1) It's not about me anymore. The wedding, the pregnancy, heck my whole life up until I became a mom, was about me. 
Now, it's all about them. 
Now, it's all about them. And I'm honestly much happier this way.
2) Naps are the greatest - whether it be the the one you squeeze in on the weekend, or the one your baby takes so you can catch up on everything else.
3) This too shall pass. Seriously, it works with any situation.
4) Giving a child a sibling is the best gift you can give them.
5) Having two kids is easier than having one. Moms of one never believe me, but it's so true, especially once they start playing together.
6) You have to let go of some of your parenting ideals. I was convinced all of my children would be born naturally, breastfed for a year, love their vegetables, and never talk back. Ha! God is still laughing :)
7) Choose your battles. You want to wear a costume that's two sizes too small? Fine, just make sure it's clean!
8) The house will NOT be perfect. I still obsess over this one a little too much. But the kids really will rather remember a mom who played with them more than a mom who cleans all day.
9) Do something to keep your sanity. For me, that's exercise. For others, it might be going to the grocery store by yourself or having a mom's night out once a month. 
10) PRAY! As the ever-so-wise MC Hammer once rapped, "You've got to pray just to make it today". So true! Pray for your marriage, pray for your children's future, and pray that your daily to-do list is an offering to God.
What would you add to the list?
I think it's a great list and all so true. I firmly believe more is better (8)...especially after these last few days. My almost one year old was so happy to see her siblings after three days of them being away.
ReplyDeleteIt's all so true!
Naps!
ReplyDeleteOh my yes.
Cute pictures
great list and beautifully illustrated!
ReplyDeleteI would add my greatest lesson thus far during my short first year as a mother:
ReplyDeleteYou gain a much deeper level understanding of what it means that God gave up his only SON for us.
Great post!
wonderful post!!!
ReplyDeletei will so remember these for when my mommy days come!!
#11...
ReplyDeleteWorry and stress never makes life better. You will be happier if you let God be in charge. Most things that worried us yesterday we are thankful for today.
#12...
You do not have to buy your kids love with fancy toys. Those are quickly forgotten but the time they spend with you they will always remember.
#13...
The best gift you can give your children is to love your spouse.
Love the list Colleen! I so agree with "kids will remember a mom who played with them and not wether the house was clean or not".
ReplyDeleteI think the biggest thing for me has been find what you need to do for you and do it. Like you, I need to exerise every AM. It keeps me sane and gives me energy for the rest of the day.
Oh I love this post! Almost brought a tear to my hormonal preggo eyes! I love the picture you put up- so fun!
ReplyDeleteI laughed cause God often laughs at me too!!!
ReplyDeletegreat post.
ReplyDeletei agree with all that.
What a great list!! I struggle with #8 every day. So perhaps I should offer up my to-do list more frequently.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my blog. I agree with many of your top 10 here. I can't think of anything to add. Exercise keeps me sane as well!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day.