Becky Wisdom

I was making my weary self some coffee this morning and started thinking about my life as a mom. It has truly been the best thing I've ever done...or even hoped to ever do. These precious little beings that God entrusted me with have enriched my life beyond my every imagination. I love them more than I could ever express as I'm sure all you moms can understand and would give my life for theirs without a second thought or hesitation.

Having said that, they also bring me the most FRUSTRATION I've ever imagined!!! ROFL So, I was thinking about what I would have liked to know from the very beginning...here's my list.

1) While pregnant, listen to every woman's opinion and advice. Then take what you want from it and let the rest go. If something doesn't SOUND right, it probably isn't, so be polite in listening, then move on

2) When it's time for baby to come, remember this is YOUR time. This is the last time in your life (until your death I suppose) that all focus is on YOU and you alone. Have who YOU want in the room, listen to your instincts and don't let others influence your decisions about the birth of your child. It's YOUR body and YOUR baby...YOUR choice. (sorry guys, but it's not you up there with your feet in stirrups is it now?)

3) At least TRY to breastfeed. God made mother's milk to be everything a baby needs; even the ability to change on a daily basis according to what baby needs at that time! No man made formula can EVER give your child what God can. Know that for their entire life, but begin that gift for them with your milk. Not to mention, the bonding this provides for you and your new gift is amazing and incomparable.

4) Shop yard sales!! Baby cloths you find at yard sales are practically BRAND new!!! They don't wear them long enough to ruin them so don't be prideful! Save money and get lots more than you'd ever be able to retail!

5) Buy a carseat that will grow with baby. Otherwise you'll buy three before they are out of it.

6) Do not yourself, nor allow others to bombard your infant with toys. They don't need them!! Get a few quality rattles, maybe a momento stuffed toy to grow with your child and call it good! The cost of all the baby toys vs. the time they will play with them is SO not worth it. Besides...I've learned that the more crap the kids have, the less they play with ANYTHING.

7) You canNOT hold or love an infant too much. And IGNORE anyone who tries to tell you differently. A child doesn't learn the trick of "manipulation" until they are at least 6 months old...until then, you pick up that baby when she cries, love her, kiss her, hold her until she falls asleep. She will be more secure and stable for the REST OF HER LIFE knowing that she can trust you in this very important stage. It's my opinion that anyone that says differently wasn't held themselves....how sad.

8) Read to your child every night from the time they are infants. It truly enriches their lives and makes them awesome readers. (Allison can read as well as I can! Mark read to her EVERY SINGLE night.)

9) Quality time does not consist of "going out" or doing "special things". Your babies need quality time of just BEING with you. Sit with them, talk to them, BE with them. The best way to have a healthy, happy child is to have healthy, happy parents who show affection and love every day.

10) Buy tylenol and give it to your child when they don't feel well!!! Seriously, if you have a headache wouldn't you take something??? I just don't get people that "don't want to over medicate". Come now people...no need for your baby to suffer!

11) The best cure for a crabby, screaming two year old is a good snuggle.

12) The best cure for a crabby, screaming three year old is a good snuggle.

13) Uh ya, just repeat the above for then next 6 years. (and counting)

14) TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN. Ask them how their day was, ask them how their friends are, ask them if they like their teacher. They LOVE to be asked, they love to share (I don't have a teenager yet can you tell?) and they love that you are interested.

15) Spend time together as a family as often as possible.

16) Remind your children as often as possible that their sibling is the only constant in their life from cradle to grave. Teach them to love and respect that relationship. Family is the most important thing in this life and they learn that from YOU.

17) Don't allow your child to be mean or nasty to ANYONE...EVER. Furthermore, watch yourself with this as well. Our children live what they know; set a good example 100% of the time! (if we shoot for 100%, maybe we'll hit 90 or so!)

18) It's okay to take things away. Just because they JUST got that video game YESTERDAY for their birthday...if they smack their brother in the head for being a twirp, it's OKAY to take that game away for a week!!! Teach your children there are consequences for their actions and FOLLOW THROUGH!!!! Once you SAY something, DO IT! If you don't follow through your kids will walk all over you.

19) Set time lines up for all major events in life. When can they start having friends over? When can they start sleep overs? When will they get their first cell phone? When will your daughter be allowed to wear make up? When can they date? If your kids knows from the get go when these things will happen all you have to say when they ask is "What's the answer to that question?". Makes life SO much easier for YOU.

20) Love and cherish your babies. They are young and dependant on you for SUCH a short time. Don't waste it. Don't live your later years in regret for what you didn't do with them, for them. You won't regret what you tried and failed...only what you didn't try and should have. They are a gift. They are precious.

Just my two cents on this cold Wednesday morning....