Monday, October 06, 2008

The end of an era

Not too long ago ...
I had a bulky travel system stroller in the trunk of my minivan and three standard car seats fastened on top of goldfish crumbs in the back row.

Not too long ago ..
In the corner of our guest room stood an antique cradle that I feverishly rocked all three of my children in, until my knuckles were white in the middle of the night.

Not too long ago ...
Our basement storage room was bursting at the seams with over sized plastic baby toys that had traces of dried sweet potato puree lovingly left behind.

Yesterday I watched as my pregnant best friend and her husband loaded their borrowed minivan with the remnants of all things baby from my house. The slightly overwhelmed soon-to-be parents took over a dozen trips from my house to their car filling up. Each time they stuffed something in, I exhaled out. Phew. I am so content and at peace with a house free of bottles, burp cloths, and bibs. Amen.

Although my house is YEARS away from being anything resembling peaceful, my hands and heart are forever full. And. I am 110% totally okay with the sudden demise of my baby era.


Christmas 2008 card: Take 1 (Should I? Could I send it to print?)


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84classy comments:

BookMamma said...

TOTALLY! I love it. Definitely stands out fro all the other photo card's WE will get...

Jenn said...

I LOVE it! It's a fantastic, true picture of what a family REALLY looks like! Fifi may hate you for it later, but I think its a PERFECT christmas card! (It needs a caption - "Better watch out, better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why...")

Maggie, Dammit said...

We are teetering in this moment ourselves. My best friend is just getting started, with one baby about to turn two and hopefully a new pregnancy coming up soon. I've been giving her stuff quicker than she can take it. I'm a little worried about the day she wants to give it back, though. Clearing it all out feels awesome.

As for the Christmas card, we actually did this two years ago. We featured four shots, with my oldest looking perfect in all of them and my youngest in various states of freaking out. It was a big hit, I recommend it. ;)

Momo Fali said...

You have to ask?! That's one great shot! Plus, nothing says Happy Birthday, Jesus like a screaming kid.

For the record, I'm totally copying this. Would it be wrong of me to kick one of mine to get the desired effect? Maybe promise ice cream, then take it away? Hmmm...I must scheme...

Unknown said...

Love it!! Really. I love it 'cause it's REAL! : )

As for getting rid of the baby stuff, I can't seem to do it yet. But I will soon... yeah, I will... in a little bit... yeah...

Stacie said...

My sister in law took our baby things when she got pregnant with her first. It is so bitter sweet to go to her house. I love seeing everything again and telling my kids they used that when they were babies but I also get really sad because my kids are getting so big.

I love the picture. That is usually what my Christmas cards look like. One crying, one really happy.

Bean Hayden said...

I would use the picture. don't we all get tired of card after card of the perfect family? this one will surely make people smile!!!

Quarantine Hobby said...

Wow. I LOVE that photo. It's so unique and wonderful!

And that was a beautiful post, Ohmommy.

By the way, I got the coupon for the free pack of Pampers :) Used it at the grocery store yesterday! It will last us a month, since we cloth diaper except for overnight :)

Mr Lady said...

TOTALLY send it!

Anonymous said...

That picture is seriously hysterical. I first only focused on Jay's pouty GQ pose, then I noticed Lola's lovely smile and finally my eyes rested on Fifi and I had to do a double take. Too funny.

Miss said...

Only send it if I am on the list to receive. ;-)

Rhea said...

LOVE it. Put it in a collage with several different takes with different expressions.

I'm serious! Adorable photo!!!

Congrats on de-babyfying your home! Are you nervous you're gonna end up pregnant again now? Isn't there some law of physics that dictates that? hehe

Kj said...

Hillarious photo. It made me smile and if I "knew" you, and recieved it in the post, it'd immediately make me think of you and your family warmly -- stealing prime position on my bookshelf. Send it to print ohmommy!

