the end of an era

The pieces were removed. One by one. The mattress and safety bolts were carefully placed in the attic and the safety rails were put to use.

For the last time.

Our baby, our youngest has left yet another phase all while twirling and laughing and babbling her way into the next.

No crib, Mommy. I have big girl bed!

And so she does.

As we packed the crib away I thought about the many nights each of our children spent sleeping and dreaming and growing.

I thought about the countless times I snuck into their rooms and watched them sleep, watched them breathe, or slipped my finger within their little hands just to feel them grip with what little strength they had.

I thought about their smiling faces when I would first open the door in the morning, their crazy, sleep-induced hair, and their arms reaching up just as anxious for a hug as I was.

I thought about the fact that the crib each of my babies used may very well never exist beyond the walls of our attic.
Unless I have grandbabies.

My baby era has ended. The bottles, the breastfeeding, the late nights, the pacifiers - it has all ended. While some may cheer, drink a glass of wine, and enjoy their full night's sleep - I will sit and remember.

Remember the softness.

Remember the smells of their little heads.

Remember kissing their feet.

Remember the amazing adventures that came with owning that crib.

I will smile. I will laugh. I may even cry a little.

Then I'll cheer, have a glass of wine, and enjoy a full night's sleep. It's just what us mothers do.