Bye, Bye, Baby . . . stuff

Took a giant, adult step today . . . I parted ways with our giant inventory of baby supplies. You name it we had it. Bottles, blankies, strollers, carseats, bouncers, etc. I had never come to terms with getting rid of all that stuff, so I just kept it . . . storing it in every closet possible. Moving last month seemed like the perfect chance to finally do it. We had the largest garage sale today . . . the largest I believe in Central Illinois history. Three other families joined us, so it wasn't just our stuff . . . but the selection of treasure was almost overwheming. It will probably sound really silly to many of you, but saying goodbye to tiny fuzzy jammies that still smell like a sweet baby, is one of the hardest things to do. It's just so hard to release little toys that play familiar little baby-hood songs - songs that I've come to know as the soundtrack of my babies' early days. The sailboat-adorned swing that both of my boys napped in for hours every day lead the parade of Graco, Little Tykes, and Playskool memories that made it's way up my driveway. We even sold the little oak Mission Style crib that both of my boys logged in 7 years of combined sleeping time in. I have to say that seeing what a blessing it was for some of our "shoppers" who were excited to find those important supplies for their babies, at garage sale prices, was pretty great. I thought about this throughout the day . . . it's so much better for someone to use the stuff, than for me to store it for sentimental purposes. Baby days are gone for our family ( I believe), and now I need to focus on the present and future of these boys who will grow into men before my eyes. I am so thankful to God, for that sweet time He gave us as parents to enjoy our babies when they were so tiny and new. . . how every day was about watching them grow more and more into little "people." I guess I don't need all their "stuff" to remind me of how sweet and amazing those days were. (we have a few leftovers still lingering, though, if anyone's in the market . . . )