K

ps looking forward to becoming a family of three myself... super excited :-)

Tyne said...

Oh, that is such a wonderful picture. I know that I don't know you personally, but if you send that out, will you please send me a copy? Please? My cousin and I have a competition to see who gets the best Christmas Cards every year. I would win with that. I so would!

Stephanie said...

Yes, I too had heard of many people that found themselves unexpectedly pregnant as soon as they gave their crib away. I'm going to keep my basement full of baby junk until I'm deep into menopause just to be safe.

And I think your picture is fantastic; if you think it's a great personality shot of all three kids, then by all means, send it to press! :)

Anonymous said...

Print it!

I LOVE it!!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

That picture is hysterical...I would send it out!!

I thought I ended the Era...9 years ago....we got rid of everything too...and it did feel good.....But we are doing it all over again:)

Anti-Supermom said...

Hopefully husband has taken the next step in ensuring there are no more babies in the family :) JKing...

Great photo, real, but not what I bet you are hoping to send - maybe send this to the half that really know you and your family (you know what I'm talking about) :)

Chris said...

That's a great thing to be at peace with. I love the picture and think it would make a great Christmas card.

Blessings From Above said...

Love the photo!!! It actually looks real, and will stand apart from all of the "cookie cutter" pictures on other cards. I would definitely use it.

Are we still on for Friday?

Laurie said...

That is one of the funniest pictures I have EVER seen! I mean, come on! How different can those expressions be? I am rolling! I never comment on your blog, although I read it religiously, because you get, like, 150 comments a day, but I just had to say something about this one. FRAME IT!! Seriously, it is so darn cute! :)

Laski said...

I'm glad you are totally OK . . . I can imagine that there were a few bittersweet moments, but the joy you will have watching your best friend nurture her own baby will be so worth it all.

And the pic, I'm with everyone else. SEND it. Or, at the very least, enlarge it and hang it on a wall. In the house. Where everyone can see it.

Chelsea said...

I love the picture. It captures a piece of real life. And that Lola face - so her. I would hang it up.

Rachel said...

As a fellow mom, I would do cartwheels over that picture if I got it as a Christmas card. :-)

you are so fabulously relate-able. I adore you.

April said...

Oh, I love that pic!

A Crafty Mom said...

That picture is GREAT!!! I love it. I'm so looking forward to purging my home of baby stuff . . . it must have been a big day for you :-)

Anonymous said...

peace...
I would love some of dad... but with the wiffey and the kiddo sick at home today... that is nearly impossible...
Monday luck I suppose... :)

Unknown said...

Hrmph, your blog ate my comment!
Let me try again.

That picture is great for printing. Jay's expression seems to show that he knows what he's in for in the teenage years with two sisters. Maybe now that' you've given away the baby stuff, he'll have a chance to even the score with a baby brother. LOL

Rach (Mommy Learns to Blog) said...

OK, first the picture - I LOVE IT! I would absolutely send to print!

Secondly - I remember reading on more than one occasion what happened the last time you got rid of all your baby stuff . . . hee hee!

All joking aside, how cool that you're able to pass on all of your special things to your best friend. There are lots of memories packed in, and it will be awesome to watch her baby make new memories using the things your kids did!

Anonymous said...

you MUST use that as your christmas card !!!

Val said...

That is classic! You've got to use it.

Indy said...

What a great feeling that would be to get rid of all of the baby stuff. Enjoy!

Crystal D said...

Looks perfect to me!

GypsiAdventure said...

The picture is too funny...you should with the caption "Santa Claus is watching!"

VerWaynia said...

Having not yet even started on our second, I'm already anticipating the day we can be done with that phase! Congrats!

And it's a great picture! What a pose!

Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING said...

I ache a little each time I realize my baby days are done

The Christmas card photo is HILARIOUS. I would instead, do one of those Snapfish cards where you can put 3 photos and use one of these as well as maybe a cuter one of all 3. It is great to get a photo that kind of captures a DIFFERNT side of each, though - the NONPOSED side.

