Bye Bye Baby

It was never so apparent as it was at Disney that my kiddos are out of the "baby phase."  I've made it through the sleepless nights, diaper blowouts, and major tantrums in public (well, the verdict is still out on this one!).  I don't have to prep quite so much to get out the door.  I don't have to grab a diaper bag and make sure I have an extra set of clothes and that the wipes are stocked.  I will be honest, it is pretty darn awesome!  Our car wasn't packed to the brim as it has been on previous family vacations.  We didn't bring a pack n play or an exersaucer or a baby swing or even all those diapers that take up so much room in your suitcase.  I am so grateful E is potty trained and has been for about a year now!!

On the flip side, the fact that I have a garage full of baby seats is incredibly difficult because we should have a baby to go in them.  Norah should be here with us and keeping me up all night and blowing out her diaper.  I would do anything to change her diaper.  I am facing this reality now of where do I go from here?  What do I do now?  We are passed her supposed birth date, are we supposed to suck it up and move on?

My sweet little Elliott is super content in the crib.  He was supposed to be in a big boy bed by now, but I think deep down I am trying to keep him a baby as long as I can.  He doesn't climb out and fits just fine, so he will stay!  I was cleaning out his drawers the other day and realized that even though he is 3 and potty trained for a year, the changing pad has just always been on his dresser.  For some reason, removing that changing pad and putting it in the closet was so hard.  I put it away and now every time I go in his room, it looks like something is missing.  I have changed hundreds, probably thousands of diapers on that changing pad over the last five years.  It is hard to know I will never get to do that with Norah.

As much as I hate it, I will try to enjoy the fact that Maggie and Elliott are out of the "baby phase."  Just wish I could enjoy Norah in hers!

Newborn Maggie

Newborn Elliott