Welcome to the REAL Parenting world!

Oh My! It's been a while since the last blog post and a lot has happened since then! Let me first say thank you to all who sent thoughts and prayers our way. We are doing great and we're back on the up-swing. Enough about that...

So, the strangest thing happened the other day...apparently my baby turned ONE year old! I could have swore it had only been a few months since I experienced that wonderful thing called labor (enter sarcasm here). And just a little while since the feeling of complete cluelessness came over Sam and I. Well, the latter hasn't really changed! It seems once we learn how to deal with Olivia's new milestones or challenges...she changes things up on us! Little stinker! Anyway, I guess the calendar doesn't lie. It really has been ONE WHOLE YEAR since that 8 lb 4 oz baby came into this world!

Here's what I've learned about various things this past year starting from the beginning of it all:

1. Epidurals are magical until they wear off. Know your Anesthesiologist and call for him 1 hour before you really think you need it. You may consider getting his name and address so you can send him a card when he saves the day with Epidural #2 just in the nick of time. :)

2. Newborn babies are smarter than they look. They know where their food source is located even with that oily crap in their eyes...and they know how to get it out within minutes of taking their first breath.

3. Good Lactation Consultants are angels sent from heaven.

4. Poop comes in many different forms. Sometimes it even flies across the room. All you soon-to-be new moms remember the 10 minute rule. "Leave diaper in place at least 10 minutes after first sounds of pooping". Trust me on this one.

5. Sleep deprivation is pretty easy to get used to.

6. Awakening from the first 5-6 hour stretch of straight sleep = immediate panic, feelings of doom, and standing with your face inches away from your baby to make sure she's still breathing...followed up by that proud moment of knowing your baby is sleeping through the night.

7. I've never seen my husband so proud as when Olivia said "Dada" for the first time. Unforgettable.

8. Your child will then proceed to say "Dada" constantly even though you are nursing, changing, rocking, bathing, and staying home with her. Wonder if it's the opposite with boy babies?

9. Bathing in water your child has peed in is no big deal, really. Just keep telling yourself that urine is sterile. It helps.

10. Swim diapers DO NOT hold in large amounts of poop. When the water around you starts turning brown...it's time to get out...very nonchalantly.

11. Babies typically do not like sand. Especially with an inch thick layer of sunscreen in place. Stick to the pool until they can walk.

12. Teething sucks...plain and simple.

13. The vocabulary of a 1 year old is hard to decipher. People will hear what they want...but mostly, it sounds like German.

14. Making "suggestions" or assigning birthday gifts for people to buy was the best idea I've had all year. NO returns!

15. 1st birthday parties are for the parents and family. You may be less than impressed with your child's cake smashing abilities. Especially when that child can ruin a phone, a remote control, rip keys off the laptop, shoot poop across the room, and stay up partying all night long.

Now, the biggest lesson of all....

Realizing this child is a blessing to you and making it your priority to give them the best life possible. Knowing God gave you this responsibility and trusting yourself enough to do the job right. Always wanting better for your child than what you had. Enjoying each day as if it could be your last and making sure your child knows how much you love them and will take care of them no matter what...even at 3 a.m. NO MATTER WHAT!!

I can honestly say that I enjoy being a mother and wife more than I ever imagined I would. It's easy when you have a husband like Sam and a baby like Olivia! (please excuse the mush)

Stay tuned for more about our new life with a ONE YEAR OLD!! Aaaahhhh!

Sincerely,
A Very Blessed Lady