1. You really have to rely on God as your source for everything. I've never tried living my life without Him, but I know that my relationship with Him hasn't always been up to par. It's a work in progress everyday, but I know that when I am closest in his presence is when I feel like everything is taken care of.
2. Show and tell your children how much you love them. Your children need YOU to be here for them, not the latest, most expensive clothes, or newest toys to make their lives complete. Trust me when I say that once they are able to articulate these wants and needs, you will remember the days they used to play with the tissue paper anf gift wrappings! LOL. But on the real, remember to show your children how much you love them by spending quality time with them, and telling them how much you love them. You should also show them love by how you treat their father or mother (whichever you arent LOL); after all, this will show them how to treat others. The best thing a father can do for his child, is to love his mother. I believe it's vice versa as well.
3. Your Health is very important! You should try your best to exercise regularly and to make health conscious choices and meals for you and your family. If you're having some financial difficulties, make sure to not let them stress you! At the end of the day, if there isn't anything you can do about it at this point, what's the point of worrying?!
4. Kids take up a lot of energy. Children don't come home with a manual, and they definitely don't come home with an off button, so you really need to get your rest, and be ready to go when they are. You also have to learn your parenting style in order to show your children discipline. I thought it was going to be really hard for us to transition Noah from our bed to his bassinet, from his bassinet in our room to a crib in his own room, from sleeping at whatever time he wants, to being on a schedule, but God has really helped us out in that department. When one of us was feeling like giving up, the other wasn't so it just worked. Of course it was a lot harder on us than it was on him! LOL.
5. Learn to say NO! I won't say that I don't know how to say this, but sometimes, I will do something knowing that I cannot. Having a child makes you learn that you have to live within your means. If you aren't able to go out with your friends for dinner every weekend, or get your hair done, or nails done, know that this is not the end of the world. People will understand, and if they don't...then that isn't your issue to deal with. Also, if people provide you with advice or tell you things that you should try on your child, that you don't feel comfortable doing, just don't worry about it! Your child is yours, and everyone does things differently....which brings me to my next point!
6. Every child is UNIQUE! In both their likes and dislikes, as well as behaviors! I remember that we bought the whole set of Dr Browns bottles, bottle warmer, sterilizer, etc. but when it came time to give Noah a bottle, the bottles weren't ideal! He did much better with the Playtex L-shaped bottles. Noah only sucked on a pacifier to go to sleep, and at about 7 months, he stopped using it altogether. One day, Noah fell asleep at 8:30 and slept through the night, and has been doing so ever since! Oh yes, there have been some great advantages with this child, but whenever God sees fit for us to have another child, I have to remember that they may be different in each and every way, and I have to accept them and their personality (as long as it isn't disrespectful)
I'm pretty sure there are many other things that i've learned, but this post is starting to get way too long! LOL. I'll stop here and maybe start again another time!
Here's an updated pic of Noah. He's growing so fast!!!
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