68 In Life

Friday Night Blogger {take 2}

Here I am again, on Friday night, snug as a bug and it’s freezing COLD outside… even for us way down here!

First, THANK YOU!

Thank you for all your prayers for Christina & Brad & baby Austin! For prayers for my grandfather {who’s still awaiting pathology reports}! For all your kind and helpful advice about my back! Those of you who offered to email exercises— I’m all ears eyes {darby@flythroughourwindow.com}. It’s still a hurtin’… but I’ve not been resting, so really by now it would have probably been better… if I weren’t so stubborn.

You all are really wonderful and faithful to think of and pray for Christina. I was shocked at how many of you have delivered early EARLY and have also had HELLP syndrome… this blog makes the world seem so small. Christina delivered baby Austin by emergency c-section on January 6 at 2:02 am. Austin weighs 1 lb 9 oz and is doing fantastic considering his prematurity {measured 25 weeks}. He was intubated yesterday but I just received an email that he is now breathing on his own… what a miracle he is and I see they are clinging to Isaiah 40:31.

austin

Christina is doing better as well and they are hoping for her to be released in the next few days. Please continue to pray for them as they transition out of the hospital and find temporary housing in Birmingham. The doctors are saying if he continues to thrive they can go home as early as the beginning of March. Every time I look at that sweet TINY child I am so in awe of our Creator who knit together a tiny baby boy of just 25 gestational weeks in such a way that he can survive outside of the womb. A testament to both God and modern medicine!  What a miracle and gift Austin is!! Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Now for the less exciting, more mundane tales of housewifery. Which is all I can bring you today…

My name is Darby, and these pictures will make me look like a BORDERLINE HOARDER.

I purged my closet. WARNING disturbing photos below.

Do you see the little Rover’s head behind the clothes, bless his heart.

clothes1

I’ve started on my RESOLUTIONS. First of which was purging my closet. By my very  much TYPE B standards I’m close to being FINISHED as long as I don’t let any TYPE A in to inspect which is why you will see no AFTER pictures but you’ll just have to trust me that it’s better than it was.

But before it got better…. it had to get worse.   clothes2

In my defense {and please chime in if you fall into this category}, between 2004 and 2008 I delivered 3 children. That means I have clothing in every size for every season. Not including 2 Tupperware boxes of maternity clothes. Not only has my body felt the effects of pregnancy & breast feeding… but so has my wardrobe. I’m embarrassed to admit that I found clothes that I bought before I got married {almost 8 years ago} and a few things from Auburn. The grey flannel pajamas hanging out of the Target bag came from my sister-in-law 9+ years ago. I called Erika in total shock at the amount of clothes that I had that I DON’T wear and all she would say was “GET RID OF IT! GET RID OF IT! That’s what I do!” Yeah, the only problem is she gets rid of hers and gives it all to me and then I apparently DON’T get rid of it. That one tall pile was only 1/3 of what I got rid of.  Do you also see that I’ve joined those of you who wear your boots on the outside of your jeans? I must confess, at first, I felt a little Robinhoodish but now I’m used to it. 

My closet was completely and entirely out of control. I have my sister to thank for the mass quantities of clothing and it would only be fair if I blamed all of this on her. Thanks, Sister. 🙂 And by getting rid of… I don’t mean throwing away. Most of these are being taken to The Rescue Mission— more on that at the bottom.

Getting the utter chaos under control felt good to my soul, however, did not feel good to my back. Which is why I am now wearing a  very wide elastic belt with a rice bag strapped under it. One day I will learn. And you know what? I spent an entire day in my closet and when I finally came out… the rest of my house looked like my closet before I went in. Sigh.

Moving on to more exciting housewifery tales: The girls had their pearly whites cleaned this week at the dentist’s office. Neither had ever been and both had great reports. Paige’s “paci bite” should be closing in more and more every day. I kinda like it though. {Can you tell she was partial to MAMs?}

paciteeth
I think it matches her little personality weally, weally well. And I’ve decided she talks like a valley girl… especially her expresions and over use of the word “way”. But she’s the way sweetest valley girl I’ve ever met.
raiger

I cut the Raiger’s hair tonight while she watched Max & Wooby. She only asked 128 times if I was almost done. If you haven’t spent much time with three-year olds they’re not the most patient creatures on the planet. But when they talk… they’ll melt your heart.

raiger

Ok, I think that’s our week in a nutshell. I hope each of you are warm and cozy! I’ll be back soon with special deals from this month’s sponsors!!

