What I've learned...

As Brielle turned 2, I started thinking about all the innumerable things I've learned about the daily life of motherhood in just 2 years.  I sat down one evening and wrote down the things that came to mind. I decided to share some of them (there were so many!) and I promise, I wrote these all in one sitting!  Motherhood has taught me so much about myself, as well as how to take care of these precious little ones I'm in charge of. Here's just a few of the good and the bad, the small and big things I've learned in  my 2 years of motherhood as it applies to my children. In no particular order: 

• I've learned that I should never leave a toddler unsupervised with a crayon.  Just because you repeat "you only draw on paper" doesn't mean it sticks in. :) 

• Never go to Toys R Us with a 2 year old that isn't strapped in to a stroller.  Chaos!  

• A happy baby/toddler is a well-rested baby/toddler.  Make naps a priority when you can. 

• Do your grocery shopping at a different grocery store every now and then.  You'll buy different types of food and get new ideas.  It will spice up the sometimes mundane task of feeding your children 3 meals a day plus snacks. 

• Keep a package of wipes in the car. 

• A clorox bleach pen is a MUST for doing laundry. 

•  You can never give your child too many hugs and kisses. 

• When you need to vent or a pep talk, call Mom. 

• It's ok to give your toddler short time-outs.  Remove them from the room or situation when their emotions are too much for their little bodies to handle.  Let them calm down in a quiet place. 

• It's hard to do sit-ups with a toddler sitting on your stomach.  It's hard to do squats with your toddler standing between your legs. 

• Babies and toddlers need lots of Mom-time in the mornings, especially. 

• Date nights really are important. 

• You will never regret taking a nap if given the opportunity! 

• A stroller that fits your needs and lifestyle is a worthy investment.  You use it daily.  Get one you love. 

• Lay out baby Sunday clothes and shoes before going to bed Saturday night.  Pack your diaper bag and bag of quiet toys. It will be easier to get to church on time. 

• Daylight savings time is different with babies. Prepare for it mentally and have low expectations.  Don't expect your kids to adjust as well as you do and sleep in that "extra hour." 

• Hand sanitizer works to get pen marks off of Jeff's desk at work. 

• Teething stinks...for you and your baby! 

• Start out how you want to go on.  If you expect your child to not jump on the couch from day 1, they learn that way.  It you try to discipline after you've let them do something for a while, it is hard to stop.

• A baby that wakes up crying needs more sleep.  Let them put themselves back to sleep, or feed and put baby back down to sleep longer.  If the baby wakes up happy and babbling in crib, they are ready to get up and start the day. 

•   If one child starts to get sick - infect the other one as soon as possible.  The other one is going to get sick anyway, deal with it at the same time instead of one sick one week, the other the second week. 

• If both you and baby are crabby, nurse your baby.  It will calm your baby and calm you.  

• Establish routines.  For example - after we come in from being outside, we wash our hands. If you start early, it is easier as they age and routines become habits. 

• Decide from day 1 that you will never leave your baby/toddler in the bathtub unattended for even a minute.  You will be tempted.  Don't leave no matter what. 

• Take lots of videos.  Pictures are great to look back on, but videos are more fun in the future. 

• If your baby wakes up in the middle of the night because she soaked through her diaper, change her and her pjs. Make sure you change her crib sheet that's probably wet too....BEFORE you get your baby all comfy and back to sleep and try to lay her down. :) 

And the #1 thing I've learned....

TO PRAY. a lot.  

And listen for guidance in your motherhood.  

When you don't know why your baby is crying, or how to calm your toddler - pray.  And then pray some more. You will get direction to do what is best for your children. No amount of books or advice can compensate for the guidance received through prayer.