My Little Sunshine: The one where I make a top ten list

Top Ten things that I've learn so far about being a mom:

1. Everyone wants to touch your baby. As a pediatric nurse, I cringe every time someone reaches out to grab her little fingers knowing full well that they have not washed their hands. I would look like a crazy lady if I thrust hand sanitizer in everyone's face so I just sit back, smile, and pray for immunity.

2. You really don't understand until you have one. Every time I think about how much I love my baby, my heart just wants to explode. It's a crazy mix of delight, wonder, fear, and pride.

3. There is nothing sweeter than a giggle and more heartbreaking than a tear.

4. Everyone likes to compare. You can't talk to another mom without the discussion leading to your children. You compare everything from which pacifier you use to how well your baby is sleeping. I am very guilty of this. The best advice given to me during pregnancy was "don't take advice from anybody. Each baby and family is different and it's supposed to be this way."

5. If you want a good daycare/school, you might as well put yourself on the waiting list on your wedding night. My baby is almost 5 months old, we are nowhere close to thinking about number two, and I have a strange desire to go ahead and get on the list.

6. You really can't cuddle enough.

7. Time management is no longer possible. Even if you are super OCD like this mom, you are somehow able to convince yourself that hanging out with your baby is way more important than dishes. Let's be honest....it is.

8. You make a lifestyle change. I've learned where to find the Disney channel on TV, the baby section of Target, and the back-way to Buy Buy Baby.

9. I learned that we really will do anything for our children. I yearn for the day when I come home and find my husband and daughter wearing frilly dresses and sipping tea with a teddy bear. It hasn't happened yet but I promise a picture when it does!

10. I pray a lot. I pray for patience, understanding, wisdom, and energy. I pray that I can cut fingernails without nipping a finger. I pray that I am able to be the best nurse that I can be. I pray to be the best wife that I can be. I pray to be the best mom that I can be. I pray to be the absolute best version of myself...and I keep praying.

Newborn Photo-shoot (5 weeks)