Stay warm, Rovers! Stay warm! And snuggle with a rice bag… and whomever it was that said her husband called them those d@#* things… my husband feels the same way. Men are never cold nor do they like to snuggle with rice.

::The Rescue Mission:: I wrote about it here and was there on Monday night. We always like to poll the staff for needs and it is obvious they need more people to serve. But not “serve”, as in, place food on plates. To actually make and provide the food. This month there were only 3 nights marked on the calendar of people coming with food. That’s it… out of the entire month 3 people/groups coming to feed. It really makes me sad. It’s really not a chore at all… it’s an honor to prepare the food and take it there. Monday night I made chili & dessert {others brought rice, Fritos, cheese, sour cream}. I personally spent less than $25 and fed 40 people. I know feeding that many men {and a few women} can be daunting, if you are local and interested email me and I’d be glad to give you contact info or any tips on preparing meals for large groups. I will add this: I do not think it would be appropriate for a group of young women to go serve with out their spouses. For no reason other than I just don’t think it would be wise. We go as a group with our spouses… however, if you are in a group with women and would like to prepare the meal and drop it off before dinner they would readily accept.

4330_edit

Ok, now I’m really done…

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  • mommasissy
    January 8, 2010 at 10:54 pm

    if i come to the rescue mission to help you next time am i gonna see a bunch of people wearing my old clothes? 🙂
    i love you. and your da#n rice bag.

    xo
    mommasissy

  • Lindsay
    January 8, 2010 at 11:19 pm

    My closet has the same issue, skinny clothes, kinda pregnant clothes, really pregnant clothes, just had a baby clothes and start all over again! I hate to get rid of anything because I hope to need it all again someday!
    But when I do go through things I like to give them to people who I know need them (like the rescue mission) because even after I get rid of a bunch I still have an abundance!

  • grace
    January 8, 2010 at 11:19 pm

    so glad baby austin is doing better! i’ll continue to keep praying:)

    why is it that i think the term hoarder is so funny? i call my little 2 year old a hoarder all the time. anyhoo, this post has inspired me to clean out my closet and donate to the needy. thanks so much for the motivation!

  • Lane
    January 8, 2010 at 11:46 pm

    Cleaning out the closets in our house is on my resolution list too! It includes the fridge, pantry, cabinets as well! 🙂 I’ve finished the fridge, but that’s about it! You have inspired me to tackle my closet tomorrow! I’m also in the same boat with the before pregnancy/maternity/after baby clothes…

  • Emerging Domesticity
    January 8, 2010 at 11:55 pm

    Yuck. Closets. I feel your pain.
    Love the boots though, and would love to know where you got them!?

  • Melissa B.
    January 9, 2010 at 12:23 am

    Hi there! I’ve recently found your blog and boy am I hooked! This particular post is like peering into my own life – the achy back, the 3 year old hooked on MAMs, (is yours “off” the paci now… if so, please share your strategy! Maybe you already have and I just haven’t made it there yet! We are failures of epic proportions when it comes to paci weaning!) the crazy overcrowded closets (though I’ve yet to clean mine out – for the very reason you stated… when you come out of the closet, the rest of my house will look like it! And of course the achy back… that never ends. In any case, I am loving your blog and am praying for Austin – sweet sweet baby boy. <3 I look forward to reading more!
    🙂

  • Becky M.
    January 9, 2010 at 12:29 am

    I’m a new follower to your crew 🙂 We have three things in common thus far: I purged my closet as well this week and my room looked very similar to yours, I have a sweet baby boy who also gets lost in the laundry on my bed from time to time, and most importantly, Max and Wooby is the soundtrack to my life-funny how that changes each decade.

  • Becky M.
    January 9, 2010 at 12:32 am

    Oh and that Austin is fearfully and wonderfully made… SO happy to pray for him.

