After a yummy lunch at our local Elvis-themed diner, even though I said Don’t Be Cruel, Rich got rid of my maternity clothes!
He crammed them right in while I was leaning out the window of the vehicle yelling, “NO DON’T DO IT!”
*sigh* I always have second thoughts. Just the other day I was cheerfully packing them away and saying good riddance, but when it came right down to it, it seemed so final to give them away.
The perfect black maternity dress.
The ultra comfy khaki pants that were just the right length.
The summer sun dress that I bought when I was pregnant with Grace.
The cute slim capris from GAP.
The orange shirt from my “feeling fruity” pictures.
And more. Two big bags full.
All gone.
For the entertainment of my family, I was my dramatic self saying eloquent good byes to all those nice clothes, and the memory of wearing them during my seven pregnancies.
I honestly am sorta sad, because I’ve never gotten rid of my maternity clothes before. But, why hang on to things I won’t use again? So it seems a little bit like the end of an era for us.
As we pulled out the driveway, I comforted myself by saying a prayer that they would be found and used by an extremely thankful pregnant mama-to-be.
And Rich said that later on today, if I still want them back, he is sure we can cram Caleb down in the donation box to get them out again.
Good to be Home 
Aww, you are so cute. I am sure they will be a big blessing to some Prego mommy!I remember being so sad to say goodbye to the crib as I watched it drive away in the back of Mary’s station wagon. But it came back for David!
Looks like a fun time:) I’m sure you were sad to give the clothes away and when you think of those that will use them makes you smile.
I cheerfully gave away all my maternity clothes to a good friend who was expecting, kept assuring her “no, don’t give them back to me when you’re done, pass them on to another pregnant woman” … and then looked at my empty closet and gulped. What did I do? As you said, it just seems so … final!But they’ve been gone for a year now, and I haven’t had any second thoughts since that one moment. It really, really feels good to be past that stage, and to know that my clothes have gone on to help someone else!
Right now, I’m cheerfully looking forward to doing the same thing. I don’t think I’ll miss them…for a couple of years anyways. Then will come all the blog posts about wanting them back, lol. Maybe.@Elouise82 – The empty closet thing…I am going to have that problem. It’s almost all I’ve worn the last few years. I’m not sure what else I have.
I understand how you feel. Clothes we have worn at certain times contain memories. Maybe you can get some new regular clothes now?? Rich’s suggestion about Caleb digging them back out was cute! Try not to be too sad. Love ya!
I know what you mean, it does seem so final. It hit me when I put some of my baby items like the swing in a consignment shop. About made me cry right there in the store….=/ And these many years later, it’s about making me cry writing about it, ha.
Once upon a time, I got rid of all the maternity clothes and all the baby stuff.A few months later, I found myself expecting twins!!!Did you know that fraternal twins are quite common after having several children and when you are the age you are? Just sayin’….
lol…Rich’s comment at the end made me laugh! Well, think of it this way, if God should bless you with another beautiful baby, you can get all new clothes. :o) Personally, I’m just glad to finally get rid of my “fat girl” clothes. I’ve lost some weight and nothing fits any more. :o)
AhhhI know just how you feel!! I said good by to them myself after my last sweetie pie!:)
You have inspired me… my baby is 2 1/2 and for some reason, my clothes are still in the shed… time to pass them on!!Seven is the perfect number, my hubby always said that’s what he wanted, but four became just right for us!
“Parting is such sweet sorrow.” You know, you’ve made reference to that “perfect black dress” on your blog more than once, but I don’t think you ever posted a picture of yourself in it! Maybe you could give us a final shot before closing that chapter forever…You look so beautiful in that red, and I like your hair length!
Yeah, been there…done that. Embrace these upcoming years. Don’t look back, only ahead. Each stage has it’s blessings. (not saying that I didn’t have that “empty” feeling knowing that the pregnancy era was past).
ahhh hahahah. i’m only laughing about Rich’s comment about cramming Caleb into the box to get them. I can only imagine what a hilarious caper this would be. I can imagine (seeing glimpses on here of your momma’s heart) how hard it would be to give up the maternity clothes, since there are so many that are linked to special moments that you’ve had with your children. I pray as well that someone who is in need will find them to be helpful as well.
I can imagine that must have been really hard to do…I’m still holding out hope for one more myself, but I don’t think any of my maternity clothes would fit (and I didn’t have a whole lot, anyway!) I loved Rich’s comment about cramming Caleb to retreive them…hehe. You’re right, though, some lucky lady will get your clothes, they are all so cute.
Shanda, So many funny things in your post. One is that ~I~ am usually that overjoyed pregnant Mama getting brand new looking clothes from the local thrift store Two is we have an old Elvis burger place not too far from our home as well. Such a fun atmosphere~Three~ Sarah is precious! But that’s not funny, you just can’t help but smile when you see her I love the last few posts of her face. I know I’ve said it before but she looks so much older than she really is You two make beautiful babies~ Cinnamon
I’m right there w/ you 🙂 This past year I got rid of mine for good. Or rather I thought I had. It was bitter sweet – but like you said, an end to a season and I am excited about the next season:) ~ BUT, then this week I was going through the girls clothing and I found three pairs of my maternity jeans. The ones I’ve worn over and over again – the most comfy, couldn’t replace if I had to jeans that I wore when pregnant. I took them down and took them to our room and sat them on the bed. . . Then I cut them up and took the fabric I could save from them to make something out of if I ever get the chance and the rest is history.Great post – the diner sounds fun! Someone will appreciate the clothing — I always loved finding used maternity stuff at the Goodwill and such and making good use of it – always better than buying new when I knew I’d just need it for a few months.have a great week! Hang in there with that heat!
