On the Up Swing

Naomi's swing graduation seemed like a fitting way to start the new year.  Truth be told, it was probably overdue. Since she is most likely the last baby that'll come through this house (biologically, or otherwise) it has been particularly hard to part with every little thing that points to her babyhood.  With Justin and Jasmine, it was easier because we were just putting stuff aside to make room for the next kid (crib, clothes, toys, etc).  But with her... this is it.  That jogging stroller, high chair and baby swing will now bypass the attic and find themselves on a donation list or a CraigsList ad.  And that's tough to swallow since she's growing up so much faster than the other two did as it is.

As for the swing set, if nothing else, we've now transitioned from a 3/2 format (3 kids fighting for 2 big swings) to a 4/3 format (4 kids fighting for 3).  It still leaves us with one less swing than we have kids, but I'm convinced that we've still decreased the odds of our weekly "I had it first" backyard brawls.

And speaking of stunting her growth for the sake of nostalgia... yes... the rumors are correct... we still put Naomi Janelle in the high chair for a meal every once in a while.  But that's more for containment and convenience than anything else.  Heck, we still put Justin in the high chair once a week to avoid the crumbs of an afternoon snack (is there anything messier than a six year old boy and a saltine?).  If I could strap all four of them down for every meal, I would.  But we only have one high chair.  So drawing straws will have to do.