Have you ever noticed how many freaking bags and backpacks you use once you’re a parent?

Last night I had to prepare three bags for Lawrence to take to preschool today. One had his sheet and blanket for nap-time, which I have to take home on Fridays and wash over the weekend, and then of course remember to bring with us on Monday morning. I put it by the door so I have to trip over it on my way out. Since I am not a morning person I’d probably forget it otherwise.

Then, since he had to change into his extra set of clothes at school on Friday, I had to bag the clothes that I’d now laundered in a separate bag to put in his cubby for next time someone throws water on him (or something. I never seem to get a complete story from him on these accidents).

The third bag was his knapsack, which he brings to school every day with his current nap buddy, diapers and windbreaker. Then, before we picked him up from school I packed a shopping bag with his towel, swim diaper and swimming trunks, since we were going to take him straight to swimming class.

Before I had Lawrence I rarely carried more than two bags. My purse and sometimes a bag with my knitting. I used to have tons of extra duffle bags and messenger bags. I used to wonder whether I should get rid of those bags I got free from Quality Paperback Book Club or the canvas totes I impulsively picked up at Barnes & Noble that depicted various authors. I tend to get rid of anything if its usefulness isn’t immediately apparent and it’s taking up space. Looks like some unseen force guided me in keeping them.

I was so relieved when I finally didn’t have to carry a diaper bag with my everywhere I went, with all the diapers and wipes and bottles and teething toys and whatever else I might need to keep the baby happy on a half hour excursion. Now I realize that I didn’t give up my role as bag lady. It just got more complicated.