One Year of Lessons Learned.

There are many things I hope you carry with you throughout your life. You will learn many lessons doing things the WRONG way. So when you're upset that life is going your way, this is the time to thank God that you learned that particular lesson early. There are a lot of things I have yet to learn, but I few I know for sure.

Your favorite book has a rhyme in the end that goes something like this:

A Wise old own sat in an oak,

the more he heard, the less he spoke,

the less he spoke the more he heard.

Why aren't we all like that wise old bird?

1. I have learned lessons from everyone. You must be willing to listen. My mom, dad, sisters, girlfriends, those with kids and those without have given great advice. Whether it worked for me or not, I was fortunate to get the advice. Even my wild girlfriends in Chicago give great advice. Listen to those around you, but remember to do your own thing too!
2. A little home with your family close may make you the happiest. I love our home. We have one big room where we spend our days. We call that room Pee Wees Play House. You have all your toys and I watch you play and I look out the window, thanking God I have you. You need BIG windows, where the light shines in and the outside calls your name. Your home darling, needs to be small so you can have a family that plays together, eats together, watches tv together, reads together, talks together, and stays together.
   
3. Don't worry about the mess. You were always covered in food after you ate. I always let you feed yourself, and you would end up covering your arms and hair in food. It made you happy. You learned to understand food and had fun with it. Don't ever worry about what mess your child makes. The second I clean a room, you walk in a destroy it. Courtney always told me to not worry about the mess, so I delight in fact that you like to make messes!
4. Work hard not to watch TV the first year. One of my best friends doesn't have cable, and I admire her sooooo! (Whitney) I thought I should see what it felt like to not watch TV for lent. This is when I found my happy place. You and I went for long walks, played outside, read books, and danced for hours to music. When you slept I thought I'd lose my mind, but instead I read books, cleaned the house, or worked on my classroom. I was able to get so much done. Television is a great thing. I love to watch certain shows, and it is fun to sit and relax, but remember to turn it off most of your day and see what the day will bring.
5. Be content. My grandmother Dora, Your great-grandmother always says to be content. Her mother told her this everyday. I have strived for this word this year. It is difficult. You must love what you do and be content with what you have. You will be happiest when you are content now and not that you hope to be content in the future. I can say now that I am content. I am content with you. You are such a wonderful child.
6. HAVE FUN! You are on a schedule, but I don't let it rule our day. We run around, go visit friends, have a nap in the car or the stroller. We dance around our home and try to do different things each day. When your dad and I got a free night, I made him go to a carnival and ride the coasters. It was a blast. Always remember to have fun!
7. Remember to have other outlets in life. I have mentioned more than once that I love you more than anything. I also love to teach. I love the children I teach so much. I love working with kids who love to be at school. These kids don't live in luxury. They show me how to live in a completely different way. I love my family and girlfriends. I love doing things I wouldn't ordinarily do. Make sure you don't define yourself as one thing. There is much to life.
8. Let your husband help! I made sure that your dad had a big role with you because he works so much and I didn't want him to miss out on you. Every night your dad comes home, sweeps you up from where ever you are and gives you a bath. It is so fun to see you two so close. Your dad does things different with you than I do, and that is what makes you.. you. Don't step on the man's toes! Let him be him and your kid will come out better than just doing things ONE way. (Your Marm taught me this, and this is the best lesson I learned in parenting) Here you are waiting on pins and needles for your bath!
   
9. Look to God. I was the most carefree person I knew until you came into my life. My sisters would get super annoyed with my go with the flow personality and try to get me organized, but it never worked! Your dad is super carefree too, so we were pretty chill ALWAYS...until you arrived. Anxiety creeped up on me big time. I was always worried. Is Cealy breathing? Is Cealy eating the carpet? Is Cealy getting enough food? Is Cealy sleeping too much? Is Cealy getting enough sleep? Will Cealy choke on this? HELP ME! Until I looked to God for help, I had anxiety ALL the time. Pray about it, and enjoy your baby. The anxiety is still there...but it is definitely lessoned.
10. All sippy cups leak...period.