autumn apple orchard // livelovesimple.com

On Needing a Purse, Again + Autumn

DenaAugust 30, 2016

autumn apple orchard // livelovesimple.com

When Roman was born, I had a shiny new diaper bag, chock full of “necessities.” There were diapers and rash creams; changing pads, blankets; bottles, bottle coolers; pacifiers, toys, several changes of clothes; and so on. Basically, whatever I could dream of needing was in that bag. My personal necessities were in there, too–keys, wallet, phone, lip gloss. It was new, important, and I wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without it.

Fast-forward to becoming a mother of two, and I swear to goodness, I haven’t even seen a diaper bag since before she was born. What do I do now? Throw everything in a good old plastic shopping bag moments before we head out. And by everything, I mean three diapers, a pack of wipes, and a change of clothes (if we’re going to be gone for awhile).

Ha! Yup. That’s it. It’s a little embarrassing to admit and it’s probably the biggest fashion faux-pas that I’ve ever committed; but it’s the truth. I wanted to write it down here for memory’s sake, because it’s about to change.

Since I had my first baby, nearly three-and-half (WTF?) years ago, I stopped carrying a purse. Whether it was a real diaper bag or a plastic shopping bag, I always threw whatever I needed in the baby’s bag and I was good to go. However, yesterday I went to a bridal shower. When I sat down at the beautifully set table, I realized that my hands were precariously filled by my cell phone, wallet, lip gloss, and sunglasses. And I had absolutely nowhere to put the damned things. That’s when I realized that it was time–time to start carrying a purse once again.

In part, it breaks my heart, the end of an era. It reminds me that my babies really aren’t babies anymore. Roman is starting preschool in a few days and Marina is no longer a baby, but now a full-blown toddler. My mama heart can hardly stand it.

Aside from the emotions of it, I have to say, it’s been a good run. I’ve enjoyed not carrying a purse. It’s been liberating. When people asked me to carry things for them, or to take something that I didn’t want to take, I could honestly say, “No, I can’t.” It was nice not heaving that extra appendage to carry around– full of crumbs, old receipts, and random pieces of gum that had escaped their wrappers. Hallelujah.

But, alas, it is time. This time around I’ve opted for a simple, easy-to-carry purse. I’m making it a high priority to keep it clean and full of only the bare essentials this time around. I plan to continue saying no when I do not want to carry or take something. I’ll let you know how it all works out.

On another note, how is it going to be September on Thursday!? I. Can’t. Even. Deal.

‘Til next time… xo

Comments (1)

  • Whitney

    August 30, 2016 at 11:55 am

    Yay for graduating to the purse stage – and good luck keeping it clean. Mine stays clean and organized for about 10 days and then it starts piling up; however, 90% of the time it’s not my fault. lol. Apparently to my husband and daughter it’s a “catch all” ha!

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