Isn't it funny how the smaller the child is, the bigger their toys and accessories are (think exersaucer vs ipod)? With an infant, you get to carry around a “portable” car seat plus diaper bag containing everything (pacifiers, diapers, change of clothes, toys, snacks, etc). Gradually, little by little, you get to downsize and simplify.

Last month I potty trained my two-year-old, and I graduated from the diaper bag stage. No need for diapers and changing pad anymore! So I went in search of a more stylish, streamlined bag to carry the items we still need on occasion (like extra clothes and the collapsible potty seat for those nasty bathrooms you sometimes find, especially when traveling).

I found a great, lightweight bag at Belk that I can throw everything in when needed. Or I can leave it in the van as a just-in-case and use my regular purse, which is what I do most often for daily jaunts around town.

I am loving my new-found freedom from the diaper bag, feeling like a new woman. Crazy how such a little thing can make such a big difference in your outlook!

And my little guy is so proud of himself. We were at the playground recently and he wanted to swing. A man nearby joked with him that you have to be pretty big to swing. My two-year-old looked at the man, pointed at his own shorts, and said, “underpants.” That was all the explanation he felt was needed!