  • Meredith
    January 9, 2010 at 12:46 am

    LOVE, LOVE your blog. I’m an elementary teacher and sit for hours at night and read educational blogs……but somehow I always end up on your blog!!!! I’ve made the pleated apron, from your tutorial. CUTE!!! Last night I made the rice bag thingy. I used flannel and heated it up and stuffed it at the foot of my bed……I fell asleep smiling, and warm, of course!! It’s funny that you found a way to strap your rice bag to your back because my boyfriend asked me to sew straps and some velcro on it so he could strap it on his low back. Just a thought…..keep blogging…..I’m addicted!

  • Charlotte
    January 9, 2010 at 1:14 am

    This whole closet thing makes me feel so good! I am in no way an organized person, but that is one of my New Years resolutions. I decided to start on our closets, and am almost done- it feels so good.

    I’m pretty new to the wife and mother thing, married 2.5 years and have a 4 month old baby. I love your blog. You are truly an inspiration!

  • Caroline
    January 9, 2010 at 1:52 am

    Max and “Wooby” made me laugh out loud. Julianna loves that show too. Raigers hair looks cute! I have a solution to your “hoarding” problem. You could move every 1-2 years like we do, thanks to the military!! We have become what ever the opposite word of “hoarders” would be. We get rid of everything. No room for it or we haven’t used it since our last move… then we don’t need it. Goodwill get’s a LOT of our stuff!

  • Lindsay
    January 9, 2010 at 2:56 am

    Hello Darby! I started reading your blog about 6 months ago and I am completely addicted. I stay up until 2 am checking to see if there are updates on my favorite blogs. My grandma taught me to sew when I was around 5 or 6. I have scaled back to just hemming pants and mending clothes, but I am about to break out my sewing machine after all these years (Im 25) because of you. Thanks so much for welcoming the world into your home! **p.s. I think Paige looks like the blonde version of you!

  • alison g. (brazil)
    January 9, 2010 at 6:28 am

    Truly, truly amazing to hear how well baby Austin is doing. I am 25 weeks this week, so this story is extra-poignant to me. I’m again humbled (as you said) by the power of prayer and modern medicine.

    Regarding your stash…um, did you say BORDERLINE hoarder?! I’m kidding 😉 I really need to go through all my clothes to donate – and finding a donation place down here is on MY to-do list!

    LOVE your boots! I tried “skinny” maternity jeans when we were in Texas – to attempt this look, but am convinced this is not a look the less-than-5’2″-preggo types! Maybe next winter…

    Paige is precious – did I ever tell you I took a pic of her into the salon when Avery had her first “real” haircut? Such a cute cut, and far beyond my abilities to describe in Portugeuese – ha!

    Take Care!!

  • kristen
    January 9, 2010 at 7:24 am

    love the closet clean out. i had 3 children between the years of 2005-2009 and feel you on the clothes – although i must say (since i have all girls) THEIR closets are an unorganized mess of sizes more than mine even. AND i just started wearing my pants inside my boots – i also blame that on the small amount of space between my children…i’m slow on catching onto stuff in the real world 🙂 and get your back some help – that sounds miserable!

  • kristen
    January 9, 2010 at 7:25 am

    OH and how in the world did i forget to mention how amazing about that tiny baby – i’m thinking of them…it must be so scary but wow – GREAT that he is breathing on his own.

  • angela
    January 9, 2010 at 7:43 am

    Oh so glad to hear that Austin is doing great…but not surprised at all. How great is our God?

    You have inspired me today…my closet is a mess. I have no excuses like babies…just laziness for me.

    Once again, your children, oh. how. precious. Your blog continues to be my #1 favorite. Does it seem weird to you that we love your life so much??:)

  • Holly
    January 9, 2010 at 7:44 am

    Her hair looks adorable. Brilliant to back her up against a mirror. I’m doing a major closet clean out too (both mine and DH). Check my blog next week for pictures

  • Holly
    January 9, 2010 at 7:45 am

    Oh! And don’t you love those XLarge ziplocs!?

  • Kacey
    January 9, 2010 at 8:17 am

    Coming from a Type-A, I am very proud and impressed by your accomplishment! I just did the same thing (3 bins of Maternity clothes, 3 bins of pre-pregnancy clothes) and it is so cathartic!

