Hello and welcome to YT...I work in Oakton/Vienna, VA down the road from Sterling.
Anyway, I never crated...I just never liked having such a small confined space, but then again, I would be gone about 9 hours for work...How long are you away?
I prefer the kitchen area or similar with a babygate, having the crate in there with her bed in it, some toys, pp pads and small bowl of water. Water is important for them, especially at that age. Mine are all pp pad and outside trained..I like that because it's convenient because on bad rainy days and/or snow/blizzard days, they're already trained to use the pp pad as an alternate instead of killing themselves( & possibly damaging something) holding it. It is also good for travel if staying in a hotel room. I'm able to put a pad int he bathroom for them to use. They all will not jsut use the pad just because it's there either, they prefer to go outside so I have the best of both!
I just think everyone should do what's best for them & their baby. You'll know what works best. Maybe you want to use the crate now, since she's so young, & then as she gets older, you can change to having a little more space like the kitchen.
Good Luck!