Hand-Me-Downs

Our family has been very lucky. But I need to be more specific. We have been very lucky for many reasons the past four years, but this blog entry regards our good fortune with hand-me-downs. I'm sure second and third children remember hand-me-downs; the worn clothes you hated to receive from your older siblings but your parents were grateful to have to pass down to you.

With two growing toddlers, and the fact that they both require clothing (at least when we are out of the house), we have been very blessed to have such generous friends and family who have given us so many hand-me-downs. Clothing two kids at the same time gives us no opportunity for hand-me-downs within our family (unless, of course, we have another baby). Therefore, having them donated to us from other families has been a financial blessing. It is a good thing that our friends and extended family have good taste in clothes! Addy has probably worn every piece of clothing that her older cousin, Molly, has ever worn, and Asher has donned a number of items from a few of my close friend's sons.

And for good measure, and to "give back," we've been sure to pass on the clothes that we've gently used and outgrown to other families. Of course, we kept all of the twins' clothes until we discovered what gender Sissy's baby is going to be (due in April) so she could have first dibs. Asher is thrilled to announce that he'll have a new boy cousin before too long.

Given the obstacles that come along with clothing growing kids, I have learned a few tactics to make the clothes we buy last longer. First, I find it important to buy clothes that don't cost an arm and a leg, but are also super cute and durable. Osh Kosh B'Gosh, Hanna Anderson, and even Target have proven time and time again to have excellent deals and good quality clothing. And, at the rate that the kids grow, I find it imperative to buy for looks as well as economy.

Second, I have found a couple exclusive consignment shops in our area that carry children's clothes for a fraction of the price. The shoes, in particular, I have purchased at these locations have been fabulous deals, with most pairs appearing brand new. I can't recommend consignment shops more when it comes to toddlers clothes.

And lastly, when buying Addy and Asher new clothes, I buy them so the clothes will (ideally) last through three stages: 1) a little bit too big 2) just right and 3) a little bit too small. It is almost like an alternative version of The Three Bears. In any case, I make it a point to buy most of the twins' clothes a little on the big side. That is, when they are on the border of two sizes, I always buy the larger one. Doing so, ensures that they can wear the item for a longer amount of time. For example, if the item is a dress, it can be worn with or without tights for the first two periods, and can be paired with leggings when the dress becomes a bit too short. It doesn't always work out that the item of clothing will be wearable for all three periods. The first two usually work well, but the "a bit too small" period gets tricky when trying to stretch the life out of pants. I try really hard not to dress the kids in "high waters."

Regardless of what they are wearing, Addy and Asher always look adorable to their Mama. Most recently, Asher has been choosing to don dress clothes- hats, corduroy pants, dress shirts, and ties. Addy, as always, wears anything purple, and is a fan of fancy dresses and tutus. On our way to a birthday party recently (partially clad in hand-me-downs), they were all smiles: