Lessons I've learned from my 2 year old

Tonight as I drove home from work it hit me...I have been a mom for two years. I feel as if I have hit a motherhood milestone. Sometimes I think wow, I've only been a mom for two years, I have so much to learn. Other days like today I think, wow I have been a mom for two years, I have learned so much! 

Lessons I have learned from my two year old:

-In her eyes reading books together is more important than putting away folded laundry. So if you step foot in her room you will find a pile of books next to a pile of clean laundry.

-Bad mornings can be fixed by taking naps. We all new a do-over from time to time and some days I need the nap more than my two year old.

-To Addyson I am the most beautiful person in the world. Why can't I see myself like she sees me?

-There are moments when I want to stick my two year old in a time out, but what she really needs is my time. I am discovering that in those moments when I hold her and talk quietly in her ear, she settles down in a way that is more effective than any cool down or time out.

-Dancing can make everything better. 

-Boo boos happen and when they do sometimes all you need is to cry and then hear someone say "it's gonna be okay"

-It's okay to skip washing your hair in order to have more time with you kiddo before you have to go to work.

-Addyson doesn't care what kind of car we drive, how big our house is or how much money is in our bank account...she cares much more about tea parties and watching Curious George.

-Working outside the home doesn't make me a bad mom.

-Bath time is way less of a chore when I just plan to get soaked and have lots of towels handy.

-A rough lesson for this OCD mama is that even though the way daddy does things isn't always how I would do it, doesn't mean its better or worse than my way. And as long as Addyson is safe and happy, it's gonna be ok.

-Cleaning up puke is way easier when you are staying in a hotel and have housekeeping available at your finger tips.

-That cute little art project you saw on Pinterest had to have been done by a professional artist and not a mom and a toddler. Cause after our last art project I ended up with marker on my forehead and didn't know until I was getting ready to head out the door for work. We have since invested in washable markers!

-Its really not the end of the world if your toddler insists on wearing dress up clothes to the grocery store. Pick your battles, smile and use it as a teachable moment showing her you are proud of her no matter what strangers say or who stares.

-Avoid telling your toddler that Poppy and Gmama are coming to visit unless they are actually in the drive way and getting out of the  car.

-Do not underestimate the importance of other mommy friends. Make time to get together with them regularly with and without kids.

-Start and end everyday talking to The Lord. Share your struggles, cry out for help, pray for strength, guidance and wisdom. I have learned that when I let my worry rule my mind, I am not honoring The Lord. 

-One of the most important lessons I have learned in all of my two years of experience is that I may not be a perfect mom, but I am the perfect mom for Addyson.

Last I have learned to cherish this stage because I will never again have this day and this moment with my precious Addyson. Be fully present in the moment!