or canines. Just thought I'd state the obvious.
28. Rebecca said:
WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE! Just kidding. The nursery is fabulous, and the bed? Great idea!
29. Katya said:
Amazing! Absolutely beautiful. I love the mobiles, they are great. The "tile incident" is completely forgotten, and I think we are NOT ALL GOING TO DIE, because the babies' happiness for this beautiful room will make us all live. forever!!
rock on, dooce
30. Patti said:
Nice.
31. Katya said:
Oh wow, we had some perfect timing on that, Rebecca.
32. Marisa said:
But now I'm very very curious: How do you keep the little flowers on the wall dusted? Do they come off and go back easily? Is there metal in the wall for the flower-magnets? Or do you get to dust each petal separately while being very careful not to jar it off the wall?
33. Lisa-Marie said:
That room is beautiful! You two did a fantastic job!
34. famousamy said:
Congrats on finishing the nursery! It's beautiful and on time, which is always great. I went a month early and ended up not finishing our nursery until my little one was about 5 months old.
35. Not hating - just asking a ? said:
Not trying to be a hater or anything but I'm just trying to figure out the layout of your house that puts your nursery in the basement. It is an adorable room and the bed totally makes sense. The bird elements (wall art/wall covering) are charming. The crib is very tasteful and who doesn't like Target?
36. Claire said:
What a lovely room! So warm and inviting and peaceful. thanks for sharing the details and pictures. Will you please tell where those pretty glowing lamps on the dresser came from? I like those a lot.
thanks,
Claire
37. Kirsten said:
It looks beautiful :) I really love the colour scheme and I would die to have a dresser like that!
I hope everyone goes ok for all 4 of you when Not Maria enters the world ;)
38. Kathy said:
You have such great taste and design ability! I adore this room!
39. dooce said:
#35, all our bedrooms are in the basement. Our house is built into a hill, so one half of the basement juts up against the hill, the other half opens up to the backyard.
40. sarah said:
GORGEOUS! Well done!
41. Amy said:
You definitely have a career in decorating, should you ever need one! Can you come decorate my apartment next, you know, after that whole creating life thing you're doing?
42. Jenni said:
It's beautiful! Well worth the wait to see it . . .
43. dooce said:
#36 Claire, the glowing lamps on the dresser are from Ikea:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00095588
44. Kelly said:
What a beautiful calming space! I totally get the reason for the bed.
45. LAURA said:
Very cute !!!
46. tk said:
is that reflection I see in one of the photos the glow of the nonmatching tile from the bathroom..
man if the tile trollers see that we're all screwed..
excellent room..
47. Sara said:
I love, love, love the dresser. Wish I could find one just like it in Minnesota. It's a great room! Congrats!
48. Cass said:
It's lovely. I have the same flowers in black in my living room. So cool.
49. Zak said:
Looks great!
Just because I'm now 3 years on from having a child in a crib - what's the current thinking on the crib bumpers? When we were given 2 sets most of our friends said we should only put them on if we WANTED TO KILL OUR CHILD (written in the form of an email to dooce.com).
50. Evans said:
Absolutely adorable. LOVE the dresser. As a first time commentor I also have to say you have a beautiful family.
51. Karen said:
Love it! I have to admit, perhaps a bit embarrassingly, I've been waiting for the reveal since you said you were posting pictures like a week ago! And I really adore that bed..mad props to mom for the antique brass bed find.
52. Lauren said:
I actually love this.
and your anti spam word for this comment was 'my spurted'. I actually laughed as I was typing it in and had to put it here. Immature humour? Nah. I was thinking of your nipple pads.
53. Jenna said:
It's very warming and welcoming, although the mobile with the little creatures on it kind of freak me out. Or maybe it's because I watched The Exorcism of Emily Rose last night.
54. Valerie said:
Wonderful! It looks fantastic! Nice job to all of you, and congratulations on your impending arrival!
Blessings to you all.
55. Karen said:
Um..typo, was supposed to say 'since you said you were going to post pictures'. I guess that's more a grammar issue than a typo.
56. BlackCatMima said:
It beautiful! The decor is very relaxing, soothing and warm so hopefully that works and Not Maria is a relaxed and calm baby. My favorites are the birdy wallpaper (gorgeous!) and the dresser. I also love the mix of modern with vintage - really adds to warmth of the room and is sweet and cozy without being overly girly and foofy.
Best wishes with your birth and delivery - I am really looking forward to seeing those first photos of Not Maria! I began reading your blog the day those frog baby photos of Leta's arrival were posted.
And I have to mention I'm a bit surprised that no one berated you within the first 37 posts for still having the May masthead up. Your readers are so slipping . . .
57. siobhan said:
Wow, that is one hell of a gorgeous nursery!
58. Katie said:
Loves it! Those handmade bunnies are TO DIE FOR! (Heh.) And I'm surprised that so many are surprised about the bed in the nursery idea. Anyone who thinks babies actually sleep are sorely mistaken. I know this.
59. tracy said:
two words: GOR-GEOUS.
good job, Armstrongs.
60. Sara said:
Not to out do you, but the flowers are also available here, and for a wee bit cheaper!
http://www.delight.com/Delight-Your-Room-Wallflowers
61. rachel said:
You are so enormously talented. It looks absolutely magical.
62. nessa said:
Love the nursery.....so cute.
We have been following your blog since our daugther was born..she is a few months older than Leta.So we totally relate to what you say.
Keep us smiling,from Nessa and family in Geneva,Switzerland x
P.s do you do the t.shirts in kiddie size?
63. nessa said:
Love the nursery.....so cute.
We have been following your blog since our daugther was born..she is a few months older than Leta.So we totally relate to what you say.
Keep us smiling,from Nessa and family in Geneva,Switzerland x
P.s do you do the t.shirts in kiddie size?
64. Francis said:
Love it!
But please discourage the use of bumper pads. They may increase the risk of SIDS, not to mention the entanglement and suffocation risks later on.
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/09/19/crib-bumpers.html
65. CS said:
It's gorgeous. I wish it was my room!
66. Amanda said:
Absolutely adorable and beautiful and all sorts of other adjectives. Great job, Armstrongs!
67. Cat said:
I think I recognize the brass bed from your post 6 years ago when you finally finished the beautiful guest bedroom at your old house, posted photos of said beautiful bedroom, and ended with a shot of your pee stick.
So happy the bed has made a comeback, and if possible, is even more lover-ly than the first time around.
It's beautiful - love how all the pieces you've shown us fit together! What a lucky girl non-Maria shall be!
68. Susie said:
Was the SPARROW crib chosen for its name or was that a happy coincidence?
Either way, it's awesome, as is the entire nursery. Wouldn't you rather adopt a 40-year-old than have a baby?
69. Jen said:
Gorgeous, Heather! Quirky and stylish. A bed in the nursery is a great idea, and that bed in particular is beautiful. I also like the flowers on the wall. I bet Not Maria will love it!
70. zelzee said:
Isn't it amazing to look at those onesies, and try to remember them so little.
I loved the feet in the mouth phase........they were quiet for hours on end!!
Love the nursery.
71. Alicia said:
WOW. Can that by my room? I swear, how does one come up with such a pretty space? A coordinated, functional, neat, pretty space?
72. Phoo-D said:
Oh it made me laugh that you called him Francis! That is exactly what Mr. B and I say to each other when the other one is being insufferable.
(The nursery is absolutely beautiful. You not only have a great sense of humor but excellent taste!)
