f&f Family Journal

I connected with Robin some time ago on Instagram, our daughters are but a few months apart and it's a simple joy to connect with another like-minded mama. I have since treasured Robin's sentiments on slow living and her honest notes on motherhood.

Robin's background in early education weaves a lovely story in her daughter Ramona's room .. uncluttered & thoughtful, inviting and cozy and perfectly tender-hearted like her mother's love.  

Thank you Robin!
- Summer

The room I chose to share is Ramona's nursery. This is my favourite space in our home, because we've put the most intention, thought and care into creating a place to meet our daughter's needs. We've also taken great care in keeping it simple and uncluttered, while also being a cozy and fun place that she enjoys spending time in. It's a constant work in progress as she changes and grows (and as I slowly, slowly make decisions - I'm notoriously indecisive). 

The central point of the nursery tends to be Ramona's shelves. We rotate its contents often, trying to offer a variety of experiences - sensory materials, puzzles, objects from nature, literature, music, and fine motor activities - but without having too much out all at once, so she can focus on what's available and play more purposefully. We want Ramona to learn responsibility over her belongings, so by having a specific place (basket, box, tray) for each item, it's easy for her to put everything back in its rightful place independently. 

​We chose a tall shelf for the nursery because it can "grow" along with Ramona. For now we use the upper shelves for decoration, mostly featuring sentimental items, such as her five-day-old foot print, her six month profile, her first piggy bank, and a small antique clock from my grandmere which has its hands standing still at the time Ramona born. As she gets older the contents of the upper shelves will reflect more of her growing interests - perhaps art, or natural items she's collected, or a few favoured toys.

I draw a lot of inspiration in our home from Waldorf and Montessori education. The two philosophies have many differences, but both put a strong emphasis on surrounding a child in a natural environment - keeping in touch with nature and using natural materials. Her toys are mainly made of wood, wool or bamboo (we do have a few plastic toys too!), storage baskets made from grass or sticks, and the room is scattered with various treasures we've found on walks (pebbles, flowers, acorns, pine cones). Next I'd like to add some living plants that she can help care for.

​The most recent, and possibly my favourite, addition to the nursery is this wall-to-wall book ledge. We try to combine visual appeal and practicality as much as often, and this was a beautiful way to store books and encourage early literacy. We placed it at her height so she can help herself throughout the day. I love the little surprises she leaves on the shelves sometimes - a stray toy or block carefully placed between books.

A few things to note...
The Silhouette is by A Family Print Shop.
Martriarch Handmade made the "Courage Dear Heart" and Mini Swiss Cross Banner.
Baskets .. Larger ones & the Mini.

You can follow Robin on Instagram @twentyventi & her blog.