because i don't want to forget

Because I don't want to forget what it looked like to reach the third floor (huffing and puffing, usually) and see our apartment.

Because I don't want to forget the entryway and the buzzer we used to let people into the building.

Because I don't want to forget the lovely paned glass door that didn't actually work properly but added charm to our living room.

Because I don't want to forget the way we stuffed things behind the couch in an attempt to create more storage space.

Because I don't want to forget the view as I sat on that couch.

Because I don't want to forget how the living room greeted me when I walked in.

Because I don't want to forget how we heaped things high. 

Because I don't want to forget how our books filled the rooms as much as our children did.

Because I don't want to forget the spot where things piled until they found more permanent homes.

Because I don't want to forget how versatile that little blue table has been, as it was dragged from room to room for game playing, art projects, and into the apartment entryway as an extension to our kitchen table so "we could all eat together."

Because I don't want to forget the room where everyone gathered with their toys and creations and tasks to just be together.

Because I don't want to forget the tiny hallway that gave access to every other room in the apartment.

Because I don't want to forget how the kitchen had the best natural light and in that way was a welcoming place to be.

Because I don't want to forget that we managed to squeeze five -- and sometimes six -- people around that table.

Because I don't want to forget that even though the fridge leaked in the summer,  didn't ever have quite enough space in the freezer, and was impossible to open when people were seated at the table, it was always covered in photos and artwork of and by my children that made my heart sing.

Because I don't want to forget how there was only one light switch in the kitchen and how 75% of the time I wished it was by the other entrance.

Because I don't want to forget how I somehow managed to make my minuscule amount of counter space invitingly cluttered and productive.

Because I don't want to forget the view from the large sea salt-covered windows, which looked out over neighboring roofs and a ragged tree that towered at least six stories tall and housed bright red cardinals and the occasional raccoon.

Because I don't want to forget where I spent so much time preparing meals for my family.

Because I don't want to forget how much I loved my New York themed Fishs Eddy plates hanging on the wall above the cupboards.

Because I don't want to forget what an inviting sight this was after hauling loads of groceries up the stairs and finally having a spot to set them down on.

Because I don't want to forget how I could almost simultaneously wash dishes, help a toddler on the potty, and help Garrett pick a chapter book out from this spot.

Because I don't want to forget how many people we were able to cram inside this tiny, oddly shaped bathroom.

Because I don't want to forget how many little boys we bathed in that tub.

Because I don't want to forget how if we plugged the vacuum into the bathroom outlet it could reach everywhere in the apartment.

Because I don't want to forget how our landlord thought that by installing that one extra towel bar prior to our move in he was giving us plenty of towel hanging space. Little did he know how we'd fill this place!

Because I don't want to forget that that bit of space around the small, shallow sink is what New Yorkers call "counter space" (air quotes included).

Because I don't want to forget how Blake never closed his closet door.

Because I don't want to forget how inviting my bed was when I'd retreat there after an exhausting expedition.

Because I don't want to forget what it looked like as my entire family would march in one by one, climbing on the furniture as they did so, needing one thing or another the very moment I sank into my memory foam mattress topper.

Because I don't want to forget my makeshift sewing nook.

Because I don't want to forget the variety of surprises that awaited me each time I walked into the boys' room.

Because I don't want to forget how every square inch of this room's perimeter was used to the fullest.

Because I don't want to forget how putting four boys in the same room as their toy collection did not simplify things at all.

Because I don't want to forget the little faces that stared through the crib bars at me each morning and after naps.

Because I don't want to forget how when we bought that bunk bed, it was with two brothers in mind. By the end three brothers were sharing it.

Because I don't want to forget how cozy and comfortable this crowded bedroom really was.

Because I don't want to forget what it was like to live as one of six people in a 600 square foot apartment in Brooklyn.