    On the back – strengthen and stretch your hamstrings. I have the same issue and every doctor, personal trainer or massage therapist tells me this.

    On baby Austin: Bless him and Thank GOD for his help! I see this a lot with my work and am always amazed of the strength of preemies. I hope things only get better for your friend.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

  • Donna
    January 9, 2010 at 8:17 am

    Thanks for sharing the photos of your closet…I fear mine will be the same, but it is time to do some cleaning out as well! I just made a rice bag last night…my children argued over who would get it first, ha! So I will be making a another one today…in pink (per my daughter’s request) Hope you have a wonderful weekend…we are snug inside as well…had a little snow up this way!!!

  • Emily@remodelingthislife
    January 9, 2010 at 8:28 am

    I did notice the jeans outside the boots. You wear the look well.

    So happy to hear the baby is doing well.

    Happy weekend!

  • Ashley
    January 9, 2010 at 9:11 am

    Jeans in boots. Wow. I’m with you, but I have to do it when A’s not around. If he sees me, he starts playing his “imaginary flute” and calls me the “traveling minstrel.” Let’s just say he’s not into fashion! But, I love them, and I have those boots, too! (Well, something similar, not exact pair!). You look darling! And, I love the purge…my house stays in purge mode b/c I can’t handle the mass quantities of stuff – so proud of you!!!!

    Finally, that baby just makes me want to cry AND praise the Lord. You remember the kidney stone? You realize I was only 23 weeks, and the Dr on call would not stop contractions? His philosophy was that the baby would have no chance of survival! Can you believe that? (not my dr but another one). We will pray this baby LIVES and THRIVES! Thank you for sharing such a story with us – God will be glorified regardless of the outcome when His people draw near to Him!!!

  • Lindsey
    January 9, 2010 at 9:16 am

    Don’t feel bad about your closets. I have a feeling that mine probably look way worse. And I think my closets have more junk in them than clothes. It’s where I throw (literally) everything instead of actually finding a home for it. It drives Jeremy nuts b/c he is absolutely a type A, OCD, clean, neat freak!! He actually told me last week that if we weren’t married he was sure I would end up on one of those shows about hoarders. haha

  • Melissa
    January 9, 2010 at 9:38 am

    I loved this post! Thank you soooo much for keeping it real! I’m trying NOT to be a hoarder, but I do have that tendency to “overthink” it when cleaning out!

    We like Max & Wooby around here too! Luke is just getting “into” some of the TV shows. “Boos Coos” is a big hit too!

    Oh, and I guess I need to figure out another name for my posts. I’ve been noticing there are several Melissas, and now I even see a Melissa B.! I may change my post name to my blog name, melissab74, so that you can keep us straight!

  • Katie
    January 9, 2010 at 9:39 am

    My sister and I do the SAME THING! I send her stuff that I do not want and she sends me stuff. I also have “transition” clothes I expect that my body will be needing these when the next babies arrive. Prayers for baby Austin and his family!

  • Emalee
    January 9, 2010 at 9:56 am

    I wish I lived next door and could pillage your maternity clothes. This week I outgrew my “fat” jeans and I only have 1 pair of black pants & 1 pair of jeans for maternity. We’ve got a HIGH of 23 here, so cold, so normal for these folks but too cold for an Alabama girl! My closets aren’t so bad, but steer clear of my basement. . .I know the feeling! Hope that back heals quickly!

  • Anna
    January 9, 2010 at 10:42 am

    Thank you for sharing that closet chaos with us!!!! I mean it!!!! I need to do this so bad, and it helps that other people are the same way with the mess and clothing. I just had my second child 6 months ago and still not back in my pre clothing, so I feel ya! Maybe I should wait to clean it all out until we decide if we would like more children or not, LOL

  • Kellie
    January 9, 2010 at 10:49 am

    I’ve been organinzing, changing rooms around a little, everything I can think of to make things “fresher” – I’m not a hoarder – quite the opposite, but GREAT JOB!!!! Thanks for updating on Christina – so glad the prognosis looks good! Will keep praying!

