A video of a mother in tears as she struggles to accept that her toddler has outgrown her antique crib has gone viral, and mom told Newsweek why she is so attached to the antique centerpiece of her gothic “Addams Family” nursery.
While many parents can empathize with this mom’s emotional milestone, they are taken aback when they see the little girl’s bedroom in all its glory. With gray walls, crib dating from 1864, pumpkins, and other spooky decor, it’s not surprising that the three-year-old is often referred to as “Gothic Baby” online.
“I always knew I wanted a gothic interpretation of a ‘princess room,’ especially with Gothic Baby being my first girl after three boys,” said Reby Hardy, 38, who lives in North Carolina, and is married to American wrestler Matt Hardy, 47.
The post about Ever Moore’s bedroom racked up 4.8 million views on Instagram (@rebysky).
Ever Moore lying in a Moses basket in her unconventional nursery as a baby. Her mom has recently been left in tears as the crib is no longer needed.
Instagram/@rebysky/Reby Hardy
After searching for a Victorian-style crib for months, Hardy found this gem on Facebook Marketplace, and it was first used by her son Bartholomew, now four.
She told Newsweek: “I still search for antiques daily and, to this day, have not come across anything as special as that crib; it was a once-in-a-lifetime find that I feel I was meant to discover.”
Hardy, a content creator, compares her family to the iconic Addams Family, as they share a love for all things spooky.
She said: “I have always related to the Addams Family’s idea of being dark and different, yet still wholesome and fiercely dedicated to family. That’s how I raise my own family today.
“The original inspiration for the Gothic Baby nursery was the nursery from the movie Addams Family Values. I’d say it goes even deeper for me, as I also grew up in an aesthetically unconventional household, filled with antiques and dark oddities.”
During the September 2 video, Ever Moore comforted her mom by getting into the crib “one last time.” She encourages her mom to stop crying and says, “build my bed and be happy.”
Ever Moore in the antique crib and dark nursery. In a video posted by her tearful mom, the three-year-old gets into the antique one last time, before moving on to a more conventional bed.
Reby Hardy
Hardy said: “My kids call anything black or spooky ‘Gothic Baby’; it’s become an adjective in this house. I feel like most little kids are a reflection of their parents while they’re still young, and all of our children love and lean into our Goth lifestyle.
“I’ve tried to help normalize it not only for my kids but for children everywhere with my children’s book, Life of a Gothic Baby, which is all about dismantling negative stereotypes about spooky things and Goth culture.
“It celebrates different families of all types, which is something I think the world needs more of.”
In the clip, she mentions that the book wouldn’t have been possible without the gothic baby nursery, which plays a role in the storybook.
It’s safe to say the different decor has got Instagram’s approval, with over 208,800 likes and more than 1,400 comments.
“Not me over here crying. It’s hard to let go of these things when it’s your last child,” said one user and another wrote: “Awww “mama build my bed and be happy” she has queen behavior and I love it! It’s obvious she’s getting treated with the upmost love and care.”
A third commenter suggested: “Disassemble it and keep it clean in ur basement. Then if ur kids want it for their kids it can be passed down as a family heirloom.”
If you have a family dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
