What I have Learned:

I have been a mom for 32 months and a couple days now. And in those 32 months and a couple days I have learned a lot. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done but at the same time the best thing. I know you hear that all the time but I never thought it was really true until I had Addie. She has been frustrating and exhausting and amazing and the light of my world. Who knew she could be so many things at once.

But anyway in those 32 months of being a mom I have learned a lot and I just wanted to share a few of those gems with you because that's just what I do....

+ homemade play dough is much better than store bought

+ the simplest things can be toys, i.e. 101 cookie cutters

+ windup toys that stop moving then suddenly start again are terrifying for a 2 year old

+ bribing your child to get out of the door and go to your own doctors appointment is completely
acceptable. sometimes you have to do it and you shouldn't feel guilt.

+ independent play is very important. not just for your kid but for you. you can only be handed something so many times before you need a break for your own sanity. independent play is great for your kids development however so encouragement for them to entertain themselves is very important

+ sometimes all they want is someone to play with

+ no matter how hard you try, toys will be everywhere all the time

+ kids are funny

+ you get a pass when you are out in public with your kid for looking crazy. we all do nutty things to keep the kid entertained. i have been known to talk to myself but it's perfectly okay because I have the kid...or maybe I still look crazy

+ no matter how hard you plan to have things be or go a certain way, kids have a way of totally screwing with that. they do things their own way in their own time.

+ trust your instincts. i learned that there is nothing quite like a mom's instincts when it comes to your kid. i have been doubted when it comes to things that involve her but I stick with my gut because in the end I know her best. i spend the most time with her. And so far my instincts have been right on the money every single time.

+ there is no such thing as a quick run to the store with a 2 year old. everything takes twice as long as it used to when you are dragging a kid along with you.

+ sometimes a movie is a life saver. you need a few minutes to yourself or to get something done and popping in that movie gives you that time. i have learned to not feel guilty about that (as long as i don't do it every day all day long).

+ trains and airplanes are pretty much the coolest thing ever to a two-year-old

+ just because it's her favorite food today doesn't mean she will even consider putting it anywhere near her mouth tomorrow, or two hours from now

Addie definitely keeps me on my toes. She keeps me guessing. She keeps me moving. She keeps me tired. But hey I have a pretty awesome life thanks to that little girl. I think everyday I learn something new. Who says learning stops after you leave school?!

xo, B