Motherhood: Lessons learned- Year One

So it's better late than never... I planned to do this post for mother's day. Maybe an honerable mention here should be that I've learned that nothing gets done when I think they will!! So without further ado, the top ten things I've learned from being a mother (year one).

1. Childbirth is WAY worse than you think it's going to be. BUT, it's amazing how quickly the pain goes away when it's done. I'm sure finally seeing your cute little bundle has a lot to do with that.

2. I've learned how much I could love a person. I think God gave mothers the ability to love this deeply, because no matter how many diapers you change or how many times you have to get up in the middle of the night, you still can't get enough hugs and kisses from that little person.

3. I've learned and was surprised by just how much my parents love me.

4. I'm able to survive with less sleep than I thought possible.

5. One word: Guilt. I didn't think it possible to have guilt over a little boy just over a year old, but I feel guilt over not knowing how to get him to eat, if I let him watch a movie so I can get something done in the house, that I don't have him involved in more activities with other children... I can go on here, but you get the idea...

6. The sillier, the better. Your kid can't get enough of your crazy dances, silly faces and made up songs. All adult reservations are thrown out the window.

7. There's nothing more fun than a mess. I remember when I brought Tyler to the park this spring. He wanted sit in the dirt and throw wood chips everywhere. At first I wasn't going to let him, afraid of the mess he was inevitably going to make (not to mention all the icky things lerking in the woodchip pile). And then I remembered that he was a kid. And being a kid, he needed to make a mess. I still have to remind myself of that when he wants to play in the mud puddle or squish applesauce in with his spaghetti.

8. Sometimes you're going to have to resort to bribery. I'll admit that I will sometimes carry a sucker in my purse, just in case we're at the store and I can see a melt down coming on. It's amazing what a little sugar will do.

9. You can spend all the money you want on the coolest toys, but sometimes the best toy is an empty peanut butter jar and a lid.

10. All parents think that their kid is the cutest, most brilliant and gifted kid ever. Of course, mine really is...

And finally I'll end with things that I've said that I never thought I would:

"Please don't lick that toilet plunger!"

"My kid doesn't like chocolate."

And

"Tyler, the doggy doesn't like it when you pet him there."