Shell-less Turtle

I've moved somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 times in my adult life. Usually state to state. However, I haven't moved since having a baby and my body breaking down like a cheap used car. I started out all gung-ho this morning. I had my cleaning lady focus on the kitchen and bathroom and we cleaned out most of my drawers and cabinets. My hope for today was: 1)clean out kitchen cabinets, 2)clean out bathroom shelves, 3)drop baby stuff at consignment, 4)start cleaning out my closet. That would have been something I could have done before. I would have pushed through and paid for it, but it would have been done. Not anymore. I didn't realize I'd lost my super powers. I have no more armor. Between making me face the reality of my physical limitations (hate that!) and all the letting go moving is really making me feel vulnerable.

So, with the best of intentions and help I cleaned out 6 cabinets, 2 drawers and the top of the fridge. Thank goodness for trash day. After which I was non-functional. I had Mike wash the cover of the stroller and infant car seat over the weekend. Let me say they don't build strollers to be washed. It involved screwdrivers and digital photos so it could go back on correctly. I did online research and I got all excited because apparently complete travel systems go for $80+ online. Unfortunately I live with Mike who once gave the baby an entire container of yogurt in her car seat and left my beautiful stroller outside in the rain more than once. Our stuff wasn't in perfect condition, but it was close. The consignment lady didn't want the infant seat at all, but gave me $20 for my almost perfect stroller and and Elmo toy. Sigh.

It's funny how emotional getting rid of baby stuff is. I loved that stroller. I used it all the time and now it's going to a new home. I'm so glad someone who wouldn't have been able to afford such a nice stroller will have it. As for the infant seat I plan to detach and wash the straps and sent it and the base to a friend's garage sale this weekend.

Riley's so big now. I was watching a video of the first time she belly laughed when she was only a few months old today. Now she'll be 19mo this week. She walks, talks and laughs all the time. Yesterday I said "Hello, Riley" and instead of repeating what I had just said or ignoring me Riley said "Ello Mama!". Babyhood is so over.