What I've learned in my first year as a mom

I laid in bed last night thinking about the past year of my life. I think for any woman, the first year as a mom is probably the greatest change in your life you could possibly have. I got to thinking about all the things that I've learned, all the things that have changed, and I was surprised to realize how much of it wasn't baby related. So many things about my life are completely different than they were a little over a year ago. I thought I'd take the time to write them down so I can look back at this time and show Farrah how much she's changed us for the better. Here they are... some are on the serious side and some sound a bit silly, but they are true just the same:

• The first few weeks seem like they will never end. I won't lie, I was pretty miserable at first. I was so tired, nervous, overwhelmed, and emotional. I didn't think it could get more difficult than those first few weeks. What I've come to realize as time has gone on, is it only gets more challenging, but that you are more prepared. While the getting up every couple hours may be over, I now am dealing with teething, and tantrums and watching her every second to make sure she doesn't put something in her mouth or get into something she shouldn't. The majority of my stress from those first few weeks was just in not knowing. I think with the next baby those first few weeks will be slightly (only slightly) less stressful.
• Friends are more important now than ever. Yes, it might be a little more difficult to find the time or the energy to get out of your door past 7pm to go have dinner and drinks with your best girlfriends, it's also more necessary for my own sanity now more than ever. I realize now how important it is to maintain those relationships and I also realize the difference between a true friend and an acquaintance. True friends I have time for, acquaintances not so much.
• Before Farrah, I hated it when people would say "when you have kids, you'll understand." I hated that people would think I was just this silly naive lady who was clueless because she didn't have kids. While I still won't ever say that to someone without kids, I now see what they meant by that. Abe and I still ask ourselves what the heck we did with our time before we had a kid.
  
• The best baby toys aren't actual toys... they're boxes, remotes, dvds, pretty much anything they're not supposed to play with. Don't waste too much money on toys.
  
• EVERYTHING is a phase. Doesn't matter if it's good or bad. She loves her bath one week, hates it the next. Loves her baby Einstein DVD one week, hates it the next. Gets up at 2am on the dot for no apparent reason 10 days in a row, and on day 11 is back to her usual routine. Now that's she's started with the tantrums, I close my eyes, breathe deep and say to myself "this is just a phase, this is just a phase." (Even though I know this one might last a little longer.) The faster you can learn this as a new mom the better.
• A new level of empathy. That mom in the store whose kid is throwing a tantrum and she yells at the kid?... probably not a bad mom just having a bad moment. Someone can't make it to a special event because they're super busy?... don't take it personally, they probably are very busy and I know what that's like.
  
• Getting out of the house is vital to my sanity. I used to think I was a homebody but if I don't get out of the house for a couple hours before Farrah's nap and a couple hours after her nap, I might go insane. I'm the first to admit I've carried her around Babys R Us playing with the toys in each aisle and then leaving having bought nothing. You can steal that idea, I won't mind ;)
• I've definitely developed a whole new level of respect for my husband. Our relationship is completely different than it was a little over a year ago and that's a good thing. I can certainly see how having a child can strain a relationship but I can also see how with the right 2 people it can strengthen their relationship. I'm proud that I'm part of the lucky few whose relationships have strengthened in this past year and although it hasn't been easy, it has been a lot of fun.
• The biggest thing I've learned this year is how strong I am as a person. Me, as a person. Not Abe and I, not me the mom, not me the businesswoman, but me, the person. There's something about this little face looking up at you that is counting on you, that makes you get yourself together when you don't feel like it and do what ya gotta do to make a life for her and for your family. Multi-tasking is my middle name ;) But I'm learning now that while there's a time for multi-tasking (ok well a lot of time), there's also a time for unwinding and doing, well, nothing. I learned that lesson the hard way. It's not easy being a stay at home mom, and a working mom wrapped up into one. Oh yeah and there's that husband of mine and that house that needs my attention too. :)
  

By far the most challenging and rewarding year of my life wrapped up into one cute, pint sized, brown eyed package. I'm as ready as I'll ever be for the toddler years. I hope I can have as many good things to say about them when I'm done with that phase as I have for this last year. Something tells me it's going to be an interesting ride.

Party time!

Farrah's first birthday party was a success. We were on a budget so I made almost everything myself and tried to keep it low key. I mean she's one... come on. No need to go overboard when she won't remember it the next day let alone 10 years from now. Just good food and friends and family. Doesn't get much better than that anyways.

Here are the invitations. I made them myself using My Digital Studio. I definitely wanted her picture on it and also wanted to incorporate the bumblebee theme so I loved that I was able to design them exactly how I wanted them.

And the party begins. Starting off with a pout.

I used one of those big cupcake molds to make a bee hive cake that was just for Farrah to dig into.

And then I made bumblebee cupcakes for everyone else to enjoy. They were pretty tasty.

I tried to make bumblebee cookies for the favors but that didn't turn out so well. Last minute switch to candies in the color scheme.

2 of my best friends and I. So grateful for them!

Farrah chowing down on some banana before her cake. I love this picture!

My sister with Farrah and I.

If Abe and I were in this pic we could've all just sent out a communal Christmas card. Maybe next year.

Opening her gifts. Of course she loved the books.

She got her first Jack-in-the-box. She doesn't flinch when it pops open but I do every time and I know it's coming.

Bringing the birthday girl her cake.

Of course she immediately reaches for it. This girl smells food from a mile away.

Not shy at all. She dug right in.

The after shot.

Hahahaha. This picture cracks me up. Looks like the sugar high is already kicking in.

After a much needed bath she played with her new toys. This one was a big hit. Thanks Auntie Tina and Uncle Anthony!

The best family shot we got. We all look exhausted. We were.

Hair in the face but loving her new toys.

So happy to have given her the best celebration we could. I can't wait to see what the next year will bring. She is such a joy.

12 month photo shoot

When I look at these pictures all I can see is a little girl and not my little baby anymore. She looks so big. It's a strange combination of being excited to see her become a little lady and be able to see all of the milestones that will be coming along very soon, and wanting to hold on to every little "baby" thing I can. Her party went great. Pics from that will be coming soon.

Sweet little one year old

I can't believe exactly one year ago... well almost one year ago (about an hour and 15 mins to go) Little Miss Farrah came into our lives. I remember every single thing from the first contraction I felt to the moment they handed her to me for the first time. I really just can't believe it's been a year. And yet, I can't imagine a time when we didn't have her and know everything about her.
She is the best thing that has ever happened to us. Although it definitely isn't always easy, thank you Farrah for bringing pure joy to my life.
I'm a little behind on pictures. These are from our trip to LA for the week of Thanksgiving. Overall she did great, although I learned there is a big difference between taking a 4 month old on a road trip and a almost 1 year old on a road trip... big difference!!!!
Her party is this weekend. We're doing a bumblebee theme. I'll have lots of post to pics next week including her 12 month pics.