Observations From My First 8 Years of Motherhood

1) Babies need to learn that they are separate beings from their mothers. Mothers need to learn this too. It just takes us longer.

2) The little things that make motherhood seem so "uncool" to some teens and young adults -- being thrilled over a dandelion bouquet, cherishing a cheap piece of jewelry that your child picked out especially for you, decorating the Christmas tree with child-made ornaments from years past -- turn out to be deep reservoirs of joy.

3) Regular bath towels dry a baby just as well as expensive hooded baby towels.

4) Pre-washing all your first baby's clothes in Dreft is a ritual that evokes the dream of the soft, sweet, cuddly baby. It makes you feel warm, motherly, and special. It's a wonderful thing. Do it, and don't feel ashamed.

5) Pre-washing subsequent baby's clothes, many of which are hand-me-downs from your fist baby, is a ritual that evokes powerful feelings from memory and experience. It's a wonderful thing. You can skip the Dreft.

6) Every child is different. So obvious, yet so interesting to observe. What's really amazing is that many differences are apparent from birth.

7) Mom's mood sets the tone for the day, so the kids tend to be cranky on exactly the days we can least handle it well. Sad but true.

8) First babies start eating "finger foods" when they are developmentally ready and after each main ingredient in the food (oats, wheat, etc.) has first been introduced separately without ill effect.

9) Subsequent babies start eating "finger foods" as soon as they learn to crawl under the table. Luckily, this bothers you a whole lot less than it would have with the first child.

10) Unless you suspect a problem, don't watch the clock when you are nursing your new baby. (Took me until the 3rd kid to stop caring about the darn clock, but it was SO much less stressful!)

11) Childhood is short from a parent's point of view. Don't waste time hurrying.

12) Never expect to finish much of anything in one sitting. (Ethan's up from his nap now -- gotta wrap this up!)

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there, especially my own! (Love you Mom!)

Also special wishes to those of you who have been with my on this journey from the beginning. Look how far we've come!