Things I have learned so far...

So here we are. I am going to sit here and tell you what I have learned (or haven't learned) in my 24 months of motherhood.

Disclaimer; no expert here. Just an ordinary first time mama living life to the fullest with a little bundle of joy on my side, oh and a very cool partner to love on along the way.

This is starting to sound like one of those puke, your life is perfect, type posts. Believe me, it's not. And before I go off on anymore tangents, I will just start with my list.

1. Patience. I have learned you need lots of this to survive motherhood. And it is amazing how patient one can truly be as a mother, patience with my daughter, and patience with all the changes that have come with this new role in my life. In fact, she has taught me to also be patient with other people and aspects of my life. She's always teaching me.

2. Organization. Is a must. It is so important to be organized. At any point of time, I might need to grab something as I am running out the door, and I just don't have "Extra' time on my hands to be fishing around for stuff. Therefore, everything, and I mean everything, has a designated spot in her bedroom or somewhere in our home. As a result, I take care of all things kid related. 

3. Pamper. Pamper yourself. Put on lotion at least a couple times a week. Put on a cute outfit. Get your nails done. Cut your hair (more than just once every 5 months... yea....about that). This is all so important to take care of yourself and be happy with being you. 

4. Schedule. Now... I know that this may not work for everyone. That certain circumstances may prevent mamas from having schedules.... however, in my case, a schedule could work. It would keep everyone sane in our household. Sure, there are moments where the schedule gets disrupted (that's life for you), but for the most part, 99% of the time, we should live by the schedule.

5. Eat. Sounds simple enough right? No. Not exactly. I can't tell you how many times I have forgotten to eat. Or Micaela falls asleep at night and I think "man, all I have eaten today is a bowl of cereal" (well... that and a few m&m's... haha). 

6. Love. Love on your family, friends, and oh ya... life partner. He needs extra loving once baby comes around. And I mean extra extra. Learn to find time to spend with him.

7. Time. I have learned with time, all things get easier. Not easy, but just easier. With time, it all makes sense.... you kind of have a few of those "a-ha" moments. And those moments feel nice. Not going to lie.

8. Capture. Pictures pictures pictures. Videos videos videos. Get it all. Your baby grows by so freakin' fast, it is unbelievable... and I LOVE to look back on all 20,000 pictures that I have.

9. Go out. Leave the house. With baby or not. Just go outside, venture out in the world (as scary as it may be) and live your life. You can't stay inside forever. Yes, I am talking to you. Get out of your house! Believe me.... I had to convince myself of this a lot.

10. Tissues. Carry these with you everywhere. I have learned that as a mother... you get a whole bunch of emotions that you carry with you at.all.times. Which means... this mama cries a lot.

11. Perfection. It doesn't exist. So don't try to be that perfect mother. You won't be. Sorry to burst your bubble. 

12. Never say never. Like I will never go out in public with my baby without socks or shoes on.... ya. That was me. Or never will I take a nap with my baby in my bed... mhmm. I think I might just even write a whole blog post on this "never say never" deal. Don't lie.... you know you have done it. 

13. Loosen up. It is okay for others to love on your baby.... i'm still getting used to this. So no expert in this matter... but I have learned it gets easier with this.

14. Remember. These moments don't last forever. They grow up, and they grow up too fast. So whether it means you have to write down every little detail of their life, or photograph every smile, milestone, or event, then DO IT! Don't be a slacker....you will regret it later. I cry thinking about how fast my baby is growing up. I think of her not being my little itty baby anymore and it brings tears to my eyes. I want to hold onto these sweet moments forever...at the same time, I love to watch her grow. I never want to forget these memories, and as a result I turn to blogging and taking pictures (sometimes in excess) of my darling princess.  I want to remember her like this forever. I want to remember all these special moments. The way she looks into my eyes, the way she needs me. As I need her. 

There are so many more things... and as I started typing this, I didn't realize how much would come at me. But rules are rules, and I don't like to make blog posts this long. Unfortunately, I think I broke my own rule. But that's what rules are made for.... to be broken.

Oh haha, cliche. I know. Shame on me.