bidding farewell to 2007

2007 has handed us a doozy of a year. I have learned more this year, I think, than in all other years combined. Being a parent has been the most rewarding, exhausting, journey I have ever been on.

Things I have learned in 2007:
*things happen when they are meant to. The house sold when it was meant to and Addison arrived when she was ready. Both of these things were blessings this year!
*no matter how prepared you are, you can never be prepared for everything. But yes, I will continue to carry my house in my diaper bag.
*breastfeeding is not as easy as it looks. Kudos to those of you who stuck with it.
*the smell of baby poop can linger in your nostrils for hours after disposal.
*and speaking of that...what goes in, must come out. Be very very cautious!
*Labor is not as scary as they make you think it is. But having conquered it, (without biting anyones head off, I might add) makes me proud, and adds to the joys of parenting.
*I am able to survive on little to no sleep, but not for more than 24 hours. That is why God intended for there to be two parents. Single parents,double kudos to you.
*Pacifiers and socks are aliens and randomly transport themselves back to their black hole.
*you can give your child all the greatest toys in the world, and trash will always be more appealing
*you can vaccuum your floors a million times, but your child will always find a crumb or piece of lint to stick in their mouth.
*teething is a good excuse for everything between three months and 2 years.
*There is no shame in reading directions.
*if you do not ask, you will never know.
*The carseat has a couple different levels on the base so that your child's head does not hang like a scarecrow. Too bad we learned that a couple months in!
*I love animals, but I am definitely not meant to own one.
*even the most serene places in the world still have their chaos. Still thinking about the 32 people who lost their lives at VT this year and the one person who took it all away.
*Shaking your hair makes the greatest sound on earth. (At least when Addies around)
*having a child connects you with woman from all walks of life. You are forever bonded. I have been fortunate to make more friends this year than I have ever made before. I love my mommies :)
*Its a small world afterall. I work, here in williamsburg, with a girl I went to middle school and high school with. Crazy. Never in a million years would I have though that we would be friends. But I enjoy her company.
*Baby laughs and giggles can heal all wounds, inside and out. It took some time, but I think my heart and soul are healthier and stronger than they have ever been.
*War affects everyone, sometimes closer tp our hearts than we would like. A friend of mine lost her brother in the war this year. Her family remains in my prayers.
*Babies are amazing. I have always known this, but getting to see how much difference a day can make in what a child can do is baffling. One minute they cant move, and the next, they can...like a lightswitch. Totally amazing.
*sleeping in is overrated. the morning is the best time to see Addisons personality.
*Being a mom isnt so bad. I may not be everything I would like to be, and I may not do it right all the time, but she loves me, and she is learning and thriving and growing, and a little bit of squash on her face does not make me a bad mom.
*Family and friends are all you need. They will help you get through anything. They will pick you up, even if youre too embarrassed to reach out your hand.
*Objects in the rearview mirror may appear closer than they are. But thats okay. They are there to remind you of where you came from.
*Winnie the Pooh should not be allowed to give children flu shots.
*I married superman. He may not wear tights (thank goodness), but he is our superhero, and the world would would stop without him
*Moms are pretty amazing. To my mom and Josh's mom...thanks for everything. I could not be the mom I am without your love, support, and advice. I hope I can be pretty amazing one day, too.
*Cooking can be fun. Experimenting is almost like a game. Making dinner doesnt have to be a headache.
*Pediatricians office = day long event.
*Playdates are more for the moms than they are for the kids. No matter how old your kid is.
* Never have your baby in the middle of the night. The kitchen is closed after the hardest work you will ever do on an empty stomach.
*There is a hero in everyone of us. Thanks Higglys for teaching us that. We love pizza guy!
* Addison + bathtub = soaking wet fun for everyone.
* Blogging is a godsend. It allows me to share everyday moments with the people I dont necessarily get to talk to everyday.
*Venturing out of your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding. I am proud of myself for being confident and doing things that were uncomfortable this year.
*I am one lucky girl. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, and awesome friends. If I ever doubted who I was or what life had intended for me, I know now that I am right where I belong and being a mom is who I was always meant to be.
*Expect the unexpected, but dont stress about it...okay, I am still working on that one.

Thank you to everyone that has made 2007 one of the best years yet. May God bless you all with love, happiness and health in 2008!!


(I am sure I will continue to add more to this post as I think of them... :))


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