  • Sara
    January 9, 2010 at 11:11 am

    I hope your back feels better very soon! I love your tale of cleaning out your closet – you are not alone on this! My closet is an assortment of “going out” clothes from years ago (you know, pre-child), my “skinny” clothes that I just can’t bear to part with under the delusion that I might fit into them again someday, maternity clothes, post-childbirth clothes and the clothes I wear now. My husband is constantly nagging me to go through everything and I always refuse since it seems like such a daunting task – but maybe I will now since you have inspired me to get organized! As always, your pictures of your kiddos are adorable. I wish I knew how you got them to sit still – we took our 20 month-old to get her hair trimmed this morning for the first time and I don’t think we had any success as she refused to sit still for one minute. Have a great weekend and stay warm!

  • jade
    January 9, 2010 at 11:18 am

    you have no idea how much better you made me feel when i saw those pics on flickr. i have the same mess that we are tackling today. and i totally relate being pregnant for the past few years. apx. 6 years to be exact. purging away! still praying for sweet austin. i put that verse as my fb status. i love it. thanks darby!

  • Ashley
    January 9, 2010 at 11:55 am

    blahhhhh for cleaning out closets! I just cleaned out every family members closets these past two weeks and boy does it feel GREAT! Amazing how much crap we can accumulate! 🙂 glad to see I’m not the only one who has clothes ranging in size 2 to 12!

  • Sarah@Clover Lane
    January 9, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    First, your kids are SO cute!
    Second, from a Type A…I am SO proud of you! You will find that you have SO much MORE to wear…which sounds crazy…but you will find all the good stuff and it will be easier for you to pick out cute outfits. Keep going!

  • stephanie
    January 9, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    good for you!! i need to declutter, but my husband is a pack rat and that little stinker will go through the stuff i “throw out” and sneak it back in! grrrrr!!!

    love little “raiger”!

  • Sarah
    January 9, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    Hi! I just found your blog today and i love it! Your kiddos are precious. As I was trying to read through your blog (as my 8 month old tugged at my leg) I noticed the post about an old schoolhouse your parents moved. It said they moved it from Wabash county. Just wondering if that is where you are from. My dad and mom are from Crossville and Carmi. I also still have family (we rarely see) in Grayville and Mt. Carmel. It is SO rural I thought it was neat if that is where you or your family is from. I have a blog but am private. If you would like an invite, you can email me at the email above. My blog is titled In the Life of 5 Year olds because I am a Kindergarten teacher. I just had my first child in May. I look forward to reading more of yours!

  • Chris
    January 9, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    Hellp is devastating , I am so glad the baby is alive and in good hands , I hope your friend recovers soon. My SIL lost her daughter to Hellp at 34 weeks , her kidneys have never recovered she still battles high blood pressure , but under great medication and supervision they are pregnant again and we are all hopefull for a good outcome this time around , losing a baby is the hardest thing in the world , i am thinking of baby and momma , they are getting my best wishes .
    Chris
    Just Beachy

  • Amy
    January 9, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    While your hoarding is impressive, I really envy your closet space! Lack of closet space keeps me disciplined.

    Not sure if this has already been mentioned (because I read through a reader and don’t see the comments), but I love the ThermaCare HeatWraps. They stick to your skin and stay warm for 8 hours. I’ve tried the store brand and their adhesive is horrible. Splurge on the name brand. They come in different shapes and sizes depending on where you need the heat.

  • Kimberly
    January 9, 2010 at 2:50 pm

    I totally feel for you and your back. I’ve had back “issues” since high school and I’m now 31 years old. I’ve “thrown it out” just by leaning over to put the toilet lid up. Sometimes it takes the smallest little things and I’m flat on my back for a week. Unfortunately, it’s congenital so there isn’t much I can do about it. FORTUNATELY I have a wonderful chiropractor who has been able to get me back on my feet in a matter of days.

    You may also want to try an icepack for 15 minutes every couple of hours. When you pinch a nerve in your spine it causes inflammation which in turn closes the space and causes more pain. When you put heat it on it (right after injury), it draws more blood and fluid to the area which can constrict the area and cause more pain. (My Chiropractor was a little upset with me the first time I hurt my back because I took a hot bath right afterward). So ice for the first 48-72 hours. After that you can use ice or heat whichever you prefer 🙂

    You can also do a vascular flush which will help flush toxins and extra fluid out of the area by constricting and expanding blood vessels. The hot to cold ratio is 3 to 1. For example 3 minutes of hot to 1 minute of cold and end with cold.

