"This is just a chapter — not the whole story."
What started as a short-term solution has stretched into eight months—and counting. When my husband and I found out we were expecting, we were overjoyed. But a cascade of crises—a high-risk pregnancy, unexpected surgery, job loss, and skyrocketing housing costs—forced us to make a decision we never anticipated: move into my 110-square-foot childhood bedroom in my parents' home.
How Our Plans Unraveled
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The Diagnosis
Early in my pregnancy, I was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix, putting me at high risk for preterm labor and requiring an emergency procedure.
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The Doctor's Orders
The catch? I had to avoid all strenuous activity, including climbing the stairs to our beloved second-floor apartment.
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The Job Loss
Just days after surgery, I lost my job—our primary source of income. The rent, over $2,500 a month, became impossible.
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The Move Home
My parents' single-story home became our only option. We told ourselves it would be for three months, max. Our son was born premature in February 2025.
Making It Work in a Tiny Space
In This Room, We Fit:
- - A queen-sized bed & large swivel bassinet
- - A changing station & diaper trash can
- - A TV, bookshelf, fan & air purifier
- - A rolling dresser & under-bed storage
It’s tight. It’s not ideal. But for now, it's home. We’re incredibly grateful for my parents, but I can’t help feeling like I’m falling behind. I had dreams of owning a home and building a nursery. Instead, we’re crammed into a space smaller than most walk-in closets.
The Financial Reality
Right now, my husband is our only income earner, which isn’t enough to cover rent in our area—not even for a one-bedroom. Despite applying to countless roles, I haven’t landed a single interview. Caring for a premature baby adds another layer of difficulty. We can’t afford daycare, and I can’t commit to a full-time job while my son still requires so much attention. So, we wait. We budget. We make do.
Looking Ahead
We’ve paused our house hunt. The reality is, we need more space, but we also need stability—and that starts with me finding work. This isn’t the life we imagined, but we’re doing our best to build something solid, even if it’s from the confines of a tiny childhood bedroom. Every day is a reminder of the lesson we're living: this is just a chapter, not the whole story.
