Three Bros Sharing A Room
As I mentioned in a previous post, we live in a very sweet cape style house. When we found out we were having a third boy, we smiled. So many cool things came to mind. All the fun times and adventures ahead. In the waaaaaay back of our minds we also thought about how they can easily share a bedroom at some point. We have 3 bedrooms upstairs; one for us, one for the boys, and one we use as a playroom. When space is at a premium in your home, you make things work with what you have. So once the baby was out of his crib (which was in a little room off of our bedroom) and was ready for a big boy bed, we decided to have all the boys share a room for a few reasons: space, convenience, and to create a strong bond between each other. Our boys are all fairly close in age, just barely 2 years apart, so their interest levels are very similar at this point. It’s just nice having them all together in one room because it’s, well, so convenient! At bedtime, they are all right there and so am I. I don’t have to go back and forth between rooms, we can snuggle and talk all together. But I have to say the best part of having them share a room is the bond and the memories they are creating together once I leave the room. We always know that down the road, the playroom is an option for a second bedroom, but until then, and if that is needed, we are totally working the sharing a room thing!
IKEA is our Friend
Bunk beds were a must for us when we were furniture planning the boys room. We have 1 set of bunk beds, and 1 twin bed, and actually have them positioned close by each other for a couple of reasons: to keep them near each other in case they get scared; and when I’m laying with just one of them they still feel like I’m nice and close, because I am. We turn to IKEA often for our spatial planning furniture needs. It just works for us, we like their style and the conciseness of their kids room furniture especially. It’s just great for smaller spaces. Each kid has their own little bed area decorated as they see fit, so their little personalities shine through. I feel it is there personal space and they should have the freedom to decorate as they would like, so anything goes!
Dehydrated Philosophers
Now, the boys don’t really play and hang out in their room during the day. They are either in the playroom where all their toys are, or they are right next to me at all times (lol), or they are outside weather permitting. So at this point in the game, they really just use their bedroom for sleeping…and that’s an adventure in itself, every single night! They spend a good 10 minutes prior to bedtime like this. Climbing, jumping, swinging, getting the silliness out.
I call them my dehydrated philosophers. They have many opportunities to grab a drink of water before they are physically in bed…yet they all still need a drink once tucked in and cozy. I’ve now learned to keep their water bottles filled and have them under their nightstands. Then come the questions and deep thoughts. I don’t even know the answers to most of them, I usually need to google it. Often times the things that have been bothering them all day come spilling out right about now. I suppose it’s a comfortable, relaxed time and they feel this moment is the only time they can come clean about their emotions and feelings – and I’ll happily take it. I always want them to talk to me about anything and everything, so if it’s the few minutes before they fall asleep, then so be it.
That Bond Though!
Once everyone is settled, I slip out, which is not easy to do (I usually keep getting drawn back in for something). But once I’m out, I start hear it. I hear them helping each other, sneaking into each other’s bed to read a funny book, giggling. I let it go because I love it – the bond, the memories in the making. If it goes on for too long, I step in, but it definitely brings a smile to my face!
I’m grateful my kids will always have each other, they’ll always have their brothers!