Good-bye Butterfly

This may seem really insignificant to you, and if so, I apologize.

But I feel like throughout Jake's tiny life, I have been experiencing a series of good-byes.

We brought him home from the hospital and we had out our cradle that Greg made before we had Blake.  All of our babies (and my nieces/nephew) have all slept in it.  I love seeing it and remembering how excited we were to be expecting our first child.  But, they all out grow the cradle.  So when he was about three to four months old, we put it back downstairs.  This time, it is probably there for good until we have grandkids!

Then we had the baby swing/bouncy seat.  This one wasn't quite so sentimental because it was new.  Our old swing bit the dust and my mom bought this for Jake when he was born.  It sat in the family room until about six weeks ago.  Even if Jake wasn't really sitting in it as much, he liked to crawl and try to climb in the seat.  We put it up downstairs.

Next, we have a mobile on his bed that has little fish hanging down.  It projects stars on the ceiling and plays music.  It was a lifesaver in the very beginning.  I could lay him down and turn it on and jump in the shower.  I knew he was protected from the big brothers and sometimes he even fell asleep!  I took it off his bed (probably should've a while ago) a few days ago and replaced it with the busy box.  He is big enough to sit up and stand up in his crib and this "box" attaches to the side of the crib and has all kinds of things to turn and push and twist. 

Don't even let me get started on all the precious little outfits, onesies, baby socks, sleepers, etc.  As I folded them and put them back in boxes, I just had to think about something else.  One downside of having such a great memory is the twinge of sadness it brings.  I can remember who wore what outfit when and see them, so little, in those clothes.  I have successfully put away newborn clothing, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months and 9-12 months.  As tall as he is, it won't be long before all the 12 month outfits are neatly packed away.

Lastly, we have a butterfly playmat.  I bought it when Blake was about six weeks old.  I loved it because it folded up flat and fit nicely in a plastic bag tucked into our closet.  He loved it and all the boys and other babies at our home have played on it.  At first, they would lay there wide eyed looking around.  Eventually, they would start to swing their hands at the objects hanging above them.  As they began to sit up, they would sit there and reach for toys and try to get them in there mouths.  A few weeks ago, Greg asked if I was ready to put it up and I swiftly responded "don't push me".  A few days later, I washed it and quickly put it up in the closet.  It is definitely a symbol for me of all things baby. I don't know how I will part with it.

For now, we are done with good-byes.  But I know it won't be long before other baby things are outgrown and put away.  It is completely unbelievable to me how fast the past ten months have flown by and I'll blink and we'll be celebrating his birthday.

Thanks for letting me be a little sentimental without making fun of me!