Monday, June 9, 2008

Random Stuff

Oops. It looks like I published a draft version of my last post. I'm sure I had edited it to be much more witty and entertaining. Plus I know I added at least a couple of paragraphs. Obviously not anything terribly important, as I only remember one thing that wasn't included in the published post.

Which is...

Nicholas is short! 5th percentile, in fact. When our new and wonderful Pediatrician told us that I couldn't believe it.

"50th?" I clarified?
"No, fifth."
"Fifteenth?" Penn asked?
"No, fifth... FIVE"
"Ooooh..."

It's surprising because Penn is almost 6'5!

There are apparently two ways to guesstimate one's adult height at this age. The first is to double the age two height. Which would make Nicknack, as a grown man, 5'4. Hmm. That just doesn't seem possible. No males on either side of our family are that height. That's shorter than ME! Plus he is taller than both of his friends, which would mean that both children, each a couple of months older than Nicknack, would be 5'2 grown ups. What are the odds of us all having such little offspring when we are all of average or taller height?

The other way to predict height is to add five inches to the mother's height (I guess I'd be a 5'10 male) and average that with the father's. Which would put Nicknack in the 6'1-6'2 range.

I obviously don't care how tall Nicknack is or will be. But I'm pretty sure most men wouldn't choose to be 5'4. And yet I hope he isn't as tall as his dad, because he's darn hard to buy clothes for.

For example, a few weekends ago we went to my parents' for the weekend and I forgot to pack any pants for Penn. Just shorts (it's usually blazing in Ellensburg this time of year), but it became increasingly windy and sprinkly. I can tell you that their good-sized Fred Meyer did not contain a SINGLE pair of jeans or pants that were 34s (Penn's length), even in the Big and Tall section. I know this because my mother and I checked each and every pair of pants in the place. Literally. They should just call the Big and Tall section the Big section because the pants get larger and larger around the waist, but not any longer!

Thank heavens for Land's End, which has lots of nice, well-made, basic, classic, inexpensive "big and tall" clothes. And it's so convenient to order everything online, have it delivered to our door, and we are able to make returns at Sears.

I just hate shopping in person. I know, that's unusual for a woman. I truly detest going to the mall. I only go about twice a year and we live in a good-sized city, full of great malls. I am rarely invited to go shopping with female friends and relatives because a)I usually decline and b)I'm not fun to shop with. After about three stores I'm so bored my eyes start to glaze over and I have a difficult time not acting impatient because I'm so ready to go. I especially hate waiting while people try things on in the dressing room. Just those last two words make me want to run screaming.

The exception is shopping for Nicknack's clothing at the outlet mall. I love doing that, but Penn I have a very efficient system and breeze through the stores at a breakneck speed. I know exactly what style I like, what colors looks nicest on Nicknack, what he'll get the most use of of, and what brands fit him best. And best of all, no one has to try on a thing. It's beautiful.

Speaking of shopping, this year I started visiting the consignment stores in our area, and even the big used stores like Value Village and Goodwill. A couple of years ago I wouldn't have stepped foot in such places. I would have been embarassed and also kind of grossed out at the thought of putting Nicknack in clothing previously worn by random strangers.

But this is something that is quite socially acceptable in our neck of the woods. We live in an older inner-ring suburb between two of the fancier Seattle zipcodes. Our church happens to be located in one of these nicer areas and so most of the women in my Bible study have homes two or three times larger than our modest late fifties ranch.

So imagine my surprise one day when one of my Bible study ladies called to tell me that such-and-such consignment store was having a huge sale and everything one could fit in a bag was only a dollar!

I was so taken off guard. My first thought was "maybe she thinks we're poor!?" But no, she would have to be in the store herself to know about this sale, right?

Then a few weeks later several of the women in my group were standing by their monstrously large and tricked out SUVs, discussing the best day to shop at Goodwill. Okaaay.

Finally one day my friend and I were having coffee and she asked me if I wanted to stop at Value Village on the way home. I really did not, but I didn't want to be rude.

So I went with her and I was shocked to find a whole bunch of great stuff for Nicknack. Ralph Lauren, Janie and Jack, Lacoste, J Crew Crewcuts, etc. Plus all of our standby brands like Gap, Carters, and Osh Kosh. I seriously have his Christmas photo outfits put away for the next few years.

So since then I've been back a few times and it's kind of fun! I can fill a bag with dozens of things for the price of one of the items new.

Heaven help us if this baby is a girl. We are going to take a big financial hit. They just make the most darling little girl clothing and I know I won't be able to control myself. But I guess as long as I stick with the outlet mall and the consignments stores I won't be able to do too much damage.

8 comments:

Janelle said...

Ugh! Girl stuff is two to three times more expensive than boys. It's the accessories that kill you. She just has to have the cute bows and tights to match. :)

I am with you though. I really hate shopping. Really hate it more with other people involved.

You are not alone, sister!

connorcolesmom said...

Oh I LOVE the goodwill/thrift store
I was like you until one day a few years ago a friend invited me to the thrift store on a playdate

I was like a kid in candy store - I got so much stuff that was practically new!!

As far as Nick goes and the height thing I would not worry about it
He will have a growth spurt and catch up to the rest of the percentage

Plus what I have found is by the time they are 8 they are all about the same height anyway :)
Have a great day
Kim

Lisa Bolling said...

Kitty, you are so cute! Here in the South - we love Goodwill stores. Now, don't get me wrong, I won't buy just anything, but most of the time I can get some really great brands. I also look for things that still have tags on them - or barely worn.
It's a great thing to go to Goodwill and find some really good treasures. The best part - no one has to know.
Blessings to you. Oh, and how are you and the baby getting along?

Alana said...

My kids were always in the 5th percentile or under for their weight. It freaked me out, but they have averaged out now.

I love a good consignment store, or even better a friend who is willing to give you the stuff they have grown out of. Glad you found some good buys ;-)

Kate said...

Congratulations on the next little one!! How exciting for your family. (And I'm sure for you right now, how tiring as well.)

Goodwill...or as I like to call the Goodwill in Corvallis...Wonderful William. When I was out visiting my sister, I made three or four trips to the same Goodwill in one week. We had to borrow an extra suitcase to bring home my finds. You West Coasters know how do do a pretty awesome Goodwill! Not to mention recycling and libraries. I think we need to move.

Kate

mandy said...

i think it's so precious that you call him nicknack!!!

Ashley said...

Great post! I am a SAHM in the Seattle area too, and I found you on Seattle Mom Blogs!

Prairie Rose said...

Your blog has been nominated for an award. Go to http://fragranceofsweetgrass.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-first-award.html for details. :)