    Hope you can find some relief! Oh and my Chiro also recommends laying on the floor with your knees bent and your lower legs up on the seat of a chair so your hips are at a 90° angle for 20 minutes.

    Good Luck! 🙂

  • Sarah
    January 9, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    Still praying for sweet Austin. Thanks for posting an update he’s been in my prayers. I always well up when I see pics of preemies. Oh and I adore the pictures of your closets I’ve been cleaning mine out today. The whole just pregnancy, pregnant, just delivered and then breastfeeding has been crazy on my closet and wallet! But my three little ones are worth every dollar spent:) Now I just need to get up the courage to wear my boats over my jeans, I always back out right before I leave the house. I’m so vain.

  • cassie
    January 9, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    I know exactly what you are talking about when it comes to your closet. I have clothes in 9 different sizes in my closet plus maternity clothes. I also have a twin sister that does a lot more shopping than me and when she purges I am also the recipient. I love it at the time but then I end up being the one that actually has to figure out what to do with such a massive amount of clothing.

  • Lori
    January 9, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    oh my goodness i do sooooooo relate regarding the whole closet thing – i finally did that to my closet on January 1st this year and had to “let go” of aLOT of clothes. I also had 3 babies – ’04, ’06 and ’08. I think that is one reason why I love your blog as I really relate to your life stage oh and more importantly you love Jesus! But, it was such a good feeling to get my clothes in order – it was a much needed project! I love that you took pictures – I should have done that!

  • Lane M.
    January 9, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    I def. don’t think you’re a hoarder….have you watched that show? It’s much more intense! And I too am cleaning out the closet:) BTW ..I love, love, love, reading your blog. Such great info!

  • Kristy Dorminy
    January 9, 2010 at 4:49 pm

    Oh yeah. I can totally relate to having all sorts of sizes in my closet. I had three kids (one in 04, one in 05 and one in 07!). Thankfully, we moved six months ago, and I totally got rid of anything I had not worn in the two months! I was so over having so many clothes in my closet that I NEVER wore. Each season brings at least a week of going through the kiddos closets and mine…whew…it’s exhausting, but worth it.

  • kasey
    January 9, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    We just cleaned out a closet this afternoon in preperation for the baby!! My husband is the one who holds on to clothes. For example: If it has a year on it, he has to keep it. It it’s Adidas he has to keep it. If it has his college logo on it, he has to keep it. When it was all said and done, he had a huge black bag ready to go to Goodwill. I was so happy and excited. He has more clothes than I do. He has a roatating rubbermaid of tee shirts. I think the last time we counted he was at 80!!!

  • Maggie @ Living the Life of Riley
    January 9, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    Our son loves Max and Wooby too! I love the cute way that preschoolers speak. It is so sweet. My closet has similar issues after having one child. This post has reminded me that I just need to get in there and create donation pile for the things that I have not worn in years.

  • Sherrie
    January 9, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    I have to declutter my closet too. I am the same with with clothes in a wide range of sizes. I just want my closet functional and I need to get rid of a ton of stuff to make that happen. I started last weekend and need to do some more this weekend. Good luck! I will keep Christina and Austin in my prayers.

  • Amanda @ Serenity Now
    January 9, 2010 at 7:00 pm

    Hi, my name is Amanda, and I am a closet purse/shoe hoarder. 😉 It’s baddddd, girl. I’ve taken armloads and armloads of clothes over the past two years to Salvation Army, but I can’t bear to part with many of my purses. :s

    Our upstairs looks like your room right now…I’ve been going through my girls’ closets and trying to get all the outgrown clothes sorted into bins.

    Wish me luck…it’s a good thing they don’t have but one or two little purses. 😉

  • Leslie
    January 9, 2010 at 7:50 pm

    I meant to comment on your last post about your back injury. Don’t be ashamed about the sneezing. I know exactly what you are talking about. I once completely threw out my back and to this day have sciatica from it (but only rarely). I did it by….wait for it…putting on pants. you know when you hold the waist of your jeans and do a little jump to shimmy them up? That’s what did it.

