She Wears White to Daycare

Munchkin is...14 months old now (takes a minute for me to do the math. It was so much easier when I could just say "she's one").  That's her in the photo above, before we headed out to daycare the other morning.  No, I didn't just take a crappy picture and cut off her head. I had to at least partially conceal her identity...and my messy bedroom.  Munchkin is goofy, animated, boisterous, brilliant, and a great source of entertainment. Better than tv.  We often just sit back and watch the Munchkin show.  She's feeding herself, but hasn't quite gotten the concept of putting only a single piece of food in her mouth at a time. Apparently, she's determined to discover just how many toddler puffs she can cram in at once, as if it's forbidden and she wants to eat it all before she's caught (or maybe that's just me when I'm eating my Lorna Doone's). 

 

As you already know, she's in daycare, because mama has to "bring home the bacon," though my husband is the one that cooks it. So, she's surrounded by other snotty-nosed toddlers, who will grab at her after they've immersed their hand in a bowl of applesauce. And she's had the occasional diaper leakage, greeting me in her extra set of clothes when I arrive to pick her up.  Yet, despite the potential messes, and playing on the floor all day, there's not an outfit I won't put on her because it's too expensive or saved for something special.  Granted, I'm probably not going to dress her in a poofy taffeta holiday dress, to play in (not that she has a poofy taffeta dress anyway). But, most everything else is free game. And Munchkin wears white to daycare.

 

My point is this:  my younger brother died several years ago, when I was pregnant with my first child.  I always think of him even more around the holidays, so I guess that's what inspired this post.  When he died, without ever meeting his first niece, I got a sudden, heart-wrenching, life-altering lesson in how very fleeting our moments are. Quite often, it takes the serious illness or death of a loved one to put things into perspective, remind you "not to sweat the small stuff" or take this existence for granted....and that you really should use your wedding china.  

 

I don't usually save an outfit for a special occasion, because the fact that I'm breathing is special enough.  I wear my favorite perfume just to pick up my spirits and run to the store.  I use my wedding china for monthly family dinners.  I allow guests to eat in my living room.  And Munchkin wears white to daycare, because everything can be cleaned. 

 

We're not promised more opportunities, even for the little things.  Live it up, mama.  Just maybe not the white shoes after Labor Day.

 

 

Comments

[adiaha]

I really enjoyed this post. It really resonated with me and felt good while reading. Thank you.

[Bonnie W]

What a good title to your post. I try to get my mother-in-law to use the things we buy her...she always wants to save the watch, or necklace, or perfume for special occasions instead of enjoying them everyday.

[Teresha@ Marlie and Me]

so true! we can't enjoy life unless we are willing to get a little dirty!

[Stacy]

Thanks for the reminder!! I've been living more in the present recently because, as you know, I had a heartbreaking reminder that tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

This outfit that Munchkin is wearing is super cute!!!

BTW, your a So. Cal girl...white shoes are okay any time of the year!! That "not after Labor Day" stuff is for east coasters. :-)

[Trisha Mason Parsad]

Loved the write up! Thanks for the reminder. :-)

[Michelle]

I had to go back and read this again to get the first part with the intent of the second. It's such the right attitude, and one so few people -- including me -- have on such a regular basis. Thank you.

[Nkechi]

What a wonderful reminder! Thanks Nina. Loved the post.

[kia]

loved the post!

[Rose]

You are right. 100% right and what a great point your droving home to us readers. I really take life too seriously sometimes.