How Baby

Shortly before we had Momo, I bought a Totoro cape as a random purchase that ended up being one of my favorite things to wear when I was pregnant. I worked a lot of conventions while I was pregnant, and it was just nice to have something super comfortable that always fit. I threw it on again for Momo’s first Halloween, and then… somewhere along the line, I stopped wearing it in favor of newer clothing.

Last weekend I was possessed of an unusual need to deep clean and organize, and came across it again. Still just as soft as it ever way, just as comfy, but… I couldn’t bring myself to wear it again, or to donate it.

So, I gave it to Momo. Not going to lie, it was a powerful emotion I felt when I fastened it around her shoulders and she did a little twirl, marvelling at the thumbholes and the softness, just like I did. I know twelve years isn’t super long to make anything an heirloom, but… that I had worn it, and loved it, when she was inside me, and now it’s something she’s not only old enough to wear, but to appreciate… it’s just really special.

Sometimes the passage of time feels like it’s taking something away, and this time it brought me this experience. There are times like this, too: where I can appreciate that my bond with Momo is only getting closer now that we can share these things – not just clothes, of course… but memories, too.