    I got by with some pain killers and muscle relaxants from a doctor I worked with, but considered there was a party in my room with all my favorite dead celebrities, I don’t think that would work for someone with three children to chase around.

    I love your boots! boots like that need to be worn on the outside for all to see. And I think holding on to clothes is great if you still wear them. I wore the same sweater New Years Eve 2009/2010 as I did for 2003/2004. If it ain’t broke…

    Best wishes for the tiny tiny baby.

  • Sarah
    January 9, 2010 at 8:35 pm

    Love, love, love your blog! And could your family be any more gorgeous?!
    Love all the clothes craziness! It motivates me to finally tackle my closet too!
    Sarah

  • Emily
    January 9, 2010 at 9:17 pm

    My heart goes out to your friend and sweet Austin. Lots of prayers from this household. I know the NICU can be a scary place and every day brings both joy and worry. May peace be with the family.

  • Alli
    January 9, 2010 at 9:20 pm

    Love your blog! I have the same problem with all my cloths. Girl, I feel your pain, 2 babies in 2 years and seems like cloths in every size.. but I just can’t get rid of them! any advice on how to break a toddler of a paci?!

    & many prayers for baby Austin.
    Alli

  • Sarah
    January 9, 2010 at 9:20 pm

    love your blog, its’ purpose and transparency. I did a huge closet purge after we moved and it was fabulous to be able to find things again! Way to go with the resolutions, oh and also hope you see more help at the mission soon.

  • Beth Fuston
    January 9, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    YEA! Great job purging! I am a professional organizer and spent all day at a clients house doing the same thing! Doesn’t it feel great knowing all of those clothes will be going to someone who will love to have them?! It is all worth it when you think about it like that!

    Thanks for always being an inspiration to all of us!!!

    Beth, Austin

  • Melanie Gore
    January 9, 2010 at 9:39 pm

    I love cleaning out anything. I just don’t like a lot of stuff. We just moved from Florida to northern Kentucky and I threw away stuff that we didn’t need etc. but when the movers came, it seemed like the stuff multiplied:) I will say that you are right….you are boardering on being able to be on the Hoarders show;) LOL Just kidding. You have been busy having babies and haven’t had time to do anything but kids. The rescue mission will really be able to use all those clothes.

  • Rachel Hood
    January 9, 2010 at 9:45 pm

    this is my first comment-i love your blog…you are just precious and so are those little people of yours…

    well the back pain i just had to say- i had last year (thought i wrenched it, lived with it a couple of days, like excruciating!) made a rice bag-just like you, then got a rash that i thought was from wearing the heating pad-then it hit me

    SHINGLES!

    and there is a medicine you can take (if you aren’t breastfeeding
    just thought i’d tell you in case it turned out to be the same…will pray for you as often as you come to mind

  • Blayne Beacham
    January 9, 2010 at 10:53 pm

    What cute Kids! My mom still cuts my hair, so i feel you little girl’s pain. Way to go with the closet. I cleaned out my studio this weekend, so i can sympathize. Stay Warm!!

  • Bailey
    January 10, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    I am so glad to know that baby Austin is doing better, that just made my heart hurt for them but it truly is a miracle and I pray that he continues to improve and thrive.
    I feel like your closet is peering through my computer and giving my closet the stink eye. And I don’t even have 3 beautiful babies to account for my different sizes in clothes, just my own lack of discipline. Rats, I think I am just going to have to go dive in and purge a few items…maybe if I purge my fat clothes it will force me to get back into my skinny jeans, lest I freeze to death nude in the frozen tundra.

  • Courtney
    January 10, 2010 at 8:03 pm

    I live in Birmingham about 10 min from the hospital. If your friend needs a place to stay while the baby is in the hospital, she/they are welcome to a room in our home. We are normal… kinda ;). Love your blog.

