Saying Goodbye to Baby’s 1st Year

After a whirlwind of a year (2020…need I say more?), I finally had time over the holidays to focus on my never-ending to-do list. It was time to tackle something I’ve honestly been avoiding: putting away my son’s first year items.

I purchased a storage bin a while ago, and with my son’s first birthday quickly approaching, I knew it was time to get things organized.

I turned on my music and sorted through his drawers, going through each age range one by one…0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, and finally 9-12 months. It was time to make room for clothes that would suit the next phase of his life: toddlerhood.

It was hard to hold back the tears.

Before I knew it, I was on a fast track down memory lane. I began to reminisce over his early swaddle days and his “My First Valentines Day” bib, and even his socks that we couldn’t pay him to keep on.

I have to say, it seems overly dramatic now, but realizing my baby is becoming less of a baby and becoming more independent is both beautiful to watch and heartbreaking at the same time.

But then it occurred to me…what if I chose to embrace this time? Or better yet, what if I decided to make room for all of the feelings this season will bring?

Admittedly, I’m usually either mentally in the future or trying to make sense of the past. The gift my son has given me, especially in this year of everything slowing down, is the gift of being still.

He’s taught me to take stock of all that is happening in each moment. To make room for all of my feelings and all of his.

Reorganizing his room and making room for more clothes and toys turned out to be a cathartic experience for me. It’s good to let go and acknowledge just how far we’ve come in a year.

Whether you’re getting ready for your little one’s arrival or preparing for them to go to college or somewhere in between, remember, you’ve got this!

Mamas, how do you make room for your feelings as your little one grows? Share your thoughts in the comments.