73. Chris said:
I had a bed in my daughter's room until she was a year old. It was a complete lifesaver and made complete sense to me.
Love the room, glad your done before the big arrival.
74. Johanna said:
Just found you (from a recent New York Times article on the fortunate demise of helicopter parenting, which I read to further assuage my guilt about not already putting my almost 2-year-old son in soccer lessons). I'm 35 weeks with a second boy. Just came across your newsletter post and I really appreciate the idea - keeping a baby book just wasn't working for me but I think the newsletter thing could stick. Thanks! And also deep thanks for your candor on the PPD - I got nailed first time around and am girding for a second bout, and the more sisterhood we have around it, the better.
75. Ellen said:
Everything about that room is SO cute. I especially love the sheep mobile for some reason.
76. Christina said:
It looks lovely. I adore the crib bedding.
My 7 year old loves science too. He's always asking me questions about gravity and space to which I promptly answer "google it."
77. Mitra said:
You've probably explained it before, but can you review how you get the flower magnets to stick to the wall. The room looks terrific!
78. Haley said:
I love it not too babyish, not too adultish, but just right! ;) I would actually wonder why people wouldn't keep a bed in the nursery, having one makes perfect sense.
79. Jack's mom said:
Wow. That is one fantastic nursery. You've inspired me to do more with my 7 month-old's room. Thanks, I needed that kick in the butt. :)
80. Angie said:
Wow Heather, what an adorable nursery! Just perfect.
81. Anne said:
Lovely lovely lovely! Your baby is going to love it! And sleep peacefully :)
82. hotpants™ said:
A bed in the nursery? What a great idea! This room is original. I like it.
83. Hollie said:
Lovely. Simply lovely.
We'll have a twin bed in our nursery someday. We've got two in that room now and two twin beds AND a crib would prob not work.... I think it's a splendid idea! Love the decor - esp the flower magnets. And, have you noticed lately, wallpaper is so IN! Kind of like how midgets were so IN 5 years ago?
84. Kristan said:
Great nursery! I wasn't sold on the wallpaper at first -- like you care -- but it works wonderfully with everything you've put in. Heck, I want to sleep in there! Your baby can have my condo. And I guarantee you won't hear it cry when it's your turn off-duty, because my condo is in Cincinnati.
85. Brandy said:
Wow can I hire you to come decorate my whole house like Not Maria's nursery?
That bed is my dream bed from when I was a girl!
LUCKY!
86. Cris said:
Funny, funny, hahaha, sweet, pretty, funny, oooh nicely written, that's clever, and awww so sweet...
... and then I got to the photo of the dresser and the flowers on the wall blew me away and will you please adopt me? I'm older than you, but I promise I'll never grow up ;)
(also, yeah, isn't that The Brass Bed from the Pee Stick Post? I'm just saying this because my captcha words are all urinal :p)
87. danielle said:
My parents had a bed in my nursery when I was little. It ended up being the bed I had until I was in high school, as well as the guest bed when we lived in our first house--I'd bunk up with my brother on the top bunk of his bunk beds.
It's also a very beautiful room and I wish my room now looked like Not-Maria's.
88. Andia M said:
Beautiful! You have a great sense of style. The room looks so inviting and peaceful. I never thought of having a bed in a nursery but what a great idea.
Have you picked a name yet?
89. Divya said:
How do you manage to keep your home so clean? Do you do dusting and vacuuming everyday?!
90. Belly Girl said:
Dude, that is some seriously awesome room you got goin on there. Does it feel totally magical to be DONE with everything? Or are you like, reroofing your house in the last couple of weeks too?
91. Belly Girl said:
IKEA can suck it for not shipping some of their coolest shit. ARG, those lamps are so bomb!
92. Karen Olson said:
Beautiful room. Love the flowers on the wall and those little bunnies couldn't be cuter.
Makes me nostalgic for the way my daughter's room used to be. Before the garish '60s green and blue curtains from Pier One that she simply MUST HAVE OR SHE'D DIE. Nothing matches anymore. I just stopped spending a lot of time in her room. The greenish hue from the curtains was making me seasick anyway.
93. Rosemary said:
Very cute, and very "you". I must add though, despite the importance of design and balance, the changing table should be next to the crib so in the middle of the night you don't have to walk across the room, and around the bed which I totally bet you will stub your over tired toes on! Anyway, that's just two cents from a total stranger :)
94. Stephanie said:
I love that bed. It's gorgeous. You did a fantastic job with the nursery.
95. JulieBrown said:
This is just a heavenly nursery. I think my favorite part is the 'flock' of flowers on the wall. They look like a turning flock of birds in flight, echoing the wallpaper. But you probably did it that way on porpoise.
Thanks, Heather, for showing us all how peaceful a nursery can be.
96. Amy (not the FB crazy) said:
I love it! That is one lucky baby. :)
97. Stacy said:
I think that tiny little Not Maria will enjoy this room. It's really quite lovely.
98. Kate R. said:
I totally expected better from you. Ha ha! Just kidding.
It is so freaking adorable I can barely stand it. I want to go and re-do my son's entire nursery, which I won't because picking out paint colors again would probably bring my marriage to a grinding halt. Well done. Let the baby pooping begin!
99. Ellen G said:
Lovely nursery, Heather. I love the modern touches mixed in with the antique brass bed.
100. Dayna said:
Not Maria's nursery is beautiful and so peaceful looking. The bed in the nursery idea is just genius and I feel like a fool for not having thought of something that useful five years ago when we had our daughter. Ah well, live and learn. I hope you never have to use it though. I hope she's a sleeper!
101. Sadie said:
I love it! Makes me want to have another baby so I can decorate another nursery. :)
102. old mom said:
Makes me want to have another baby!~OK. Maybe not! I have old eggs! BEAUTIFUL job!
Happy pushing!
xo
103. Sam said:
Little Not Maria's Nursery looks beautiful - love the color scheme. She's a lucky lass
104. Krissa said:
Oh! Love.
Although if it were me, I would've staged a picture with an odd square of carpet somewhere and just left it for the wolves. I'm also waiting for the "yeah yeah, nice nursery and almost-end-of-gestating and all, but the BANNER is OLD OH MY GAWD."
I get some sort of perverse pleasure out of the crazies on your site. They are different from other crazies.
105. Susan said:
The bed and room is very pretty, you have great taste. Just a heads up -- we had an antique brass bed also (my great grandparent's) when my oldest was two it dawned on us it was painted -- with leaded paint. We had him tested and everything was fine but you may want to get that thing sealed and/or tested. We have the bed but it has been sealed. Or maybe, happily, it doesn't have paint on it.
106. Randi said:
that nursery is gorgeous and also.... i'm afraid we may have married the same man, lol!
107. Diane said:
The room is Beautiful, while I was looking through the photographs, the theme, whether it was meant to be or not seems to be Birds...I don't know if you have a name picked out yet or not, but the name Ava means *like a bird*. My 2.5 year old is named Ava, and the other day she was breathing through her nose and had a bit of a whistle happening, and I said Ava your whistling out your nose, and she replyed 'like a bird?"...just LIKE A BIRD. ;o)
108. Jack & Jill Put Up A Blog said:
Adorable! Truly adorable:)
109. Eryn C. said:
oh Heather. it is utterly divine. i carefully looked over each photo at least 4-5 times and then drooled. and then read the post. and then drooled again.
i feel like i'm scrolling through designsponge.com (my fav design blog)...bravo kids. freakin' bravo!
when can i move in?