KEEP BELIEVING

Courtney said...

That picture is classic, so glad you shared it with us!

Kelly said...

Love that pic!! That could be a really cute xmas card with the right caption~

Caroline C. Bingham said...

I think that would be an AWESOME Christmas card.

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

wow...that would definitely change how you live...w/o the "baby" stuff. :-) more space for ohmommy!!!! :-)

Anonymous said...

It is sad isn't it? I gave all of my daughters baby clothes away. We took pictures. We also sold a bunch and made some money. It is nice giving things you no longer need to someone who can use it. The love keeps on growing and giving.

Your Card looks like my card except Hannah will not sit still for a second.

Enjoy this new phase in your life!

Amy said...

It's kinda sad though when all the baby stuff goes. I'm still sad, and it's been gone for 2 years!

If you want your card to represent real life, I say print it up ;-) I'm still racking my brain on what to do for ours.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

How nice of you to pass all of your stuff along. Your house probably seems huge!

I would go with that card....honesty. People like that.

Cynthia said...

Yep...I've been shoveling the baby stuff out of the house as well...it's a good thing:)

Lisa said...

I think three will complete me 110% as well....my basement is still loaded with tubs of clothes & oversized plastic baby toys.....soon though.....

Helen Wright said...

It's nice to hear that someone is perfectly content with their family. It makes it seem possible! :)

Go for the card! The picture is great!

Jill said...

We've been schlepping baby stuff 1/2 way across the world... literally... on the off chance we one day have that "final" 3rd child.

I do wonder what it's like to get rid of it - and the feelings of relief that come along with it.

Fab photo BTW. :) Though I'm a perfectionist, I'd be taking another 500 photos or so... our "1st holiday card attempt" will be next week.

Unknown said...

Your basement storage room has tranferred into my guest bedroom (soon to be 'babies room'). I say that that photo is totally a keeper. Or maybe that one and one next to it where they all look 'perfect' with subtitles saying "naughty" and "nice" under each one??

I love you!!!

Karen said...

We're the family that's loading all the baby stuff into our house. My sister has been giving us all my niece's clothing...I think it's been easy to her to clean out the baby gear knowing that it's not going too far away. :)

PS: The photo is just too cute!

Karen

Kimberly said...

Yes! Use it!

Label it:

The Wise Man, the Angel and the STAR.

tiarastantrums said...

love the photo - isn't it so dang hard to get 3 perfect smiles - at the same time!!

I am so not where you are right now in terms of babies!!

Rachel said...

That photo is priceless; every range of emotion perfectly represented! Love it!

Following In My Shoes

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

It's so nice to be OK with being done. I still love babies but I truly do not want another one of my own.
I love that picture, it should totally go on the Christmas cards!

Jaina said...

What a cute picture! Lots of contrast. ;)

The Mom Jen said...

Definately!

The Gerster Family said...

Love, love, LOVE this picture. Totally send it to print!

Anonymous said...

I completely understand how you fill. The day I got rid of everything baby was the happiest day of my house's life.

Kaci said...

Totally printable! :)

I think I would cry but I only have one and want another. Still convincing hubby.

Anonymous said...

Love this picture. Classy chaos at it's finest.

Anonymous said...

The picture is classic.. and I too have no problem moving into a more mature house.. :)

the planet of janet said...

totally. you should TOTALLY do it.

and with all my babies now in their teens (or 20s), i am also content with my non-baby, non-toddler, non-elementary school life.

grandchildren (someday... NOT NOW!) will satisfy any baby cravings i have in the future. PLUS, you get the bonus of being able to give them back!!

Liza said...

omg I LOVE that picture! That would be totally priceless - do it!! :)

Kat said...

Yes! Send it to print! I love it!!!

