Ready for Their Own Place

Last Sunday morning, I awoke to the whisper of small voices and the hopping of tiny feet in the hall. Because the children are now 4 and 2 1/2 years old and fully capable of entertaining each other for a while before the little one fumbles her way through the door requesting fresh underwear and help with taking off her night diaper, I decided to snuggle closer to my body pillow (Husband was on his morning mountain bike ride) and doze for a bit. The dozing actually turned into quite a deep sleep because an hour later, I awoke to two sets of eyes only inches from my face, and I hadn't even heard the door open.

"MOMMY!"

"Yes, Bud?"

"MOMMY! I helped Sis take off her diaper! Then I gave her a wipe, and she wiped her vulva! Then she threw away the wipe, and I threw away the diaper! Then, I picked out her cwothes and now she needs help with her shirt. Can you help her with her shirt?"

I looked over at little Sis. Her left arm was tangled in her shirt, forcing her hand high above her head. After I untangled her so she no longer looked like she was addressing me with a "Heil Mommy!" I had a flashback of Marlene, a girl I knew in 6th grade who was told by our principal to stop wearing a half-shirt that said "Freshmen do it better." Even untangled, Sis's shirt barely covered her chest. When I looked down a little further, I saw that the hem of her pants was at her knees.

"Um, Bud? Where did you find these clothes?"

"I found them at the bottom of Sis's cwoset."

Ah, yes. The pile of 6-12 months clothes I keep meaning to give away to anyone who will take them.

"You did a great job helping your sister, Bud!"

Bud beamed. Sis grinned.

And so Sis spent the entire day walking around in 6-12 months infant-sized clothing because I didn't have the heart to change her.

I have since moved the pile of clothes out from the bottom of the closet. But I still haven't found anyway to take them.

Comments

[Silly]

Isn't it simply the best?

Seriously, there is nothing better than the two of them work together as a team.

Makes up for the other 92% of the time......at least around these parts :)

Silly

[Matthew]

So funny. The mental picture in my head is a good one.

Welcome back. You've been missed!

[Andy]

When I didn't recognize the shorts me daughter was wearing the other day I checked the tag only to find she was sporting her baby brother's 0-3 month pants that he had outgrown. I can't wait for the entertain-yourselves-so-I-can-rest stage.

[MsPrufrock]

Haha. That is hilarious and absolutely adorable!

[Karen]

That's sweet. As for the clothes, try finding your local freecycle.org group. Freecycle is awesome.

[Karly @ Indescribable Life]

Sometimes (most of the time) whatever is created by my kiddos entertaining themselves so I can sleep more is worth the time and energy cleaning up later.

Love your story! WELCOME BACK!

[ann adams]

Ah, here you are.

I know what you mean by not fixing something kids have lovingly created. It meant biting my tongue once in a while but it was worth it.

[Nancy]

Heh. What a great little helper you've got there.

[MaryP]

WELCOME BACK!!

And weren't you the Good Mommy to leave her in those clothes all day long. I hope you got pictures!

[Christina]

Ha! What a good older brother. Keep that training going and your daughter-in-law will someday thank you. :)

As for the clothes, if it wasn't for the fact that shipping would probably be a lot, I'd say ship them to me. My younger daughter will be in 6-12 mo clothes in a few months. Freecycle is good, or there are several consignment stores for kids clothing.

[Chag]

Missed you!

[Deanna]

That is such a sweet story!

Welcome back! Can you stay a while?

[Mama's Moon]

I love stories like these. With two of my own I am constantly reminded and in awe of how much my older one really, genuinely loves and takes care of his little sis. I, too, would've left the 6-12 month clothing on just to let older brother relish in his fashion-directing abilities!

[mamaspeak]

so glad you're back, missed you.

glad to hear you didn't burst his bubble and that you got to sleep a little longer; sounds like the start to a perfect day

[Daniella]

Glad you found your way back!

[Flicka Mawa]

Awww, so cute when siblings start helping each other out! I was going to say about freecycle.org, too. You should definitely check it out.

[Kendra]

Welcome back MIM!

[J simpson]

Hello,

I really enjoy your blog.

I was wondering if you had heard of www.dadlabs.com.

It's a really fun and informative video podcast dealing with all sorts of parenting issues.

You should check it out if you get a chance.

We need all the help we can get right?

Keep up the great work!

J

[juggling mother]

Hah, I can't manage to get Mstr A to dress himself, never mind his little sisters! Kudos to Bud!

I give all my old clothes away through freecycle. they are always gratefully received by someone. come to that, I get a lot of my bigger clothes through freecycle too:-)