what i've learned...so far

since becoming a mom, there are quite a few things that i've learned.  i decided to write a few of the things that i'm learning on this crazy journey.

1. even when you get back to your pre-baby weight, your body will not be the same.  it's amazing how different the shape of my body is after having a baby.  things that used to fit fine suddenly fit weird, or don't fit at all.  it was kind of frustrating, but i'm getting used to it.

2.  you can read tons and tons of books to prepare for having a baby, but it's really a learn as you go/ trial and error process.  and the babies in all the books...i'm convinced they don't exist.  where are these babies that sleep for 12 hours at night and take 2 good naps during the day?

3.  i wouldn't describe myself as a go-with-the-flow easy going lady.  but since having a baby, i'd like to think that i have mellowed out.  i've learned that you can't control every little thing.  you can plan and plan, but sometimes she'll just want to eat at 11 instead of 11:30, or she wont want to nap until 2 instead of 1.  as a person who likes a schedule, i'm trying to learn how to go with the flow.

4.  i won't always feel that being a mom is rewarding.  bottom line - it's hard dirty work.  but, i'm learning to see those sweet moments with her as my reward.  when she cuddles (which is pretty much never), smiles, giggles, learns something new; i'm learning that those moments are what i need to cherish and remember.

5. i thought we did a good job of baby proofing...check again sister. check again.  that baby will get into the weirdest stuff, and find things that you didn't even know you had.

6.  sometimes babies need a good cry.  haven't you ever had a time when you needed to let it all out?  well, i learned sometimes what they need is to just get it all out.  and, it's okay that they do.

7.  you aren't the only one who hasn't caught their baby as they fell when they we walking up the stairs.  or who wasn't watching them close enough.  and while it's a pretty awful feeling, it's comforting to know that you aren't the worst parent in the world.

8.  the veil between heaven and earth is so thin.  when you have that tiny babe in your arms, it is probably one of the times you will be the closest to heaven.  i have had so many wonderful spiritual experiences as i've held mae in my arms.  write them down.