Lessons Learned

Being a parent has changed my life and not just in the big ways, such as:

loss of sleep
no more weekends
less money to play with

These are all things I knew would significantly change when I had Braelyn. I knew I wouldn't sleep as much, that we'd spend more money on diapers and baby toys than on eating out and movies, and I knew we wouldn't stay out late with friends on the weekends...I knew all of this, I just didn't know I wouldn't care about any of it anymore.

I don't mind not sleeping, I don't mind sitting at home on the weekends doing nothing, I don't mind spending my pay checks buying things for Braelyn (especially if it's clothing)-all of the stupid stuff I thought I'd be giving up or having to sacrifice doesn't even matter to me anymore. I love my life as a mommy; especially when I get to be a mommy to the most amazing thing I've ever known. She has already taught me more than I will ever be able to teach her.

I've learned...
take everything S L O W.
life is short.
life is precious.
family is everything.
and most importantly-
everything happens for a reason.

I take my life so much more seriously now, mostly because I have something amazing to live for. I find myself being so aware of things I never used to think twice about. I drive slower, I put my seat belt on, I pray I'll get to my destination or make it home from work in a snow storm, I pray my plane will land before it has even taken off, I say "I love you" a whole lot more, I take every happy moment and relish in it-because now I realize it will be over in the blink of an eye, I smile often, I make decisions based off how it will effect Braelyn-everything I do is for her and everything I don't do is for her. I care less about parties, clubs, and being 21; instead I focus more on becoming a better person, a better role model, and being a good mommy. I focus on school, work, and Braelyn; because at the end of the day those are the things that are going to make my life better in the long run. For instance, right now (as I'm typing) Braelyn is sitting next to me, grabbing my ring finger and touching my engagement ring-talking. Possibly telling me stories about how I should already be married...that's just my guess ;). I wouldn't miss small moments like this for anything the material world could give me. She is my whole world-the reason for living.

Today marks 6 months from the day I first met my sweet angel. I can't believe time has gone by so fast and that in another 6 short months she will be 1. Time please slow down. I want her to be little forever. Where there is no bad in her life, nothing to give her nightmares, no one to pick on her, I want her to stay little so I will always be able to protect her; so that just by holding her I can make her hurt go away. I never knew I could love someone so much to where I'd sacrifice anything and everything for them. She has taught me so much from only 6 months of living and I'm sure she has so much more to teach me. God knew exactly what I needed to truly appreciate this world, him, my life, even myself. Thank you Heavenly Father.

I love my life, I love being a mommy, I never knew someone so small could make my life so rich. I am so blessed.