110. Kristin @ Contented Me said:
I love it! The antique brass bed is so fantastic in the middle of an otherwise very mod room. I'm due with twins in October and just registered for the Dwell bedding... I love this stuff! Elephants for my boy and the birdies for my girl. It's fun to see it in a real home where I can actually picture it being used.
Thanks for sharing!
111. Lynn @ human, being said:
Now all you need is the baby.
...
Oh, and a name.
Lovely nursery. I [heart] those magnetic flowers, and if they wouldn't wind up covered in cat and ferret hair in my house, I would so copy you.
Lynn
112. Kara said:
With all this "Not Maria", the name Maria is starting to sound really pretty. Reconsider?
113. Jennifer Suarez said:
The crazy OCD in me LOVES the fact that the birds on the wall line up nicely with the bed posts!
Was that planned or pure luck?
Beautiful!
114. Stephanie said:
* sigh * It's beautiful! :)
115. Anonymous said:
I don't really get what you were going for here, because my taste is just much more sophisticated than most people's.
hahaha
No, it looks awesome! I am so bookmarking the flowers for whenever I finally f*cking get knocked up and get to do this.
116. Thaís said:
Oh, my God, that is so cuuuute. I wanna be a baby again just so I can sleep in a place like this.
And also the fact that people would do everything for me when I cried, instead of walking away embarrassed like they do nowadays. Just kidding! (a little)
Seriously, congratulations on the beautiful nursery!
117. Erica said:
It's gorgeous. Truly.
118. armonia said:
Great idea with the bed, I will 100% do the same thing when i have a second baby!! thanks.
your nursery is lovely!!
119. Jessica said:
Love, love, love the dresser/changing table and the wall behind it....that is by far my favorite part of the room.
Great job on the nursery! Now it's time to fill it with a baby!
120. JoAnne said:
I know you said that the bedding is from Target, but I love the crib bedding (and I don't like pink, generally) and can't seem to find it on their web site. Is it still available? What is it called?
121. azd said:
gorgeous nursery! i absolutely love the whimsy of the bird theme throughout. and who doesn't love bunnies and sheep?! everything coordinates without being too "matchy". btw, we also have a "guest" bed in our nursery. greatest thing ever!
all the best to you as you get ready to welcome baby #2.
122. Amanda said:
CRAZIES....where are YOU!?!?
I was totally scanning the comments just to look for the crazies. So far, the only negative is about the bumper.
I'm bummed...surely someone out there hates this nursery!?
Come on, people!
BTW, my Captcha is: "schmucks said!" How perfect!
123. Ms K said:
It came out really nice.
I never got to comment on the bathroom which did not come out as nice. Actually what I wanted to say after reading comments and reactions was that if you ask for people's opinion you cannot expect everyone to always love what you do.
I love your website and your taste in decorating but that whole drama about some people telling you that the tiles don't match - deal with it. It's better that some people are honest.
I didn't like the way the tiles clashed but I love every detail of this nursery!
Are you still looking for a name? I don't know if anybody already suggested "Maren" which is a name from Scandinavia(?) - not sure.
Or how about "Pernilla" or "Stine". Sorry, just gotten back from a trip to Denmark... ;)
124. Maggie said:
So precious! You really do have great taste! When I have a house of my own, will you come down to LA & help me decorate?!
I can't wait to see what the bathroom haters have to say about this room!!
125. Shauna said:
Oh yeahhh... lovely and classy! Swooning over the antique bed!
Hope it's all going well over there.
126. Brittany said:
Really beautiful-but where is the baby’s mini fridge for all the beers she will be forced to drink?
127. karen said:
Not Maria's nest is perfect. Love everything. A nursery everyone can enjoy.
128. Anu said:
Can I please move into the nursery? I will do night shifts taking care of the baby if I can get to live there. Its beautiful, I just love the room!
129. Attilla the Mum said:
Without a doubt, the most beautiful and tranquil nursery I have ever seen. Wish I had thought ahead enough to put a bed in my son's room when he was a baby. Love love love the Charlie Parker prints above the crib.
130. stacy said:
I adore that dresser!
The wallpaper's not my favorite, but I have absolutely no fucking taste. Overall, the room just looks so cozy and peaceful, I want to curl up on that bed like nobody's business.
I've got to make a nursery in about 3 weeks (the baby is already here, but there is no room for a nursery in our current apartment - we're moving up in the world, to a real house). So this has really got me excited about the project and a little inspired, too. Thanks - it's normally the sort of task I dread. (See previous comment about lack of taste.)
131. Attilla the Mum said:
HAAHAHAHAHA! Charlie HARPER, not PARKER. Forgive, please. Lack of sleep has finally caught up with me.
132. Amanda S. said:
Oh how I wish I had a room like that when i was little. The birds are adorable and I just love the colors and furniture. Ms.NOT MARIA is going to LOVE it!!
P.S
Im all for you adopting me and being my personal decorator.. Although you would also have two more kids and a husband who has HARDCORE allergies that not only make you say "Shut UP already, but that you smack him as well!!"
Have a great week!!
133. tstoix said:
That's a very cool looking nursery. Although, I wished you hadn't ruined such an awesome Charley Harper book for the wall arts. I know it's a little late, but have you thought about scanning and reprinting them? You might be breaking a few copyright infringements but you are so great at stashing your heroin, I am sure nobody would find out. Seriously though, I love your design aesthetics. You guys did a great job. Best of luck with the upcoming weeks.
134. Carrie in NYC said:
That mobile is full of SHEEP! (Sorry, I've been dying to say that since you posted the picture of the neat mobile yesterday, but you closed the comments and ruined my fun.) The room looks great, Heather, and I think that the bed in the nursery makes a TON of sense. My husband and I do not have children yet, but I'm guessing that there will be many nights when you want to minimize the distance between you and the baby, and this is a good set-up.
135. Meranath said:
That room is cute as hell.
I'm saying a little prayer for you that Not Maria is a chill, laid-back baby. It could happen, really!!
136. Not Kristina said:
#34 - I went 2 months early and my daughter spent the first 30 days of her life in the NICU. Insane people kept thinking all I was doing during those 30 days was getting her room together and getting rest....yeah right. My girl turned 5 months old today and I'm still working on the art I started months ago.
Long story, longer.
Congrats to getting it done before she arrives! Nice work.
And everytime you think about wanting to be done with your pregnancy....please remember that everyday she stays in your womb means you'll never have to experience the NICU. AND THAT....is heaven on earth.
YEAH for new babies!!
137. Melissa said:
I love the nursery (especially the wallpaper and the little flowers above the changing table), and the extra bed is a brilliant idea.
138. Sundance Kid said:
It's absolutely beautiful! It's warm, delicate, and cheerful. Well done.
139. Gillian said:
Beautiful!
We also have a bed in our nursery. It was out of necessity, because we had nowhere else to put the thing, but it turned out to be GENIUS and we will keep it there for all future babies, amen.
Wishing you a sleeps-through-the-night-from-day-one baby girl, with a name as beautiful as Maria that you both can agree on.
Gillian
PS Those birds are magnetic? Twenty bucks says Coco eats one of them when they accidentally get knocked off the wall.
140. trinsch said:
so cute! i want to sleep in that room. that baby will love to sleep in that room. but in case she loves it so much that she will screem in delight all night, well, then it's a good thing you brought in that extra bed.
141. katie said:
love it!!
i swear my husbands allergies are all in his head. when he pisses me off, i delight in rubbing a wool sweater all over his pillow. gives me no amount of pleasure to see him not suffer because that means i win. now if i wore this same wool sweater in his presence, he'd swear on a stack of bibles his windpipe was closing and he was becoming covered in hives. men. heh. god's own private mystery why they are this way.
