The doorbell rang. We were expecting a visitor.
My husband opened the door and greeted the man standing on our front porch. After a quick exchange, the man entered our home. His feet pounded up the stairs as he followed my husband to our spare bedroom. I followed right behind and watched as the man inspected the piece of furniture.
His hands walked across the top of the crib as he was pulling on the bottom base to make sure it was sturdy. After stepping back and staring at it for a bit longer he finally said, “This is beautiful, I think my wife is going to love it…I’ll take it.”
Within moments, the last six years flashed before me.
I saw my baby boy standing up in that crib for the first time.
I remember the giggles that came from that crib in the early morning hours and I remember how big I thought my baby was when we transitioned him to a bed. I also remember the days my daughter spent in that same crib years later.
What was such an integral part of our lives is now going to the home of someone else. Another baby will be spending time in the crib that used to be part of our home.
As the man started to lift the crib up, haul it down the stairs and out our front door, my heart sank a little. When he loaded it into the back of his truck and began to tie it down, it was really bittersweet for me. He got into the truck, started the engine and waved goodbye. In less than a minute, his truck and that crib were gone.
Forever.
I am not longing for another baby by any means…but I do miss many of those precious days I spent with my babies. Because they are far from babies now.
Maybe I feel so melancholy because of everything that’s going on in my life right now, or maybe it is just another milestone that every mom experiences. At this rate, I’m going to blink my eyes and my babies will be heading off to college and the sad thing is I can’t do much about it.
I just wish I could slow things down.
Or try and freeze some of these moments a bit longer.
Because it’s all just happening so damn fast.
But what I have to hold onto is the fact that nothing will ever change the memories I have made, including those made in that crib which was hauled off to another place and time – a simple piece of furniture that soon waits for another new life to begin.
As a side note, it’s been a crazy past three weeks for my family. We recently moved and my kids are attending new schools, so you can imagine the adjustment we’ve all had to make. But, I know this is the right move for all of us and in due time, it will all be worth it in the end. As for my blog and my readers, I have missed YOU so much! My online friends through Facebook and Twitter have really made the difference when I was feeling displaced directly following the move. My online “friends” were the ONLY thing that didn’t change since we moved, and for that, I feel grateful. I’m looking forward to another new journey that awaits.
Oh, I know this feeling all too well. Melancholy, sad, despite knowing there is so much joy ahead. It took me a long time to realize that I could be sad that this part was over without actually wanting to have another baby. Which is where I am. xoxo
oh my goodness—we were just talking about what we are going to do with my daughter’s crib. Change is good right? (also, glad you survived the move!) xo
My youngest is still in a crib and we are talking about a third, so I’m still kind of far from the end of the crib…but reading this made my stomach flip a bit. It brought tears to my eyes. The thought of that day when I officially don’t need a crib anymore? It makes me a little sad. It’s hard to watch them grow up. It’s hard to see the passing of time move so quickly.
I made a comment to my husband that I thought our youngest might be ready to move out of his crib soon and came home late from a meeting about a week later to find him disassembling the crib and putting it in the attic. Our son WAS fine with the change and was definitely ready for a big boy bed like his brother (they share a room) but I cried on and off for two days–it just seems so…final.
Then we moved to bunk beds and I sort of felt the same way again. It’s just another milestone–but I’m sure you’re even a little more sensitive right now.
Didn’t know other people had felt the same way. When we took my son’s crib down 2 years ago, my husband and I found ourselves in tears. It is bittersweet. It is a journey and we continue to enjoy each phase we are in. Never longing for the yesteryear.
Oh, yes. I can totally relate to that feeling. It overcomes me everytime I give away another onesie or little t-shirt, so we will be selling our crib just like you and I’m sure it will all hit me like a sledgehammer. I’m sure all this is even more magnified by the move, but always know {like you said} Your online friends will never change no matter what the distance. Hang tough mama…you got this.
You are much braver (or much less of a hoarder than I am). My kids crib is stored away in the attic along with the antique, totally impractical, high chair. Just couldn’t bring myself to part with either piece of furniture.
Memories are the best part of life. I can remember not wanting part with baby stuff from my first pregnancy. It was like pulling teeth. However, I realize that it’s the memories and time spent with my kids and family I should cherish and hold on to.
Hope all went well with the move and that you all will settle into your new surroundings without any issues!
Our kids both had convertible cribs, so the transition never involved passing along the crib. I know what you mean, though. D isn’t even in preschool, and I already got a bit weepy this morning as he and Abbey talked about, “You will go to school NEXT year, and I will be in KINDERGARTEN.” And then I tried to laugh because it’s still a year away. But still
I was a bit sad when I got rid of the girls baby stuff but this time around with my son it’s not affecting me. I guess this time I know that I am really and truly done! I will admit that I have a couple outfits that are special that I’ve saved though.
I’m glad to see you back and I’m sure that the move while difficult will turn out to be a great thing for everyone!
We are actually getting out the crib and the old baby clothes to be used again for the first time in six years. Strangely, even though we are only a couple of months away from them being filled with our own new baby, it still makes me strangely sad to think about how much my boys have grown.
Congrats on the move. Hopefully, you are all settling in without too much hassle.
What a beautiful post. We are on the verge of selling our crib as well, and it has lasted through 3 kids. My daughter is bouncing back in forth between crib and bed depending on her mood, but we think it’s almost time to take it down. I am certainly not wanting another baby, but I too long for those sweet baby days. Good luck with all of your new transitions.
I can completely relate to this! I just sold my kids’ first “big boy” bed on Craigslist. It was a strange and bittersweet moment indeed.
Hope you are all adjusting to the move!
We got rid of the crib in a move- well, put it into storage and our baby(then a toddler) used the pack and play in the house we rented for the first six months. And then when we moved again, he was ready for a toddler bed. So the crib sort of disappeared unintentionally.
Oh I can’t even imagine how hard it was for you. I’m loving and enjoying my babies now while they’re still small, I know time whizzes by too quickly!
(PS: Was thinking of you and so glad to know you’re well and settling in)
Oh I FEEL for you! I bawled my eyes out when my husband converted the oldest child’s crib into the daybed. He didn’t tell me when he was doing my youngest but I heard the thumping and went to investigate and bawled anyway. Where is the pause button? Why does time not take as long now as it did when I was waiting to become legal age to drink?
Wow you have had a crazy few weeks and then to finish it off with such an emotional event….I can kind of relate, just this morning I packed away the last of the bottles…I just can’t believe my baby my 16 month old is ready, no more bottles at this house…it’s crazy, bittersweet!!
I’m