I know some of you are seasoned moms.
You may find it commical that I even dare write about what I have learned thus far.
But for everyone, Parenthood is a journey, a refining process if you will.
My first bit of advice I recieved was while I was pregnant.
Sidenote:
You see, I was quite a child terror.
People that knew me as a child were always dying to hear "What had I done this time?"
I flushed pennies down the toilet, bathed the dog in fry daddy grease (ruined an oriental rug in the process) spray painted my parents brand new station wagon.
I was a curious child, or so I tell myself. haha
My advice: when your child does something.... laugh and grab the camera! This has saved me several times from an ugly moment.
ie. yesterday.
again, dont yell or get mad.. grab the camera.
usually I am crying I am so mad but laughing at the same time. Its emotions overload.
Several of my friends (who are expecting) have asked what the hardest part was to this point.
For me... with my crazy girl... potty training.
Literally, she would pee in the floor and splash in the puddle.
She even peed on friends carpet. (I could have died) She was defiant, she would do great all day long and when I was distracted for a brief minute she would strike.
The first few days solely in underwear were like a chinese fire drill to our destination.
Our first few outings were to Target. Dear heavens, I felt like I was speeding and driving a woman in labor.
She would bounce, scream "hurry, hurry" I was nervously saying "just hold it, one more minute till we are in the parking lot!!"
Quite hilarious now that I look back!!
My next bit of advice: Do not think reading all the pregnancy books will EVER prepare you for being a mommy.
It won't!!
I am 7 years older than my brother. I started nannying in the summers at 14. I babysat every weekend (for the lack of my first 2 years of college) from 14 until my little girl was born when I was 22. I have had LOTS of practice.
I kept baby, school age, girls, babies, rambunctious boys, multiples, children with special needs. I thought I had experienced my share of all that was out there.
But, you see your own children know you! They know what buttons to push! It's crazy, but they do!
When you feel yourself about to get frustrated.. Walk away! It will save you from doing things you will regret later.
My last bit of advice: Talk about Jesus, and explain Jesus to your babies. From the very beginning. Sing songs, Explain the TRUE meaning of christmas, and the TRUE meaning of easter.
A few weeks ago AC was talking to me while we were in the car.
AC: "Mommy, did you know Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins?"
ME: (about to burst into tears because what we are telling her is actually sinking in and she is regurgitating it!) "Yes honey I did know that!"
AC: "And when he died Mary put sauce on his bottom!"
ME: "PSSSSSSSShhhhhh WHAT?? Do you mean Mary Magdalene Annointed his body with oil?"
AC: "oh yah, that's it!!"
Later I discovered she was saying they covered his body in SALT!
I was dying!! But hey we made a memory and she is learning.
This is the first of a few posts of what I have learned in my past 4 mothers days (first was while I was pregnant!)
Stay tuned!