142. Amy said:
Very nice!
What about the lights behind the bunnies? Where are those from?
Also? That dresser is darn close to what I've been picturing for my daughter's room! Love it!
143. Parsing Nonsense said:
Dude, my husband does that too! He has about a million health problems and he loves finding strange cures. Then, once he's found said cures, he'll talk about his ailment incessantly until I freak out and threaten to make whatever he has worse if he doesn't SHUSH ABOUT THE REFLUX ALREADY!
Beautiful nursery, by the way. Well done!
144. Kerri said:
Where's the aluminum foil for the windows? I thought for sure you'd be prepared!
145. Faithstwin said:
It's so peaceful. I love those magnetic flowers!
146. Anonymous said:
good to see the recession/depression hasnt hit your family.
despite that, you continue to complain, complain, complain.
you still dont realize how blessed you really are.
it must be nice to lead a charmed life, no?
147. Anonymous said:
Very soothingly beautiful.
148. Hayley said:
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.
I'd be eternally grateful if you'd come do my nursery... I only live 45 minutes away...
Except that I'm going to pop here in about two weeks, I'm have boy/girl twins, I have no money to pay you, and we're moving. But still???
149. Klara said:
Sigh. So lovely!
150. Hayley said:
Oh, and Anon 146? If you have a problem with someone's blog, STOP READING IT.
Moron.
151. Erin said:
just adorable. thank you for sharing.
152. Tamra said:
Non-traditional and oh-so-gorgeous. I absolutely love the look and feel of Not-Maria's room.
As a side note... I am anxiously awaiting to hear what her name *actually* is!
153. Kimba said:
Ah! We have the Oeuf Sparrow crib in white, and I just love it. It was one of our "splurges" and I don't regret it for a second. And that brass bed is fantastic!
154. sallyjo said:
I see you've already started on the nipple talk....ughhhhhhh do we have to listen to that shit again? We all get it, you're going to breastfeed and your nipples will be sore and leaking...ok??? Get a new topic already, the kid's not even here yet. Geez. I understand that it's your blog, you can talk about anything, but try your hardest to be practical and spare us all the dirt. Save it for your other SAHM's ok?
155. lucinda said:
its just perfect heather! i love it! love love the birds.
well done.
156. cmb said:
Bed in the nursery=absolutely essential. So much more awesome to have to walk two feet to nurse a crying baby than to have to walk across the house.
157. nikki said:
This looks so amazing! So amazing in fact, that I may have to pinch some of your ideas and pass them off as my own. HA What are you gonna do!
Really though, I love how non-annoying/just-the-right-amount-of-girly this room is. Great job, oh multi-talented one.
158. Sue said:
Fabu nursery, Heather! Absolutely darling.
159. Not hating - just asking a ? said:
Heather, thanks for the clarification. In my warped brain I had the beautiful, antique bed placed in the room because the other bedrooms were two floors above. Now this all makes sense! Personally I would probably call your lower level the 'garden level' rather than the basement.
160. Anonymous said:
sallyjo 154-
Heather can write what she damn well pleases and if you don't like it, do us all a fucking favor and don't come back. Bitch. Go back to your sad little life and nurse your jealous feelings, okay? I'm pretty sure dooce.com would go on without your condescending and bitchy patronage.
Jeez, you're an asshole.
161. cat said:
You have epic style. I am curious, however, do you and Jon really fight as much as you make it sound? Are you really that insensitive? Are you really that self righteous about things? I don't believe it. Or he's a sucker. Either way, you are a successful couple and have a bitchin' life.
162. SarahW said:
I also have the "birdie" bedding from Target! Our daughter is due July 10th and we're naming her after a bird, so I liked the birdie things. I love your wallpaper too, but I wasn't about to screw with wallpaper. Love the brass bed!
163. kerry said:
what a lovely nursery.
164. AB987 said:
Not Maria's nursery totally rocks!
165. stephanie said:
Oh, I am pretty sure the daybed in the living room of our tiny apartment saved our marriage. I used to hate the thing, but I am forever indebted to it now, as it allowed one of us a night of uninterrupted sleep during the more - shall we say - sleepless periods in our infant son's life.
166. Megan said:
It's so beautiful! Good work!
167. linuxchik said:
I took a nap in my room when I was about 4 and had an out of body experience where I flew through the hallway. It was awesome! The pictures of your nursery almost perfectly bring back the mood I felt then.
168. Erin said:
Ok - if you are done nesting, can Not Maria come out and play (burp, spit up, and occasionally cry)? The nursery looks great.
Since it is June and you are going to have a new baby soon, may I suggest creating one masthead for the next several months (you could say something like, "Don't bother me - I'm busy!"
Happy Labor!
169. Yolanda said:
Congrats on creating such a warm and soothing space. I really like how the wall paper and the magnetic flowers create sense of movement. It's playful, but still light and airy. I'm glad Jon is breathing better. And I hope you're all getting a few minutes to really breathe in the next few weeks, as I'm certain much change awaits you.
170. Jasie VanGesen said:
Oh sweet mercy, that room is just so pretty.
I've been working on my son's room off & on... he's about to turn 8... we live in an apartment and can't really paint, but the colors are teal, red, and navy blue... it's been a fun palette to work with!!
171. Becky said:
VERY charming and cozy. I love it. I have a thing for those sub-level basement bedrooms. Always perfect temps and lighting.
172. Anonymous said:
This is such a beautiful room. You did an incredible job.
And for the record, talk about whatever the hell you want. It's YOUR blog. Anti-nipple readers can do us all a favor and close their browser window.
173. Tracy said:
This makes me want to have a baby. Not Maria is very lucky to be welcomed into a wonderful (kooky) family with such a lovely nursery and awesome big sister. Well done, Armstrongs!
174. Suzy said:
Beautiful room, Armstrongs. Such a happy, peaceful room for not-Maria to wake up to, or scream in.
Now, I'm not a hater, and I'm not trying to make you lose sleep; I'm just curious. Most building codes call for two egress routes from bedrooms in case of flood, fire, biblical swarms of locusts, frogs, etc. Friends building basement bedrooms have had to dig/install big windows and construct elaborate stairways in the window-wells so their kids can open a window and escape from the frogs up out of the room to the back yard or wherever (and, yeah, people, I know it's a nursery and she won't be opening windows any time soon, anyway). But all I see in non-Maria's room are fairly high-ish and small-ish basement windows. So, well... what's the plan, my dear?
175. Amy (not the FB crazy) said:
ohhhh cat! (161) Did you really just accuse Dooce of being self righteous and insensitive via a RUDE and NASTY comment?? You really are that unaware.. ?
176. Alex said:
Ama-za-zing! You should be very proud of yourself. Yes, toot your own horn! I am expecting this August and your description of mounds of baby crap in the living room highly resembles our own. I'm 29 weeks and we still have to refinish the crib! What the crap was I thinking when I accepted that thing with the intentions of sanding and repainting it!?!
177. Melissa said:
beautiful beautiful beautiful
i adore your style.
178. Jayme said:
So, so gorgeous! I am obsessed with re-doing my kid's rooms every year or so. My daughter Marah (rhymes with Sarah) is just about to turn two and needs a more mature room. I'm using some of your designs for inspiration! Especially the wallpaper... *swoon*.
