Goobers has retired

Goobers is Eli's baby quilt. It began as a beautiful little quilt stitched together with love by his oldest sister and one of her best friends. Her friend's mom finished it, being a seamstress extraordinaire, with a silky edge in rainbow colors. For the past 8 years, the quilt has been a constant source of security for Eli, going with him on various trips, car rides, and adventures.

It became Goobers after Eli watched the Sponge Bob Squarepants movie a few years ago. No idea why he picked that name, but Goobers it was. The family would sometimes have to have an all-house search for Goobers when it was bedtime. Many tears were shed over Goobers' mysterious hiding places: under the couch, in his sister's room, on the front porch. I sometimes swore he (Goobers gained a gender with his name) did it on purpose just to torture us.

Since Eli's dad and I are split, Goobers has traveled between houses. There was one frantic night when the blanket was left at dad's house and he had to bring it over, ASAP. The things we do for love....

But last week, Eli was looking at Goobers with a critical 8 year old eye. He told me that Goobers was getting pretty old and beat up. That's an understatement! Thousands of wash and dry cycles after his creation, Goobers had transformed from a beautiful little quilt into a rag with a silky rainbow edge. "We need to put Goobers away. He's tired."

I was skeptical. Was it really just that easy? Just put him away? Yep, it was really just that easy. I stowed Goobers in his dresser and told him if he ever wants Goobers again, he's right there waiting for him. I was never one to take my kids' loveys away from them before they wanted to part with them. I guess, in a way, I was more sad to see Goobers go than Eli was.

He's growing up. There. I said it. Lately, he doesn't want me calling him Sugar, or Sweetie, or any other names but Eli. Furthermore, I am forbidden to kiss him. "That's for babies, mom. I'm BORED with kisses." Heavy sigh.

He's my last baby. I remember my older sons going through a similar stage when they were about his age so I shouldn't be surprised, but it's still bittersweet for me. He really is growing up, and I can't stop it. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he's making such great strides with maturation. But it comes with a price.

I know where Goobers is. He's taking a much-deserved rest and I am so proud of Eli for taking the initiative, for being secure enough to give him that rest. I see him when I put clothes away and I smile, thinking how much that little patch of ragged cloth has meant to my son for all these years.

And for the record, I do still give him kisses. I sneak in after he's fallen asleep and steal them. Wouldn't you?