things i learned in 10 months

avery is 10 months today! (her expression shows how i'm feeling :) see an ALBUM here from the last few days) last year around now i was hoping and expecting avery (or the baby known as "piggy") to be making its appearance in about a month (i remember hoping for a late october birth. 10-27-07 always sounded like a good date). little did i know she'd wait until the very last moment to join us :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY aunite monkey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cant wait to see you saturday to give you your card and present!

some things that i've learned in 10 short months. things i had never heard (or had heard and not believed), been told about, or read about in magazines. important things that have changed me for the better.
1. that being a mom really is the hardest thing i've ever done. it's 24 hours a day, with no sick time or vacation time. no "weekends" or half days where your responsibilities are on hold. you're on call at all hours, in all circumstances. and as tough as it can be, it's the best thing i've ever done and wouldn't change anything at all.
2. that no matter how much i vacuum (everyday), she will still manage to find the one crumb, the one piece of lint that's on the floor and put it in her mouth.
3. that i wouldn't care about using my bare hand as her kleenex.
4. that schedules and routines really are important. they help the days flow so much smoother.
5. that there are times where i want some of my own free time so badly. most times i dont get it (or dont take it) because i know how much i'll miss her and want her with me as soon as i walk out of the house.
6. that i would gladly give her anything i have if it would make her happy. my keys to chew on? sure! the last piece of pizza i've been saving and starving for? absolutely. my summer sunning so she could get her naps on time or play inside and not get sunburnt? i've got the pale arms to prove it. hours upon hours of lost sleep for pacifier retreival, rocking and shushing, trips in the dark to rest my hand on her belly to feel it rise, and feedings? name the time (i already know the place)
7. that if i could be the one sick/in pain/unhappy so she wouldnt have to be, i would. seeing her miserable is one of the saddest experiences i know.
8. that her innocence and pure nature makes me teary and awe-struck.
9. that for how little they are, it really is amazing how much room they (and all their stuff) take up.
10. that a box (or piece of paper or set of keys) beats an expensive store bought toy anyday.
11. what an awesome, terrifying and emotional job it is to be responsible for such an amazing little life.
12. that i would have bought myself nearly nothing new to wear in the past 10 months b/c i'd rather buy her stuff. she's in all the pictures i take anyway, so it all makes sense :)
13. that even though i thought i wouldn't care about the extra pounds on me once she got here, i do. but i don't want to.
14. that i really do miss the newborn days, and i really dont remember a lot of the exhaustion and tears (both of ours :)).
15. that the thought of the future and everything she (and we as a family) have to look forward to makes me giddy.
16. that i could feel closer and more in love with zane than i did on the day i met him, married him and gave birth to his daughter. it's not always easy or fun, but it's such a strong and wonderful connection that just keeps growing.