179. soleremedy said:
Love it! I am so glad you have unveiled the nursery! Can you tell us where your inspiration for this room came from? The first picture I looked at I was all, Ohhhh.. it's.. wonderful!! So pretty!! Excellent work!
180. Alexis said:
At $690.00, I hope that crib is made of angel farts and comes with a good-sleep guarantee. Good grief! I'll just wait for the therapy bills when my 3 decide that a safe but inexpensive crib ruined both their senses of self worth, and their appreciation of all things aesthetic.
181. Lisa said:
Ahhh.....done....finally. Pack your bag for the hospital. Go have sex with Jon one last time for a while and break your water!!!!!!! Let's have that baby!!!
182. April said:
We had a bed in our nursery too! It was our marriage saver! Our son was very congested and snorted all night long. It drove us nuts. We would take turns caring for him in his room while the other tried to get some sleep. Those were the days. LOL! Love the room!
183. JoAnne said:
Okay, duh, I found the bedding. Dwell Studio (should have guessed) "Birds." I couldn't find it when searching for bedding for girls, but did see it in the Animals section. Lovely. :) I love how the pink is balanced by a more sane color scheme throughout the room, as opposed to everything being matching hot pink.
Also: regarding the haters and "lover-protectors:" I don't agree with Heather on every opinion she holds, every life choice she has made, etc. Far from it...but I appreciate her talents and strengths (especially graphic design, photography, and home design) enough to read her blog and comment on things like this nursery, which I will file in the back of my brain for when/if we have a girl. I really don't get why people have to leave horribly phrased (usually also horribly spelled) disparaging comments... and especially why they are so chicken as to never leave their names. I disagree with the anti-bumper crusaders, but at least they are usually brave enough to own up to their comments.
That being said, I don't think Heather needs her "defenders" to rise up on her behalf with equally poorly-phrased (and usually also equally crude) responses to the trolls/haters. Everybody knows a troll when they see one. The worst thing to do, in my humble opinion, is to give them your time and energy in responding.
Anywho. Like I said, I love the nursery, though I doubt my husband would dig on me sleeping anywhere other than by his side, even if baby number two is as horrible a sleeper as baby number one, who at sixteen months still wakes up several times each night. ;)
184. Jennifer said:
Dooce - love the nursery. Do you have a chair/rocker close by? Just wondering where you will nurse/feed Not Maria in the night.
185. Becca said:
wow! so prepared =D congrats on getting everything together, it looks wonderful :)
186. Kate said:
Too cute! It turned out really great - not that I should be surprised, because everything you show us ALWAYS looks great :)
187. Jess said:
Good thing it's not Maria, I was thinking this morning about how horrible that name is just because of that song from West Side Story. EEK! Oh and nice job on the room, I can't wait to have an extra bed where I can sleep without anyone else.
188. NoBaby-Yet said:
160 Anon:
Your comment just rocked my world. You took my thoughts and typed them out...
And SERIOUSLY sallyjo154... um, yes. A lot of people who read this blog ARE SAHM looking for tips and someone going through the same sh*t they are. Obviously you're not, so why are you reading (and commenting) again?
189. Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com said:
Congratulations on finishing up Not Maria's nursery! That must feel like the cherry on top of the nesting instinct sundae.
I can't wait to get to that point =)
Also, good going on finding the magic cure for Jon's allergies. STRANGE HOW THOSE THINGS WORK. And by "things," I mean "men," because the one I married does THE SAME THING. Right down to the Amazon.com reviews.
190. Becky said:
Amen, a regular bed in a baby's room is a must! And everything looks totally presh. I love the combination of the antique bed with the wallpaper especially.
And do you think the wallpaper would work in an adult space, or is it to child-oriented? I am considering it on one wall of our master bedroom.
191. Brook said:
so pretty!
192. Anonymous said:
Wishing I had my bedroom butted up into a hill as I monitor this tornado watch we have going on down here in Texas! Bet it is nice and cool in the summertime, too! What I would have given to have a bed in my babies' nurseries. You are one smart mama!
193. Cassidy said:
It's beautiful. You have such amazing taste in decorating! I love all the birds. Just picked up your book and am enjoying it immensely-- sorry to have missed you at Powell's.
194. aussiechic said:
Ok so didn't you find that the last time you had a baby half of the stuff - clothes, burp cloths, etc you never used??? I did not use half of the clothes for my son.....he grew so fast as well that he just grew out of it in about a month too - he is still growing - 8 months old this week...If I had known then that I would not have needed nor used half of the stuff we had, we too would not have lived with stuff everywhere.....eventually we moved and then I got smart....and gave the stuff away. I swear I am in Childrens Place about once every 6 weeks. He is a growing machine!!!!
195. Melissa said:
I *heart* Loobylu! I have yet to win a marshmallow bunny! What a lucky little girl this will be!
197. Cassy said:
Hi Heather,
I've never commented on here, but feel compelled because I've been lurking so long. I'm right behind you in my first pregnancy, just over 36 weeks now, so it's been fun to check in and see what you're going through. And just finished your book (which I both loved and was totally freaked out by...what have I done?! and I can't wait! all at once). I love your nursery, especially the wallpaper.
I just finished my son's nursery with a Where the Wild Things Are theme (you can check it out here, http://cassylee.wordpress.com/2009/05/14/where-the-wild-things-are-nurse...), and it makes me feel like I'm totally ready for him to come. Though I wish it was big enough to fit a bed in now. Brilliant!!
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy. Can't wait to follow how it all goes down.
198. Jill said:
Beautiful, simply beautiful. What a wonderful room for Not Maria to be welcomed into!
199. Juls said:
Beautifully done. I *almost* wish I was having another baby so that I could do something similar.
Also, smart to include a bed right from the start.
200. kate said:
Perfect.
I was waiting to see what you'd do about a rocker/glider thingie. I'm decorating a nursery now and stumped on that part!
201. Suzie said:
Love the nursery! So tranquil! I wish you a speedy and safe delivery of Not-Maria.
202. ashby said:
it is my firm belief that anyone who is not sympathetic to people with allergies will in turn develop severe allergies so that they can skip the sympathy and go straight to empathy SO THERE, NON SNEEZEY PEOPLE.
furthermore, I hope you don't mind that if and when I have children, I am going to have to decorate my nursery exactly. like. yours.
if you like, I will put a 'tm Dooce' tag on each and every thing. credit where credit is due.
203. mountain mama said:
I freakin love it! You both seem to have such a moderna and elegant sense of style. We live in a two bedroom with two babes, one and two. So far the "nursery" has become my sons room and our baby girl sleeps in our room. We have a loft over the kitchen that will be Myles's one day, complete with firemans' pole, and that is when Annabell can have her own space. Once again, BRAVO!
204. terra said:
Now I just have to get pregnant soon so I can decorate his/her nursery. I am so inspired. You have an excellent design sense. I couldn't envision how the wallpaper would work in a nursery, but you have proven that it is possible and beautiful. You have a gift.
205. Libby said:
How totally adorable! My style is so traditional/conservative - I have a house full of antiques - but this is so cute it makes me want to go get knocked up just to be able to redecorate my extra room.
206. Hokie Deb said:
--->It's a lovely room and I love that everything is new (but the clothes) for the new baby. It's very charming.
As for Anon #146's comments, a big "Jam It!" going out to you.
Never apologize for leading a wonderful life. Money doesn't buy happiness and your marriage/life isn't perfect just like the rest of us.
207. melissa said:
in true dooce fashion, this nursery totally rocks.
great job heather, can't wait to see how little wee not-maria fits in there.
love the sparrow crib, i'm drooling over it, but it's not going to happen for me.
