A Diaper Bag to Cherish

February 3, 2012 at 6:11 am (General)

5 parts Fuzzi Bunz + 4 parts gDiapers = 1 sentimental diaper bag

Graduating to full-time potty use is an exciting a milestone and truly something to celebrate. (Should I be embarrassed to admit that I have a photo of Elia’s first pee in the potty?) Still, I couldn’t bear to get rid of our set of cloth diapers. After all, they had been so lovingly worn and washed for so long…too many wears and washes to count.

Once upon a time, I had babies in diapers. I carried them because they couldn’t yet walk. I nursed them because all they consumed was milk. I cradled them in my arms simply because I could. And through every precious moment, they wore diapers.

Seeing the diapers not being worn anymore–folded and stacked so quietly on the shelf–reminded me of  the many moments in which they were. Those clothing-optional days in the summer (OK, year-round) when the diaper was it. The sliver of  color forever peeking out from under the leg band of the onesie. The first item on the agenda every day, and the last thing to close out every evening.

The diapers remind me of laundry; of propping 2-year old Elia on the washing machine, my arm snugly around her back, and teaching her how to add soap to the water and to turn the knobs and push the buttons. Then seeing her chubby little hands clumsily fold and stack them fresh out of the dryer as we sat in the hallway together. Every day. The first thing my kids learned how to fold was a diaper.

So, thank you, Mom, for piecing this bag together for me. Thank you for understanding the sentiment a bunch of well-used diapers holds for a mom. Thank you for the memories I get to keep in my new diaper bag!