  • Sara D.
    January 10, 2010 at 11:25 pm

    Hey Darby…glad to hear that Baby Austin is hanging in there! My husband and I are parents to twins born at 25 weeks gestation…it was a SCARY road, but undoubtledly the greatest influence in my life, as far as knowing the strength and power and compassion of my Lord and Savior!! Here is the link to our blog, that I wrote on their 5th birthday, last month!!!

    https://thedenckhoffs.blogspot.com/2009/12/he-is-mighty-to-save.html

    Oh. And I have many clothes that pre-date my marriage (2000), and can be traced back to my college years! Great job, you have officially convinced me to “consider” purging…

  • Alisha
    January 11, 2010 at 9:45 am

    I have been checking out your blog for a couple weeks now, and I love all the recipes and your sewing ideas! We tried “Easy Asian” last night and my husband loved it! I just wanted to say that I have been thinking and praying for Baby Austin. I was born 6 weeks early and weighed 3 pounds 3 ounces. ( I even lost weight after that) I was in the hospital a month. But I am 24 years old now and perfectly healthy, and so thankful for the Lord’s mercy and modern medicine! Keep doing what your doing!

  • Jen
    January 11, 2010 at 11:24 am

    I can so relate to this post! The maternity clothes, the many different sizes of clothes due to fluctuating post-pregnancy weight. I felt like I was drowining in “stuff.” I took a lot of clothes to Good Will before Christmas, but there’s still plenty of purging to do. But, doesn’t feel great after you’ve done it? Your house is cleaner and you’re giving items to those who really need it.

  • ashley
    January 11, 2010 at 11:10 pm

    from a fellow auburn alumnist, hello! Just wanted to say I’ll be praying for that sweet baby and good for you for cleaning out that closet. I’m with you on the every size. I was one year behind you but from 2005-2009 = 3 babes as well. whoot. {I’m still in denial about some of my teeny sizes. boooooo.} good for you!

  • Julie M
    January 12, 2010 at 12:54 pm

    I am so glad that the baby is doing well. More prayers are definitely coming his way! I clean out my closet often, but always donate to a rather large charity organization. I always wished I could find a place, see it and walk in and help out, rather than having a big truck show up and take away my hand-me-downs from my stoop. Something about knowing where your clothes are going is nice. How do you decide where to donate your items and your time?

  • Amber
    January 12, 2010 at 11:24 pm

    I, as well, just came across your blog recently and fell in love. It all started with your cinnamon honey butter, that I just had to post about https://larsonsleeping.blogspot.com/2009/12/recipe-cinnamon-honey-butter.html Now you’re a permanent staple on my site links.

    So I’ve finally commented because I work in a hospital and hear the most wonderful stories constantly from our NICU. God works overtime for those little bundles of love. I hope the same turns out to be true in your friend’s case.

  • Ana
    January 13, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    Darby – don’t throw or donate the clothes that have nice fabric nd nice patterns, you can always reuse them in your projects or clothes for the girls.

  • Susie
    January 14, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    Just wanted to offer a bit of encouragement…friends of mine had their baby at 24 weeks and now, one year later, she’s healthy and thriving. Check it out: https://brooklynlorenz.blogspot.com/2010/01/happy-birthday-beautiful.html
    God is so good. 🙂

  • Renee Smith
    March 21, 2010 at 11:08 am

    I just did this in the fall (09), and went shopping JUST LAST WEEK for the first time since I was married (2.5 years) and bought maternity clothes to have a baby (now 15 months old). … and here’s the hilarious part that makes me cry tears of half-joy half-anxiety…
    I found out yesterday that we are expecting another baby… will all my fabulous clothes from the limited still be in style in 2 years?! I just found your blog about an hour ago when my son went down for his nap, and have been flipping through the archives (and he is still napping, PRAISE GOD!).

    I wanted to ask you if you have a suggestion for a good (compact) double stroller that also fits a carseat (can a mom have it ALL?). We realized yesterday that our perfect umbrella sized stroller that also adapts to fit the carseat is built for only one child! And it is stroller number 3 (it took us a long time to find the one that worked without breaking my back).

    I hope you are enjoying your fresh and clean closet, and loving those babies every moment. I cannot believe how fast the time flies, and I worry that it will start flying faster when our second little blessing arrives in 8ish months. (I find your blog refreshing, and your “voice” reminds me of some of my closest friends… who cannot know that I’m pregnant for 2 more months, and may still not understand because they do not have babies).

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