208. Christie said:
It's beautiful!!
209. workroom said:
NEXT ON FOX NEWS
BREAKING:DOOCE KEEPS HER BABY IN A BASEMENT
; P
it looks beautiful!
210. Brat said:
Why did I start tearing up when looking at the crib and thinking "OMG, there's going to be a NEW LITTLE INDIVIDUAL in there before too long."
I love the room; esp. love the crib sheets. All the crib sheets I had for my little beast were either baby shit yellow or sky blue or white. There were no pretty sheets.
It's nice. Good job, kiddos!
211. Joanie said:
Love this room. Nothing is worse than a nursery that screams BABY and is overstimulating, in my opinion. Yours says "child" to me and it is very soothing and calm.
I put a bed in my colicky daughter's room when she was two weeks old after I realized the benefits of not having to stumble down the hall seventeen times a night!
I went to this same daughter's first parenting classes with her this winter and the very first thing the assembled expectant parents were told was NO BUMPER PADS ON THE CRIB !
Naturally, I had just bought an entire ensemble at PB Kids. Back it went and the bumpers are the kind that are mesh. Not pretty, but very safe.
212. Shannon said:
Your nursery is beautiful but, holy shit, $700 for a crib? Baby stuff is way overpriced.
213. Danielle said:
B E A U T I F U L...looks great....we had a Queen size bed in our nursery for the same reason! We're just schlubs...
Anywhoo...whao's taking the "over/under" on the number of months before baby not-Maria has those beauty flowers off the wall and in her mouth while you're reaching for the diaper cream?...
214. KathyMarie said:
Beautiful! I'm usually a wallpaper-hater, but the print you chose is so cheerful and calm that you may have turned me.
Thanks for sharing a peek into Not Maria's room.
215. Jennifer said:
Simply beautiful. What a lucky little baby.
216. Lara said:
So much cooler than any of my kids' rooms. And I'm in LOVE with that wallpaper.
217. Angela said:
Sweet, lovely, warm, and cozy... a perfect place to bring home Not Maria!
218. Joanne from Jersey said:
my girls love the bunnies - I am now up on a stool to get their bunnies because they wanted to see their own bunnies.
Beautiful room! We put an antique twin bed in our nursery as well and it worked out great. We still have the crib in her room which sleeps all her stuffed animals (and the occasional traveling baby).
p.s. a work-mate of mine had twins and they named the girl "Gray." Not that you are asking for suggestions on names - but I really thought it was a striking, modern yet very cute name.
219. Melissa said:
Wow, Heather. This is stunning! What a lucky little girl to rest (hopefully) her head in this nursery. Nice job! I get a peaceful feeling just looking at the photos, I'm sure it translates well to that serene feeling in real life, too.
220. cath said:
when can i move in?? classy, tasteful, with a touch of whimsy - just what i would have expected from you. congrats on getting it done and still being married and (somewhat) sane!
221. Heather said:
It's beautiful :). Must feel so lovely to have it all done just as you like & ready for you Little One. Oh how I envy the Looby bunnies & the wallpaper is DIVINE (how magical to be a wee one looking up & seeing those dreamy birds). Best, best wishes to you all :).
The bumpers made me worry, too, due to the not-worth-taking-no-matter-how-pretty-they are risks they pose. They shouldn't market them anymore).
222. this humble abode said:
You have terrific style.
I was reading your book on BART last weekend, and in the span of 5 minutes, was laughing out loud, and then crying. Thanks for making me look insane.
223. Jasmine said:
I LOVE it! Very pretty
224. Geno said:
So funny, I was at a baby store here in San Francisco. And saw the sheep mobile you have. So cute!
225. Gwen said:
Beautiful! Looks so warm and cozy. Love the bird wall paper and Charley Harper prints - I'm a long time fan of his.
226. Brooke said:
Love it! I am now totally craving the magnetic flower art. I have nowhere to put 25 magnetic flowers, but I'm sure that they would look kind of cute in my suitcase. Also, my fiance is neurotic as well (in more ways than one). He'll complain about various ailments, and I'll quickly shove some random vitamin down his throat. 5 minutes later he's great, and hey! what was that magic thing? Whatever works, I guess...
227. Janet said:
Beautiful! I especially love the dresser wall.
228. Rachel said:
AWESOME job, Heather! You are a brilliant, wonderful, and talented woman! BRAVO.
#146 and sallyjo: Shove it.
#146: Must be nice to troll around blogs all day raining on people's parade, huh? Heather is indeed blessed, but not without problems. If you actually took the time to read about the hell that she's been through, you might rethink your status. I'm glad that Heather has found personal peace and happiness in her life. For those of us not quite so lucky to be at that (due) stage in our lives, we live vicariously through her. And, it's called: HUMOR. HU-MOR. Being funny. Or trying to, anyway. See below. Humor is my bread and butter, and I couldn't survive a day without it. But, I suppose that it's not worth explaining to the unfortunate soul that just doesn't get it.
#154 sallyjo:
You don't like what Heather's writing? Then read another blog! I check this blog every day because I savor a quick wit and a bit of humor for my day. Again, if you don't like what she's writing, then by all means, find another blog! Duh.
Meghan L:
I think that as long as there are blogs and Heather lives, she will probably keep writing on the blog. You might be one of those unfortunate souls out there that don't get it, either... My guess is that Heather will do this as long as she sees fit, despite the ads. I've got a blog out there that nobody reads. I still find the time to post on it every now and again, in hopes that someday I can do as well as Heather has (i.e. connected with funny, intelligent people), and just help to make other people's days brighter through humor and wit. I don't feel that Heather is just in it for business, and I really don't feel that she's just doing it to get people riled up for more traffic. She is blogging because that's what she does. The "money benefits" from the ads? Icing on the cake, but surely not a reliable source of income. Book sales? Well, she's shown time and time again that she's a brilliant writer, so yeah, a little cash from that. From the blog, though? Honestly, it's just humor. If you'll take some time to breathe some air and watch some (if not all) famous comedians, most of their humor is self-depreciating as well. Why do we do it? Because we want to, and we enjoy making people laugh. If all of us were in it for the money, we'd have given up long ago. So please, take your self-righteous "This is a business" talk, and go watch C-SPAN or something. It's humor. With icing (and powdered-sugar donuts!)
Heather, you rock. You rock my socks every day that I read your wonderful blog. You already know to ignore the haters, and if you let them under your skin, blah, blah, blah. I just figured I'd fire at them for you today. :-) I enjoy firing back every now and again. Seriously, though, the nursery? Pure genius. My only hope is that I can be as talented as you are in your artistic ventures. THANK YOU for this blog! :-) KUDOS to you for finishing the nursery! Two weeks to go?!
BTW, captcha: weighs eligibility
229. Amy said:
SO ADORABLE. I love, love it all.
230. Deedee said:
Heather, I have seen the future, and the future is Leta looking TOTALLY like Masha Kirilenko (Andre's wife). Check out the June 1, 2009, edition of the SLTrib. The pic of Masha is Leta in about 20 years. Seriously. Go look.
Love the nursery!!! Especially the little whimsical flowers on the wall. Dar-ling!
