Bunk Beds for Happy Kids

The kids got bunk beds a few weeks ago, and the excitement hasn't yet worn off.

Edith and Atticus have shared a room since she was 2.5 and he was a mere 6 weeks old. They love it, and I do too -- it's super convenient to have all of their shared toys together instead of split between two rooms.

Their room is extra large, probably because at some point there was an addition added to the house which expanded the kitchen and the space above -- their bedroom. So there's more than enough room for them both. And yet there just wasn't a great way to fit two beds. The placement of the ceiling fan and the a/c and heating vent means that really only half of the room is comfortable to sleep in.

When Atticus was in a crib and then toddler bed it wasn't such a big deal since the bed was so short. But once he upgraded to a twin, the vent was always covered either by his bed or (when we scooted the bed over a foot) by the blankets that would be kicked off.

The bunk bed purchase was rather spontaneous. Someone was selling one locally -- presumably their kids had outgrown it. I liked that it didn't have a ladder. After a brief conversation, I claimed it and Paul (with the help of a gracious neighbor with a larger vehicle) had it home within about an hour. We set it up the next day.

Edith got a turn on the top bunk first. We're nearly a month in and I think Atticus might prefer the bottom bunk anyway and forego his turn on the top! They didn't necessarily need the extra space that a bunk bed provides, but it's nice to have it anyway. Boy, can they make giant train tracks now! And best of all, the bunk beds gave them both excellent spots for book lights, and they spend a good deal of time after we tuck them in reading books. Love!