Two boxes of books, in various states of undress:
dogeared, drawn-in, dotted with dust or dirt,
bindings undone,
worn down by wear.
“Who would want these?” I thought, withdrawing one that had come entirely apart at the cloth-bound seams, and another with a disruptive rip down the climax.
Yet Landon and I sat on the floor of our daughter’s room in the late afternoon light, blinking back the beginning of tears, as we handed one another these books that had been the shapes and sounds of our firstling years as parents, had lent color to my children’s earliest ductile imaginations, had molded a shared vernacular for describing the world and its upsets and consolations. This mound of well-loved books: the signaries of our family’s first years; its runes and reliefs.
There will be more stories to share, of course — and the piles in the boxes will forever be our communal referents,
but saying goodbye to these baby books was a rough slough, nonetheless,
a little too close to the heart of things.
*We ended up donating a bunch of books but some were just too sentimental to part ways with, or heirloom-quality. We stowed these upstairs for visiting guests. Some of my children’s iconography, like these muddy yellow Hunter boots both of my children wore, have been stowed away in an upstairs closet, along with precious stuffies that belonged to Mr. Magpie, or that have particular sentimental value to me, like this striped teddy with Hill’s name embroidered on it. It was the first thing I ever bought him, when I was only a few weeks pregnant.
Post-Scripts.
+Some of our favorite bedtime books for our children.
+On making my way through a really tough relationship moment.
Shopping Break.
+Don’t miss at the Neiman’s 25% off sale: this Staud dress (very flattering); everyone’s favorite Ankle Fray jeans from Mother; and my current favorite pair of weekend jeans: Mother’s Half Pipe Ankle (do not need to be hemmed if you’re a fellow shortie). I own the latter in two washes.
+OMG this SEA dress! It sold out in like 24 hours on Tuckernuck and is only available in a few sizes here and here. Such a great, unexpected dress. Would work with bump!
+These heels are SO fun — and $60! I’m contemplating ordering to wear with this dress for Easter. (Dress is almost sold out; contemplate this similar skirt/shirt set if out of stock in your size!)
+Speaking of white dresses, wore this one out to drinks with girlfriends over the weekend. I find Rixo has the BEST petite-friendly cuts — they just fit my body absolutely perfectly.
+I found a great $59 linen button-down in the best colors. I ordered in the lilac/pink hue. I love the way these look paired with boxer-style shorts and raffia sandals (currently on sale!) for an easy everyday outfit in warmer weather.
+I’ve never owned a Stanley before (gasp) but I saw these were 25% off and ordered one for my desk!
+I have been really loving my laundry products from Dedcool. It started with their limited edition detergent collab with The Ouai (now sold out, but this is their other bestselling detergent fragrance) — I really loved laundering our sheets in a “fancy” scent. Just gives this ultra luxe aura, but not too perfumed. I am now totally hooked on this room and linen spray. It smells DIVINE. I usually spritz over fresh laundry, guest bedding, and any time I feel my children’s rooms are smelling a little…hm. I noticed that they’ve launched some fragrances, too, like Mochi Milk.
+I finished the last of my Biossance Rose/Vitamin C oil (25% off at the moment, FYI!!) and tried this formula from new-to-me brand Dr. Whitney Bowe. I love it. More like a gel and boasts other anti-aging properties. Both it and the Biossance are incredible and highly effective. The Biossance is more like a light oil.
+I used to do my full skincare regimen right when I woke up but then some of you Magpies pointed out that I’m probably sweating off some of the products while exercising…! So now just quickly cleanse my face and put on a light moisturizer when I wake up, and wait until after I work out to run through the whole rigmarole. The only hiccup is that I went running TWICE last week without remembering to put on facial SPF. I remembered both times halfway through the run and it really helped me pick up the pace…yikes! (I always wear a hat but…still!). I decided to put a facial skincare tube right by the door so I no longer forget. Currently testing this one for that purpose, but have been absolutely loving (!) this Korean sunscreen a few Magpies recommended — it’s what I keep in my cosmetics drawer and use daily post-workout. Glides right on, no residue, no white cast.
+Mr. Magpie has been on a major fitness regimen this year; now he’s incorporated strength training into his routine, and I noticed his “gym shoes” were really past their prime. I bought him a pair of these, which I absolutely LOVE for myself. The best gym shoe — good ankle stability.
+Best swimsuit, back in stock for a second (already almost sold out again). Runs TTS. Full coverage but flirty thanks to the v-notch neckline and cut outs. But not TOO flirty. Just right.
+New styles added to Veronica Beard’s 25% off selection. My top picks here. Not included in the sale, but I’ve gotten so much mileage out of this vest. Worn with dark wash jeans as a set, layered over button-downs with trousers, paired with floral dresses!
+Girls’ soccer shoes in fun colors.
+Pam Munson just launched a 30% off sitewide promotion this morning – use code FRIENDS2025; no exclusions! Over the years, I have amassed quite a collection of her gorgeous, high-quality bags. I just added this sweet embroidered clutch to my closet this month; will absolutely be wearing to every spring event, including Easter. I also love this tote (own in a different color) and am eyeing this basket.
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It can be so hard to part with those time stamps! I try to keep my mindset as “fewer, better” – fewer mementos might make for stronger sentimental attachments? Who knows! In general, we are good about keeping a lean house, but I have such a hard time with my kids’ stuffed animals. Any suggestions? I think it might help to include them in whittling the collection a bit to make room for new friends, but would love any advice.
One thing that helped us cull some of Emory’s stuffed animals was talking to her about donating them to a child who might not have any stuffed animal at all. I found she really took to this idea and helped prune her own collection willingly!
But we are still overflowing with stuffies…maybe someone else has a better idea!!
xx
Ahhh, this made me cry. My daughter is almost 6 and I can’t imagine parting with her books. I am pregnant with baby #2 and am so excited we can use the books again, but I know at some point we will have to say goodbye to many of them. The thought breaks my heart a little bit!
Aw – congrats, Alison! There is something SO special about revisiting your first child’s books with your second. It’s like re-living something. I remember being SO excited to introduce Hill to various favorites of Emory’s – truly a baton-passing moment, or something that echoes.
xx
The week after I found out I was pregnant, my parents visited and my mom and I wandered into a story and impulsively bought a little stuffed elephant which was the first baby thing I got. My son turns 11 next month but we still have it. Truthfully, it’s never been a top favorite of his but I can’t quite part with it!
I am the SAME way with Hill’s bear. He never cuddled with it / never took to it, but I’ll treasure it forever and ever! It was the first earth-side thing that connected me to him, you know?
xx
Save your favorite books! My mom still has a handful of books from when I was growing up and I absolutely love seeing my kids dig them out and read them when we visit.
I am normally very much in favor of getting things out of the house and actually wish my parents would be more active on this. I am not looking forward to helping them downsize some day, after having helped move two grandparents to nursing/retirement homes. It’s amazing how much junk we hold onto. But beloved books and a handful of special toys are one category that I don’t mind sticking around.
I agree! This is what we ended up doing. Saving all the sentimental ones, and the heirloom ones, and then donating the others that were maybe a little less important to us.
xx