231. Anne said:
Thanks Sara! I just picked up some of those wallflowers at Delight.com as well:
http://www.delight.com/Delight-Your-Room-Wallflowers
232. Cheryl said:
Very sweet, and not at all too baby-ish (which was MY big pet peeve w/ choices for nursery furnishings when my daughter was born 3 years ago). My friends were aghast when I bought a BLACK crib and BLACK armoir for Dexy's room ("black? for a baby girl? the horror!"). That I also painted her walls bright turquoise (Indian Beach by Ralph Lauren) and had hot pink and lime green accents was equally awful to most. Whatever, it's MY kids room, they can #suckit as far as I'm concerned. As can everyone who doesn't like what you've done for Not Maria's room. Pffft.
I especially love the Charley Harper art above the crib!
Cheers!
233. Mommica said:
Isn't it trippy how #196 is probably Heather herself, just trying to get some traffic with the added benefit of educating us all on the business? Whooooaaaa. Dude.
Conspiracy theorists aside, I am especially fond of the crib (It's similar in shape to the one I got - clean lines, etc.) and the flowers. So exciting!
234. Sarah said:
wow ..gorgeoooooooooooooooous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
235. Michelle said:
Sigh...just beautiful.
236. dooce said:
I removed comment #196 because she fits my definition a stalker. And when she comes back and leaves the same comment that she has left seven hundred times I'm going to delete her again.
#197 Cassy, your Where The Wild Things Are nursery looks fantastic! Love the mural. Excellent job.
237. CookingSchoolConfidential.com said:
I got home from school (I'm a culinary school student) so exhausted that I nearly nodded off looking at that sweet bed.
If the power of suggestion works on me, just imagine what it will do for your little ones!
(What do you mean that stuff doesn't work on kids? Bummer!)
Cheers!
238. geordy-rose said:
this 'flight' room is magical.
calm and peaceful.
your little one will love it.
any jelousy from big sister leta over the room?
x
239. Pete said:
Well, with the addition of another baby, how's about another pet?
I'm sure Jessica wouldn't mind a cuddle with the little ones.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/02/tame-hippo-jessica-cuddle_n_210...
240. tj said:
...Ya know Miss Dooce, I wouldn't of expected anything else - this nursery is perfect! I love the idea that you thought ahead with the extra bed in the nursery - whatta great concept! :o)
...Blessings...
241. chicky said:
I love the whole set up Heather and I can't wait to see this baby! I've been following you for a couple of years before Leta was born so I kinda feel like a stalker! Anyway - I know you rarely get advice from well meaning readers and I know it doesn't piss you off in the least so I'll just go ahead and say it. As pretty as they are, cot bumpers are not really safe for babies in their cots. I am sure that the US have some kind of advisory body on SIDS but that is what they recommend. No bumpers.
242. Neg said:
Hey Sally Comment 154 here is for you
Nipple Nipple Nipple Nipple Nipple Nipple round Nipples Nipple Nipple Nipple hard Nipples sore Nipples BOOOBS Nipple Nipple PENIS Nipple.
See it is not all that bad- face your fears!!!!!
243. Cate said:
I've never understood the fuss over bumper pads. Newborn babies can't roll around so unless you're stuffing them into the sides of the crib yourself how are they going to suffocate?
The room is beautiful. If a baby is at all affected by her environment, not Maria will be a very calm baby. Here's hoping for you.
244. kristin said:
absolutely love the nursery! it would be perfect for my little wren {her nursery is still a work in progress, there will be lots of birds no doubt}
245. Dawn said:
I totally dig it. Well done as always, Heather (and Jon for that matter).
246. Amy G. said:
I'm totally loving Not Maria's room! Nice work, Mommy.
Now, do you want to come to my house and redecorate it? All of it? :)
247. Ashley said:
I absolutely LOVE Not Maria's nursery and wish upon every star out there that it could have been my room when I was little, or that I had half the decorating ability that you have when it comes to decorating for the little ones I hope to have someday... except for the kinda creepy looking sheep mobile, don't think I could sleep with that over my head :S
248. Brandy said:
love the nursery. and still crack up every time i see "not maria"!
249. Anonymous said:
What a peaceful and lovely place for anyone to spend time...you guys have wonderful taste, I am with Amy G. you are welcome to my place anytime for a little redecorating.
Best Wishes!
250. Sorghum said:
The nursery is just lovely, and I had a bed in my baby's room and it was such a Godsend! You'll love it.
The only odd thing to me is the mobile. From the baby's perspective in the crib it will almost be invisible, little sheets of paper seen only by their thinnest edge.
But the sheep look great from the adult perspective!
Now, I'm off to examine the wallpaper more closely. Very lovely....
251. Dianne said:
Beautiful room, very tasteful, delightful, and a wonderful mix of the old, new, and classic. Original. My youngest is 19 years old and we had a bed in our nursery, too. Best idea ever!
I am an active Latter-day Saint and love your column, which I've been reading for only about six months. I don't always agree with you, but you are a wonderful person and I enjoy your writing and descriptions of every-day life.
Keep up the good work!
252. Alison @ Cluck and Tweet said:
I'm really glad that I'm not the only one lacking an empathy chip, at least where my husband is concerned. Buck up! Be a man!
The nursery is quite cute. It looks like a room that could be photographed and published in Dwell. I love Dwell.
253. Janelle said:
Love the nursery, Heather. You have a beautiful family -- and such lucky little girls to have so much time with their creative and hilarious parents. Congrats and best wishes to you all. I'm thinking of decorating my snoring husband's room just like the nursery! Perhaps it will help him rest better?!!
254. BeachMama said:
Gorgeous nursery. You always seem to pull everything together so nicely. I love the bed. Both my kids had beds in their rooms for the same reasons, a place to fall asleep if the baby wasn't sleeping well, guests but also for night feeding. I found it so much easier propped up on a bed with pillows than a chair.
Kudos to Jon for getting rid of the allergies.
Now you guys are all set, time for baby.
255. cio said:
Dude. that nursery is A-Mazing. It seems So peaceful.
and a big bed in the room = BRILLIANT.
if I ever have children, that's exactly what i will do.
two thumbs up!! Do you do interior design for a living?
256. Donna said:
It is so beautiful. I love the magnetic flower art and dresser. Seeing this makes me want to have my tubes untied just so I can decorate a nursery!
257. Carla said:
Hi Heather
The nursery is lovely! great taste! Love the birds wallpaper.... very whimsical. I am also planning my nursery..... but for a boy! Anyway I was wondering where the silver mobile on the top of the crib is from?
Best Wishes for Not Maria!
258. Jessica said:
GORGEOUS! I love it!
I am not going to read any other comments just in case those weirdos from the bathroom post are lolling about.
=)
259. Amber said:
Oh man I am drooling over this nursery. How is it possible for a 32-year-old woman to be JEALOUS of an unborn baby's room? But I am. *Sigh.*
260. Little Miss Moi said:
Dear dooce. Oh I am with you on the allergies reaction too. My tolerance level for my husband's sneezing and snuffling and all-round man-cold reaction has really decreased since baby was born. Now I just wanna smack him in the face sometimes. Luckily I haven't acted on that urge. Yet.
261. Annie said:
You always have things set up so beautifully! I wish I was able to do that. I love the baby's room! Have you agreed on a name for her yet?
262. Annie said:
You always have things set up so beautifully! I wish I was able to do that. I love the baby's room! Have you agreed on a name for her yet?
263. decor8 Holly said:
Congratulations Heather, this is so sweet and I particularly love the flowers over the changing table and how you've arranged them, the Hygge & West wallpaper, and of course the handmade softies. I'm so happy for you -- what a sweet space!
264. tara whitney said:
im happy for you too.