I just don't know if I will ever be willing to say I am over the baby phase. I hope so. For my hubby's sake. ;)

Does your house feel much bigger now without all that stuff lying around?

McMommy said...

Oooh! I've even got the saying for the inside of the card....ready?

"Have yourself a crappy little Christmas!"

Your card will STAND OUT among the sea of boring "Warmest Wishes this Holiday Season"!!

hee hee! :)

Clare said...

the christmas card photo is to die for! i love it!

i am not ready to let go of any baby stuff yet, but I am sure it feels good!

Anonymous said...

Looks like a fun new era is about to begin. Love the Christmas card pic. And YES I do think you should print and send it. Send the funny for Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for stopping by the blog last week. After getting moved into the house, I finally have internet access so I can thank you :)

The picture is classic. Now it's time for your witty holiday caption...

Tara R. said...

That is an awesome photo! I love it, put it on the Christmas card definitely! Good for you not going all wonky over the baby stuff. I bet your friends were extremely appreciative. That was a fabulous friend-thing to do.

lattemommy said...

That was a big day for you! No lingering desire for just one more??? ;) Seriously, though, that must be a great feeling. The baby stuff just takes over your house, and I think it must be very liberating to get rid of it all in one fell swoop. And to be giving it to someone you love is even better.

Now, for the photo - I totally love it. You should have a contest to come up with the best wording to match the photo for your holiday card!!! Something like "hoping Santa doesn't leave you one of these under the tree this year" (just kidding - who wouldn't want such a cutie??)

Karen said...

I know exactly what you mean about the end of the baby stage. Exactly. And I'm loving it.

Although we still have diapers and sippy cups.

Julie said...

You could send out the pic with a line like "you better pout, you better not cry..."

GoteeMan said...

Definitely print it... great pic...

and oh.my.gosh and I glad we are done with our baby daze, ahem, days...

great while they lasted, but glad those days are gone, because eventually, I had to sleep...

J/ (goteeman.blogspot.com)

Flea said...

That is SUCH a Christmas photo!!!! Now, a classy letter to go with it ... hmmm.

Beth said...

Welcome to the world of tweens and teens! :-)

I personally love it as the kids get older. We do so much together as a family. I think that has made our family really close.

Love the photo... it makes a person smile!

Wendi said...

Is this the same BF that you suggested go to Walmart for her "baby seeds"?
I thought so.
So glad to hear she is pregnant.
How sweet are you to share your "all things baby" stash?
Love the photo!
I say...send it.
It doesn't get more real than that!

Anonymous said...

Yes! Send it as your Christmas card. It will be the only one ever sent that represent the REALITY of the year ya know? Start a trend! Be the first!

Of course as a profesh photog this trend might put me out of work for the season....

Anonymous said...

Oh yes you totally could! I did a series of 4 photographs last year on our Christmas card and 2 of them were very similar to that one!

CC said...

Now that picture? Is awesome.

Do it.

Karen MEG said...

That is an AMAZING Christmas card shot!!!

Oh yes, I've been doing this gradually myself with the girlie almost 4; and two little nieces who are just over 1 now. Funny thing, though, brother and sister like a lot of "new" stuff. I guess it's their prerogative as first time parents. But I wouldn't mind if they took the loud Fisher Price toys, KWIM?? :)

Tonya Staab said...

Must be sent to print. Showing the personalities personified.

3 Peanuts said...

Oh no I remember what happened last time? Well I ead about it anyway!

Miss Britt said...

My brother and sister-in-law our pregnant with baby three - all of them will be under the age of 2.

I am happily sending them my baby stuff in CRATES.

carrie said...

You HAVE to send that card. You just HAVE to.

:)

just jamie said...

Oh man! When I gave away my car-fuls of baby gear, I was SO at peace with it too. NOW, I WANT MORE BABIES....

We'll see...

As for the Christmas card pic. Dang. I'd hang that front and center in my house -- because THAT'S LIFE, the REAL one. Love it.

 

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