The above magnolia photograph is second in a series recently shot on May 15, 2005.

Nothing in this world quite compares to the sweet smell of Dreft. It's something that's often imitated these days, but never duplicated. There's just no feeling that truly says "it's almost time" like washing little baby blankets, onesies, booties and caps — and for parents travelling down that road all over again, having that certain scent-jolt to take you right back in the blink of an eye.

I remember when we'd first take our oldest son out in public last year after he was born, and being told over and over again by other parents, "You forget just how tiny they are..." But because he was always ahead of his peers by a mile on the growth charts, he just never seemed all that tiny to us comparatively. However, after sorting through his newborn clothing yesterday, I finally got it. How did the little man before me ever fit in something so amazingly tiny? My mind almost couldn't wrap around it.

I have one more day ahead of me at the washing machine tackling both old and new items of baby blue, and it's one of the few times in my life that I'm actually looking forward to being there...

Well, if it weren't for the fact I'm sending my husband out with friends to see "Revenge of the Sith" without me this afternoon. Because after Michele's brief phone review last night <inside joke> it hurts just like a bad boil </inside joke>.

** note to self ** : Never end up almost 9-months pregnant when a 28-year masterpiece reaches its final crescendo, leaving you curled up on the couch with a strawberry soda and TiVo instead of in a padded velvet seat with popcorn and Junior Mints.

** note to everyone else ** : Even if you don't have children, quit buying Shout and Spray 'N' Wash and switch thee over to Dreft Laundry Stain Remover pronto. It's worth every penny. We've yet to find a stain this stuff can't tackle after a good soaking — including car grease on my mother-in-law's white pants. Just call me your helpful blogosphere Heloise. (Blogebrity status not required.)