Javi’s Bedroom.

A few months ago we made a few room alterations. We needed a room for the new baby, so the girls took the largest bedroom in the house, and Javi swapped from the smallest room to his original bedroom. It’s a bit bigger, but because of the house eaves, the walls are slanted which he didn’t love as he’s growing taller. He was a little hesitant because he had a pretty sweet set-up, in the back bedroom with four full, floor to ceiling, walls… but after some time (plus, Sean and I told him it sort of wasn’t a choice, ha!) he agreed.

As we moved the furniture from one room to the other I couldn’t help but remember what it was like setting up the very same space when I was pregnant with Javi. Back in 2015, we painted the walls and installed a light and hung black out shades. It took me two months to decide on a room theme, and even longer to commit to the rug. I remember the sound of the creaking glider we got for really cheap on Facebook marketplace, and folding tiny newborn onesies, and lining up completely unnecessary infant shoes in the closet. I searched for the perfect artwork that described my love for this little human we hadn’t even met yet, and I picked out the perfect sheet set that matched the new drawer knobs that I special-ordered from etsy. I put so much effort into his nursery.

And now, nearly 9 years later — I found myself, setting up the room again, for the same kid that no longer fits in my arms… or my lap. And I realized that nearly free Facebook marketplace glider has been replaced by a beanbag chair. The board books I carefully handpicked have been replaced by chapter books; the crib for a queen-sized mattress, a night light with a lava lamp, the changing table with a desk and chair, teething toys with legos, an “ok-to-wake-clock” with a Google nest, and stuffed animals with… well, a million more stuffed animals. 🙂

And my heart broke a little bit. It also broke because he was suddenly very particular about how he wanted his things arranged, what he wanted to part with, and what he wanted to keep. He now plasters stickers on the very dresser I considered buying for months. He tossed out those pieces of artwork and replaced them with his own drawings and small pieces of cut paper given to him by friends. The sheet sets have been replaced by mismatched bedding of all his favorite characters (superheroes), and dinosaurs, and YouTube stars. The monthly baby photos have been replaced with sports medals, and baseball hats, and shoes that he seems to outgrow before he wears them for the second time. Everything is visible, there doesn’t seem to be rhyme or reason, and honestly, it sort of stresses me out! But he notices when I move things. 🙂

So is it a room that is perfectly designed? No. But it’s a room that is perfect for him because he put it together himself. And while that’s bittersweet for me, I think it’s just what he needed.