Saturday, January 29, 2011

On hand-me-downs

There's a huge Baby Co. sale at Megamall right about now and I've been wanting to go except that I am sick. A cold that started three weeks ago finally took a dramatic turn for the worse and I have taken to bed.

Anyway, I don't really need anything for Vito. Being the youngest boy in the male-dominated Sales family, he's inherited a ton of clothes and baby things from his cousins. I just wanted to get foodie things like a bowl, a sippy cup, a rubber-tipped spoon, a food grinder and... Well, I just wanted to check things out! I also wanted to go to the department store and get slipcovers for our dining chairs. With Vito about to embark on solid food in a couple of weeks, our lovely house is in danger!

My onesies, socks, bibs, stroller, carrier, bath tub... all for free!
Anyway, I also wanted to shop because I've been dealing with this nagging feeling that I'm not getting Vito new stuff. You know? His stuff. It was Vince who started it. He's the youngest in his family and he always got his brother's hand-me-downs. So even though he likes it that we haven't spent anything on Vito's clothes and stuff, he also feels bad that we aren't even trying to get him new things.

I'm no stranger to hand-me-downs either. Because my family didn't have much when I was growing up, I got the clothes of my cousins. And oh those clothes were so beautiful! So I have a good experience with second-hand stuff. Hence, my fascination with eBay!
DVF silk ladybug shift dress from eBay!
Miu Miu by Prada silk dress
from eBay!
H&M belted LBD from eBay!
But then I have friends who also gave birth this year. And they tell me about how the onesies here are so cute or the bibs over there are so clever or how the strollers now are so high-tech... and I get insecure. There are so many nice new things out there! Should I rush out and get them for my Vito? After all, he is my first born. My only child. Should I try harder? Am I taking this save-the-planet thing a bit too far? Am I relying too much on the kindness and oh so wonderful generosity of my Sales family? (Thanks, Anj! Thanks, Lizelle!)

I really don't want to care but it's so strange how a little baby changes everything!

7 comments:

  1. Hey Frances, don't worry about it. At this stage they grow up so fast and outgrow their clothes and toys so quick. You're really lucky to get hand-me-downs for Vito. Save your money for his activities like Gymboree and Kindermusik, haha.

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  2. Thanks =) Yes, Vito's clothes look so new. Some even have still tags!

    You're right. We should save up for his vaccinations. Those are pricey. And school!

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  3. Hi Ms Frances! I have been reading (more like stalking. ;) your blog for some time now and I find you and your writing so refreshing. This is not making sipsip ha. Anyway, about Vito's hand me downs, I can relate as I also have a baby turning into a toddler and they grow up so fast, you wouldn't need new or expensive clothes and anyway, it's not the clothes that make the man! I agree that you should save up on vaccinations and "other essentials".

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  4. I agree with memoir of a missus, especially when the hand me downs still look new. Better to be healthy and have a good education than to have lots of clothes that will only be used up until Vito's two or three years old:P

    ...and better to save up for travel *wink wink*

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  5. Thanks, Cheann and Mav! Yeah, you're right naman. I guess naiinggit din ako minsan sa mga babies ng iba who have all these nice new things. I should see myself and my Vito as blessed for having more than enough!

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  6. I'm the eldest girl so, I always get the new things! :))

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  7. Haha, Michelle, good for you! Well, Vito's the eldest, too, but the youngest apo. So there!

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