So, today I thought it be a great day to go through all the clothes I have in the dresser and the closet for the girls, getting rid of winter clothes and clothes too small. We have countless bins of hand-me-downs for Annabelle and we have all the clothes Annabelle wore just a short year ago. As I was in the middle of this process, and while the girls were climbing through the mounds of clothes and "helping" me fold clothes and hang others up, I started to tear up. I saw all the cute little clothes Annabelle had worn last summer on our family vacations, and I pictured how little she was. And then I began to cry, because I started to think about how precious and little Ava was last summer. As I was reorganizing the bins of clothes, I looked back at all the little itsy bitsy newborn clothes and looked ahead in the hand-me-downs of 3T and 4T clothes for Annabelle.
They grow up so fast, and I just couldn't handle it. I don't usually get this sentimental, but I guess it has been that kind of month. Ava wants to eat big girl food in a booster seat just like her big sister. Annabelle wants to eat baby food and sit in the bumbo seat like Ava:) So silly. Annabelle can have full on conversations with me, while Ava is starting to communicate with signs. Ava is taking steps now, and she is sooooo proud of herself. I just put some pajamas on Ava tonight that Annabelle seriously wore last year while we were living at our parent's house. I was still pregnant with Ava, and now she is almost ONE!!! It goes too fast, and sometimes I feel like I don't get to take it all in before it flies away. I try and capture every first and every last, and I try and forget the small stuff so I can enjoy them, but I have found that no matter how much you "take it all in" and enjoy all the chaos, they still grow up and you still miss it. There is no way to get out of that mourning, except to look ahead and know that every stage will be just as exciting.
So, now I am organized but an emotional mess:) But on a serious note, I am soooo excited I am organized, at least in their room. And next, I am onto reorganizing their playroom and its closet. I have been reading up a lot on organizing toys and keeping toys out of reach, teaching children to ask to get toys out and to clean them up and trade them in when they want to get other toys out. They end up enjoying toys more, getting less bored, and needing less new toys for excitement. If I have peaked your interest, check this site out. It is pretty helpful. http://www.parenthacks.com/2007/04/toy_library_pro.html
Grace to you and peace!
Monday, March 09, 2009
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5 comments:
Oh Debra, I feel like you just opened my heart up and read what was in it! I have been going through the very same thing for quite a while now and will go in spurts when I'm good and then I'll see something that just sends me over......like today, a little pair of infant pink ballet slippers I bought for Emma. They look so tiny now and not very long ago fit her perfectly! I'm thankful for those moments that remind me how much I love being a mom & how much I need to cherish them, even when it's hard, but I also hate seeing how fast they grow. It's so sad and now I'm on my last and it's almost heartbreaking! UGH! You are a wonderful mom and wonderful inspiration and your girls are so blessed to have you!
Julie, you are so sweet. It just a mom thing. Dad's never go through this. Nate is always excited for each new stage, while I am left to cry over every last. You too are a blessing to your family...life as a mom is crazy and our emotions oftentimes get the best of us, but how great a life it is:)
I can totally imagine this Deb and it is a woman thing too. I think that similar to the rule you have with your kids toys, God has designed kids to grow up so we will enjoy and appreciate each stage knowing that it will soon be gone. And to keep us growing as paarents! I certainly will check out that site too. Sweet thoughts.
Oh, Deb.
I can't tell you how many times I've done the same thing. And I was never sentimental before my kids. Life is so busy, and before you know it, your kids are BIG!! I can hardly pick Carter up anymore and it breaks my heart. Great, now I'm going to cry. :) Like everyone tells you - enjoy them, because they grow up fast!! - so true!!
I know often when older moms or even dads tell you "enjoy this stage, it goes by so fast", and you're totally exhausted just getting through the day, it's hard to understand. Then...a moment when you see the tiny clothes or see a photo from last year. I hate to tell you, even as a grandma, it's hard. I miss it when you Deb were a little one. Time truly FLIES by!
I love you!
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