Bye Bye Baby days

Yesterday, my son turned four. He's made great progress, no longer resorting to the prehistoric bird screech he used to use as his sole communication, less tantrums, and more often than not is successful on the potty training scene.

But I was also a little sad yesterday, trying to remember that little baby boy. Sure there's plenty of pictures, but I missed the feeling of cuddling with him, his whole body fitting into the crook of my arm.

Now logically, this is where I stop myself. For every little sentimental moment like that, there were dozens more of messes, screeching, waken up from a dead sleep that I'd only gotten into half an hour before. And how often have I complained the last few years of never getting out for any sort of social life, and having a tough time finding sitters? Don't even think about the cost of an additional five years of full-time daycare, and (EEEKK!) more college savings!

So that tug on the heartstrings is not enough to make us try for a child #3, but it is a strange feeling going through all those things that I know I will never use again. Scrubbing up strollers and high chairs, boxing up the baby toys and Baby Einstein videos - all of which have seen better days. I have been doing mostly giveaways, since all the items are in working order but the "loved" items probably won't fetch much of a price. Lots of these items feature Dora the Explorer. Poor Dora, my daughter's best friend from the ages of 2 through 4, but as soon as she hit kindergarten Dora was cast aside for iCarly and the Suite Life crew on Disney. At least The Boy still has a little crush on Dora, but he'll take fire trucks or tractors over her any day. (And I see a pattern arising that will break the hearts of any girlfriends of his in the future).

Now is the time for me to remember that this next step is one I've been waiting for, where the kids can do more things, and we can all have a little more freedom. Meanwhile, I will try not to imagine an accusing look in Dora's eye as I give away what were cherished items just a few years ago.