Motherhood Uncorked -Spring Re-Clean

Spring Re-Clean 4/1/2013

Last weekend I thought I'd get a jump on things and start the changeover in the children's wardrobes. Even though it is technically already spring I realize it may be a bit early here in New England to be dawning short sleeves. I think for me though just the idea of the real spring weather coming here in the next few weeks has helped me through the last bit of anguish I held about all the late season snow we experienced this year.

For William, the older child, the new season means new clothes. It's fun for me. I enjoy going out at the end of a season to search for cute bargains for next year. I can't see spending a ton on a shirt that will be spilled on or pants whose legs will most likely produce a hole in at least one side. I look at all the stores high and low and try to find good quality, but not pay full price. I was particularly proud of this great light jacket I found for this past winter. It was a "skater inspired style" and looks so cute on him with his skinny jeans. Yes, Will is slim and can only really wear skinny jeans, at least without the aid of a belt. Shopping ahead can be fun. I am already set with next winter's coats, sweaters and shirts.

William studying the giant light bright board at the Museum of Science.

I did hold back on pants as he is so difficult to fit right now and it might be best to wait until the fall is here to see what he is wearing. It also gives me more time to fatten him up.

Matthew struts his stuff on Easter.

For Matthew, the younger brother, new clothes are a relative concept. Clothes new to him, not to the house. For the wardrobe switch, I went to the appropriately labeled tub in the basement to pull out the spring/summer selections for him. Interestingly, Will wore these same clothes only last year. Two years apart in age, one year in clothing. Clearly Matthew is a better eater.

I like pulling out the old clothes. It is similar to visiting an old friend. Seeing the clothes that William has outgrown brings back happy, positive, loving memories of him, the younger him. The him who used to be small enough for me to easily hold and rock and to whom I was the world. Yes clothes from before he became an opinionated and at times screaming toddler,… the good old days.

I know he still loves me as much as ever, but there is a strong independent streak in him. I don’t have to wonder to know which parent he got that from. I can only take the blame. It is wonderful how much he's grown, how he is so into the world and is soaking it up. The old clothes highlight the changes and allow me some time to reflect and appreciate.

The unexpected side effect of this exercise was the realization that my efforts to be that "perfect mother" were not as perfect as I had hoped. In going through the bins I discovered that some of the clothes were not in the condition they should have been prior to being put in storage. In short, some of them were dirty. Now how I did I manage to put dirty shorts away? No pieces were filthy, but there were a few that could have used an extra go around in the spin cycle at least. This lack of checking makes you question what else might you be missing? Are there other tasks that you have assumed were completed only to find out you didn't even manage to finish it at what seems like an elementary level? The frustration at this discovery is similar to what I feel when I pull a "cleaned" shirt fresh out of the dryer and realize that the stain you treated is not only still there, but is now well set in by the heat. Why didn't I remember to check it before it went into the dryer? I can think of a few reasons.....

Matty & mom goofing at the Boston Children's Museum.

Chilly but fun day at Drumlin Farm..

I love the boys and all that they bring. Well I love most of what they bring and will have to live with the unexpected side effects including what feels like an early onset dementia. When the fall comes and I again go through the process of taking out and putting away their clothes I will endeavor to do better. I will try to remember to look at each piece to make sure they are clean and storage ready. I will try to do the same with the laundry as well. Do I expect a better outcome, not really, but one can be hopeful.