One for the Team

I don't know how most people keep their closets clean. Over the years I've discovered what works for me is a huge purge every spring and fall. At that time I also rotate out seasonal stuff for me and the kids (Turbo refuses to do this, so he always has a ton of crap everywhere. crap that continually frustrates me when I am trying to get to my tiny sliver of closet space.)

Yesterday we went through the closets and dressers again for our spring purge. If it fits, we keep it. If it doesn't, we donate (or this year put it in a garage sale pile. got to save the boobies, ya know!). Winter wear gets bagged up for next fall, summer things are brought back out.

The kids hate doing this. I make them try everything on and choose what stays or goes. Sometimes we argue over a shirt that is way too small or a sweater that has never been worn. They complain, but I always win. It's a privilege only parents have.

When I get to my closet I am usually eager to pull out all of the forgotten treasures from the previous season. This year I am more than welcoming of shorts and tanks, skirts and tees.

Then I started to try them on.

I was smacked with a harsh realization. Last year all of my summer things remained bagged, minus a handful of large tops and dresses. With a growing Lucy in my belly, I bought a new wardrobe to house the extra lbs I was carrying around. The clothes in my summer pile were 2 years old, and I found out, at least 2 sizes too small.

Not that I have retained a lot of weight (only 5 pounds, so I'm not complaining considering the amount I put on...). But my shape is different. My hips are curvier, my bottom a little wider. I'm missing a little in the chest area, one step closer to losing them altogether.

Part of me wanted to collapse on the bed and cry when my fave capri's produced a muffin top fit for your run of the mill trashy college bar maid. The tiny little baseball tees I collected on my honeymoon (and have worn every summer since, creating the most comfy and sentimental clothing items I own) only enhanced my new 'features' and led to more frustration. I wouldn't even try on the bikini's. I know they are now a distant part of my past, items for a 20-something, not a 30+ mom of 3.

I complained a little to the open ears around the house. Then figured I might as well accept the new me. I can try to diet, start to exercise more, watch what I eat. I can become one of those people that holds on to their skinny clothes, hoping for someday.

Or I can trash my old pants and get new ones. I can always find a creative way to keep my meaningful tees.