Some chapters in life are hard to leave, but the next chapters are always full of amazing surprizes too.Some mother to be will be very blessed. {{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}
hmmm, I always wonder how I’ll handle being “officially” done…I think it will be bittersweet 🙂
There is always the other last things – the last burp cloth, the last diaper, the last baby stuff…they are bitter sweet – but then they are also joyful. Try and find joy in the fact that your children are reaching new heights, joy in the fact that they are all healthy and growing the way that God intended, joy in this new season of life. I love your drama – I know so well and can picture the scene in my mind of the fairwell to your clothing friends. Love You and miss you!
I am only 13 weeks and already looking forward to saying goodbye to mine! I absolutely do not like wearing them (mostly in this “No, I’m not fat, just pregnant” stage). I did just buy some cute tops and a pair of capris. I am getting rid of some that I had from the last three babies–they’re stained, ugly, stretched out, and outdated!!! I am pretty sure I will be buying more since these babIES are going to make me enormous!!!! :)So happy for you. Really. 🙂 I think you are moving on, and that is so healthy and good.Have a great day, Shanda.
Hi Shanda, so good to see that you all have a quality lovely time together. Here is this about saying goodbye to your maternity clothes: It is not about getting the “you” back into your maternity clothes: it is about getting the “you” back into your body! And I mean: heart, mind,body,spirit& soul…..Much love.Lieve groetenGodeliva
I know how you feel. This past spring I went through my boxes and got rid of most of my things. (My favorites I put away for my newly married sisters.;) ) I have been hanging onto my clothes, but no babies have come along for almost five years!!! We have always left our family size up to God, and since I haven’t gotten pregnant in the past five years, I’m begininning to think that we’re done with babies. (of course you never know!) At first it was kind of sad, but there is such peace knowing that it’s all in God’s hands, and this is what He wants for our family. We have been blessed with five, everyone is now potty trained and can buckle themselves into their own carseats! I am now in that new stage, and it’s different, but good. My kids would love a baby around our house,and always ask if we can get one! When I see people with new babies, or sippy cups, sometimes I feel a little sad. On the other hand……On the 4th of July at my parents party, a cousin of mine, and a friend brought their 1 month old babies, and I watched as they fumbled with their plates in one hand, baby in the other, and had to keep running off to nurse, and change diapers, and I thought, hmmmm, this new stage is kind of nice and relaxing! And not that all those things are bad. When you have a new baby, you do it because you love the baby and it doesn’t seem like a hassle at the time, just watching others reminded me how busy a new mom can be!) Well, my comment is turning into a post here, so I’ll end now! =)P.S. Lots of stores carry maternity clothes if the need should rise! lol
Actually, I’m not twice as big. I feel a little bigger than I did with Lucy. I think I have actually gained less weight so far (probably because I hung onto 10 lbs after Lucy!). I have only gained about 4 or 5 so far. I am also eating a lot better than I normally do–eating LOTS of protein because I have to have between 90-100 grams a day for twins. I’m not eating a lot of sweets (a few now and then!), but I am eating a lot of fruit…and some veggies…ha ha. The target weight gain for twins is 35-45. I have always gained 40-45 with one baby. I also ate whatever I wanted. I am hoping to stay in that range if possible!!! I don’t want to gain 70 like some do. That’s just SO much weight!!!
I would imagine that I, too, would have a terrible time letting go to something like this – I am so sentimental, and I keep everything! I like Rich’s comment at the end, though. hehe 🙂
What a beautiful, thoughtful post. It brought many emotions to my mind. I would love to have a choice in these things But time and my body do not allow. Thank you –your post and the comments helped me to consider and think upon some things that can be difficult.
Mercy, leave it to a woman to get emotional over materntiy clothes….the ones you probably were SICK of by the time the last baby came. They are just a symbol, aren’t they, of the precious waiting time….the growing time, the knowing-what-is-coming time. IF you need maternity clothes again, you have a thousand friends who would share, but IF you need them again, I’d say you deserve NEW ONES! P.S. Even I, at 58, remember exactly how it felt when I knew there would be no more babies…remember exactly that feeling of loss, not of babies but of possibilities… which is such a lovely time. It was so profound, I could still tear up a little over it….but I also had that secret fear of being pregnant and 45….there would have been nothing sentimental about that! 🙂
Hi Shanda When I got pregnant the first time I called my best friend and asked if I could borrow her maternity clothes, “sure!” … A month later she called all embaresed, she needed them back …. When I got pregnant for our second child, the sceniero repeated itself… LOL! After that child was born, I got a phone call, “Cheryl, I donated all of the maternity clothes …. I was afraid that if I just permenetly gave them to you – I’d be calling asking to borrow them ;-p” I ended up giving my maternity clothes to my brothers girl friend, they were both Sr.’s in high school, I had never even met her …. but I showed up at the resteraunt when they were both working with a box full, a hug, and wearing a smile. They never married, but to this day she is my “sister in law by choice”! (their son is now 19 and a father himself). If you do put Caleb in to the box, you could make quilts out of the clothing for each of the kids… Cheryl B.http://thebzhousethatlovebuilt.blogspot.com
“What are you laughing at now Dad?” asked Jenny. Fabulous, Irma Bombeck quality humor in here from multiple perspectives! Judging by the many lengthy responses, you’ve plucked a resonant chorduroy. I too was spinning off hilarious episodes of Caleb in the drop box, stuck like Pooh Bear in Rabbit’s den.Moms are wonderful!
I am so proud of you! That must have been so so hard! I still have all of my favorites, and tell myself that I am saving them for Martha and Janet.