Putting away baby clothes...

...always is bittersweet. In some instances, it makes me sad. I love when my babies are teeny tiny. They're so tender and sweet. All they want is you, and to feel their warm body on your chest as you hold them is amazing. The little noises they make. Their existence is so simple. I love it. Putting away the girls preemie clothes and newborn clothes is the hardest for me. It makes me come to terms they are NOT newborns anymore. Most pieces I have all have special meaning to me. Some pieces are specific to each girl, their first outfit after birth, who wore them first, the most, etc. I am hoping to someday make a quilt for each girl with their "special" items on that quilt. Kevin thinks I am crazy when I tell him how it makes me feel sad putting away clothes, he doesn't get it. I don't expect him to, men just don't understand those strong maternal feelings.

Now, don't get me wrong, it doesn't just make me sad, it also makes me thankful and happy. I am thankful because I have given birth to healthy baby girls who have been able to wear these clothes. I am thankful because we are able to give our girls such beautiful clothes, and many pieces have SO many memories attached to them. When I was pregnant with Lilah, I was so nervous we wouldn't be bringing a healthy baby home at one point, but thankfully, she was/is perfect.

As I put each piece of clothing back into storage, and bring the next stage of clothing out, I am happy. My baby girl is growing and thriving, and up until this point, it is all because of me. It's amazing to think Clara has only had breast milk, and she is growing...fast. The human body is amazing, it knows exactly what to do, and I trust that. I also ask myself if these clothes will ever have another memory attached to them again? or will this be the last time any of my children wear these clothes. It's bittersweet for sure.

I look forward to the next stage. I hope when it is time to put this stage of clothing away for the next, I will be just as sad, thankful and happy as I am now.