A couple of months ago I mentioned that we were expecting an addition to our extended family, and not long after Victor arrived safely I got a card with the news that I have a new great-niece in the Netherlands. That one was a complete surprise to me, and strangely enough it’s another V, for Valerie this time. Honestly, after never having any Vs in the family before I’m half expecting a third one to turn up now. Anyway, after years and years of never visiting the kids department of any stores, I found myself back in them and having the problem of what to choose.
The trouble is that there are so many gorgeous dinky wee things around for babies and youngsters but as often happens it was Marks and Spencer which came up trumps. If you have a look at their new collection you’ll see what I mean. I’m especially partial to dungarees for boys, I just can’t resist them. Anyway, I eventually made my choices (too much) and even got the cards and wrapping paper. Job done.
As I had two boys myself I missed out on buying girls clothes and you might not believe it but the only time I’ve ever felt the need of a daughter was years ago when I saw a particularly pretty dress in – yes, it was Marks and Spencer again.
I must admit that I was one of those soppy mums who held on to things as reminders of my wee ones, not so much memory boxes as memory suitcases, just small ones mind you. It’s normal to keep their first shoes and their fancy shawls but I also couldn’t part with so many other things and as I’ve actively been trying to get rid of ‘stuff’ recently (we’re empty nesters and are hoping to downsize soon) I had a look at my stash of memories. I still have favourite babygros, dungarees, sun hats, winter pom-pom hats and teeny wee mits and of course definitely not forgetting their first matinee jackets and the most gorgeous multiple tartan patchwork shirt which belonged to my youngest when he was three years old. They still smell of baby, in a good way. Oh and I had forgotten that I had kept their first snowsuits. So sweet, especially when I think that my two are great big hulking men now.
I wonder if any of my recent purchases will end up in memory stashes, they’re certainly cute enough.
I love shopping for baby clothes – though it’s just too hard to decide with all the amazing outfits. When my sister’s first child was born (also the first grandchild on our side), she changed that baby’s clothes probably three times a day, just to admire her in all the lovely clothes.
Lisa,
They grow out of things so quickly too. I remember changing their clothes about three times a day but it was generally because they had been sick on them! According to a friend of mine as girls get older you have to bribe them to put on frocks as they just want to wear jeans, it seems a shame with so many lovely designs around.
As you know, having three grandnieces under the age of two, I’ve been buying lots of baby clothes and toys and books (they’re never too little for books!). Marks and Spencer have some cunning things!
We have a predominance of girls in my family and my late mother used to make the most beautiful clothes for little girls. Lots of little smocked dresses, the softest corduroy overalls. Even when she made clothes to send on missionary drives, she’d add some embroidery or other decoration. I’ve never regretted not having children, but I wish I had one of those smocked dresses to keep.
Joan,
That is a shame that you don’t have any examples of her work (apart from the christening gown) but I suppose they were very much appreciated where they were sent. I made some wee pinafores for a niece but they were very plain but still cute. I usually give books too but I’m not sure about for Holland. I don’t know if she will be taught English as she begins to speak, I hope so though as it’s such a fantastic advantage to grow up bi-lingual as her father did. Board books and bath books usually just have pictures on them though so those would be fine.
Okay – what’s a babygro? And a matinee jacket?
Signed,
Clueless in Anchorage
Pearl,
Well, Clueless, you are probably the same as any youngsters around here, I have a feeling that ‘onesie’ has taken over from babygro, which is a stretchy all in one garment with feet and also a turn down hand bit to make it into scratch mits for very small babies, all fastened with poppers.
A matinee jacket is just a knitted or crocheted baby jacket, don’t ask me why they were/are called a morning jacket.