265. Ilyssa said:
WOW, Heather! I love it all. The wallflowers are very pretty, I'm 19 and I want to pick them up for MY apartment. I have a younger sister who's 6, and when my parents decorated her nursery it was painstaking, so I can completely understand what a relief you must feel. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy! Can't wait to find out all about Not Maria :)
Captcha is "bauer denied". I'm such a huge 24 fan too! HAHA
266. Kim said:
I wasn't going to comment, then I saw the captcha - "demented museum." I mean, come on; it writes itself. It's too bad I'm too old to start my rock band, because that would totally be the name of it, plus the debut album.
267. Keely said:
Your nursery is beautiful, Heather. I want another baby...because I want to decorate a nursery again. Sigh.
268. Shalini said:
Gorgeous, just gorgeous.
269. Angela said:
Oh my god, Heather, you need a glider rocker. I know they are hideous beyond belief, but I couldn't get through the day without mine. My son would scream the kind of screams that would make a mom pack up and leave until he turned 27 if we didn't have our rocker.
270. Alanna said:
Most adorable nursery ever!!! I love your style. :)
271. Shannon Lee Smith said:
The nursery is absolutely adorable! I am sure that you and your baby will have lots of wonderful moments in there! Congrats!
272. the niffer said:
What a peaceful place for a new baby and sleep deprived parents!
We didn't have the bed the first time around. There's not much room in the new nursery, but I'm finding a way to put a bed in there, even if it's a freakin trundle bed under the crib.
MORE NIPPLE TALK PLEASE. MINE ARE KILLING ME.
273. maria said:
so lovely!
(and maria's not so bad a name... :))
274. Brittni said:
This is truly beautiful and oh, so sweet. You have such a unique and fun style. I could never put something like this together. Great job! I'm sure Not Maria will be very comfortable in this nursery.
275. Amo said:
Bumper pads?! That's all they have to worry about here?!
COME ON PEOPLE, THE HEAD OF THE BED IS OFF CENTER BY A FULL INCH!!!
Geez, how could they miss that one?
276. Lauren From Texas said:
Lovely nursery! And not a Disney Princess to be seen!
I love that little girl of yours. I have a soft spot in my heart for all the baby nerds out there - mostly because I was one. :)
Can't wait to hear the baby's ACTUAL name. Way to keep us all hanging! I'm sure it will be beautiful, as will she!
277. Nhiro said:
Hey, so, can I come crash in that room? ;]
278. Cyn said:
As strange as it sounds, I'm almost relieved that there were still some naysayers because I began to believe that I was living in an alternative universe!
Heather, it really is just so beautiful. A dream nursery. When "not Maria" sees pictures of the room that was waiting for her when she gets older, she will know just how loved she was.
279. KW said:
Love the nursery-it should be in a style magazine. But, you don't need the bumper pads. They are not recommended and not needed. Just an opinion from a nurse and mom. Can't wait to see the first pics of "Not Maria!"
280. Josie said:
Ummmmmmm, not for me. Not my cup of tea. I love the idea of the bed in the nursery but would have to keep my eyes closed...like real tight.
With that said...I am happy for you that it is finished and that you are happy with it.
Wishing you a quick delivery and a great labor nurse.
281. dooce said:
People, the bumpers are going to be removed once she's old enough to start moving around. They just came with the whole crib set and I put them on because they look good.
282. Meegan said:
Ohmygod I love that nursery so much I want to be your Not Maria.
283. Anonymous said:
a 600 dollar crib and a 125 dollar stuffed bunny? are you smoking crack with your prenatal vitamins? real sensitive to the recession! i'm sure all these "real moms" who read you are reeling.
284. sybil said:
It looks very sweet and cozy. Out of everything- that pink thing that you lay the baby on (can you tell I have no children) that is on the dresser got me all choked up! Hurry up baby!
285. The Tart said:
Absolutely Fabulous! Naps on the bed ... Perfect.
Smooch,
The Tart
; *
286. Christina said:
LOVE IT!!!! So peaceful.
287. Elaine at Lipstickdaily said:
(1) Love the swallows on the wall; (2) we had a bed in D's nursery and it turned out to be essential; and (3) a 5 star amazon review IS NEVER wrong!
288. the niffer said:
283 - Now that's a head scratcher - why should anyone show sensitivity toward a recession? I'll save my sensitive side for other people, animals, you know - things that care whether or not I'm being sensitive to them...
Besides, I thought we were SUPPOSED to be buying stuff to stimulate the economy. If the people who can afford to buy stuff DON'T, then we're all fucked, no?
289. Elisabeth said:
This is absolutely beautiful. It's all the small details that add the extra charm to the room. The wallpaper is fabulous (having somebody come in and make sure you don't have little strange bits of birds here and there was a great idea) and the "flowers" on the wall are wonderful too. It seems so peaceful- I hope Not-Maria can appreciate your hard work. And if you quit the internet business, you could always make it as an interior designer. Easily. :)
290. Cathy Carey said:
Just beautiful!
291. Corny said:
Cute. But wondering about baby safety like swallowing the flowers, knocking over the lamp, head between the brass bed rails? (Strangely the bumper pads don't concern me...)
292. Amanda said:
Good lord, Heather. I am not even pregnant yet and your photos are giving me nesting instincts. I want to go out and buy a crib for our non-existent baby now. The nursery looks FABULOUS.
293. Carrie said:
Sigh. It's so lovely. I'm 35 weeks along with my third and have never done a nursery. Since our babies sleep in our room the first six months (or 2 years) or so, it just never made sense. But looking at this, I'm wishing we, too, had a room all ready for our baby. Don't know where you get the energy though.
294. Amy H said:
I love it. And I love how the haters are mad that you actually spent money to furnish a nursery. Even after you mentioned the bed from the flea market and the hand-me-down clothes. Ha! Haters just never get it, do they?
THANKS for boosting our economy with your purchases. You are truly patriotic. :-)
295. Dawn said:
That bed in the nursery may be simply the most brilliant idea I have ever seen. Genius. Just genius.
296. Stephanie said:
It looks lovely. Not Maria will have a gorgeous space to come home to. Keep talking about the boobies, buhbeys, and the girls. The people have a right to know what happens to those suckers post-partum. Not enough people talk about it. So glad you're busting open all the stupid pressure to pretend like life with newborn is perfect and new mommies just bask in the glow.
Also happy you're boosting the economy. If you've got it to spend, spend it. If you're jealous of the purchases then face the fact that life isn't fair and grow the f up.
297. Spandrel Studios said:
Loobylu's dolls are like characters out of a long-forgotten, very pleasant children's book. Love those!
298. Becky said:
Love it! Might as well get a couple of those bed railings handy, you'll be sleeping with little Avery (te he I'm starting rumors! [but don't you love the sound of Leta & Avery? no? hmmm guess it's just me..]) in the big bed in no time. There is nothing like sharing sleep with your newborn! I miss that!
299. Nico Blue said:
The room looks great! Very calm and soothing. I love the wall flowers. My friend has them in her daughter's room and I always admire them.
Oh, and just wanted to recommend Dr.Jack Newman's APNO for cracked nipples (if you don't already know about it). You can find the prescription here on his site... http://www.nbcionline.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7...
I find Lansinoh works sometimes as well and it's great for chapped lips too...double duty!
Thanks for sharing the pictures!
300. holly said:
such a sweet space for your new little bundle of love! the details in this room are so thoughtful—i especially love how that one bird is perfectly framed by the brass headboard.
not maria is one lucky little girl! i can't wait to see her in her space!
301. Melissa said:
Beautiful.