On being a mom...

Everyone tells you that motherhood is one of the best things you will ever do.

They were right.

I can't even begin to describe how awesome it is to be a mother. I just sit and stare at my little girl wondering what I did in my 26 years of life to deserve and produce something so perfect. I am head over heels in love with my daughter. I am also completely amazed by her. I sit for hours just staring at her - stroking her sweet cheeks and her chubby little arms.

Even when I'm covered in baby vomit or have poop all over my hands from a last minute explosion, being a mom is beyond wonderful. It's the best feeling when she's upset and I'm the one that can console her. I can go on and on about how wonderful she is, but I'm not sure you care to read about that.

So here are 20 things I've learned in my 3 weeks of being a mother:

1. Your baby will poop in her clean diaper as soon as you change it.
2. Once you swaddle your baby and get her almost to sleep, she will poop...causing you to wake her up, unswaddle and rechange that diaper.
3. Be prepared to be covered in breastmilk for the majority of the day. Thank God it doesn't smell.
4. Same goes for spit up.
5. Getting peed on or pooped on is no big deal.
6. Keep a burp rag in every room and always within reach.
7. You can never have too many burp rags.
8. That being said, you also can't have too many waterproof pads.
9. You will do at least 1 load of laundry a day.
10. Baby socks are best washed and dried in a lingerie bag. You will save your sanity and your back. (I have a front loading washer and drier.)
11. Lanolin is your friend if you are breastfeeding.
12. Sometimes you are so excited for feed time just so your boobs will feel better.
13. Looking at your baby is the best ego booster and mood enhancer.
14. Naptime snuggles are the best.
15. That baby smell is intoxicating.
16. Cover a wet baby in an adult washcloth. They will much prefer their baths that way.
17. A pacifier can be your friend :)
18. Have an rss feed app on your phone so you can read during early morning feedings. It will help keep you awake.
19. A hot shower is next to wonderful. Take one as soon as baby naps in the morning :)
20. Having a daughter and being a mother makes my life complete.