Saturday, September 24, 2011

Interior Shifts

Last January, we moved Baby Charlie out of our bedroom and into his brother's room.  It was my hope that we could reclaim our master bedroom (which we did) and give the boys a space of their own (which we did).  For the first seven months the boys did a great job sharing a room and sleeping soundly through the night.  Then Charlie had his surgery in August and it all came apart.  Charlie was waking up two to three times a night and Walker would get up with him.  It was a bad situation.  Charlie has been bed surfing every since, which I'm sure is contributing to his sleep confusion.  So, we give up.  We're going to give the boys their own rooms.  The only bummer is that I'm going to lose my office.

But Jack and I came up with a plan. 
Here is an unused corner of our laundry room:



I left the table (an antique purchased twelve years ago by my husband) and pulled out the leaves, which fit the space perfectly leaving about a half inch on either side.  I brought in my rolling file cabinets, which slid neatly on either side of the table legs.  I couldn't have planned it better.  Here is the new incarnation:



Its not perfect, but it serves all my needs.



For Walker's room, we removed all of Charlie's nursery furniture and replaced it with some of the office furniture.  I also brought in a Titanic poster that was hiding in the office.





And the office has now been transformed into Charlie's nursery.  I didn't paint or move the book cases out because frankly, I don't have the time.  Plus, I love the color of my office (Moroccan Spice by Behr) and I do most of my reading when I'm rocking Charlie to sleep.  The couch went into Walker's room and the harp went into my bedroom. 



...and here are Charlie's new digs. (Excuse the fuzzy photos.)




The mobile hanging above Charlie's crib was created by my mother.  The morning of Charlie's craniofacial surgery, Jack, my husband, awoke early with Charlie.  (The following might sound kind of juju-hoo-doo to some of you but here it goes.)  When Jack saw Charlie, he had a vision that Charlie was surrounded by a thousand golden butterflies, each one representing a protective prayer and love-thoughts flying through the universe to Charlie on his surgery day.  I told my mother about the vision and she created this:


So there it is... the great interior shift of 2011.
And guess what... Charlie slept for 10 hours last night.
Coincidence?  I think not.

15 comments:

  1. A great and stylish solution!
    BTW, I love the fabric of the curtains in your old office (now Charlie's room)... did you make them?

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  2. Never mind! I just checked back and saw that they're from World Market. Lovely!

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  3. I think that's some really beautiful juju-hoo-doo!!!

    Love the space transitions. How perfect did the furniture for your office work out?!?! Like everything was meant to be. :)

    So glad Charlie slept so well. Good for mama, too.

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  4. I love all the before and after images, amazing house. I love it.

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  5. you've been busy! love the desk space and charlie's dark walls! yummy...donna

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  6. really great, love how you changed everything :)

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  7. Well done-you are truly amazing!

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  8. What a peaceful room for Charlie! I love the tranquil colors and atmosphere.

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  9. I could definitely sleep well in Charlies room ! :)
    You did a beautiful job and I really love your office. In fact, I think I have a touch of office envy.

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  10. How wonderful- to be creative and purposeful at the same time- and- making everyone happy!

    Well done!

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  11. It is all so good, Sarah!!
    I love Charlie's new room the most -- the wall color is gorgeous.

    The mobile is spectacular.
    (and the story behind it.)

    xo

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  12. How lovely and resourceful of you to see past the limitations of space and concoct new possibilities.
    I think people -- even babies -- respond to their surroundings.
    And every family needs its fair share of juju-hoo-doo -- it's what keeps us all going ;)
    May the butterflies continue to dance and flutter, golden and laden with happy auguries, over Charlie's sweet head as he sleeps.
    Cheers, Alcira

    nerochronicles.com

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  13. Oh my gawd. the vision about teh butterlies brought me to tears and gave me goosbumps!!

    I just found your blog but will be an avid reader!! :)

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  14. !increible!

    I love how you put it... juju-hoo-doo. Your mother's creation is incredible. I'm jealous of the talent oozing in your family! Thanks for sharing with us!

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  15. Can you tell me where you bought the coat rack in your office? I've been looking for one exactly like that but I'm having a difficult time. Thank you. Amanda

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