Closer to Complete

A week ago I did a post called "Incomplete Complete". I talked about gathering cloths in the next size up for when Zach outgrows his current things. Seven days later, I am washing all of the shirts, shorts, pants, and swim cloths because he needs it. I didn't think it would come this quickly!

A few days ago his sleep bottoms came. He put on the shorts and the pants and they fit just right. Yesterday, his shirt for his summer camp came. I had ordered it a size larger. That too fit just right. He's in the middle. Both sizes fit. So, I asked him. "Which are more comfortable, the new cloths or the old ones?"

After lunch today his new and bigger swim shorts and tops came in the mail. They fit him too. So, he went through the duffle bag with glee. Now we are washing his regular bottoms and shirts. We are still waiting on being able to order his long sleeve shirts, fleece level rain jacket, and a coat. The good news is he won't need them until after they have been ordered and arrived...……………… I hope!

We all have different approaches to handling when to get the next size up wardrobe. When he was a baby, I did it right when he fit into a new size. That way, I would be ready! Although, back then, I didn't seasonally prepare for more then 3 months ahead. He was in 6 - 9 month sizes for 6 weeks. I was really glad I did it this way!

As he got older, I slowed down when I got his next wardrobe up. The last few times it was after a couple of big growth spurts. When I knew a bigger size might be coming soon. Like what happened this past time. I wanted to be ready. But, it seems more like I am prepared in the nick of time then ahead of time! This time around. At least I am getting great deals through Kohl's. His preferred brand is Tek Gear.

We are told that around age 5 growth slows down. That is true. It didn't feel that way. But, it was true. They still get a lot of growth spurts. But, each growth spurt doesn't add as much as it does when they are little. What also happens is their clothing lasts longer because of that.

Starting around age 6, I found I had to replace pants with holes in the same size. I always felt weird doing that. What if he grows out of them soon. But, sometime before he turned 8, he was still in the same size and the other sizes were way too big on him. It got easier.

It's been so long since he's needed a full blown wardrobe overhaul. The last few times it has been the tops only or the bottoms only. But, this time, it's everything except for his shoes and socks! Even then, we'll revisit the shoes for October!

I know right now what my parents are both going to say. They are going to say his new cloths are too big on him and/or that his old cloths fit just fine. I call that grandparent denial! What the new cloths are is looser then the old cloths. A better fit. Not as tight. Are they longer then the old cloths? Yes, of course they are. But, he's taller then he used to be. He tried them all. I asked which sizes were more comfortable. This is all based on his opinion not mine.

The new wardrobe is closer to complete. It still will always be incomplete. Even if he does get bigger shoes in the fall. Because he would need snow boots and flip flops too. You also never know when something with a hole needs to be replaced. Those are easier to manage then a full blown top to bottom overhaul though!