Cheater Cheater, Pumpkin Eater!

{Since we're still recovering from Gillian Grace's birthday festivities, I'm going to cheat a little and post something that actually published this weekend over at The Life of Rylie... and Bryce too!, where I was LeeAnn's guest blogger for Saturday Playdate.

I'll be back tomorrow with the first installment of GG's birthday extravaganza! I know...you can hardly wait, right?!

Until then, make it a good one y'all!}




ABCs of Mommyhood

{one} It's amazing how a baby so small, can change your life in such a gigantic way!

{two} Changing diapers is never fun. Make a run to Sam's or Costco's and stock up on diapers and wipes. These are two things you never want to be without and having only a few extras on hand is never enough!

{three} When your baby is fussy, a day can seem like an eternity. Call a friend or meet a family member for lunch. Your little one can fuss just as well out on the town as they can at home, and getting out will help break up the day!

{four} A baby should be included as one of Webster's definitions of happiness.

Main Entry: hap·pi·ness \ˈha-pē-nəs\
Function: noun Date: 15th century

1 good fortune : prosperity
2 a: a state of well-being and contentment : joy b : a pleasurable or satisfying experience
3 felicity, aptness
4 A BABY
{five} When you have a newborn, insomnia is a fact of life. Just keep in mind, that this too will pass and one day soon you'll be sneaking into your little one's room at night just to watch them sleep.

{six} All babies should arrive clutching keys to a storage unit capable of storing all the keepsakes you'll collect. {Can you tell I'm a C-section Momma?!}

{seven} Learn to laugh and do it often! Even the biggest mess looks better through tear filled eyes caused from uncontrollable fits of laughter.

{eight} It's easy to think you know everything. But don't make the same rookie mistake I did, listen to your mother. Her opinions and advice are invaluable! Yes, it's true that you'll figure it out, eventually developing your own parenting style. But take it from me, listening to someone with years of experience will save you time and preserve your sanity as well! {Plus it'll make your momma feel important and needed, scoring you major brownie points! A win-win!}

{nine} The best tip I ever got from my mom-friends was to nap when the baby was sleeping. Chores can wait, rest should be a priority! Remember the classic saying, "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

{ten} A baby will heighten your olfactory sense. No matter how hard you try, there's no mistaking the odor coming from a poopy diaper.

{eleven} Be careful, little ones are quick! You can't take your eyes off them for a second! Once they're mobile, it's off to the races.

{twelve} Try to develop a routine. Though it's difficult at first, a routine along with consistency will help an infant feel more safe and secure. It will also keep your days and nights organized and manageable.

{thirteen} Your baby's first smile will warm your heart. Each smile thereafter will melt you completely!

{fourteen} When your baby begins teething, it can be painful both for them and for you!

{fifteen} Remember that every baby is unique. Something that worked for someone else, may not work for you. And though it's tempting, try not to make a habit of comparing your wee one to others of similar age.

{sixteen} If your baby isn't a fan of vegetables, try mixing them with other foods.

{seventeen} Avoid buying too many toys at first. Save your money and wait to see how your baby's interests develop. You may find that your munchkin would rather play with a box or spoon than the fanciest store-bought toy.

{eighteen}Expect the unexpected! Nothing can prepare you for the challenging journey of parenthood. And yet nothing will give you greater joy and satisfaction either.

{nineteen} Trust yourself! You will instinctively know what's best for your child and family. Never question the power of your mother's intuition.

{twenty} The first year zooms by! Close your eyes and your baby's turning one! Soak it all in and enjoy every moment.

Buckle up friends, it's going to be a bumpy and exciting ride. And one day in the not so distant future when you look up and realize that your little one isn't quite so little anymore and they're out on their own, you'll know that it's time to put life on cruise control and enjoy the person you've helped them to become!



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