*things i learned* revisited

i was going through old posts and found this one from a year ago today. the things i had learned in those first 10 months still hold true today with nola here. i thought i'd add a few more. and say that i can't believe a year has gone by!

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.

and some more in the last 12 months.
17. that your heart really does grow to love each child. if i were to have 136 children, i'm confident that i would love each one equally. i didn't know how that was possible before, even though 1,000 people tried to tell me.
18. having 2 really is more than double the work.
19.schedules and routines are more important than ever
20. it's getting easier and easier to leave for me/us time. the refreshing feeling i have when i/we get back is worth it for everyone
21. i will never be on top of laundry. even with help. by the time things make it back to their drawers, there are 4 more loads waiting in line.
22. sometimes the mistakes that scare you the most end up being the best things that ever happen.
23. having quality time with your spouse after the kids go to bed is sometimes so challenging when all you have the energy to do is sit on the couch alone and close your eyes. when the extra effort is made, though, it's a wonderful thing :)
24. i look forward to the smiles i get when i get the kids up as much as i look forward to the hugs and kisses at the end of the day at bedtime.
25. hearing "mama" (or "dada" for zane) never gets old. even if it's for the 2230395797743th time in a row and we act exasperated.
26. seeing the connections that the kids make with other people is beautiful to watch.
27. and the connection that they've started to make with each other is heaven on earth and it's only going to get better :)
28. the minivan is such a fantastic thing.
29. i never understood people who said "my family is complete" before. now i get it. zane and i, with our 2 girls, our animals...we're complete. i'm 100% sure of that, and it's an awesome feeling.