Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Kleenex & Kenny Loggins.

Don't ever sort your child's clothing while listening to Return to Pooh Corner or More Songs from Pooh Corner.


Particularly the latter CD. Because when Kenny Loggins begins his interpretation of "Turn Around," and you're folding clothes now too small for your precious darling, let's face it...you're done. D-O-N-E.

Even though these clothes need to be stored away for little sister to wear in a couple of years. Even though that precious plaid skirt no longer fits, but you remember how her little legs looked peeking out from under it, dangling in the backseat of the car. Even though you can't bear to put away her special Christmas dress, with the smocked & embroidered manger scene, complete with Baby Jesus in the very center...

Yes. You are completely done. The moment Kenny warbles, "Turn around and you're two, turn around and you're four, turn around and you're a young wife...going out of the door..."

Sob!

No matter that she's informed you, "Gymboree clothes are for little girls, so I can't wear their stuff anymore!" No matter that she now prefers to wear black Chuck Taylors with a sequined shirt. (And her ginormous, monogrammed Vera Bradley messenger bag, of course.)


Because it seems like 5 minutes ago--rather than 5 years--she was thrilled to be wearing this "big girl puh-kin dress!"

Just reach for the box of Kleenex, my friend. 'Cause You. Are. Finished.

Sage advice that I'll remind myself to heed the next time I'm sorting clothes to be stored. I cried for a good hour. I then remembered this:
And proceeded to cry the rest of the afternoon.

I defy you to watch this commercial* without tearing up. You have no soul if the tears don't well. Yeah, I said that.

*One of my favorite songs ever is Yaz's "Only You." Joshua Radin remade it--and his version is used in this commercial. It's gorgeous. Go to iTunes & download his Live Session redo of "Only You." In fact, download some of Joshua Radin's other music, too--I dig him a lot. You can thank me later...

23 comments:

Live.Love.Eat said...

OMG. How bad is it that I was tearing up without the sound on even? (at work). I know there must have been some sweet music in the background making it worse. Then again, I always cry at Publix's holiday commercials.

Oh Lula, I never heard of that song of KL's but that line is so bittersweet. Time just goes by too fast sometimes.

brainella said...

You should have said, "Don't watch this at work!"

I'm waiting for the Hallmark holiday commercials to start. They kill me. I sit there and cry.

MRP said...

Ugh I am going through this emotional phase with my daughter too because she is growing up too fast... and she's only three!! It seems like just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital - and now she's a mouthy three year old diva in the workings. I miss those toddler days of slurred speech and drool. ;)

Live.Love.Eat said...

Lunchtime at home = watching = sniffle sniffle.

The song IS beautiful and makes it.

Jenny and the Princess Peonies said...

I'm right there with ya. Why do they grow so fast!?!

PS. I love Joshua Radin.

Tony C said...

Okay...that's not fair.

I'm expecting the Man-Card Police any moment to come collect my card...public sobbing is frowned on for card carrying members.

CaraBee said...

Seeing as how I'm in a seriously nostalgic mood right now, this is just perfect. I tear up a little just thinking about all that is to come, and all that has passed.

Seriously, what lucky genes that two year old has to have that much beautiful blond hair! Sophie probably won't have that much hair until she's 8.

sassy stephanie said...

Sniff. My girls both told me the same thing about Gymboree AND Children's Place! They don low top Chucks, but hot pink. One, she made me bling them out. The other, wanted to keep them as is because "that's what the teenagers do". My heart cracked in half before she even finished her statement.

Ash said...

As a mama to two sweet boys, I feel somewhat voyeuristic to your tale - a little on the outside whistfully looking in, if I may be so bold.

Don't hate me other boy mamas.

Love the song - the original and the revised.

Gina said...

Hm, I guess you'll have to file me under "Soul-less Zombie"....
I just cleaned out the littlest set of drawers and I was kind of excited. Of course I have 5 babies and have been doing this for 12 years insead of 7. You'll get there. Maybe.

Jen said...

I am going to take your advice and get that song. Love it.

Kaley Ehret said...

Oh, Leigh Anne. You put into words so well what this Momma feels. Thanks for that.

Although I could do without the whole cleaning out the drawers things--such a process. But it's a task that must be done. Sigh.

Melissa said...

Wow! It goes by faster than I ever imagined. I don't want anymore, but I have so many friends that have infants and I just want to hold them and squeeze them and it just makes me wish mine had stay 7 months a little bit longer. They are so sweet at that age....
Libby and Caroline are such beautiful girls. I guess that comes from having a beautiful mommy....:) Miss hearing from you...

SunshineBarlowe.com said...

girl .. it IS one of the best songs..EVER.
I love Yaz and I love Joshua Radin.
And I love you.. thanks for making me cry.
You suck!
And I mean that in the most loving way..ever.

p.s. hawaii

Jennifer P. said...

Oh it hurts my heart to watch them grow up so fast....and also to come back here knowing what a poopy sporadic blog reader I've been lately.

Stupid school.

Stupid, stupid, stupid school.

Hard to read blogs when one is being forced to read Faust.

Just had to say that i love you still :).

Pinky Roth said...

Yes, Libbey is growing up so fast and the older she gets, the more beautiful inside and out she gets! It reminds me of you when you were little and telling me that you would always live w/me...LOL! THis brought tears to my eyes because it is so true...you girls and guys cherish the days you have w/you little ones as in the song, turn around and they are walking out the door w/their little ones! I know because I have lived it...now I have my precious grandchildren to adore and dote on...

Mom

Heather said...

Yep. Misty eyed at 6:57 in the am.

Brandy said...

Don't you just wonder where the time went? It seems like they were just starting school and now my teen will be an adult in November and off to college next summer.

Oh my.

Cajsa said...

I am NOT a cryer..... I must just have something, huge, in both eyes! This feels so familiar! The second I brought baby number 2 home from the hospital My oldest girly seemed so grown up! I have been having a hard time with this lately!

Anonymous said...

Oh I know. Boy do I know. sigh...too fast. It all goes too fast. Sent my oldest out the door today in skinny jeans, plaid button down (belted)and silver sequin flats...accented with a plaid fedora. She is 8, and I am jealous of her fashion prowess.

Busy Bee Lauren said...

I am in no way close to having childrens and this made me tear up. Gah!

Swirl Girl said...

I can only hope that my girls grow up and snag a hot guy like that!!

and yes, I did cry...just a little.

~ Kelly Ann ♥ said...

What a lovely blog you have- I just posted this touching youtube video on my blog- it made me tear up.

You now have a new follower!

Kelly