Today’s Topic is Preparing To Be First Time Grandparent. I am going to be a Mimi! My tennis gals told me years ago that it is best that I pick out my “grandmother name” early on, even before my first grandchild arrives. So I have been Mimi to my granddogs for years, but now I have a new granddaughter due at the end of October. Oh, and Dan is going to be… Daddy Dan.
Preparing To Be First Time Grandparent
Preparing To Be First Time Grandparent
We are so excited for my son, Matt, and his wife, Emily on the impending arrival of their first child, a daughter, Leighton Anne. After the news that I was going to be a Mimi to my first grandchild, I started thinking about some of the changes I needed to make to be prepared. As a matter of fact, it was the news that we were getting a grandchild that prompted my husband, Dan to go ahead and have his hip replacement surgery this summer. He wants to be healthy and able to get down on the ground and play.
Baby Announcement- It Is A Girl!
Time For A Baby Shower!
My sister-in-law, Sheri, so graciously offered to host a baby shower for Emily. Sheri has an amazing house and we were thrilled to have her as a hostess. The ladies in my family outdid themselves to create a beautiful Sunday afternoon that we could celebrate and shower Matt and Emily with gifts for the new baby.
At the end of the afternoon, everyone had a wonderful time getting the opportunity to visit with family and friends. So many baby gifts were brought to the shower, but many more were sent ahead of time. I love how they now have baby registries that the new parents can register for what they need/want from many different stores. So helpful in getting just what they need. After the shower was over, Matt came by and loaded his SUV up with presents for the baby, I don’t know where they are going to put everything.
Next On The List- Preparing A Grands Room
I wanted to have a space for the new baby and other grandchildren to come. Some place they can sleep when they come to “Mimi’s House”. But, after Baby Shower Weekend, I realized that I still needed to have another bedroom for guests. So, with the help of my daughter Anna, we created a multi-generational bedroom.
What is a Multi-Generational Bedroom Look Like?
Part guest room/part bedroom for my new grandchildren is the goal. Before we started the room was a junk room, full of furniture that was dumped from the kids’ college apartments. So cleaning out the room was first priority. After that, a plan was made.
The goal was that this room not be “too baby or kiddie” so that I could not use it as a second guest room. I already have a fabulous guest bedroom/suite (check out my post here). Also, this new Grands Room will not be a playroom, it will be only for sleeping (nighttime or napping). I have another space that is designated as a playroom.
Grands Room- Start With A Plan
First I made an emergency call to my favorite online e-designer, Anna at Homzie Designs (she is my daughter). My dilemma is that I need another guest bedroom for the weekend that I could use for my grandchildren too. Quickly we came up with a plan, and I started by shopping what I already had and some of the extras from Anna’s house.
- Headboard (shopped from Anna’s house)
- Lamps from Target (out of stock)
- White Quilt/Pillows From Target’s Casaluna line
- Duvet Cover From Casaluna in Natural
- My Favorite Sheets in white from Amazon
Preparing Grands Room- A Wall Of Books
Because I did not want this room to be too “kiddie or baby” I decided only to add a few touches to make this room soft and cozy. This room’s main purpose is sleep, whether it is night or nap time. So my touches, I added a wall of some of my children’s favorite books, easily accessible on an acrylic shelf.
- Now I Lay Me
- Clear Acrylic Book Shelves
- Wall Color is Amazing Gray by Sherwin Williams
Preparing Grands Room- A Bed Full Of Lovies
Waiting for my grandchildren to visit is a bed full of Lovies. These are some of the softest stuffed animals on the market. I can vision the grands giving them names and making up stories about them. But mostly snuggling down with them as they spend the weekend at Mimi’s House.
I can take off the stuffed animals and store them easily if I have adult company that needs the guest room. For now, they are ready and waiting to be loved on
Weekend Paint Project- Preparing Grands Room
Wanting to use old furniture, I decided to paint a dresser and chest of drawers that was in one of the twin rooms. Now, it is very important to note that I am not a crafty person and painting is not my forte. But painting these furniture pieces transformed the room, from a darker masculine room to a lighter slightly feminine but definitely brighter room.
Preparing For Grands- Not Over Buying
After talking with other grandmothers, I decide not to put a crib in the bedroom. Instead, I will be using a Pack N Go Crib. This will work for when the grandchildren are babies/toddlers, then the “big bed” will be the favorite spot (with all the stuffed animals to love on), adding a stepping stool.
Officially On Baby Watch!
We are one week til the “Due Date” so we are officially on Baby Watch! I am down at the beach this week, enjoying the gorgeous fall weather. I have bought an extra Pack And Play to have here at the beach for when they visit. Our first official beach trip with our new granddaughter will be after the Christmas holidays. Trying not to go crazy buying all the cute clothes and toys. Can’t wait to show my new granddaughter all the wonders of the beach.
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