Overrun

People always say that babies come with a lot of stuff. In one sense you could basically fit a baby in a drawer. But then they grow. And you have to keep them entertained, fed, clean, and eventually contained.

I look around our house and it’s quite full. Not to say that we have gone overboard or anything considering his one solitary basket of toys, but between extra packets of diapers, bath products, bottle accessories, books, and more it just feels like all the extra corners of our house are full.

When we first moved in we struggled to figure out what to put in the cupboards. There were hundreds of feet more here than our old place. We even left so much behind when we moved. How did we get here?

I once lived for years in other countries out of two suitcases. I had clothes, a mug that made me feel at home, a few favorite books, pictures of family, and a few other special treasures. It felt so freeing and terrifying at the same time. But I knew that at the drop of a hat I could pack up and go home. I knew not to get attached to anything on either side because I couldn’t take it with me. It forced me to live in the moment, enjoy what I had while I had it. And everything should have a purpose.

I’ll be honest, there’s something scary about having a house full of “stuff.” It feels like I’m tethered in some way. However, when I find myself at that point, I watch my son. We have what we have to keep him safe and happy. Yes, it could all be replaced, but it has its purpose.

If I had to walk out with two suitcases today? It would be filled with Daniel and Kai. That’s all I really need with me.