My mom and I are collaborating on a yard sale later this month.
I have given away arm loads of outgrown baby rompers, tiny shoes, and board books, but I’m hoping to making a little cash from some of our larger items.
There’s the once versatile jogging stroller that is collecting dust since Miss A would rather run or cruise in our more spacious convertible bike trailer, the red Dora potty seat she no longer uses, and the musical table toy that I helped Miss C unwrap on her first birthday.
Although these are just material things and I am more than happy to move clutter out of our home, I occasionally get a wistful twinge of time remembered when I see something that belongs to another era of parenting.
Now the girls are sharing most of their toys, although sometimes begrudgingly, and I no longer need a diaper bag of gear for a short trip out. The mish mash of squeaky baby toys and bag of Cheerios stashed in my purse have been replaced with hair accessories and plastic bracelets, and hot pink Hello Kitty sandals, not soft-soled baby moccasins, adorn the girls’ feet.
While I am happily reclaiming my purse, the girls are gaining independence and confidence and their own collection of purses. I work to achieve the balance between bystander and nurturer, between friend and parent. My daughters no longer need me to stand beside them and hold their hands as they find their footing; they need me to stand at a safe distance and watch them run, arms wide open, toward whatever life has to offer.
This was so sweet! Such a wonderful tribute to different stages of parenting.
rachel’s last blog post..A cookie ‘ku
Oh I am going to be so upset when Bear no longer needs a bag of cheerios and a sippy cup!
Amy’s last blog post..Peace
I have a 6 year old son and twin 2 1/2 year old girls. I have those same feelings. We no longer take a diaper bag either,just individual cups when we go somewhere and I’m sure that will be over before I know it.In a way,I feel good not having to take so much stuff,but then again sometimes I long to have them all three be babies again.
Sherri’s last blog post..Send some business my way!!
Yup and I find it continues with every stage/season.
Hugs,
Holly
[...] write something sugary sweet and heartfelt about your children, and then they drive you [...]
Good for you guys. It’s good to ‘purge’ of all the stuff! And frankly, there’s never enough stuff (we’ve all got to keep buying more for our families) and there’s always too much stuff (as in, where did all these toys come from???)
And I love that you’re teaching your kids to not get too completely attached to stuff as well.
Such a sweet post! It is bittersweet to come to the end of those ‘baby’ days… We’re having a garage sale later this week and I’m still torn between what to sell or to hang onto…
Deb – Mom of 3 Girls’s last blog post..Curls and sparkles – the fun of having little girls!
Sweet Mama sap, Jamie. Almost makes ME want to go get pregnant again
Lisa’s last blog post..Friends
Such a sweet story. I still long and ache for those days. I have a box in which I keep a sippy cup, a few pacis and plastic baby spoons. I keep it in a nook in my pantry. I find myself going to it more lately. Time goes by so fast….....
Chrissy (spoiledmom)’s last blog post..When Unfortunate was Fortunate