Lessons Learned

This last year has been FULL of learning experiences.  I mean, that's what motherhood is, right?  A whole bunch of trial and error.  Well, I was thinking back about my thoughts this time last year and kinda had to laugh at myself.  I have learned A LOT and still have A LOT left to learn!!  I am not a perfect mother by any means, but here are some lessons I will never forget:

• Don't feel like you have to invite people over to see the new baby.  You are tired. You need your rest.   There will be PLENTY of time for showing off that sweet bundle in a few weeks :)  When people tell you to "rest now" while you are pregnant.  They mean it.  Those first few weeks of exhaustion are something else!  Also, don't feel like your house has to be clean and perfect for every visitor that does show up.  And, it's okay to still be in your PJs at lunchtime.  I swear, I think I stayed in my pajamas for the first month of Norah Kate's life.
• On a second note, believe it or not you get used to the sleep deprivation.  You can suddenly start to function off of 4 hours of sleep.
• Six hours of consecutive sleep... in your bed... is something great!  And most definitely considered a good night's rest.
• Musical beds is something to get used to.  Mama and Baby fall asleep in the recliner, put the baby to bed, Daddy's on the couch, get Daddy to come to bed with Mama, baby wakes up, Mama and baby go lay on the couch, Daddy wakes up, Mama goes back to bed, Daddy goes to sleep in recliner... Haha!  This happens at least once a week at our house.
• No one, absolutely no one, can prepare you for those post partum hormones... and be prepared... they may last... for months.  I am just now starting to feel normal and my baby is a year old.
• Always carry a change of clothes, for you and the baby.
• Never travel with out snacks.
• Keep toys in every vehicle.  Pack some up and drag them out in a few months.  It will be like having a new toy all over again.
• Let them play in your kitchen cabinets.  Let them drag stuff out.  Let them make racket.  They are learning about their surroundings.
• Rock them to sleep, at least every now and then.
• Snuggle with them when you can.
• Watch them sleep... I swear you can see them grow before your eyes.  Admire their little toes, eary, nose, lips and fingers.
• Don't waste you money on a whole lot of outfits.  They grow too fast.  It's really okay for them to wear the same things twice.
• Grocery shopping does not get any easier the older they get.  Then they just start trying to climb out of the buggy.  I always forget something on my list, but I am proud that I haven't had to leave my shopping cart full of groceries in the store due to a crying fit or a breakdown.  We have had a couple of close calls though.
• A trip to town is no longer the same... I am lucky to make it to one store before we have had enough shopping.
• Let them get messy.  Take a picture of that cookie face.
• Actually, take pictures of everything.  You can't have too many.
• Brag about your kids on Facebook, Twitter, work, church... I would much rather hear someone bragging about their kids then bad mouthing them.
• Find something that is fun for you and baby... bubble baths, jogs, naps, the joey pouch.  Running was my therapy.  It was something both Norah Kate and I enjoyed and I am grateful for that time!
• They can pick up on your stress and tension, so beware of what kind of attitude you are betraying.
• A good day is getting a load of clothes washed, supper cooked, and keeping the house from looking like a hurricane hit it.
• Don't feel guilty for letting someone watch the baby for a Mommy-Daddy date night, or to run errands.
• Parenting books are for the birds.  Each baby is different.  Each parent is different.  Figure out what works best for you and your situation.
• It's okay to cry over them growing up.  You aren't crazy, I promise :)
• They will fall, they will cry, they will get a bump, or a bruise, or a scrape... try not to panic.
• You will find yourself laughing at something they are doing that is bad... at least once.
• Tag Teams with Daddy work great for diaper changes, car seat buckling and medicine giving.  Sometimes just having the moral support or a distraction for baby makes a big difference!
• There is no such thing as a stupid question at the pediatrician's office.  They will not think you are dumb!
• Soak up every minute that you can, every cry, every laugh, every thing because time truly does fly by.
• Enjoy being a mommy! Motherhood is an adventure and an awesome blessing. God picked YOU to raise this child. How amazing is that?
• Every day is a new day. You will have good days and you will have bad days. The good days out weigh the bad though by ten fold!

Twelve months of growing up!

 

As they grow, you will grow as a person.  Let them change you.  Children are sweet blessings.  Never forget that :)